Name: Jack Rieder
Age: 21
Hometown: Squamish, BC, Canada
Photos: Chris Rollett & Nadja Bianchet
Although Jack has only been kiting for about 5 years, his love for the ocean started long before that. Now, having recently faced his first big injury, he feels like he has grown significantly as both an athlete and a person. Reconnected with himself and his passion, he’s healed up, and back more motivated than ever! The guys over at AK Durable Supply Co. caught up with him learn more.
What’s one of your favorite photos you’ve taken recently and why?
Over the summer I did a lot of shooting with Chris Rollett, and I am always stoked about the shots that we get. There is one shot pressing on a big fallen tree that found its way onto the cover of The Kiteboarder Magazine, which is my very first cover. That photo is the one I’m most proud of at the moment.
Epic shot, congrats on the cover!
Who or what are you inspired by at the moment?
I have been very inspired by the cable park riders recently. The kiteboarding “style” has remained quite consistent for a few years now, but the cable park riders seem to be continuously innovating. The kicker hits in particular are super motivational as they flip and spin on an axis that is brand new to wakeboarding. I hope to translate that into my riding style.
What are your plans with your BA, which is focused on economics, employment law, and relations?
I don’t have any strict plans for my BA at the moment, but the main reason for my degree was that I knew I wanted to start my own business. I have a few ideas in the works, all surrounding the outdoors and the sports that I love!
What are you listening to or watching at the moment?
My music taste seems to be a very debatable topic amongst my friends. I am into most of the new top charts music that is pop/hip-hop, although I can’t hide that I am a big fan of Taylor Swift’s old music.
Hmm, okay, a Swifty. No judgment. How did you first get into kiteboarding?
I used to be a competitive sailor and would compete in races in Squamish each Summer. Squamish is the kiteboarding mecca of Canada and after a few trips I was certain I had to try the sport. I flew a trainer kite with a skateboard and practiced handle passes jumping off logs until I took lessons the next summer. After that I was hooked.
What was one thing that was crucial in getting you where you’re at now?
My parents! I learned to kiteboard with my dad after my mom bought us a group lesson package. From that point onwards we were hooked, and my parents would drive me to and from the kite spot before and after work all Summer (I was too young to drive). All of our family vacations became trips to windy destinations, and I took my kite gear on any and every road trip. Without my parents, I never could have reached the level I have in kiteboarding.
What would you be doing if you weren’t kiting?
That’s a big question! Interestingly, I found out the answer to that while I was injured. I got more into photography and video editing. I think if I didn’t have kiteboarding, I would pursue those two interests of mine through documenting travel and exploration.
What’s your training schedule or routine like?
With Covid, I have found myself in the most organized routine I have had in a couple of years. Usually, there would be far more travel in my Summer, but this season I have been working at the Squamish Spit doing Jet Ski safety retrieval and kiteboarding every waking moment.
Vancouver’s best-kept secret?
Wreck Beach. Most people avoid the spot because it’s a nudist beach, although it’s got some amazing waves and flat-water riding potential. There is a long sandbar that creates an organized break on strong days, and a rock point that leaves butter flat water in its shadow.
Besides nude days at Wreck Beach; if you could jump on a plane right now, where would you go and why?
BRAZIL! Without a question, Brazil. I had the most amazing time training in the steady wind last Winter, and my riding level increased dramatically. Since recovering from my broken femur, I have been super motivated to continue my progression and there is no better place than Taiba’s flat water lagoon.
What are you most excited about moving forward?
I am so happy with where life has taken me so far, that I can’t even name a specific thing I’m looking forward to. I know the next few years travelling for kiteboarding will be full of amazing experiences!
Good catching up, thanks Jack all the best!
This interview first appeared on the AK Durable Supply Co. website.