Kitesurfer Lyde Heckroodt on being sponsored by Duotone Kiteboarding and living the dream

"The challenge is always staying true to who I am and being recognised for my talent without succumbing to the industry's 'sex symbol' cliche

South Africa-born Lyde Heckroodt is best known as a kitesurfer with the greatest passion for the waves; which other way could one have it if you come from one of the best kitesurfing and surfing-alike spots in the country if not in the world. Born in East London in the Eastern Cape, Lyde credits her father and brother as the people who ignited her passion for water sports and also taught her what she knows now as she explores the world doing what she loves. We could say that this is the ideal definition of #livingyourbestlife especially if you are sponsored by one of the top names in the kitesurfing business, Duotone Kiteboarding. 


Here, we take full of advantage of Women's Month and discuss the challenges the women face in the kiting industry and what needs to be done to bring change; what drives her to keep going even when the going gets tough, the Duotone brand and what they have done for her career and we also find out her goals and aspirations and what's next on the horizon as she carries on globetrotting.

Who is Lyde Heckroodt behind the kitesurfer? 

I am a person who is driven by excelling in what I am passionate about and doing what I can to create a sustainable life built out of those elements. I love learning about myself and life, striving every day to grow, and embrace the journey that I am so privileged to be on. I love people, food, adrenaline, and nature, and I spend my life finding the balance between them all. 

What or who inspired you to be the kitesurfer you are today? 

My father, brother, and my passion for the waves. 

What do you think has been the biggest challenge in your career thus far? 

I would have to say learning to balance the quantity and quality of my training both on and off the water, to not burn out or put unnecessary pressure on myself. Also staying true to who I am and finding a way to be recognized for my skill and not having to succumb to the cliché “sex symbolism” of the women’s water sports industry.  

As a female athlete, in what they say is a predominantly male sport, what do you think women have struggled with the most? 

Being taken as seriously as the men and gaining the same recognition and exposure as they do. It takes a lot more effort for skilled female kitesurfers to be seen and supported as professionals. 

What ways do you think individuals can help reform gender-roles in sport? 

I think the women of the sport need to come together more. Make an effort to build a strong enough team, make videos, train together and more, to be able to present something attractive and strong to potential sponsors and the kiting community in general.  

Back to your career, you are 2x SA wave kitesurfing champion, how do you think that has catapulted your career? 

Well, the first time that I received an International sponsorship was after I won one of the stops of the South African Tour and from there, things have only progressed for me so I would say it definitely kickstarted my journey to my ultimate goal. Even if it is not the biggest accomplishment on a worldwide scale, I am proud to represent myself worldwide as the Wave Champion of my home country and I know that it assists in me gaining more opportunities and support.  

Photographer: Blowoutmedia

 You’re currently with Duotone Kiteboarding. Take us through how this initiated, how long you’ve been with them and your best highlight with them? 

Ah man! This makes me excited haha. The first kite I started wave-riding on was a Dice, and honestly, since then, I have been absolutely in love with this brand. I knew that one day the ultimate would be to be a part of the international team. 2016 was the first time that I was approached by them, while in Mauritius. I was with another brand at the time and wanted to do the right thing by not just leaving for the “next best thing” and show my loyalty to a brand. So, I stuck it out another year but knew that soon I would make the move. Their interest in working with me remained, and finally, in October 2017, I signed a contract with them. The best part of my kitesurfing career thus far! I can’t name only one highlight, there have been a few. Being team riders with the top wave riders of our time, training with them, becoming part of the Duotone family, and their incredible support in ultimately getting me to the top, have all been consistent highlights for me. 

From the new gear they’ve released, what are some of your favourites? 

The Neo will always be my favourite wave-riding kite, the click bar is amazing and this year they have made a shorter version of it which is great, and I haven’t been as excited about a board as the new 5’6” Pro Wam! 

What is your favourite gear when training and competing? 

I try training and competing on the same gear because I am a lot more comfortable in a competition that way. I am always using different sizes, depending on where I train. Because of growing up in one of the windiest cities in the world, my ideal set up is any kite 7m and smaller and my 5’6” board. 

What goes into a competition day, what is the behind the scenes work in order for a competition to be in good order? 

We can honestly have anything thrown at us in competition. A typical day can be waiting for wind and waves or having to rush down to the beach because you are in the first heat of the day. The most crucial thing would be to make sure you have all your kite sizes pumped and ready (and the rest of your gear) and testing them out before your heat. Kite size can make or break the outcome of your heats.  

What are your top 5 wave-riding spots to date? 

An East Coast secret gem (which will remain secret haha) 

Skulpies, Blouberg. 

Scarborough, Cape Town 

One Eye, Mauritius 

Ponta Preta, Cabo Verde 

Kitesurfing surely takes you around the world, which country would you say has your heart in all aspects? 

Ah man, this is difficult! Can I name more than one? I would have to say Mauritius is one place that has grown on me incredibly in the past few years. The culture, the people, the lifestyle and mostly the waves! A second would have to be Cabo Verde, of which I had a very similar experience in the sense of the simplicity of life combined with world-class wave-riding conditions. 

What training does one have to undergo in order to be in top shape in kitesurfing? 

I think everyone has different requirements depending on their muscle strengths and weaknesses, and the discipline. Personally, I am in top form when I keep a consistent cross-training routine doing callisthenics and focusing on muscles most required for strength and flexibility, which would be my legs and core.  

What are some of your personal goals you’d like to still achieve in your sport and with the Duotone brand? 

My goal is to be the Female wave-riding world champion in the near future and to help in bringing together as many women as possible to create a substantial female formation in the industry. With Duotone, I want to do nothing other than making them proud by using my skills to portray the quality that is produced by them and reaching maximum exposure for the brand. I would also love to ultimately become a part of the developing team.

Cliche as per norm. If you weren’t a professional kitesurfer, what would your ultimate career path be? 

Professional horse rider or chef ;). 

What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to suit into the kitesurfing industry? 

Just go for it! Don’t be intimidated by the fact that it is a majority male orientated sport. Keep focused on your own progression and do not compare to others. There will be plateaus and it is important to push through them to reach the next level. Find someone who you look up to who can guide you through the journey and help you in achieving your goals.  

If you had to invite three legends in your sport or any for that matter, who would they be and what would you like to ask them? 

Matchu Lopes – Kitesurfer 

What is your mindset when you attempt tricks that no one else has done? And how do you deal with being at the level you are, but being beaten by fellow riders and friends? 

Filipe Toledo – Surfer 

How have you dealt with the fact that you get most of the perfect 10 scores, but still have yet to be world champion? What keeps you motivated? 

Carissa Moore – Surfer 

What is your advice to girls in an extreme sports industry that is male driven? How do you keep focused on your skill and not get deterred by the imagery pressure of women’s water sport? 

If you had to go up against anyone in your sport who would it be? 

Jalou Langaree 

What’s next for you in the kitesurfing calendar? 

I will be doing a 6-week trip to Mauritius now, where I will be focusing a lot on training and getting videos and photos for the new Duotone gear. My next competition stop will be in Brazil in November. 

Where can the avid kitesurfing fans find you on social media? 

You can find me on https://www.duotonesports.com/ on the kitesurfing page, or @lyde_heckroodt on Instagram