After a motorbike accident left Willem in a wheelchair, his only wish was to get back on the water to kitesurf. However, reality proved more challenging than expected. Worldwide, only a handful of individuals with spinal cord injuries practiced kitesurfing. The equipment was not only expensive, it also came with long delivery times and had to be sourced from various parts of the world. On top of that, there were no surf schools specialized in teaching sit-kitesurfing.

Through crowdfunding, Willem successfully raised the necessary funds for the production of a customized surfboard, equipped with a seat. Collaborating with fellow kitesurfers, he acquired the fundamental skills of sit-kiting.

Today, Willem ranks among the world’s top kitesurfers and is a professional kitesurfer within the international teams of Slingshot and Wind Voyager. He travels the world to kitesurf, inspiring many to pursue their dreams. Willem gives motivational talks and encourages others to embrace change with a positive mindset. To learn more about Willem as a speaker, visit his personal website: www.willemhooft.com

With the Willem Hooft Foundation, Willem aims to make water sports accessible to people with physical disabilities. He personally experienced the obstacles he had to overcome to rediscover his greatest passion. The foundation actively contributes to lowering these obstacles, by organizing sports events, developing safe and affordable surfing equipment for wheelchair users, and sharing knowledge and information. In this way, sit-kitesurfing can spread like a powerful wave across the world, positively impacting lives and (re)instills the sense of freedom for those who long for it the most.