Roderick Pijls is a professional kiter. However, he is always drawn back to a wingfoil board. With Appletree, he has a very special board sponsor that attaches great importance to sustainability. We asked him how it all fits together.
Roderick, you are actually a professional kiter. How, when and why did you start wingfoiling?
That’s right, I’m a professional kitesurfer, which means that all sessions (usually) revolve around kitesurfing. But sometimes it’s really fun to do something else. A few years ago, wingfoiling became very popular and I wanted to try it too. For me, the wing quickly became a means of transportation with which I can go out on the swell. There I can simply hold my wing like a flag in the wind and really surf the swell.
What fascinates you about wingfoiling?
I’m very keen on waves, so being able to surf a lot of swell on the foil is a real bonus for me. Normally you have to wait a lot and be patient before you catch a wave when you’re pronefoiling. Now I can surf 20 waves in an hour.
When do you go kitesurfing and when do you go wingfoiling? Is the decision easy or difficult?
It’s actually quite easy for me. If I see that there are nice waves, then the choice is pretty easy and I go kitesurfing. But if the waves don’t break that well but there is swell, I always choose wingfoiling. So I really let the conditions dictate which toy I take.
What are your favorite wingfoiling conditions?
Nice, clean and long waves with 20 knots of sideshore wind.
What is your favorite spot and why?
Difficult question! I find that I really enjoy being on the water with friends. So I would say my home spot in the Netherlands, Wijk aan Zee. But when I look at the conditions, there are really nice spots in Brazil and in Cape Town you can do a downwinder when the swell is big.
What are your wingfoiling ambitions? Are you planning to take part in competitions?
No, I have no ambitions to take part in competitions. I’ve had several conversations with my sponsor Appletree about how some sports are an expression of style, passion and fun, and for me that includes wingfoiling.
Can you make a living from water sports or do you have another income?
Yes, I can make a living from water sports. It was very difficult in the first few years and I had to invest a lot, but it all paid off in the end. It’s still not easy, but I have a lot of great experiences and memories.
Do you already have a plan for the time after your water sports career?
Yes, I’ve done a university degree (at my parents’ insistence), but I don’t know if I’ll ever do anything concrete with it. However, I do have some ideas and projects in the pipeline that give me a lot of energy. I can’t say too much about that yet, but I hope I can give you some more clarity soon. (laughs)
What does your training look like? Do you go to the gym or do you do something else besides water sports? Do you have a personal trainer?
Yes, I regularly go to the gym. Mainly to train strength and endurance so that I don’t get too tired too quickly on the water and can concentrate mainly on technique and quality. I trained in the Olympic class until 2024 and we also had a personal trainer/ nutritionist/ etc. there. I learned a lot from this and continue to use these methods.
Your board sponsor Appletree is a brand that attaches great importance to sustainability. Is sustainability also an important topic for you?
Exactly! Appletree is very committed to sustainability. I also try to do my bit myself. I regularly give talks and presentations to various target groups to make them aware of their own choices and the impact they can have.
How does sustainability manifest itself in your life as a surfer?
Honestly, I think sustainability affects my whole life and not just specifically as a surfer. I try to incorporate sustainability and climate protection everywhere. I cycle as often as possible, watch what I eat (meat and fish), make sustainable choices when traveling and live a little more minimalistically.
As a professional water sportsman, you often can’t avoid flying. Do you try to compensate for your air travel somehow?
I always try to make the right choices when it comes to traveling. If I have the option of driving instead of flying, I try to do so and possibly carpool. However, sometimes flying is unavoidable. I try to compensate for this by offsetting CO2 emissions. To be honest, I’m still looking for the best way to offset this.
Are you also involved in material development? What does your contribution look like?
I mainly try to share my riding experience with Appletree so that they can best implement my input into the improvements of the board. I think everyone should do what they do best, and that’s the case with this kind of collaboration.
Do you think sustainability will play an important role in the surf industry in the future?
Quite simply, I think that in 5-7 years you won’t be in business if you don’t address the issue of sustainability. It’s becoming more and more important and it seems that it’s becoming more and more normal to actively work on it.
How do you think wingfoiling and foiling in general will develop?
Wingfoiling is a very accessible sport. Anyone can make their first meters on a big and wide board, and it can also be practiced anywhere. This means that a large audience has the opportunity to try it out. I am convinced that this will continue to grow. Especially if wingfoiling is allowed at the Olympics (maybe as early as 2032).
What is your ultimate tip for the wingfoil jibe?
You lead the dance, not the other way around! In other words, you control the board.
Roderick, thank you very much for the interview!
Click here for Roderick Pijl’s Insta profile: @roderick_pijls and his website: roderickpijls.com
