Timo Boersema: Gearing Up for KOTA After Recovery

The Injury and Recovery

In September, during a training session in Tarifa, Timo suffered a broken ankle while attempting a powered old-school trick. "I landed poorly during a send jump with a board flip. The wind dropped slightly before landing, and I came down awkwardly. I heard a crack and knew something was wrong," Timo recalls.

The recovery process was challenging, with six weeks of immobilization and gradual rehabilitation. "The hardest part was staying patient. I already had a trip to Brazil planned and couldn’t cancel it, so I spent the first two weeks there unable to kite. Thankfully, I could start rebuilding during the last two weeks, which was essential for my KOTA training."

Despite the setbacks, Timo kept a positive mindset. "I told myself, ‘What’s done is done. Now I just need to make the best of it.’" During his downtime, he focused on video analysis and visualization techniques, which helped him refine his tricks mentally.

Training for KOTA

Now back on the water, Timo is focused on his KOTA preparation. “My training hasn’t changed much; I’m just making sure I can consistently land the tricks I plan to perform during the competition,” he explains.

Timo admits that his injury still lingers in his mind, making him slightly more cautious. However, his confidence in his Naish gear helps him push forward. "I’ll be riding the Naish Psycho Nvision and the Naish Drive board. The kite has incredible hangtime and lift, and the board is perfect for big air, giving me the confidence I need to perform at my best."

Among the tricks he’s perfecting is the doobie board-off on the fin, a technical maneuver that requires height, control, and precision. "It’s one of my stronger tricks, and with proper execution, it can score big in the competition," Timo shares.

The Mental Game

High-pressure events like KOTA demand mental resilience, and Timo knows how to handle it. "The pressure is always there, but with each competition, you get better at managing it. Experience is key."

His motivation? "The desire to perform and push my limits drives me. Winning or getting a podium finish would be amazing, but my main goal is to show my best tricks at their highest potential. If I achieve that, I’ll be happy regardless of the outcome."

Advice for Riders Facing Setbacks

For those dealing with injuries, Timo offers a balanced perspective. "Injuries are part of extreme sports and can’t always be avoided. But finding the balance between pushing hard and staying safe can reduce the risks."

What’s Next?

Beyond KOTA, Timo has his eyes set on other major competitions like Red Bull’s Cold Hawaii and Megaloop Challenge. "I want to keep landing amazing tricks and sharing them with the community on social media," he says.

To his fans and the kitesurfing community, Timo promises, "Despite my setback, I’ll give everything I’ve got to achieve the best result possible at KOTA. Thanks for your support—it means the world to me!"

Follow Timo’s Journey
Stay tuned as Timo takes on KOTA, showcasing his passion, skill, and determination to overcome adversity. Keep up with all the action on Naish.com and follow Timo on Instagram and cheer him on as he chases his dreams.