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Luca Ceruti grew up at one of the world’s most popular kite spots, an hour north of windy Cape Town. No surprise then that he is an accomplished Big Air rider, participating in competitions such as Red Bull Megaloop and King of the Air. He recently joined the Flysurfer international team, so we thought we’d find out where it all began for him.
What are your first recollections of the beach?
I was one year old when I moved to Langebaan. We spent a lot of time on the beach, fishing, building sandcastles, and taking long beach walks. It was always a happy place for my family.
What do you remember about your first sessions?
The first time I flew a kite was when I was six years old. It was a trainer kite which I flew on a soccer field that was close to my house. A few years on we moved nearer to the beach, where I carried on flying the training kite. This then led to kite lessons around the age of 12. These were awesome and I remember my first transition so clearly, I was so stoked to get it right and to impress my instructor!
Who was an influence there on your kiting career?
One of my instructors, Charles Kallin was a big influence on my kiting career. I looked up to him and wanted to be like him. He always gave me good tips, which enabled me to try new things under his guidance. What comes to mind is him telling me to sheet the bar out after a kiteloop.
Can you talk us through the typical conditions at Langebaan?
The typical conditions in summer are bright sunshine, 25 degrees, 25 knots, with onshore kickers and offshore wind, and I will be on a 9m doing Big Air. Winter brings northerly winds and storms with bigger swells.
Has the set up there changed over the years?
It is still the same, just busier as it is one of the favorite destinations for learning and training and generally any water enthusiast.
What would be your perfect day there?
My perfect day in Langebaan is when the tides, winds and waves align for a sunset Big Air session, literally 25m from my house.
Talk us through one session that stands out for you there?
One of the best sessions I have had in Langebaan was when I was working together with Nikola, who was filming me for my introduction to the Flysurfer team. It was a short line session, conditions aligned, and we got some of the best content I have ever got in Langebaan.
Do you think you would have got to where you are today if that hadn’t been such a familiar spot?
The kiting scene in Langebaan was quite small when I was growing up. Living so close to the beach and being able to kitesurf as much as possible has worked in my favor. Langebaan can be quite gusty at times and this helps me to handle all sorts of conditions.
When did you last ride there – how was it?!
Yesterday! I took a 15m Sonic in 10 to 15 knots and had a blast.
Where’s your favorite place to eat or what is your favorite meal after a session there?
My favorite meal after a lekker kite session is a Knysna pizza, at Pearly’s Restaurant, even better if shared with some mates.
If you had to choose another spot that you love but that is completely different, where would it be?
Leucate in France is amazing as the wind is super strong and uplifty and the conditions are very different to home. I plan to compete there at the Lords of Tram this year, then also at the GKA Big Air competition in Tarifa and Red Bull events, as well as doing some passion projects.
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