My name is Willem, one of the first sit-kitesurfers within the sport. I started sit-kiting after my legs became completely paralyzed due to a motorcycle accident. As you may have experienced yourself, kitesurfing changes your life! For me, the contrast can hardly be greater: from sitting in a wheelchair to flying over the water. I want to share this feeling of freedom with others. That's why I'm organizing a downwinder with Calvé Pindakaas (the iconic Dutch peanut butter brand known for supporting athletes with big dreams) to raise funds for my foundation, 'the Willem Hooft Foundation.'

Many wheelchair users have asked me over the years how they can also start sit-kitesurfing. Unfortunately, it's challenging. There are no lesson locations and adapted materials are expensive. With our foundation, we make sit-kitesurfing and other water sports accessible to people with physical disabilities. With this event, we aim to raise €75,000! This will be used to organize sports days and surf camps, offering participants the possibility to discover the sport. Ultimately, our ambition is to grow sit-kitesurfing into a Paralympic sport and include it in events like King of the Air. To achieve this, we need your help!

EXCITED TO HELP? JOIN THE WHEELS TO WAVES DOWNWINDER! DON'T WAIT TOO LONG BECAUSE SPOTS ARE LIMITED.

How can I register?

Step 1: Fill out this registration form.

Step 2: Pay €50 registration fee via the Tikkie link below.

Please note: You are officially registered for the WHEELS TO WAVES downwinder only after you have paid the registration fee.

INFORMATION

After registration, you will receive a personal fundraising link with which you can start fundraising!

Please note that achieving the fundraising goal is not mandatory but highly appreciated. We need all help to reach our goal. Will you help us? Every bit counts. The kitesurfer who raises the most funds will win a brand-new Slingshot kiteboard! Your personal donation link will be sent to you within a few days after registration.

Included in the downwinder ticket:

• Event entrace and transportation to the starting location of the downwinder
• Goodiebag (with a cool Lycra, a jar of Calvé peanut butter, and much more)
• Ticket for the afterparty! (with DJ Ruben Lenten!)

For questions, reach out to wheelstowaves@willemhooftfoundation.com