Currently ranked 7th in the world, professional kitesurfer Stefan Spiessberger is accustomed to traveling the globe from one gorgeous beach to another. But what happens when this small-town boy from Austria decides to go exploring the concrete jungle of New York City? He does it his way, of course!
Dressed in MARC O’POLO Denim for Fall/Winter 2016 and armed with his favorite skateboard, Stefan looks right at home in the world’s most iconic cityscape, whether slaloming through the streets of Chinatown, rifling through vinyl at a Williamsburg record store or just kicking back on the G-train.
Still, it’s only a matter of time before Stefan, the embodiment of MARC O’POLO’s ‘Follow Your Nature’ philosophy, is drawn to the water. Exploring nearby Long Island, he discovers Tobay Beach, its smooth surface and constant winds offering the perfect conditions for a world-class freestyler to do his thing.
Back in New York City, Stefan’s passion is fueled. But how can he reconcile his urban location with his true nature as a kitesurfer? There’s only one answer—an expedition into New York Harbor. Setting off in a fishing boat from the New Jersey docks, he prepares to make kitesurfing history.
With the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline as his backdrop, Stefan finds the sweet spot between the river current and the winds. For two hours, he glides among tankers and cruise ships and delights the crowds on the Staten Island ferry. But most of all, he delights himself.
“As the kite was in the air, and I stood on my board, I knew I would never forget this session,” Stefan recalls. “Seeing the Statue of Liberty upside down during a back loop is definitely not something you do every day. Afterwards, each one of our crew had a laugh in his face. Mine, however, was the biggest!”
Stay tuned for more urban kitesurf adventures with MARC O’POLO Denim ambassador Stefan Spiessberger!
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