Rider Spotlight to @lewnidaz_

Meet the SUELTALABARRA community: Spotlight on @lewnidaz_

SUELTALABARRA family! Today we travel to the Portuguese Atlantic coast to introduce you to a rider with a unique technical vision and style in Big Air and Air Style: Tomás Magalhães , whom you can follow on Instagram as @lewnidaz_ . From the picturesque Ericeira, Tomás shares his passion for kitesurfing and his path of constant evolution.

@lewnidaz_: Big Air and Air Style from Ericeira

From Ericeira, Portugal , and with his main spot in Foz do Lizandro , 27-year-old Tomás Magalhães has been cruising the waters since 2013. His style focuses primarily on Big Air and Air Style , disciplines that combine high jumps with the execution of aesthetic maneuvers in the air.

Tomás never stops striving for progress. He's currently training to perfect kiteboarding spins and rotations , demonstrating meticulous dedication to technique.

Your equipment: optimized for flight and durability

For his Big Air and Air Style sessions, Tomás relies on equipment that allows him to maximize his performance and safety:

• Kites: Their quiver is very specific, including a 10m Reedin Hypermodel Alula , an 8m Reedin Hypermodel Brainchild , and a 6m F-One Bandit 7. This selection indicates a preference for high-performance kites, known for their explosive lift and hangtime, ideal for their disciplines.
• Boards: For the board, he also chooses Reedin , with a 2024 Space Agency (135cm) . For less windy days, he uses a Dimitri Pro , an old, short, and chubby board that allows him to make the most of the conditions.
• Other important materials: Tomás prioritizes safety with a Decathlon soft-shell surf helmet and an impact vest (currently one from Manera) . Also noteworthy is the use of Jmounts (the largest) handle extension blocks , which greatly facilitate boardoffs. An interesting detail is the use of spare kite bags to keep the kite's original backpack in good condition for future sale, demonstrating a practical and gear-conscious approach.

A photographer's achievement and valuable advice

Tomás recently had a memorable experience that connects him to his goal:

• While doing some boardslides on a bridge , he was fortunate enough to find a sports photographer there who took some "really good" photos.

Photographer credits: @joaosilvaphotography

His advice for improving your kite riding is methodical and very useful: "To improve your kite riding, the best thing to do, especially when you want to do new tricks, is to watch videos of pro riders very carefully and analyze all the movements they make, from bar control, positioning of the kite during the takeoff, when it pops and where the kite is and how it behaves in the air, so you can then try to apply it to your session."

Tomás's main goal in kitesurfing is now ambitious and very visual: "To get some photos in a kite magazine." With photos like the ones he's shared with us, we're sure he'll achieve it.

It's an honor to have Tomás Magalhães in our SUELTALABARRA community. His dedication, technical approach, and vision are a true inspiration to everyone.

If you're also a rider and want to be the next in our Spotlight, don't hesitate to contact us through Instagram. We want to hear your story.