Overview
“I never imagined but it was my dream since I was 10, so I’m really happy.”
Valentin Rodriguez (also known as V-Rod) from Calima Lake, Colombia, is a professional kitesurfer who became the 2019 GKA Freestyle World Champion at the young age of 17. Despite weighing only 65kg, he uses the line tension to its maximum potential, possessing unparalleled bar-passing skills that generate extraordinary amplitude and perfect slack.
Career
His encounter with kiteboarding reads like a movie. Along with fellow Colombian pro rider Juan Rodriguez, he found an abandoned kite gear on the beach. Since they only had one setup, they made a rule: “Valentin rides for 7 minutes, then Juan rides for 7 minutes.” They practiced all day, taking turns to hone their skills.
His path to becoming a professional was carved out by sending his trick videos via Instagram DMs to Craig Cunningham, the International Team Manager of Duotone, for over a year. Recognizing his extraordinary talent, Craig picked him up in Munich, Germany, and brought him to the Junior World Championship, paving the way for his pro tour debut.
Making his debut with RRD in 2018, he shocked the world by reaching the finals at the WKC Akiaka event, competing fiercely against the likes of Carlos Mario to secure 4th place. In 2019, he transferred to Duotone and achieved a dramatic comeback on his final trick at the season finale in Cumbuco, Brazil, capturing the Freestyle World Champion title at just 17 years old. After struggling with severe bicep and shoulder injuries in 2021, he made a miraculous comeback in 2023, reaching the finals again at the GKA event in Qatar.
His signature tricks include a flawless “Heart Attack 7” and a massive “Slim Chance 9.” Furthermore, at a 2021 event, he innovated the sport by landing a “KGB 5 Mummy Wrap”—a revolutionary trick where he wraps the lines around his body during the second bar pass in the air.
Sponsors and Brands
Duotone, Red Bull (Past: Roberto Ricci Designs / RRD)
Personality and Relationships
His parents are his biggest supporters, enthusiastically cheering for him at his competitions. He shares a deep bond with fellow Colombian rider Juan Rodriguez, with whom he shared a single kite in 7-minute intervals as they grew into professionals together. He deeply respects Craig Cunningham of Duotone, who discovered him and opened the door to the world stage.
Quotes and Episodes
“I was a little bit off by the beginning of the year but I managed to get a deal with Duotone and from there on I started to get the feeling back and get motivated…”
— Valentin Rodriguez
“I have no words to explain how I feel. I just want to thank everyone here at the beach, all my sponsors, Duotone, and all the people that are supporting me. I just have no words and I just hope to stay in the first place and still sending it.”
— Valentin Rodriguez
“I can’t be happier. I can’t be more stoked to be in the final after such a long time. It’s been super hard years for me. I’ve been battling injuries and a lot of stuff. So it’s pretty nice to come back now on the top and the final.”
— Valentin Rodriguez
Tournament Results
- 2018 WKC Akiaka: 4th Place (First pro-level final appearance)
- 2019 GKA Mondial du Vent (France): 3rd Place (First pro podium)
- 2019 GKA Mauritius: 2nd Place
- 2019 GKA Dakhla (Morocco): 1st Place (First pro win)
- 2019 GKA Superkite Brazil (Cumbuco): 1st Place, 2019 GKA Freestyle World Champion (1st Overall)
- 2021 GKA Neom (Saudi Arabia) / Dunkirk: Quarterfinals
- 2023 Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle World Cup: 4th Place
Search Aliases: Valentin Rodriguez, ValentinRodriguez, Valentin Rodríguez, ValentinRodríguez