Overview
Cohan van Dijk (born April 26, 2002) is a professional kiteboarder from Schagen, Netherlands. He has made a significant impact in the Big Air discipline, known for his hard contra loops, smooth combinations, and an aggressive riding style that pushes the absolute limits. He is affectionately known by the nickname “Big C”.
Career
Growing up watching his father enjoy windsurfing and kiteboarding, Cohan started kiting at the age of eight after passing his swimming test. He initially focused on freestyle and wakeboarding, winning the Dutch Freestyle Championships in 2017 and 2018, and becoming the Dutch Wakeboard Champion in 2017. These experiences helped him develop exceptional aerial awareness, kite control, and body mechanics.
After transitioning to Big Air and undergoing three years of intensive training, he earned the Porsche Golden Ticket (wildcard) for the 2022 Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA). As a rookie, he made a sensational run to the semi-finals, ultimately finishing 4th. In January 2023, he won the Big Air Kite League (BAKL) in Cape Town and secured a podium finish at Red Bull Megaloop, establishing himself as a powerhouse in the global Big Air scene. In the recent 2025 KOTA, he continued his evolution by delivering an outstanding performance and reaching the top three.
Sponsors and Brands
Previously a team rider for Naish Kiteboarding, Cohan moved to North Kiteboarding’s international team in 2023. Riding the “Orbit” kites, he secured a victory at the BAKL Cape Town event immediately after the move. He is also supported by sponsors such as MYSTIC.
Personality and Relationships
Cohan is known for his relentless drive to push the boundaries of the sport, as well as his sincere and approachable personality. When the wind is down, he helps his father with work or engages in other activities like wakeboarding in summer and gym training sessions several times a week in winter. He enjoys traveling to spots like Cape Town and Tarifa, focusing on training and connecting with the kitesurf community.
Quotes and Anecdotes
“Big Air is high, extreme and fast. The idea is to jump as high as possible while doing as many tricks as possible. Board-offs, rotations, loops – and nowadays even double loops. That feeling of power and speed is pure adrenaline.”
— Cohan van Dijk
“When I can’t kite, I always find something else to do. At home I help my dad with work, and in summer I often switch to wakeboarding. When I’m traveling, I go to the gym if the wind drops. I also enjoy exploring new places through hiking or cycling and spending time with the kitesurf community.”
— Cohan van Dijk
Competition Results
• 2017, 2018 Dutch Freestyle Championships Winner
• 2017 Dutch Wakeboard Champion
• 2022 Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA) 4th
• 2023 Big Air Kite League (BAKL) Cape Town Winner
• 2023 Red Bull Megaloop 3rd
Show latest competition results (Spoiler Alert)
• 2025 Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA) 3rd
• 2025 Red Bull Megaloop 3rd