Overview
Stijn Mul is a professional kiteboarder from the Netherlands, affectionately known as “Stino.” He is one of the formidable Dutch riders making a massive impact in the Big Air scene, often grouped with his contemporaries Timo Boersema and Kimo Verkerk as “The Three Os.” Despite his approachable and happy-go-lucky personality, he has recently demonstrated fierce competitive prowess, consistently achieving top-tier results in international events.
Career
In his early career, Stijn focused primarily on freestyle kiteboarding, riding Slingshot gear. However, realizing his potential and natural aptitude for Big Air, and acknowledging his limits in freestyle, he shifted his focus entirely to Big Air.
Early on, he experienced a setback when his video entry for the Red Bull King of the Air was rejected, making him realize the stark difference in consistency between himself and the world’s top riders. At the time, he recognized the need to improve his landing rate for massive tricks like the Kite Loop Board Off.
He later faced a significant challenge with a severe injury that kept him out of action for about 10 months, including three months on crutches. After a grueling rehabilitation period in the Netherlands, he made a triumphant return and has since evolved into one of the top contenders on the world stage.
Sponsors & Affiliations
After leaving his long-time sponsor Slingshot, Stijn moved to Cabrinha, where he was deeply involved in testing and developing prototypes like the Nitro V2. Interestingly, the Nitro kites he tested during this period featured the logo of the prominent Dutch team SpaceX, highlighting a collaborative relationship that transcended brand boundaries.
Currently, he rides for Harlem Kiteboarding, a local Dutch brand. With his home located just 20 minutes from the Harlem headquarters, he enjoys an environment where he can easily test gear, pick up equipment, and have lunch with the team manager on a daily basis. He has noted, “Every brand says they are a family, but with Harlem, it actually feels like a real family.”
Personality & Relationships
Stijn was previously known for his “happy-go-lucky” attitude, not overly fixated on competition results. However, as his standing in the Big Air scene rose, his mindset shifted toward becoming a more stoic competitor with higher ambitions, occasionally showing visible frustration when losing a heat.
He shares a deep bond with fellow Dutch riders like Michiel Schipper and Timo Boersema. They are closely connected to SpaceX, a powerhouse kiteboarding team that hosts independent Big Air events in the Netherlands and boasts a Woo Worlds victory. When his friends are competing in a GKA heat, Stijn can often be seen on the beach passionately cheering them on.
Quotes & Anecdotes
Reflecting on the time he was injured, unable to play sports, and filled with pent-up energy, Stijn used a unique Dutch idiom:
“I couldn’t lose my egg… I cannot get rid of the energy I have with reading a book or making some art.”
— Stijn Mul
(This literal translation of a Dutch phrase means he could not release his built-up energy through passive activities like reading or art; he absolutely needed sports to let it out.)
Competition Results
- Lords of Tram 2022: 3rd Place
Show latest competition results (Spoiler Alert)
- 2025 Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier (Tarifa): 3rd Place (Qualified for the main event in Cape Town, finishing behind Lorenzo Casati and Cohan van Dijk)
- 2025 Cold Hawaii Games (Denmark): 3rd Place (Riding for Harlem Kiteboarding)
Search Aliases: Stino, Stijn Mul, StijnMul