Get ready to meet the talented and fearless Benjamin Castenskiold! This up-and-coming sensation has pushed boundaries from a young age, carving out a name for himself in the world of wingfoiling. With a deep-rooted love for water and a desire to ride alongside his father, Benji's passion and determination have propelled him to become a trailblazer, pointing the way to the future of winging. In an exclusive interview with Benjamin Castenskiold and Cabrinha Marketing Manager James Boulding, we dive into the story of their meeting, uncovering the exciting journey of this rising star.

I first heard about Benji when he was around nine years old. Tyson Poor, Cabrinha’s West Coast sales rep, introduced me to him and mentioned that he had been helping him with some small wings. It sounded like he had an adventurous life, spending his winters in his family's motorhome in La Ventana and going out on the water to ride with his Dad since he was nine years old! His life-winging has followed the sport's progression since its emergence around 2018/19. 

With the way social media is nowadays, someone will post a trick, and it will be instantly shared globally, with kids like Benji watching it and potentially trying to replicate it within an hour. At just 12, he’s already doing 1080 spins, various flip variations, and all the new school handle passes that have been emerging from kiteboarding. Innovation is fast-paced and can go in any direction. What’s clear is that the young guns who have seemingly just picked up the sport are quickly becoming the ones driving it into the future. He had just competed in his first world tour competition. Benji has had his first taste of success on a podium, and his motivation to ride and progress is evident, as he is rarely out of the water. 

Supported by wonderful parents and already a key member of Cabrinha’s wing team, he has a solid foundation that can truly take him far towards a very successful watersports career. This year, Benji got the opportunity to feature in his first international photoshoot with Cabrinha, and he was eager to please, quickly becoming comfortable working with photographers and videographers while at the same time learning the ins and outs of what’s expected (and what's not) of a modern-day athlete in the sport. 

In my experience, having great role models within a team plays a vital role in developing and keeping youngsters grounded. All of this was tested on a tiny Hebridean island off the coast of Scotland in the UK in autumn 2023. – James Boulding

Welcome, Benji! It's amazing to see such incredible skills in a 12-year-old, including 1080 spins, flip variations, and handle passes. Can you share with us who introduced you to the world of wingfoiling?

My dad introduced me to wingfoiling around three years ago. I tried it for the first time, and it was amazing! I instantly fell in love with it; it has been one of my greatest passions since then. I live, breathe, and dream about wingfoiling, which has been a big part of my life since that day.

Where are you from, and where did you grow up? Were watersports a family activity for you?

I am originally from Denmark, but I grew up in South America. Water sports have been a big part of my life since I was very young, and it has always been a family activity that we try to do together. We all enjoy being in the water; it has become a daily routine for us, seeking fun, health, and the sense of community it brings.

You spent a lot of time in La Ventana; can you tell us about that?

La Ventana holds a special place in my heart and has become my favourite wing and kite spot. I now spend the majority of my year there. La Ventana offers incredibly consistent wind conditions, making it a dream destination for wind sports. 

When did Cabrinha first sponsor you, and how have they helped you throughout your wingfoiling journey?

Around two years back, Cabrinha started sponsoring me, and it's been a game-changer for my wingfoiling journey! Since then, my progression has skyrocketed. I've gone from mastering basic jumps to nailing 1080s and pulling off more technical inverts and handle pass tricks. I am lucky to have had Cabrinha's support right from the early stages of my career. They've backed me up and provided the gear, guidance, and opportunities. 

Attending their dealer meetings was a great way for me to connect with the brand and get to know the people behind it. The experience gave me insights into their passion and vision and made me feel like a part of their incredible community.

Having the support of both my amazing family and a brand like Cabrinha has been absolutely essential for my progression. With Cabrinha and my family by my side, I'm excited to see what the future holds! 

How has wingfoiling impacted your life so far? Do you see yourself becoming a professional rider?

Wingfoiling has already made a significant impact on my life. It has influenced my education, social circles, and daily routines and allowed me to explore the world at a young age. Although unsure of what lies ahead, I am determined to become the world champion on the wing world tour and fully commit myself to this sport.

Tell us about the Cabrinha crew trip to Tiree! It seemed like an experience you won't forget anytime soon!

About three months ago, we received a call from the Cabrinha team manager, asking if we were up for a photo shoot on an island in the north of Scotland. Without hesitation, we agreed and began making travel arrangements... One week later, we arrived in Tiree, and let me tell you, it was freezing! We spent a memorable week on the island that I will never forget. I don't know what a typical photoshoot is like, but this one was pretty amazing. Sleep, eat, and foil - what more could you ask for?!

What is your go-to gear from Cabrinha’s latest lineup?

My go-to setup is the Link 4'3 (37L) combined with the H Series 550 with a short fuse and a 180cm tail, Hollow 84cm mast, and my 3m Vision. I can pretty much ride the 3 in any condition, which helps me get super comfortable with one wing.

Are there any particular tricks you're working on right now? What are the biggest struggles you’re facing sticking it?

Right now, I am working on combo tricks. A combo is when you land a flip or spin, and right as you land, you transition into another trick. You see them often in windsurfing, and they have become a big part of wing competitions. They are extremely difficult to land and execute properly, as you need perfect balance upon landing and the wing in the correct position to provide the necessary power for the second trick. Having a foil with just the right amount of lift is crucial.

How many hours a week do you spend on the water?

I am incredibly fortunate to spend winters in Baja, right in front of one of the main spots. Usually, I finish my schoolwork by noon. I grab some food and water for lunch, then I'm on the water for the rest of the afternoon. Typically, this means that I spend around 4 to 5 hours doing kiting and winging. It's a perfect setup because that's when the wind is strongest!

You’ve been on the U18 podium for freestyle and free-fly slalom; which discipline do you prefer? 

It was nice to get a podium in both disciplines in the youth championship this summer in La Palma. I'm currently more interested in freestyle, as I enjoy improving and learning new tricks while working on my style. However, it's also great to race with others as it can be incredibly fun and social. And, of course, I absolutely love going fast, too!

What’s it like competing at the GWA events at such a young age?

Competing in the GWA at such a young age is like a dream. It's hard to believe it's happening. Training on the water with all the big names in the winging community motivates me and shows me what I need to focus on to excel. I had lots to work on when I left and am committed to doing that to come back and compete for the podium in the following years.

Do you have a favourite professional wingfoiler who inspires you?

I don't have a specific wingfoiler that inspires me. I'm stoked to be out on the water having a great time. That is what it's all about in this sport. HAVE FUN!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! What exciting plans do you have for 2024?

For 2024, I hope to have as good of a year as the one that just passed. I want to compete and win some summer contests while inspiring other young kids to get out on the water and have fun. It's amazing to be out there pushing your limits and landing tricks after attempting them multiple times. It's similar to studying for an exam and getting straight A's - Live Free Ride Free!

By James Boulding

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