Kjell De Bruyn
“If you want to grow, you need to surround yourself with people who can challenge you and from whom you can learn,” claims Kjell De Bruyn, Antwerp-based 12-time Belgian National SUP Champion, Starboard Team Rider, Coach, and sport advocate. Already on the road, training, coaching, and set to compete in international races in Poland and Sweden, Kjell is preparing for the second leg of the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) in August.
TotalSUP caught up with this accomplished waterman, who thrives in tough race conditions, to discuss the key stops of the BST, the growth of the local SUP scene, and the upcoming ISA Worlds in Denmark.
Season Highlights
Hi Kjell, welcome back to TotalSUP! What are your season’s highlights so far?
Up until now, I didn’t race much on the international scene since I was busy getting an extra Bachelor’s Degree. My season highlights include placing 5th during the Gla Gla Long Distance Race, 2nd place in the Sprint and Technical races at the recently held Dutch Championships, and first place with a new time record at the Round of Haarlem Race. Hopefully, we can add a few more highlights to that.
Link to Poland and Upcoming Races
You’re heading to Poland for the Planet Baltic and Coaching sessions – Could you tell us more about your link to Poland?
My girlfriend Beata is from Poznan, so I’ve spent a decent amount of time there over the past eight years. When I’m there, I do my daily training on the local Kiekrz lake. It felt natural to offer SUP clinics since there are many recreational paddlers. It would be great to see some transition to racing or gain extra confidence to go out more often.
Then Skrea Strand PaddleRace in Sweden – Are these the key stops before the second part of the BST 2024 kicks off? Is this the qualifying event for the ISA Worlds in Copenhagen?
These are indeed my two highlighted races this Summer in preparation for the Belgian Championships at the end of August and the ISA Worlds in Denmark in September.
The Belgian SUP Racing Scene
Could you tell us more about the Belgian SUP racing scene? How are athletes supported, and where do you usually train and gather?
The Belgian race scene is alive and kicking. Last year, Vincent Claeskens made a big effort backing the races and setting up the scene for the future. Now, we have the Belgian SUP Tour (BST) and the cooperation with the Dutch Scene BNST (Belgian-Netherlands SUP Tour). This opened up the races, attracting big names like Donato Freens and Joep Van Bakel. We also have promising athletes like Loranne Vlemincx from Kempen SUP in the women’s field.
We’re all under the BSF (Belgian Surf Federation), and Vincent made it possible for us to attend last year’s big Championships. The rest of the season is funded by the athletes themselves, as we are not professionals but regular working people. Some get support from sponsors like Victus Sport Nutrition, Starboard, Supfever, and others, which is crucial for performing at an international level.
Key Stops of the Belgian SUP Tour
Could you guide us through the upcoming Belgian SUP Tour stops?
After Sweden, I’m taking one weekend off. Then, the first stop is the Belgian Tech Race Championship on the North Sea in Sint Idesbalt, known for its big tidal changes. The weekend after that, we race Sprints at the internationally known kayak track of Hazewinkel. This event coincides with the Belgian Championships Kayak Sprints, providing great exposure for our sport. Next is the Long Distance Championship in Kessenich. After that, I’m off to the ISA Worlds. The pinnacle of the Tour for me is the BIG downwind race of the season, The Belgian Coast Race, a 21km race from Ostend to Seabruges. We finish off the season in December with the SUP For Life Race in the city center of Ghent.
International Collaboration and Coaching
Have you noticed a shift in training dynamics, with international athletes attending national races to compete and learn from each other?
It’s not new in sport. I’ve always trained with strong athletes from other countries, like the Netherlands. If you want to grow, you need to surround yourself with people who challenge you. Our training is becoming more science and research-based, not just about paddling laps as fast as we can.
Kjell’s Approach to Coaching
What do you focus on in your role as a Coach? And how can paddlers get in touch with you?
As a coach, I aim to be analytical and open in my approach. I want the athlete to understand why we’re pursuing certain goals based on their capabilities and situation. People can contact me through my Instagram, where they can find my email or ask for my number.
Favourite Race Format and Tips for Progress
What’s your favourite race format?
I love all formats, but technical ocean racing is my favourite as it best showcases the skills, strength, and endurance needed. Long distance on open water also fits the waterman spirit.
What’s the fastest way to progress in the sport and start competing?
Enjoy what you’re doing, focus on technique and skills, be consistent in training, and share and reflect on your experiences.
Future Plans
What’s in the pipeline? Will we see you at the upcoming ISA Worlds in Copenhagen?
I will be at the ISA Worlds. My training and planning are focused on it. After that, maybe some foil racing!
Thank you Kjell, good luck with the BST and see you at Skrea and in Copenhagen!