TEAM NEWS: HENDRICK JOINS THE GONG TEAM

Interview with the kitesurfing junior world champion from Cape Verde.

Cape Verde keeps producing exceptional watermen. Following in the footsteps of his uncle and icon Airton Cozzolino, Hendrick represents the new generation of riders growing up on the legendary waves of Sal. Equally talented in surfing and surf-kite, his style, smile and passion for the ocean perfectly match the GONG spirit. Let’s meet with the young talent from Cape Verde.

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I'm an ocean child moved by wind and waves, drawn to every kind of water sport there is. When I'm in the water I feel connected to something bigger than myself and I'm always chasing that feeling.

When and how did you get into board sports?

I was 2 years old when I caught my first wave on Santa Maria beach in sal Cape Verde! I was asleep on the beach full island lifestyle and when I woke up I realised that my mom wasn’t there so I started crying her friends tried to make me calm but I wanted to see my mom and the waves are near the beach so she was seeing me cry but wasn’t coming until I stopped crying so I just grabbed a board and went in the water hah. While paddling out a wave came and my mom was screaming turn around turn around so I turned caught the wave and stood up until the beach

Even though I was 2 I felt safe and confident surrounded by passionate surfer friends from the island. After that there was no return, that's all I wanted to do.

What got you hooked ?

I got hooked because it’s a sport that made my face hurt from laughing so much. My teeth were so bad when I was younger, unorganised and a broken front one but that didn’t get me to stop smiling because the sensation of being out there on the water with the waves, friends and especially my family is something special that I wish everyone gets to feel in their lifetime.

How is it like to be a kitsurfer in Cape Verde?

Blessed to call Cape Verde my home spot. It's the best place in the world because all the different islands provide you with crystal clear warm conditions for every sport with just a few people out.

Surfer: Hendrick, GONG Team Rider, on the Chemical EPS.

How does a perfect day on the water look like for you?

Getting barrelled, throwing big laughs and sharing with passionate people.

Who's your biggest influence in the sport?

Definitely my uncle Airton Cozzolino, Mitu Monteiro and my mom and dad.

When was your first competition and how did it go?

My first competition was in Sylt in Germany back in 2023. I got 9th in that comp I was just feeling happy to be part of it all because it was a big dream of mine so it was very special.

What was your strongest result so far?

My best accomplishment was winning the junior world championship in Tarifa back in 2021.

What’s your goal in competition?

My goal is to make it to a final alongside Airton especially in front of our family in Ponta Preta with perfect conditions representing our family to the world and that the best man wins (me) haha. And getting a world title for sure.

What type of sessions motivate you the most right now? Any tricks you're working on?

When it comes to waves im very motivated because every wave is different you have to be completely present in the moment so that’s what makes it so special and as for tricks its mostly always the same thing but Airton has definitely motivated me to start doing some 313 and flat 3.

What motivated you to join the GONG team?

I've been following GONG for a while now and I got to see what Patrice accomplished. It’s definitely truly inspiring! Also I am a big fan of Malo which is a beast on every board sport he gets his hands on and getting to be team mates with him and my uncle is a dream come true

All I can say is let’s live for it together.

Which GONG gear are you most excited about?

As a waterman I’m excited about all the gear haha but the Elips kite is on the top of my bucket list. I also want to get more into lowkite so the Neutra Light is right up there too.

What’s your next trip or competition?

I’m heading to Indonesia. It’s definitely a place that has been on my list for a while now because there’s good surfing, great surf foil locations and when the wind turns on in Sumbawa its barrel time on my kite. Definitely excited on this trip.

Great! We’re looking forward to seeing some sick clips.

Surfer: Hendrick, GONG Team Rider, on the Chemical EPS.