TEAM NEWS: DEURY CORNIEL ENTERS THE GONG TEAM!

Interview with the unhooked freestyle and kite foil specialist from the Dominican Republic!

Welcome to the Team! How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, my name is Deury Corniel, and I’m a professional kiteboarder from the Dominican Republic. I’m passionate about progression, the ocean, and everything that pushes me beyond my limits. Some of my biggest achievements include winning the Gold Medal at the Twin Tip Racing Youth Olympic Games, becoming a 2x Freestyle Vice World Champion, and being named Athlete of the Year in my country. My goal is to keep learning, evolving, and giving 100% every single day, both on and off the water.

When and how did you get into board sports?

I come from a family of athletes, so sports have always been a big part of my life. My older brother Ariel Corniel was one of the first kiteboarding pioneers in the Dominican Republic, and watching him inspired me to follow the same path. I started kiteboarding when I was just 8 years old, and by 11, I won my first national championship. I later got to compete at the international level and won my first Junior World Champion Title. That's when I earned the nickname “The Black Panther”, because of my powerful, explosive style and fearless approach to riding.

What place do you call your home spot? How are the conditions over there?

My home spot is Cabarete, Dominican Republic, one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world. The wind is steady almost all year, and the mix of flat water and waves makes it ideal for training different styles from freestyle to big air, from big air, to kitefoil and much more. It’s also an amazing community full of energy, nature, and people who love the ocean as much as I do.

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

A perfect day for me is 22 knots, a 10m kite, flat water, and a beautiful Caribbean sunset. I love long sessions where I can mix freestyle, big air, and foil, just feeling free and connected with the wind. Add good music and friends around, and that’s the perfect balance between focus and fun.

Who’s your biggest influence in the sport?

My biggest influence has always been my brother Ariel Corniel. He opened the door for Dominican kiteboarding and showed me what’s possible with passion, hard work, and dedication. He’s always pushed me to believe that no dream is too big if you stay consistent and humble.

When was your first competition and how did it go?

My first competition was in 2011, at Kiteboarding for Kids, and I actually won first place. That moment changed everything, it made me realize how much I love competing and representing my country. From there, I knew kiteboarding would become my life.

What were your strongest results so far?

My strongest results include:

2017 Junior World Champion
6x National Champion
Gold Medal – Youth Olympic Games (Twin Tip Racing)
Twin Tip Racing World Champion
2x Freestyle Vice World Champion
Athlete of the Year – Dominican Republic

Each title means something different to me, but the most important part is the journey and growth behind every result.

What’s your goal in competition?

My main goal is to compete with heart and intelligence, to perform at the highest level, stay consistent, and always push my limits. Long term, I want to represent my country at the Olympic Games and keep inspiring the next generation of riders who dream big like I did.

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

Every session for me is an opportunity to grow, to learn something new, refine my technique, and get stronger for upcoming competitions. Right now, I’m focused on mastering Rewinds, a technical and demanding trick that requires full control, precision, and perfect timing. It keeps me challenged and constantly motivated to push my limits.

What motivated you to join the GONG team?

What really motivated me to join GONG was the energy of the team, the vision of the brand, innovation, creativity, and a true love for the sport. I admire how GONG keeps pushing limits in design and performance, and I’m proud to be part of that family.

Which GONG gear are you most excited about?

I’m really excited about the Ayto’s kite and the Steez Carbon board. They have an incredible feel, powerful, responsive, and perfectly matching my riding style. It’s the kind of gear that makes you want to ride longer and go harder.

What’s your next trip or competition?

My next trip will be to Brazil, where I’ll continue training and preparing for the upcoming season. It’s one of my favorite places to progress, with warm water, strong wind, and good vibes all day.

Thank you again for the opportunity. I’m really happy and proud to be part of the GONG family. The wind is coming soon and I’m ready to fly.