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TEAM NEWS: SURFER AND SURF FOILER KEONI VAN DER BIJ JOINS THE TEAM!

Team News
Surf
Surf foil

09 may 2025 0

Meet surfer and surf foiler Keoni Van Der Bij (@keoni_vdb), who joins us as a Team Rider.

Hello Keoni, welcome to the team! How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

"As a huge surf enthusiast to start with. I’m lucky enough to live in Seignosse, so I’m ideally placed. I’ve been surfing since I was 8 years old and have always been drawn to anything that glides on water. I naturally followed the evolution of surf foiling and got into it in 2021, and I’ve never stopped since! The opportunities for sessions in my area are really numerous when you combine surfing and foiling. I love it. I also travel quite a bit to surf in other conditions. I’ve learned a lot in Indonesia, for example. Gaining experience by varying the conditions really helps me progress.”

What’s your relationship with the competition world?

"I got seriously involved in it. I started competing in surfing at the age of 14, which helped me gain experience and heat management skills, becoming the 2023 Junior Surf Champion of France. That same year, I finished 13th in the WSL European ranking for under 21s, especially thanks to a 5th place finish at one of the 3 stages of the European Championship, which has a really high level.

More recently, having practiced foiling for a few years, I signed up for the Crozon Foil Festival in 2024 for the surf foil event, where I managed to win the competition! My goal now is to compete on the international tour to win the World Championship title."

What sessions are motivating you right now?

"Right now, the conditions are ideal in the Southwest. Every forecast is super motivating. I alternate between surfing and surf foiling to prepare for future surf foil competitions. Next year, these competitions should grow in size. What motivates me a lot right now is creating video content. I love it."

What motivated you to join the GONG team?

"As a glide enthusiast, I see in the brand’s offering a clear desire to provide gear that lets everyone have fun on the water. The ranges are extensive across different sports, cover all disciplines, and the products are high quality. Whether you're a beginner or aiming to perform at the highest level, GONG is a reference. Just look at the team riders who use the stock gear on the podiums of World Cups in SUP, kite, or wing. I hope to do the same in surf foiling! I also really connect with the team and brand mindset. My goal is to excel with this gear, have great experiences with other team members, and share my passion for gliding."

Which gear are you most excited to try?

"I’ve already tested quite a few items. My everyday quiver for surf foiling will be the Lemon 4’3 FSP Pro with a Fluid H XXS and an HM77 mast. For surfing, the Lethal 6’0 for most of my sessions and the Evolt EPS Pro for perfectly glassy days!"

What’s your next trip or competition?

"I’d love to do a trip to South America. There are long lefts that must be incredible for surf foiling. There are also plenty of great surf spots. I hope to go there soon!"

Thanks Keoni, we can’t wait to see you in action on those spots!

2025