Kitesurfer Rickard catches the wind on Lake Vänern all year round

When the wind blows from the southwest, that’s when you’ll find Rickard Olsson out on Lake Vänern. With his kite, he sweeps across the waves, the ice, or the snow.

“I mostly enjoy doing tricks, like front rolls and back rolls with different combinations. But there are those who mainly go for high jumps. I know one guy who has jumped 20 meters here. I think I’ve reached about nine at most.”

Rickard was born in Peru, South America, but grew up in Mariestad. Water has always been an important part of his life - just like traveling. And it was during his travels that he discovered surfing.

“When I started surfing, I loved it! But in Sweden, it doesn’t blow hard enough very often for really good waves. With a kite to help, the waves don’t need to be that big for you to be able to surf.”

Kitesurfing, or kiteboarding as it’s also called, means surfing with the help of a special type of sail known as a kite. The wind catches the kite and pulls the rider along, while the rider can control the kite using lines.

Rapid development of the sport

Rickard says that he has been kitesurfing for more than 15 years and that the sport has developed significantly since it was established in Sweden around the year 2000.

“In the beginning, it was a real extreme sport! It was impossible to control and barely possible to slow down. Back then, there were many accidents. When I started 15 years ago, it was still difficult to control the kite, because you’re dealing with very strong forces. Today, the equipment has evolved - it’s become more forgiving, and you can release the power when needed.”

The hobby makes Rickard feel good

Rickard is a social worker and works in Töreboda, a neighboring municipality to Mariestad. Previously, he has worked as a school counselor and as the manager of a residential care home (HVB home). Today, he works at the social services office as an investigator for children and young people.

“I like my job! I enjoy meeting children and families, building relationships, and creating trust to see if - and how - we can support families in their everyday lives.”

Another advantage of Rickard’s job is that he can, to some extent, manage his own working hours.

“For me, it’s important to have a balance between work and leisure. I do a better job when I also have time to do what makes me feel good. For me, kitesurfing is a hobby that helps me recharge and switch off from everything else. I think I become a better person when I surf!”

Kitesurfing all year round

When Rickard checks the weather, it’s mainly to see how windy it will be in the coming days. The more wind, the happier he is. From his home, it takes him just five minutes to reach the shore of Lake Vänern.

“We kitesurf all year round! In the winter, you can use a snowboard if there’s snow on the lake or skates if it’s frozen. But of course, it’s best when the water is open.”

Rickard explains that one of the major advantages of being based in Mariestad is that there is a local association that provides changing rooms with a sauna and showers by the water.

“That’s a luxury you don’t find everywhere. It means we can go out in the winter without having to change in the cold. On really cold days, you might manage about an hour on the water - then the sauna is perfect!”

Photos: Stefan Ericson, Peter Wibjörk and Astrid Olsson.

This text has been translated with the help of AI.