The Interview: Liam Whaley

In "The Interview," you'll hear all about the exciting projects in the World of Whaley. We caught up with Liam Whaley to talk about his new Pro Center opening at Valdevaqueros, teaming up with Duotone and Porsche, his goals for 2022, and much more. We've got it all exclusively on IKSURFMAG!

Liam, these last few months have seen an endless stream of exciting news in the World of Whaley; it's hard to know where even to start! So maybe we should start from the beginning - give us the cliff notes of 'the life of Liam'! Where were you born, where do you live, and what was your life like growing up?

I grew up in Ibiza, but I now live in Tarifa! I was always into sports and never enjoyed school. I played tennis, football, and skateboarded during my childhood.

When did you first discover kiteboarding? 

I saw my first kiteboarding when I was about five or six, but I had been flying trainer kites on the beach since I was three! Finally, I learned to kiteboard in Tarifa when I was eight years old with a friend of my father's.

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How did the lessons go? Did you take to it immediately, or did it take some time?

I had some pretty awful experiences, to begin with, but despite being carried away by a rip current, I did not let it discourage me from wanting to learn. After my "bad experience", I continued to learn and was back in the water within a couple of days.

Did you know right away that you would be pursuing a career in kiteboarding?

Not immediately, but very early on. I think I knew that I wanted to be a professional by the age of ten.

Speaking of your career, you've had some major news with the recent move over to Duotone Kiteboarding. How did that come about?!

We have been in contact for many years, but nothing has worked out. Duotone is the biggest brand in the industry, and I have always seen great potential in riding for them. So with my contract ending, signing with Porsche, and opening my kite center, it was perfect timing to join forces!

What is your go-to quiver at Duotone? What about with ION?

My Big Air setup is the Rebel 8 or 9m with the Trust Bar (22m lines). Then the Jaime SLS size 136! For freestyle, I love the Vegas 11 or 13m with the 142 Team Series SLS!

For ION, I am riding the Seek Select wetsuit and the Riot Curv harness! Feeling very comfortable in my gear!

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With F-ONE, what's it like closing the door with a brand you've had such a strong relationship with?

Honestly, it was a really tough decision to make. However, I respect F-ONE as a brand. They are very passionate, and I wish them all the best.

Thanks to your recent partnership with Porsche, you've also got a flashy new set of wheels. Tell us more about that!

It's wild! I've always loved cars and driving, so owning a Porsche is a dream come true at 25. I drive the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, the sportiest SUV on the market. It drives great, especially considering it is quite a big car that fits my gear perfectly. The electric option is also ideal for driving around Tarifa. I charge my car every night with my home charger and rarely have to use petrol. Next on my list is a fully electric car. I hope to get my hands on a Taycan Cross Turismo soon!

 What is the relationship between Duotone and Porsche?

Rather than just putting its branding everywhere and having no involvement in kitesurfing, Porsche wants to support the sport authentically and helpfully. So, in partnership with Duotone, they help Duotone develop their software and add training exercises from Porsche drivers to the Duotone Academy app, supporting the Duotone magazine and Duotone Academy app.

Now for the latest exciting news… you're opening a Pro Center! Where is it, and what is the setup like? What will you offer there?

There's no doubt this is the scariest thing in my life. It's a lot of pressure and a huge investment to open such a center. It's located in the most famous kite spot in Tarifa and possibly the world; Tumbao, Valdevaqueros. The project has been an incredible experience, and I've learned so much about running a business as a result of it. At the Liam Whaley Pro Center, we will offer kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wing-foiling lessons, as well as the latest gear from Duotone, Fanatic, and Ion. We will also have a pro shop to sell everything from boardshorts to kites!

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What inspired you to start a Pro Center? Are you excited or nervous about this new endeavour?

My inspiration is giving back. I grew up kiting on this beach, and it has given me everything I have ever needed, and I feel that it is my obligation to give back. Therefore, I am both nervous and confident that this project will change my life!

Will you be managing the Pro Center yourself and teaching, or will you hire a team to work there?

Over the past few months, I have been fully involved in building this business from scratch. Before I put someone in charge, I want to understand all the ins and outs of the company. Then, once everything is running smoothly, I will put someone else in charge of running the business so I can continue my professional career. But I won't stop keeping up with it when I can. Although I won't be teaching regularly, I'll try to be present as much as possible and offer some coaching!

Back to your competitive career, the Red Bull King of the Air 2022 (10th Anniversary) will be held this November or December. Are you pre-qualified, or is your path to KOTA via the Fly-To series or video entry process?

If I am not mistaken, I am not pre-qualified as I placed 5th last year, and only the top 3 pre-qualify. However, I think I will submit a video entry as I am confident I will capture some great content this year.

Which kites will make up your competition quiver at KOTA?

I will bring a 7, 8, 9, and 10 Rebel SLS and possibly a couple sizes of Dice SLS for my unhooked moves.

Do you plan to compete in the full GKA event series this year? What are your competition goals at the GKA?

The only GKA I plan to participate in is the Big Air GKA stop in my hometown, Tarifa. For this year, I will be taking a break from freestyle to concentrate on one discipline, as well as the Kite Center, which is taking up a great deal of time.

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What do you do for fun when you're not flying around the world, chasing the wind?

I love doing other sports such as surfing, snowboarding or playing tennis. I also take advantage of those off-season moments to spend time with my girlfriend, friends and family.

What else do you have in the works for 2022? Any more massive news or exciting projects coming up?

My goals include making sure my Pro Center operates smoothly, becoming Big Air World Champion and King of the Air, and collaborating with Duotone and Porsche on great projects.

There is no massive news for now, but I'm sure there are plenty of exciting things on the way!