Ydwer van der van der Heide

Ydwer van der Heide discovered the world of kitesurfing in 2003 and combined his passion for photography with the excitement this sport brings. Together with his friend Bas Koole, he revolutionized the way freestyle kitesurfing was captured by pushing boundaries with various techniques. This led to worldwide recognition and publications in leading magazines. After receiving assignments from Airush in 2011, other major brands such as Mystic, F-One, North, and Red Bull followed. He became the lead photographer for the Red Bull Megaloop and King of the Air competitions and joined as a global staff photographer for the Global Kitesurf Association. The unforeseen challenges of the COVID pandemic in 2020 brought travel restrictions, but that was just the beginning of Ydwer's hardships. In 2021, a surfing accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. During his rehabilitation, he found solace in photography and embarked on a therapeutic project: a 300-page hardcover photo book, a celebration of life’s most memorable moments. Though his perspective and style have changed, his passion for photography remains undiminished. Despite setbacks, he continues to find joy in capturing the essence of kitesurfing and everyday adventures. For him, photography is more than just a profession; it’s a lifelong love for storytelling through images, which continues to bring him happiness.