Time to introduce one of the most promising new talents on the European Freestyle Pro Tour. Entering the EFPT juniors U16 division first time at Brouwersdam in 2018, Tigo made an impression together with fellow local riders like Bodhi Kempen, Meijer Tijmen and Tim Gerdes. In 2019, the improvement was already obvious when the young freestyler claimed second place at the U16 division at the EFPT Lanzarote and the EFPT at DAM-X to finally be awarded the Vice European Champion title of the U16 division of 2019.
Tigo also entered the pro fleet at his homespot Brouwersdam in 2019 landing power moves like skopus, burners, culos and konos in his heats against Yentel Caers (JP/Neilpryde) and Marco Vinante (Point7). In the double elimination he lost against the Italian for only two points – Tigo Kort was 15 years old back then. With his new sponsors JP/Neilpryde, the Dutch newcomer is now ready to properly take on the pro fleet and he’ll commence at the Surf Opening in Austria, the first tourstop of the EFPT in 2021, taking place from the 22nd – 25th of April.
EFPT: Tigo, you recently changed your sponsor to JP/Neilpryde. Surely you had some time to test the gear! What is the verdict?
Yes, it’s a big step in the right direction. I have had some really good sessions already in the first month, and by now I like it a lot. It took some time to really get used to it but now I’m feeling better than ever.
EFPT: What is your favourite setup?
My favourite setup now is the 85-litre board and my 4.2, but soon I am getting the newest gear and I am stoked to use the 4.4 and 4.0.
Tigo Kort with new sponsors for 2021
EFPT: What are your plans for this season and what are your windsurfing plans in general?
The first most important thing for me is to have fun every time on the water. Next to that I’m planning to surf as much possible events of the EFPT this year, starting off with Austria in the next 2 weeks. In about 3 years I am finished with school and then I want to travel the world with my friends to surf as much as possible and maybe one day I get on the podium by the EFPT or PWA.
EFPT: What moves are you working on?
At the moment I am working on double moves like double culo, air-funnel funnel and air-funnel burner. And I want to cheeseroll like Balz Müller 😉
Tigo Kort in action at his homespot
EFPT: How do you work on new moves? Do you train with others / with a coach?
When I’m working on a new move, I just focus on that move by doing it over and over again until I get it. Flat water helps as well with double moves. Next to that I am actually always sailing together with the boys from Brouwersdam, like Bodhi Kempen and Tim Gerdes. We are helping each other to get better #poeltjesessies. I don’t really have a coach, but we coach each other.
EFPT: What are you doing besides windsurfing?
At the moment I’m following the study Cios Goes, this is a study where you learn about different sports, teaching sports and the human body. Besides that, I work at a car detailing company. Next to surfing I’ve got fitness training by Joost Hopmans from B_dam_com. Also, when it’s not windy and nice weather I like to go mountain biking.
EFPT: What is your dream windsurf destination?
About 30 knots offshore with 20+ degrees and then flat water with incoming little waves and beautiful girls on the beach. A bit like Risco del Paso.
Some fun questions to wrap it up:
EFPT: Which movie title would explain your life right now?
Obviously Pat & Mat
EFPT: If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
Why tastes Nutella so, so good? 🙂
EFPT: Apart from windsurfing – where lie your biggest talents?
That needs to be chilling on the couch, snowboarding and trying to always send it haha.
EFPT: Tell us something we don’t know:
I am really really bad at swimming and my friend always makes fun of me about it hahahah.
Best music to warm up for windsurfing:
Pump it up