RIDERS
Juuso Valtonen
We proudly present Juuso Valtonen, our first team rider at Leijasurffaus! Juuso not only snagged the title of Finland’s Best Kitesurfer in 2022 but also soared to victory with the highest jump at the KiteLife WKND competition, not once, but twice, in both 2022 and 2023! With unparalleled skill and unwavering passion, Juuso is taking the Finnish kitesurfing world by storm, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him on board!
Maria Lehto
We’re stoked to welcome Maria Lehto to the Leijasurffaus.fi rider team! Her dance and gymnastics background gives her incredible body control on the water, and she’s been on a roll since discovering kitesurfing in Kenya in 2021—winning first place at KiteLife WKND 2024 and smashing her personal jump records multiple times. Maria’s energy and determination fit right in with our community, and we’re proud to have her as our first female rider. Can’t wait to see what she conquers next! Maria’s energy and positive attitude are contagious, and her dedication to pushing limits and embracing the sport’s community spirit perfectly aligns with our values.
Markus van der Ende
We are thrilled to welcome Markus van der Ende to the Leijasurffaus team, a passionate and well-known kitesurfer from Espoo. Discovering kitesurfing in 2007, Markus has since accumulated a rich 15-year experience, showcasing his skills in top spots around the globe, including Estonia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Known in kitesurfing circles for his enthusiasm and positive attitude, Markus has become a standout figure in the community. It was this very spirit and approach to the sport that sparked our interest and led us to invite him to join our team. His adaptability and love for adventure make him an invaluable addition to our team.
Ville Viitanen
We are excited to introduce Ville Viitanen, the newest addition to the Leijasurffaus team! His rapid progression in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting his kitesurfing journey in 2019, Ville has quickly developed an impressive array of skills. His dedication and rapid improvement in kitesurfing have caught our eye, demonstrating a natural talent and a deep passion for the sport. Ville embodies the spirit of kitesurfing – embracing challenges, continuously learning, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the water. We are thrilled to have such a promising and dedicated athlete like Ville as part of our team, and we can’t wait to see how he continues to evolve and inspire in the world of Finnish kitesurfing!
Are You Next?
At leijasurffaus.fi, we hold a deep appreciation for passion, extraordinary talent, and unwavering dedication to the sport. Whether you’re an established rider with years of experience under your belt or a promising rising star making waves in the kitesurfing community, we extend a warm invitation for you to explore the possibilities of joining our team.
Coaches
Welcome to Leijasurffaus.fi, the ultimate destination for top-notch kitesurfing instruction and coaching in Finland. We take pride in our dedicated and passionate coaches who are eager to share their expertise and ignite the stoke of kitesurfing within you.
Leading our team is Joonas Tuominen, a true pioneer in the Finnish kitesurfing scene and our main coach. With years of experience under his belt, Joonas has become a legend in the sport. Joining him is Juha Räty, also known as Jusa, an accomplished instructor with a wealth of knowledge gained from over 30 years of coaching across various disciplines. Last but not least, we have Jani Havunen, our newest addition, whose wave warrior spirit and background in board sports make him an exciting and dynamic coach.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting your kitesurfing journey or an experienced rider looking to refine your skills, our coaches are here to provide you with unparalleled guidance, epic advice, and an unforgettable kitesurfing experience. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with our team at #HookdOnWind.
Joonas Tuominen
First off, we’ve got Joonas Tuominen, our main coach and a true legend in the kitesurfing scene in Finland since way back in 2005. This dude has been tearing it up on both snow and water for years.
Joonas is all about sharing his stoke and teaching others the art of kitesurfing. He’s got a deep understanding of the local winds and beaches in Hanko, so you know he’s got the inside scoop.
When he’s not ruling the waves, Joonas is also a security pro with some serious water rescue skills also.
Whether you need help with kite handling, jumps, tricks, foil or strapless riding, Joonas is your go-to guy. Just head over to our courses and he’ll hook you up with some epic advice and guidance.
Jusa Räty
Now let’s talk about our rad coach, Juha Räty, aka Jusa. This dude may have joined the kitesurfing scene just recently in 2019, but don’t let that fool you. He’s been coaching in different disciplines for over 30 years and has a ton of experience under his belt.
Jusa is a master at breaking down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps. He knows exactly how to guide beginners on their kitesurfing journey because he’s been there himself not too long ago.
During the winter months, you’ll find Jusa shredding it on a board and skis, spreading the stoke in both Finnish and English.
So if you’re looking for a coach who understands your needs and can teach with passion, Jusa is your guy!
Jani Havunen
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Jani Havunen, our newest addition to the #HookdOnWind team.
Jani got hooked on kitesurfing in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. Living it up in the States, Jani used to charge the gnarly waves on a surfboard, but when he returned to Finland, he found that the local waves just couldn’t match his intense surfing appetite. So, what did this wave warrior do? He made a radical switch to kitesurfing.
With a background in skatesurfing, windsurfing, and snowboarding, Jani brings a solid foundation of board skills to the table. Here’s the best part, whether you’re stoked to learn in Finnish or English, Jani’s got your back with his epic teaching skills. Get ready to catch the wind and ride the waves with Jani.
