Keeping Within Reach.

Our interview with Toronto’s hottest kite boarder, Dan Steiner!

Courtesy of David Tran

He’s been featured in several magazines and commercials, and is now starring in his first movie role as a professional kite boarder. But Dan Steiner is still the same long-time friend and biker buddy I know and love – zipping around Toronto on his Aprilia Mana, embracing the outdoors and living life to its fullest. Chatting together, I learned more about the sport that changed his life and his new movie, Within Reach.

Pony: Of all the board sports, what made you gravitate towards kite boarding?

Dan: I’ve always been into board sports whether it be surfing, wake boarding, skateboarding etc.  I wanted to get into a water sport that was relatively new and something you didn’t need a $100,000 wakeboard boat in order to ride. Kite boarding appealed to me because it was a purely ‘wind-driven’ sport and it just looked like a lot of fun.

Pony: Is it as difficult as it looks?

Dan: No. Don’t get me wrong, its not EASY. It takes hard work and focus but the technique is really what’s important.

Pony: What would you say the biggest misconception is with kite boarding?

Dan: That you have to be super strong in order to do it. Yes, it is a physically demanding sport but it is far more technique oriented than brute force oriented. I’ve also been asked if “you need a boat to do it,” or if “you use helium to get the kite in the air?”

Pony: Was it tough to get sponsors?

Dan: Yes, at first. But honestly, I wasn’t really trying. I was just in love with the sport and wanted to ride. As I got better and started working in a shop, I got hooked up with Naish Kiteboarding and they have sponsored me for the last four years. It really helps because gear can get pricey, but it’s a two way street. In order to be sponsored you have to promote your brand and do everything in your power to gain exposure for them (magazines, videos, articles etc.)

Pony: How many different kinds of boards are there for a pro kite boarder?

Dan: There’s a TON of different gear that people can use but I try to keep it pretty simple. I have “wave” specific kites that I use when I’m riding in waves and I have “freestyle” specific kites that I use for freestyle. As far as boards go, it’s the same. I have my surfboards I use for wave riding and my twin-tips for freestyle.

Courtesy of Dan Steiner

Courtesy of Dan Steiner

Pony: Are you nervous about getting back out there since your leg injury? You fell 35 feet was it?

Dan: I’ve been on the water since my injury so I’m not really worried. Having said that, I don’t think I will be trying the move that I broke my leg doing anytime soon. There is definitely a mental block there. I am sure my leg can handle it but my mind is saying “take’r easy cowboy!”

Pony: How did you get involved with Within Reach?

Dan: My friend, Brendan Schnurr, is a kitesurfing buddy and videographer. He had the idea of making a film that showcases all the best spots to ride in Ontario. We started shooting and conducting interviews at each spot and have been compiling footage for the last three years or so. It’s been a long process with a lot of traveling and hard work but completely worth it.

Pony: What are we in store for?

Dan: There are a ton of places to ride in the Great Lakes and we showcased all of the best spots. You can expect in-depth interviews about each place, world class freestyle riding, wave riding and a whole bunch of wipe-outs. Oh, and don’t forget the bonus section – The Steinbag Chronicles.

Pony: Where’s your favourite place to surf?

Dan: Maui, for sure. It’s got the heaviest wind and the heaviest waves. The island is amazing for any adventure sport enthusiast – surfing, kite surfing, paragliding, mountain biking etc.  It has it all. Cabarete, Dominican Republic is also right near the top of my list.

Pony: Is there a specific move you’re known for?

Dan: My riding style is geared at keeping the kite as low as possible to create as much power for the types of tricks I do. Although I am known for riding strapless and smashing the tops off of waves!

Courtesy of David Tran

For more information on Within Reach, check out their website here or head to the Crocodile Rock on May 28th for the official premiere. Guest list is full so you’ll want to show up right at 8:30!

– Emma Farquharson.