Team Riders
At Paddy in the Elements, we believe in progression, community, and transparency.
Our rider team is made up of passionate and skilled kitesurfers who represent the spirit of Irish riding—resilient, adventurous, and always pushing boundaries.
We're proud to support three incredible riders across Ireland, including two North Kitesurfing riders and one Vantage Kiteboarding rider. These athletes don’t just ride—they test gear in real-world, often extreme Irish conditions, offering valuable feedback and helping us refine the experience we bring to all our students and customers.
Our team riders play a key role in:
- Testing and reviewing equipment in authentic conditions
- Offering guidance on gear selection and local spots
- Coaching others and sharing tips to level up their riding
- Contributing to our content and presence across social media
What’s in it for them?
In return, riders receive discounted gear, increased exposure across our growing platform, and opportunities to connect with larger industry brands.
We’re all about keeping it real—this is a mutual partnership where everyone grows, learns, and elevates the sport together. If you're passionate about kiting, committed to progress, and love sharing the stoke, you might just be a future team rider.
Eric Walshe- Team Rider North Kitesurfing
Name: Eric Walshe
Age: 28 years old
Location: Dublin, kitespot Dollymount
Kitesurfing length: Started kitesurfing nearly 4 years ago
My favourite sessions are when I’m overpowered on my 8m sending big loops.
Why did you choose North Kitesurfing as a brand?
I moved onto the north gear as I had a couple of instances of gear breaking, chicken loop, lines, bindings and tears in kites with my previous brand.
I had a good few friends who had been riding North gear for a long time and had no issues, did some research online and it was clear they're known for their durability. The orbit being one of the best kites for pushing your loop progression was an added bonus!
Current tricks you're working on:
Working on Boogie Loops and Board Off's. Aiming to land a kiteloop board off by the end of the year.
Favourite Trick:
On lighter wind days, I enjoy riding with friends and playing around with some freestyle tricks.
Kitesurfing Location's:
Dollymount is my local spot, but I love travelling Ireland on my off days with my girlfriend to chase some good wind. I'm partial to a session at Paddy's local spot in Galway :)
My 2025 quiver:
• 8.1m & 10m North Orbit Pro
• Navigator Pro Bar
• North Atmos Carbon board
• Flex LX bindings
Eric's social media
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ericwalshekite/
Charlie Johnston- Team Rider North Kitesurfing
Name: Charlie Johnston
Age: 16 years old (transition Year)
Location: Cork, kite spot
Kitesurfing length: Started kitesurfing May 2020
My favourite sessions are when I’m overpowered on my 8m sending big loops.
Why did you choose North Kitesurfing as a brand?
I chose North Kitesurfing as it's some of the best gear for Big Air Progression.
Current tricks you're working on:
Kiteloop Board off.
Favourite Trick:
Board Off by the fin.
Kitesurfing Location's:
Garrylucas, Cork.
- My 2025 quiver:
• 8.1m Orbit Pro + 2023 12m Orbit
• 2025 Navigator Pro Bar - Duotone Select 2022 TT
- Entity Bindings 2023
Charlie's social media
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/charlie.j80/
Peadar Harvey- Team Rider Vantage
(Picture Credit- Thanks to Conor Ryan at www.cprphoto.com)
Name: Peadar Harvey
Age: 32 Years Old.
Location: Galway, Home spot is Lahinch
Favourite Kite Spots: Lahinch, Doonbeg and Bellmullet.
Kitesurfing length: Started kitesurfing in 2018.
Why did you choose Vantage as a brand?
I like the Valcon as it has speed, lift and the ability to drift really well. The build quality is superb, and it never lets me down 👍
Current tricks you're working on:
Strapless Board Off.
Favourite Trick:
Tail Slide
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My 2025 quiver:
• Vantage Valcon 6 + 8m
• Vantage Newton Gen2 50cm
-
Appletree Malus Domestica Board
Still looking for Team Riders for-
- Vantage Kitesurfing (1 more)
- Core Kites (1 Spot)
- North Windsurfing (1 Spot)
- North Foils (1 Spot)
If you are interested, please send us an email with your Instagram tag to paddyintheelements@gmail.com
