What do kitesurfing and algae have in common? Besides the ocean being their 'common ground,' plnktn recently officially partnered with World Champion Kitesurfer Pippa van Iersel! On her journey to becoming the world's best female kitesurfer, we're following her travels, her routine, and her enthusiasm for algae. In this article, you'll read how algae contribute to Pippa's path to gold, and she shares an important lesson. Also, and perhaps especially, for non-elite athletes. Read along!
First, introduce yourself, who is Pippa?
Hi! I'm Pippa, 25 years old, and I'm originally from Schellinkhout, a small village in the north of the Netherlands. Thanks to my dad, I started kitesurfing; he's been kiting since 2000. I was allowed to start when I was 14, and ever since then, I've been an enthusiastic kitesurfer.
From green gold to a gold medal, how do algae contribute to your mission to become the best female kitesurfer in the world?
For me, algae make a huge contribution to my lifestyle. If you want to be the very best at something, you really have to focus on all the small details. It's literally about that 5 to 10 percent for which you have to do a lot. To go from being in the top 5 to becoming number 1. All those small percentages add value, including algae. To feel as fit as possible every day and truly get the most out of your physique.
GRWM (Get ready with me) - Pippa edition - How do you start your day?
I wake up and often start my day with two large glasses of water. With that, I take plnktn's magnesium. Depending on whether I have training that day, I'll have a yoga session or stretching. If I have training, it's more yoga/stretching to warm up.
Then it's time for breakfast, which is often carb-rich. With this, I take 4 plankton capsules, vitamin D3, and Omega-3 from algae oil. This way, I have a good meal at the start of the day with all the nutrients I need.
To really wake myself up, I often take a cold shower. And that's pretty much my morning routine.
Oh, and not to forget, not many people know this, I also always meditate before my sessions.
In what other ways do you keep yourself physically and mentally healthy?
Besides kiting, I also do strength training at least twice a week and physiotherapy once a week. So that keeps my body and physique in good shape. But if I kite less that week, I do more strength training, cardio, and also mobility training.
To ensure I get enough nutrition relative to the training I do, I work with a nutritionist who monitors everything.
Regarding mental health, I have a sports psychologist with whom I also work. Depending on whether I have a competition approaching or how I'm doing mentally, I have at least one contact moment per month.
The ocean is essentially your office, your playground. How do you feel about the health of our oceans?
For me, it's about the whole picture and the choices you make within it. For example, I live on a boat with solar panels on the roof, but I also choose Omega-3 from algae oil instead of fish. As a kitesurfer, you're also connected to the water. If I'm kiting and I see plastic floating in the ocean, of course, I'll take it to the beach for the trash.
One last thought: as an elite athlete and plnktn ambassador, what message do you want to share with the reader?
What I experience as an elite athlete is that you can strive to get the best out of yourself every day. All those small percentages across the board make a huge difference as an elite athlete. What I really want to share with people who aren't necessarily elite athletes is: choose for your health. Choose all the small things that ultimately make you happier and better. Whether you're a writer, an artist, or just have a normal job, making those small choices in every aspect makes your brain happier and your body feel fitter.
Adding algae to my life contributes to the happiness of my brain and my physical body.
Why the collaboration with plnktn?
What I find really cool is the energy that plnktn has. Regarding making videos to promote your products, but also the energy you give each other and wanting to bring that to as many people as possible. Choosing health, I think that's the very best goal to help people achieve. Especially in a time when many people no longer know what is healthy and what is not.
I believe in plnktn's products and stand behind them 100%. I want to convey that to other people and help them make easy and healthy choices.
Watch Pippa x plnktn's launch video here.