Kitesurfing

Chini

CountryChile
Age36
Chini, Ambassador

Between the Wind and History: The Legacy of "Chini"

Rodrigo "Chini" Kleiber Valenzuela doesn't just teach a sport; he guides people through a process of reconnection. At 50 years old, with nearly two decades dedicated to teaching kitesurfing, his life is a blend of music, a passion for the elements, and a deep connection to the land he calls home.

Ever since he arrived at the Puclaro Reservoir, looking for a place where the wind would allow him to practice this sport, Chini found much more than just a training ground.

He settled in the heart of the Elqui Valley, a place shaped by the history and resilience of communities like Gualliguaica. He honors the memory of the old town with respect, preserving the cultural value of these sites. For Chini, the reservoir is an example of how, in the wake of adversity, a new way of life and connection can take root, transforming this corner of Chile into a global hub for the sport that changed his life.

Time to Be Free - Image
HOMESPOT
Puclaro Reservoir, Coquimbo
PASSION
Kitesurfing and music. He says that kitesurfing gives him a total connection with nature, where he feels completely at one with the wind and the water
DREAM
It is already largely achieving this goal, as evidenced by the fact that its own students have become instructors
WHY KITESURFING
It was his lifeline during a difficult time in his personal life. He was hooked on the adrenaline and the sense of power that the sport provides.
FOCUS
He is particularly motivated to work with students who have had bad experiences with other instructors and show them that they can indeed master the sport
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Description

Interview

Who are you, aside from being a kitesurfer?

In addition to kitesurfing, I'm a musician, visual artist, and chef by profession. Music has been a constant in my life since I was 15, and it's an essential part of who I am.

How did you get into this sport?

When I was 12, I had my first experience with a two-line kite, which helped me understand the principles of flight. Then, in 2003, some friends who were athletes brought the first kites to Chile. It was a difficult time in my personal life, and the sport came along at just the right moment; I was immediately hooked by the adrenaline rush and the connection with a powerful force of nature.

Is kitesurfing your whole life?

Yes, 100%. It's my job, my passion, my hobby, and a lifestyle that takes up my time. Even though I'm still making music, kitesurfing has stayed with me and helped me make a living.

Does your family or community share your passion?

Fortunately, I surround myself with people who share this passion: my friends, my partner, and my kids all do it, too. It creates a very close-knit community. But when you get in the water, that moment is unique: it’s just you and the kite.

Interview with Ambassador Chini
Interview with Chini

What does it mean to you to be in the water and feel the wind?

It's an exhilarating combination. You're out there with the wind, the water, the kite, and the board. I love that connection with the elements; just being out there sailing is incredibly enjoyable.

How would you describe the experience of learning?

I'll draw an analogy with learning to drive: at first it's scary and seems intimidating, but over time it becomes part of everyday life. The teacher, more than just an instructor, acts as a "shaman" who guides you until you manage to tame this force of nature.

You've been teaching for almost 20 years. What's the most important thing when you're just starting out?

The key is to take classes with certified instructors and never try to learn on your own. The training is technical and takes time; there’s no specific age or mindset required—anyone from children to seniors can learn.

Watch the interview

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