Meet The Team

Our passion for kitesurfing and adventure is the driving force embodied in our team, which is shared with you when you join us on our specially crafted experiences at world-class kitesurfing locations.

The Zephyr Team consists of mature, friendly, and qualified instructors, coaches, and guides; and with a high ratio of team to guests, we can always offer quality services with no fuss, so you get the best out of your Zephyr Kite Tour.

If you’re keen to be a part of this fun and crazy crew, why not join our team?

OUR TEAM

CERTIFIED KITE FROTHERS!

BEN STROWGER

OWNER / DIRECTOR
KA SENIOR INSTRUCTOR | STOKECOACH | DUOTONE TEAM RIDER

BEN STROWGER

Ben has been passionate about board sports since he left England in 2003. As a natural motivator and frother of any action sport, he’s been leading people on adventures to snowboard, party, and kitesurf for years. Having worked for Zephyr since 2013, Ben became the proud owner of the business in 2020 and since then has been constantly searching for new and exciting destinations to bring a Zephyr Tour along to! Ben’s friendly and positive outlook on life is contagious and his passion for kitesurfing and adventure will blow you out of the water – literally! His tagline of, “Keep it simple, make it stylish,” will have you kiting with more style and better technique in no time. While coaching, Ben likes to focus on progression, ensuring that all his clients finish each session with a smile and stoke! He loves to fly high and boasts a WOO record of 24.4m (#4 all-time in Australia). Ben’s favourite time to kite is when a storm front is rolling through and the wind gusts above 30kts. However, when out of the water, Ben puts all his focus and energy into ensuring he delivers the highest level of customer service, providing you with the best customer experience. When he’s not living the stoke kiting in remote destinations around the world, Ben works for our partner retail shop Ocean Addicts in Sunshine Coast, QLD. Check out his Stoke Coach sessions for the ultimate inspiration and see why he gets people to follow him anywhere around the world for the stoke.

HOME COUNTRY: England
YEARS KITING: 13 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Winning my first individual kiteboarding medal at the 2023 QLD State Freestyle titles!
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Megaloop board-off
FAVOURITE KITE: 12m Duotone Evo D/Lab
WOO RECORD: 24.4m, #4 in Australia
KITESURFING GOALS: Double mega-loop

CAT JAY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & ADMINISTRATOR
KA LEVEL 1

CAT JAY

Cat first set out to pursue adventure in sports tourism in the mid-2000s when she moved to Whistler, Canada to work as a snowboard instructor. After relocating to the Sunshine Coast, QLD in 2018, the warm waters and smaller swell of sunny QLD provided Cat with the perfect opportunity to take up surfing. With the windy, sunny days of summer, it only seemed natural to expand her board-sport repertoire to include kitesurfing. Cat became an instructor in 2021 and enjoys connecting with her students by tailoring each kite lesson to their specific needs, recognising that each student has a different learning style. As a kiter, Cat appreciates long, flat-water sessions with the wind blowing 18-20kts, where she can consistently push her skill level and improve her technique. She is keen to boost higher and execute her jumps and rotations with more style. After working as a high school teacher for 10 years, Cat now works in marketing, graphic design, and website management. With the expansion of Zephyr Tours and the increasing range of activities offered on tour, Cat joins the Zephyr team in an administrative role while also lending a hand with tour photography.

HOME COUNTRY: Australia
YEARS KITING: 3
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Winning the 2021 QLD State Freestyle Title on my 40th birthday!
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Tweaked front-roll grab
FAVOURITE KITE: 8m Duotone Evo SLS
WOO RECORD: 7.9m
KITESURFING GOALS: Learning to kite loop and inverted front/back rolls

CHEF

MAX MEERTENS

Back for round two on Team Zephyr, Max, a.k.a. Maximus, Maximilian, reinstates his role as chef for the 2023 season. Originally from the Netherlands, Max first travelled to Australia to feed his desire for cookery, and passion to explore Farm to Fork culinary style. After travelling around Australia in a campervan, Max settled in Perth in 2021, and naturally, he picked up a kite and has never put it down! As a chef, Max enjoys seeking out the freshest ingredients to create healthy inspiring meals, from freshly caught seafood on a BBQ to a slow-cooked smoky brisket complimented with an ice-cold beer. Max describes kitesurfing as having become a 'life-changing addiction', and lucky for us, he would now rather see the smiles on people's faces when he cooks for them on the beach rather than in a fancy restaurant.

HOME COUNTRY: Netherlands
YEARS KITING: 2 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Jumping 12m in my first year of kiting!
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Kiteloops
FAVOURITE KITE: Duotone Rebel SLS
WOO RECORD: 12.8m
KITESURFING GOALS: Boogie loops by the end of this year!

INSTRUCTORS

PHIL GREEN

KA LEVEL 1

PHIL GREEN

Phil is our on-island local legend! Not only does he teach and facilitate all our kitesurfing lessons and help out on tour with the Zephyr Team as required, Phil is a carpenter extraordinaire, fixing, building, constructing, designing; whatever it is we need help with (just take a look at our sturdy kite racks in the kite shack)! Phil started Kiteboarding in the Cocos (K) Islands back in 2011 and his passion for teaching saw him enrol in the first Kiteboarding Australia Instructors course in 2016. He moved to Cocos with his wife Karen in the same year to 'retire', i.e,. work full-time as a carpenter, while enjoying the fantastic climate and wind conditions that Cocos has to offer. When Phil’s not teaching you’ll find him kiting in the Cocos lagoon or snorkeling with the turtles.

HOME COUNTRY: England
YEARS KITING: 10 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS: Becoming an instructor in 2016
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Jumping kite loop transition
FAVOURITE KITE: Duotone Evo
WOO RECORD: I’m happy to get my fins out of the water!
KITESURFING GOALS: To still be kiting when I’m as old as Graham Flynn!

RAN ESHEL

GUIDE

RAN ESHEL

We're stoked to have Ran join the Zephyr Team for the third year! Hailing from Israel, Ran moved to Australia 3 years ago to pursue kitesurfing and surfing waves. Ran first taught kitesurfing in Israel, however, he only developed a passion for freestyle kiting since moving to Australia and has now discovered how awesome wave kiting can be. He has a unique kitesurfing style, and loves to fly high, spending most of his time inverted, looking down on the world! Basing himself in the Margaret River, Ran works as a carpenter in the off-season. He is a keen spearfisherman and plans to bring his mad fishing skills to Cocos, adding freshly caught fish to the menu! Over the last couple of years, we've seen Ran push his kitesurfing skills to the absolute limit, and all this time putting his body on the line has paid off! The Stoke Coach better watch out!

HOME COUNTRY: Israel
YEARS KITING: 6 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Being better than Ben!
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Hummus flip (you’ll have to ask me!)
FAVOURITE KITE: Duotone Rebel SLS
WOO RECORD: If I had a Woo, it would be higher than Ben!
KITESURFING GOALS: Board-off mega-loop

IEKE VERKUIL

KA LEVEL 1

IEKE VERKUIL

Three years on the trot, I guess it's safe to say that Ieke is becoming a permanent fixture in the Zephyr Team! And how lucky are our client's to have this fabulous, kind, compassionate, skilled coach be back with us for 2023? Originally from the Netherlands, Ieke moved to Perth in 2012 and settled in Safety Bay, as close to The Pond as possible! Working as an instructor for WA Surf & Go Kiting, Ieke is a Duotone team rider, and constantly pushes herself to reach new heights, taking out first place in the 2022 Queen of the Pond competition. While not on the water, Ieke works as an ICU Clinical Nurse, these skills being equally appreciated as part of the team! Ieke’s favourite thing to do is kitesurf until sunset, and she is looking forward to again being part of the Zephyr Cocos Islands Team in 2023.

HOME COUNTRY: Netherlands
YEARS KITING: 9 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
1st place in both Freestyle & Downwinder at 2023 the Carnarvon Windfest
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: High backroll to toe-side double grab
FAVOURITE KITE: 10m Duotone Dice SLS
WOO RECORD: Don’t have one, but my best guess would be 10m
KITESURFING GOALS: Never stop progressing! But, nailing a Boogie loop would be awesome!

MARNIX VAN WINKELHOFF

KA SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

MARNIX VAN WINKELHOFF

With his huge smile and infectious enthusiasm, Marnix is back for his third season bringing his outstanding skills as a coach for Zephyr. And with his passion for kitesurfing equalling his passion for coaching, we couldn't be more excited to have him back on the team! Based in Perth, Marnix coaches for WA Surf and Go Kiting, and is always motivated to improve his riding or try something new. With a degree in Sports Psychology, Marnix is a natural motivator and enjoys running kite clinics, focusing on progression, and supporting other kiters to continue improving and learning new tricks. Off the water, Marnix owns his own business, Marnix Photography, capturing candid moments and happy memories working as a wedding photographer. His kitesurfing motto? “The best kitesurfer is the one with the biggest smile! Especially in front of the camera!”

HOME COUNTRY: Netherlands
YEARS KITING: 9 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
1st place Freestyle at the 2023 Carnarvon Windfest
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Board-off
FAVOURITE KITE: 11m Duotone Dice SLS
WOO RECORD: 13.4m
KITESURFING GOALS: Getting better!

MATTEO FANETTI

IKO LEVEL 2 | FREESTYLE / FREERIDE COACH

MATTEO FANETTI

Matteo started kiting in 2017 in Fuerteventura and immediately fell in love with the sport. Within 6 months, he became an IKO Instructor and started travelling the world teaching kitesurfing in Cuba, Mexico, Italy, Zanzibar, and finally Australia. Originally from Italy, Matteo has spent the last two summers working for WA Surf where he’s had the chance to kite with some of the best riders, pushing his riding to a higher level. Matteo is a versatile instructor, having recently become a certified Freeride and Freestyle Coach, he is perfectly suited to help you progress in whatever discipline you wish to pursue. He loves both big air and freestyle and will get you jumping higher and unhooking with style. Matteo is stoked to be on the Zephyr Team for the whole season and can’t wait to share his knowledge and skills with you.

HOME COUNTRY: Italy
YEARS KITING: 6 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
2023 King of the Pond semi-finalist
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Kiteloop late backroll
FAVOURITE KITE: 8M Duotone Rebel SLS
WOO RECORD: Don’t have one!
KITESURFING GOALS: Learn an unhooked 313, and get sponsored!

MERIEL FARR

IKO LEVEL 1

MERIEL FARR

Heading to Morocco for a surf trip, Coffs Harbour local, Mezz, found herself road tripping her way through the desert to Dakhla where she discovered her addiction for kitesurfing. Her 2-week holiday turned into 2 years of travelling and exploring Spain, Panama, Dominican Republic, Greece, and Brazil, where she spent her time improving both her kiting and teaching. Completing her IKO Course early on, Mezz loves seeing her students’ progress, and excels in keeping beginners calm and confident while making it a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience for everyone. Sunset sessions, downwind adventures, flat glassy water, and fresh coconuts is what excites her the most. Keen to get into more wave kiting, Mezz looks forward to sharing her passion of kiting and island life with you!

HOME COUNTRY: Australia
YEARS KITING: 2 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Completing the 500km Dakhla Downwind Challenge
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Front and back roll grabs
FAVOURITE KITE: 9M Duotone Evo
WOO RECORD: Don’t have one!
KITESURFING GOALS: Have the most fun, push myself to improve, go bigger, and nail some kite loops!

ANGELA MAZZEI

IKO LEVEL 1

HOME COUNTRY: Italy
YEARS KITING: 3 years
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Inverted front roll
FAVOURITE KITE: 7M Duotone Rebel SLS
WOO RECORD: Don’t have one!
KITESURFING GOALS: Boogie loops!

VOLUNTEER HOSTS

MAAIKE KRIKHAAR

TOUR 1

MAAIKE KRIKHAAR

One part Team Holland, and one part of the M-Team, Maaike took up kiting 3 years ago and instantly fell in love. Coming from a corporate background as a political policy officer, trading the office for the tropical lagoon of Cocos is a welcome change. Maaike loves travelling and has visited many kitesurfing destinations in Europe, Brazil, and Africa, with South Africa being high on the bucket list. When kitesurfing is involved, Maaike is always happy and cheerful, and hopes to bring some Dutch “gezelligheid” to the tour experience. Maaike is always up for adventure and can’t wait to be in Cocos this July to launch your kite, serve you food, drive you around the island, and give you that motivational speech to help you break your PR! “Let’s go to the moon and never come back!” Yeww!

HOME COUNTRY: Netherlands
YEARS KITING: 3 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
350 km 7-day downwinder in Brazil
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Darkslide
FAVOURITE KITE: 7M Duotone Rebel SLS
WOO RECORD: 7.9m
KITESURFING GOALS: To become a kite instructor, jump higher than 10m, and learn to loop better!

CHRIS HAUGHTON

TOUR 2

CHRIS HAUGHTON

Chris is super excited to join the Zephyr Team! Since picking up a kite and hitting some snow covered fields in Canada to surfing up the Oz coastline, Chris instantly fell in love with this sport. Moving to Brisbane, Australia and finding a new love with the ocean, he quickly pumped his kites in Australia and hasn't stopped. Harnessing mother nature and giving you the gift of lift for that momentary flight just never gets old. When the wind isn't blowing you can find this crazy Canadian up in trees working as an arborist on the side. Chris is really looking forward to helping out on tour this year and looks forward to meeting everyone and sharing the stoke.

HOME COUNTRY: Canada
YEARS KITING: 3 years
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS: First Canadian snow kiter to land in a tree (totally intentional)!
FAVOURITE KITE TRICK: Backroll hand drag
FAVOURITE KITE: Duotone Rebel SLS
WOO RECORD: 9.7m
KITESURFING GOALS: Megaloop board-off and becoming a kitesurfing instructor

JAMES NICHOLSON

TOUR 3

JAMES NICHOLSON

James is back for his third season as a volunteer with the Zephyr Team. James first discovered kitesurfing in 2016 after studying Architecture and moving to Melbourne. He was immediately hooked! Being drawn to the ocean and the outdoor lifestyle, James saw kitesurfing as an opportunity to travel and meet likeminded people. Since getting hooked on kitesurfing, James has not spent much time behind a desk, rather, he has pursued a variety of opportunities such as working in skydiving, tourism, and carpentry. James is excited to be heading back to Cocos this year to help support the crew and ensure our clients not only learn new skills and develop their riding, but also have a safe and fun experience!

HOME COUNTRY: Australia
YEARS KITING:
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
FAVOURITE KITE:
KITESURFING GOALS:

MADDIE PEARCE

TOUR 4 & 5

MADDIE PEARCE

Growing up in country Victoria, Maddie was first introduced to water sports from a young age, with waterskiing and wakeboarding being a big part of her life. Having a love for the ocean, and after getting “stuck” in W.A during covid, Maddie took up kitesurfing in the warm waters of Exmouth in 2022 and is in the infancy of her kite journey. Originally working in Management Consulting, Maddie is looking for a career change to “get out of an office and have some fun”. She has backpacked solo through Europe, South America, and Asia, worked on a sailboat in Croatia, and hopes to continue combining her love of travel and adrenaline in the future! Having recently returned from a kitesurfing trip to Dahkla, Maddie joins the Zephyr Team this year as a Volunteer Host for Tours 4 and 5.

HOME COUNTRY: Australia
YEARS KITING: 1 year
KITING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Taught to kite by my boyfriend and we’re still together!
FAVOURITE KITE: 7M Duotone Rebel SLS
KITESURFING GOALS: To build confidence and start jumping.

ZEPHYR TEAM ALUMNI

JEN OCEANS

FOUNDER

LEVI FOWLER

COCOS LEGEND

COCOS ISLANDS: TOO MANY TO COUNT!

BECKY BURY

COOK

SOUTH AFRICA: 2020
COCOS ISLANDS: 2020, 2021

FOLKERT ``FOLKY`` BOSMA

COACH / INSTRUCTOR

FAR NORTH QLD: 2021
COCOS ISLANDS: 2020, 2021

JOSHUA KELLY

CHEF

COCOS ISLANDS: 2021

JOHNNY FASSLER

INSTRUCTOR / SOUTH AFRICA GUIDE

COCOS ISLANDS: 2017, 2018
SOUTH AFRICA: 2020

LUCA DE PRATO

INSTRUCTOR / WAVE COACH

COCOS ISLANDS: 2020

SAM CHAPMAN

INSTRUCTOR / COACH

COCOS ISLANDS: 2019
NORTH QLD: 2021

LUIZ MATTOS

INSTRUCTOR

COCOS ISLANDS: 2022

MARTIN

INSTRUCTOR

COCOS ISLANDS: 2021, 2022

MEET THE TEAM

OUR TEAM

CERTIFIED KITE FROTHERS!

BEN STROWGER

BEN STROWGER

CAT JAY

CAT JAY

CHEF

MAX MEERTENS

MAX MEERTENS

INSTRUCTORS

PHIL GREEN

PHIL GREEN

RAN ESHEL

RAN ESHEL

IEKE VERKUIL

IEKE VERKUIL

MARNIX VAN WINKELHOFF

MARNIX VAN WINKELHOFF

MATTEO FANETTI

MATTEO FANETTI

MERIEL FARR

MERIEL FARR

ANGELA MAZZEI

ANGELA MAZZEI

VOLUNTEER HOSTS

MAAIKE KRIKHAAR

MAAIKE KRIKHAAR

CHRIS HAUGHTON

CHRIS HAUGHTON

JAMES NICHOLSON

JAMES NICHOLSON

MADDIE PEARCE

MADDIE PEARCE

ZEPHYR TEAM ALUMNI

JEN OCEANS

LEVI FOWLER

BECKY BURY

FOLKERT ``FOLKY`` BOSMA

JOSHUA KELLY

JOHNNY FASSLER

LUCA DE PRATO

SAM CHAPMAN

LUIZ MATTOS

MARTIN

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