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Youp Schmit (99NoveNove / Avanti) is just one of the extremely talented freestylers hailing from Bonaire - which seems to have a knack of producing world class freestylers. Schmit made his debut all the way back in 2010 - where he emerged as one of the most exciting talents on the freestyle scene. Since then there’s been plenty of highlights as Schmit established himself as one of the overall top 10 best freestylers - on a regular occurrence, but unfortunately the Bonairean had to endure a torrid time with injuries, but thankfully now it would seem he is back to full fitness and ready to challenge for top honours again. We recently caught up with Youp for an interview - plus you can see his latest video at the bottom - if you haven’t seen it yet.

You finished joint 17th in Fuerte - how did you find the event and what did you make of your result?

The event was a great success once again! The competition was on fire with stacked wind and action! My result in Fuerte is quite disappointing to me, yet I had a great time and event once again in Fuerteventura. I felt fit & ready to reach for the top of the rankings, yet as it being the first event of the year again, in the first elimination I didn’t completely get it together and did not gain the result I was aiming for. 

In the double I am happy about some of the heats as I performed great and managed to earn some top scores, which was obviously great, but in heat 38a I did not warm up like I normally do and I messed my first 4minutes of my heat up, losing that heat left me in the 17th place. With there only being one double elimination at the event I did not get the chance to boost up my ranking. 

The next freestyle contest is just over a week away... how will you be preparing for Sylt?

Right after the contest of Fuerteventura I got right back to training and pushing myself to come back harder in the next World Cup in Sylt (Germany). I can’t wait. Let’s hope for awesome conditions for the contest in Sylt! 

What do you think of the level on the freestyle tour right now?

The level on the freestyle tour is awesome! All the guys are pushing the freestyle level. It’s so much fun to see how higher, faster and crazier rotations are coming into freestyle which is pushing freestyle to become an even more extreme and radical show.

Would you say that it's harder to do well now compared to when you first starting competing because of how incredibly competitive it is even from the first round of the double?

Freestyle once it comes to competition grounds has always been competitive, winning a heat a few years ago compared to now is all the same, only the level of freestyle moves are bigger, higher and more entertaining. Plus I feel freestyle is growing bigger and bigger over the years, more and more guys are ripping and making big freestyle moves which is pushing the level ever higher!

The last few years you've had your fair share of struggles with injuries, but this year it seems you are back to full fitness with no problems? That must be a welcome relief?

Yes, it is a huge relief being in physical top form after struggling with injuries! I feel strong, fit and ready to continue my come back from my injuries and will be sure to keep myself 100% fit. 

Your latest clip shows Bonaire in all it's beauty - what's an average day in the life of Youp Schmit when you are at home?

An average day of mine… Starts off with a strong breakfast with a workout in the early morning. After the workout I’ll prepare my meals for the rest of my day. Then I’ll get out the house as soon as possible and hit the beach! If it’s windy, be sure to catch me on the water! If not, you’ll find me at Jibe City in the board repair, working on boards. After a long day at the beach, I’ll be heading home again, cook up some food and dream about the next day! 

Thank you so much for catching up with me, ENJOY the video, and see you again soon!

Thanks Youp - see you in Sylt!

You can see Youp Schmit’s latest video @ youtu.be/GdrQ3sZMiS8

To stay up to date with all of Youp Schmit’s latest news and adventures follow his Social Media Networks:

Facebook: @youp.schmit.1 

Instagram: @youpschmit