It has been two years since Kiri last competed in the PWA World Tour.
There has been some ups and downs, some victories and some losses, but Kiri is hungrier than ever to get on the podium again.
With an impressive winning streak from 2007 until 2015, Thode managed to secure a spot on the podium each year.
This year, he wants to join the PWA World Tour again with the first stop scheduled for Bonaire. But now he has to fight to get a wildcard.
There is no better way to show the world what he is still capable of than at his home spot. He is familiar with the conditions and knows what to expect when it comes down to competing.
"I know it is not going to be easy, but I have to do this. There is still a little voice inside, telling me to get out there and compete, and it grows louder every day," notes Kiri Thode.
Ready-Ready
The former world champion says he is training harder than ever to be "ready-ready."
"I set my goals for this year, and I want to push the sport like I always did. I created new freestyle moves back in the day, and I feel like there is still more to come from me," adds the freestyle windsurfer.
"I am fine tuning my moves to get back to my windsurf routine. Not only am I training on the water but, as an athlete, I know how important it is to also train in the gym as well. My condition needs to be back at my old level so I can throw all the tricks needed in my heats."
Jibe City and Severne Sails Caribbean back him up, giving him the opportunity to prove that he has still got what it takes to be one of the best out there.
"It is hard to be on top of your game for so many years, but I have refocused again, and now I want to come back better than I left!" concludes the 28-year-old windsurfer.
It is going to be an exciting year, not only for Kiri but also for the world of freestyle. Thode won the 2013 PWA Freestyle world title. Why wouldn't you love to see him do it twice?