Gath is proud to officially welcome Ben and Henry Gerhardt to the Gath Sports International Team — a milestone that celebrates not just their incredible athletic achievements, but also the discipline, dedication,
and humility these two young athletes bring to the water.

Hailing from a dynamic sports family and raised on the shores of South Africa, Ben and Henry grew up immersed in wind and waves, thanks to their windsurfing parents. Their early years were spent chasing wind across the globe before the family settled in Western Australia in 2020. The result? Two remarkably talented, passionate, and well-rounded young men who are not only champions in kitesurfing but also impressively grounded and academically strong. “We’re truly impressed not only by their talent but by how polite and well-educated they are,” said Gath Marketing & Team Manager Federico Infantino,
“They are incredible role models.”

Ben’s love for kitesurfing started early — he relentlessly begged for lessons until, on his 9th birthday, he finally got a course in Fuerteventura. “That was it for me,” Ben recalls. “From then on, I swapped windsurfing gear for a kiteboarding quiver.” Not to be left behind, younger brother Henry took to the sport just a year later. “It’s our shared passion now,” Henry says.
“We push each other and grow together.”

Their home spot, The Pond in Safety Bay, WA, is their regular training ground and social hub.
“The Pond is perfect for freestyle and big air,” says Henry. “It’s where the local kite community comes alive.”
Ben adds, “It’s shrinking, though — we hope it stays open as long as possible.
It’s such an important place for riders like us.”

Internationally, the brothers have favorite spots of their own. For Ben, it’s the legendary One Eye reef in Mauritius:
“The wave is powerful, challenging, and perfect for carving. It’s scary, but I love it.” Henry prefers Taiba in Brazil
“It’s got everything: freestyle lagoons, waves, and strong wind for big air.”

The two have made serious waves on the global stage. Ben, now the Australian U18 Freestyle Champion, also placed 3rd in the U16 World Freestyle Championships and 2nd in the Australian Men’s Open Freestyle. Henry, meanwhile, became the U14 Freestyle World Champion last year and has already claimed the U14 Australian Big Air Nationals title.

“It was a dream come true,” he says of his world title. “I worked really hard for it and was stoked with the outcome.”

Both boys have their sights set high for the future. Ben aims to expand his international presence in the Big Air discipline,
while Henry wants to train harder and defend his world title.
“We just love being on the water and having fun with our friends while pushing our limits,” Ben explains.

Safety, of course, plays a major role in that journey — and both boys are strong advocates for helmets in water sports.
“There have been so many moments where my helmet has literally saved me,” says Ben.
“Gath helmets are sleek, snug, and don’t add bulk, which makes a huge difference when you hit the water hard.”
Henry agrees: “I’ve been hit by boards, foils, and kites
and barely felt it with my Gath. It gives me the confidence to go for harder tricks.”

Is wearing a helmet cool? “Absolutely,” says Henry. “Within the junior kite scene, your helmet color is like your signature.
It’s part of who you are.”
Ben adds, “Gath helmets have become a staple in performance kitesurfing — they’re the gold standard.”

Why Gath? The answer is unanimous. “They’re light, comfortable, and offer unmatched protection,” says Henry.
“Gath helps you ride with confidence, style, and safety,” he continues. “Always wear your helmet.”
Ben puts it even more simply: “Wear Gath!”

From the shores of Cape Town to the freestyle lagoons of Brazil, from school classrooms to world podiums
Ben and Henry Gerhardt are living proof that talent, grit, and values can take you anywhere.

Gath is honored to have them as part of the international family and can’t wait to see what waves they conquer next.