The book ‘Unseen’
A celebration to kitesurfing, my passion for the sport
and the elements.
This book is about my journey.
It’s more than just kitesurfing. It is a beautiful mix of action, lifestyle, portraits, and nature that I shot over the past decade.
About the book
After my surf foil accident in February 2021 I decided to work on a dream project. A high quality photo book. Being partly paralyzed doesn’t make things easier. Limited energy and a lack of hand function made working on my computer and navigating through my hard drives a challenging task. With some help I slowly started to create a beautiful selection and after a full year of dedication and hard work the book came alive.
Featuring a variety of world-class riders that became good friends throughout the years. Many of my photographs have been published worldwide in magazines and advertisements, but this book contains a collection of work that mostly hasn’t been seen.
The photos are bundled in a high-quality hardcover photo book, giving you a feeling of kitesurfing photography you haven’t had before. In an increasingly digital world, a world flooded with short clips and tiny photos, this is my celebration of kitesurfing and my desired love for the elements.
In this book you will find riders like Ruben Lenten, Jesse Richman, Jalou Langeree, Nick Jacobsen, Matchu Lopes, Kevin Langeree, and many more, riding in a variety of conditions in South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, Australia, and other places.
I teamed up with my friend and talented rider Oswald Smith ‘Ozzie’ who added some of his magic words to the book along with some of my personal handwritten writings.
The book is available in three different editions. A Standard Edition, a personally Signed Edition and a Surprise Print Edition that comes with a signed book, including a 20 x 30 cm limited 1 out of 20 surprise print on beautiful fine art photo paper.
About me
Ydwer van der Heide is a kitesurfing photographer driven by a lifelong connection to wind, water, and adventure. What started in 2003 as a passion for kiteboarding quickly evolved into a career capturing the sport from the inside out — pushing creative boundaries alongside the world’s best riders and brands.
After a life-changing accident in 2021, photography became more than work; it became a way forward. Today, Ydwer continues to tell stories through images, guided by curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for the sport and the moments that surround it.