Willem Hooft

I can no longer walk, but I will learn how to fly.

- Willem Hooft

Willem as a speaker

Book Willem as a speaker and be inspired by his passionate story of overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams.

He will take you and your audience on a journey covering topics such as:

“I can no longer walk, but I will learn how to fly.”

Bio Willem Hooft

These are the words of Willem after he ended up in a wheelchair due to a motorbike accident. He tells about the journey he undertakes to realize his biggest dream; kitesurfing on the waves in front of the coast of South Africa. But is that even possible, with paralyzed legs?

He often hears that his plans are not realistic. Kitesurfing is too difficult to learn and the risks are too great for someone in a wheelchair. Moreover, there are no suitable surf materials on the market. But Willem is determined:

“After my motorbike accident I had to let go of many things, but one thing I could not and did not want to accept; the thought of never being able to surf again. I am taking on this challenge, and I am going to make my dream come true.”

Today, he is a professional kitesurfer within the international team of Slingshot and Wind Voyager. He travels around the world for kitesurfing, inspiring many to live their maximum potential. “If you truly want something, a lot is possible. Dare to dream, no wave is too high!”

Through his motivational talks, Willem encourages others to experience change in a positive way. It is a personal story about achieving goals, chasing dreams and dealing with setbacks. A story that sticks with you.

Would you like to book Willem as a speaker for your company or event, or would you like more information?

Read Willem’s book

The book ‘Geen golf te hoog’ is currently only available in Dutch.

Are you interested in ordering multiple copies of the book? Please contact Willem through the contact form. Willem will sign them personally for you if you order five copies or more.

Testimonials

“How do you go on when you can’t stand up anymore? How do you move ahead when you can’t walk anymore? Willem Hooft can’t stand up and can’t walk anymore and yet he made his long cherished dream come true. Impressive and inspiring story!”

“Willem's positivity is contagious. I admire his resilience and perseverance which enabled him to make his dream come true. Beautiful story!”

"A special man with an extraordinary story. His mindset and his personal route make him distinctive. You will learn that it does not matter what happens to you, but how you deal with it. Top-level sport exists more in daily life than we know.”

“Within an hour, Willem made an unforgettable impression with his story. A powerful, positive and enthusiastic personality that touches people’s heart, and at the same time makes the audience laugh. Willem brings inspiration and energy, but above all stimulates people to think about how to deal with change. With his personal story, he is an inspiration that you will not forget.”

“Sales, account managers and directors hang on every word Willem speaks. He tells his moving, hopeful, positive story in peace and brings you into the mindset of rethinking. He touched me with his tough, pure appearance. What a gift of life to have met Willem!”

“I am still deeply impressed by Willem's story. Not a sad story, even though I had tears in my eyes. A story about perseverance, creating opportunities for yourself, rethinking, passion, sport and following your dream no matter what. Great speaker for different occasions!”

“Willem’s story is touching, powerful, sad, and incredibly beautiful at the same time. Willem speaks from his heart through which the message, dealing with change, sinks in deeply. The story fits well with our daily work as police officers. Willem, thank you so much for your courage, perseverance and your will to share. Everyone can learn a lot from you.”