Words & Photo: © Red Bull Media House
The much anticipated return of Red Bull King of the Air has seen kiteboarders the world over doing anything to get their hands on an entry. Sixteen of the world’s best as well as eight wildcards have been selected to compete.
Photo credit: © Red Bull Media House
CAPE TOWN (South Africa) Red Bull King of the Air returns to the fore after an eight year hiatus since the last running of the event in Maui, USA and wind patterns are currently looking favourable for the window period of 1 – 15 February at Big Bay, Blouberg on Cape Town’s coastline.
Sixteen invited kiteboarders from around the world will be joined by eight wildcards who secured their entry by sending in a video of themselves in action in the water.
Included in the lineup are extreme kiteboarder Ruben Lenten (NED), compatriot and world number 1 in 2012 Youri Zoon and local wildcard Oswald Smith who goes into the competition having just won SA Champs.
The judging panel consisting of fearless female kiteboarder Susi Mai, editor of Kiteworld Magazine and presenter of ‘The Kite Show’ Jim Gaunt and South African original Red Bull King of the Air alumnus Greg Tijsse will be watching the water to gauge height, style and creativity each kiteboarder executes their movement with.
The newly developed ‘flag out’ competition format is unlike any others - it gives each kiteboarder the opportunity to pull their best moves and score high. Four riders hit the water wearing different colour rash vests that matching a corresponding flag on the beach. After an allocated time, the rider with the lowest score will be flagged out (flag will be lowered) and must leave the water. The last man standing is the winner.
The event will also feature the godfather of wind-based watersports Robby Naish who will be in Cape Town to put the title hopefuls through their paces in the lead up to the event. Robby has multiple World Titles across windsurfing and kiteboarding disciplines and still competes internationally, at the tender age of 49.
For more updates on contest conditions visit www.redbullkingoftheair.co.za or #RedBullKingoftheAir on Twitter.
