Autor: Holly Keenan

All photos: Lukas Stiller / Video: Mintautas Grigas

After almost two years of no competition, it has been great to have all the competitors back on the water sharing their stoke and pushing the limits of what is possible with a surfboard and a kite. In terms of the conditions, it was a week of two halves, with some hardcore wind and waves for the beginning of the competition, then with brighter and lighter conditions over the second half. It was perfect for the competition where we were able to finish the main event and crown the winners within the first two days and then had a chance to kick back and follow up with some expression sessions. On the last day of the event, we held the official prize-giving and everyone was in high spirits and able to let their hair down after a great week of riding.

So, as the event winds down, and having not seen a lot of these riders in action for a while, what did we learn from the event here in Sylt?

THE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

There were certainly a few unexpected turns at this event with one, in particular, being former world champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA) being knocked out in the semi-finals by young gun Brazilian, Pedro Matos (BRA). Airton is one of the most decorated riders we have on the tour, with four world titles under his belt, so it was a shock for the esteemed rider and a sign of how hard the new guard of wave riders are pushing. Will we find that, as in the surfing world, the Brazilian riders will be the ones to watch over the next few events? It will certainly be interesting to see how Airton comes back in Denmark.

Another upset in the men’s competition was veteran Matchu Lopes (SPA) being knocked out on the second day of the competition by the talented Canadian rider, Reece Myerscough (CAN). Reece put on a remarkable performance here in Sylt and continues to evolve into one of the most complete riders on tour, with super-solid riding in both the surf and the strapless games. 

However, it was the performances of the two winners which have undoubtedly stolen the show in Sylt. James Carew (AUS) stood out above the other male competitors and was the only rider to score over 30 points in all of his heats. We are looking forward to seeing where James goes from here and what else he can add to his repertoire for the next event. 

In the women’s division, fifteen-year-old Capucine Delannoy (FRE) made those signature double front rolls look too easy, and her entire performance was well-rounded and showed a mature attitude to competition beyond her years. It is great to see such a young female rider pushing the limits of strapless freestyle into a whole other stratosphere.

THE 2021 KITE-SURF RANKINGS

The judges have decided that the overall rankings for 2021 will be determined by using the results from the 2020 GKA Kite-Surf World Cup in Cape Verde, combined with the results from all the GKA Kite-Surf events held in 2021. 

Due to the pandemic, many events got cancelled last year, meaning we could not crown our champions for 2020 and have an overall result. The judges have therefore decided to combine the results from both years. If all goes to plan and the pandemic does not interfere, then there will be two more GKA Kite-Surf World Cup events; the next event being in Denmark in two weeks and after that Morocco.

All riders will also have a discard. If they have missed one event (such as the event in Cape Verde) or, had a bad result in one of the events this year, this will not count towards their overall ranking for 2021.  Only the riders three best results will count towards the overall ranking. 

GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Hvide Sande 2021

Next up, the GKA Kite World Tour is excited to be hosting the next event in Hvide Sande, Denmark. Hvide Sande is located in the middle of a narrow headland on the Holmsland Klit which separates the North Sea and Ringköbing Fjord. The event will take place at “south mole”, a breakwater that produces what is regarded as a legendary wave in the region, with clean waves coming through on days with a northwest wind. The GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Hvide Sande will be a part of Waterz Festival – a multi-water sports festival that attracts spectators from all around the region, and we’re stoked to be showcasing the best wave riders in the world at the event.  The event will be between the 6th -11th of September so make sure to stay tuned as lots of action will be coming your way! You can find out more about the event on our website.

All photos: Lukas Stiller / Video: Mintautas Grigas

After almost two years of no competition, it has been great to have all the competitors back on the water sharing their stoke and pushing the limits of what is possible with a surfboard and a kite. In terms of the conditions, it was a week of two halves, with some hardcore wind and waves for the beginning of the competition, then with brighter and lighter conditions over the second half. It was perfect for the competition where we were able to finish the main event and crown the winners within the first two days and then had a chance to kick back and follow up with some expression sessions. On the last day of the event, we held the official prize-giving and everyone was in high spirits and able to let their hair down after a great week of riding.

So, as the event winds down, and having not seen a lot of these riders in action for a while, what did we learn from the event here in Sylt?

THE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

There were certainly a few unexpected turns at this event with one, in particular, being former world champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA) being knocked out in the semi-finals by young gun Brazilian, Pedro Matos (BRA). Airton is one of the most decorated riders we have on the tour, with four world titles under his belt, so it was a shock for the esteemed rider and a sign of how hard the new guard of wave riders are pushing. Will we find that, as in the surfing world, the Brazilian riders will be the ones to watch over the next few events? It will certainly be interesting to see how Airton comes back in Denmark.

Another upset in the men’s competition was veteran Matchu Lopes (SPA) being knocked out on the second day of the competition by the talented Canadian rider, Reece Myerscough (CAN). Reece put on a remarkable performance here in Sylt and continues to evolve into one of the most complete riders on tour, with super-solid riding in both the surf and the strapless games. 

However, it was the performances of the two winners which have undoubtedly stolen the show in Sylt. James Carew (AUS) stood out above the other male competitors and was the only rider to score over 30 points in all of his heats. We are looking forward to seeing where James goes from here and what else he can add to his repertoire for the next event. 

In the women’s division, fifteen-year-old Capucine Delannoy (FRE) made those signature double front rolls look too easy, and her entire performance was well-rounded and showed a mature attitude to competition beyond her years. It is great to see such a young female rider pushing the limits of strapless freestyle into a whole other stratosphere.

THE 2021 KITE-SURF RANKINGS

The judges have decided that the overall rankings for 2021 will be determined by using the results from the 2020 GKA Kite-Surf World Cup in Cape Verde, combined with the results from all the GKA Kite-Surf events held in 2021. 

Due to the pandemic, many events got cancelled last year, meaning we could not crown our champions for 2020 and have an overall result. The judges have therefore decided to combine the results from both years. If all goes to plan and the pandemic does not interfere, then there will be two more GKA Kite-Surf World Cup events; the next event being in Denmark in two weeks and after that Morocco.

All riders will also have a discard. If they have missed one event (such as the event in Cape Verde) or, had a bad result in one of the events this year, this will not count towards their overall ranking for 2021.  Only the riders three best results will count towards the overall ranking. 

GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Hvide Sande 2021

Next up, the GKA Kite World Tour is excited to be hosting the next event in Hvide Sande, Denmark. Hvide Sande is located in the middle of a narrow headland on the Holmsland Klit which separates the North Sea and Ringköbing Fjord. The event will take place at “south mole”, a breakwater that produces what is regarded as a legendary wave in the region, with clean waves coming through on days with a northwest wind. The GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Hvide Sande will be a part of Waterz Festival – a multi-water sports festival that attracts spectators from all around the region, and we’re stoked to be showcasing the best wave riders in the world at the event.  The event will be between the 6th -11th of September so make sure to stay tuned as lots of action will be coming your way! You can find out more about the event on our website.

We had a light breeze of around 12-13 kts which was enough wind for the organisers to run a wing and foil exhibition, and to showcase the latest toys.
The light winds also provided us with the opportunity to catch up with the riders and find out how they spent their time and kept fresh during the pandemic.

JAMES CAREW

First on our list was the top dog and champion of the competition here in Sylt, James Carew (AUS). James managed to escape his home country and go chasing waves and wind around South America and Europe.

‘At the beginning of the pandemic, I decided not to stay in Australia because the rules were so strict and it would have been nearly impossible for me to travel out of Australia to train somewhere else. Instead, I decided to travel to the south of Brazil in search of some great swell so I would be able to focus on surfing for a change. After Brazil, I headed to Tarifa for a few months. In Tarifa, I was able to push my level in strapless freestyle as I was training with Airton who is one of the riders I truly admire. He was throwing down huge Boogie Loops and Board-Offs, really pushing the big air side of strapless freestyle. Seeing Airton doing all these crazy manoeuvres motivated me to try them too. By the end of Tarifa I felt pleased with my riding and I felt prepared to finally get back into competition.

Whilst I am very happy to take 1st place here in Sylt, winning is not everything for me. What I care about most when I compete is that I go out there and put on the best possible performance I am humanly capable of. Coming back off the water and knowing that I have done this is what matters to me most, regardless of whether I win or lose.’

CAPUCINE DELANNOY

The new queen of strapless freestyle Capucine Delannoy (FRA) has truly managed to set herself apart from the other girls here in Sylt. So, what’s her secret?

‘My brother Camille is my real inspiration and is the reason my level has improved so much. Training with him everyday is the main reason I have improved so quickly. I would often be watching him on the water landing triple front rolls whilst I was only landing one and I was thinking to myself  “I can’t be doing just one front roll when he is doing three”, so I decided to go for the double and I landed it.

My dad is also very supportive. He comes to every competition with us and he films us on the beach a lot so we can then go home and watch our tricks back. This can be extremely useful as it helps me to improve, by putting my kite a little higher or bending my knees more for example. Without this support from my father and my brother I really would not be at the level I am riding today.’

Capucine has been spending at least three hours on the water everyday, which is why her level in strapless freestyle has gone up exponentially. In Cape Verde last year Capucine placed 5th and now, in Sylt, she seems to be the strongest female rider we have on the GKA Kite-Surf Tour.

REECE MYERSCOUGH

Reece Myerscough (CAN) is another impressive rider we have been keen to catch up with as he did exceedingly well in the competition here in Sylt, making it to the semi finals. Reece spent his lockdown in the surf town of Torfino in Canada.

‘I liked the competition here in Sylt as these are the kind of conditions I am used to. The water is also warmer here than it is in Canada so you won’t hear me complaining about the cold! I was stoked on my performance at this competition, particularly because in the first round of my heat I broke my finger when the board smashed into it. Nevertheless, I carried on riding and still managed to make it to the final rounds.

Reece’s journey into kiteboarding was not the typical route. ‘My family owns Ocean Rodeo so I have been flying kites my whole life. I started competing when I was around 19 years old and honestly it has been such a crazy experience for me. It was a little intimidating when I first joined as I’ve only ever seen the top riders in videos but once you take that leap of faith and get into competition mode it’s worth it and all the riders are very welcoming.’

CATHARINA EDIN

In contrast to other riders who have been jetting round the world the Swedish sensation, Catharina Edin (SWE), took another approach to the pandemic and decided this was the perfect opportunity to go back to her roots in Sweden and move to Holland for training.

‘After I came back from the Cape Verde competition last year Tarifa, where I had been living, had gone into a complete lockdown, so I packed my bags and headed to safer grounds in Sweden. It was like the pandemic didn’t exist in Sweden as we could go wherever we wanted with no restrictions. I was making full use of this and staying active outside by either cycling or kiting every day. Cycling has been a great alternative to kiting for me as I have had two or three bad knee injuries in the past and cycling has helped speed up the healing process.

My first trip after nearly four months in Sweden was to Holland. The kite scene in Holland is really good as you have riders like Jalou Langeree and Ruben Lenten shredding on the water. When Jalou told me there was a space free in her house I jumped at the opportunity and packed my bags and moved to Holland!

Now I am training with Jalou regularly and I am already starting to see a big improvement in my riding. It was great to have a few months of downtime in Sweden but the kite scene is small and there are not many girls to share the sport with. However, in Holland, I can train with some of the best kiters in the world and enjoy the stoke of the sport with other female riders.’

PERI ROBERTS

Another audacious Aussie who has proven themselves this competition is Peri Roberts (AUS). Peri was lucky enough to escape the lockdowns in Australia and spend the winter months training in the picturesque location of Maui.

‘I originally went to Maui to shoot the product launch for Naish but then I decided to stay there as it was too hard to get back to Australia. For the first month in Maui I was busy shooting but once that had finished I could simply relax and embrace the Island lifestyle. I was living the dream. Kiting, training, and exploring all that the beautiful Island has to offer. 

It was a struggle to stay in Maui for too long as my visa only lasted three months. So to solve this problem I headed over to Mexico and chased some insane 20ft swell’s which completely pushed me out of my comfort zone. After being in Mexico for a few weeks I started to feel extremely sick and was hospitalised as I had a picked up a viral stomach infection. Luckily, just after a day of being in the hospital, I was able to leave Mexico city and head back to more familiar grounds.

After returning to Maui they announced that they would be holding a GKA Kite-Surf event here in Sylt. This meant I had six weeks to go into full, beast mode and learn some new strapless freestyle tricks.’

Growing up in the surfers’ paradise of Newcastle, Peri has only ever trained wave riding and proved her exceptional skills in Cape Verde where she took home second place. Nevertheless, Peri did not fail to impress in Sylt as she had an impressive repertoire of freestyle moves showing that all her training in Maui had payed off.

We had a light breeze of around 12-13 kts which was enough wind for the organisers to run a wing and foil exhibition, and to showcase the latest toys.
The light winds also provided us with the opportunity to catch up with the riders and find out how they spent their time and kept fresh during the pandemic.

JAMES CAREW

First on our list was the top dog and champion of the competition here in Sylt, James Carew (AUS). James managed to escape his home country and go chasing waves and wind around South America and Europe.

‘At the beginning of the pandemic, I decided not to stay in Australia because the rules were so strict and it would have been nearly impossible for me to travel out of Australia to train somewhere else. Instead, I decided to travel to the south of Brazil in search of some great swell so I would be able to focus on surfing for a change. After Brazil, I headed to Tarifa for a few months. In Tarifa, I was able to push my level in strapless freestyle as I was training with Airton who is one of the riders I truly admire. He was throwing down huge Boogie Loops and Board-Offs, really pushing the big air side of strapless freestyle. Seeing Airton doing all these crazy manoeuvres motivated me to try them too. By the end of Tarifa I felt pleased with my riding and I felt prepared to finally get back into competition.

Whilst I am very happy to take 1st place here in Sylt, winning is not everything for me. What I care about most when I compete is that I go out there and put on the best possible performance I am humanly capable of. Coming back off the water and knowing that I have done this is what matters to me most, regardless of whether I win or lose.’

CAPUCINE DELANNOY

The new queen of strapless freestyle Capucine Delannoy (FRA) has truly managed to set herself apart from the other girls here in Sylt. So, what’s her secret?

‘My brother Camille is my real inspiration and is the reason my level has improved so much. Training with him everyday is the main reason I have improved so quickly. I would often be watching him on the water landing triple front rolls whilst I was only landing one and I was thinking to myself  “I can’t be doing just one front roll when he is doing three”, so I decided to go for the double and I landed it.

My dad is also very supportive. He comes to every competition with us and he films us on the beach a lot so we can then go home and watch our tricks back. This can be extremely useful as it helps me to improve, by putting my kite a little higher or bending my knees more for example. Without this support from my father and my brother I really would not be at the level I am riding today.’

Capucine has been spending at least three hours on the water everyday, which is why her level in strapless freestyle has gone up exponentially. In Cape Verde last year Capucine placed 5th and now, in Sylt, she seems to be the strongest female rider we have on the GKA Kite-Surf Tour.

REECE MYERSCOUGH

Reece Myerscough (CAN) is another impressive rider we have been keen to catch up with as he did exceedingly well in the competition here in Sylt, making it to the semi finals. Reece spent his lockdown in the surf town of Torfino in Canada.

‘I liked the competition here in Sylt as these are the kind of conditions I am used to. The water is also warmer here than it is in Canada so you won’t hear me complaining about the cold! I was stoked on my performance at this competition, particularly because in the first round of my heat I broke my finger when the board smashed into it. Nevertheless, I carried on riding and still managed to make it to the final rounds.

Reece’s journey into kiteboarding was not the typical route. ‘My family owns Ocean Rodeo so I have been flying kites my whole life. I started competing when I was around 19 years old and honestly it has been such a crazy experience for me. It was a little intimidating when I first joined as I’ve only ever seen the top riders in videos but once you take that leap of faith and get into competition mode it’s worth it and all the riders are very welcoming.’

CATHARINA EDIN

In contrast to other riders who have been jetting round the world the Swedish sensation, Catharina Edin (SWE), took another approach to the pandemic and decided this was the perfect opportunity to go back to her roots in Sweden and move to Holland for training.

‘After I came back from the Cape Verde competition last year Tarifa, where I had been living, had gone into a complete lockdown, so I packed my bags and headed to safer grounds in Sweden. It was like the pandemic didn’t exist in Sweden as we could go wherever we wanted with no restrictions. I was making full use of this and staying active outside by either cycling or kiting every day. Cycling has been a great alternative to kiting for me as I have had two or three bad knee injuries in the past and cycling has helped speed up the healing process.

My first trip after nearly four months in Sweden was to Holland. The kite scene in Holland is really good as you have riders like Jalou Langeree and Ruben Lenten shredding on the water. When Jalou told me there was a space free in her house I jumped at the opportunity and packed my bags and moved to Holland!

Now I am training with Jalou regularly and I am already starting to see a big improvement in my riding. It was great to have a few months of downtime in Sweden but the kite scene is small and there are not many girls to share the sport with. However, in Holland, I can train with some of the best kiters in the world and enjoy the stoke of the sport with other female riders.’

PERI ROBERTS

Another audacious Aussie who has proven themselves this competition is Peri Roberts (AUS). Peri was lucky enough to escape the lockdowns in Australia and spend the winter months training in the picturesque location of Maui.

‘I originally went to Maui to shoot the product launch for Naish but then I decided to stay there as it was too hard to get back to Australia. For the first month in Maui I was busy shooting but once that had finished I could simply relax and embrace the Island lifestyle. I was living the dream. Kiting, training, and exploring all that the beautiful Island has to offer. 

It was a struggle to stay in Maui for too long as my visa only lasted three months. So to solve this problem I headed over to Mexico and chased some insane 20ft swell’s which completely pushed me out of my comfort zone. After being in Mexico for a few weeks I started to feel extremely sick and was hospitalised as I had a picked up a viral stomach infection. Luckily, just after a day of being in the hospital, I was able to leave Mexico city and head back to more familiar grounds.

After returning to Maui they announced that they would be holding a GKA Kite-Surf event here in Sylt. This meant I had six weeks to go into full, beast mode and learn some new strapless freestyle tricks.’

Growing up in the surfers’ paradise of Newcastle, Peri has only ever trained wave riding and proved her exceptional skills in Cape Verde where she took home second place. Nevertheless, Peri did not fail to impress in Sylt as she had an impressive repertoire of freestyle moves showing that all her training in Maui had payed off.

Only good vibes here in Sylt, where the maelstrom of the last few days has been replaced with summer sunshine. Having crowned our champions of the main event, the riders could now relax and have fun on the water. 

With clear skies and a lighter breeze, it was perfect for the Best Trick competition to be held. But first the expression session provided the riders with a chance to showcase the crazy maneuvers they have been working on during the off season and for the riders to see what tricks they might need to add to their repertoire to get onto the top spot of the podium next time round.

For the Best Trick comp the judges decided to run fifteen minute heats, with one best trick counting… The ultimate strapless showdown. As the wind was looking lighter than previous days the judges were looking at technicality in tricks rather than height.

First up in the men’s heat we had Airton Cozzolino (ITA), Kiko Torres (ESP), Elvis Nunes (CPV) and Hendrick Lopez (CHE). Airton was back with vengeance after his big loss yesterday in the semi finals; he skyrocketed into this first heat smashing out a massive Flat 3 off a wave scoring a 9.

Then – when we thought we had seen the best he had on offer – he attempted a Flat 7 off a wave! Everyone on the beach held their breath, but unfortunately he couldn’t quite stick the landing. Considering this is a trick that top twintip riders struggle to land though, he was forgiven… And hopefully, we’ll see him pull it off in Denmark.

In the second heat of the men’s round we had Camille Delannoy putting on a great show, landing a very clean double Front Roll and a spectacular Kiteloop Tic Tac taking him through to the finals.

In the finals of the men’s expression session we saw Matchu Lopes really upping his game after his disappointment yesterday… He was going for some huge Flat 3s showing that he is more than capable of taking on the legendary Cozzolino.

“I landed a flat 3 many years ago but I hadn’t attempted it in a while as I have been working on other maneuvers. The expression session was the perfect time to try it though as we had light wind with small kickers! After a few attempts the muscle memory started to come back to me and I was stoked to land one.”

It was a close call between the two shredders but Airton was hungry for the win and, in the ongoing battle between the two groundbreaking riders, came out on top this time around 

Final Standings in the mens division:

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
2. Matchu Lopes (ESP)
3. Camile Delannoy (FRA)

In the women’s best trick competition we had Clemence Derrien (FRA) pull off some impressive maneuvers with a super stylish front roll board off.

But it was Capucine Delannoy (FRA) who was showing us why she is the worthy winner of this event as she landed a flawless frontroll one foot. Capucine has clearly been training hard over the previous months as she has completely dominated here in Sylt. 

Final standings in the women’s division:

1. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
2. Clemence Derrien (FRA)
3. Catharina Edin (SWE)

With the bar raised once again, and the progression of the strapless side of the sport continuing to blow minds! Tomorrow will be a well earned rest day for the riders and on Saturday the forecast is looking good to run a surf competition.

 Make sure to check out the highlight video from today’s best trick competition below!

Only good vibes here in Sylt, where the maelstrom of the last few days has been replaced with summer sunshine. Having crowned our champions of the main event, the riders could now relax and have fun on the water. 

With clear skies and a lighter breeze, it was perfect for the Best Trick competition to be held. But first the expression session provided the riders with a chance to showcase the crazy maneuvers they have been working on during the off season and for the riders to see what tricks they might need to add to their repertoire to get onto the top spot of the podium next time round.

For the Best Trick comp the judges decided to run fifteen minute heats, with one best trick counting… The ultimate strapless showdown. As the wind was looking lighter than previous days the judges were looking at technicality in tricks rather than height.

First up in the men’s heat we had Airton Cozzolino (ITA), Kiko Torres (ESP), Elvis Nunes (CPV) and Hendrick Lopez (CHE). Airton was back with vengeance after his big loss yesterday in the semi finals; he skyrocketed into this first heat smashing out a massive Flat 3 off a wave scoring a 9.

Then – when we thought we had seen the best he had on offer – he attempted a Flat 7 off a wave! Everyone on the beach held their breath, but unfortunately he couldn’t quite stick the landing. Considering this is a trick that top twintip riders struggle to land though, he was forgiven… And hopefully, we’ll see him pull it off in Denmark.

In the second heat of the men’s round we had Camille Delannoy putting on a great show, landing a very clean double Front Roll and a spectacular Kiteloop Tic Tac taking him through to the finals.

In the finals of the men’s expression session we saw Matchu Lopes really upping his game after his disappointment yesterday… He was going for some huge Flat 3s showing that he is more than capable of taking on the legendary Cozzolino.

“I landed a flat 3 many years ago but I hadn’t attempted it in a while as I have been working on other maneuvers. The expression session was the perfect time to try it though as we had light wind with small kickers! After a few attempts the muscle memory started to come back to me and I was stoked to land one.”

It was a close call between the two shredders but Airton was hungry for the win and, in the ongoing battle between the two groundbreaking riders, came out on top this time around 

Final Standings in the mens division:

1. Airton Cozzolino (ITA)
2. Matchu Lopes (ESP)
3. Camile Delannoy (FRA)

In the women’s best trick competition we had Clemence Derrien (FRA) pull off some impressive maneuvers with a super stylish front roll board off.

But it was Capucine Delannoy (FRA) who was showing us why she is the worthy winner of this event as she landed a flawless frontroll one foot. Capucine has clearly been training hard over the previous months as she has completely dominated here in Sylt. 

Final standings in the women’s division:

1. Capucine Delannoy (FRA)
2. Clemence Derrien (FRA)
3. Catharina Edin (SWE)

With the bar raised once again, and the progression of the strapless side of the sport continuing to blow minds! Tomorrow will be a well earned rest day for the riders and on Saturday the forecast is looking good to run a surf competition.

 Make sure to check out the highlight video from today’s best trick competition below!