Welcome to the world of kite-surfing!

Welcome to the world of kite-surfing!

Experience the sheer joy and adrenaline of the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt, where athletes, spectators, and nature unite in a thrilling celebration of skill and passion. Explore the vibrant 450-meter promenade with its partner stands, offering everything from kite-surfing gear to delectable catering and drinks. This unique event on the GKA World Cup Tour showcases the extraordinary talent of kite-surfers from around the globe against the picturesque backdrop of Sylt’s untamed beauty.

Join us for an unforgettable journey of inspiring athleticism, joyful camaraderie, and boundless adventure.

All the latest information regarding the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour can be found on the official ‍GKA website.

Disciplines

Kite-Surf

“Kite-Surf” is a combined wave and strapless freestyle discipline that aims to find the most complete surf­board rider.

Hydrofoil Big Air

The ‘Hydrofoil Big Air’ world cups are the ultimate competitions for hydrofoil big air riders.

Wave riding is about surfing with kite support. Loops, pads and wax are allowed on the kite-surfing board. For the evaluation and to achieve high scores, among other things, fluid riding of the wave and spectacular maneuvers on the lip of the wave is a prerequisite. In advance, a maximum number of waves is determined in which the individual elements can be shown by the rider. The evaluation of the individual maneuvers will be adapted to the current wind and wave conditions. The following will be evaluated:

  • Degree of difficulty of the maneuvers performed.
  • Commitment in the maneuvers performed and the risk taken to perform them.
  • Variety and combination of maneuvers within the same wave.
  • Speed and power
  • Flow and linking of maneuvers.
  • Size of the waves ridden, directly linked to the degree of difficulty of maneuvers performed in each wave.
  • Innovative and progressive maneuvers.

Strapless Freestyle is about artistic flight maneuvers with the kite-surf board without footstraps. This discipline is all about physics! Not in the conventional sense, but the riders seem to defeat gravity during their moves. They show spectacular tricks and maneuvers where the board seems to be weightless. For example, they take the board in their hands, perform their tricks with it above the water, and then land again standing on the board. The kite provides them with the appropriate lift and propulsion.
  • Height and Amplitude: Evaluates the combination of height and amplitude of tricks, considering increasing importance with stronger wind conditions, alongside risk and technical difficulty.
  • Technical Difficulty: Measures the complexity of tricks performed during the heat
  • Power: Assesses the strength during trick execution, factoring in speed, kite position, height, and amplitude.
  • Risk Factor: Considers the power, height, amplitude, technical difficulty, and the competitor’s commitment and physical challenge during the execution of tricks.
  • Smoothness: Evaluates the fluidity and seamless execution and landing of tricks.
  • Innovation: Rewards new and distinct tricks not previously performed in competition, considering all judging criteria and landing for scoring.

Hydrofoil kite-surfing, often referred to as foil kiting, is a dynamic and innovative discipline within the kite-surfing sport. It involves using a hydrofoil board, which has a wing-like structure attached to a mast below the board, allowing the rider to lift above the water’s surface. This setup reduces water resistance and enables smoother, faster, and more efficient movement, even in light wind conditions. Hydrofoil kite-surfing offers a unique and exhilarating experience, combining the thrill of flight with the grace of gliding across the water.

  • Technical Difficulty: Evaluates the complexity of tricks performed during the heat.
  • Smoothness: Assesses the fluidity and seamless execution and landing of tricks.
  • Landings: Rewards clean landings without the board touching the water, with judges considering the risk involved in the trick.
  • Height and Amplitude: Measures the height and extent of tricks, factoring in wind conditions and the combination with risk and technical difficulty.
  • Risk Factor: Considers the power, height, amplitude, technical difficulty, and overall commitment and physical challenge during the execution of tricks.
  • Size of the waves ridden, directly linked to the degree of difficulty of maneuvers performed in each wave.
  • Innovation: Recognizes new tricks that have never been landed in competition before.

Athletes

Airton Cozzolino

Italy

Camille Losserand

Schweiz

Pedro Matos

Brasilien

Keanu Merten

Deutschland

Susanne Schwarztrauber

Deutschland

Charlotte Carpentier

Frankreich

Sonja Bunte

Germany

Association

Global Kite-Sports Association

The global kite-sports association (gka) aims to represent the interests of the kite-sports industry to support and promote the interests of all (professional) kite riders.

‍The GKA works with the kite-sports industry to provide reliable information about market developments and to provide riders with a platform to achieve the goals of the GKA. The GKA’s main objective, however, is to continually ensure that kite-surfing continues safe practice through the development and implementation of equipment standards.

WorldSailing

WorldSailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

World Sailing is responsible for:

  • the promotion of the sport internationally,
  • managing sailing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,
  • developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and regulations for all sailing competitions,
  • the training of judges, umpires and other administrators,
  • the development of the sport around the world,
  • and representing the sailors in all matters concerning the sport.

News

Capucine Delannoy Wins World’s Biggest Kite-Surf Event

In the end, there was no way around the top favorite at the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt. The 17-year-old Frenchwoman Capucine Delannoy defended her title on the North Sea island and won on Brandenburger Strand in Westerland.

The Queen of Sylt

Simply unbeatable on Sylt - Capucine Delannoy is and remains the queen of the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt. The 18-year-old Frenchwoman beat Switzerland's Camille Losserand in a high-class final and secured her third title in a row after 2021 and 2023 (the event did not take place in 2022). "It was just perfect, I scored the perfect 10.0. I've been training for months for this event and this moment and I'm so happy," said the overwhelmed winner directly after the final run on Brandenburg Beach.

German Hope Keanu Merten Faces the World Champion

The biggest kite surfing event in the world is also in full swing - the riders in the supreme discipline of kite surfing got down to business on Thursday. After the first heats were completed on Wednesday afternoon, the women and men have been battling it out in alternating rounds for the coveted places in the quarter and semi-finals since the morning hours.

“Dreams Do Come True”

Exactly one year ago, I had an operation and everyone told me that I wouldn't be here today. Just being here was a win for me. Now I have the World Cup title on Sylt, dreams do come true," said the newly crowned champion James Carew after the grand final.

Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt Officially Opens

It's all set for the Defender GKA Kite-SurfWorld Cup on Sylt! For the 3rd time, the Qatar Airways GKA KiteWorld Tour will be stopping off at Brandenburger Strand in Westerland, with the world's best kite surf riders in tow.

Frenchman Charles Brodel Crowned European Champion in Hydrofoil Big Air

The premiere of the Hydrofoil Big Air competition has a beaming winner - Charles Brodel from France, five-time serial world champion, beat his opponents by a clear margin to not only win the World Cup on Sylt, but also secure the European title in this spectacular kite discipline.

Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2024 Returns with Hydrofoil Premiere

The Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt is returning and once again promises exciting competitions and spectacular action on Westerland's Brandenburger Strand. From August 20 to August 25, 2024, the best kite surfers in the world will compete for the coveted title. In addition to the kite surfing discipline (wave and strapless freestyle), hydrofoil champions will also be crowned for the first time - including the European Championship title.

German Rising Star Finn Flügel Wins Hydrofoil Competition on Sylt

Successful week at the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt. Not only the main competition offered breathtaking action on the water over the past few days, spectators were also able to enjoy another highlight on Brandenburg beach this Sunday. In the hydrofoil competition, which was integrated for the first time, the athletes flew far more than 10 meters above the sea in moderate conditions and performed spectacular jumps and tricks.

German Victory in Efoil on Sylt!

The finals of the newly initiated E-Foil Race competition were on the program for the pros on Friday. After the heats had already been held on Thursday, Friday was all about the very first title in the new discipline as part of the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt.

Suprising winner at the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt!

First ever final on the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour and the title at the biggest kite surfing event in the world! 22-year-old Kiko Roig Torres from Spain surprisingly secures victory at the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt. - 18-year-old German Keanu Merten rides to a sensational third place with a wild card.

Kite-Surf Festival Area

450 Meters of Action, Entertainment & Beach Vibes

Explore a variety of exhibitor stands featuring the latest in beach fashion, accessories and more. Our partners have plenty in store to keep the action going—from thrilling activities and special promotions to autograph sessions with the world’s top kite-surfers and live DJ sets that bring the beach to life.

Get ready for non-stop energy at the Festival Area of the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt! Stretching along a 450-meter promenade, this vibrant hub is packed with excitement for visitors of all ages.

Add to that a wide selection of food and drink options, and you’ve got the perfect place to relax, recharge, and celebrate the spirit of the event. Whether you’re chasing wind, waves, or just good vibes, the Festival Area is the place to be!

Aftermovie 2024

Relive the best moments of the GKA Kitesurf World Cup 2024

Sponsors

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