Kitesurfing
Why Red Bull King of the Air is the biggest title in kiteboarding
If you've never heard or seen the spectacle that is Red Bull King of the Air you're in for a treat. Learn what the event is all about and what makes it so special.
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In times past, the wind and waves of the southernmost tip of Africa were something to be feared. To sail around the Cape was a badge of honour.
These days they present the perfect conditions for 18 of the planet's most progressive Big Air kiteboarders to test their mettle against each other.. Who can go biggest, highest and furthest? Which one of them will ultimately be crowned Red Bull King of the Air?
Read on below to find out all about what Red Bull King of the Air is, how it works and the essential information you need to know about the 2024 edition of this special event, which takes place on the windiest day between November 23 and December 8.
01
How does Red Bull King Of The Air work?
Aaron Hadlow at Red Bull King of the Air 2022
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
You know the phrase 'Go big or go home'? Well, this is the literal embodiment of that. 24 of the world's best riders - 18 in the Open division, with another six in the inaugural women's contest - compete at Kite Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, in a unique format.
The judging criteria and system are unique to Red Bull King of The Air and don't conform to any other kitesurfing or kiteboarding leagues or organisations. The system and criteria have been specifically developed (and are constantly updated) following the evolution of the sport and the event's needs. Learn more about the judging criteria and scoring, here.
The three highest-scoring tricks of a rider will make up their final heat score and determine the result of the heat. A trick is scored on its height, the extremity of how it has been performed, how technically correct it was and how well it was executed.
Kevin Langeree beat all comers in 2014
© Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
Hail to the King: Kevin Langeree and the trophy
© Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar
Every king needs a crown
© Kolesky/Nikon/Lexar
02
Who are the riders and how did they qualify?
Lorenzo Casati of Italy
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
For the first time, the event includes an official women’s division, an exciting leap forward that signals a new era for the sport. For years, Red Bull King of the Air has been synonymous with extreme sports excellence, unearthing the sport’s top talent and advancing both skill and technology in Big Air kiteboarding. This year’s inclusion of a women’s division brings a deeper level of inclusivity to the event, celebrating the sport’s growth and offering female athletes a world-class stage.
The women's rider list is:
- Angely Bouillot (France)
- Jasmine Cho (USA)
- Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands)
- Nathalie Lambrecht (Sweden)
- Francesca Maini (United Kingdom)
- Pippa van Iersel (Netherlands)
The open division remains as fierce as ever. This year’s 18-rider line-up blends returning champions with fresh talent, all of whom have battled their way through the Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier Tour for a chance at the coveted crown. Rising Brazilian star Josué San Ferreira earned his spot through a jaw-dropping performance at Spain’s Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier in Tarifa, where Mediterranean and Atlantic winds merged to create 46-knot gusts at Balneario Beach. Joining him is Dutch competitor Jamie Overbeek, who carved his path to Cape Town with a stellar showing at Cold Hawaii in Denmark’s Nørre Vorupør, a surf spot celebrated for its intense westerly swells and formidable winds.
The full Open rider list is:
- Zac Adams (USA)
- Jeremy Burlando (Spain)
- Charles Brodel (France)
- Lorenzo Casati (Italy) – 2022 Champion
- Luca Ceruti (South Africa)
- Josué San Ferreira (Brazil)
- Josh Gillitt (South Africa)
- Lucas Gramstrup (Denmark)
- Clément Huot (France)
- Marc Jacobs (New Zealand) – 2021 Champion
- Stijn Mul (Netherlands)
- Jamie Overbeek (Netherlands)
- Andrea Principi (Italy) – 2023 Champion
- Parker Sage (USA)
- Edgar Ulrich (France)
- Jason van der Spuy (South Africa)
- Cohan Van Dijk (Netherlands)
- Giel Vlugt (Netherlands)
Find out more about Red Bull King of the Air
03
What conditions are needed for the event to happen?
Red Bull King of the Air
© Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
The unique challenge of this event lies in the reliance on optimal wind conditions, because big winds equals massive air. However, there isn't a strict minimum wind speed requirement; instead, the focus is on ensuring suitable and sustainable conditions for the competition to start.
The event also requires a good swell to be running for the kiters to boost off. The decision entrusted to call the event 'On' lies with Sportive Director Sergio Cantagalli, who consults extensively with a meteorologist and local crew members. In an ideal scenario, winds should average at least 25 knots (46kph) initially, with forecasts indicating an increase to 35–37 knots (65-69kph) or more with a good westerly swell. You can find out more about it here.
04
Where does it all happen?
The Red Bull King of the Air trophy with Table Mountain as backdrop
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull King of the Air takes place at the aptly-named Kite Beach on Cape Town's West Coast. It's a huge beach with amazing views of Table Mountain over the ocean. The location offers consistent wind speeds of around 30 knots at the right time of year and the angle makes it perfect for Big Air kiteboarding.
05
What's the history of Red Bull King of the Air?
Youri Zoon rides at the 2013 competition
© Kolesky/Nikon/Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull King of of the Air first took place in Hawaii in the early 2000s, before moving to Cape Town in 2013. It's served as the single biggest driver of progression in the sport of Big Air kiteboarding, with riders pushing the limits of amplitude, variety, execution and difficulty grade of the tricks to earn the crown. You can read the full history and get the scoop on all the winners of the past 11 editions here.
06
Do I need to be a fan of kiteboarding to enjoy Red Bull King of the Air?
Do you need to be a kiteboarding diehard to enjoy this? No, you do not
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
That's a hard no. This is a competition that goes beyond sporting borders. Red Bull King of the Air is the ultimate action-sports competition. There's no doubt that you'll get your adrenaline fix from watching, regardless of your boardsport background. You're watching some of the best kiteboarders tackling some of the gnarliest conditions and throwing some of the biggest tricks ever seen.
07
How can I watch?
Timo Boersema soars over Kite Beach
© Paul Ganse/Red Bull Content Pool
We'd love to be more specific here, but the Red Bull King of the Air really does have to be able to master the most challenging wind and waves and, as much as we'd like to, you can't book those very far in advance. So, if you want to watch the action live, stay tuned to the Red Bull King of the Air event page for daily updates during the weather window (open from November 23 to December 8) to know when the event will go on 48hr standby. Details of dates, times and the live broadcast will be posted here just as soon as we have them.
08
Watch the best action from last year
47 min
Highlights
Check out our insider’s guide to the 11th edition of Red Bull King of the Air.
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