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 2023 edition of this special event, which takes place on the windiest day between November 25 and December 10.
1 min
What the Hell is Red Bull King of the Air?
King of the Air... it sounds like it’s probably a Viking God, but it’s not.
01
How does Red Bull King Of The Air work?
You know the phrase 'Go big or go home'? Well, this is the literal embodiment of that. 18 of the world's best riders 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 any 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
Youri Zoon (NL) in action at the 2013 competition
© Kolesky/Nikon/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, Jamie Overbeek and Andrea Principi automatically qualified for the 2023 event thanks to their podium finishes in 2022. Alongside them, Beto Gomez, who won the Argentina Kite Fest qualifier event held in March, and Liam Whaley, highest finisher among non-qualified riders at the Red Bull Megaloop event in Holland, earned their spots through the Red Bull King of The Air qualifier events. Joining them are a host of the world's finest Big Air riders, selected through a rigorous video judging contest.
Lorenzo Casati of Italy
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
The panel of judges assessed the riders based on the same criteria they would use if the riders were performing live during the event. They selected the top video entries by applying the same criteria as they would if the riders were performing live during the event. Below, in no particular order, is the list of competitors:
- Lorenzo Casati (Italy)
- Jamie Overbeek (Netherlands)
- Andrea Principi (Italy)
- Beto Gomez (Colombia)
- Liam Whaley (Spain)
- Aaron Hadlow (England)
- Arthur Guilleburt (France)
- Airton Cozzolino (Italy)
- Cohan van Dijk (Netherlands)
- Edgar Ulrich (France)
- Giel Vlugt (Netherlands)
- Jason van der Spuy (South Africa)
- Jeremy Burlando (Spain)
- Luca Ceruti (South Africa)
- Marc Jacobs (New Zealand)
- Stijn Mul (Netherlands)
- Timo Boersema (Netherlands)
- Josh Emanuel (South Africa)
03
What conditions are needed for the event to happen?
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.
Red Bull King of the Air
© Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool
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.
04
Where does it all happen?
The 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?
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 10 editions here.
06
Do I need to be a fan of kiteboarding to enjoy Red Bull King of the Air?
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?
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 25 to December 10) 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.
Timo Boersema soars over Kite Beach
© Paul Ganse/Red Bull Content Pool
08
Watch the best action from last year
25 min
Best of the kitesurfing action
18 athletes competed, but only one came out on top. Get an insider's look at the best action from Kite Beach.
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