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 2025 edition of this special event, which takes place on the windiest day between November 22 and December 7.
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 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
Are there any qualifying events?
Red Bull King of the Air will be back in Denmark again in 2025
© Simon Bang/Red Bull Content Pool
In 2025, Red Bull King of The Air takes another leap forward with more qualifier events, offering more riders than ever before a shot at competing on kiteboarding’s biggest stage. Recognising the sport’s explosive growth, the event is beefing up its qualifying series across Europe, opening doors for rising talent to prove themselves against the best.
These are the qualifying events for 2025:
- Waiting period: March 10 – April 10, 2025
- Location: Porto Pollo, Sardinia
- Waiting period: June 1 – June 30, 2025
- Location: Tarifa, Spain
- Waiting period: September 13 – October 6, 2025
- Location: Nørre Vorupør, Denmark
“I expect these events to be not only an opportunity to select the best talents but also a chance to build a more inclusive community, celebrate diversity, and push the boundaries of this spectacular sport even further,” commented Series Sportive Director, Sergio Cantagalli.
Each event operates within a waiting period to ensure competitors ride in prime wind conditions, giving them the best shot at unleashing their most electrifying moves. The winners of each qualifier will earn a coveted spot in Cape Town, where they will face off against the world’s elite for the ultimate title.
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 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 22 to December 7) 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. Don't forget, there are also the three qualifiers to keep up-to-date with as well in Italy, Spain and Denmark.
08
Watch the final day's action from last year
Red Bull King of the Air 2024 – Day 2
Watch the best kiteboarders from Kite Beach, South Africa, at THE big air kiteboarding event of the year.
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