CAPE TOWN – After an explosive Day 1 on Saturday (22 November) and an unexpected pause on Sunday, the world’s top Big Air kiteboarders return to Kite Beach today at 13:00 for the long-awaited final showdown.
The Cape Doctor arrived right on schedule for Day 1 on Saturday, kicking off the Red Bull King of the Air weather window with textbook conditions. Thousands of spectators lined Kite Beach at Bloubergstrand while many more watched the livestream as the world’s elite Big Air kiteboarders launched into the sky, delivering progression, power, and heart-stopping moments.
From massive loops to technical rotations and daring risk-reward decisions, the opening day made it clear that the 13th edition of the event is once again reshaping the boundaries of what Big Air kiteboarding can be.
Despite the electric start, Day 2 on Sunday could not proceed. The wind failed to build to competition strength, forcing organisers to pause the event and hold off on continuing the remaining heats. With riders reset, conditions improving and the Cape Doctor forecast to return, the final will now kick off today (Monday) at 13:00, where the remaining battles and title fights will unfold.
Women’s Division: New talent shakes up the leaderboard
The Women’s division saw fierce riding from the opening heats. Only the top two in each heat secured direct qualification for the final, while second-placed riders were sent into Round 2. Third-place finishers were eliminated immediately, reflecting the high level of competition this year.
Slovenia’s Lana Herman, stepping in as an injury replacement, stunned both judges and spectators with a powerful, confident display that earned her a direct spot in the final. She will be joined by Swedish rookie Nathalie Lambrecht, who also impressed with strong execution and amplitude.
But one final spot remains undecided.
When competition resumes today, reigning champion Francesca Maini will face last year’s runner-up, Dutch athlete Zara Hoogenraad, in a high-stakes battle for the last seat in the women’s final. Maini proved she is still the rider to beat after landing a Kiteroll Double Frontroll Boardoff that scored 9,32 — the highest single-move score of the day.
Open Division: High scores, local magic and major upsets
In the Open Division, riders stormed through Round 1 and most of Round 2 before the wind dropped on Saturday, leaving three heats unfinished.
Italy’s Lorenzo Casati dominated the scoreboards with a massive KiteLoop 4X FrontRoll Board Spin, earning both the highest trick score of the division and a maxed-out Overall Impression Score — the top heat score of the day.
Local talent also shone brightly. Cape Town favourite Jason van der Spuy electrified the crowd with a standout heat win, earning himself a direct pass into Round 3.
Round 2 delivered emotional highs and lows:
- Local favourite Josh Gillitt was eliminated by Portugal’s fast-rising talent Shahar Tsabary.
- Dutch veteran Stijn Mul was knocked out by 20-year-old American Parker Sage in one of the day’s biggest upsets.
- South African finalist Luca Ceruti continued his solid charge, advancing into Round 3 and keeping local hopes alive.
Finals begin today
With competition-ready wind returning and riders fired up after an unexpected Sunday pause, the stage is set for an explosive finale. The world will be watching as the remaining heats wrap up and the final battles determine who will be crowned the 2025 King — and Queen — of the Air.
To learn more about the unique wind conditions required for the event, visit the Red Bull King of the Air wind guide via https://www.redbull.com/za-en/king-of-the-air-wind-cape-doctor
