News - Press Releases

Nov 01, 2024 Snowkite

IKA Returns to the Snow in Madison, USA

After several active seasons in Europe, the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) is partnering with the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA) to bring the Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships to the American continent for the first time. The event is set to take place in Madison, Wisconsin and will feature course racing, marathon, and kite freestyle/big air. In addition, WISSA is running course racing for sleds and wings and short track slalom. The world's top wind-powered… Read more...

Oct 13, 2024 Formula Kite

Passing lanes and precision define championship performances

Any hopes of getting a golden ticket into the medal series Sunday were dashed when a late start forced race officers to begin the day with the semifinals for both men and women.The final podium places after the finals mirrored Saturday’s top three, but to get there, an insane finals in both fleets saw crazy tight position changes and crashes before the champions were crowned. Read more...

Oct 12, 2024 Formula Kite

Golden opportunity puts pressure on all ahead of finals

It was almost a non-event Saturday as riders pumped tiny foil boards around the glassy sea without kites, but one race was sailed in the men’s fleet and nothing has changed on the leaderboard.The opening series is now finished and Sunday is game day. Nine riders now know their qualifying pathway to the finals, while tenth and lower positions have a one-shot, special opportunity to continue through the series. It will be a brutal day of eliminations to determine our champions. Read more...

Oct 11, 2024 Formula Kite

Riding the Bubble into the Weekend

Yes, the top two in both the women's and men’s fleets dropped the hammer today extending their leads with some sick passes in the buttery flat seas.. But the intensity among the six or so riders floating around 10th place in each group was seen on their faces as they hit the shore.The complex series format favors those inside the top 10, first through ninth, who have various chances to qualify for the quarterfinals through the finals on Sunday. Tenth through thirty-ninth in the men’s and tenth… Read more...

Oct 10, 2024 Formula Kite

Women in a League of their own, Moving Day for Men

Fortune favors the bold and the two women tied for first for the second day in a row at the Youth Europeans were the boldest of the bunch on day two of the championship. Ripping across the line at 25-plus knots in the final race of the day, Derin Atakan (TUR) came from behind in the final meters to nip Lysa Caval (FRA) by inches and retain the overall lead by a tie breaker. “I feel Derin was coming right behind me and I was really trying to push for my life to get to the finish,” said Caval… Read more...

Oct 09, 2024 Formula Kite

Aging Out and Gearing Up on Day One of Youth Euros

Life was good at the beach here in Torre Grande on the island of Sardinia, and the women and men riders on day one of the Formula Kite Youth European Championships showed that there was no day light between them and the top riders in the world.The latest kites and foils in this Olympic cycle were being used by the top riders and proved wicked fast, populating the top five gear list. And the top Under 21 year old riders are aging out and had the teenagers right on their hammer in each race… Read more...

Oct 05, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Season titles for Sardinian winners Kampman and Maeder

Max Maeder and Jessie Kampman have become the champions of Poetto Beach after they took out the men’s and women’s titles on a gusty final day at Kitefoil World Series Sardinia.While that’s the end of the Kitefoil World Series for this season, the circuit moves on in just a few day’s time further north in the island of Sardinia, to Torregrandee 10-rider medal series. © IKA media/Robert Hajduk: Great performance by Portugal's Mafalda Pires de Lima SHIFTY AND GUSTY Brazil’s Lucas Fonseca made a… Read more...

Oct 04, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Fantastic Five race winners on a gusty day

Five different winners in six exhilarating races on day three of Kitefoil World Series Sardinia bodes well for a thrilling final medal series on Saturday. First win of the afternoon went to Max Maeder, no surprise there at all. Surely the 18-year-old from Singapore would score more bullets across the day, just as he had done at Kitefoil World Series Austria a few weeks ago when he won 11 out of 12 fleet races. But some of the up-and-coming talents in the fleet had something to say for… Read more...

Oct 03, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Is there a Dr Maus in the Haus?

Occasionally there’s a dull moment on the kiteboarding circuit, but never for very long. The threat of thunderstorms, dark clouds scudding across the Sardinian sky and gusts in excess of 30 knots always made the prospect of racing unlikely for day two of KiteFoil World Series Sardinia. But some riders just can’t bear to waste a moment of beach life. They just have different ways of going about it. While younger brother Karl Maeder was daring to lie prone on Poetto Beach as he was being swooped… Read more...

Oct 02, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Maeder slows down for Fair Play and Sportsmanship

The French have come out ahead after five hard races on a tricky day one of KiteFoil World Series Sardinia. Axel Mazella is a three-time winner of the Kitefoil World Series and sits on top of the leaderboard, albeit the Frenchman is only a point ahead of Max Maeder of Singapore. In the women, a strong finish to the day put France’s Jessie Kampman in front of Israel’s Gal Zukerman. Read more...

Oct 01, 2024 KiteFoil Open

KiteFoil World Series Italy: KiteFoilers relish a return to Poetto Beach

The world’s fastest kiteboarding athletes are looking forward to returning to one of their favourite venues, Cagliari, for four days of competition at KiteFoil World Series Sardinia. Stunning Poetto Beach, not far from the centre of Sardinia’s capital city, played host to the Formula Kite World Championships two years ago when Daniela Moroz (USA) won the sixth of her world titles and Toni Vodisek (SLO) won the men’s title in a close battle with friend and arch-rival Max Maeder (SGP). Read more...

Sep 22, 2024 Formula Kite

New Champions Emerge at 2024 IKA Asians

Max Maeder, Wan Li, and Yo Pudla Shine at the 2024 Formula Kite and TwinTip:Racing Asian Championship, which concluded under dramatic circumstances as a government-issued weather warning halted the final day of racing. The warning, which also affected local fishermen, highlighted the unpredictable nature of Daishan County's weather. © IKA media/Matias Capizzano: Max Maeder and Wan Li are the new Asian Champions A Championship Marked by Dramatic Conditions Held in the picturesque Daishan County,… Read more...

Sep 21, 2024 Formula Kite

2024 IKA Asians: Opening Series Concludes Amidst Dramatic Conditions

The 2024 Formula Kite and TwinTip:Racing Asian Championship's opening series, which was cut short by a typhoon hitting the region, has concluded after two intense days of racing. The first stage of the event, held in the picturesque Daishan County, saw a total of 12 races, with six races on each day. Daishan, located in the East China Sea, is known for its stunning archipelago and vibrant maritime culture. The region's weather can be unpredictable, and this year's championship was no exception.… Read more...

Sep 18, 2024 Formula Kite

From the Yangtze to the Sea: The 2024 Kiteboarding Asians

The picturesque island of Daishan, nestled in the delta of the Yangtze River, is set to host the highly anticipated 2024 Kiteboarding Asian Championships from September 17 to 22. This area, known for its strategic importance and natural beauty, provides an ideal backdrop for this prestigious event.The Yangtze River originates from the Tibetan Plateau and after a journey of over 6,300 km through some of China's most varied landscapes, reaches the sea at one of China's most economically and… Read more...

Sep 08, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Kampman battles while Maeder cruises to victory in Austria

Light winds and challenging conditions for the medal series finaleJan Koszowski wins the Golden Ticket through to the finalMax Maeder wins another title in the men's competitionJessie Kampman wins her first KiteFoil World Series title Read more...

Sep 07, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Gomez pushed to the Max on his Element

- Six back-to-back races in light to medium winds on Lake Traunsee- Livestreamingax Maeder wins five heats, France's Benoit Gomez wins the other- Jessie Kampman continues to lead the women ahead of Elena Lengwiler- Martin Dolenc grateful to borrow the right kite from Benni Boelli- Livestreaming on Sunday will feature the first ever Golden Ticket race in kiting Read more...

Sep 06, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Maeder and Kampman back on song in Austria

- Six back-to-back races in light winds on Lake Traunsee- Singapore's Max Maeder wins all six heats, using new generation equipment- Jessie Kampman returns from a few months away, to lead the women- Martin Dolenc still doing well on older-generation kite- Livestreaming of racing on Saturday and Sunday Read more...

Sep 05, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Dickinson rises to the Max Challenge

When the wind was suddenly gusting up to 45 knots across Lake Traunsee, the prospect of anyone going racing on day one of KiteFoil World Series Austria looked slim indeed. While racing was officially on hold until the breeze settled down, British rider Sam Dickinson reckoned on getting out on the water to test out his brand new 11 square metre Ozone kite. After all, this event is the first of the new Olympic cycle following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Games less than a month earlier.. Read more...

Sep 04, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Austria’s Olympic Champion starts as favourite on Lake Traunsee

Fresh from his storming victory at the Olympic Games, Valentin Bontus’s triumphant return home continues with his participation at KiteFoil World Series Austria. Taking place from 4 to 8 September on stunning Lake Traunsee, Bontus will line up against his friends and rivals for the first event of the new Olympic cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028. There is added significance and anticipation for this event, as it’s an opportunity for the whole fleet to start racing with the new set of… Read more...

Aug 09, 2024 Formula Kite

Breathtaking Bontus Storms to Maiden Men’s Kite Gold

Valentin Bontus put in a supreme performance in the first ever instalment of the Men’s Kite at the Olympics to take gold. The Austrian rider dealt with delays, after action was cancelled yesterday due to time limitations, and kept his cool to put on a show in his iconic white suit. © World Sailing: Valentin Bontus flying high Both Bontus and Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi had to navigate the Semi-Finals after finishing third and fourth in the Opening Series, but quickly qualified to join Slovenia’s… Read more...

Aug 08, 2024 Formula Kite

Ellie Aldridge made history by becoming the first ever athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in Formula Kite

The British rider was in a league of her own throughout the Women’s Kite Medal Series, besting all opposition to take home the top prize. USA’s Daniela Moroz and the Netherlands’ Annelous Lammerts were the two athletes that progressed from the Semi-Finals, joining Aldridge and France’s Lauriane Nolot in the Final.© World Sailing: Annelous Lammerts from The Netherlands claimed bronzeThe French athlete began with a two-win advantage in the opening race and came close to wrapping up gold, tussling… Read more...

Aug 07, 2024 Formula Kite

Line-Up for Kite Medal Series Confirmed

After a day of light wind prevented any Formula Kite action on the water, the standings remained unchanged heading into the crucial Medal Series. The top ten athletes on both the men’s and women’s sides have qualified for the Medal Series. Those ranked third to tenth will compete in the Semi-Finals, going into two groups of four. © World Sailing: Lauriane Nolot is determined to win gold in home waters Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi and Austria’s Valentin Bontus finished third and fourth overall in… Read more...

Aug 06, 2024 Formula Kite

Toni Vodisek and Lauriane Nolot reclaim the lead

Another day of light wind meant the women were only on the water long enough to race once, but the men completed two races and that was enough to reshuffle the standings. Slovenia’s Toni Vodisek made the most of his outing, winning race six, which was enough to edge him in front of Singapore’s Max Maeder. Read more...

Aug 05, 2024 Formula Kite

Paris 2024: Max Maeder moves in the lead

Light wind limited the amount of action on the water, but that did not prevent movement in the rankings.Slovenia’s Toni Vodisek came tenth in race five, which moved him down a spot to second overall, but he is on the same number of points as Maeder. Austria’s Valentin Bontus also moved down to fill the third spot, after he placed fourth in race five. Read more...

Aug 04, 2024 Formula Kite

Paris 2024: Bontus and Aldridge win First Ever Formula Kite Olympic Races

Valentin Bontus and Ellie Aldridge soared to victory in the first ever Formula Kite races hosted at an Olympics. Austria’s Bontus won the opening race in the Men’s Kite and he followed that up with second in race two, which was enough to rank him second after the first four races. Slovenia’s Toni Vodisek also started strongly, placing second in the inaugural race, and he followed that up with a win in race three. Former world champion Vodisek enjoyed the best day of all the sailors and sits top… Read more...

Jul 07, 2024 Formula Kite

Turienzo and Stragiotti conquer the [Youth] World!

- Gian Andrea Stragioti and Catalina Turienzo are the new Formula Kite Youth Word Champions- New faces on the podium as the class’ Olympic debut approachesThe two newly crowned Formula Kite World Champions have been leading the competition since the very beginning, but such is the format in Formula Kite that nothing is decided before the last day. The first to get 3 wins in the 4-rider final is the winner of the event, and depending on their performance earlier, this task can be easier or… Read more...

Jul 06, 2024 Formula Kite

Last moment shuffle of the finals' tickets

- 6 more races in typical Gizzeria conditions- Fonseca comes from behind to grab finals ticket - Lysa Caval upsets Derin Atakan on the last race- Any of the top-10 can get on the podium!It was a bit of a slow start this morning for the wind, but once it started blowing, it stayed for 6 full rounds of racing. It was the last day before the medal series, and the main goal for all sailors in the gold fleet was to make the cut.© IKA media/ Robert Hajduk: Catalina Turienzo on fireSuch is the format… Read more...

Jul 05, 2024 Formula Kite

The Day Of The Cut

- 5 more races in paradise conditions- Voester and Fonseca win 2 races each but a protest changes the score to 1-3- Defending world champion Lysa Caval scores 2 bullets- Even in paradise there is plastic in the waterAnother ‘normal’ Gizzeria day allowed for 5 further races and brought the qualification series to an end for the men. The top 25 will continue to the gold fleet tomorrow while the rest will compete for places 26 and lower. Read more...

Jul 04, 2024 Formula Kite

Turienzo and Stragiotti Dominate The Day

- Calabrian weather returns to ‘normal’ and 5 races are sailed on day 2- Catalina Turienzo and Gian Stragiotti win all 5 races - Voitec Koska, Jan Voester and Mattia Maini also score bullets- Olympic sailors are doing well at the Youth Worlds.Calabria Straordinaria conditions are back! The day started grey and wet, but by midday the clouds had cleared and the normal Gizzeria wind had kicked in, allowing for 5 races to be sailed. Read more...

Jul 03, 2024 Formula Kite

Even Paradise Gets Bad Days

Calabria Straordinaria took a break today, with rain squals, shifty light winds and big swell, making it impossible to put any of the organization’s vessels to the sea on the opening day of the Formula Kite Youth Worlds.© IKA media/ Robert Hajduk: An unusual rainy day in Gizzeria Perhaps the weather was matching the feelings of the fleet, mourning for the missing friend, JJ Rice from Tonga, who sadly passed away at a diving accident a few weeks ago. JJ was bound to take part in the event and to… Read more...

Jul 02, 2024 Formula Kite

New Heroes Are Hanging Loose in Gizzeria

For more than a decade, Hang Loose Beach has been an integral part of kiteboarding’s olympic journey.Year after year, high profile kiteboarding events have been hosted in the warm clear waters off Gizzeria, from the 3-Fin raceboards and the TT:R slalom all the way to the Olympic format and equipment, and the area has witnessed generations of riders grow and mature. Read more...

Jun 30, 2024 KiteFoil Open

First Set of Titles Awarded in Gizzeria!

- Calabria delivered fantastic conditions to close the first of two events in a high- Karolina Jankowska [POL] and Ejder Ginyol [TUR] successfully defended their titles- Julio Houze [ITA] convincingly won the A’s YouthFoil title - Aija Ambrassa won the first KiteFoil title for Latvia For over a decade, Calabria's consistent winds and favourable weather have made it a preferred destination for high-caliber sailing events and this year is no exception. With three world championships back-to-back,… Read more...

Jun 27, 2024 KiteFoil Open

Calabria Straordinaria - once again!

- Hang Loose Beach is hosting two weeks of spectacular kitefoiling events- The Youth and Masters' Worlds have attracted a diverse group of talented sailors from around the globe- Gizzeria delivered glamour conditions on the first day of racing.- Julio Houze [ITA], Karolina Jankowska [POL], Ejder Ginyol [TUR] and Aija Ambrasa [LAT] are leading their respective fleets after day 1. Read more...

May 19, 2024 Formula Kite

Nolot & Maeder win back their world titles

- Lauriane Nolot (FRA) defends her women's world title- Max Maeder (SGP) defends his men's world title- Toni Vodisek was back up to speed but it was too little, too late- Silver medals for Ellie Aldridge (GBR) and Riccardo Pianosi (ITA)- Bronze medals for Jessie Kampman (FRA) and Valentin Bontus (AUT) Max Maeder and Lauriane Nolot have successfully defended their titles at the end of the Formula Kite World Championships in Hyères in the south of France. There have been times over the past week… Read more...

May 18, 2024 Formula Kite

Triple-Bullet Boost for Newland before Final

- Four medium air races conclude gold fleet for men and women- Poema Newland looks world-class after three race wins- But it's still reigning World Champions Nolot and Maeder who lead overall- Pianosi and Aldridge also book their spots in the four-rider finals Defending champions Max Maeder and Lauriane Nolot go into the final day of the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships in pole position. The riders from Singapore and France will wear the yellow jerseys on the day it matters most, the final… Read more...

May 17, 2024 Formula Kite

Multiple pile-up in women's fleet

Four light to medium races for the start of gold fleet competitionBig pile-up for the women after world champion fallsElena Lengwiler cruises to two race wins in the afternoonPianosi climbs to second in the men Perhaps one of the reasons why reigning World Champions Max Maeder and Lauriane Nolot manage to win so many races is because they have enough speed to stay out of trouble. However on day four of the Formula Kite World Championship in Hyères, it was Nolot’s crash near the windward mark of… Read more...

May 16, 2024 Formula Kite

"Max is not a robot, he's human"

- Four sunny and windy races complete the qualifying phase- Valentin Bontus profits from Max Maeder's crash- Axel Mazella wins all four heats- Elena Lengwiler's flat-water speed is hard to resist Opportunities to beat Max Maeder don’t come along very often, so Valentin Bontus seized his moment on day three of the Formula Kite World Championship in Hyères in the sunny south of France. Bontus, Austria’s Olympic representative for Paris 2024, explained: “For the past two days I was also in the… Read more...

May 15, 2024 Formula Kite

Poema gets her mojo back

- Variable conditions for the men at midday, steadier moderate breeze for the women later- Four wins from four for Maeder and Mazella- Nolot's crash mean's three wins from four for the women's world champion- Poema Newland enjoys rediscovering race-winning form After a catastrophic opening day of her Formula Kite World Championship in Hyères, local competitor Poema Newland roared back on day two with three wins from four races. The French rider, who lives just 500 metres away from the event… Read more...

May 14, 2024 Formula Kite

Reigning Champions fly ahead of the chaos

- Gusty wind up to 27 knots, rain clouds and seagulls contribute to chaotic conditions- Four races of qualifying completed for men and women's fleets- Singapore’s Max Maeder and France's Lauriane Nolot get a perfect 4/4- Good performances by Kampman, Moroz, Mazella and Lobo The defending champions emerged mostly unscathed from an opening day of puffy and gusty conditions at the 2024 Formula Kite World Championships in Hyères in the South of France. Rain clouds wreaked havoc across the race… Read more...

May 13, 2024 Formula Kite

Last Chance to push Kites to the Max

- 125 competitors from 36 natiDeurynd every continent represented- 79 men from 32 countries, 46 women from 25 countries- Six days of competition in Hyères, south of France- Singapore’s Max Maeder and France's Lauriane Nolot are the defending champions- The last big event before kiteboarding debuts at the Olympics in July The 2024 Formula Kite World Championships are about to get underway in Hyères in the South of France. Taking place from 13 to 19 May, this is the last big regatta before… Read more...

Apr 27, 2024 Formula Kite

Final tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been issued

Briton Connor Bainbridge and Elena Lengwiler from Switzwerland dominated the Last Chance Regatta at the French Olympic Week and earned their respective countries a ticket to the Paris, alongside Poland's Maks Zakowski and Julia Damasiewicz who joined them in the finals and confirmed their countries place a day early. © IKA media/Robert Hajduk: Connor Bainbridge 'finally' managed to qualify GBR to the Paris 2024 Olympics In the women’s kiteboarding medal series, Poland’s Izabela Satrjan and… Read more...

Apr 21, 2024 Formula Kite

Lengwiler in control as do-or-die battle for Olympic places begins

The first day of the final qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics saw Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler claim three first places at the Last Chance Regatta to live up to her billing as an also-ran turned medal contender in the Formula Kite event. The 28-year-old is arguably the most improved athlete in the newest Olympic sailing event and has been talked about as a potential challenger for the podium this summer in Marseille. But the Swiss must first qualify a place for her country at the… Read more...

Mar 24, 2024 Formula Kite

Nolot & Maeder win Europeans in high-wind crescendo

HIGHLIGHTS - Small kites required for strong winds gusting close to 30 knots - Some hard-fought Semi Finals in a tense Medal Series climax - Singapore’s Max Maeder wins men’s gold in a single race - Lauriane Nolot not the fastest, but smart sailing earns women’s gold for France - An exciting end to six days of high-speed crashes and competition Winds gusting close to 30 knots brought spectacular conditions for the climax of the 2024 Formula Kite European Championship in Mar Menor, Spain.… Read more...

Mar 23, 2024 Formula Kite

World Champions poised for Euro glory

HIGHLIGHTS- Moderate breeze between 14 to 17 knots - Maeder turns on another display of invincibility in the men’s fleet - Nolot almost as dominant in the women - With only the Medal Series remaining, some riders get closer to Olympic selection - Oh, so THAT’s The Stig! On day five of the 2024 Formula Kite European Championship in Mar Menor, Spain, Max Maeder and Lauriane Nolot took a step closer to winning back their European titles from two years ago. The men’s and women’s Formula Kite World… Read more...

Mar 22, 2024 Formula Kite

Why Max makes Mazella mad

HIGHLIGHTS- Moderate breeze between 10 to 15 knots- Maeder continues to set the standard in the men- Mazella and Bainbridge on the rebound- So too is Jessie Kampman, women’s winner of the day- Just who exactly is The Stig? No matter how much the standard of the fleet improves, Max Maeder continues to be very hard to catch. That was the conclusion from the first day of Gold Fleet racing on day four of the 2024 Formula Kite European Championship in Mar Menor, Spain. The 17-year-old from Singapore… Read more...

Mar 21, 2024 Formula Kite

A Rare Day for the 9s

HIGHLIGHTS- Wind gusting between 22 to 28 knots, so a day for the small kites- French women continue to hold top 3 overall, with Nolot on top- Switzerland’s Lengwiler enjoys a breakthrough race win- World Champion Max Maeder leads the men’s standings- Friday is the start of Gold Fleet racing It has been almost a year since the kiteboarders have raced on their smallest kites, so day 3 of the 2024 Formula Kite European Championship came as a bit of a shock to the system. With the wind gusting… Read more...

Mar 20, 2024 Formula Kite

Incroyable Performance of Les Femmes Fatales

HIGHLIGHTS- Wind varying between 8 and 20 knots makes for tough kite decisions- Dominant French women hold top 3 overall- Strong GBR female performance too- Brazil’s Bruno Lobo wins 3 heats to jump to 5th in the men- World Champion Max Maeder leads the men’s standings Day 2 of the 2024 Formula Kite European Championship brought such variable breeze across the Mar Menor race course that some riders found themselves changing through three different sizes of kite. The women went out for the late… Read more...

Mar 19, 2024 Formula Kite

Day 1 rewards the Port Tack Pioneers

HIGHLIGHTS- Wind from 3 to 15 knots in Mar Menor- Gomez port-tack starts his way to a first race bullet- Two race wins for Valentin Bontus, Max Maeder and Riccardo Pianosi- Poema Newland leads the women, chased by Gal Zukerman Day 1 of the 2024 Formula Kite European Championship was a critical day for finding out how well riders had spent their winter training time over the past few months. The huge saltwater lagoon of Mar Menor in Spain provides conditions for going fast in flat water, but it… Read more...

Mar 18, 2024 Formula Kite

Mar Menor opens the Olympic season

HIGHLIGHTS Mar Menor in Spain is ready to host the first major event of the kite season 137 kiters from 39 nations lining up to race across six days Defending European Champions Ellie Aldridge (GBR) and Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) among the favourites A number of countries using the Europeans as part of the Olympic trials Read more...

Dec 03, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Nolot & Maeder victorious in China

- Medal Series for top 10 men and women in light and shifty conditions- Max Maeder beats Toni Vodisek for gold in the men's competition- Jingle Chen slipTomasoni Lauriane Nolot takes the women's title- Maeder and Nolot also take the season championship title for 2023 Lauriane Nolot and Max Maeder have won the women’s and men’s competition at the Lakewood Hills KiteFoil World Series China in Zhuhai. Their victories in China mean Nolot and Maeder have also become overall KiteFoil World Series… Read more...

Dec 02, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Dolenc fights back

- Four races in shifty breeze of 10 to 13 knots- Martin Dolenc wishes he'd cut his hair earlier in the week- Toni Vodisek grabs the yellow bib back from Max Maeder- Jingle Chen holds the women's yellow bib advantage over Lauriane Nolot According to the Old Testament legend of Samson, when Delilah cut his hair he lost all his power. The opposite appears to be true for Martin Dolenc. Having had his hair cut on Friday evening in the Chinese city of Zhuhai, the Croatian rider finally got his mojo… Read more...

Dec 01, 2023 KiteFoil Open

The Edge of Control

- Four more races in ever increasing breeze, gusting close to 30 knots- Jingle Chen overtakes Lauriane kitefoilinge women- Max Maeder wins 3 out of 4 to move ahead of Toni Vodisek- Many feel the fear, but not Joseph Jonathan Weston from Thailand Spiky, gusty conditions took the world’s best kiteboarders to the edge of control on day two of the Lakewood Hills KiteFoil World Series China. Read more...

Nov 30, 2023 KiteFoil Open

'The enemy?' Me, myself and I.'

- Competition begins with four back-to-back short-course races in shifty breeze- Three months away from racing and Toni Vodisek is leading the men- Lauriane Nolot takes the lead in the women and is starting to enjoy China- Flo Gruber is getting experimental with a new kite Such was Lauriane Nolot’s concern about the food on her first visit to China, she packed a few kilos of precautionary pasta and pesto in her baggage. The Formula Kite World Champion from France was also concerned about what… Read more...

Nov 29, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Chasing Glory on the Pearl Sea

- International fleet lining up against strong Chinese squad- A renewal of rivalriwaterxween the 2022 and 2023 men's World Champions- Women's Formula Kite World Champion Lauriane Nolot in China for first time- Italian women ready to test their skills after intensive training period International riders have been getting ready for the climax of the KiteFoil World Series 2023 in Zhuhai China. Racing in the Lakewood Hills KiteFoil World Series China begins on Thursday and concludes this Sunday. Read more...

Nov 26, 2023 Formula Kite

Two Big Wins for China

- Twists and turns and a plastic bag in the Medal Series finale- Jingue Chen wins the women’s competition- Qibin Huang wins Asian title ahead of men’s world champion Max Maeder- Next event down the road in Zhuhai, KiteFoil World Series China Read more...

Nov 25, 2023 Formula Kite

Jingyue all the way

Could Christmas have come early for Jingyue Chen? Crossing the finish line in first place in six successive races, it was Jingyue all the way for the Chinese rider on day four of the Formula Kite Asia & Oceania Championships in Shenzhen, China. Going into Sunday’s Medal Series for the top 10 riders, Chen took the leader’s yellow bib away from Chinese teammate Wan Li who slipped back to second overall ahead of Poland’s Julia Damasiewicz of Poland, although subsequent protests would switch things… Read more...

Nov 24, 2023 Formula Kite

Foiled by Fish

Chinese rider Wan Li came out on top of the first day of racing in the women’s fleet at the Formula Kite Asia & Oceania Championships today in Shenzhen, China. After two days of delay, the breeze kicked in nicely for six heats for the women. Fast out of the blocks was Jingyue Chen, the rider whose 7th place at the World Championships qualified China for the Olympic Games. But while Chen has tended to be the top international performer from her country, others in the Chinese squad are looking… Read more...

Nov 24, 2023 Formula Kite

Helmet Hair - the next weapon in the pursuit of kiting excellence

Helmet hair (definition from Cambridge Dictionary) /ˈhel.mət ˌheər/: 1. a person's hair that is flatter than usual because they have been wearing a helmet (= a strong, hard hat that protects your head when riding a motorcycle or bicycle)2. hair in a style that looks like a helmet (= a strong, hard hat that protects your head) Over the past couple of seasons, Max Maeder has been one of the dominant forces on the Olympic kitefoiling scene. The 17-year-old from Singapore has been tearing up the… Read more...

Oct 15, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Nolot & Maeder scrap their way to success in Sardinia

Winds of wildly different strengths and directions for the Medal SeriesJulia Damasiewicz & Denis Taradin battle their way to bronze medalsNolot and Maeder triumph again, a week after victory in AustriaKitefoil World Series concludes with big prizemoney climax in China Kitefoil World Series Italy reached a crescendo of drama as the top 10 men and women contested the new Medal Series format in the south of Sardinia. Ultimately the pre-event favourites, Max Maeder and Lauriane Nolot, prevailed to… Read more...

Oct 14, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Race wins for Damasiewicz & Pescetto before Medal Day

Two races in light, fickle southerly wind of 5 to 8 knotsRace wins for female riders Julia Damasiewicz and Maggie PescettoNolot and Whitehead book their spots in the women’s finalMaeder wins two more races and even tries a port-tack startPlaces in the men’s final for Maeder and Boschetti Light winds brought some different faces to the front of the fleet on day three of Kitefoil World Series Italy in Sardinia. Racing in light, fickle southerly wind of 5 to 8 knots, the key was to get up on the… Read more...

Oct 13, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Maramenides takes a seat at the top table

Four races in 9 to 13 knots of southerly wind and blue skiesMaeder and Boschetti’s duel continues at the front of the men’s fleetLauriane Nolot overtakes Breiana Whitehead in the womenCameron Maramenides is the surprise package of the day, climbing to fourth Friday the 13th turned out to be full of fortune for the top seeds on day two of Kitefoil World Series Italy in Sardinia. Racing in 9 to 13 knots of southerly wind and unblemished blue skies, French Formula Kite World Champion Lauriane… Read more...

Oct 12, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Double-bullet Boschetti gets the measure of Maeder

- Four races in 7 to 12 knots of wind gets the event off to a good start- Boschetti and Maeder matched on points at the top- Breiana Whitehead narrowly leads the women- Port-tack starters reap the rewards of their high-risk approach Lorenzo Boschetti was fast out of the blocks on day one of Kitefoil World Series Italy in Sardinia. The Italian rider won the first of four races in an afternoon session where the fleet was racing out of Poetto Beach near Cagliari in about 7 to 9 knots of wind.… Read more...

Oct 11, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Poetto Paradise: Kiters return to one of their favourite beaches

The world’s fastest kiteboarders are launching their kites in Cagliari in the south of Sardinia for Kitefoil World Series Italy. Taking place from 11 to 15 October, the international riders love competing out of Poetto Beach on the south coast of the spectacular Italian island in the Mediterranean. Even so late in the European season the air temperature will be in the high 20s Celsius and the water still warm enough for riding in a shorty wetsuit. Read more...

Oct 08, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Nolot & Maeder prevail in Traunsee's toughest test

A very start-stop-start kind of day with wildly variable wind on the lakeDramatic Medal Series for the menMax Maeder ends up winning gold in the menLauriane Nolot seals gold in the womenThe bandwagon moves immediately to Sardinia for Kitefoil World Series Cagliari A gusty, whirlwind final day of KiteFoil World Series Austria tested the riders to the limits of their physical and emotional abilities. After a frenetic Medal Series with a new knockout format, the four-rider final saw Max Maeder… Read more...

Oct 07, 2023 KiteFoil Open

A Chicken called Nugget

- World Champion Lauriane Nolot has a chicken called Nugget - The growing ambition of Karl Maeder - Wet ’n Dry ‘hair flick’ competition [men only] - It was a slow news day, with lack of wind meaning no racing on Traunsee - Lauriane Nolot has another chicken called Brochette The top of the fleet is steeling itself for a Medal Series showdown on Sunday after a no-race day on day three of the KiteFoil World Series Austria.. Occasionally the breeze wafted in across the southern reaches of Lake… Read more...

Oct 06, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Gruber rediscovers the Flo State

Six back-to-back races in 8 to 14 knot breeze and bright blue skiesMax Maeder and Flo Gruber tied at the topBut only 1 point between the top four menLauriane Nolot closes to 2 points of top female rider Breiana Whitehead “If you want the win, you need to grab the pin,” said Denis Taradin, with just the hint of a grin. The Cypriot sailor prevailed with a vital victory in the last of six short, sharp races on day two of KiteFoil World Series Austria. Read more...

Oct 05, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Return of the Traunsee King

Three opening heats in 6 to 9 knot soft breezeMartin Dolenc leads overall and looks comfortable on TraunseeBreiana Whitehead is the top placed female riderLauriane Nolot learns the lesson of ‘instant karma’ After three light-air races on day one of KiteFoil World Series Austria, Martin Dolenc opened his scoresheet with a strong defence of last year’s victory on Lake Traunsee. “We call him the Traunsee King,” said Swiss rider Karl Maeder of his Croatian friend and rival. Read more...

Oct 04, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Kitefoilers ready for freshwater challenge in Austria

Riders are ready for four days of freshwater competition on Lake Traunsee where they're about to start competing in KiteFoil World Series Austria. Wednesday's breeze picked up for some good training sessions on the 12km-long lake near Salzburg, although even women’s World Champion Lauriane Nolot went for a swim in her early session. “It was getting pretty light and I went for a tack and then didn’t quite manage to stay up. But I didn't get a RIB ride back to the shore, so my professional pride… Read more...

Sep 24, 2023 Formula Kite

Aldridge and Pianosi take gold for Britain and Italy

- South-westerly breeze gusting up to 25 knots with big rolling waves- 18-year-old Riccardo Pianosi wins men’s gold for Italy- Ellie Aldridge wins women’s gold for Great Britain- More than 300 local kids enjoy their first experience of kiting this week Ellie Aldridge and Riccardo Pianosi have won the first major senior titles of their Olympic careers at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth, England. The young Italian Pianosi has become the men’s European Champion at the… Read more...

Sep 23, 2023 Formula Kite

Aldridge disentangles her way to the final

- South-westerly breeze started light but became stronger during the afternoon- Four more Gold Fleet races and the top 10 move through to Sunday’s Medal Series- Ellie Aldridge overtakes Poema Newland in the women’s standings- Italians dominate the men’s competition- Livestreaming of the Medal Series on Sunday Ellie Aldridge sailed a blindingly good day to launch herself into pole position at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth, England. The British rider overtook previous… Read more...

Sep 22, 2023 Formula Kite

More Sushi, Less Seaweed please

- Steadier medium strength breeze and four Gold Fleet races completed- Seaweed is one of the biggest obstacles on the race course- Newland wins three races and moves to the top of the women’s fleet- Pianosi winning the battle of the Italians in the men- Nailbitingly close battles for Olympic qualification in the men and women’s fleets- Livestreaming of the action begins on Saturday Three consecutive Gold Fleet race wins have launched Poema Newland to the top of the women’s competition on day… Read more...

Sep 21, 2023 Formula Kite

Boring and Daring both win the race in frenetic qualifying series

- After two days of storm delay, five races complete the qualifying series- Wildly variable breeze along with seaweed makes for challenging conditions on the Solent- Some big names miss out on Gold Fleet- Riccardo Pianosi of Italy leads the men- Ellie Aldridge of Great Britain leads the women After two days of delays from gale-force winds along the south coast of England, a frenetic qualifying series made for a fascinating start to competition at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in… Read more...

Sep 20, 2023 Formula Kite

Pineapple on pizza? Kiters ponder life's big questions on a slow news day

With the wind gusting over 45 knots for the second consecutive day in Portsmouth, the riders were again on hold for the start of competition in the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships. Sometimes your greatest moments of realisation, those life-changing epiphanies, can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances, however. Daniela Moroz, absent from the event, has something to say about this. [read here] Read more...

Sep 20, 2023 Formula Kite

Olympic Campaigning: Sometimes Less Is More

After two days of the Formula Kite European Championships being blown off due to winds gusting regularly over 40 knots, the riders that chose to sit out the event might be feeling like they made the right decision. Not that the weather was the reason why they decided to skip Portsmouth. It has been a long season and some of the leading lights in the fleet are feeling like it’s time for a break. With less than a year to the Paris 2024 Games there are limited opportunities to take time out in the… Read more...

Sep 19, 2023 Formula Kite

Stormy Weather blows Taradin up to London

With the wind gusting over 45 knots, so predictably heinous was the weather forecast for day one of the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth that some riders had already scattered from the south coast of England. Read more...

Sep 18, 2023 Formula Kite

Kiters ready to fly the '9' in stormy Portsmouth

It’s set to be a blustery start to the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth on the south coast of England. With 112 riders from 28 nations getting ready to foil across the choppy waters of the Solent, all eyes are on the weather forecast for the coming week Read more...

Aug 24, 2023 Formula Kite

Maeder and Nolot claim Gold in The Hague

Jul 23, 2023 Formula Kite

Singapore and France blazing to the top of the [youth] world!

Lysa Caval, France and Maximilian Maeder, Singapore crowned 2023 U21 Formula Kite Youth World Champions Bullets all around in the women’s semi-finals from Nina Arcisz (POL), Catalina Torienzo (ARG) and French riders Heloise Pegourie and Zoe Boutang Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) and Lucas Fonseca (BRA) straight through to the finals The always reliable Gizzeria sea breeze decided to take a break on the last day of the Formula Kite Youth Worlds, sadly making it impossible to complete the women’s final.… Read more...

Jul 22, 2023 Formula Kite

Maximilian Magic

On the last day of the opening series it was all about who’s going into the Medal Series. Not a lot of drama in the front of the men’s fleet, with Max Maeder form Singapore and Qibin Huang from China continuing their performance and sealing their place in the finals with two and one match points respectively. "In Singaporean culture” says Maeder, “my bib number, 88 means 'luck' and man, did I get lucky today! I'm going to credit it to being ready, catching the right opportunity and a good dose… Read more...

Jul 21, 2023 Formula Kite

Extreme heat and light winds in Calabria

Port starts all round…. some successful, some not so much! Only three of the four scheduled races completed due to light winds Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi celebrates a bullet in Gold fleet Two race wins give Max Maeder a 2-points lead over Qibin Huang Shared bullets amongst dominant trio Pegourie, Caval and Woyciechowska Day 3 saw some riveting Gold fleet racing! A longer starting line, a slalom finish and lighter wind, definitely lifted the drama as the riders took things up a level! The race… Read more...

Jul 20, 2023 Formula Kite

French domination in Calabria

Straight bullets for Max Maeder, maintaining joint 1st with Qibin Huang, China France and Italy rise through the ranks with Lysa Caval, FRA and Riccardo Pianosi, ITA claiming 2 bullets each A new face at the front as Catalina Turienzo, Argentina leads races for the first time since starting kitefoiling a mere 18months ago Noteworthy racing from Vojtech Koska, Czech Republic, Flavio Marx, Italy and Dutch rider Jis Van Hees with some impressive top 3 results End of qualifying series for the boys,… Read more...

Jul 19, 2023 Formula Kite

Asia on fire!

Singaporean Max Maeder and China's Qibin Huang, dominate day 1 claiming all 4 bullets in their respective heats Magda Woyciechoska and Heloise Pegourie take 2 bullets each in an exciting day for the girls Equal points for Pianosi, Voerster and Fonseca battling it out for third New faces at the forefront with Chloe Revil and Derin Atakan Read more...

Jul 19, 2023 Formula Kite

Calabria STRAORDINARIA

After a big week of racing for the A’s YouthFoil class, Gizzeria promises to deliver glamour conditions for the Formula Kite U21 Worlds.Strong entry with 63 boys and 23 girls from 27 countries and six continentsLast year's champions Maximilian Maeder from Singapore, and Polish rider Nina Arcisz, return to defend their titles. Read more...

Jul 17, 2023 A's Youth Foil

Stragiotti and Jankowska successfully defend their 2022 titles

This year's World Championship saw 28 boys and girls under 17 years old returning to Hang Loose Beach in Calabria for the first part of the IKA's Youth Festival. Kicked off by a camp for foiling newcomers, where any kind of foiling kite equipment could be used, it was first the A's Youth Foil Class taking the competition to the water, followed by the Formula Kite Youth Worlds the week after. Read more...

May 29, 2023 KiteFoil Open

EJ edges it

Ejder ‘EJ’ Ginyol had been playing catch-up all week in the Masters' Worlds, after a poor opening day. The Turkish rider finally came good in the last race, finishing second while the front runner all week, Billy Guy-Maupas from France, could only manage 9th in the fading breeze. Ginyol won the world title by two points, with Guy-Maupas second and the Grand Masters world champion James Johnsen from Denmark also taking third overall. Thailand’s Benyapa Jantawan won the women’s Masters fleet,… Read more...

May 29, 2023 Formula Kite

Edge-of-Seat victories for Italy and France

Breeze of 7 to 10 knotsPégourié prevails in nailbiting three-way battle for girls’ titlePianosi overtakes Huang to take gold in the boys’ fleetHéloïse Pégourié overcame the odds to win a last-gasp gold in Torregrande. The French rider becomes the Formula Kite Youth European Champion alongside Italy’s Riccardo Pianosi who won the boys’ title in the under-21 fleet. Pégourié had worn the yellow bib all week, which meant she had an automatic place in the four-rider girls’ final and would only need… Read more...

May 27, 2023 Formula Kite

Clash of the Titans, and an Omen

Breeze of 8 to 10 knots, later strengthening to 14 to 18 knotsA disastrous clash of kites for two big rivalsFour wins from five for Qibin Huang in the boysA great day for Damasiewicz, four wins from five in the girlsHéloïse Pégourié retains leader’s yellow bib Four wins out of five races from Saturday’s session will give Qibin Huang a lot of confidence going into Sunday’s Medal Series in the Formula Kite Youth European Championship. Torregrande breeze and Sardinian sunshine delivered… Read more...

May 26, 2023 Formula Kite

Damasiewicz battles back against the French

Breeze of 7 to 12 knots, later gusting up to 20 knotsThree wins from four shows Damasiewicz means businessBut Héloïse Pégourié still holds the lead in the girlsQibin Huang of China wins first day of boys’ gold fleet racingJulia Damasiewicz promised herself she could do better, and on day 4 in Torregrande, Sardinia, the Polish rider delivered. Read more...

May 26, 2023 KiteFoil Open

EJ EDGES CLOSER

In the Kitefoil Open Masters World Championship, Turkey’s Ejder ‘EJ’ Ginyol continues a strong comeback as he tries to close the gap to series leader Billy Guy-Maupas from France. “It was a tough day,” said Ginyol. “The competition didn't start very well for me. The first day, my mind was a little bit out of focus because last week I twisted my knee and I was so nervous over the last week. Would I be fit enough? I rested as much as I could. I didn't walk, I didn't train, I didn't do any… Read more...

May 26, 2023 Formula Kite

Magnificent Seven for Huang and a win for Koska

Breeze of 7 to 9 knots, gusting up to 16 knots later in the day Threat of thunder and lightning brought fleet ashore early Héloïse Pégourié breaks her harness and misses a race Vojtech Koska takes a race off Riccardo Pianosi Qibin Huang of China has seven wins from seven Good day for Turkey in the Masters Worlds Thunder and lightning in the Sardinian sky brought an early close to competition on day two in Torregrande. Read more...

May 26, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Thunder And Lightning Over Sardinia

Breeze of 7 to 9 knots, gusting up to 16 knots later in the day Threat of thunder and lightning brought fleet ashore early Good day for Turkey in the Masters Worlds Thunder and lightning in the Sardinian sky brought an early close to competition on day two in Torregrande.It wasn’t all bad though, with three of the four in the Formula Kite Youth European Championship and four races in the Kitefoil Open Masters World Championship. Read more...

May 24, 2023 Formula Kite

Pégourié recovers from tangle to lead the girls

Warm winds of 8 to 16 knots in Torregrande, SardiniaHéloïse Pégourié leads girl’s fleet with three wins from fourRunaway winners from China and Italy in boys’ groups After four races in warm winds of 8 to 16 knots, some clear patterns are already beginning to emerge in the three world-class kitefoiling contests taking place in Torregrande, Sardinia. Read more...

May 24, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Maupas leads the Masters

Warm winds of 8 to 16 knots in Torregrande, Sardinia Billy Guy Maupas leads Masters Worlds after four heats After four races in warm winds of 8 to 16 knots, some clear patterns are already beginning to emerge in the three world-class kitefoiling contests taking place in Torregrande, Sardinia. For riders aged 35 and over, this is the Masters World Championship. Denmark’s James Johnsen won the opening heat but the next three wins went to Billy Guy Maupas from France. Aged 52, Johnsen was very… Read more...

May 24, 2023 KiteFoil Open

Kitefoil Masters ready to race in Sardinia

After a rainy, stormy period of weather across Italy, the weather seems to be coming good in time for the regatta in Torregrande, Sardinia A fleet of 28 male and female riders entered for the Masters Worlds An international group of talented riders are getting ready to contest the Kitefoil Open Masters World Championship in the Marina di Torregrande in Oristano, Sardinia.Taking place from 22 to 28 May 2023, the event is the latest in a long line of world-class kitefoiling regattas to be staged… Read more...

May 24, 2023 Formula Kite

Kitefoil Youth ready to race in Sardinia

After a rainy, stormy period of weather across Italy, the weather seems to be coming good in time for the regatta in Torregrande, Sardinia Strong entry in the Youth Europeans, 44 boys and 19 girls from 17 countries and four continents An international group of talented riders are getting ready to contest the Formula Kite Youth European Championship and the Kitefoil Open Masters World Championship in the Marina di Torregrande in Oristano, Sardinia.Taking place from 22 to 28 May 2023, the event… Read more...

Mar 13, 2023 Formula Kite

Formula Kite PanAmericans conclude in Cabarete, DOM

After several days of ideal sailing conditions for training, the weather decided to play games with the 30 competitors, representing an impressive 13 countries, registered to the event. The wind turned to the north on day 1 of the event, but despite the challenging conditions, the 4 scheduled races were completed. Michail Novikov from Vanuatu has returned to racing and it seems that he will be a strong contender, after finishing 2nd in the first race and winning the other three. The rest of the… Read more...

Jan 03, 2023 Snowkite

Racing & Freestyle WC 2023 cancelation

The IKA Snowkite Racing & Freestyle WC 2023 that was planned to be held in lake Resia in February is canceled for this year due to force majeure. The event is rescheduled for the first week of February 2024. More information will be published as it becomes available. Read more...

Oct 16, 2022 Formula Kite

First world title for Vodisek, No.6 for Moroz

HIGHLIGHTS Strong onshore breeze of 12 knots building to 20 knots, blue skies and blue water at Poetto Beach Toni Vodisek (SLO) wins his first world title Daniela Moroz (USA) wins her sixth world title Silver and bronze medals go to France, Singapore and Great Britain Poetto Beach saved its best for last, with strong onshore winds and challenging waves to decide the climax of the 2022 Formula Kite World Championships in Cagliari, Sardinia. The past six days have produced all kinds of conditions… Read more...

Oct 15, 2022 Formula Kite

Pole Position for Moroz and Vodisek

HIGHLIGHTS Mistral offshore breeze of 9 to 11 knots put a premium on good starting Vodisek and Maeder through to the men’s final, but knee injury for Vodisek Moroz and Nolot through to the women’s final Strong British performance in the women’s fleet, Aldridge the winner of the day Read more...

Oct 14, 2022 Formula Kite

Warp-Speed Duels on the Gnarliest of Mistral Days

HIGHLIGHTS Mistral offshore breeze of 15 to 25 knots made for a big, gnarly day Rain squall of 40 knots wreaks havoc in the silver and bronze fleets Max Maeder climbs from 9th to 2nd after a match race with Toni Vodisek Top speed of 38 knots recorded UFD disqualification for Daniela Moroz fails to wipe the smile off her face, in her big duel with Lauriane Nolot America’s Cup skipper Jimmy Spithill cheers Moroz from the sidelines Read more...

Oct 13, 2022 Formula Kite

Moroz makes sense of the Offshore Shifty Stuff

HIGHLIGHTS Mistral offshore breeze of 5 to 12 knots shakes up the pack on day 3 Daniela Moroz (USA) the only rider still to have won all races Toni Vodisek (SLO) stays at the top of the men’s fleet End of qualifying means disappointment for those who had hoped for gold fleet glory The offshore Mistral breeze looked promising but only half-choked into action for day three of the 2022 Formula Kite World Championships in Cagliari, Sardinia. Read more...

Oct 12, 2022 Formula Kite

Sailing Legends give Kites a closer look

HIGHLIGHTS Thunderstorms and rain stop play, and not enough wind for racing when sun came out on day 2 Daniela Moroz (USA) and Lauriane Nolot (FRA) lead the women’s qualifying fleets Axel Mazella (FRA), Toni Vodisek (SLO) and Max Maeder (SGP) are top of the three men’s groups Olympic medallists and round-the-world racers coaching the kite fleet Thunder, lightning, rain and a lack of wind all conspired against any racing being able to take place on day two of the 2022 Formula Kite World… Read more...

Oct 11, 2022 Formula Kite

4-Bullet Gunslingers on day 1 in choppy Cagliari

HIGHLIGHTS Solid breeze from 160 degrees, increasing from 9 to 14 knots during the afternoon A total of 20 qualifying races completed Daniela Moroz (USA) and Lauriane Nolot (FRA) lead the women’s qualifying fleets Axel Mazella (FRA), Toni Vodisek (SLO) and Max Maeder (SGP) are top of the three men’s groups. Four riders shot out of the start like a bullet with perfect four-from-four scores on day one of qualifying at the 2022 Formula Kite World Championships in Cagliari, Sardinia. Read more...

Oct 10, 2022 Formula Kite

Olympic Kitefoilers ready to race the World Championships in Sardinia

A total of 150 riders representing 44 nations from every continent are set to contest the 2022 Formula Kite World Championships in Cagliari, Sardinia, over the next seven days. Taking place from 11 to 16 October, the Worlds is the biggest test of the year as the kiteboarding athletes continue their journey towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games less than two years from now. With the athletes foiling above the surface at speeds in excess of 30 knots in short races that last 12 minutes, and even… Read more...

Oct 02, 2022 Formula Kite

Nolot and Maeder win Europeans in high-wind drama

HIGHLIGHTS 15 to 20 knot winds from the south-west in the Gulf of Patras Quick-fire 6-minute races are packed with splashes, crashes and tangles Lauriane Nolot wins women’s European title for France Singapore’s Max Maeder wins the event for the second year running Toni Vodisek from Slovenia becomes continental European Champion Read more...

Oct 01, 2022 Formula Kite

Big Shifts in the Top 10 before Sunday's Medal Series

HIGHLIGHTS 4 to 21 knot winds from the north-east in the Gulf of Patras 5 races for the women, 6 for the men, big changes in the top 10 Maeder and Vodisek book their places in the men’s final Two French, Nolot and Kampman, qualify for the women’s final Stunning performances lift Pulido and Satrjan to 4th & 5th respectively Strong westerly winds forecast for the medal series on Sunday Read more...

Sep 30, 2022 Formula Kite

A Good Day to be a Teenager

HIGHLIGHTS 5 to 8 knot winds from the south-west in the Gulf of Patras Riccardo Pianosi (ITA) wins the only men’s race in gold fleet Max Maeder (SGP) takes the overall lead Race wins for Magda Woyciechowska (POL) and Gal Zukerman (ISR) in women’s gold fleet Jessie Kampman holds on to yellow bib All of today's race winners are teenagers Read more...

Sep 29, 2022 Formula Kite

3-Bullet Boschetti sleeps his way to the top

HIGHLIGHTS 10 to 15 knot winds from the west in the Gulf of Patras 3 bullets from 4 races for Boschetti, Taradin and Maeder French hold the top 4 places in the women's fleet Jessie Kampman leads by 2 points from Poema Newland Read more...

Sep 28, 2022 Formula Kite

French set early pace in Female Fleet

The French were fast out of the blocks on the first day of racing at the 2022 Lepanto Formula Kite European Championships in Nafpaktos, Greece. Poema Newland, Jessie Kampman and Alexia Fancelli hold the top three places in the 47-strong fleet after four back-to-back races in 11 to 14 knot winds on the Gulf of Patras. 1,2,3 FOR FRANCE “The racing was very good, and I’m really happy to be here racing with everyone again,” said Newland who notched up a scoreline of 1,2,3,2 in her half of the… Read more...

Sep 27, 2022 Formula Kite

⚡Storm Force from Nafpaktos⚡

Day one of the 2022 Lepanto Formula Kite European Championships in Nafpaktos, and the weather forecast in western Greece was so apocalyptic that the government forbade any on-water activity today, and that included the kiteboarders. NO SERIOUSLY, DUDE. DON'T GO OUT! After principal race officer Michal Jodlowski called the 139 riders together for a morning meeting to share the bad news, there was a look of genuine shock and surprise to hear that this wasn’t just the race officer saying, ‘don’t… Read more...

Sep 26, 2022 Formula Kite

Olympic Kite hopefuls ready to contest Europeans in Greece

Almost 140 riders representing 39 nations from every continent are set to contest the Formula Kite European Championships in Nafpaktos on the west of Greece this week. Taking place from 26 September to 2 October, the European Championships is the last major test before the Worlds in Italy in a few weeks’ time. With the athletes foiling above the surface at speeds in excess of 30 knots in short races that last 12 minutes, and even shorter finals of just 6 minutes, the action will be fast and… Read more...

Sep 10, 2022 Formula Kite

Registration is open for the 2022 Formula Kite Open Pan American Championships

The 2022 Formula Kite Open Pan American Championships will be held in São Luis Maranão, in the North of Brazil, from 7 to 13 November 2022. © Ocean Kite Point: The beach venue is ideal for hosting kiteboarding competitions The event will serve as the 2022 Brazil Nationals but even more important, it will be the first chance for eligible countries to book their entry to the Pan American Games Santiago 2023. Racing will be hosted by the Ocean Kite Point, and the schedule includes 4 fleet racing… Read more...

Sep 05, 2022 Formula Kite

2022 Formula Kite Open Africa and Middle East Championships

Sailors from 5 continents gathered on the exotic island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean to take part in the 2022 Formula Kite Open African and Middle East Championships. Read more...

Jul 24, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Nolot, Taradin & Stragiotti victorious in Gizzeria

The final day of the KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria in Italy produced three highly-deserving winners after a quick-fire Medal Series.HIGHLIGHTS • Light winds of 9 to 10 knots but kiteboard speeds clocked at up to 30.5 knots • Medal Series format opens the door for all top 10 to win gold... • ...but the yellow bibs prove too dominant to give away their advantage • Lauriane Nolot is crowned Queen of Gizzeria as she beats Daniela Moroz • Denis Taradin pulls off a daring move to secure gold seconds… Read more...

Jul 23, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Nolot unstoppable with four wins from five

Day 3 of the KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria in Italy was the most interesting yet, with some significant moves on the leaderboard in warm winds of 12 to 16 knots.HIGHLIGHTS • Stronger winds and a more open race course changed the pecking order • Lauriane Nolot was Queen of Gizzeria with four wins from five races • Denis Taradin seizes back the yellow bib from Toni Vodisek • Just a perfect day for Gian Stragiotti in the A’s Youth Europeans Read more...

Jul 22, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Double bullet day for Aldridge & Vodisek

Day 2 of KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria produced slightly lighter winds and threw some subtly different challenges at the 96 riders competing in the south of Italy. HIGHLIGHTS • Lighter winds of 10 knots make for a trickier challenge • Ellie Aldridge wins two races to move into the yellow bib of the women’s fleet • Toni Vodisek takes the yellow bib from Denis Taradin in the men’s fleet • Gian Stragiotti extends his lead in the A’s Youth Europeans Read more...

Jul 21, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Gizzeria tests different risk vs reward strategies

Day 1 of KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria in the south of Italy asked as many questions as it provided answers for the 96 competitors. Safe starboard tack, or risky port tack at the start? Both strategies were working at different times.HIGHLIGHTS • Denis Taradin forgets his bib but remembers how to win • Poema Newland and Daniela Moroz tied at the top of the women’s fleet • Gian Stragiotti leads the A’s Youth Europeans • The Dilemma: no clear winning strategy from starting on port or starboard. Read more...

Jul 20, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Moroz keen to get back to winning in Gizzeria

Almost 100 of the most accomplished riders representing over 20 countries from 5 continents are ready to compete in the KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria in the south of Italy over the next four days from 21 to 24 July. HIGHLIGHTS • Daniela Moroz and Denis Taradin are the defending champions at Gizzeria • Port-tack start is a powerful option, if you’re brave or fool enough • Gian Stragiotti of Switzerland is favourite for the A’s Youth European title. Read more...

Jul 14, 2022 Formula Kite

Singapore and Poland take home gold from The Hague

Female Kiteboarding FormulaKite The 2021 silver and bronze medallists elevated to gold and silver respectively this year. Julia Damasiewicz (POL) scored a string of first and second places to record a very deserved victory on the foiling kite, while Héloïse Pégourié (FRA) was similarly comfortable in second place. Derin Atakan (TUR) took bronze for Turkey. Read more...

Jul 09, 2022 Formula Kite

When the Apprentices are also the Masters

Last year saw the introduction of Male and Female categories in Kiteboarding Formula Kite. The move to more foil-borne events mirrors the developments seen in Olympic competition over the past year since the Tokyo 2020 Games. Read more...

Jul 01, 2022 Formula Kite

Registration opens for 2022 Formula Kite European and World Championship events

Registration is now open for the two pinnacle events of the 2022 Formula Kite season. The 2022 European Championships will be held in Nafpaktos (GRE) from 25 September to 02 October. The 2022 World Championships will be held in Cagliari (ITA) from 08 to 16 October. Both events have limited entry quota - 90 men and 60 women. Quota allocation is based on the World Sailing rankings as of 01 July 2022, with the qualification system rewarding national fleet performance depth with additional places.… Read more...

Jun 19, 2022 KiteFoil Open

First-time victories for Dolenc & Damasiewicz

Young riders Julia Damasiewicz (POL) and Martin Dolenc (CRO) both became first-time winners of a World Series event today at the conclusion of KiteFoil World Series Traunsee in Austria. With only one race completed after three days of competition, the pressure was on to squeeze in as much racing as possible on the final day. With higher than average air temperatures of almost 30 degrees Celsius in Upper Austria, the thermal breeze on the 12km-long freshwater lake struggled to kick into gear. Read more...

Jun 18, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Three winners in marginal conditions on Traunsee

There were three race winners on day three of KiteFoil World Series Traunsee, although it wasn’t an outcome to please everyone. After no racing the previous two days of scheduled competition, the 6 to 8 knot breeze offered some hope of getting some racing completed. There was never a lot of weight or certainty to the breeze however, with the top of the race course always looking soft near the windward mark. Read more...

Jun 17, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Traunsee tantalises with broken promise

The fickle lake winds tantalised the riders with the prospect of racing on day two of the KiteFoil World Series Traunsee in Austria, only to send their hopes crashing to the water. Time and again the race committee attempted a race start for the men in yellow and blue qualifying groups, but the disappearing breeze at the top of the course made it impossible for the riders to keep their kites in the sky. Read more...

Jun 16, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Foil pumping and chess - how to stay active on a 'no wind' day

Chaotic mountain weather meant no racing for day one of the KiteFoil World Series Traunsee in Austria. Warm weather and scarcely a breath of wind was suddenly interrupted by sudden gusts and lashings of rain. Kitefoil racing wasn’t an option. Instead the 58 male and female riders had to make their fun in different and creative ways. Read more...

Jun 15, 2022 KiteFoil Open

Traunsee a breath of fresh air and water for kitefoilers

Fifty-eight of the most accomplished riders from 26 nations and five continents are ready to compete in the KiteFoil World Series Traunsee in Austria over the next four days from 16 to 19 June. Registration day produced perfect foiling conditions on spectacular Traunsee, Austria’s answer to Lake Garda. With the blazing sun driving air temperatures up to 28 degrees celsius, the thermal winds rose to 16 knots in the southern section of the 12km-long lake near Salzburg. Read more...

Jun 06, 2022 Formula Kite

Lammerts and Gomez win in Lelystad

Home Waters Celebration in Formula Kite Women, while Benoit Gomez defies logic to win Formula Kite Men with a small kite. Read more...

May 23, 2022 A's Youth Foil

Stragiotti, Balewicz and Jankowska are Kitefoiling Youth World Champions

No racing on the final day of the A's Youth Foil Worlds means leaving the overall title with Gian Andrea Stragiotti of Switzerland. Read more...

May 22, 2022 Formula Kite

Arcisz and Maeder are Formula Kite Youth World Champions

The final day of the Kitefoiling Youth World Championships delivered drama and an unforeseen but well deserved result in the girls’ fleet. Light winds made consistent foiling very tough and required the highest level of focus and technical skill from the young riders. Read more...

May 21, 2022 A's Youth Foil

Four more bullets for Gian Andrea Stragiotti

Day four of the Kitefoiling Youth World Championships saw competition in 8 to 12 knot winds and another four races completed, with Gian Andrea Stragiotti winning all four. Read more...

May 21, 2022 Formula Kite

Pegourie surges into kitefoiling world title contention

Day four of the Kitefoiling Youth World Championships saw competition in 8 to 12 knot winds and another four hard-fought races completed. There were some significant moves on the leaderboard too. Read more...

May 20, 2022 Formula Kite

Ashkenazi stretches her legs in the girls' Formula Kite

Day three of the Kitefoiling Youth World Championships brought strong but unpredictable breeze that made it hard to choose the right size kite. As ever, staying out of trouble was a vital part of success, and avoiding the ever-present risk of a high-speed wipeout. Read more...

May 20, 2022 A's Youth Foil

Stragiotti holds on to his lead on Day 3 in Torregrande

Day three of the Kitefoiling Youth World Championships brought strong but unpredictable breeze that made it hard to choose the right size kite. As ever, staying out of trouble was a vital part of success, and avoiding the ever-present risk of a high-speed wipeout. Read more...

May 19, 2022 Formula Kite

Glorious Sardinia conditions on the second day of racing

Day two of the Kiteboarding Youth World Championships saw a change of leader in two of the three divisions. The breeze was steadier than Wednesday, with all four races completed in winds of 8 to 16 knots which gradually moved around from the south-west to north-west throughout the afternoon. Read more...

May 19, 2022 A's Youth Foil

Switzerland surges into lead of Kiteboarding Youth Worlds

Day two of the Kiteboarding Youth World Championships saw a change of leader. The breeze was steadier than Wednesday, with all four races completed in winds of 8 to 16 knots which gradually moved around from the south-west to north-west throughout the afternoon. Read more...

May 18, 2022 Formula Kite

Sublime start for Israel, Poland & Singapore at Kiteboarding Youth Worlds

Day one of the Formula Kite U21 and Youth Foil World Championships in Sardinia delivered challenging and shifty wind between 9 to 13 knots, but still the favourites rose to the top of the scoreboard. Read more...

May 17, 2022 Formula Kite

Under-21s ready to race at Kitefoiling Youth Worlds

An international group of riders is ready to contest the Formula Kite U21 and A's Youth Foil World Championships in Torregrande on the west coast of Sardinia. Taking place from 16 to 22 May, the World Championships are the ultimate test for these under-21 athletes as they foil above the surface at speeds in excess of 30 knots. Read more...

Apr 10, 2022 Formula Kite

Reigning World Champions dominate in Palma

Frenchman Theo De Ramecourt and USA’s Daniela Moroz took gold in Palma, at the first Hempel World Cup Series for Formula Kite as an Olympic Event which saw 38 women and 75 men from 24 countries and 5 continents taking part. Read more...

Apr 09, 2022 Formula Kite

Final Day Jeopardy

Not only have the new foiling classes increased the speed of Olympic sailing, they’re also bringing more radical ideas to race formats and finals. Since Beijing 2008, the 10-boat Medal Race has been the finals format for Olympic competition. At the time it was seen as controversial, the double-points non-discardable Medal Race seen as skewing the competition unfairly in favour of final-day fortunes in a sport that had rewarded week-long consistency. Now the Medal Race is part of the furniture.… Read more...

Apr 08, 2022 Formula Kite

insidethegames: De Ramecourt tussles for control at Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca

Theo de Ramecourt of France got the better of countryman Benoit Gomez in the Formula Kiteboard discipline of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca in Spain while racing continued in nine other disciplines. The Bay of Palma produced perfect conditions for the fourth day of competition as Gomez powered to victory in the opening heat in the Formula Kiteboard. However, he was unable to maintain his form as De Ramecourt mastered the wind to take the next four heats which puts him three points ahead of… Read more...

Apr 07, 2022 Formula Kite

French continue to impress at Palma

Changeable weather on the Bay of Palma might have finally brought some sunshine and warmer temperatures to the racing waters of the 51 Trofeo Sofía Mallorca Olympic classes, but staying on top of the sizeable shifts in wind direction and pressure offered a whole new set of challenges to the huge fleet of racers after the first couple of days of cold offshore northeasterly winds. On this third day of the first Hempel World Cup Series regatta of 2022 the standout performances included French… Read more...

Apr 06, 2022 Formula Kite

inside the games: France enjoys successful day at Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca Regatta

France have enjoyed a successful day at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca Regatta in Palma in Mallorca with the country leading the standings in three disciplines. Frenchman Benoit Gomez secured top spot in the men’s formula kite after finishing first in every race of the blue group while reigning world champion and fellow Frenchman Theo de Ramecourt is in third after finishing first three times in the red group. In the second qualifying race, he received a U-flagged (UFD)… Read more...

Apr 05, 2022 A's Youth Foil

Building the road to the Olympics

Formula Kite is the new fast-n-furious Olympic class and the acrobatic skills of the riders while moving in breathtaking speed may look out of this world, but there is a simple and fun way to get there. It’s called the A’s Youth Foil Class and since 2021 it is the pathway to Olympic kitefoiling. Read more...

Mar 26, 2022 Snowkite

Big Air Action on Day 1 of the Cortina SnowKite World Championships

A beautiful day 1 at Giau Pass for the Cortina IKA Freestyle & Bigair World Championships. The day started with the skippers meeting at refuge Da Aurelio, with the head judge Ian Sleuyter offering the riders a detailed briefing on judging criteria. A short time breeze came late, but gave the opportunity for some action. Men ski discipline hit the slopes of Giau for a Big Air session. After three attempts, Diddier Botta from France offered the best trick of the day, followed by Lorenzo Lorè… Read more...

Mar 20, 2022 A's Youth Foil

Registration opens for 2022 A's Youth Foil Class Worlds

The Notice of Race for the 2022 Formula Kite U21 and A's Youth Foil Class World Championships in Torregrande (ITA) from 16 to 22 May 2022 has been published. The event is open to 60 Formula Kite Men and 30 Formula Kite Women born in the year 2002 or after, and for 30 A's Youth Foil class competitors each in the U17 (born 2006 and after) and U15 (born 2008 and after) divisions. Go to the Official Notice Board Register here Early bird registration ends on 17 April 2022. Entries are accepted on a… Read more...

Mar 20, 2022 Formula Kite

Registration opens for 2022 Formula Kite U21 Worlds

The Notice of Race for the 2022 Formula Kite U21 and A's Youth Foil Class World Championships in Torregrande (ITA) from 16 to 22 May 2022 has been published. The event is open to 60 Formula Kite Men and 30 Formula Kite Women born in the year 2002 or after, and for 30 A's Youth Foil class competitors each in the U17 (born 2006 and after) and U15 (born 2008 and after) divisions. Go to the Official Notice Board Register here Early bird registration ends on 17 April 2022. Entries are accepted on a… Read more...

Mar 19, 2022 Formula Kite

Watch out world, Asia is coming!

'Watch out World, Asia is coming' said a relieved Max Maeder, from the highest step of the podium at the 2022 Formula Kite NFDS Asia Pacific Championships, after a thrilling medal series earlier in the day, on the waters off the beach of Pattaya in Thailand. He had good reason to say so. All three steps of the Men's podium were taken by young Asian sailors. And while Singapore's Maeder has already been showing his strength over the past season, winning among others the Open European… Read more...

Mar 12, 2022 Formula Kite

A new Q&A regarding the colour of helmets has been published

Question: Which colours are considered as ‘high visibility colour’ for helmets in Formula Kite Class Rule C.3.2.b.1? Answer: In reference to other applications of high visibility colours, the IKA considers luminous yellow (e.g. RAL 1026), luminous red (e.g. RAL 3024, 3026), luminous orange (e.g. RAL 2005), luminous green (e.g. RAL6038), luminous pink (e.g. RAL 4010) and equivalent as compliant colours. It is highly recommended to use fluorescent (neon) colours to increase the visibility on… Read more...

Mar 01, 2022 Formula Kite

World Sailing licenses Formula Kite equipment from 7 hydrofoil and 4 kite manufacturers for Paris 2024

Following the registered series production equipment evaluation period from middle of 2020 until the end of 2021, World Sailing has offered licenses to build Olympic equipment to the manufacturers that have complied with the evaluation criteria. The following equipment has been licensed (note: some manufacturers chose not to license all of their equipment options): Read more...

Feb 28, 2022 A's Youth Foil

IKA Executive Committee backs IOC resolution regarding participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Executive Committee echoes the reaction of the International Olympic Committee regarding the developing situation in Ukraine. Sport can be a force for good, bringing competitors from around the world together, united by the values of equality, inclusion, respect and fairness. We hope that the hostilities will end and that constructive dialogue will lead to the resolution of any differences. In the meantime, following the resolution issued by the… Read more...

Feb 28, 2022 Snowkite

IKA Executive Committee backs IOC resolution regarding participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Executive Committee echoes the reaction of the International Olympic Committee regarding the developing situation in Ukraine. Sport can be a force for good, bringing competitors from around the world together, united by the values of equality, inclusion, respect and fairness. We hope that the hostilities will end and that constructive dialogue will lead to the resolution of any differences. In the meantime, following the resolution issued by the… Read more...

Feb 28, 2022 Formula Kite

IKA Executive Committee backs IOC resolution regarding participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Executive Committee echoes the reaction of the International Olympic Committee regarding the developing situation in Ukraine. Sport can be a force for good, bringing competitors from around the world together, united by the values of equality, inclusion, respect and fairness. We hope that the hostilities will end and that constructive dialogue will lead to the resolution of any differences. In the meantime, following the resolution issued by the… Read more...

Feb 28, 2022 KiteFoil Open

IKA Executive Committee backs IOC resolution regarding participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials

The International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Executive Committee echoes the reaction of the International Olympic Committee regarding the developing situation in Ukraine. Sport can be a force for good, bringing competitors from around the world together, united by the values of equality, inclusion, respect and fairness. We hope that the hostilities will end and that constructive dialogue will lead to the resolution of any differences. In the meantime, following the resolution issued by the… Read more...

Feb 27, 2022 Snowkite

Green light for the SnowKite Freestyle and Big Air World Championships in Cortina (ITA)

After being postponed for the past two seasons due to COVID, the 7th edition of the CSC2022 - Cortina Snowkite Contest will be held from 24 to 27 March 2022 at Passo Giau in Italy and will be the last stage of the IKA Snowkite World Cup, awarding the Big-Air and Freestyle World Titles. The Italian National Champions will be crowned at the same event. The Notice of Race will be published shortly, but registration is already open at… Read more...

Feb 24, 2022 Formula Kite

Updated Qualification System released after feedback from members

The qualification systems for the upcoming 2022 Formula Kite World and European Championships have been updated after receiving initial feedback from our members.The entry remains limited to 90 men and 60 women per event. The European Championships is an open event, competitors from all countries are able to enter (subject to quota restrictions). Every country is guaranteed one (1) entry. Additional entries are offered only to IKA full members based on their standings in the World Sailing… Read more...

Feb 16, 2022 Formula Kite

Qualification System for Formula Kite World and European Championships published

The qualification systems for the upcoming 2022 Formula Kite World and European Championships have been published.Entry is limited to 90 men and 60 women per event. The European Championships is an open event, competitors from all countries are able to enter (subject to quota restrictions). Every country is guaranteed one (1) entry. Additional entries are offered only to IKA full members based on their standings in the World Sailing Rankings for the Formula Kite class as of 01 July 2022. Using… Read more...

Feb 10, 2022 Snowkite

Wind and Snow - the Alto Sangro Ski Area will host the 8th edition of the Snowkite events, for the third time as World Cup

The best riders in the world will compete in the mountains of the Alto Sangro ski area for the 8th edition of the Snowkiting Championship. The event is a leg of a world tour promoted by IKA (International Kiteboarding Association), member of World Sailing. The disciplines will be Course Racing, Long Distance and GPS Formula. Read more...

Jan 24, 2022 Snowkite

2022 IKA Snow Kite World Cup Ukraine

After a break of two years due to COVID-19, Kharkiv hosted the first stop of the 2022 IKA SnowKite WorldCup. Although the ongoing pandemic still has a significant effect on international travel, the event went on with Ukrainian riders dominating the event. Read more...

Dec 04, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Foil la France! Mazella & Newland storm to championship glory

Axel Mazella and Poema Newland have become champions of Gran Canaria, the fifth and final event of the 2021 KiteFoil World Series. Both French riders have also been crowned champions of the 2021 season. For Mazella, this is his third World Series title to go with his victories in 2017 and 2019. For Newland, her maiden victory in the Series is the perfect conclusion to a dramatic year of improvement. Read more...

Dec 03, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Taradin running out of runway to beat Bainbridge

Day three of the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Gran Canaria saw the breeze gusting too strongly for the riders to get out through the shore break at Playa de las Burras. Again no racing, but few murmurs of disappointment from the fleet. Read more...

Dec 02, 2021 KiteFoil Open

AP over A: but Gruber goes out in gnarly conditions

The ‘racing postponed’ flags were displayed at 2pm on day two of the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Gran Canaria. Winds gusting over 30 knots at the Playa de las Burras meant no racing for the day. Even so, top German rider Flo Gruber ventured out for some high-wind kitefoiling practice in gnarly conditions. Read more...

Dec 01, 2021 KiteFoil Open

"Full English" powers Mazella into early lead

Asked what a Frenchman eats for breakfast in Spain, today’s winner smiled: “I eat an English breakfast in Spain. Look at my skinny legs! I need bigger legs to go faster, and that’s why I need an English breakfast.” Another rider familiar with the Great British breakfast is Connor Bainbridge who powered his way to victory in the opening race, with Mazella breathing down the Briton’s neck all the way to the high-speed finish. Bainbridge followed up with three second places and would have taken… Read more...

Nov 30, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Gran Canaria welcomes world's finest foiling athletes

The five-event 2021 KiteFoil World Series is about to reach its climax for the season. This Saturday, 4 December, the winners of the season will be crowned at the conclusion of Event No.5, the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Gran Canaria. The contest takes place from 1 to 4 December and, while most of Europe is suffering in the depths of a chilly winter, the Canary Islands continue to enjoy Saharan levels of sunshine and healthy amount of wind. All perfect ingredients for the high-speed foil racers… Read more...

Nov 27, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Maeder & Newland win high-wind Fuerteventura

Big offshore gusts and sunny skies delivered a barnstorming conclusion to the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Fuerteventura. Max Maeder of Singapore came out on top of a thrilling duel with Axel Mazella from France. Poema Newland of France dominated the women’s division, winning the trophy ahead of Great Britain’s Ellie Aldridge. Read more...

Nov 26, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Swirly Fuerteventura pours cold water on the kitefoilers

Rain clouds played havoc with day three of 2021 KiteFoil World Series Fuerteventura, the wind never settling down sufficiently for any racing. Read more...

Nov 25, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Three Bullets fire Max Maeder into Early Lead

Fifteen years old but strong as on old ox, Singapore’s Max Maeder was fast out of the blocks at the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Fuerteventura. Three back-to-back bullets in the pre-lunch session of double-lap races launched Maeder into an early and decisive lead. Read more...

Nov 24, 2021 KiteFoil Open

The Art of Making your Own Fun on a No-Race Day

Even when there was no racing on day 1 of the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Fuerteventura, the 48 sailors still make their own fun. With ages ranging in the fleet from 14 to early 50s, from keen weekend warriors to Olympic aspirants, there is a great appetite for enjoying beach life, even when the breeze refuses to get up over 5 knots. Read more...

Nov 23, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Ready for Furious Foiling Action in Fuerteventura

World-class foiling competition is about to get going in the year-round warmth of the Canary Islands, as 48 competitors line up for the start of the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Fuerteventura. Today was registration day, and maybe a chance for some final practice. But a rare day of no wind on the Risco del Paso beach sent the sailors off in search of an alternative watersport, a bit of old-school surfing. Every day is a learning day, even when you can’t put a kite in the sky. Read more...

Oct 17, 2021 Formula Kite

Moroz lands fifth successive world title as elated De Ramecourt bags first in Sardinia

The US’s Daniela Moroz closed out a remarkable five titles in a row at the Formula Kite World Championships on the Italian island of Sardinia, coming from behind in the finals shootout on the sparkling Gulf of Oristano, to seize the coveted crown. France’s Théo de Ramecourt entered the medal race final in pole position, but took several attempts in utterly engrossing competition to secure the bullet that gave him the first world title he craved. Both athletes were completely elated by their… Read more...

Oct 16, 2021 Formula Kite

Pack reshuffled as competition heats up ahead of climactic finals at Worlds in Sardinia

The penultimate day of the Formula Kite world championships fought out on the glorious Gulf of Oristano on the Italian island of Sardinia, sparked tense drama all over the race track in difficult conditions. Shifty ponente sea-breezes that fluctuated between 7kts and 12kts, helped reshuffle the top of the men’s and women’s fleets, as many of the leaders struggled to find the form that had taken them to the head of the pack. Reigning Formula Kite world title holder, the US’s Daniela Moroz, had a… Read more...

Oct 15, 2021 Formula Kite

Little separates leaders after intense duels at the Formula Kite Worlds in Sardinia

Only the finest margins separate the top of the order, after scintillating racing as the Formula Kite World Championships are due to hit the final series on the penultimate day of the regatta on the Gulf of Oristano on the Italian island of Sardinia. The French duo of Axel Mazella and Théo de Ramecourt are equal on points at the head of the men’s standings after a day of awesomely-quick racing, in gusty and shifty side-shore breezes that reached 18kts. But occasional lulls down to 7kts were a… Read more...

Oct 14, 2021 Formula Kite

High drama in challenging conditions upsets order at Formula Kite Worlds in Sardinia

The fight for the Formula Kite world championship titles, being contested on the sumptuous Gulf of Oristano on the Italian island, shifted into high gear with drama all over the track in tough conditions that left some leading contenders in difficulties. In the massively-shifty offshore breezes that gusted to 25kts, even the reigning world champion, US’s Daniela Moroz, suffered some tough moments. She missed a race when she failed to make one start after her kite fell and she got stuck in… Read more...

Oct 13, 2021 Formula Kite

Opening skirmishes at Formula Kite Worlds in Italy throw up surprises in tight racing

The opening exchanges at the Formula Kite World Championships, being fought out on the Gulf of Oristano on the Italian island of Sardinia, slightly upset the form book after a faltering start, when the wind teased before the action kicked off in earnest. Britain’s Katie Dabson scored well in her day’s races on the spectacular track off Torregrande, as the south-westerly breezes filled in late in the day, leaving her second overall. Polish teenagers Nina Arcisz and Julia Damasiewicz picked up… Read more...

Oct 12, 2021 Formula Kite

High stakes drama in prospect at first Worlds of Olympic cycle in Sardinia

The world’s fastest kiteboard racers are set to battle for the coveted Formula Kite World Championships in the inaugural title fight of the Olympic cycle, on the Italian island of Sardinia. Over five days that promise high-intensity acton, the biggest kitefoil fleet ever will go head-to-head on the flat waters off Torregrande, marking the start of the countdown to kiteboarding’s Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. The stunning Gulf of Oristano, a marine conservation area ringed by pristine… Read more...

Oct 10, 2021 KiteFoil Open

France’s Mazella triumphs as countrywomen lock out podium at world series in Sardinia

Frenchman Axel Mazella clinched victory at the third stop of the KiteFoil World Series in tricky offshore breezes that faded towards the close of the regatta’s dramatic final fourth day in Cagliari on the Italian resort island of Sardinia. The faltering breeze that dropped to 6-8kts in the last race, left Mazella swimming when his kite collapsed after not managing to clear the top mark, despite pumping his foil furiously, though he was able to recover and finish down the order. But by then he… Read more...

Oct 09, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Rollercoaster ride reflects intensely close racing at world series in Sardinia

By the time Britain’s Connor Bainbridge dons his competition shirt on the final day of racing at the KiteFoil World Series Cagliari, he will have had the dubious honour of having worn all three of the leaders’ coloured jerseys, such is the intensity of the battles on the water. On the penultimate of four days of spectacular racing on the strikingly-beautiful Gulf of Angels track on the Italian resort island of Sardinia, the Briton’s performance in the day's four races was enough to move him up… Read more...

Oct 08, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Intense duels on the water at world series in Sardinia produce thrilling spectacle

France’s Axel Mazella and Russia’s Denis Taradin engaged in an absorbing battle full of drama, on day two of the KiteFoil World Series Cagliari, on the Italian resort island of Sardinia. With one victory each at the tour’s previous two stops, both Ozone riders traded bullets in the day’s five races, being fought out on the Gulf of Angels, off Cagliari’s Poetto beach, in onshore breezes that climbed to about 13kts. No race better illustrated the intensity of the duels between the pair, than the… Read more...

Oct 07, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Athletes drawn from all corners of globe to battle in world series on Italian resort island

Only the finest margins separated the top men and women in the opening salvos at the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Cagliari, as tough conditions tested the mettle of the elite athletes to the limit. In the gusty and shifty Mistral breezes that hit 33kts off Cagliari’s Poetto beach on the Italian resort island of Sardinia, the leading men and women racing in one fleet traded bullets and the overall leads. But on his birthday, Britain’s Connor Bainbridge did enough in searingly-quick racing, to take… Read more...

Oct 06, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Promise of engrossing world tour stop on Italian resort island wins top-level backing

The world’s fastest kiteboard racers are set for a dramatic showdown, as they go head-to-head in the third act of the KiteFoil World Series, which is to be fought-out off the magnificent Italian resort island of Sardinia. With the prospect of mouthwatering duels over four days’ high-octane racing at the 2021 KiteFoil World Series Cagliari, the event has again won the highest-level support from Sardinian authorities eager to project the island on the world stage. It is the globe-trotting tour’s… Read more...

Sep 19, 2021 KiteFoil Open

France’s Mazella triumphs in thrillingly-tight racing at close of World Series stop in Austria

Frenchman Axel Mazella clinched victory in specularly close racing, in tricky conditions, on the final day of the KiteFoil World Series Traunsee, in Austria, fought out against a dramatic mountain backdrop. But to take the trophy, Mazella had to see off stiff challenges from rivals that ensured he had to share the bullets from closing day’s eight races with four other competitors who pushed him all the way. Just a week after Mazella seized the Formula Kite European championships crown, the… Read more...

Sep 18, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Successful young racers fuelled by Olympic dreams shocked by tough transition to elite level

The ranks of elite kiteboard racers at the KiteFoil World Series Traunsee in Austria have been swollen by aspiring young athletes who have already tasted success. But for those scaled the highest levels of Twin-Tip: Racing (TT:R) at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires in 2018, the transition to top-level kitefoil racing was a rude awakening. For some competing at the UPPER AUSTRIA KiteFoil Grand Prix, which is hosting the World Series’ second Act in the spectacular setting of Ebensee,… Read more...

Sep 17, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Sponsors seize on top-level kitefoil racing to burnish image to worldwide audience

The KiteFoil World Series Traunsee, the tour’s second stop, being fought out on a breathtaking mountain lake in Austria, has won the backing of key sponsors eager to deploy the top-level event to project the region on the world stage. International focus on the globe-trotting World Series tour, with its cutting-edge kitefoil racing contested by the world’s best, is being harnessed by key sponsors Upper Austria Tourism and the major Raiffeisenbank. In different ways, both backers see the… Read more...

Sep 16, 2021 KiteFoil Open

Elite kiteboard racers suffer faltering start to campaigns on mountain lake in Austria

The opening round of the KiteFoil World Series Traunsee stop got off to a dramatic, if stuttering beginning, amid the splendour of striking Austrian mountains that offer a glorious backcloth to the lake’s racetrack. With a challenging weather forecast for the first day of racing in the UPPER AUSTRIA KiteFoil Grand Prix, which is hosting the World Series tour stop, the race committee was eager to get racing under way. But as the race started with the kiteboarders on their biggest 21m and 23m… Read more...

Sep 15, 2021 KiteFoil Open

World’s top kitefoil racers line up to battle on stunning Austrian mountain lake

The fastest kite racers in the world are ready for four days of intense race action at the UPPER AUSTRIA KiteFoil Grand Prix Traunsee which is hosting the highly-anticipated second stop of the IKA KiteFoil World Series. The high-octane event sponsored by Upper Austria Tourism will play out at Rindbach, Ebensee, on the southern end of Traunsee, a breathtakingly-beautiful lake framed by striking mountains and picture postcard villages. The dramatic backdrop and the lake’s flat waters will offer a… Read more...

Sep 14, 2021 A's Youth Foil

Russian teenager realises dream seizing gold at Europeans in Olympic pathway class

The young Russian kiteboard foil racer Mikhail Novikov took the European crown in the A’s Youth Foil one-design class on the final, climactic day of action in Montpellier, southern France. Novikov, 16, was late to the start of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) A’s only race of the final day and did not compete. But with his unbroken run of bullets in earlier races off Villeneuve-Lès-Maguelone beach, the blond teenager was already guaranteed the crown. “It feels amazing,” said… Read more...

Sep 12, 2021 Formula Kite

Maeder and Moroz squeeze out French racers on home waters at Europeans

Singapore’s Max Maeder and the US’s Daniela Moroz overhauled solidly French opposition in dramatic finals to seize the Open titles at the Formula Kite European Championships in Montpellier. On his fifteenth birthday, Maeder, took three bullets in spellbinding, near flawless racing on the track just off Villeneuve Lès-Maguelone beach. In doing so he eased past two-time reigning champion France’s Axel Mazella. “I don’t really know how to describe this feeling,” said Maeder, shaking with… Read more...

Sep 11, 2021 Formula Kite

French trio tighten grip on top of order at Europeans on home waters in Montpellier

Three French men locked out the top of the rankings with searingly-fast kiteboard foil racing on the penultimate day of the Formula Kite European Championships off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Lès-Maguelone beach, when it was all about booking a place in the final race. Benoît Gomez (FRA) did that in style, climbing three places up the rankings to qualify directly to the finals, to be sailed on the fifth and last day of Europeans, with a scintillating performance of two bullets and a second place… Read more...

Sep 10, 2021 A's Youth Foil

Ranks of elite kiteboard racers swelled by foiling natives dreaming of Olympic glory

The roster of young kiteboarding athletes who have braved coronavirus restrictions to make it to the start line of the Formula Kite European Championships, has grown dramatically as the countdown to the event’s Olympic debut has begun. More young teenagers than ever have turned up to attend the biggest regatta of the year so far, being staged on the Mediterranean, off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Lès-Maguelone beach in the south of France. Yet, on the third of five scheduled days of competition,… Read more...

Sep 10, 2021 Formula Kite

Ranks of elite kiteboard racers swelled by foiling natives dreaming of Olympic glory

The roster of young kiteboarding athletes who have braved coronavirus restrictions to make it to the start line of the Formula Kite European Championships, has grown dramatically as the countdown to the event’s Olympic debut has begun. More young teenagers than ever have turned up to attend the biggest regatta of the year so far, being staged on the Mediterranean, off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Lès-Maguelone beach in the south of France. Yet, on the third of five scheduled days of competition,… Read more...

Sep 09, 2021 A's Youth Foil

Aspiring young kiteboard racers battle for gold at Europeans in France

On the second of the five scheduled days of the regatta being staged on the Mediterranean, off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Les-Maguelone beach, southern France, the wind failed to show up and no racing was possible. Ninety-one men and 40 women from 29 countries and five continents have navigated coronavirus restrictions to do battle on the bay of Aigues-Mortes and set the clock ticking on the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when Formula Kite will make its debut on the race track off… Read more...

Sep 09, 2021 Formula Kite

Aspiring young kiteboard racers battle for gold at Europeans in France

On the second of the five scheduled days of the regatta being staged on the Mediterranean, off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Les-Maguelone beach, southern France, the wind failed to show up and no racing was possible. Ninety-one men and 40 women from 29 countries and five continents have navigated coronavirus restrictions to do battle on the bay of Aigues-Mortes and set the clock ticking on the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when Formula Kite will make its debut on the race track off… Read more...

Sep 08, 2021 Formula Kite

French title-holder opens defence of European crown with clean sweep on home waters

Reigning Formula Kite European champion, France’s Axel Mazella, began the defence of his title with a peerless, perfect record on the opening day of racing of the 2021 competition in fresh breezes off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Les-Maguelone beach, southern France. The 24-year-old, battling in one of the three men’s qualifying fleets, fought off stiff challenges from spectacularly quick and ferociously competitive rivals, that included countryman and reigning world champion Nico Parlier, to scoop… Read more...

Sep 07, 2021 A's Youth Foil

Stellar field of kiteracers poised to fight for European titles in Montpellier

A packed roster of top kiteracers is set to do battle for the prized Formula Kite European Championship crowns at the spiritual home of kiteboarding on the waters off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Les-Maguelone beach, southern France. The competitors in the Olympic event, 91 men and 40 women from 30 nations worldwide, have navigated sometimes onerous coronavirus restrictions to take to the start line for five epic days of racing. The elite athletes—among them a clutch of former and reigning world… Read more...

Sep 07, 2021 Formula Kite

Stellar field of kiteracers poised to fight for European titles in Montpellier

A packed roster of top kiteracers is set to do battle for the prized Formula Kite European Championship crowns at the spiritual home of kiteboarding on the waters off Montpellier’s Villeneuve Les-Maguelone beach, southern France. The competitors in the Olympic event, 91 men and 40 women from 30 nations worldwide, have navigated sometimes onerous coronavirus restrictions to take to the start line for five epic days of racing. The elite athletes—among them a clutch of former and reigning world… Read more...

Sep 02, 2021 Formula Kite

RANKINGS UPDATE 31 AUGUST 2021

World Sailing, the governing body for the sport, has published the first World Sailing Rankings including the new Olympic events for Paris 2024. The full World Sailing (WS) ranking lists, results from all WS graded events, throughout the year, ranking release dates and the method of calculation for the Rankings can be found at www.sailing.org/rankings. Any questions or errors should be sent to rankings@sailing.org. Errors must be received within 48 hours of release date for the rankings to be… Read more...

Aug 23, 2021 Formula Kite

TONI VODISEK (SLO) WINS OVERALL AT THE 2021 PAN AMERICANS, LOBO and O'BRIEN TAKE CONTINENTAL TITLES

The decision to introduce foiling Formula kites for the 2024 Paris games, proved to be the right move forward, judging by the looks on the public faces on Cabarete beach this past weekend. People were amazed by the speeds, and airplane like boards flying above water. For five consecutive days 21 sailors from 10 countries battled in winds ranging from 8 to 18 knots, in the famous wind and waves of Cabarete, in the Dominican Republic. The qualifying races were held in open ocean with all the… Read more...

Jul 18, 2021 A's Youth Foil

JAN KOSZOWSKI (POL) WINS THE 2021 A’S YOUTH FOIL WORLD CHAMPION, ENZO LOUBER (FRA) WINS U15 AND GAL BOKER (ISR) THE WOMENS DIVISIONS

A cloudy, rainy and windless day turned out to be dazzling and beautiful for the newly crowned young World Champions after eight fast paced races of the Medal Series in the Formula Kite Men and the A’s Youth Foil fleets, and one single race for the Formula Kite Women. It all came down to the sailors who had been leading the series for the whole week to defending their positions and conquering the World titles: Maximilian Maeder (SGP) in the Formula Kite Men, Jan Koszowski (POL) in the A’s Youth… Read more...

Jul 18, 2021 Formula Kite

MAXIMILIAN MAEDER (SGP) AND JULIA DAMASIEWICZ (POL) WIN THE 2021 FORMULA KITE U19 WORLD CHAMPIONS

A cloudy, rainy and windless day turned out to be dazzling and beautiful for the newly crowned young World Champions after eight fast paced races of the Medal Series in the Formula Kite Men and the A’s Youth Foil fleets, and one single race for the Formula Kite Women. It all came down to the sailors who had been leading the series for the whole week to defending their positions and conquering the World titles: Maximilian Maeder (SGP) in the Formula Kite Men, Jan Koszowski (POL) in the A’s Youth… Read more...

Jul 17, 2021 A's Youth Foil

MEDAL SERIES TOMORROW FOR THE TOP 14 IN THE A'S YOUTH FOIL FLEET

A cloudy and almost windless morning in Gizzeria, Italy, welcomed the 65 young competitors at Hang Loose Beach on the penultimate day of the 2021 Formula Kite U10 and A’s Youth Foil World Championship. Everyone was looking up, hoping for the wind to blow as so many positions were at stake with only one day to go before the Medal Series on 'Super Sunday'. The clouds were gone by noon thanks to a light breeze that filled the air and the three fleets were right out on the water for what turned out… Read more...

Jul 17, 2021 Formula Kite

MEDAL SERIES TOMORROW FOR THE TOP 14 IN THE FORMULA KITE MEN, 3 MORE RACES FOR THE WOMEN

A cloudy and almost windless morning in Gizzeria, Italy, welcomed the 65 young competitors at Hang Loose Beach on the penultimate day of the 2021 Formula Kite U10 and A’s Youth Foil World Championship. Everyone was looking up, hoping for the wind to blow as so many positions were at stake with only one day to go before the Medal Series on 'Super Sunday'. The clouds were gone by noon thanks to a light breeze that filled the air and the three fleets were right out on the water for what turned out… Read more...

Jul 16, 2021 A's Youth Foil

GENTLER CONDITIONS OPEN UP THE GAMES ON DAY 3

Four more races are on the scoreboard tonight for all of the three fleets of young athletes from 25 countries. On day three of the U19 and A's Youth Foil World Championships in Gizzeria, Italy, the conditions were back to classic, with a thermic breeze going from 12 knots in the first race to around 20 in the afternoon, flat sea and the air much cooler than the previous days for everyone’s happiness. Read more...

Jul 16, 2021 Formula Kite

MAEDER AND DAMASIEWICZ REMAIN DOMINANT ON DAY 3

Four more races are on the scoreboard tonight for all of the three fleets of young athletes from 25 countries. On day three of the U19 and A's Youth Foil World Championships in Gizzeria, Italy, the conditions were back to classic, with a thermic breeze going from 12 knots in the first race to around 20 in the afternoon, flat sea and the air much cooler than the previous days for everyone’s happiness. Read more...

Jul 15, 2021 A's Youth Foil

TIGHT BATTLE ON TOP FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS

Another windy, wet and wild day on the water for the 65 young athletes competing at the 2021 Formula Kite U19 and A’s Youth Foil World Championship in Gizzeria, Italy. Yesterday’s very strong breeze kept on blowing during the night and picked up as the sun came out in the morning. It was still more than 20 knots average when the first kiters showed up on the beach at Hang Loose Beach, with gusts of 25 and waves. It lightened up as the day went by and all of the three fleets finished four fair… Read more...

Jul 15, 2021 Formula Kite

TIGHT BATTLE ON TOP FOR BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS

Another windy, wet and wild day on the water for the 65 young athletes competing at the 2021 Formula Kite U19 and A’s Youth Foil World Championship in Gizzeria, Italy. Yesterday’s very strong breeze kept on blowing during the night and picked up as the sun came out in the morning. It was still more than 20 knots average when the first kiters showed up on the beach at Hang Loose Beach, with gusts of 25 and waves. It lightened up as the day went by and all of the three fleets finished four fair… Read more...

Jul 14, 2021 A's Youth Foil

TOUGH CONDITIONS ON DAY ONE FOR THE 65 YOUNG COMPETITORS

Day one of the 2021 Formula Kite U19 and A's Youth Foil Individual World Championships was nothing but easy, the 65 young kiters had to face strong winds over 25 knots and really big waves. Most of them found it fun and got back ashore in between races with a big smile on their faces, while for the younger and lighter ones in the fleets it was a bit more challenging to stay on the board in the wavy sea state. But all of them went on the water for four tough races, it was a real baptism of fire… Read more...

Jul 14, 2021 Formula Kite

TOUGH CONDITIONS ON DAY ONE FOR THE 65 YOUNG COMPETITORS

Day one of the 2021 Formula Kite U19 and A's Youth Foil Individual World Championships was nothing but easy, the 65 young kiters had to face strong winds over 25 knots and really big waves. Most of them found it fun and got back ashore in between races with a big smile on their faces, while for the younger and lighter ones in the fleets it was a bit more challenging to stay on the board in the wavy sea state. But all of them went on the water for four tough races, it was a real baptism of fire… Read more...

Jul 13, 2021 A's Youth Foil

2021 A'S YOUTH FOIL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS START TOMORROW IN GIZZERIA

The first event of the KiteFoil World Series has just finished last Sunday, and the beach in Gizzeria, Italy, is filling up with young eager athletes ready to battle it out on the race course to win the 2021 Formula Kite U19 and A’s Youth Foil World titles.65 U19 riders have gathered from 25 countries in the south of Italy, at the Hang Loose Beach, one of the best spot in Europe for the sport, for the 2021 event. The conditions here are spectacular, the wind blows regularly from north-west… Read more...

Jul 13, 2021 Formula Kite

2021 FORMULA KITE U19 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS START TOMORROW IN GIZZERIA

The first event of the KiteFoil World Series has just finished last Sunday, and the beach in Gizzeria, Italy, is filling up with young eager athletes ready to battle it out on the race course to win the 2021 Formula Kite U19 and A’s Youth Foil World titles.65 U19 riders have gathered from 25 countries in the south of Italy, at the Hang Loose Beach, one of the best spot in Europe for the sport, for the 2021 event. The conditions here are spectacular, the wind blows regularly from north-west… Read more...

Jul 11, 2021 KiteFoil Open

TARADIN AND MOROZ WIN SEASON OPENER AT HANG LOOSE BEACH

Four days and 17 races later Denis Taradin (RYF) and Daniela Moroz (USA) are the winners of the KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria, the first of five events of the 2021 season. They have both been leading since the early stages of the event, Denis fighting till the very last race with Axel Mazella (FRA) only one point behind him in the final ranking and the winner of today’s second race. Toni Vodisek (SLO) is third with more than twice the points of the first two, but it is a big achievement for… Read more...

Jul 10, 2021 KiteFoil Open

TARADIN DEFENDS HIS LEAD ON THE FIRST DAY OF GOLD FLEET RACING IN GIZZERIA

The wind was already blowing strong and steady this morning when the 100 competitors arrived at Hang Loose Beach, Gizzeria, for day one of the Final Series of the first event of this year's KiteFoil World Series. The typical north-westerly breeze was coming a little more from offshore, generating bigger waves for the first time so far on the generally flat surface of the racecourse. Flying over the beach, the kites were smaller than yesterday as the wind forecast were calling for a stronger… Read more...

Jul 09, 2021 KiteFoil Open

DENIS TARADIN ON TOP AFTER 9 QUALIFYING SERIES RACES

A perfect day of sun, wind and kitefoiling in Gizzeria, Italy, at the Hang Loose Beach, for the last five races of the qualification series. The 100 competitors took to the water as scheduled and alternating went in and out of the water for the different races of the two fleets. A steady 15 knots breeze pushed the kites all afternoon on the flat waters off Gizzeria Lido, and apart from a few tangles here and there, everyone had fun flying over the racecourse. Read more...

Jul 08, 2021 KiteFoil Open

BAINBRIDGE LEADS AFTER A DAY OF CHALLENGING CONDITIONS

One hundred kiters from 28 nations were very eager to start the 2021 season today in Gizzeria, Italy, at the Hang Loose Beach Club for the first Act of the 2021 KiteFoil World Series. The energy was high since the morning, and as soon as the wind picked up the competitors where ready to launch their kites. The whole group is divided into two fleets and the first to start were the yellow one, while the blue one had to face a halt due to a temporary drop of wind. A short postponement ashore was… Read more...

Jul 07, 2021 KiteFoil Open

KITEFOIL WORLD SERIES 2021 KICKS OFF FROM GIZZERIA

They’re back. After a long, forced, leap year, the kiters and the KiteFoil World Series are back for a full season. The first event of the year kicks off tomorrow, June 8th, in Gizzeria, Italy, at Hang Loose Beach Club, a very appreciated spot among kiters around Europe. The sea breeze blew consistently all afternoon from north-west with flat water, for the fun of the many athletes who tested the racecourse today, eager to get their boards flying. The maximum number of entries was struck way… Read more...

Jun 30, 2021 Formula Kite

Registration open for 2021 Formula Kite World Championships

Registration is now open for the 2021 Formula Kite World Championships, to be held 11-17 October 2021 in Torregrande, Sardinia, Italy. The maximum entry quota is 100 men (3 fleets) and 70 women (2 fleets). https://www.kiteclasses.org/events/upcoming-events IKA paid-up members ONLY may register athletes in stages as follows: Until 16 August 2021, 1200 (noon) UTC: any competitor (by name) ranked in the top 10 of the World Rankings as of that date; plus up to 2 competitors per country. Until 23… Read more...

Jun 17, 2021 Formula Kite

IOC confirms individual men's and women's Miteboarding medals for Paris 2024

World Sailing have been informed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that the IOC Executive Board have approved Men's and Women's Kiteboarding (Formula Kite) for the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition. The Men's and Women's Kiteboarding Events will replace the Mixed Kiteboarding and Mixed Offshore Events that were democratically selected by World Sailing's members. The decision was taken at the meeting of the IOC Executive Board today, Thursday 10 June 2021 in Lausanne, Switzerland… Read more...

May 14, 2021 Formula Kite

World Sailing selects individual men's and women's kiteboarding events as preferred alternative for Paris 2024

World Sailing's Council today selected individual kiteboarding events for men and women as the preferred alternative choice, should the planned double handed mixed offshore event not be approved by the IOC Executive Board in their session 8 - 10 June 2021. The vote followed a week of discussion in the Events and Equipment committees, where delegates had the choice between 15 alternative event submissions put forward by World Sailing members and class association. Read more...

Feb 25, 2021 Snowkite

SnowKite World Cup Cortina postponed to 2022 over ongoing COVID-19 concerns

After careful consultation with our event organizers regarding the health and safety of everyone in our sport – riders, officials, spectators – we have made the difficult decision to also postpone the final event of this year's Snowkite World Cup season. The Snowkite World Cup Cortina was set to take place from 18-21 March in Passo di Giau, one of the highest passes in the Dolomites mountain range. Following ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 virus and the associated restrictions on… Read more...

Jan 16, 2021 Snowkite

World Cup events in Kharkiv and Roccaraso cancelled due to COVID-19

IKA regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2021 SnowKite Racing World Cup events in Kharkiv (UKR) and Roccaraso (ITA) due to COVID-19.Despite all effords and the committment of our event organizers, the development of the worldwide pandemic has put a full stop on all international travel and with quarantaine requirements widely in place across Europe and the World, holding international events is simply not feasible. If travel conditions improve, informal events may be held on short… Read more...

Dec 20, 2020 KiteFoil Open

The Grand Finale

Gran Canaria proved to be the premium location for European December sailing once again today, with a perfect 16-20 knot breeze pumping through for the final day of racing. Theo de Ramecourt (FRA) secured the overall win in the open division, with Ellie Aldridge (GBR) taking out the Womens title and Arthur Lhez (FRA) crowned the Under 19 Champion. Guy Bridge (GBR) led the pack early in the first race of the day but Maxime Nocher (FRA) managed to overtake by the first downwind mark and sailed a… Read more...

Dec 19, 2020 KiteFoil Open

Swings and Roundabouts

With a slightly cloudy morning, there were a few worried faces around the rigging area, but the confident words from the locals proved correct, with the clouds blowing away and a perfect 16-20 knot gradient breeze blowing through, with the orange flag being displayed at 1105 local time. The benchmark in this regatta so far has been Theo de Ramecourt (FRA), whose base strategy has been to focus on his own performance rather than worrying about other riders. Minimising mistakes has certainly… Read more...

Dec 18, 2020 KiteFoil Open

Here comes the Youth

“Today is perfect,” commented Markus Schwendtner, Class Manager of the IKA, as the riders launched their 11m kites into the warm trade winds as they head out for a day of epic racing here at the stunning location of Playa de las Burras in Gran Canaria, Spain. Winds were between 18-23 knots from the same direction as yesterday, the reliable gradient breeze blowing in from the North East. The first race of the day, Race 4 overall, got underway at 1153 with a clear start, all on starboard. At the… Read more...

Dec 17, 2020 KiteFoil Open

Big Thursday

Today was certainly filled with excitement here at the final event of the kiteboarding calendar, with the action starting even before the first warning signal, the strong winds combined with a launching area in the lee of the peninsula causing a stressful environment as riders struggled to launch and get out to the clear winds. This caused a slight delay in the start, with the first race getting away with a clear start 20 mins behind schedule, at 1120 local time. A delayed start, however, is… Read more...

Dec 07, 2020 Formula Kite

IOC confirms Paris 2024 programme including Mixed Kiteboarding

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today approved the Event Programme and Athlete Quotas for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In accordance with the recommendations of the Olympic Programme Commission, the main features of Paris 2024’s Olympic programme include: Exactly 50 per cent male and female participation, following on from the gender equality already achieved for Tokyo 2020, which will have 48.8 per cent female participation. Growth of mixed gender events,… Read more...

Nov 18, 2020 A's Youth Foil

IKA Youth Foil Class approved as World Sailing Class Association

Following two weeks of virtual meetings, the World Sailing Annual Conference concluded with two days of council meetings on October 30 and 31, 2020. On recommendation of the Equipment Committee, Council approved the application of the IKA Youth Foil Class for World Sailing status, granting the young one-design hydroil class the rights to hold World Championships. The inaugural Worlds are scheduled for 19-25 July 2021 in Hang Loose Beach, Gizzeria, Italy - a famous spot for kiteracing… Read more...

Oct 15, 2020 Formula Kite

Agenda and submissions for the 2020 Formula Kite Class Annual General Meeting

The 2020 Annual General Meeting of the IKA Formula Kite Class will be held on 15 November 2020 via Cisco Webex videoconferencing. The conference will be livestreamed to the Formula Kite Class facebook page.Date: Sunday, 15 November 2020Location: online via Cisco WebexStarting time: 16:00 UTC Read more...

Sep 20, 2020 Formula Kite

'SUPER SUNDAY' DELIVERS DELIGHT AND DESPAIR

As if they knew about it, the weather gods delivered absolute perfection today, creating ideal conditions for breathtaking competition as CONNOR BAINBRIDGE (GBR) and ELLIE ALDRIDGE (GBR) managed to win GOLD overall, despite a valiant effort from FLORIAN GRUBER (GER) and LEONIE MEYER (GER) who take SILVER, with GUY BRIDGE (GBR) and KATIE DABSON (GBR) completing the podium in 3rd. The Medal Race 3.0 format once again delivered action-packed racing today, with race 1 for semi final fleet A getting… Read more...

Sep 19, 2020 Formula Kite

Notice of the 2020 Formula Kite Class Annual General Meeting

This is to give notice that the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the IKA Formula Kite Class will be held on 15 November 2020 via Cisco Webex videoconferencing. The conference will be livestreamed to the Formula Kite Class facebook page. Date: Sunday, 15 November 2020 Location: online via Cisco Webex Starting time: 16:00 UTC AGENDA 1. Welcome and roll call 2. Minutes of the previous meeting 3. Class Report 4. Class Rule submissions 5. Future Events 6. Election of the Class Vice President 7. Any… Read more...

Sep 19, 2020 Formula Kite

INTENSE COMPETITION AS OPENING SERIES CLOSES, ALL EYES ON ‘SUPER SUNDAY’

Another chill morning did not stop the BAINBRIDGE/ALDRIDGE (GBR) duo from locking out 1st place with a race to spare, who will be joined by 2nd place GRUBER/MEYER (GER) directly in the finals, with NOCHER/NOLOT (FRA) performing well to sit in 3rd. With 6-9 knots recorded at 2 meters above the water, everything looked set and race 5 for the GOLD fleet was started on time. However, the wind strength higher up was not adequate, and the vacuum slowly descended, fading the wind to the point that as… Read more...

Sep 18, 2020 Formula Kite

COLLISIONS & PROTESTS ONLY HINT AT THE EXCITEMENT OF RACING ON DAY 3

A frosty morning was not the only cause for the hairs to rise today, with every race providing plenty of action, lead changes and upsets, CONNOR BAINBRIDGE and ELLIE ALDRIDGE (GBR) sit in 1st with GUY BRIDGE and KATIE DABSON (GBR) battling with FLORIAN GRUBER and LEONIE MEYER (GER) for the all important 2nd place. The chill wind of the morning saw the competitors wrapped tightly against the cold, as the clouds wrapped the mountain tops, looking out hungrily to the race area which showed enough… Read more...

Sep 17, 2020 Formula Kite

NEW FORMAT A BIG STEP FORWARD TO OLYMPIC SUCCESS

A wild thunderstorm ripped through the valley overnight, leaving competitors to wake up to a soggy and misty morning in Ebensee but did not stop Florian Gruber and Leonie Meyer (GER) to extend their lead into tomorrow's Final Series. The deafening storm did more than steal sleep from the participants, it also took away the standard weather cycle that produces reliable winds, leaving the competitors postponed ashore again, playing fetch with dogs, pump-foiling off the dock or just chilling out… Read more...

Sep 16, 2020 Formula Kite

ALWAYS TRUST THE LOCALS... SOMETIMES

Racing got off to a slow start on Day 1 as competitors were postponed onshore waiting for the thermal wind to build. Lake locals suggest that the optimum window for racing occurs between 1100 and 1600 each day, and that the standard tactic is to “...head toward the left side until you can scratch the [western] mountain, and when you tack you will be lifted all the way up.” At the end of the day, the German and the British team take the lead tied at 2 points. Competitors soaked in the gorgeous… Read more...

Aug 24, 2020 Formula Kite

France's Mazella and Poland's Damasiewicz claim Gold in a nail-biter Finale of the 2020 Formula Kite Individual Europeans

Axel Mazella of France confirmed his dominance on "Super Sunday" with what looked like an easy win, while Poland's Julia Damasiewicz had to go all the way to seal the deal.The men's podium was completed by Maxime Nocher (FRA) and Connor Bainbridge (GBR) after a strong comeback. In the women's fleet, Ellie Aldridge (GBR) managed to split the Polish duo, with Magdalena Woyciechowska taking Bronze.The final day of the 2020 Formula Kite Individual European Championships saw a new format, introduced… Read more...

Aug 23, 2020 Formula Kite

Poland's Damasiewicz and France's Mazella lead Formula Kite fleet into "Super Sunday"

Theo de Ramecourt of France put an end to fellow countrymen Axel Mazella's impressive streak of race wins, stealing final series race 5 ahead of Benoit Gomez, also from France.Gomez impressively demonstrated how big the competitive weight range of Formula Kite is Scoring two second places and a number of other high rank finishes during the two final series days against the highly competitive fleet, the 102kg athlete had no problems to stay close on the heels of his sometimes only 70kg light… Read more...

Aug 22, 2020 Formula Kite

French-Polish domination continues on day 3 of the 2020 Formula Kite Individual Europeans

France's Axel Mazella maintained his dominance on the third day of the Formula Kite Individual European Championships in Puck. Following two days of competition, the men's event was split into two fleets, with the top 33 athletes contesting the gold fleet of a discipline due to make its Olympic debut at Paris 2024. Mazella continued his impressive run, triumphing in all four races (plus two carry forward scores) to top the leaderboard with six points. Read more...

Aug 21, 2020 Formula Kite

Mazella has it all his way on day 2 of the 2020 Formula Kite Individual Europeans

Competitors only got the rear view of France's Axel Mazella who scored 4 straight bullets on the second day of the qualifying series.Mazella's closest opponent, fellow countryman Theo de Ramecourt had a more mixed day, scoring an UFD (for starting early) in the day's last race. Mazella so far has scored an impressive streak of 7 race wins and one second place, making him the clear favourite for the 2020 European title. De Ramecourt now sits two points behind at eight points, closely followed by… Read more...

Aug 20, 2020 Formula Kite

France and Poland dominate day one at the 2020 Formula Kite Individual Europeans

Julia Damasiewicz (POL) Theo de Ramecourt (FRA) sit on top of the rankings after 4 races for each group on the first day of racing in Puck, Poland.In stable 10-12 knot conditions both competition leaders did not only fight with their closest opponents, but also with some seaweed that easterly winds from a long high pressure system over eastern Europe had swept into the bay.Both Damiasiewcz and De Ramecourt had close fights throughout the day, with the 15-year-old Damasiewicz finishing just… Read more...

Aug 18, 2020 Formula Kite

92 competitors from 19 countries registered for 2020 Formula Kite Individual European Championships

For the first time, athletes are racing on equipment that will be used at the Olympic Games in Paris.The 2020 Formula Kite Individual European Championships officially began at 12:30 noon on Tuesday 18 August. A competition of this rank is being held in Poland for the first time. All eyes are set on the newly approved registered series production equipment, equipment on which athletes will compete during the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.“This is especially a test of new equipment. All the top… Read more...

Aug 17, 2020 Formula Kite

Olympics’ cycle kites ready to jostle for top spot at first showdown during Formula Kite Europeans in Poland

All five leading race foil kite brands whose innovative offerings have been approved for the upcoming four-year Olympics’ cycle are eagerly anticipating the first major face-off at the Formula Kite Individual European championships in Poland later this month. The contest at Puck is the first opportunity after August 10—the day after the Tokyo 2020 Games were due to end—for the new registered series production kites and hydrofoils approved by the International Kiteboarding Association's (IKA)… Read more...

Aug 11, 2020 Formula Kite

Tight battle to secure pole position in kitefoil line-up for 2024 Olympics’ cycle kicks-off at Europeans

Years of hard toil to develop a new hydrofoil that will win out in the fight to become the weapon of choice at kiting’s debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be put to the test in earnest for the first time at next week’s Formula Kite European championships in Poland. From August 10—the day after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were due to finish—all 10 foils approved by the International Kiteboarding Association’s (IKA) technical committee are eligible for use in Formula Kite competitions as part of… Read more...

Aug 03, 2020 Formula Kite

Formula Kite Individual and Mixed Team Relay Worlds in Italy cancelled due to COVID-19

We regret to confirm the cancellation of the 2020 Formula Kite World Championships.Both events were planned to be held back to back on the Italian resort island of Sardinia.Torregrande was to host the first Olympic format Mixed Relay World Championship from 13 to 18 October 2020.The Individual World Championships had already been moved from Weifang Binhai (China) to Cagliari and was supposed to commence from 6 to 11 October.Although both events could have taken place from an organisational… Read more...

Jul 24, 2020 Formula Kite

Formula Kite Mixed Team Relay Europeans confirmed in Traunsee, Austria

Despite the challenges caused by the world wide COVID-19 pandemic, the European Championships of the Formula Kite class featuring the Olympic Mixed Team Relay format have been confirmed to be held 15-20 September in Traunsee, Upper Austria.PROFS Marketing GmbH and Segelclub Ebensee are fully committed to deliver a world class event in these difficult times. Both have long standing experience in the organization of top level events.The best teams from all over Europe are expected to participate… Read more...

Jul 23, 2020 Formula Kite

Update: Eligibility of Mikes Lab Bullet 3L / 3LC foils in Formula Kite competitions

Since the publication of the statement regarding Mikes Lab Bullet 3L / 3LC foil in Formula Kite competitions (until the end of 2021) a number of teams have raised questions regarding the fuselage length measurement.It appears that the published 2017 dimensions provided by Mikes Lab (556.9mm) are either an accidental mistake in the submission, or based on the measurement system used in previous cycles.All dimensions reported by teams are in the 565mm range (with an allowed tolerance of +/-2mm)… Read more...

Jul 18, 2020 Formula Kite

IKA Technical Committee approves final Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment applications

The registration process for new Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment for the 2020-2024 Olympic quadrennium has concluded on Saturday 18 July 2020 with a meeting of the IKA Technical Committee.Series Production Equipment is equipment from a manufacturer which is mass produced and continuously made available for purchase worldwide without restriction until the end of the Olympic Cycle.Each piece of equipment is required to be produced using the same manufacturing specifications… Read more...

Jul 13, 2020 Formula Kite

F-One Diablo V5 approved as Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment

Following a successful factory inspection, the following Diablo V5 kites have been approved by the IKA Technical Committee as registered series production equipment for the IKA Formula Kite Class.Diablo V5 8mDiablo V5 9mDiablo V5 10mDiablo V5 11mDiablo V5 13mDiablo V5 15mDiablo V5 18mDiablo V5 21mDiablo V5 25m Read more...

Jul 10, 2020 Formula Kite

Aeros / Elf kites approved as Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment

Aeros and Elf have joined forces for the 2024 Olympic quadrennium to bring once again a new generation of RAM-air kites to the competition scene under a joint brand name.Produced in the Ukraine, the following kites have been approved by the IKA Technical Committee as registered series production equipment for the IKA Formula Kite Class.Aeros/Elf CJ-8Aeros/Elf CJ-9Aeros/Elf JC-9Aeros/Elf JC-11Aeros/Elf JC-15Aeros/Elf JC-19Aeros/Elf JC-22 Read more...

Jul 10, 2020 Formula Kite

Chubanga V3 approved as Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment

After a successful factory inspection, Chubanga V3 mast and glider have been approved by the IKA Technical Committee as registered series production equipment for the IKA Formula Kite Class.The Chubanga V2 hydrofoil system is still subject to approval.As all other approved registered series production equipment, the Chubanga V3 hydrofoil system will now be evaluated in competition until the end of 2021, when World Sailing will license the 2024 Olympic equipment through a separate agreement with… Read more...

Jul 06, 2020 Formula Kite

Events Update July 2020: Europeans confirmed, Worlds postponed

Here is an update on the event calendar as of beginning of July 2020: Formula Kite Individual EuropeansFollowing the re-opening of borders within Europe, the Formula Kite European Championship is now confirmed and will take place in Puck, Poland, from 18 to 23 August.The Notice of Race can be found here: https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/1042/event?name=2020-formula-kite-individual-european-championshipsRegistration is open at… Read more...

Jun 30, 2020 Formula Kite

Formula Kite Class Rules Update and End of New Equipment Registration Process

Formula Kite Class Rule UpdateWorld Sailing has published the updated class rules approved during the IKA General Assembly in February 2020.The major change is the introduction of mandatory nationality flags on hulls and helmets for all Continental and World Championships as well as all World Sailing events (including Regional and Olympic Games). These requirements were previously enforced through the Notice of Race.It is the competitor responsibility to produce / purchase and apply nationality… Read more...

Jun 23, 2020 Formula Kite

Flysurfer VMG2 approved as Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment

After a successful factory inspection, the following Flysurfer RAM-Air kites have been approved by the IKA Technical Committee as registered series production equipment for the IKA Formula Kite Class.Flysurfer VMG2 23mFlysurfer VMG2 21mFlysurfer VMG2 18mFlysurfer VMG2 15mFlysurfer VMG2 13mFlysurfer VMG2 11mFlysurfer VMG2 10mFlysurfer VMG2 09mFlysurfer VMG2 08m Read more...

Jun 03, 2020 Formula Kite

Statement on eligibility of Mikes Lab Bullet 3L / 3LC foils in Formula Kite competitions until December 2021

In the process of evaluating equipment (re-) registration applications for the 2024 Olympic Cycle, the IKA Technical Committee has become aware of discrepancies in the dimensions of the Mikeslab Bullet 3L / 3LC foil.The dimensions provided by the manufacturer for the re-registration of the equipment differ from the dimensions of the same equipment registered in May 2017, with several of the dimensions provided with the re-application being outside of the accepted tolerances. Unfortunately, the… Read more...

May 30, 2020 Formula Kite

Levitaz R5 and Bionic P110 HW approved as Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment

After a successful factory inspection, the following Levitaz hydrofoil items have been approved by the IKA Technical Committee as registered series production equipment for the IKA Formula Kite Class.Levitaz Mast R5V1 2020Levitaz Mast R5V2 2020Levitaz Frontwing R5 2020Levitaz Frontwing R5-S 2020Levitaz Rearwing R5 2020The following hydrofoil items have been confirmed as continued registration from the 2017 equipment cycle:Levitaz Mast Bionic P110 2017Levitaz Frontwing Bionic 2017Levitaz… Read more...

May 28, 2020 Formula Kite

Ozone R1V4 approved as Formula Kite Registered Series Production Equipment

After a successful factory inspection, Ozone R1V4 kites in sizes of 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 21m have been approved by the IKA Technical Committee as registered series production equipment for the IKA Formula Kite Class.Due to the ongoing COVID-19 limitations, the physical factory inspection was replaced by extensive documentation including detailed videos and pictures, demonstrating every step of the app. 80 hour manufacturing process of a foilkite.The final inspection with focus… Read more...

May 15, 2020 Formula Kite

Update 15 May 2020: Events, Class Rules, Getting back on the Water

The team at the International Kiteboarding Association remains in regular contact with all our event organizers to continuosly evaluate the situation of the 2020 championship events.Although we are starting to see the first signs of restrictions on normal daily activities being relaxed, both the legal situation to hold events (with or without spectators) and the international travel situation remain difficult.This update covers event updates, class rule changes, and advise for getting back on… Read more...

May 04, 2020 Formula Kite

15 Manufacturers Advance To Factory Inspections In IKA Formula Kite Registered Series Production Scheme For 2024

IKA launched the application process for new Formula Kite equipment registrations in September 2019, with requirements for registration clearly laid out in an online application system. This application system required interested builders to submit dimensions of their equipment together with an extensive list of supporting documentation in order to assess professional and technical competence. Following the timelines laid out in the Formula Kite class rules, IKA has received 17 applications for… Read more...

Mar 25, 2020 Formula Kite

Corona Virus Update - 25 March 2020

We all find ourselves in exceptional circumstances globally due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and we truly hope this message finds you well wherever in the world you are at the moment.The team at the International Kiteboarding Association continues to work diligently, despite these difficult circumstances.There are a couple of areas which are affected by the continued spread of the virus, for which we want to give you an update to provide planning safety - as far as this is currently possible. Read more...

Mar 23, 2020 Formula Kite

Formula Youth - Invitation to Tender

The International Kiteboarding Association is seeking tenders for equipment to be selected as One-Design Hydrofoil Equipment (Freeride Foil and LEI Kite) for Youth under 16 years of age.The first major championships of this new youth class are planned to be held in July 2021 in the framework of the Formula Kite Youth World Championships. Read more...

Mar 02, 2020 Snowkite

Course Racing and Long Distance World Champions crowned in Togliatti

The final day of course racing concluded the IKA World Champions in Snowkiting in discipline of course-race. It was 5 days of this extravaganza of water (in all its States), wind and kites! Despite the warming spring sun, winter to the last held position. Stable in the wind and solid ice are allowed to spend on all the races in full! The competition was attended by 102 of the riders from the Ukraine, Sweden, Czech Republic and Russia. The international jury headed by the Vice-President of the… Read more...

Feb 29, 2020 Snowkite

Day 3 sees Long Distance competition completed in Togliatti

For the third day in the water area of the Kuibyshev reservoir, serious sports battles are unfolding. More than a hundred riders from Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Sweden participate in the final stage of the Snowkiting World Cup, which takes place in Togliatti. Every day, hundreds of colorful kite sails rise above the Zhiguli Sea. The first two days, the athletes competed in course racing and the expression discipline freestyle. Read more...

Feb 27, 2020 Snowkite

Snowkite World Cup Togliatti - Day 1

IKA 2020 SnowKite WorldCup kicks off in Togliatti The first day of competition in Togliatti, Russia, kicked off today. In the morning there was some rain, but after the official beginning of the races at 11:00, the rain stopped and the sun was fighting with the clouds to manage to see the unfolding battles in the ice of the river Volga. The wind speed was almost perfect and the flat moderate terrain, allowed good speeds. In the youth class “JKS” the first three included Nelya Ochaeva… Read more...

Nov 04, 2019 Formula Kite

World Sailing confirms Kiteboarding for Youth Olympic Games 2022 and Youth World Championships 2021

World Sailing Council and AGM have confirmed kiteboarding events in both the annual World Sailing Youth World Championships, starting 2021 in The Hague (Netherlands), and the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar (Senegal).The World Sailing Youth World Championships will feature the same format as the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a relay format where a male and female kiteboarder compete for medals in a mixed team. Read more...

Oct 16, 2019 Formula Kite

Golden Gruber grabs victory in kitefoiling nailbiter

Former world and European champion Florian Gruber (GER) won two consecutive races in the final to become the first men’s Kitefoil Racing ANOC World Beach Games champion. As the second-placed qualifier, Gruber had to win two races before highest qualifier Nicolas Parlier [FRA] won one in order to fulfil his gold medal dream. In a tight first race, the German edged past Parlier at speeds of around 50 kilometres per hour to keep himself in contention, with just six seconds separating first and… Read more...

Oct 15, 2019 Formula Kite

World Champion Daniela Moroz Sails to Gold

After a stop-start week of competition, on finals’ day there was no holding back for American Daniela Moroz, who stormed to victory in the women’s Kitefoil Racing. The four-time and defending Formula Kite world champion dominated all three days of competition at the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019, winning five of seven opening series races earlier in the week to enter the final as the highest qualifier. This meant she only needed to win one race to grab the gold, which she did in style,… Read more...

Sep 29, 2019 Formula Kite

Frenchman clinches European title in tense kitefoil racing finale in Italy

France’s Axel Mazella was crowned 2019 Formula Kite European Champion after a consummate display of controlled racing on the final fifth day of tense action amid the splendour of the Italian resort island of Sardinia. Mazella seized three bullets from four on the Gulf of Oristano track, seeing off intense challenges from Slovenian’s Toni Vodisek and fellow Frenchman Théo de Ramecourt, leapfrogging both to go top of the standings. In shifty breezes of around 12kts on the gulf’s flat waters off… Read more...

Sep 28, 2019 Formula Kite

Intense duels in dream conditions at Europeans in Italy reshuffle the pack

The wafer-thin margins separating the top of the order at the Formula Kite European Championships being bitterly fought out on the Italian resort island of Sardinia leave the contest poised on a knife-edge going into the final fifth day of super-charged racing. Just one point separates the top three after the penultimate day of racing on the Gulf of Oristano, when the top-ranked men finally faced off in the first battles of the two-day finals’ series in enthralling action in 16kts to 19kts… Read more...

Sep 27, 2019 Formula Kite

Nail-biting finale at first Formula Kite Mixed Relay Europeans crowns champions

Britain’s Ellie Aldridge and Connor Bainbridge clinched the inaugural Formula Kite Mixed Relay European Championship title in dramatic fashion in a final that went down to the wire at Torregrande, on the stupendous Italian resort island of Sardinia. In the finals’ showdown second round, Bainbridge handed Aldridge the lead for the second lap of the windward-leeward track on the Gulf of Oristano, but she missed a tack and slipped to third by the time she rounded the top mark. The mistake handed… Read more...

Sep 26, 2019 Formula Kite

Tight racing in perfect conditions at Europeans leaves little to choose between top of order

In breathtakingly close racing at the Formula Kite European Championships on the sumptuous Italian resort island of Sardinia, the gap between the leading pack could hardly be closer, with just four points separating the top four men. But France’s Théo de Ramecourt edged to the top of the order with with a storming display that netted him a perfect five bullets in breezes that built from around 14kts, finally gusting to more than 22kts, blowing over the Gulf of Oristano’s flat waters. It was a… Read more...

Sep 25, 2019 Formula Kite

First skirmishes at Europeans upset the form book in thrilling racing in Italy

The opening exchanges at the 2019 Formula Kite European Championships being fought out on the glorious track on the Gulf of Oristano off the Italian resort island of Sardinia threw up a host of surprises with several unexpected winners and losers.But after five scintillating races for each of the men’s and women’s fleets, France’s Axel Mazella got his nose in front after he seized four bullets, a feat matched by Formula Kite world champion Daniela Moroz (USA).Battling in the alternate men’s… Read more...

Sep 24, 2019 Formula Kite

Young hopefuls line up to battle for prized European championship titles in Sardinia

A large fleet of young kitefoil athletes—its ranks swollen by growing numbers of women—has lined up on the spectacular Italian resort island of Sardinia to fight for the coveted European championship titles.The Mediterranean track, framed Torregrande’s expansive sandy beach on Oristano Gulf, will play host to five days’ intense race action in the Formula Kite class, the format for kiteboarding’s Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games' watersports venue in Marseille.The inclusion of mixed relay… Read more...

Sep 06, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Top kitefoil racers play leaderboard Snakes and Ladders at World Series in China

The opening skirmishes at the Weifang Binhai stop of the KiteFoil World Series in north-eastern China saw the leading contenders play Snakes and Ladders as they traded places at the top of the order in stellar conditions.But when the dust settled, France’s multiple former world champion, Maxime Nocher, riding his own Flymaax brand kites, topped the standings with a solid tally of scores that included a bullet, a second and third-placed finishes in breezes that built from 7kts to 13kts.Former… Read more...

Sep 05, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Globe’s top kitefoil racers to battle for coveted world title at tour’s back-to-back China stops

The world’s fastest kite hydrofoil racers have been testing the north-eastern Chinese waters off Weifang Binhai in practise ahead of the much-anticipated second stop of the 2019 edition of the KiteFoil World Series. The €60,000 prize purse—the richest in kiteboarding world wide—has drawn most of the leading names eager to test their pace and stake a claim for the “open” kitefoil world championship title that will be decided at the climax of the four-stop tour. Over four days of competition on… Read more...

Sep 05, 2019 Formula Kite

Formula Kite Equipment Registration for the Paris 2024 Olympic Quadrennium opens

Manufacturers are invited to register new equipment for the period leading up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.Equipment currently listed on the IKA Registered Series Production lists and where manufacturers wish to have the equipment considered as equipment for the 2024 Olympic Games also needs to be re-submitted.The relevant class rules of the Formula Kite Class can be found here: http://www.sailing.org/32807.phpIKA approved hydrofoil systems and kites are mass produced kiteboarding… Read more...

Aug 26, 2019 Formula Kite

Landauer takes North Americans at Crissy Field

The IKA Formula Kite North American & Caribbean Championships alongside an open kitefoil event came to St. Francis Yacht Club to showcase some of the world’s top kite racing talent. With an eye toward the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris—the scheduled debut of kiteboarding as an Olympic sport—the dual regatta did not disappoint. Nico Landauer, representing Uruguay, took the laurels on the Formula Kite North American & Caribbean Championships, followed by Americans Evan Heffernan and Will Cyr. Next… Read more...

Jul 29, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Vodisek Victorious in Gizzeria

19 year old Slovenian Toni Vodisek has secured his first regatta win on the professional kite racing circuit with a commanding 25 point lead over second placed Axel Mazella from France. Vodisek secured the win with two races to spare in front of a growing beachside crowd “I feel amazing, never felt better” commented Vodisek shortly after coming ashore. “My first victory at a big event, I’m super happy. Thanks for everything everybody who helped me and it’s great to have the best kites, Ozone,… Read more...

Jul 27, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Gizzeria Day 3: Vodisek Extends; Mazella and Parlier Play Catch Up

The question on everyone's mind must surely be ‘What is Toni Vodisek eating for breakfast?’ Five races were completed on the penultimate day of competition at the 2019 KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria in the south of Italy. While both Connor Bainbridge (GBR) and Nicolas Parlier (FRA) secured a victory apiece, it was the third day in a row in which current regatta leader Toni Vodisek notched up three bullets to extend his lead to 17 points. The 19 year old has shown glimpses of his ability in the… Read more...

Jul 27, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Vodisek Continues Stellar Performance in Italy

In what presented itself as a repeat of day one, Toni Vodisek extended his lead in the 2019 KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria while Nico Parlier and Guy Bridge made solid moves up the leaderboard. For the second time in as many days, the Italian resort of Hang Loose Beach provided the 81 competitors on the first stop of the 2019 KiteFoil World Series with the ultimate in kitefoil racing conditions; flat water and a building sea breeze that slowly shifted right as the day progressed.Day one leader… Read more...

Jul 25, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Vodisek Starts Strong in Record Fleet

Day one of the 2019 Porsche KiteFoil World Series belongs to young Slovenian Toni Vodisek. In what can only be described as perfect kitefoil conditions, Vodisek shot to the lead with three bullets in the opening three races. Under the bright southern-Italian sun, a record 82 athletes took to the start line for race one of the 2019 KiteFoil World Series off Hang Loose Beach. In a 10-12 knot sea breeze and with all competitors choosing kites in the 18 to 21 square metre range, Toni Vodisek led… Read more...

Jul 24, 2019 KiteFoil Open

Multiple World Champions Set to Light Up 2019 KiteFoil World Series Opener

Reigning KiteFoil World Champions Maxime Nocher (FRA) & Kirstyn O’Brien (USA) will begin their title defence tomorrow in Italy at the 2019 Porsche KiteFoil World Series Gizzeria. Hosted by Hang Loose Beach from Thursday 25th and concluding on Sunday 29th July, 82 athletes from 19 countries will compete in pristine foiling conditions on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Following on from her recent win at the Formula Kite World Championship on Lake Garda earlier this year, the U.S.A.’s Daniela Moroz is… Read more...

May 29, 2019 Formula Kite

Polish Teenager Grabs Her First Title While Russian Veteran Cruises to Victory

Poland’s Magda Woyciechowska landed her first international title when she sealed victory in the 2019 Formula Kite Asian Championships “open” division with a steely performance in fickle breezes in China. The 14-year-old was able to see off a strong challenge from her training partner and fellow countrywoman, Julia Damasiewicz, also 14, over four intense days of competition and 16 hard-fought races off Guangxi province’s Beihai city. Both finished ahead of China’s Jingle Chen who racked up a… Read more...

May 28, 2019 Formula Kite

KiteFoil Athletes Grapple with Fresh Challenges of Mixed Team Racing

Ambitious kitefoil athletes have had to reset their approach to top-level competition in the face of a new set of challenges since national mixed team racing was chosen as an Olympic discipline for the Paris 2024 Games.In what has until now been an essentially-individual sport, Formula Kite relay racing that will feature when kiteboarding makes its historic debut at the XXXII Olympiad’s Marseille sailing venue demands a fresh mindset.For Formula Kite veterans and ingenues alike, the mixed… Read more...

May 27, 2019 Formula Kite

Flying Polish Teenager Cements Her Position at Head of Order

Poland’s Magda Woyciechowska stretched her lead at the 2019 Formula Kite Asians, just besting her countrywoman and training partner Julia Damasiewicz in a day of scintillating racing in perfect foiling conditions in China.Local favourite and key rival, Jingle Chen (CHN), threatened to unseat the Pole when she exploded out of the blocks on the regatta’s fourth day at Guangxi province’s Beihai city—taking three bullets, two in the opening races.But even after pipping Woyciechowksa in a photo… Read more...

May 26, 2019 Formula Kite

Polish Teenagers Surge to Top of Order in Tough Conditions at Formula Kite Asians

Polish training partners Magda Woyciechowska and Julia Damasiewicz grabbed the top spots in the standings in the women’s fleet at the Formula Kite World Championships in China in fickle breezes that got the best of most of their rivals. The duo, both just 14, leap-frogged overnight leader, local favourite Jingle Chen (CHN), to secure the leaderboard’s first and second spots respectively in finely judged racing. In breezes that toyed with race officials, often dipping below 6kts and rarely… Read more...

May 25, 2019 Formula Kite

Chen Thrills Home Fans with Near Flawless Outing at Formula Kite Asians in China

China’s Jingle Chen shrugged off her forgettable first foray at the 2019 Formula Kite Asian Championships and threw down the gauntlet to rivals with an almost perfect performance on the regatta’s second day to surge convincingly to the head of the order. The 18-year-old scooped five bullets and a second spot in her day’s six races in ideal foiling conditions of breezes that varied from 8kts to 11kts on the flat waters off Guangxi province’s Beihai city, south-west China. Her stellar racing when… Read more...

May 24, 2019 Formula Kite

Drama at Formula Kite Asians as Leading Women Demoted for Errors

The four women who topped the standings at the 2019 Formula Kite Asian Championships found themselves dramatically pushed down the order when they were forced to retire from one race after discovering they failed to sail the proper course. For the young Polish pair—Julia Damasiewicz and Magdalen Woyciechowska, both 14—the mistake was a rude awakening to the complexity of top-level racing. Until their withdrawal for missing a mark and failing to complete a lap in the opening day’s second race,… Read more...

May 23, 2019 Formula Kite

Asia’s Fastest KiteFoil Racers Square Off in Fight for Continental Title and World Beach Games’ Spots

The quickest kitefoil racers in Asia are set to battle for the continental crown in a week of enthralling action on the smooth waters off the south-western Chinese beach city of Beihai. The continent’s finest athletes will be pushed hard by a sprinkling of international kitefoil racers who have made the journey to fight for glory on Guangxi province’s Beibu Gulf. Many of the racers hope their endeavours over six days of competition at the 2019 Formula Kite Asia Championships will be enough to… Read more...

May 05, 2019 Formula Kite

Reigning Champions Successfully Defend Crowns at Formula Kite Worlds in Italy

France’s Nico Parlier and the US’s Daniela Moroz mounted successful defences of their titles in difficult conditions at the 2019 Pascucci Formula Kite World Championships played out on the waters of northern Italy’s stunning Lake Garda. For 18-year-old Moroz the crown was a remarkable fourth in succession, while Parlier could bask in the glow of three back-to-back Formula Kite world titles in the face of increasingly-stiff challenges from ever-quicker fleets stacked with talent. Moroz came into… Read more...

May 04, 2019 Formula Kite

Champions Poised to Retain Crowns Despite Intense Pressure at KiteFoil Worlds

The current men’s and women’s title holders, France’s Nico Parlier and the US’s Daniela Moroz, are sitting in pole position to retain their crowns after a scintillating penultimate day of hydrofoil racing at the 2019 Pascucci Formula Kite Worlds fought out in Italy. But the pair both stumbled in several races under stiff challenges from ever-faster kitefoil rivals. The slips blotted their previously-perfect records at the world championships being contested on Lago di Garda with its… Read more...

May 03, 2019 Formula Kite

Olympic Ambitions Unlock Resource Bonanza for KiteFoil Racing

Dreams of capturing coveted Olympic medals when kitefoil racing makes its debut at the 2024 Games in Paris has prompted nations to invest heavily in kiteboarding programmes to unearth and hone top athletes. The dynamic of kiteboard racing on display at the 2019 Pascucci KiteFoil World Championships being fought out on northern Italy’s Lago di Garda has altered dramatically since the sailing discipline won Olympics inclusion last year. Now a number of countries with strong sailing backgrounds… Read more...

May 03, 2019 Formula Kite

Novel Mixed KiteFoil Relay Tester for Olympics Debut Proves a Hit

A special test event to trial the new mixed relay race format that will be used when kiteboarding makes its historic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games saw the US’s reigning Formula Kite world champion Daniela Moroz and partner Evan Heffernan top the standings. But the pair edged out France’s Alexia Fancelli and former world champion Maxime Nocher by just one point in a day of thrillingly close race action on northern Italy’s breath-taking Lago di Garda on the sidelines of the 2019 Pascucci… Read more...

May 01, 2019 Formula Kite

Defending Champions Open Accounts with Flawless Runs at Formula Kite Worlds

Reigning kitefoil title holders France’s Nico Parlier and the US’s Daniela Moroz got the defence of their crowns off to a perfect start in stellar conditions at the Pascucci Formula Kite World Championships played out on the splendour of northern Italy’s Lake Garda. Both dominated their respective fleets, with a delighted Parlier taking all four of his races, while Moroz left the other women in the fleet of 30 trailing far in her wake on the trapezoid course in 10kts to 12kts of breeze. The… Read more...

May 01, 2019 Formula Kite

Biggest and Fastest Fleet in Years Set to Ignite Formula Kite Worlds

The lure of Olympic glory has drawn the largest fleet in years—studded with all the world’s fastest kiteboard racers—eager to do battle on northern Italy’s spectacular Lake Garda at the 2019 Formula Kite World Championships. A full complement of 87 men and a remarkable roster of 30 women, many of them novices in the high-octane discipline of kitefoil racing, will take to the track at Campione del Garda in five days of competition. Last year’s decision to include mixed kiteboard team racing in… Read more...

Mar 18, 2019 Snowkite

IKA SnowKite World Champions crowned at Lake Silvaplana

Created with the vision to give the world's best snowkiters on skis and snowboards a platform to showcase their talent, the IKA SnowKite World Cup 2019 kicked off in Italy (Roccaraso) with the special discipline “Formula GPS”, followed by the biggest Snowkiting event this season in South Tyrol at the International Snowkite Open at Lake Resia. Just a weekend later the first IKA Snowkite World Cup in Russia took place in Tolyatti. Erciyes (Turkey) welcomed everyone in the beginning of March to… Read more...

Mar 07, 2019 Snowkite

Silvaplana Is Getting Ready For The Grand Finale Of The Snowkite World Cup

From 15th to 17th March 2019, the Snowkite elite will meet for the Grand Finale of the "IKA Snowkite World Cup", and for the last event of the season: the "Swiss Snowkite Tour" in beautiful Switzerland - more precisely in Silvaplana.After a successful winter season, both series of competitions will enter the decisive final weekend. In the past few weeks, the World Cup has stopped in Italy (Roccaraso), South Tyrol (Reschensee), Russia (Tolyatti) and Turkey (Erciyes) and in the incoming week,… Read more...

Feb 18, 2019 Snowkite

Perfect conditions kick off the racing season at the SnowKite World Cup & European Championships in Reschensee

rom 15 - 17 February 2019 Lake Resia was the host for more than 90 Snowkiters from all over Europe at this years second IKA Snowkite Worldcup stop with Florian Gruber (GER) being the dominating force in both ski course racing and long distance disciplines. The first day was all about the long distance race, where more than 70 Snowkiters fought to finish the course around the lake as fast as possible. After seven laps and approximately 50 km in 90 minutes Florian Gruber (GER) finished just… Read more...

Jan 23, 2019 Snowkite

Wind and Snow. The Alto Sangro Ski Area gets ready to kick off the 2019 IKA SnowKite World Cup Season

The best riders in the world will compete in the mountains of the Alto Sangro ski area at SnowKite WorldCup from 24th to 27th of January. The event is a part of a world tour promoted by IKA (International Kiteboarding Association), member of World Sailing, and in collaboration with FIS (International Ski Federation) on individual snowkite events. The World Cup discipline will be Formula GPS - a freeride competition format in which competitors collect points based on distance, height difference… Read more...

Nov 05, 2018 Formula Kite

World Sailing AGM confirms Kiteboarding for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Yesterday, Sunday 4 November 2018, the Annual General Meeting of World Sailing confirmed the final line-up of events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is made up of delegates from member national authorities (MNA), with each MNA entitled to one vote. Although a decision was made in May 2018, World Sailing's Regulations allow both the Events and Equipment to be amended at the 2018 Annual Conference by World Sailing's Council before ratification at… Read more...

Oct 21, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Nocher Crowned at KiteFoil World Series Final as Parlier Takes Sardinia Grand Slam

Monaco’s Maxime Nocher trumpeted his comeback when he lifted the KiteFoil world champion’s crown after a stuttering World Series final fought out on the Italian resort island of Sardinia. Nocher added to his haul of world titles at the climax of the three-stop International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil World Series, with a second podium spot at the Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam that earned him the tour’s best overall racer.“It’s very nice,” said Nocher. “I’m really happy to come back… Read more...

Oct 20, 2018 KiteFoil Open

KiteFoil Series Final Gets Tighter at Top of Order in Light Breezes

The gap at the top of the leaderboard shrank to nothing with the French rivals Nico Parlier and Maxime Nocher ending the penultimate day of the KiteFoil World Series final in Italy equal on points.But reigning International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil world champion, Nico Parlier, just kept his nose in front courtesy of his superior scores despite finishing the day’s only race fifth after the breeze finally filled late in the afternoon on the resort island of Sardinia. Britain’s Guy… Read more...

Oct 19, 2018 KiteFoil Open

KiteFoil Final in Sardinia Draws Big Surge in Number of Youth Racers

The final of the KiteFoil World Series—the sole event of the three-stop tour being staged in Europe—has seen a dramatic upsurge in the number of “youth” racers eager to improve and learn from their kiteboarding heroes.An astonishing 15 of the 59 athletes hunting podium positions at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Kitefoil series’ last stop on Italy’s resort island of Sardinia are in the U-19 category. Remarkably, five of the 10-strong women’s group are “youth” competitors,… Read more...

Oct 18, 2018 KiteFoil Open

French Duo Battle at Opening of KiteFoil World Series in Tricky Conditions in Sardinia

France’s Nico Parlier traded blows with fellow countryman Maxime Nocher in the opening exchanges of the KiteFoil World Series final played out in tricky breezes on the Italian resort island of Sardinia. But reigning KiteFoil and Formula Kite world champion Parlier gained the upper hand, taking the leaderboard’s top spot with a bullet and a second in the day’s two races fought out in the shifty and variable breezes that bathed the course off Cagliari’s Poetto Beach.Former world champion Nocher… Read more...

Oct 17, 2018 KiteFoil Open

KiteFoil World Series To Wrap Up With Third Act in Sardinia

The globe-trotting KiteFoil World Series is set to reach an epic climax with the finale off Cagliari’s Poetto Beach on Italy’s resort island of Sardinia. The Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam will crown the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil world champion for the best athlete of the three-stop tour which began in China last month. Tension is bound to be high with the prospect of a showdown between multiple former world champion, France’s Maxime Nocher, and reigning Formula Kite… Read more...

Sep 14, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Multiple World Champion Nocher Captures Consecutive KiteFoil Tour Stops

Monaco’s Maxime Nocher sealed victory at the second stop of the KiteFoil World Series at Pingtan, eastern China, on the competition’s final day in difficult conditions that saw high winds and big seas batter the track. The multiple world champion’s win over three days of intense racing, when he proved virtually unbeatable, cemented the comeback he began a week ago by taking the season-opening International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil stop in Weifang Binhai, in back-to-back events in… Read more...

Sep 14, 2018 KiteFoil Open

French Pair Mount Strong Challenge in Tough Conditions at China KiteFoil Tour Stop

The French duo of Théo de Ramecourt and Axel Mazella launched a concerted assault on the top of the leaderboard in a day of startlingly-fast racing at the KiteFoil World Series in Pingtan, eastern China, De Ramecourt and reigning KiteFoil GoldCup series' title holder, Mazella, moved up the order to second and third overall respectively as both notched up consistently high-placed finishes in the challenging breezes blowing over the East China Sea track at up to 23kts. Mazella in particular was… Read more...

Sep 12, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Multiple World Champion Nocher Firing Again at KiteFoil Tour in China

If the setting in China had changed, little else had. In the opening skirmishes at the KiteFoil World Series in Pingtan, Monaco’s Maxime Nocher picked up where he left off a week ago at the tour’s first stop in Weifang Binhai. The multiple world champion scooped a clean sweep of four bullets in the first racing day of the competition in building breezes that hit 18kts, continuing the winning ways that earned him the top podium spot in the first of the back-to-back World Series’ stops in China.… Read more...

Sep 11, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Top Foil Racers Back Formula Kite as Best Option for Level Olympic Playing Field

The world’s leading kite hydrofoil athletes favour Formula Kite as the equipment of choice for the 2024 Paris Olympics if World Sailing backs the decision of its Council to include kiteboarding at the upcoming annual meeting. Formula Kite, roughly a “box rule” that limits racers to series production registered foils and kites produced by any brand, is a compromise between the “one design” concept and “open” unregulated equipment in an effort to ensure the best athlete and not the best material… Read more...

Sep 10, 2018 KiteFoil Open

World Series’ Second Round Set to Kick-off in Challenging Conditions

The hotly-anticipated KiteFoil World Series’ second act is set to kick-off with four days of scorchingly-quick kiteboard racing action in back-to-back tour stops in China. Hot of the heels of the season-opener of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil tour in Shandong province’s Weifang Binhai, the world’s fastest kitefoil athletes are to take to the East China Sea track off Fujian’s Pingtan Island. Monaco’s Maxime Nocher, staked his claim to the scheduled four-stop series’… Read more...

Sep 06, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Monaco’s Nocher Marks Comeback by Grabbing World Series’ Opener

Multiple world title holder, Monaco’s Maxime Nocher, signalled his comeback to form by clinching the opening round of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil World Series in Weifang Binhai, eastern China. Nocher’s performance over the regatta’s five scintillating days of competition and a remarkable 22 races was characterised by steady progress that saw him only top the leaderboard on the penultimate day, matched by a cautious error-free final day in which he sealed… Read more...

Sep 04, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Multiple World Title Holder Nocher Forges to Front of Pack with Model Racing

Monaco’s Maxime Nocher surged to the head of the order at the KiteFoil World Series’ opening act in China, taking four wins from seven on the competition’s penultimate day that was packed with drama that proved costly for his rivals. But the multiple world champion was a model of searingly-quick consistency even up against one of the fastest fleets that has ever gathered to battle for the unprecedented €60,000 prize money on the Yellow Sea track off Weifang Binhai, eastern China. By contrast,… Read more...

Sep 03, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Britain’s Guy Bridge on a Charge after Seizing Three Bullets in China

British athlete Guy Bridge charged up the leaderboard on the third day of the KiteFoil World Series at Weifang Binhai, in eastern China, with scintillatingly-quick and accomplished racing that earned him a hat-trick wins. The wins catapulted Bridge, the younger sibling of Olly Bridge, up the rankings to third spot overall on a day of confusingly-mixed conditions that finally came good late in the afternoon, enabling the race director to squeeze in four races. Bridge’s stellar outing on the two… Read more...

Sep 02, 2018 KiteFoil Open

France’s Parlier Creeps Back into Contention in Tricky Conditions in China

Reigning International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil World Champion, France’s Nico Parlier, edged his way up the order at the KiteFoil World Series being fought out off Weifang Binhai’s Joy Sea Beach in eastern China. The multiple world champion notched up a win and a third place in the only two races of the day after the early, shifty offshore breezes died completely. The finishes helped move Parlier up to third spot overall at the end of the second of five days of racing. But… Read more...

Sep 01, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Britain’s Bainbridge Stamps His Authority on Opening Proceedings

British racer Connor Bainbridge opened his account at the KiteFoil World Series in style, with a trio of wins that gave him the leaderboard’s top spot at the season-opening event being played out in Weifang Binhai, eastern China. The veteran sailor and windsurfer also bagged several high-placed finishes against a field stacked with the world’s fastest kitefoil racers, giving him a healthy points lead on the first of the five-day competition. Bainbridge was even able to shrug off the misfortune… Read more...

Sep 01, 2018 KiteFoil Open

Top KiteFoil Racers to Open Title Campaigns at Richest Event in China

All the globe’s leading KiteFoil athletes have journeyed to eastern China’s Weifang Binhai to begin their bids to lift the four-stop World Series’ crown on the smooth waters of the Yellow Sea. In the process the racers will be hoping to grab a share of the spoils—a purse of €60,000, the largest in kiteboarding—at the season opener off Weifang’s Joy Sea Beach. Weifang Binhai’s ambition now ensures that the venue bathed by lighter breezes has become a firm fixture on kite racing’s calendar,… Read more...

Jul 14, 2018 Formula Kite

Guy Bridge and Daniela Moroz win 2018 Formula Kite Europeans in Warnemuende

A week of racing in conditions from 6 to well over 25 knots came to an end yesterday with Guy Bridge and Daniela Moroz taking the overall honors at the kiteboarding event at the 81st edition of the "Warnemuender Woche" in the north of Germany. Read more...

Jun 14, 2018 Formula Kite

Updated Formula Kite Class Rules published

World Sailing has published the 2018 Formula Kite Class Rules at http://sailing.org/tools/documents/FK2018CR20180510-[24069].pdfOne of the main changes is the move to an equipment registration cycle in line with the Olympic Quad, with the same equipment being eligible from selection until the day after the next Olympic Games.New licensed builders are added every four years from the list of registered series production equipment, ensuring that equipment evolution takes place between Olympic… Read more...

May 25, 2018 Formula Kite

ANOC confirm 15 sports and 17 disciplines including Kite Foil Racing for first World Beach Games

A final list of 15 sports and 17 disciplines due to appear at the inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games in San Diego has been confirmed today. The list is essentially the same as what was proposed during San Diego's presentation at the ANOC General Assembly in Prague last November. ANOC have denied facing any pressure from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) in their decision to remove stand-up paddle from the proposed surfing disciplines put forward… Read more...

May 14, 2018 Formula Kite

Kiteboarding Clears Hurdle to Make it to Paris 2024 Olympics After World Sailing Mid-Year Meeting Decision

Kiteboarding is to become a full Olympic sailing event after World Sailing’s (WS) Council approved a submission that will see athletes take the stage at the Paris 2024 Games.The Events Committee of World Sailing, the world governing body for the sport of sailing including windsurfing and kiteboarding, approved submission M22-18 from the Romanian Sailing Association which includes two events for windsurfing, a new mixed one person dinghy event (i.e.Finn + new lightweight women's boat), a mixed… Read more...

Feb 10, 2018 Snowkite

Wind and Snow. The Alto Sangro Ski Area gets ready for the 2nd stop of the IKA SnowKite WorldCup

The best riders in the world will compete in the mountains of the Alto Sangro ski area at SnowKite WorldCup from 14th to 18th February. The event is a part of a world tour promoted by IKA (International Kiteboarding Association), member of World Sailing, and in collaboration with FIS (International Ski Federation) on individual snowkite events. The disciplines will be CrossCountry / Long Distance and especially the GPS Formula. Using of the innovative GPS formula The leg of Roccaraso, in the… Read more...

Jan 29, 2018 Snowkite

Lago di Resia provides perfect conditions for the kick-off to the 2018 IKA SnowKite WorldCup

From 26 – 28 January 2018 Lake Reschen played host for more than 80 Snowkiters from all over Europe at this years first IKA SnowKite WorldCup stop with Florian Gruber (GER) being the dominating force in both Course Racing and Long Distance disiplines.The first day was all about the Long Distance Race, where 81 Snowkiters fought to finish the course around the lake as fast as possible. After four laps and approximately 60 km in 1hrs and 39 minutes Florian Gruber (GER) finished just before Felix… Read more...

Dec 30, 2017 Snowkite

Inaugural IKA SnowKite WorldCup Series will feature Course Racing, Cross-Country and Formula GPS in three fantastic locations

The inaugural IKA SnowKite WorldCup will include the well proven snowkite events in Reschensee, Roccaraso (both Italy) and Ercyes, Turkey.The disciplines featured will be Course Racing (standard windward/leeward courses similar to sailing), Long Distance / Cross-Country (a long distance race making use of the geographical situations at the venue, including ascends and descends) and Formula GPS (a freeride race format where riders collect points depending of their use of the racing area, covered… Read more...

Dec 14, 2017 Formula Kite

Foiling Formula Kite, Skiffs and Cats announce joint 2018 European Championship in La Rochelle, France

49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17, and Male/Female Foiling Kitesurf will compete for the joint 2018 European Championship in La Rochelle, France.These 5 progressive sailing events will wow the nautical French city just one month before the first Olympic qualifiers.Together these events represent some of the most dynamic athletes in sailing. These sailors push modern craft to the highest levels. The 49er, 49erFX, and mixed Nacra 17 are all Olympic class boats currently, and the foiling kitesurfer aims to… Read more...

Nov 24, 2017 Formula Kite

France’s Nico Parlier and Daniela Moroz from the USA crowned Formula Kite World Champions in Oman

France’s Nico Parlier topped off a dramatic week at the Formula Kite World Championships in Oman with a near-perfect exhibition that only served to underscore his dominance and land him the title.In the tense battles of the climactic final day’s Medal Series decider, the French rider’s sheer pace meant he had the title in the bag even before the last race, adding to the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil Class world title that he secured in Italy last month.If anything, the… Read more...

Nov 24, 2017 Formula Kite

Intense clashes as racers push for Medal Series at Oman Formula Kite World Championships

Competition at the Formula Kite World Championships in Oman saw the stakes raised as the leading racers battled to secure a top 10 spot and the chance to go for glory in the Medal Series on the final day on Friday.The duels on the water off Muscat’s Al Mouj beach in the top fleet, with riders battling for position, were intense, with the slightest mistake proving costly in what is undoubtedly the strongest kitefoil racing line-up of the year.France’s Nico Parlier barely put a foot wrong on the… Read more...

Nov 23, 2017 Formula Kite

Tight racing at Formula Kite World Championships Oman as France’s Nico Parlier asserts dominance

With the top fleet stacked with the world’s fastest kite racers the battles at the Formula Kite World Championships in Oman just got a lot fiercer in awesome conditions that provided a perfect stage for the riders’ supreme athleticism.France’s Nico Parlier dominated in breezes that freshened and hovered between 9 and 11 knots for much of the day off Muscat’s Al Mouj Beach on the Gulf of Oman, framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop. On smooth waters, Parlier was pushed all the way by his friend… Read more...

Nov 22, 2017 Formula Kite

Leaders tighten grip on top spots in stellar conditions at Oman Formula Kite World Championships

The leading riders consolidated their hold on the top tier of the leaderboard with spectacularly-close competition at the Formula Kite World Championships in Oman as conditions delivered epic racing.Britain’s Olly Bridge preserved his overnight lead with another all-star performance in breeze that quickly built to over 20knots, churning up the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman off Muscat’s Al Mouj Beach. After an uncharacteristically faltering start to his day that saw him finish third in race… Read more...

Nov 20, 2017 Formula Kite

Chase for Formula Kite World Championship glory in Oman kicks off in perfect conditions

Britain’s Bridge brothers, Olly and Guy, signalled their intent when they bagged a big tally of first places in the opening exchanges of the Formula Kite World Championships in Oman, giving them the top two spots on the leaderboard.Olly Bridge put on a near flawless display, taking six wins and leaving classy rivals like reigning and former Formula Kite World Champions, Maxime Nocher (MON) and Johnny Heineken (USA), trailing in his wake.Younger sibling Guy Bridge, competing in a different… Read more...

Nov 20, 2017 Formula Kite

World’s Top Kitefoil Racers Ready for Battle in Year’s Biggest Clash

A clique of reigning and former kite racing world champions are lined up ready to fight it out with a clutch of young pretenders on the flat waters of Oman’s dramatic coastline as they vie for the prized 2017 Formula Kite crowns.The impressive roster of the world’s fastest kitefoil racers represents the showdown of the year in what will surely be breathtakingly tight contests on the Gulf of Oman’s crystal clear waters off Muscat’s Al Mouj Beach.The much-anticipated head-to-head battles will see… Read more...

Oct 19, 2017 Formula Kite

2017 IKA Formula Kite World Championships—One Month: World’s Leading KiteFoil Racers to Gather for Exhilarating Showdown in Oman

The stage is set for the year’s biggest kite racing event with the globe’s fastest riders planning to assemble on Oman’s crystal clear waters in just one month to do battle for the coveted Formula Kite World Championship crowns. With the decision on kiteboarding’s bid to become a “showcase event” at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics imminent, it is expected the showdown for the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) titles will also draw a large fleet with real strength in depth. Yet it is the… Read more...

Oct 08, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Parlier Takes KiteFoil World Title While Mazella Grabs GoldCup World Series Crown

France’s Nico Parlier put on an imperious display to seize the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil World Championship on the final day of racing on the Italian resort island of Sardinia. Even before the last race of the Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam, Parlier’s haul of bullets during the four days of competition meant he had the championship in the bag because of his vastly superior score. But after adding two more bullets to his tally in the opening two races on the flat… Read more...

Oct 07, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Variable Breezes Cause Parlier to Falter But Retain his Lead

The battle at the head of the order intensified as the changeable breezes caused the otherwise flawless French kitefoil racer Nico Parlier to skip a beat even as he cemented his overall lead on the Italian island of Sardinia. As the breeze dropped and shifted in the day’s final race at the Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam, Parlier’s countryman Axel Mazella finally turned the tables and took a precious bullet that left his rival trailing in second. No matter, Parlier had already notched up two… Read more...

Oct 07, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Variable Breezes Cause Parlier to Falter But Retain his Lead

The battle at the head of the order intensified as the changeable breezes caused the otherwise flawless French kitefoil racer Nico Parlier to skip a beat even as he cemented his overall lead on the Italian island of Sardinia. As the breeze dropped and shifted in the day’s final race at the Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam, Parlier’s countryman Axel Mazella finally turned the tables and took a precious bullet that left his rival trailing in second. No matter, Parlier had already notched up two… Read more...

Oct 06, 2017 KiteFoil Open

All Change at Top as “Survival” Conditions Challenge Racers

Gusty Mistral winds played to the strengths of French kitefoil racer Nico Parlier when he seized pole position on the leaderboard with a perfect three bullets that left rivals struggling to match his pace in the punchy conditions. Overnight leader Axel Mazella (FRA) had already reconciled himself to the fact that the second day of competition at the Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam would be Parlier’s when he saw the forecast breezes. Yet Mazella still gave Parlier a run for his money, harrying his… Read more...

Oct 05, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Tricky Day for Front-Runners in Testing and Fickle Breezes

None of the favourites to take the IKA KiteFoil World Championship title had it all their own in the opening exchanges on sparkling blue Mediterranean waters off the Italian island of Sardinia. In a surprise upset to the form books, France’s Axel Mazella scored bullets in the first two races, holding countryman Nico Parlier at bay and pushing him into unfamiliar second spots on each occasion as the shifty breezes vexed the entire fleet. Yet in the opening day’s third and final race both… Read more...

Oct 04, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Prospect of Mouthwatering Climax to KiteFoil GoldCup Series

The stage is set for a thrilling finale of the globe-trotting IKA KiteFoil GoldCup series with the world’s fastest riders lining up for a showdown on the leading Italian resort island of Sardinia. The fourth stop of the KiteFoil GoldCup tour will be hosted off Cagliari’s Poetto Beach at the Sardinia Kiteboarding Grand Slam, with a trophy going to the best rider over the entire series which opened in Korea in May, followed by back-to-back regattas in China last month. But the winner at the… Read more...

Sep 24, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Unbeatable Mazella Scoops Back-to-Back GoldCup Victories in China

The only blemish on Axel Mazella’s astonishing scoresheet at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in eastern China was an uncharacteristic second place that deprived him of a perfect tally. Otherwise the Frenchman’s record shows a sea of “gold”, courtesy of 14 bullets from the 15 races, earning him an undisputed victory at the tour’s third and penultimate stop in Pingtan. The win built on his equally emphatic—if not quite so dominant—performance a week earlier when… Read more...

Sep 22, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Four French Riders Top the Order in Perfect Foil Racing Conditions

It is a measure of French dominance of kitefoil racing that four of the nation’s riders have a lock on the leaderboard going into the final day’s competition at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in China. But while the quartet from France—the cradle of kitefoiling—are close friends off the water, and even in some cases Enata foils and kites team-mates, they are bitter rivals on the course seeking any opportunity to best on another when the starting flag… Read more...

Sep 21, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Mazella Stretches Lead in Teasing Breezes that Vex Some Racers

In what turned out to be a long day at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KifeFoil GoldCup in Pingtan, eastern China, France’s Axel Mazella extended his commanding overall lead. The onshore breeze blowing over the East China Sea’s flat waters unexpectedly built quickly to an adequate 7kts to 9kts, leaving some riders scrambling to get off the beach and upwind to the course area. But in the day’s first race—ultimately the day’s only race after the breeze faded, not to… Read more...

Sep 20, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Mazella Nearly Untouchable in Opening Foil Races

If the venue had changed, the storyline remained the same. France’s Axel Mazella was almost flawless in the first clashes of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup on Pingtan Island, eastern China. Mazella racked up an incredible eight bullets from nine races in Pingtan, picking up where he had left off a few days earlier in Weifang at the first of the two back-to-back KiteFoil GoldCup stops in China. But if the Frenchman had been composed to take victory at the… Read more...

Sep 13, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Mazella Holds Nerve to Clinch Victory in Tense Final Races

In an anxious final day France’s Axel Mazella sealed victory at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in eastern China with a pair of assured bullets. But heading out on to the water with his 21m kite in the light airs that had taken most of the day to fill, overnight leader Mazella was aware that Britain’s Guy Bridge just behind in second place overall was breathing down his neck and the slightest mistake could cost him the event. In the end the Team Enata foils and… Read more...

Sep 12, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Tough Day for Racers as Fickle Breezes Again Stalk Regatta

It was all change yet again at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in eastern China as the lead in the men’s and women’s divisions switched hands on the penultimate day of competition. But the fickle breezes that have dogged the regatta on the Yellow Sea off Weifang’s Joy Sea Beach returned and the one race that was possible when the wind briefly struggled above the 6kts threshold threw up upset. The overnight leader, Britain’s Guy Bridge, who had gone top after… Read more...

Sep 11, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Stellar Racing Upsets the Order in Near Perfect Foiling Conditions

British teenager Guy Bridge notched up a remarkable four bullets to seize to top of the leaderboard at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in eastern China. Bridge, younger brother of Olly, might even have made it five wins had he not misjudged a dramatic wind shift that saw him overhauled by his closest rivals on the long reach to finish line on the last of day’s six races. But Bridge’s stellar showing at the second of the four-stop IKA KiteFoil GoldCup tour in… Read more...

Sep 10, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Team Enata Cement Top Spots in Breezes that Played Cat and Mouse

France’s Axel Mazella and Alexia Fancelli tightened their grip on the leaderboard’s top spots with wins in the men’s and women’s divisions at the International Kiteboard Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in China. Mazella scored his third consecutive bullet from three races while Fancelli made it two wins from three. Both recently signed with the ambitious Dubai-based kite and foil brand, Enata, whose riders are giving rivals something to think about. But if day two of the second stop of the… Read more...

Sep 10, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Leading KiteFoilers Shrug off Challenging Light Conditions to Stage Tight Racing

Most of the world’s fastest kitefoilers have been limbering up for the second stop of the International Kiteboarding Association’s (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup series in eastern China. True to form, the Yellow Sea off Weifang Binhai has been serving up flat waters and light breezes characteristic of the time of year. But the foilers on their largest 21m kites have been notching up impressive speeds as they test their pace against rivals and team-mates. Thirty-eight riders from 16 countries registered… Read more...

Sep 07, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Top Racers Gather for Back-to-Back KiteFoil Regattas in China

The opening clashes of the much-anticipated second stop of the 2017 International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup are just hours away with the leading contenders for the crown assembled on the shores of the Yellow Sea, eastern China. It is the third year in succession that the smooth waters off Joy Sea Beach at Weifang Binhai have hosted the fastest kitefoil racers from all corners of the globe, and follows the success of the IKA Formula Kite World Championships that played… Read more...

Sep 02, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam Confirmed as KiteFoil GoldCup Final

The 2017 World Champions of the IKA KiteFoil Class will be crowned from 04 to 08 October 2017 at Poetto Beach, Cagliari, Sardinia. The Sardinia Kiteboard Grand Slam marks the final of this years 4-stop KiteFoil GoldCup which has awarded a total of 125.000 EUR prize money. Earlier plans to host the final in France or in the UAE unfortunately had to be postponed till the 2018 season due to reasons beyond our control. However, both of these events will make fantastic additions to the 2018 tour… Read more...

Aug 18, 2017 Formula Kite

Parlier and Moroz crowned 2017 Formula Kite European Champions after a week of racing in challenging conditions

Nico Parlier (FRA, Ozone/Mikes Lab) took the men's title after neck on neck racing with his french rival Axel Mazella (FRA, Enata) with the lead swapping race by race on the final day in front of Tirmata Beach, Istanbul.The event kicked of last Saturday with the iconic Bosphorus Race - a long distance race over approximately 41 km from Tirmata Beach right into the heart of Istanbul in ideal sailing conditions with 9 knots northerly winds and moderate seas. 29 out of the 36 strong fleet saw the… Read more...

Jun 10, 2017 Formula Kite

Parlier crowned Sailing World Cup Series Champion in the Foiling Formula Kite Class

Six new World Cup Series champions have been crowned after a day of Medal Races were played out in Santander, Spain.Racing concluded in the Men's and Women's Windsurfers, Men's and Women's Skiff, the Mixed Multihull and the Foiling Formula Kiteboarding with five new World Cup champions and one successful defence.After a morning postponement, Medal Races kicked off on the Dune racing area in a light, fickle and challenging 5-8 knot north easterly breeze that tested sailors and the race committee… Read more...

Jun 10, 2017 Formula Kite

Medal Race places decided for the Foiling Formula Kite Class in Santander Sailing World Cup Final

The Men's and Women's Skiff, Windsurfers, Mixed Multihull and Foiling Formula Kiteboarding all concluded their fleet racing and the top ten racers will now advance to Saturday's live Medal Races to fight to become the World Cup Final Champion in their respective fleets.Friday's conditions served up exceptional conditions for the 260 sailors from 41 nations with a steady north east breeze in the region of 12-16 knots.France's Nico Parlier has almost wrapped up gold before Saturdays three single… Read more...

Jun 08, 2017 Formula Kite

Parlier remains untouchable in strong Santander breeze

Sailing's 2017 World Cup Series Final reached its mid-point on Thursday, as competitors continue to fight for position across the ten Olympic and foiling Formula Kite events in Santander, Spain.The competition in Santander has been ferocious with Olympic medallists, World Champions and many of the world's leading sailors aiming to reach Saturday's live Medal Races and to be in with a chance at claiming a medal.Thursday's racing saw exceptional sailing conditions across all the racing areas. A… Read more...

Jun 07, 2017 Formula Kite

Parlier dominates Day 2 at Sailing World Cup Final Santander with the Bridge brothers battling for the podium

Santander was baked in sunshine for the second day of World Cup racing as riders looked to either capitalise on a great opening day, or play catch up after slow starts.Conditions were near on perfect for the 260 sailors from 41 nations racing across the ten Olympic fleets and the foiling Formula Kite class. Not a cloud in the sky and 11-15 knots of breeze coming from the north east enabled a full on day of racing.Defending World Cup Final Champion Oliver Bridge (GBR) found his form on the… Read more...

Jun 06, 2017 Formula Kite

'Keepers' the target for Parlier and Bridge as the Sailing World Cup Final commences

The Sailing World Cup Final kicked off in Santander, Spain today (6 June) with riders aiming to put some 'keepers' on the board.It's a common phrase in sailing (and as such, kiteboard racing), you cannot win on the opening day, but you could lose it. Therefore the 260 competitors from 41 nations racing across the ten Olympic and open kiteboarding fleets strived to put good results on the board and lay the foundation for the week ahead.A 10-13 knot westerly breeze enabled sailors to complete all… Read more...

May 22, 2017 KiteFoil Open

KiteFoil Title Holder Nocher Clinches GoldCup Series Opener with Perfect Start

Reigning KiteFoil GoldCup champion Maxime Nocher sealed victory in the year’s first event with a perfect final day, racking up four bullets from four races in light breezes that threatened to die at any moment. But even the fickle airs that shifted and barely topped 8kts were a welcome relief after three windless days that made for a stop-start competition, the first international kite competition in Korea, staged off Boryeong’s stunning Daecheon Beach. While the breezes toyed with riders and… Read more...

May 21, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Riders Maintain Race Focus Despite Testing Conditions

That top-level kitefoil racing is first and foremost a psychological game almost goes without saying. But in the hothouse atmosphere of the KiteFoil GoldCup series’ opening exchanges the teasing wind—or absence of it—only underscored how those at the pinnacle are masters at maintaining their poise. For many lesser athletes the tension of two windless days that prevented racing, followed by day four’s failed efforts to get races away after the breeze twice dropped below the requisite 6kts… Read more...

May 20, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Legendary Race Coach Savours Prospect of Kiting Gracing Olympics’ Stage

When five-time Olympian Mike Gebhardt asserts that kiting securing a berth at the 2020 Tokyo Games would change everything in the sport, with an explosion of interest and money, it is not to be taken lightly. The renowned racing coach, who helped foiling prodigy Daniela Moroz to her first Formula Kite World Championship title last year at just 15 and Rob Douglas to the 2016 International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Speed World Championship crown, knows what he is talking about. On the… Read more...

May 18, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Kiteboarding Hopeful “Showcase” Event for Tokyo Olympics

Kiteboarding is hopeful to earn a place on the Olympic stage at the Tokyo 2020 Games after World Sailing (WS) proposed it as one of two “showcase” disciplines to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In a late February WS Council meeting delegates decided men’s and women’s kiteboarding events should grace the XXXII summer Olympiad, along with keelboat racing, in addition to sailing’s existing 10 medal disciplines. The IOC will consider the proposal in the coming months, but any final move… Read more...

May 17, 2017 KiteFoil Open

GoldCup Title Holder Nocher Opens Account with Flawless Races

Reigning International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil class champion Maxime Nocher began the defence of his title in Korea in perfect style—notching up two bullets from two races. In light breezes that struggled to reach 8kts, the Monegasque rider put in a solid shift on the first day of the KiteFoil GoldCup’s opening stop of 2017 taking place on the Yellow Sea’s flat waters just off Boryeong’s pristine Daecheon Beach. At one point when a sea mist rolled in shrouding the otherwise… Read more...

May 17, 2017 KiteFoil Open

World’s Fastest KiteFoilers Poised for Action in GoldCup’s first East Asian Outing

Reigning KiteFoil GoldCup title holder Maxime Nocher has been putting the final touches to his campaign to defend his crown in the season’s eagerly-awaited opening clashes in Korea.Nocher (MON) — who is also the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Formula Kite (Foil) world champion — and some of his keenest rivals have been testing conditions off Daecheon Beach, Boryeong.The five days of racing due to commence tomorrow (WED, 17 May) will mark the first time the IKA GoldCup has graced… Read more...

Apr 30, 2017 Formula Kite

Nico Parlier finishes off with a perfect score in Hyeres champagne sailing conditions

Seven medals were confirmed yesterday (Saturday) at Sailing's World Cup Series in Hyères, France.In the first of two live Medal Race days, France's southern coast was blessed with glorious sunshine. Coupled with an 11-13 knot breeze from the west, the day was virtually perfect.A perfect day finishing off a perfect week for Nico Parlier (FRA) feels. The Frenchman has won all but one race in the Formula Foiling Kiteboarding, including the final three Medal Races.Despite the dominance, Parlier… Read more...

Apr 28, 2017 Formula Kite

Parlier proves to be un-beatable in strong breeze at Sailing World Cup Hyeres

Sailors (and as such, kiteboarders) are always thrilled when they have a return of straight race victories. Then there are times when they are happy to come out in one piece, still within touching distance of the medals. The competition in Hyères reached a critical stage on Friday with Medal Races imminent. Saturday's racing will see the see the skiffs, windsurfers, multihulls and foiling kiteboarders fight for the medals after a day that saw all the competitors make a final dash to reach the… Read more...

Apr 26, 2017 Formula Kite

Mazella and Parlier dominate racing on day 2 at Sailing World Cup Hyeres.

A grey, overcast morning welcomed the sailors from the ten Olympic classes as well as the Open Kiteboarding (foiling Formula Kite) and the 2.4 Norlin OD, a Para World Sailing event, to the boat park with an expected morning breeze of 7-12 knots from the west. Following a brief morning postponement due to a wait for the wind, the fleet went out for the first of their 6 scheduled races in a westerly 10-15 knot breeze. Six further races were conducted and the perfect records held by Axel Mazella… Read more...

Apr 25, 2017 Formula Kite

Parlier and Mazella top the leader board after day one at Sailing World Cup Hyeres

Day one at World Sailing's World Cup Series Hyères is in the books ! Over 500 sailors from 52 nations opened their quest for World Cup honours, personal best performances and bragging rights as the second event of the 2017 series got underway in Hyères, France. Events cannot be won on the first day in sailing but they can certainly be lost. So, in a stable 8-11 knot south easterly breeze, it was vital that those aiming for the top honours laid down a marker with consistent race results. French… Read more...

Apr 12, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Reminder: KiteFoil GoldCup Korea is about to start in one month time

World Class Race Management, 15000 USD prize money, free airport shuttle and subsidised accommodation and food. Only one month to go to the first GoldCup event of the season (plus some TT:R slalom racing to get you in the mood for the Youth Olympics). 15000 USD prizemoney and qualifier places for the KiteFoil World Championships later this year are up for grabs - the top 25 of the event qualify directly for the World Championship, while all others can collect important points to make their way… Read more...

Apr 03, 2017 KiteFoil Open

Registration and Accommodation information for the 2017 KiteFoil GoldCup season opener in Korea

World Class Race Management, 15000 USD prize money, free airport shuttle and subsidised accommodation and food.The 2017 KiteFoil GoldCup season will kick of in six weeks time at the all new and exotic venue, Daecheon Beach / Boryeong, South KoreaLocated just 2 hours south of Seoul, it offers wide, sandy beaches with reliable side-onshore winds; a perfect setup for world level kiteboard racing action.We have now published travel and accommodation information on the event registration page.KWKF… Read more...

Dec 11, 2016 Formula Kite

Three fast, furious and fantastic Foiling Kite races bring the Formula Kite event at the Sailing World Cup Final in Melbourne to a close.

The 49er, 49erFX, Men's and Women's RS:X, Nacra 17 and Formula Kite finished their week of competition with Medal Races on the Stadium course in front of the St Kilda Sailing Precinct in a mixed day of breeze.Last to race on Saturday, the foiling Formula Kite class had the best of the conditions, a 12-knot breeze and beautiful afternoon sunshine which produced a fantastic showcase for the class and some of the best kiteracing footage seen so far.Oliver Bridge (GBR) took a 14-point lead into the… Read more...

Nov 20, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Nocher Holds Nerve to Seize Consecutive KiteFoil GoldCup Titles

Reigning world champion Maxime Nocher put in a stellar shift on the closing day of of the International Kiteboarding Association KiteFoil GoldCup to bag another title in some of the fiercest and most competitive racing of the year. The Monegasque rider began the day in second spot on the leaderboard just two points adrift of Britain’s Olly Bridge on the for fourth day of the finals of the “open” kitefoil world championship series. But with two bullets, four seconds and a third spot in the day’s… Read more...

Nov 19, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Light Breezes Tantalise Riders but Prove Sufficient for Champion Nocher

The wind played cat and mouse, but in the end there was just enough breeze and daylight to squeeze in one race on the penultimate day of competition at the finals of the “open” kitefoil world championship series. But in the hard-fought race with the desert sun sinking fast, the fickle, shifty airs were ideal for Monaco’s Maxime Nocher to eke out another bullet that puts him one step closer to retaining his International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup title. His win over… Read more...

Nov 18, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Teenage Slovenian Dominates in Perfect Light Airs for Breakthrough

One of the youngest riders at the KiteFoil GoldCup, Toni Vodisek, stamped his authority on proceedings with four bullets from six in a remarkable performance that marked his best day on the water and left competitors in awe of his sheer pace. The 16-year-old Slovenian who has been threatening a breakthrough led every race he won almost from start to finish in a stellar outing on smooth waters in gentle breezes that spawned scintillating racing at the “open” kitefoil world championship… Read more...

Nov 17, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Tight Duel After Stuttering Start to GoldCup Showdown

Reigning world champion Maxime Nocher opened his account with a bullet after a tricky day of light, shifty breezes at the KiteFoil GoldCup that tested riders’ skill and patience. But the Monegasque Formula Kite title holder was pushed all the way in the day’s only race by his biggest rival, France’s Axel Mazella, and snatched the win by barely 20m after two laps of the track’s near glassy waters. Race organisers were able to squeeze in just one race ahead of the early sunset in the Arabian Gulf… Read more...

Nov 15, 2016 KiteFoil Open

World’s Top KiteFoilers Test Their Pace Ahead of Engrossing GoldCup Climax

The stage is set for the final act of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup in what will surely be a thrilling showdown on the Arabian Gulf’s flawless flat waters. Leading contenders for the world championship crown in the “open” kitefoil class have been limbering up off The Pearl island’s Qanat Quartier, clocking blistering speeds in breezes of barely 5kts under cloudless skies. The high-octane competition will feature 37 riders from 18 nations locked four days of… Read more...

Oct 10, 2016 Formula Kite

Melbourne confirms Sailing World Cup Final for Kiteboarding

The 2016 Sailing World Cup Final set to be held out of St. Kilda sailing precinct in Melbourne, Australia from 4-11 December will see Kiteboarders fly once again on Port Philip but this time, on foils. The IKA Formula Kite (foil) class event will feature 20 competitors, 16 male and 4 female, the same as the Olympic events. In addition, there will be an Open Kiteracing event for riders who have not qualified for the Sailing World Cup Final. This will be open to an unlimited number of male and… Read more...

Sep 16, 2016 Formula Kite

Teenager Moroz Triumphs While Nocher Grabs Third Successive Kite Race World Title

Monegasque rider Maxime Nocher seized the Formula Kite crown with a stellar performance in the final day’s short, sharp medal races, making it three world titles in succession. Nocher began the day with a healthy lead but knew he had to keep clear of trouble in the “platinum” fleet’s four races with only the top ten men. In the end he notched up two bullets and two fourths in the 6kts to 7kts breezes that were barely sufficient to clear the heat haze that shrouded the track off Joy Sea Beach,… Read more...

Sep 15, 2016 Formula Kite

Moroz and Kalinina Tied After Russian Rider Turns Tables in Light Breezes

Teenage Russian title holder Elena Kalinina stands neck-and-neck with the US rider Daniela Moroz as they enter the final day of competition at the Formula Kite (foil) World Championships in China.Kalinina,18, trumped her even younger rival Moroz, just 15, scoring a perfect four bullets in ultra-competitive racing in breezes that barely topped 8kts blowing over the Yellow Sea’s almost glassy waters off Joy Sea Beach, Weifang Binhai, eastern China.In the light airs the young foil sensation Moroz… Read more...

Sep 13, 2016 Formula Kite

Riders Talk Olympics Aspirations as Wind Stays Away

Light breezes tantalised racers at the Formula Kite (foil) World Champions for a second straight day, but remained stubbornly insufficient to get off any races in the women’s or men’s “gold” and “silver” fleets. In the absence of action, the 60 riders for 19 countries were briefed on the status of kiting’s bid for a slot in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and voiced concerns over some possible strategies apparently unfolding. Markus Schwendtner, International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) CEO,… Read more...

Sep 12, 2016 Formula Kite

Riders Becalmed as Wind Refuses to Play Ball

Riders at the Formula Kite worlds suffered a frustrating day on the beach under cloudless skies as the wind refused to blow until the last moment when a light breeze kicked in, but too late to get competition underway. The 60 racers from 19 nations at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) Formula Kite World Championships will be hoping the breezes forecast for the coming days prove accurate so that the race directors can make up any deficit. MEN Overall standings after five races… Read more...

Sep 11, 2016 Formula Kite

Parlier and Moroz Dominate at Formula Kite Worlds in Unexpectedly Tough Conditions

What a difference a day makes. French rider Nico Parlier dominated his fleet with a flawless four bullets at the Formula Kite world championships as he revelled in unusually blustery conditions that suit both his racing style and equipment. Even in his day’s final race when reigning world champion Maxime Nocher (MON) threatened to finally snatch a victory on a searingly-quick reach to the finish, Parlier was just able to squeeze out his rival on the line in a photo-finish. The contrast to the… Read more...

Sep 10, 2016 Formula Kite

Tricky Breezes Test Formula Racers in Opening Exchanges

French teenager Axel Mazella opened his campaign where he had left off at the KiteFoil GoldCup in Italy, with an emphatic bullet in the first race of the Formula Kite (foil) world championships. His feat was matched by Britain’s Olly Bridge, 18, who signalled his intent when he also scored a convincing win in the opening race of the alternate men’s qualifying fleet, on the smooth waters off Joysea Beach, at Binhai, Western China. But the light breezes over the Yellow Sea, that started out… Read more...

Sep 09, 2016 Formula Kite

Cream of Formula Kite Crop Line Up in China to Battle for World Title

The stage is set for the opening exchanges in what will inevitably be a week of scorching action at the inaugural Formula Kite (Foil) World Championships on the butter-flat waters off eastern China. Fifty-eight riders from 19 countries have assembled to battle for the title, the first since rule changes at the beginning of the year altered class rules to accommodate hydrofoil boards in the fast-shifting environment of kite racing. Yet even in the “closed” Formula Kite class — which allows the… Read more...

Sep 05, 2016 Formula Kite

Stage Set For Engrossing Showdown of Globe’s Top Foilers as Rivals Meet to Fight it Out in China

Battle in the eagerly-awaited first Formula Kite (foil) world championship will get underway in just five days on the waters off Weifang, China. With most of the top kitefoil racers slated to compete, the six-day event will be one of the biggest clashes since rule changes converted Formula Kite to hydrofoiling. The International Kiteboarding Association’s (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup and the Hydrofoil Pro Tour (HPT) have slightly diluted competition in 2016 as some riders favour one over another,… Read more...

Sep 05, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Registration opens for the KiteFoil GoldCup Final in Qatar

2016 has proven to be a difficult year for all kinds of competitions. Political instability and now the postponement of the Korea event for May 3-7, 2017 means that the next major event on the KiteFoil GoldCup Tour will be the Final in Qatar. Qatar has played host already for the 2014 Formula Kite Asian Championships and is now hosting the final of the KiteFoil GoldCup, where the World Champions of the IKA KiteFoil class will be crowned. 20000 EUR prizemoney are up for grabs for the worlds… Read more...

Jul 18, 2016 KiteFoil Open

High Drama at Thrilling Climax of KiteFoil World Championships’ First Act

French teenager Axel Mazella snatched victory at the KiteFoil GoldCup by the finest of margins after a series misfortunes and mistakes on the contest’s final day that saw his overnight lead evaporate in the tightest races of the world championships’ opening tour stop in Italy. But the 18-year-old’s performances in the “gold” fleet’s six races were just enough to pip his great rival and training partner, reigning Formula kite world champion Maxime Nocher, by a single point.Mazella’s victory was… Read more...

Jul 17, 2016 KiteFoil Open

French Teenager Almost Flawless at KiteFoil World Championships

The young French rider Axel Mazella showed his class and growing pace at the KiteFoil GoldCup with a string of bullets on a day when all the top racers found themselves competing in the same fleet for the first time. Mazella used his Taaroa Sword2 foil and F-one Diablo2 kite to clinical effect taking three wins from the “gold” fleet’s four races, with even a misstep in the day’s final race when he posted fifth, failing to prevent him topping the leaderboard. For the most part in the difficult… Read more...

Jul 16, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Former Title Holder Gruber Revels in Tricky Conditions at KiteFoil World Championships Opener

Germany’s Florian Gruber shrugged off the mixed bag of weather that played havoc with the racing schedule at the KiteFoil GoldCup in Italy to snatch a flawless two victories from two races. In a break-neck dash for the line in his day’s final race the former Formula kite world champion crashed spectacularly just as he crossed to see off rival, reigning International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) KiteFoil GoldCup title holder, Maxime Nocher (MON). It was the second time of the day the… Read more...

Jul 15, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Gusty Winds and Tough Conditions Test Racers’ Mettle at KiteFoil World Championships Act 1

Margins separating the world’s leading kitefoilers are extremely fine. Reigning European and KiteFoil GoldCup champion, Monegasque rider Maxime Nocher, almost had a perfect day but was literally pipped at the post. Florian Trittel (ESP) just overhauled Nocher on a searing reach to the finish on their last race of the day, but in doing so the Spaniard caught a mark line with his foil and was catapulted off his board. Still, it was enough to secure a win and deprive Nocher of five bullets from… Read more...

Jun 29, 2016 KiteFoil Open

Globe's Fastest Kitefoil Racers Line Up For World Championship Series' Opening Salvo Just Two Weeks Away

The keenly-awaited first act of the KiteFoil GoldCup kicks off in just two weeks with the planet's leading racers honing their skills and tuning equipment in preparation for what is sure to be an utterly engrossing contest. With southern Italy's rolling Calabrian hills framing the blue Mediterranean race track, the riders from all corners of the globe will line-up on the warm, flat waters off Gizzeria's party-fuelled Hang Loose Beach. The venue — with its reliable summer thermal winds that… Read more...

Jun 17, 2016 Formula Kite

Registration opens for the 2016 Formula Kite World Championship

After the huge success of the 2015 Weifang Binhai Open, the event will now play host to the 2016 IKA Formula Kite World Championship. After the evolution of the "70cm Raceboard Class" into a foiling high-performance class solely raced on registered production kites and hydrofoils, the 2016 World Championship will see the worlds best kiteracers battle for the title and their share of the 50000 EUR prize money one offer. In addition, the top riders qualify directly for the Sailing World Cup Final… Read more...

Feb 16, 2016 KiteFoil Open

KiteFoil GoldCup will crown the 2015 / 2016 KiteFoil World Champion

The 2016 IKA KiteFoil GoldCup will again gather the worlds best riders on Hydrofoil Kiteboard, and this year it is all about the World Championship Titles ! The 2016 tour will feature three events in exciting locations: Hang Loose Beach in Gizzeria, Italy has already proven in the 2015 season to be a perfect location for kiteracing. Not only the climate in the south of Italy is hot but also the parties during the annual "Aloha Party Week". A new country on the world map is Korea - Boryeong… Read more...