Ewan Jaspan and Katie Potter triumph at the first Kitepark World Championship in Hood River

Hello, kiteboarding enthusiasts! 🌞 Today I'm bringing you a competition from the heart of the Columbia River Gorge in Hood River, USA. 🌍

Remember the Kitepark League and the challenges they had in setting it up? Sponsorship and financial support have now arrived at GKA to stay. The inaugural Qatar Airways GKA Kitepark World Championship concluded with an Australian double: Ewan Jaspan and Katie Potter were crowned champions. 🏆🇦🇺

This championship not only marks the first time the GKA has held a Kite Park World Championship, but it's also a milestone for the sport. 🎉 Ewan Jaspan, who had previously won three consecutive KPL championships, takes his first world title under the GKA banner. Katie Potter, meanwhile, repeats her success from last year, cementing herself as an unstoppable force at Kite Park. 💪

The men's competition was tight, with the world's top 17 riders competing in a single-elimination format. 🌪️ In the semifinals, Spain's Noè Font came out strong, leading the Box to Corrugated and securing his spot in the final alongside Chris Bobryk and Brendan Kerr of the USA. 🇪🇸🇺🇸

In the final, Canadian Jack Rieder and Argentine Rami Gallart also gave their all. Rieder, with the highest trick score of the competition (7.65/10), secured third place. Gallart, known for his consistency, took second place. But it was Jaspan who, despite a stumble in the Box to Corrugated, managed to maintain his lead with a final trick that gave him the victory by a narrow margin. 🎢

Although only three women competed for the title, the intensity was palpable. Katie Potter dominated every round, securing her first world title with outstanding scores. Lauren Holman of Canada and Kristen Cooper of the USA completed the podium.

Kite Park and its Roots: Kite Park has its roots in urban sports like wakeboarding, skateboarding, and snowboarding. This influence is reflected in the beach's laid-back atmosphere. 🏖️

Hood River: Known as the birthplace of kite parks, Hood River offers ideal conditions with winds over 25 knots, perfect for the most demanding tricks. 🌬️

Men

1 Ewan Jaspan (AUS)

2 Ramiro Gallart (ARG)

3 Jack Rieder (CAN)

Women

1 Katie Potter (AUS)

2 Lauren Holman (CAN)

3 Kristen Cooper (USA)

The inaugural Qatar Airways GKA Kite Park World Championship was an event filled with excitement, top riders, and unforgettable moments. We can't wait to see what next year has in store for this sport at the GLA! 🌟