Countdown to Red Bull King of the Air 2024 in Tarifa: a Spaniard will compete for a spot in the final.
Balneario Beach in Tarifa, Spain, will host a new qualifier for the prestigious Red Bull King of the Air 2024, from September 10-30.
18 athletes from countries including Spain, the United States, South Africa, and Egypt will compete in extreme conditions, vying for a spot in the grand finale in Cape Town. More information is available at Red Bull King of the Air.
Madrid, August 20, 2024 – The kitesurfing world is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year: Red Bull King of the Air 2024. Known as the craziest competition in kitesurfing, this competition returns with an exciting new feature: a new qualifier at the iconic Playa de Balneario in Tarifa, Spain. Known as Europe's wind mecca, Tarifa will offer ideal conditions for the world's best riders to face off in an epic challenge between September 10 and 30, 2024.
This event relies on optimal wind conditions, with no strict minimum speed requirement, but with a focus on ensuring sustainable and suitable conditions. Good swell is required for kiters to perform their maneuvers, and the decision to hold the event rests with National Sports Director Álvaro Onieva and International Director Sergio Cantagalli, who consult with a meteorologist and local crew members. Ideally, winds should average at least 25 knots (46 kph), with forecasts indicating an increase to 35-37 knots (65-69 kph) or more with a good westerly swell.
Red Bull King of the Air has been the world's benchmark in the evolution of Big Air kitesurfing, pushing riders to push the limits in height, variety, execution, and difficulty of tricks. This year, Tarifa joins as the qualifiers host, strengthening its reputation as one of the key destinations for kitesurfing globally.
Confirmed participants for Tarifa
The qualifying phase has concluded, and the names of the 18 riders who will compete in Tarifa, representing countries from all over the world, are now known :
- Zac Adams (🇺🇸 United States)
- Timo Boersema (🇳🇱 Netherlands)
- Jett Bradshaw (🇿🇦 South Africa)
- Lorenzo Casati (🇮🇹 Italy)
- Luca Ceruti (🇿🇦 South Africa)
- Josue San Ferreira (🇧🇷 Brazil)
- Josh Gillitt (🇿🇦 South Africa)
- Beto Gomez (🇨🇴 Colombia)
- Ismail Hamza (🇪🇬 Egypt)
- Valentín Hoenderop (🇪🇸 Spain)
- Luca Lüdke (🇩🇪 Germany)
- Karim Mahmoud (🇪🇬 Egypt)
- Yücel Paralik (🇨🇾 Cyprus)
- Parker Sage (🇺🇸 United States)
- Marius Sanchez (🇫🇷 France)
- Nathan Texier (🇫🇷 France)
- Cohan van Dijk (🇳🇱 Netherlands)
- Giel Vlugt (🇳🇱 Netherlands)
These athletes will compete on Balneario Beach, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic winds will create the perfect conditions to showcase their talent. The winner of this qualifier will secure a spot in the Red Bull King of the Air Grand Final, which will take place from November 25th to December 10th in Cape Town, South Africa, where the world's 18 best kiteboarders will compete.
Selection and evaluation criteria
The selection process for participants was exhaustive. Riders were selected through an online video contest open to everyone. The submitted videos were evaluated by a panel of judges using the same criteria that will be applied during the live competition: height, difficulty, technical execution, and precision.
Panel of judges and sports directors
In addition to the panel of judges, the event features Juan Antonio Argón and head judges Chris Bull and Ignacio de Águila, who bring their vast experience and knowledge to ensure Red Bull King of the Air maintains its prestige as the world's premier Big Air kitesurfing competition.
For more information on the event, the qualifier in Tarifa, and the final in Cape Town, visit the official Red Bull King of the Air website.
