Charles Brodel tops podium to become the Hydrofoil Big Air event winner, and 2024 European Champion
Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt
20β25 August, 2024 | Brandenburger Strand
Day two saw a windy morning with a very different-looking forecast and action unfolding first thing. Round four kicked off the day with heat one featuring a three-man heat after a noticeable absence from Linus Erdmann (GER). Peer Schnyder (SUI) went on to secure the win, with Lorenzo Casati (ESP) in second place allowing them to both move to the semi-finals, leaving Theo Demanez (FRA) to unfortunately exit the competition.
Fight for last places in the semis
The developing conditions meant the wind was topping 25 knots as Andrea Zust (SUI), Hunter Becker (USA), Robby James (THA) and Finn FlΓΌgel (GER) were all fighting in round four, heat two for the last two places in the semi-finals. Riding a 7m sized kite, Becker, unfortunately, crashed his third trick attempt, yet remained in the lead until FlΓΌgel landed a kite loop back roll and switched into first place. At 15 years old FlΓΌgel is the youngest competitor and one of the strongest, and he looked hungry to continue his climb up the leaderboard.
FlΓΌgel managed to pull it all off by landing the highest-scoring trick of the heat with a contra loop back roll board off which was enough to advance to the semis along with Hunter Becker. However, an equipment issue prevented Becker from continuing in the competition. This left Peer Schnyder, Joselito del Rosario (DOM) and Alex Soto (DOM) to fight between them for one of the two remaining places in the final.
Semi-final action unfolds
In heat one of the semi-finals the action really started to unfold with spectators on the edge of their seats right up to the last trick attempt. Soto and Del Rosario were both clinging on to their last chance to get a third score recorded, but after lengthy deliberations from the judges, Soto narrowly missed out with Del Rosario just skimming through.
Heat two saw some of the biggest action on the water with Brodel flying high and landing smooth including a 7.13 for his contra loop front roll board off. He went on to land a kite loop back roll board off scoring 8.47, the highest-scoring individual trick of the competition so far and the highest-scoring heat, despite still having four trick attempts to go.FlΓΌgel and Borja Vellon (ESP) needed to place some big scores to stay in the running, but Casati showed more promise as he jostled against Brodel for first and second place. Brodel remained steadfast, securing a heat score of 25.17 and regained a breath as a passing front of rain pressed pause on the competition for a beat.
Podium positions revealed
As the clouds cleared, the action resumed for the final heat of the Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt 2024. Lorenzo Casati, Joselito del Rosario, Peer Schnyder and Charles Brodel went head to head to decide their position on the podium.
Brodel started strong followed by Schnyder, but Casati crashed his first two trick attempts leaving the audience in suspense. He went on to make an incredible comeback with a Contra Loop Back Roll scoring 6.33 points. However, as the final sequence of tricks played out, Charles Brodel still maintained his lead above Casati.
Despite the strong and choppy conditions, Brodel took the win in Sylt with an impressive performance and was crowned a double title as he also became the 2024 European champion. Lorenzo Casati won 2nd place with Schnyder in 3rd and Del Rosario in 4th place.
Congratulations to all of the winners of the Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt 2024 and to the European Hydrofoil Big Air Champions. Stay tuned as the Kite-Surf discipline heats get underway with a great forecast and non-stop action promised throughout the week.
words: Caroline Morris
images: Lukas K Stiller
Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt 2024 results
1 Charles Brodel (FRA)
2 Lorenzo Casati (ESP)
3 Peer Schnyder (SUI)
4 Joselito del Rosario (DOM)
GKA Hydrofoil Big Air European Championships 2024
1 Charles Brodel (FRA)
2 Lorenzo Casati (ESP)
3 Peer Schnyder (SUI)
Spot Info: Sylt
Sylt is Germanyβs fourth largest and northern-most island. It is famed for its nature reserve, untamed beauty and 40kms of sandy beaches. Brandenburger Strand is the main beach in front of Westerland. Syltβs tourism service has organised an event there since 1983. The eventβs 450 metres promenade will feature partner stands with everything from kitesurfing gear to great food and drinks.
Weather
Sylt has a northern European climate, so weather conditions are mild in August. The air temperature during day can be between 25Β°C at the highest temperatures, with a low of 12Β°C. The water temperature of the North Sea is around 16Β°C, so bringing a wetsuit, and a jacket is recommended. Sunrise is 05.00 and sunset is 22.00.
Wind
The wind can vary, depending on the weather pattern. Westerly winds blow 15-35 knots, onshore at Westerland. Easterly winds blow around 12-25 knots, offshore at Westerland.
Event Information
- Event: GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt
- Spot: Brandenburger Strand, Sylt
- Dates: 20β25 August, 2024
- Follow the whole event here
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