Sylt takes centre stage as double-header gets underway

Debut heats kick off the hydrofoil big air discipline as competition starts strong in Sylt

Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt
20—25 August, 2024 | Brandenburger Strand

Day one in Sylt got underway as 24 men and 10 women from around the world registered to compete in the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt, as well as 14 athletes for the hydrofoil big air discipline.

As the island’s warm breezes began to build, Race Director Juan Antonio Aragon confirmed conditions were favourable to commence the debut heats of the Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup Sylt. 

Hydrofoil Big Air heats commence

Local German hero Linus Erdmann kicked off the first heat, together with Richard Stephens (BRN) and Andrea Zust (SUI), the event’s only female hydrofoil competitor.

“I’m very happy that this year now there’s an official hydrofoil event here at Sylt”, said Erdmann. “For me, it’s the first time competing in the world championship in this discipline but I’ve been into foiling already since 2015. It feels good to be here and we have a great forecast ahead. The sun is out, so I’m sure we can manage to do something on the water.” 

Despite never competing in a hydrofoil event before, Erdmann takes the heat win and advances to round three, leaving Zust and Stephens to battle it out again in round two.

The wind blew steady at around 20 knots and round one, heat two saw Borja Vellon (ESP) winning against Lennart Barein (GER) and Peer Schnyder (SUI), who joined Zust and Stephens in the round two eliminations.

Elimination heats 

With seven trick attempts counted, each rider had the opportunity to score their top three tricks to fight to stay in the competition. The Swiss duo Schnyder and Zust both managed to score the highest and advance to round three, causing Barein and Stephens to exit the competition.

Semi-final places secured

The competition started hotting up as round three, heat one got underway with seeded riders joining the fight. Favourites Finn Flügel (GER) and Joselito del Rosario (DOM) entered the scene against Linus Erdmann. Del Rosario landed a high scoring one footed kite loop backroll for his sixth trick attempt which saw him take the first place in the semi-finals, with Flügel and Erdmann moving to round four. Alex Soto then went on to become the second Dominican to secure a place in the semi-finals in round three, heat two against Peer Schnyder and Robby James (THA). 

Round three, heat three saw a close fight between Borja Vellon, Hunter Becker (USA) and Theo Demanez (FRA). With just two trick attempts to go, there were only 1.44 points in it between third and first place. For his last trick attempt, Demanez landed a kite loop back roll, but it wasn’t enough to beat Vellon who managed to advance to the semis.

The final heat of round three welcomed the multi-disciplined Lorenzo Casati (ESP) competing against Charles Brodel (FRA) and Andrea Zust. After landing every trick attempt and becoming the only rider in the competition to avoid crashing, Brodel won the heat and advanced to the semi-finals, leaving Casati and Zust to compete again next in round four.

Despite a strong start, the wind dropped causing the judges to place the competition on hold in favour of stronger conditions. Tomorrow we anticipate finishing the hydrofoil discipline in the morning, before moving on to start the Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt 2024 in the afternoon.

Stay tuned as we set to run day two of the competition in stronger winds with the promise of more exciting action to come.

words: Caroline Morris
images: Lukas K Stiller

Spot Info: Sylt

Sylt is Germany’s 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. Sylt’s tourism service has organised an event there since 1983. The event’s 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 25°C at the highest temperatures, with a low of 12°C. The water temperature of the North Sea is around 16°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: 20—25 August, 2024
• Follow the whole event here

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Liveticker will be updated throughout the day. Event highlight video will be published at the close of the action. Written reports will be posted to the website at the end of the competition day.