Tour returns to Germany for double-header

Back-to-back events in Sylt host Hydrofoil Big Air European Championships and second Kite-Surf stop

Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt
20—25 August, 2024 | Brandenburger Strand

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

Sylt, Germany’s northern-most island, has hosted an event for more than 40 years and this year sees the return of the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour with double-header events that will bring the world’s best Kite-Surf and Hydrofoil Big Air athletes to the pristine strand.

The GKA Kite World Cup Sylt will stage the Defender GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup for the first time. It will incorporate the European championships. Athletes from around the world will be eligible to compete, but only the highest-placed European in the spectacular discipline will take the crown.

In tandem, the GKA Kite World Cup Sylt will also host the second stop in the Kite-Surf discipline during six days of epic action on the North Sea in late summer, when Sylt will be buzzing with tourists and visitors.

The unspoilt sand dunes and boardwalks along the coastline, a jealously protected nature reserve, will give way to the seafront partner stands featuring the leading kitesurfing brands mingled among countless food and drink concessions.

High-flying hydrofoils

The main action will be on the water with the high-flying Hydrofoil athletes putting on a spectacular show even in lighter winds as they battle for the European championship crown.

The entry list is yet to be finalised, but the reigning and five-time Hydrofoil Big Air and Hydrofoil Freestyle world champion, France’s Charles Brodel, has proved untouchable in recent years and must be considered odds on favourite for the win.

But the prospect of a European title may tempt others to join the fray, with the likes of France’s Maxime-Luan Desjardins, the Netherlands Jamie Overbeek and the young German Finn Flügel perhaps throwing their hats in the ring.

The Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup in Germany is the first stop of the discipline’s tour, with the second scheduled for Pecem, Brazil, in late November, when the world champion will be crowned.

The Defender GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Sylt is the second stop of the tour and comes after a sixth-month break following the opening round in the waves of Cape Verde, where Airton Cozzolino (ITA) and Moona Whyte (USA) took the wins.

Local favourite

However, the very different setting of Sylt will more than likely be staged in a mixed format of Wave and Strapless Freestyle depending on the conditions. Last year the contest was staged only in Strapless Freestyle as the swell was insufficient to offer contestable waves.

Cozzolino was the beaten finalist in 2023, taken out by Spain’s Kiko Roig, a Strapless Freestyle specialist. Local favourite, Germany’s Keanu Merten, also graced the final. Big Air Surfboard World Champion James Carew (AUS) is also set to make a comeback from injury, which could shake up the order.

Moona Whyte said she planned to step back from the rest of this year’s tour, leaving the door open for France’s Capucine Delannoy, who won in Sylt last year. But Delannoy was pushed to the limit by Big Air Surfboard World Champion, Camille Losserand (SUI), and it could be a tight battle again in Sylt.

Be sure to join us for all the action here to find out who will take the prizes.

words: Ian MacKinnon
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.