Few events in kiteboarding capture the sport’s raw energy and spirit like the Red Bull King of the Air. Each year, when conditions are right, the world’s top big-air kiteboarders converge on Cape Town’s iconic shores to push the limits of height, hang-time, distance, extremity, progression and innovation. This spectacular competition has grown into the flagship event of big air kiteboarding, blending cutting-edge athleticism with Cape Town’s famously wild winds and stunning natural backdrop.
The Origins: From Maui to the Mother City
The Red Bull King of the Air first launched in 2000 at Ho’okipa, on Maui’s Hawaiian shores, during kiteboarding’s formative years. Back then, equipment was rudimentary and the riding style was all about going massive—heights that thrilled spectators and catapulted the fledgling sport into the global spotlight. For five years, Maui played host to this high-octane showdown.
But as kiteboarding evolved, so did its competitive formats. By the mid-2000s, most pro riders had shifted focus to powered freestyle moves closer to the water’s surface. With that shift, the original big-air excitement of King of the Air faded, and the event took an eight-year hiatus starting in 2005.
That hunger for going big never truly disappeared. Around 2007/08, riders like Ruben Lenten began experimenting with riding in stronger winds and performing “megaloops”—massive kite loops sometimes executed dozens of feet in the air. In 2012, the Red Bull Len10 Megaloop Challenge at Big Bay, Cape Town, was held in association with Lenten himself. It sparked a renewed passion for high-altitude maneuvers and paved the way for King of the Air’s comeback.
Return to Glory: Cape Town Takes Center Stage
In 2013, the Red Bull King of the Air stormed back onto the scene, relocating from Hawaii to Cape Town. The world’s elite big-air specialists descended on Big Bay for an epic day of competition. Hawaiian Jesse Richman emerged victorious, signaling the event’s triumphant return to its “go big or go home” roots. In 2014, Big Bay again hosted the competition, where Dutch rider Kevin Langeree took top honors in front of a 12,000-strong crowd.
By 2015 and 2016, the event had solidified Cape Town’s reputation as the ultimate big-air testing ground. British legend Aaron Hadlow clinched back-to-back titles during this period, proving that technical prowess and raw power could combine to produce truly jaw-dropping performances.
The Move to Kite Beach
A major evolution occurred in 2018. To give riders an even better stage to perform at their highest level, the competition moved from Big Bay down the coast to Kite Beach in Blouberg. With steadier winds and more room to soar, this new location allowed the athletes to reach staggering heights—and the crowd loved it. Langeree reclaimed the throne in 2018 and continued his reign in 2019, securing his place in kiteboarding history as the event’s most decorated champion on African soil.
Today, the Red Bull King of the Air is firmly entrenched at Kite Beach, where the reliable “Cape Doctor” (Cape Town’s famous southeasterly wind) and the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain combine for some of the most visually arresting kiteboarding action on the planet.
How It Works: A Showcase of Extreme Aerial Mastery
Unlike freestyle events that focus on technical maneuvers close to the water or wave-riding competitions judged on surf-style tricks, the Red Bull King of the Air is all about going big. Riders aim for maximum height, power, and style, often pulling massive loops and mind-bending aerial rotations that leave spectators breathless.
The competition follows a knockout format. Riders compete in heats, and only the best performances advance. Judges consider height, technique, execution, and overall impression, while the athletes try to wow both the panel and the thousands gathered on the beach. The end result is a thrilling, high-stakes battle where one wrong kite angle or missed gust can spell the difference between victory and defeat.
What Sets It Apart from Other Competitions
While the GKA (Global Kitesports Association) runs a world tour covering various disciplines—freestyle, wave, strapless—spread over multiple events and locations, the Red Bull King of the Air is a singular, headline event laser-focused on big air. Its atmosphere is electric: one location, one narrow window of ideal conditions, and a lineup of the sport’s boldest athletes all pushing the boundaries in front of a fervent crowd.
This concentrated energy and the unique blend of raw power, innovation, and Cape Town’s dramatic natural theater make Red Bull King of the Air the pinnacle of big-air kiteboarding. It’s a flagship event that consistently redefines what’s possible in the sport.
Past Champions: A Legacy of Greatness
Since its return to Cape Town in 2013, a host of legendary kiteboarders have etched their names into the King of the Air’s history books. Each winner rode for a leading kite brand and delivered a performance that redefined what’s possible in the sport.
2013: Jesse Richman (USA)
2014: Kevin Langeree (NED)
2015: Aaron Hadlow (UK)
2016: Aaron Hadlow (UK)
2017: Nick Jacobsen (DEN)
2018: Kevin Langeree (NED)
2019: Kevin Langeree (NED)
2020: Jesse Richman (USA)
2021: Marc Jacobs (NZ) - North Kiteboarding
2022: Lorenzo Casati (ITA) - Duotone
2023: Andrea Principi (ITA) - Duotone
2024:
Open: Andrea Principi (ITA) - Duotone
Women: Francesca Maini (UK) - North Kiteboarding
Each champion brought a unique style and mindset to the water. From Jesse Richman’s fearless approach—honed as a waterman on Maui’s monstrous waves—to Kevin Langeree’s polished, crowd-pleasing airs and Aaron Hadlow’s near-flawless technique, their performances have written new chapters in kiteboarding’s history book.
Beyond the Competition
The Red Bull King of the Air is more than just a day on the water; it’s an annual highlight that boosts local tourism, inspires the next generation of riders, and spotlights Cape Town’s standing as a global kiteboarding mecca. Visitors who come to watch often stay to explore the city’s vibrant culture, picturesque coastlines, and world-class culinary scene.
In a sport that continually evolves with new tricks, improved gear, and next-level ambition, the Red Bull King of the Air stands as a beacon of progression. It celebrates kiteboarding’s daring origins and points toward a future defined by even greater heights (literally and figuratively).
For more information, head over to the official KOTA (King Of The Air) website here
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