Overview
The Red Bull Megaloop Challenge 2017 was a kiteboarding big air event held in Zandvoort, Netherlands, in June 2017. It is a core storm-chase event that only runs when intense conditions arrive. Before all the big stars gathered and transformed it into a major event from 2019 onwards, it had a strong flavor as a preliminary/feeder event for the Red Bull King of the Air, and at the time, it was still considered a “second-tier” event heavily dominated by Dutch locals.
Location and Conditions
Taking place in Zandvoort, Netherlands, the event was held during a massive cold storm with wind speeds reaching over 90 km/h (exceeding 40 to 50 knots). The wind direction was heavily onshore, blowing directly from the sea to the land. This created an extremely narrow riding area and highly dangerous conditions where catching a rogue gust meant risking being blown directly onto the shore.
Format and Participating Riders
The competition featured a one-trick format where only the single highest-scoring megaloop per heat was adopted as the score, regardless of how many attempts were made. The judging criteria weighted height and extremity at 70%, with execution, style, landing, and flow making up the remaining 30%.
The fleet at the time consisted mostly of Dutch riders such as Kevin de Smidt and Gijs Wassenaar, and the reigning A-list superstars did not participate. Along with South Africans Joshua Emanuel and Ross-Dillon Player, past champions such as Steven Akkersdijk, who made a return from a massive crash two years prior, as well as Lasse Walker and Jerrie van de Kop, also participated.
Highlights and Key Matchups
The biggest highlight was Joshua Emanuel’s bullet-victory legend off “zero sleep.” When the green light for the event illuminated, he was in Tarifa, Spain, and hurriedly arranged a flight to the Netherlands. He flew straight to the beach on the morning of the event with absolutely no sleep, demonstrating overwhelming big air riding.
During a massive megaloop in the strong onshore wind, there was a thrilling moment where he caught a gust and crash-landed directly onto the beach. Furthermore, despite the brutal conditions, he successfully landed the first-ever Board-off Megaloop in an official competition, showcasing phenomenal riding. Charging into a fleet where illustrious top riders also lined up, he stunningly claimed first place, bringing the glorious trophy home to South Africa.
Event Results
- 1st: Joshua Emanuel (South Africa)
- 2nd: Steven Akkersdijk (Netherlands)
- 3rd: Lasse Walker (Netherlands)
Search Aliases: Red Bull Megaloop Challenge 2017, RedBullMegaloopChallenge2017