Event Overview & Historic Context
Held from November 20 to 24, 2018, in Prea, Ceará, Brazil, this event served as Round 6 of the 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour. It was locally hosted as the “Ceará Kite Pro.”
Renowned as the “Hawaii of Brazil,” Prea boasts strong 28-knot winds 356 days a year. This milestone event marked the GKA’s first-ever competition in Brazil and featured the tour’s first-ever live streaming broadcast.
Conditions & Local Vibe
Prea’s famously strong trade winds (often exceeding 30 knots) and choppy waters created the ultimate extreme conditions for high-wind strapless freestyle.
The overwhelming energy and massive cheers from the local Brazilian crowd pushed riders to their absolute limits. The vibrant local spirit was perfectly captured by live commentator Jo Ciastula:
“I can see, as soon as I start seeing a few caipirinhas on the beach, now we know it’s that time.”
— Jo Ciastula
Title Decider Drama
This event was pivotal, as the outcomes in Prea officially crowned the 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Champions for both men and women.
Show Event Results (Spoiler Alert)
Men’s Division
The men’s division saw a grueling survival battle unfold from the single through the double eliminations. Intense matchups included Keahi de Aboitiz taking down Matt Elsasser to advance against Matchu Lopes. The legendary Mitu Monteiro fought hard to secure third place.
Surviving this fierce bracket, Airton Cozzolino and Camille Delannoy ultimately faced off in the final, reigniting their intense rivalry from the previous year. Airton emerged victorious, defeating his rival Camille and officially securing his 2018 Men’s World Championship title.
- 1st: Airton Cozzolino
- 2nd: Camille Delannoy
- 3rd: Mitu Monteiro
Women’s Division
Wildcard entrant Mikaili Sol delivered a stunning performance to win the women’s division. Jalou Langeree finished in 2nd place, which provided her with the exact points needed to secure her 2018 Women’s World Championship title.
- 1st: Mikaili Sol
- 2nd: Jalou Langeree
Innovative Tricks & Big Air (Day 5)
The freestyle heats showcased the rapid evolution of the sport, with a young rider landing a first-ever “back roll tic tac,” and Pedro Matos being highly praised for his “kite loop rodeo,” securing the board between his legs.
On the final day (Day 5), a special Big Air exhibition was held. Paulino Pereira landed a massive back roll kite loop, while Airton Cozzolino stole the show, recording an incredible heat score of nearly 17 points from just two tricks, leaving the crowd in absolute awe.