Event Overview
The 2019 GKA Kite World Cup Dakhla took place in Dakhla, Morocco, in October 2019. The competition featured two primary GKA disciplines: Kite-Surf (wave riding and strapless freestyle) and Freestyle (twin-tip).
The event utilized Dakhla’s distinct geographical conditions, hosting the Kite-Surf heats at the Foum Labouir right-hand point break and the Freestyle heats in the flat-water Dakhla lagoon.
Event Highlights and Background
In the Freestyle discipline, the judging criteria became stricter, emphasizing the quality of tricks over quantity.
During the event, Posito Martinez faced adversity when his gear failed to arrive on his flight. Competing on borrowed equipment, he created a dramatic moment by scoring a massive 16.57 in Round 3 to advance to the Semi-final in second place.
The Kite-Surf discipline was held at West Point. Amidst unstable wind conditions, Reece Myerscough caused an upset in the Men’s Single elimination by defeating the undisputed champion, Airton Cozzolino, allowing Mitu Monteiro to claim provisional first place. However, Airton launched an incredible comeback in the ensuing Double elimination. Rising from the bottom of the repechage, he won 8 consecutive heats, exacting his revenge on Reece in the Semi-final. He then went on to defeat the provisional leader, Mitu, forcing a sudden-death Super Final to decide the overall winner.
The event also featured the “Game of Kites Super Session,” a mixed-team format. Teams had to land tricks dictated by the judges, and the duo of Pippa van Iersel and Liam Whaley claimed victory, crashing only once throughout the session.
Innovation and High Scores
The competition witnessed numerous incredible tricks and high scores. In the Freestyle Quarterfinal, Valentin Rodriguez landed a Slim chance 9, racking up an astounding 9.67 score. In the Best Trick Men’s Final, Erick Anderson stomped a Double Heart Attack 5 to record a high score. For the women, Paola Novotna hit a Heart Attack for the top score, while Liam Whaley successfully executed a Backmobe 7. Furthermore, Louka Pitot introduced wakeboard-style innovative tricks, incorporating backwards landings into his heat.
Accidents
The extreme nature of the competition resulted in several accidents. Carlos Mario suffered a heavy bouncing crash while landing a Slim 7 during his Freestyle heat, sustaining an injury. A rescue boat and doctors rushed to his aid, and he was forced to retire from the rest of the competition. Nico Delmas also injured his leg in a severe crash during the Freestyle Final, causing the competition to be temporarily put on standby. During the Women’s Freestyle heats, Alexandra experienced a hard crash as well.
Memorable Quotes
“It’s been my dream since I’m ten years old. And yeah, I have no words. I want to thank everyone that supported me.”
— Valentin Rodriguez
“Almost I almost crashed but I said no Claudia you have to land it and I could land it I’m super happy.”
— Claudia Leon
“Yesterday what I did is say listen I came here to have fun… if I don’t get world champion this year I’m gonna be the next one because because I get even stronger. So I’m not scared of anything.”
— Adeuri Corniel
Event Results
Show Event Results (Spoiler Alert)
Kite-Surf Men’s Double Elimination
- 1st: Airton Cozzolino
- 2nd: Mitu Monteiro
- 3rd: Reece Myerscough
Kite-Surf Women’s Double Elimination
- 1st: Kirsty Jones
- 2nd: Carla Herrera Oria Oria
- 3rd: Charlotte Carpentier
Freestyle Men’s Final
- 1st: Valentin Rodriguez
- 2nd: Liam Whaley
- 3rd: Adeuri Corniel
- 4th: Nico Delmas
Freestyle Women’s Final
- 1st: Mikaili Sol
- 2nd: Bruna Kajiya
- 3rd: Paula Novotná
- 4th: Claudia Leon
Best Trick Men’s Final
- 1st: Erick Anderson
- 2nd: Liam Whaley
- 3rd: Christophe Tack
Best Trick Women’s Final
- 1st: Paola Novotna
- 2nd: Pippa van Iersel
- 3rd: Helena Brochocka
Game of Kites Super Session Super Final
- 1st: Team Pippa van Iersel & Liam Whaley
- 2nd: Team Mikaili Sol & Maxime Chabloz