The “Len10 Megaloop Challenge,” held in 2012, was a groundbreaking event focusing solely on kiteboarding’s most extreme trick: the Megaloop. Centered around Ruben Lenten’s signature move, its massive success served as the crucial stepping stone for the revival of the Red Bull King of the Air in South Africa the following year in 2013.
Location and Conditions
The stage was Big Bay in Cape Town, South Africa.
Format and Participants
Twenty-four riders chosen by Ruben Lenten participated. Featuring names like Luke McGillewie and Nick Jacobsen, the event introduced a new format designed to bring non-stop action to the water. Run in four-man heats, the lowest-scoring rider was flagged out after 10 minutes, and the scores were reset to zero. The remaining riders then battled it out for another 10 minutes, with two advancing to the next round.
Ruben Lenten and Aaron Hadlow served as judges, strictly evaluating the riders based on technique, style, commitment, speed, and risk, as well as the angle of the kite (how low it was), distance traveled, and the landing.
Highlights and Epic Battles
The final was contested by four top riders: Sam Light (UK), Rick Jensen (Germany), Gianni Aragno (Spain), and Lewis Crathern (UK).
With the final consisting of close friends, there was none of the usual stress or pressure of a typical competition. Ruben himself described it as “probably one of the nicest finals I’ve had,” highlighting the incredible vibes of the heated session. Ultimately, Lewis Crathern claimed victory by demonstrating overwhelmingly massive airs. The new Big Air format introduced at this event truly pointed toward the future direction of kiteboarding.
Results
1st: Lewis Crathern
2nd: Sam Light
3rd: Gianni Aragno
4th: Rick Jensen
Search Aliases: Megaloop Challenge 2012, MegaloopChallenge2012, Red Bull Len10 Megaloop Challenge, RedBullLen10MegaloopChallenge