Event Overview
Held at Playa Sotaventura in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain, the 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour marked the 33rd consecutive year of World Cup events at this location—a legacy dating back to its windsurfing origins—and the 3rd year hosting the strapless freestyle discipline.
Conditions & Judging Criteria
Fought in notoriously strong and gusty 35-knot summer trade winds, the event provided optimal extreme conditions. The international fleet consisted of 24 riders, notably including two women who competed directly against the men.
The specific judging criteria for the Big Air discipline was weighted heavily on altitude: “70% height, 30% technical difficulty”.
Show Event Results (Spoiler Alert)
Official Results & Highlights
Strapless Freestyle
In the main freestyle event, Airton Cozzolino delivered a dominant performance to claim the victory.
- 1st: Airton Cozzolino
- 2nd: Matchu Lopes
- 3rd: Keahi de Aboitiz
- 4th: Mitu Monteiro
Big Air
The Big Air discipline witnessed unprecedented heights and huge crashes. James Carew (Australia) was crowned the Champion after landing insanely high and clean moves.
A major highlight of the event was Airton Cozzolino, who recorded an astonishing 14.3 seconds of hangtime on a strapless surfboard, leaving the crowd in absolute awe.
- 1st: James Carew
- 2nd: Mitu Monteiro
- 3rd: Airton Cozzolino
- 4th: Matchu Lopes