Overview
This is the GKA KSWT (Kite-Surf World Tour) event held in Dakhla, Morocco in 2018.
Location and Conditions
Blessed by the relentless Dakhla winds, the single and double elimination heats were successfully completed. In addition, a strapless freestyle session took place at the lagoon to coincide with the official opening of the newly constructed PK 25 Hotel.
Format and Athletes
The event adopted a wave and strapless freestyle combo format, with 40% of the points coming from freestyle in some of the double elimination heats. In the men’s division, top contenders like Airton Cozzolino, Keahi de Aboitiz, and Mitu Monteiro were joined by a strong local Moroccan contingent including Ismail Adarzane and Mamoun Majid. The women’s fleet was the largest ever for a KSWT event with 14 competitors, featuring riders like Jalou Langeree, Moona Whyte, and Carla Herrera Oria.
Highlights and Key Moments
In the men’s division, Airton Cozzolino secured his second consecutive victory of the season, making a strong start toward his goal of finishing the year with a perfect winning streak. Meanwhile, wave specialist Sebastian Ribeiro caused a major upset by defeating trick-throwing titan Matchu Lopes in a heat where freestyle points were crucial. In the women’s division, Jalou Langeree defeated Moona Whyte for the first time at a GKA event, claiming her maiden tour victory. Her backhand training paid off, resulting in the two riders tying on points at the top of the rankings.
Show detailed event results (Spoiler Alert)
[Men’s Division]
1st: Airton Cozzolino (CV)
2nd: Keahi de Aboitiz (AUS)
3rd: Mitu Monteiro (CV)
4th: Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
[Women’s Division]
1st: Jalou Langeree (NL)
2nd: Moona Whyte (USA)
3rd: Ines Correia (PT)
4th: Carla Herrera Oria (ESP)
Search Aliases: 2018 GKA Kite-Surf Dakhla, 2018GKAKite-SurfDakhla