Overview
In 2020, amidst global travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GKA hosted its first-ever fully online competition, the “GKA Distance Battle 2020.” During this unprecedented crisis, riders from all over the world gathered in a digital space, creating an innovative platform to maintain the bonds of the kiteboarding community.
Location and Unique Format
The event did not have a specific location. Instead, riders filmed a “consecutive 5-minute unedited video” at their respective home spots, aiming for the best wind conditions, and submitted it to the GKA. The judging criteria were incredibly strict, focusing not just on the number of spins, but on the quality of the tricks, including amplitude, travel, style, and commitment.
Format and Participating Riders
The submitted videos were evaluated by an international judging panel, and the results were announced via a live broadcast connecting the studio MC with the athletes scattered worldwide.Jo Ciastula, the voice of the GKA and a well-known commentator, hosted the live stream, which captured many unique moments typical of an online event. For instance, Mitu Monteiro joined the live broadcast from his moving car via smartphone, while Liam Whaley waited for his turn in his car in Tarifa, Spain, just before heading out for dinner. Maxime Chabloz connected from Greece, and Rita Arnaus joined from a lagoon in Spain.
Highlights and Epic Battles
In the Men’s Strapless division, Pedro Matos defeated Camille Delannoy to become the first-ever online champion. The moment his victory was announced, Pedro’s family ran across the screen, screaming and showering him with champagne in a scene of absolute chaos and celebration. Commentator Jo Ciastula was completely overwhelmed by the intense Brazilian vibes, marking it as one of the most memorable scenes of the event.
The Women’s Strapless division saw a clash of young titans: 14-year-old Capucine Delannoy and 15-year-old Mikaili Sol. Capucine stunned the judges with a beautiful double front roll, scoring a massive 9.75. Meanwhile, Charlotte Carpentier fought a fiercely close battle for 3rd place with Carla Herrera Oria, separated by a mere 0.04 points.
The biggest highlight in the Men’s Twin Tip division was the semi-final clash between Maxime Chabloz and Liam Whaley. It was a relentless exchange of extreme power moves, acting as a de facto final. The grand final then featured a showdown against Adeuri Corniel, known as “La Pantera Negra”. In the Women’s Twin Tip, Mikaili Sol, despite struggling with the filming conditions, managed to land a breathtaking KGB during her final 5-minute take.
“I’m happy because it was like light, it was hard, but we keep trying until the last day to try to film. I was at the beach like every day waiting for the wind to pick up and yeah, it was hard this summer. But super nice, good experience, good thing because it’s pushing us to try some new thing, to try some new things, to keep trying to compete. It’s nice.”
— Charlotte Carpentier
“You can’t believe how stoked I am, man. Jesus. I feel amazing. I have no words. I want to first thank God for all the love.”
— Pedro Matos
“I mean it was a fun experience there were some ups and downs and yeah I’m super happy to take the win I mean it’s pretty cool.”
— Maxime Chabloz
“Yeah, like it actually took like two weeks to do like first week I was here in Cumbuco every day trying to do it. But beginning wasn’t really able to do it that well like I made some tricks. But it was always that one trick that I wasn’t able to blend, you know.”
— Mikaili Sol
“This is what we wanted to see. This is the stoke. These are the vibes. This is the emotion, the family behind it, the community. This man on my screen with champagne in his head. He is our champion!”
—Jo Ciastula
Click to reveal detailed competition results (Spoilers)
- Strapless Men
1st: Pedro Matos
2nd: Camille Delannoy
3rd: Mitu Monteiro
4th: James Carew - Strapless Women
1st: Capucine Delannoy
2nd: Mikaili Sol
3rd: Charlotte Carpentier
4th: Carla Herrera Oria - Twin Tip Men
1st: Maxime Chabloz
2nd: Adeuri Corniel
3rd: Juan Rodriguez
4th: Liam Whaley - Twin Tip Women
1st: Mikaili Sol
2nd: Rita Arnaus
3rd: Paula Novotná
4th: Pippa van Iersel
Search Aliases: 2020 GKA Distance Battle, 2020GKADistanceBattle