Event Overview
The 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour Portugal was held at Praia do Cabedelo in Viana do Castelo from June 5 to 10. Persistent rain and a lack of wind forced the competition to be compressed into a single, final day. Due to the absence of waves, the format was changed to a 100% freestyle judging criteria, challenging the riders to adapt their skills and gear to a completely different discipline on short notice.
Men’s Kite-Surf
Despite the difficult conditions, Matchu Lopes pushed the boundaries of the sport by landing the first-ever “triple front roll” in competition history. The event featured intense matchups involving technical specialists like Airton Cozzolino and Keahi de Aboitiz. Local rider Rafael da Costa also gained significant attention for his powerful and stylish performance on his home turf.
Women’s Kite-Surf
In the women’s division, riders such as Moona Whyte, Jalou Langeree, and Carla Herrera Oria demonstrated incredible versatility. Without waves to carve, the focus shifted to technical maneuvers on flat water sections between gusts, requiring precise board control and strategic navigation of the choppy lagoon.
Anecdote: A Sports Destination
Reflecting on the unique atmosphere of the venue, Jalou Langeree noted that Viana do Castelo felt as if “the whole town is like a sports hotel.” While the weather was far from ideal for a kite-surf event, the hospitality of the location and the resilience of the GKA family were prominent themes of the tour stop.
“Going up against Airton Cozzolino is always a really difficult one. I think in strapless freestyle, not many people would argue he’s probably the guy to beat.”
— Keahi de Aboitiz
“Staying at Viana is just great, you know, you really feel like it’s a sports hotel.”
— Jalou Langeree
Show Competition Results (Spoilers)
[Men’s Kite-Surf]
1st: Matchu Lopes
2nd: Airton Cozzolino
3rd: Keahi de Aboitiz
[Women’s Kite-Surf]
1st: Moona Whyte
2nd: Jalou Langeree
3rd: Carla Herrera Oria