The 2018 Red Bull King of the Air was a monumental year that marked a crucial turning point in the event’s history. It was the first year the venue moved from Big Bay to the current Kite Beach, and it saw Kevin Langeree claim his second crown since 2014.
Location and Conditions
For the first time in history, the venue was moved upwind from Big Bay to Kite Beach. This decision was a massive success, delivering stronger, more consistent “Cape Doctor” winds and abundant swells to the riders. Although the water surface became choppier, it set the perfect Big Air stage for pushing limits.
Format and Riders
An elite roster of 18 riders gathered from around the world. A brutal survival format was introduced featuring 3-man heats where the lowest scorer was flagged out. Notably, defending champion Nick Jacobsen was forced to withdraw due to a last-minute injury, and Spanish Freestyle champion Liam Whaley was called in as a replacement, making an unexpected KOTA debut. It also drew massive attention as the comeback event for Lewis Crathern, who had fallen into a coma after a severe crash the previous year.
Highlights and Showdowns
The event was filled with upsets from Round 1. In Heat 1, Lasse Walker executed the first-ever “Megaloop Board-off” in KOTA history to advance in first place. Meanwhile, in Heat 2, heavy favorite Kevin Langeree suffered a shocking flag-out in last place, sending him to the elimination round. However, Kevin bounced back in Round 2, winning a heated legend battle against Ruben Lenten and gaining unstoppable momentum.
The “Mystic Move Of The Day” for the most extreme trick went to Aaron Hadlow, who flawlessly landed the first-ever “Megaloop Inverted Board-Off Front Roll” in competition history.
Final and Conclusion
The final was a showdown between the high-flying Kevin Langeree, debutant Liam Whaley on his Cinderella run, and Lewis Crathern, who made a miraculous comeback from his severe injury. After Lewis was flagged out mid-heat, it became a one-on-one duel between Kevin and Liam. Liam showcased his supreme skills as an active freestyler, landing a highly technical Handle-Pass to Blind with just 15 seconds remaining, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, Kevin’s unmatched amplitude and perfectly executed tricks secured him the victory, claiming his second KOTA title.
Heat Ladder
Round 1 (1st to R4, 2nd to R3, 3rd to R2 Elimination)
Heat 1: 1st Lasse Walker / 2nd Oswald Smith / 3rd Marc Jacobs(FO)
Heat 2: 1st Steven Akkersdijk / 2nd Joshua Emanuel / 3rd Kevin Langeree(FO)
Heat 3: 1st Sam Light / 2nd Ross Dillon Player / 3rd Ruben Lenten(FO)
Heat 4: 1st Lewis Crathern / 2nd Liam Whaley / 3rd Jesse Richman(FO)
Heat 5: 1st Gijs Wassenaar / 2nd Reno Romeu / 3rd Jerrie van de Kop(FO)
Heat 6: 1st Aaron Hadlow / 2nd Antonin Rangin / 3rd Tom Bridge(FO)
Round 2 (Elimination – Winner to Round 3)
Heat 7: Winner Jesse Richman / Eliminated Jerrie van de Kop
Heat 8: Winner Marc Jacobs / Eliminated Tom Bridge
Heat 9: Winner Kevin Langeree / Eliminated Ruben Lenten
Round 3 (Quarter-Final Qualifiers)
Heat 10: 1st Jesse Richman / 2nd Joshua Emanuel / 3rd Oswald Smith(FO)
Heat 11: 1st Liam Whaley / 2nd Marc Jacobs / 3rd Ross-Dillon Player(FO)
Heat 12: 1st Kevin Langeree / 2nd Antonin Rangin / 3rd Reno Romeu(FO)
Round 4 (Top 2 to Semi-Finals)
Heat 13: 1st Jesse Richman / 2nd Steven Akkersdijk / 3rd Lasse Walker(FO)
Heat 14: 1st Liam Whaley / 2nd Lewis Crathern / 3rd Sam Light(FO)
Heat 15: 1st Kevin Langeree / 2nd Aaron Hadlow / 3rd Gijs Wassenaar(FO)
Semi-Finals (One-on-One)
SF 1: Winner Lewis Crathern / Eliminated Jesse Richman
SF 2: Winner Liam Whaley / Eliminated Aaron Hadlow
SF 3: Winner Kevin Langeree / Eliminated Steven Akkersdijk
Men’s Open Division Final
1st: Kevin Langeree (28.88)
2nd: Liam Whaley (26.26)
3rd: Lewis Crathern (11.73 / FO)
Search Aliases: KOTA 2018, KOTA2018, Red Bull King of the Air 2018, RedBullKingoftheAir2018