Event Overview
The 2018 WKC Amarok Kiteboarding World Cup was a professional freestyle competition held in Akyaka, Turkey, serving as the season opener for the World Kiteboarding Championships (WKC) tour. The event utilized Akyaka’s renowned flat water and consistent thermal winds, providing an ideal stage for elite maneuvers. It was a highly prestigious event, featuring the highest prize money in the kiteboarding world at the time.
The competition marked a historic milestone as all four men’s finalists were aged 20 or under, signaling a generational shift in the sport. In the women’s division, the absence of Bruna Kajiya left the title race wide open, allowing 13-year-old Mikaili Sol to claim her first major victory.
Men’s Freestyle
In the Men’s Final, Carlos Mario opened with a flawless Heart Attack 7, securing a perfect 10.00 score. He finished his heat with a massive Hinterberger 7. Adeuri Corniel also delivered an exceptional performance, landing a Slim 9 and a Backside 317 to secure two scores in the 9-point range within a single heat.
Women’s Freestyle
The Women’s Final featured an all-Duotone team lineup. Paula Novotná executed a massive Heart Attack on her final attempt, scoring 9.07 to move from third to second place. Mikaili Sol demonstrated superior technique, landing a Back Mobe from an incredibly low kite position and a textbook Front Blind Mobe.
Accidents & Notable Incidents
During the women’s semi-final, Paula Novotná lost control while attempting a KGB, crashing directly into the spectator stands. Fortunately, she escaped serious injury. Maxime Chabloz thrilled the crowd by jumping over the spectator area, while Austrian rider Stefan Spiessberger competed through significant elbow pain, requiring physical therapy between heats.
“What a final, starting off with a Hardtec 7 that’s scoring a 10. Man, that’s an opening.”
— Bas Kool
Tom: “I mean, outside of this heat, how many people can do these tricks?”
Bas: “Is that again a 10? Is it again a 10?”— Tom Court & Bas Kool
“Very nice, nobody wants a heavy front landing like that before noon, you want a heavy breakfast way down before that point”
— Tom Court
Show Competition Results (Spoilers)
Men’s Freestyle
- 1st: Carlos Mario (Brazil)
- 2nd: Adeuri Corniel (Dominican Republic)
- 3rd: Maxime Chabloz (Switzerland)
Women’s Freestyle
- 1st: Mikaili Sol (Brazil)
- 2nd: Paula Novotná (Czech Republic)
- 3rd: Francesca Bagnoli (Italy)