single.twig

Compression – A Performance Action Gallery from Mauritius

Published 26th September 2019 by Andrea Susanne Opielka

 

NEVER SURF SOLID 

Words: Jim Gaunt
Photos: Ydwer van der Heide 

The GKA Kite World Cup Mauritius delivered mind-blowing action in both the Freestyle and Kite-Surf wave disciplines that ran at the Heritage Bel Ombre lagoon and reef just a couple of weeks ago.

More than 90 riders competed throughout ten action-packed days and the performance levels were incredible. In this gallery, we’ve zoomed in closer to the action, taking advantage of photographer Ydwer van der Heide’s high resolution action shots to bring you an extra perspective on just how fluid and flexible the top level kite-surfers are. 

(Click on an image to open the gallery and see the captions)

Compression Gallery

  • Mitu Monteiro, tucked up for the tunnel
  • Charlie Wise - racing suspension kicking in
  • James Carew - speed management
  • Pedro Matos - compressed for impact
  • Airton - perfect balance
  • Oswald Smith - hunters know to get low
  • Ninja Ricot - guiding the tail round and re-pressuring the nose to retain flow
  • Jalou - just for jols
  • Simon Joosten gliding across the coping
  • Charlie Wise - using his youthful teenage knees to maximum effect
  • Willow-River Tonkin-Shakes, bracing for the barrel
  • Sebastian Ribeiro returns his weight to front, ready to drop back in
  • Mitu Monteiro - morphing into the wave
  • Airton - hitting the gas with his back foot and blowing the exhaust out
  • James Carew - sometimes the fight against compression matters more
  • Jalou Langeree - dynamic disco

Have a look at some of the body positions that the GKA’s top Kite-Surf riders use to maintain speed and motion, which also helps them remain in the critical part of the wave. 

Do you bend and flex your legs as much when you ride? Next time you’re on the water, keep these shots in mind and really try to exaggerate your leg movement; get low and go with the flow! Your balance will improve and you’ll find that you have way more power to exert over your board… 

The GKA Kite World Cup Mauritius was hosted by the Heritage C-Beach Club and Kite Globing. 

 

Instagram

She always comes back stronger 💪🏼 @ritaarnaus #gkakiteworldtour #kiteboarding #gkafreestyle

View

Jul 19

Open
She always comes back stronger 💪🏼 @ritaarnaus #gkakiteworldtour #kiteboarding #gkafreestyle
568 2

The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour is excited to return once again to Sylt, Germany for the Defender GKA Kite World Cup Sylt featuring two disciplines - Kite-Surf and Hydrofoil Big Air. At this event will also crown for the first time ever our GKA Hydrofoil Big Air European Champion 👑

Sylt is Germany’s fourth largest and northern-most island. It is famed for its nature reserve, untamed beauty and 40kms of sandy beaches, making it a perfect destination for this World Cup event!

Don’t forget that you will be able to watch everything live on 👉🏼 www.gkakiteworldtour.com/live
📅 Sylt, Germany
📍22-27 August 2024

@aida_cruises @bundeswehrkarriere @milram.de @sylt_die_insel

#gkakiteworldtour #gkasylt #kitesurfing #kitesurfworldcupsylt #ridethethrill #kitesurfworldcup #sylt #gkakitesurf #defender

View

Jul 18

Open
The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour is excited to return once again to Sylt, Germany for the Defender GKA Kite World Cup Sylt featuring two disciplines - Kite-Surf and Hydrofoil Big Air. At this event will also crown for the first time ever our GKA Hydrofoil Big Air European Champion 👑 Sylt is Germany’s fourth largest and northern-most island. It is famed for its nature reserve, untamed beauty and 40kms of sandy beaches, making it a perfect destination for this World Cup event! Don’t forget that you will be able to watch everything live on 👉🏼 www.gkakiteworldtour.com/live 📅 Sylt, Germany 📍22-27 August 2024 @aida_cruises @bundeswehrkarriere @milram.de @sylt_die_insel #gkakiteworldtour #gkasylt #kitesurfing #kitesurfworldcupsylt #ridethethrill #kitesurfworldcup #sylt #gkakitesurf #defender
226 1

The moment you have all been waiting for is finally here, and no, we are not referring to the weekend or any upcoming holiday that brings a twinkle to your eyes. We are talking about one of the greatest kite events since the dawn of mankind. While there are many great kiteboarding locations around the globe, perhaps one of the most historical and elusive is that of Hood River, Oregon, the birthplace of park riding and the pinnacle force that sustains its continuation.

This year the Kite Park League is proud to announce a new partnership with THE QATAR AIRWAYS GKA KITE WORLD TOUR to present THE QATAR AIRWAYS GKA KITE PARK LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024.

The event will be held from August 3rd - 10th and will crown this years QATAR AIRWAYS GKA KITE PARK WORLD CHAMPIONS 2024 in both men’s and women’s divisions. Without question, this will be a week to remember.

Stay Tuned and be ready.

#gkakiteworldtour #kiteparkleague #kiteboarding #GKAHoodRiver #GKAxKPL

View

Jul 15

Open
The moment you have all been waiting for is finally here, and no, we are not referring to the weekend or any upcoming holiday that brings a twinkle to your eyes. We are talking about one of the greatest kite events since the dawn of mankind. While there are many great kiteboarding locations around the globe, perhaps one of the most historical and elusive is that of Hood River, Oregon, the birthplace of park riding and the pinnacle force that sustains its continuation. This year the Kite Park League is proud to announce a new partnership with THE QATAR AIRWAYS GKA KITE WORLD TOUR to present THE QATAR AIRWAYS GKA KITE PARK LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024. The event will be held from August 3rd - 10th and will crown this years QATAR AIRWAYS GKA KITE PARK WORLD CHAMPIONS 2024 in both men’s and women’s divisions. Without question, this will be a week to remember. Stay Tuned and be ready. #gkakiteworldtour #kiteparkleague #kiteboarding #GKAHoodRiver #GKAxKPL
633 51

Related News

Image for Kite-Surf tour returns to Germany for thriller

Kite-Surf tour returns to Germany for thriller

Double-header event hosts European championship in Hydrofoil-Big Air making its debut on Sylt's unspoiled strand

Read this article
Image for Excitement mounts as GKA Awards approach

Excitement mounts as GKA Awards approach

Cape Town prepares for kiting's biggest night of the year as entries for expanded 'Move of the Year' awards start to roll in

Read this article
Image for First Kite Park Worlds set for Hood River

First Kite Park Worlds set for Hood River

GKA teams up with Kite Park League for maiden world championships in emblematic venue

Read this article
Image for GKA joins forces with Brunotti in new tie-up

GKA joins forces with Brunotti in new tie-up

GKA partnership with iconic sports-focused lifestyle brand showcases apparel to worldwide kitesurfing audience

Read this article