GKA Kite World Tour
Freestyle title race hots up at mid-point in Germany

Freestyle title race hots up at mid-point in Germany

14th May 2026

Second successive new tour stop at Borkum Island lands days after season opener

GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Germany
3-7 June, 2026 | Borkum

By the time the world’s best Freestyle athletes land on the German island of Borkum for the tour’s second stop of the season, they will have their competition game dialled as the title race hots up.

The GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Germany makes its first appearance at Borkum just days after the conclusion of the Freestyle season opener at Nuevo Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific west coast.

With three events on the Freestyle season calendar this year, every stop will be vital for those hoping to secure an overall podium finish or land the title, which will be decided at the third and final call at Taiba, Brazil, in October.

Germany’s Finn Flügel, still just 16, headed to the first stop in Mexico as reigning Freestyle world champion. He will be hoping he can build momentum to retain his crown in front of his home fans at Borkum, where he will be top seed.

In the men’s fleet of 17 riders, just one other rider, Mats Clasen, will be flying the German flag. But the other athletes will make up a total of 10 countries around the world bringing a global vibe to Borkum’s doorstep.

Italy’s Matteo Dorotini finished second overall last season and goes to Germany as second seed, while former Freestyle World Champion, Switzerland’s Maxime Chabloz, enters the line-up as third seed.

Past World Champions, Italy’s Gianmaria Coccoluto, and Arthur Guillebert, of France, are in the draw in fourth and fifth. Coccoluto is a master in flat water, but Guillebert may come into his own in the choppy conditions and steady breezes of Borkum.

The women’s roster is headed by current World Champion, Brazil’s Bruna Kajiya, who will definitely by looking to repeat her stellar campaign of last season to land her seventh Freestyle world title.

Spain’s Claudia León will be pushing Kajiya all the way, while third seeded Francesca Bagnoli, of Italy, will be back after missing the stop in Mexico, which could hurt her overall podium chances.

The German interest among the 12-strong women’s fleet from seven countries, will be represented by Kaya Lehmann in fifth seed, with Sabrina Lutz and Julia Heckhausen completing the trio.

Join us here to see how it all goes down in Borkum.

words: Ian MacKinnon
images: Samuel Cárdenas

Spot Info: Borkum

Weather
In early June on Borkum, the weather is cool to mild with long daylight hours, fresh North Sea air, and highly changeable conditions. Daytime temperatures usually range from 17–20°C, with cooler evenings around 11–13°C. Expect a mix of sunshine, fast-moving clouds, and occasional brief showers as Atlantic weather systems pass through the region. Sea temperatures remain chilly at around 14–16°C, so although the days can feel pleasant in the sun, the combination of cold water and steady wind keeps conditions feeling much cooler overall.

Wind
Early June delivers classic North Sea wind conditions, with consistent southwest to northwest airflow generated by Atlantic pressure systems. Average sustained winds commonly range between 15–22 knots during the afternoons, with stronger frontal days capable of producing 25+ knots. Mornings are often lighter and cleaner before the sea breeze and weather systems build through the day. The wind can become gusty during passing fronts, creating technical freestyle conditions with moderate North Sea chop. While not an extreme high-wind destination, Borkum regularly produces reliable powered riding conditions throughout early June, making it well suited for Freestyle competition.

Event information

  • Location: Borkum
  • Dates: 3-7 June
  • All event information here.

Find everything about GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Germany by clicking event news.

Event highlight video will be published next morning. Written reports will be posted to the website at the end of the competition.