GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Morocco | Day Four

Report: Gemma Hamaini / All photos: Svetlana Romantsova

Dakhla surprised us all for Day 4, providing great conditions from the start. The wind was steady, the waves were gradually increasing, and the riders were stoked to be able to head out on the water and get the competition rolling. We completed all of the Men’s Quarter and Semi-Finals, Women’s Quarter-Finals, and even crowned two new World Champions.

We stormed our way through Men’s Round 5. After a long week, the objective to finish the competition and achieve a result was everyone’s main focus.

All eyes were on the water for Heat 30, the moment everyone has been waiting for – James Carew vs Charly Martin. This was the make or break moment for James, as winning this heat would automatically make him 2021 World Champion. Charly put up a good fight, and scored 9.80 points, but James was absolutely on fire, and was loving every moment of this heat. He gained an overall score of 15.13 points, and cruised towards the shore ready for his moment of glory. James Carew claimed his first World Title, and can now switch his focus to winning this event here in Dakhla. 

“I don’t know if I believe it yet,” said James “Guys, if you’re watching at home, thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be here without a lot of you. I’m feeling emotional but a few more heats to go in this contest. I’m here to win, I’m not just thinking about the World Title, but it’s a dream come true.” 

The Foum Labouir conditions kept firing throughout the afternoon. We gradually moved through Men’s Round 6, maintaining the 20 minute heats, with the riders going head to head for a spot in the Semi-Finals.

Sebastien Ribeiro continued with his fine form at this event, knocking out Italian rider Francesco Capuzzo. The Brazilian power continued as Pedro Matos stormed through and eliminated Nicola Abadjiev. The live-stream was on fire as Reece Myserscough battled it out in an incredibly close heat against Airton Cozzolino. Airton just managed to dial in to what the judges were really looking for, and his speed, power and style just gave him the edge over Reece, and he locked down his spot in the Semi-Finals.

The last heat of Men’s Round 6 saw our new World Champion James Carew continue on his amazing performance, and he advanced to the Semi-Finals over Anderson Reboucas.

The Men’s Semi-Finals were intense heats, with the riders focused on every second of competition, and seizing every opportunity that came their way. Wave selection was the key element that allowed an athlete to advance over their competitor. Pedro Matos vs Sebastian Ribeiro was a Brazilian showdown, where we watched as Matos, renowned for his confident riding, showed no mercy and knocked his fellow Brazilian out of the competition. 

James Carew vs Airton Cozzolino was yet another fierce heat, and possibly the most epic moment of the day, as both riders remained close in points throughout. It came down to the last moments, but it was Airton who went all in and knocked our new World Champion out of competition. Tomorrow he will face Pedro Matos in our Dakhla finals. 

“That was so much fun,” said Airton. “Seriously, one of the best heats I’ve had. I’m stoked for James to be World Champion now, but I’m here to win this event. It’s firing.”

Women’s Rounds 4 and 5

Charlotte Carpentier and Carla Herrera had been waiting several days to be able to complete Heat 11, and today the moment finally arrived. It was extremely close throughout, but Charlotte ended up knocking Carla out of the competition in a very close heat, securing her spot in Round 5.

As the wind continued, so did Women’s Round 5. Here we saw Catharina Edin, Marcella Witt and Capucine Delannoy all advance to the Semi-Finals. For Heat 15, all focus was on Peri Roberts vs Charlotte Carpentier. The conditions were perfect for this essential heat, and Peri put her heart and soul into each wave. Her perseverance paid off and she rode her last wave all the way into shore to claim her new title of World Champion. What a day for our two Aussie competitors, both taking home their World Championship titles.

At 7.30pm the competition concluded for the day, as the sun set over the spot, ending an incredible 8 hour run of competition. Tomorrow is the last day of competition here in Dakhla, and the first possible start has been called for 10 am.

All of today’s action was live-streamed on our website, Youtube and Facebook pages. We will be live for each day of competition here in Dakhla so that you can witness every moment of this final kite-surf event of the season.

Check our Instagram stories for regular behind-the-scenes updates throughout the competition.

Be sure to follow all of the action LIVE right here.