World Champion Capucine Delannoy opens defence of crown
Title holder Pedro Matos misses stop where he won last year
GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Cape Verde
16-21 February, 2026 | Ponta Preta / Kite Beach, Sal
The 2026 GKA Kite-Surf season once again opens in the iconic point break of Cape Verde’s Sal Island, with the title race set to be tighter than ever as it plays out over a scheduled five globe-trotting stops.
Women’s world champion, France’s Capucine Delannoy, began the title trail to her third Kite-Surf crown last year with a win for the first time in Ponta Preta. Delannoy, 19, has again been in Cape Verde training since the start of the year, hoping to make it a fourth Kite-Surf title.
“I think if could do the same [this] year and win the title, that would be great,” said Delannoy. “I had a lot of fun. I improved a lot as well. I won three events and winning in Cape Verde was really special. It was the highlight of the season.”
But Pedro Matos is set to miss the opening stop in defence of his crown. The Brazilian landed his first men’s Kite-Surf title last season in a journey that began with an historic victory in Ponta Preta, when he took down local legend Airton Cozzolino (ITA) in an epic final.
A full line-up of 24 men and an expanding roster of women, with 18 athletes, from a total of 13 countries around the world are set to battle for glory in the intimidating right-hander of Ponta Preta that curls around the rocky point into a sandy bay.
Multiple world champion, the US’s Moona Whyte, is not in the women’s line-up for the first time in many years. Whyte was defeated in the final in Ponta Preta last year after many victories in one of her favourite waves.
But the women’s second seed, Brazil’s Kesiane Rodrigues, will be in the mix. She will be eager to start her 2026 campaign where she left off last year, with a victory at the season finale in her native Taíba.
Among a host of new faces on the women’s roster, the number three seed, Brazil’s Serena Luz, will looking to build on the success of her third place finish overall in 2025.
Airton Cozzolino heads to men’s order in Cape Verde, with Matos out. But no doubt the Brazilian duo, former world champion Gabriel Benetton and Sebastian Riberio, will be snapping at the Italian’s heels.
Australia’s James Carew is seeded number three for Cape Verde, but must be wary of the Brazilian talent Artur Morais, who won the final stop of last season in his home spot of Taíba.
The versatile and supremely talented Casati brothers—Big Air world champion Lorenzo campaigning under the Spanish flag, Leonardo under the Italian banner—return once again, showing their desire to be among the most rounded kiteboarders of their age.
Local favourites Mitu Monteiro (CPV) and Matchu Lopes (ESP) are among a number of Cape Verdeans in the line-up who will certainly keep the fans, just metres away from the action on the rocky shoreline, entertained. Join us here for all the action.
words: Ian MacKinnon
images: Lukas K Stiller
Spot Info
The idyllic island of Sal is gearing up to host the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Cape Verde. Against the stunning backdrop of this picturesque paradise, this eagerly-anticipated repeat stop will offer two potential event locations, with both Ponta Preta and Kite Beach in the mix, depending on the conditions.
Ponta Preta
For those seeking the ultimate wave-riding experience, look no further than the legendary Ponta Preta, in Cape Verde. This picturesque spot offers big, powerful, and glassy waves, accompanied by the most favourable cross-offshore winds. Considered a playground for expert-level riders, the waves can soar up to 6m high, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. While the beach is rocky in places, it’s also dotted with pockets of sand, making it an ideal location when the north-easterly winds kick in.
Kite Beach
As one of Sal’s most versatile kiting spots, Kite Beach welcomes riders of all levels with open arms. The beach’s consistent onshore and cross-onshore winds make it a top choice for watersports’ enthusiasts, ensuring riders always have a smooth return to the sandy shoreline.
While it may be the busiest kitesurfing location on Sal, the vast 3kms stretch of sandy beach ensures ample space for both seasoned riders and kite schools alike, even during peak months. Those closer to the beach can expect a mild wind-blown chop and the occasional shore break, while further out on the reef, you’ll find waves perfect for shredding.
Wind
Cabo Verde offers fantastic wind conditions with consistent north-easterly Trade Winds blowing 15-25kts almost daily from November to June. The wind tends to be strong throughout the day, with the most powerful gusts occurring from 9am to 3pm. Kite Beach is the primary kitesurfing spot on Sal, as it faces east and provides less turbulent, onshore wind compared to other south or west facing locations.
The winter months offer pleasant temperatures of around 22ºC, and the water temperature is only slightly cooler. Most kiters will find a 3/2mm shorty wetsuit suitable for full-day kiting sessions, while board shorts may enough on warmer days later in the season. Regardless of the time of year, it’s essential to apply sunscreen.
Wind directions include NNE, NE, and E, and the windiest months are November, December, January, February, March, April, and June.
Event Information
- Location: Sal Island, Cape Verde
- Dates: 16-21 February, 2026
- All event information is here.
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An event highlight video will be published at the end of the event. A written report will be posted to the website at the end of the competition.