THE KSWT PREMIERES IN PORTUGAL – DAY ONE GKA KITE-SURF WORLD TOUR PORTUGAL
7th June 2018: Viana do Castelo, Portugal Report: Matt Pearce / Photos: Ydwer van der Heide
The riders of the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour are in Viana do Castelo this week from the 07-12th of June for the third event of the season and the first ever GKA event in Portugal. Here are the scenes from today!
46 riders from 16 different countries registered today, with another strong turnout in the women’s division that consists of 13 competitors from around the world here at Cabedelo beach in front of Hotel Feel Viana.
The spot / Photo: Ydwer van der Heide
And what a spot the riders find themselves at! A popular surf beach that also benefits from the reliable el nortada winds, Cabedelo is protected by a large sea wall that makes for glassy wave riding conditions downwind of it on the lengthy, unbroken left-handers. The waves are rarely huge, but they’re clean and consistent making this place look like a real-life wave pool when it’s on.
Click here to watch the video from KSWT riders James Carew and Charlie Wise for a glimpse of Cabedelo beach firing!
Race director Juan Antonio Aragon outlines the plans! / Photo: Ydwer van der Heide
Today had begun with heavy rainfall and the first skippers meeting of the event was delayed until just after lunch but then it was a quick turn around as the wind began to build and the riders headed to the beach for a possible start to men’s division round one.
Local rider Joao Stopani gearing up / Photo: Ydwer van der Heide
The winds looked promising to begin with but, after waiting until late afternoon, the decision was made to bring things to a close with a solid looking forecast for later in the week.
James Carew and Pedro Matos after a pre-comp warm-up yesterday / Photo: Ydwer van der Heide
So today was light on action with more rainfall than wind, but the skies have now cleared and we’re sure to see some noteworthy clashes this week as the battle for rankings continues with growing rivalries simmering away in both divisions. Click here for a refresher on the situation as it stands going into the KSWT Portugal.
The crew meets the major of Viana do Castelo / Photo: Ydwer van der Heide
The day wrapped up with the official opening ceremony to declare the event underway and now it’s all about tomorrow when the riders will be back on Cabedelo beach hoping to start the event in earnest. Stay tuned for updates as it unfolds!
Stay tuned to our social media channels as the event progresses: Facebook / Instagram
See the current Kite-Surf World Tour Championship rankings after two events here.
See the full GKA Kite-Surf World Tour 2018 event schedule here where you can also find out more about each event location.
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First time kiting after 6 months for @liamwhaley | Coming back after injury is never easy, but we are stoked to see he is on the road to recovery 🙏🏼 🎥 @seb_porral
We are thrilled to announce the official partnership between @gkakiteworldtour x Fantasy Kiteboarding as the 2024 Big Air season approaches. The GKA World Tour attracts the biggest names in the sport, who compete head-to-head in the ultimate display of Big Air kiteboarding. Fans can join in the excitement of the competition through Fantasy Kiteboarding. Team selection is now open at http://www.fantasykite.com/, so make sure to lock in your teams before the start of the first stop of The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour. 🔥
We’re beyond excited to unveil the Qatar Airways GKA Awards – our 3rd consecutive year of celebrating excellence in the kiteboarding industry.
📍 BIG NEWS: We’re shaking things up! This year, the glamorous Awards Night will be hosted in the one and only Mother City, Cape Town on the 10th of January 2025
🗓️ Mark your calendars! Submission window will be open from March 18th to October 6th, 2024.
🔗 Explore all categories, learn more and submit now on our website: www.gkakiteworldtour.com/awards-2024/
📢 Spread the word and let’s make the awards the best yet!