Red Bull King of the Air returns in 2024 with a groundbreaking announcement: for the first time in the history of the event, a women’s division has been introduced, marking a new chapter in the sport of Big Air kiteboarding. This year’s competition, hosted at Kite Beach in Cape Town, will take place between 25th November and 10th December, on the windiest day within that window.
As one of the premier extreme sports events, Red Bull King of the Air has been synonymous with pushing the limits of kiteboarding for many years by unearthing new talent and being a platform for equipment and skills development. The 2024 edition continues this tradition by spotlighting female athletes, further expanding the reach and inclusivity of the competition.
Sergio Cantagalli, Sports Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the women’s category: “We are incredibly proud to launch the women’s division this year. This is a long-awaited moment and it’s exciting to see female athletes take to the skies in the most prestigious Big Air kiteboarding event in the world. They are ready to inspire a new generation.
” In the open division, the 18-rider field sees a mix of returning champions, top riders and fresh talent who will battle it out for the crown. “This year, the Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier Tour has given two riders a spot in the Grand Finale in Cape Town,” Cantagalli said, explaining howBrazilian rising star Josué San Ferreira, who won the Spanish qualifier in Tarifa earned his place after thrilling performances on Balneario Beach. “This location, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic winds collide, created epic conditions with gusts reaching up to 46 knots. Joining him is Dutch competitor Jamie Overbeek, who showcased outstanding skill at the Cold Hawaii Games in the picturesque fishing village of Nørre Vorupør, Denmark. He battled a strong lineup in a surf arena known for its intense westerly swells and powerful winds,” Cantagalli said.
King Of The Air Crowd | Image by Nick Muzik
They will battle the likes of returning championsAndrea Principi (2023), Lorenzo Casati (2022) and Marc Jacobs (2021) as well as a host of local and international newcomers and Big Air experts.
2024 Red Bull King of the Air Athlete Lineup
Open Division (in alphabetical order)
- Andrea Principi (Italy) – 2023 Champion
- Arthur Guillebert (France)
- Charles Brodel (France)
- Clément Huot (France)
- Giel Vlugt (Netherlands)
- Jeremy Burlando (Spain)
- Jamie Overbeek (Netherlands)
- Jason van der Spuy (South Africa)
- Josué Ferreira (Brazil)
- Josh Gillitt (South Africa)
- Lorenzo Casati (Spain) – 2022 Champion
- Luca Ceruti (South Africa)
- Lucas Gramstrup (Denmark)
- Marc Jacobs (New Zealand) – 2021 Champion
- Marius Sanchez (France)
- Nathan Texier (France)
- Parker Sage (USA)
- Zac Adams (USA)
Women’s Division (in alphabetical order)
- Angely Bouillot (France)
- Francesca Maini (United Kingdom)
- Jasmine Cho (USA)
- Pippa van Iersel (Netherlands)
- Sarah Sadek (Egypt)
- Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands)
A New Era in Big Air Kiteboarding
With the addition of the women’s division, Red Bull King of the Air 2024 promises to be the most exciting and inclusive edition yet. The event continues to push the boundaries of Big Air kiteboarding, providing a platform for both male and female athletes to showcase their incredible skills and daring feats in extreme conditions.
For more information on the event, athletes, and live updates, visit the official website atredbullkingoftheair.com.
