Andrea Principi has performed an impressive kite drop from the top of Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel at 250 meters (820 feet) or about 57 stories.

The Italian kitesurfing star soared down by kite to land on the waters off Jumeirah Beach Residence before riding away on his board.

The 58-second descent saw Principi execute six consecutive "around the world" loops, a world's first for the advanced kitesurfing maneuver.

Kitesurfers typically use their kites to go fast, or in Principi's case, to get serious air.

But for this feat, the 21-year-old two-time Red Bull King of the Air champion converted his kite into a parachute, stepping off the iconic Dubai landmark at 6:54 am local time in 14-knot winds to touch down smoothly on the waters of the Persian Gulf.

It's the kind of move that sounds impossible until you remember who's doing it.

Principi claimed his first Red Bull King of the Air title at just 19, then backed it up with another win the following year.

The idea for the Ain Dubai drop came to him 18 months ago, when Principi spotted a smaller observation wheel and thought: what if? As soon as he arrived in the UAE and saw Ain Dubai, he knew he'd found the right place.

"I didn't yet know how, but I said, 'Okay, we can do it.'. And it all started from there," revealed the Italian.

Two world records in a single ride

To put the scale of the jump in perspective: in big air competition, a 15-meter jump is considered impressive, with elite competition-level sends exceeding 25-30 meters (82-98 feet).

Principi's Ain Dubai drop was the equivalent of ten top-tier big air jumps stacked on top of each other.

The technical execution was unlike anything seen in kitesurfing.

Principi boarded the wheel at ground level, launching his 15-square-meter Duotone kite from the bottom cabin with drone assistance and a manual quick-release system.

As the wheel ascended, he flew the kite alongside it - fighting light winds that left it barely airborne.

"At the beginning, at the bottom, the wind was so light. My kite was barely flying. It was really a mission."

Meter by meter, he nursed the kite upward, keeping it stable until he reached the top: 250 meters above the water.

"When I was at the top with my kite above my head and the board ready, I couldn't believe it," he said.

"I said to myself, 'Okay, it's time - don't think about it, go for it, jump.'. I didn't even look down. I just looked at the amazing city and flew into the water."

"The sun was red in front of me. I could see the whole city from up high. I have no words to explain the feeling - it's too much."

Dubai has cemented its status as the go-to destination for high-impact projects and bold brand partnerships.

The city's iconic landmarks - Ain Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Museum of the Future - offer an unrivaled canvas, backed by world-class infrastructure and a calendar built around major events.

Red Bull's long-running partnership with the city has turned Dubai into a global stage for record-breaking feats, and Principi's drop is the latest chapter.

Detailed preparations

Overseeing the 18-month operation was Sergio Cantagalli, Sportive Director of the Red Bull King of the Air and a 40-year veteran of high-performance board sports.

His expertise in big air formats, safety systems, and high-risk productions proved essential - though even he was surprised by how it came together.

"We managed to do something we probably weren't even expecting," said Cantagalli.

"We came up with an idea, and it ended up working in a completely different way. Don't ask me how it happened - we just made it. You have to consider that this equipment is not a parachute - it's not made to fly."

"But Andrea knows his limits better than anyone else. Beyond his experience, his mindset was there. We spent day and night together trying to find a solution."

At times, it looked like the project might not get off the ground.

After three days of failed plans and sleepless nights - the team waking at 3 am each morning - a breakthrough came on the final day.

"When I want to do something, and I really have it in my mind, until I reach it, I'm not done," said Principi.

"I could have stayed here another month. If it didn't happen today, it would have happened eventually - I would never leave this city until I jumped. Now I feel a massive weight off me."

Set against Ain Dubai - the world's tallest observation wheel, anchored on Bluewaters Island - the attempt unfolded with panoramic views across Palm Jumeirah and the JBR coastline.

By chance, the cabin Principi dropped from was number 27, on February 27, a detail he took as a sign.

Open to the public year-round, Ain Dubai provided an extraordinary stage for the feat, reinforcing Dubai's reputation for delivering ambitious, boundary-pushing experiences.

For Principi, who grew up riding waves off the Tuscan coast, this represents the latest chapter in a career defined by rewriting the rules.

If there's a limit to what can be done on a kite, Principi hasn't found it yet.

"I cannot live a normal life. I need to constantly push my limits." What's next? "Something crazy that no one has done before."

Andrea Principi's Ain Dubai Jump | Key Facts

Performance

• Airtime: 58 seconds;
• Wind conditions: 14 knots (30 km/h), NW at kite launch from ground;
• Attempts: 3 days of testing, successful on first jump attempt;
• Preparation time: 18 months;
• Launch time: 6:54 am GST, February 27, 2026;
• Tricks during descent: 6 consecutive "around the World" loops;

Venue

• Name: Ain Dubai;
• Height: 250 meters (820 feet), the world's tallest observation wheel;
• Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai;
• Opened: October 2021;
• Capacity: 1,750+ visitors;
• Cabins: 48 - Principi launched from Cabin 27;
• Rotation time: ~38 minutes;
• Wheel speed: moves at "walking pace";

A powerful storm turned a popular stretch of coastline into a danger zone Friday afternoon, killing Israeli kitesurfer Lior Dadon while he was riding the waves off Bat Yam.

Dadon was 46 years old and had spent more than 20 years riding the wind.

He entered the water as strong winds battered the area, conditions that quickly grew extreme. Witnesses and emergency officials said sudden gusts became violent within moments.

Emergency services said the wind lifted Dadon out of the sea and carried him more than 500 feet, about 150 meters, before slamming him into rocks along the shore.

He died at the scene. Another kitesurfer was lightly injured.

Magen David Adom paramedics reached the area using off-road vehicles. They found Dadon unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing, with severe injuries.

"We had no choice but to pronounce him dead," the paramedics said.

Newly surfaced video from the beach shows how dangerous the conditions were, with surfers being tossed through the air by powerful gusts.

Friends Describe a Sudden Wind Vortex

Ronen Noach, a close friend who was kitesurfing with Dadon at the time, said the group was caught by surprise.

"We were caught in an extreme wind vortex," Noach told Ynet.

"He was carried by the wind, maybe 200 meters, and likely hit his head on a rock. It's devastating. Everyone's kite was blown away. There were dozens of us in the water."

Another surfer, identified only as Oren, said the scene felt unreal.

"The wind lifted the surfers like nothing," he said. "It was like something out of a movie."

A Veteran Surfer Remembered

Dadon was well known in the Israeli kitesurfing community and often surfed in Bat Yam and Eilat. Friends described him as warm, funny, and always thinking of others.

"He always had a smile," said one close friend.

"Before thinking about himself, he cared about everyone else. He was funny and sharp. I love him so much and miss him."

Another friend said Dadon represented "endless giving" and remembered meeting him at Bat Yam Beach when he first started surfing.

"Despite the tragedy, if you asked him how he would choose to go, he probably would have said kitesurfing," he said.

Family and Community Mourn

Dadon's former wife announced his death in a message to an Israeli kitesurfing group and said funeral arrangements were expected to take place on Sunday.

She invited surfers to light memorial candles Friday evening at the surfers' club at Tayo Beach in Bat Yam.

In a Facebook post, she wrote, "You loved the wind so much - a passion of 20 years. You were always waiting for windy days. In the end, the wind took you."

Surfers gathered at the beach, lighting candles next to a photo of Dadon. Some traveled from as far as Eilat to honor him.

"The Israeli kitesurfing community mourns the untimely passing of our friend of the wind, Lior Dadon, while doing the thing we all love so much. Your big smile touched us all and will stay with us forever," a message displayed at the memorial read.

Authorities have warned that dangerous weather conditions continue along the coast, urging the public to stay out of the water as severe winds and storms move through the area.

Kiteboarders should check the cloud and weather conditions before hitting the water, know how to quickly depower a kite, and carry a knife to cut the lines if possible and necessary.

The night before history changed on Cape Town's Kite Beach looked ordinary enough. Hugo Wigglesworth's crew fired up a relaxed South African braai.

People laughed, argued about the wind forecast, and watched the evening gusts rise toward 40 knots. It was the kind of wind that sends most beachgoers home and pulls big-air riders to the edge of their seats.

Someone finally spoke out loud what everyone was thinking.

Could Hugo Wigglesworth break the world record the next day? Heads nodded, a few doubted the idea, and Hugo just smiled without saying a word.

By morning, that quiet smile would make sense. Hugo hit the water early the next day with a reason to push harder than ever.

His name was missing from the 2025 Red Bull King of the Air list, and it stung. Since the announcement, he had trained every single day, determined to prove something.

After an hour on the water, he returned to the house, made avocado on toast, and watched Formula 1 qualifying.

Even while the engines roared on TV, his eyes kept flashing to the wind readings on his phone. Then he stood up and declared, "Let's break a world record today."

The house exploded into motion. Bags zipped, boards were thrown in cars, batteries were plugged in for last-minute charging.

Hugo, his parents, and the crew headed straight to Kite Beach.

In perfect sports-movie irony, he parked right at the event site of the competition that hadn't invited him.

A Setup Change With Massive Consequences

When the team reached the water, Jamie Overbeek was already launching huge jumps. The wind was rising fast, and the beach buzzed with anticipation.

Hugo's parents laid out his foil gear. Then came the detail that changed everything: he replaced his usual 23-meter lines with a 17-meter setup.

Shorter, quicker, and built for raw lift. It would become one of the most important choices of his career.

Hugo launched, sailed out, and sent his first jump. The sensor hit more than 28 meters. Spectators stopped mid-conversation. The warm-up alone was outrageous.

Jump by jump, he climbed higher. Then he tacked far outside, hit a rough kicker wave with almost double his earlier entry speed, edged hard, and committed fully. For a moment, everything went still.

His mother watched him rise and whispered, "This is the highest I've ever seen Hugo go in my life."

The beach erupted. Hugo did not. No fist pump. No shout. He simply kept riding.

Quiet Words That Shocked an Entire Beach

Ten minutes later, Hugo returned to shore. He landed his kite, walked straight to his parents and his team, leaned in, and delivered a soft message:

"I just went 40 meters."

He packed his kite like he had finished a normal session and headed toward the parking lot.

But news travels fast on Kite Beach.

Riders, media crews, podcasters, photographers, and people who had already gone home rushed back to witness what had just happened.

Hugo Wigglesworth had become the first kitesurfer ever to break the 40-meter ceiling. The WOO team verified it soon after. A number once thought untouchable was now printed in the history books.

A World Record, a New Kite, and Still More Loops

Instead of calling it a day, Hugo grabbed a 6m ERA, ran back to the water, and shouted with a grin:

"You can't train double loops every day, can you?"

He went straight into huge double loops, big S-loops, and explosive rotations. The world record had opened a door, and Hugo seemed eager to see what else was on the other side.

By the time the crew headed home, it was confirmed: Jamie couldn't top the record. Hugo stood alone at the peak.

The story behind Hugo's flight makes the record even more powerful for the kitesurfing world.

Why?

He now holds the WOO World Record on both twin tip and foil, he set the record right next to the event that hadn't invited him, and the highest three jumps ever recorded were done on foils.

Also, just days earlier, Jamie had beaten Hugo at the Brand Stable Battle Royale, adding tension to their Cape Town rematch.

Lastly, the previous record lasted only 43 days, showing how fast big-air riding is progressing.

So, that's it. What's next?

Since 2013, the WOO sensor has tracked height for more than 150 million jumps across 2.7 million sessions.

The 2025 Red Bull King of the Air delivered a fairytale finish at Kite Beach, Bloubergstrand.

Italian brothers Lorenzo and Leonardo Casati made history by facing off in an unforgettable final showdown that saw the older sibling claim his second King of the Air title.

In a competition defined by youth, determination, and family legacy, the open division final became a watershed moment for big air kiteboarding, marking the first time two brothers have battled for the sport's most prestigious crown.

The 15-minute, three-rider final delivered nonstop action, culminating in 20-year-old Lorenzo Casati clinching victory with 34.02 points.

He held off a fierce challenge from his 16-year-old brother Leonardo, who scored 31.12, while Dutch rider Cohan van Dijk rounded out the podium with 27.18.

Leonardo's runner-up finish was remarkable - not only was it his debut at the event, but at just 16 years, 5 months, and 16 days old, he became the youngest finalist in King of the Air history, surpassing Jamie Overbeek's 2022 record.

For much of the heat, it looked like the younger Casati might snatch victory, piling pressure on his older brother with composed, high-scoring moves.

But Lorenzo, with the cool-headed experience of a former champion, answered back with a critical kite loop-board loop combo, before unleashing a massive move at 17:39 that effectively sealed the win.

He added more tricks right at the buzzer to secure his second King of the Air crown.

"It's the best to share it with my brother and father - a dream come true to win the three biggest competitions in the year," said Lorenzo, emotional in victory.

"I'm even more motivated to push with my brother in the water. I have to thank my dad; without him, I wouldn't be here today, and thanks to my sponsors and the public here."

Their father, watching from the beach, witnessed a moment that transcended the sport, a shared dream realized through years of hard work and devotion.

A Super Tight Women's Final

If the Open final was about family legacy, the Women's final was about razor-thin margins and sheer competitive fire.

Sweden's Nathalie Lambrecht edged the Netherlands' Zara Hoogenraad by just 0.55 points (26.92 to 26.37) in one of the closest Women's finals in event history.

Slovenia's Lana Herman, the injury replacement who captured hearts throughout the event, finished third with 23.73 points.

Hoogenraad, who battled through a tough semifinal to reach her second straight final, pushed Lambrecht to the edge.

But the Swede's consistency and technical precision - highlighted by a 7.52-point kite loop board-off - gave her just enough to claim the win.

"This is amazing," Lambrecht said after the final. "Thanks to my coach, my sponsors. I'm still trying to take this all in."

Herman's unexpected rise from substitute to podium finisher became one of the event's most inspiring stories, a testament to perseverance and preparation meeting opportunity.

Real-time Impression Score innovations

The 2025 edition also introduced a major innovation in how fans experienced the competition.

The revamped live impression score provided spectators with unprecedented insight into riders' style, variety, and trick execution in real-time, making the judging process more transparent and engaging for both live audiences and online viewers.

The advancement was widely praised for bringing fans even closer to the sport and adding a new layer of drama to every heat.

As sports director Sergio Cantagalli said at the start: "Unpredictable, but that's Red Bull King of the Air."

2025 Red Bull King of the Air | Results

Open

1. Lorenzo Casati (Italy) 34.02 pts
2. Leonardo Casati (Italy) 31.12 pts
3. Cohan Van Dijk (Netherlands) 27.18 pts

Women

1. Nathalie Lambrecht (Sweden) 26.92 pts
2. Zara Hoogenraad (Netherlands) 26.37 pts
3. Lana Herman (Slovenia) 23.73 pts

A young Brazilian built a rideable kite using simple, recycled materials.

Some stories are truly inspiring and teach us that we can sometimes make something out of nothing. This is one of them.

Levi loves the wind. He lives in Luís Correia, a coastal town in Piauí, northern Brazil.

The nearby windy Macapá Beach is usually crowded with kiteboarders, all enjoying the stunning rivermouth features and sand bank circuits.

Levi could be joining them, but he didn't have the traditional equipment to ride and progress. But is that a problem? Maybe not.

Suddenly, the internet found Levi and realized that he had built a custom-made kitesurfing kit using daily life materials.

The youngster had it all: the kite, the bar, and the harness. And guess what - it works quite well.

A DIY C-Shape Kite That Works

To put things into perspective, an average kitesurfing kit costs more than the entire average yearly salary in Brazil, making it nearly impossible for people to own their own equipment.

The good thing about life is that necessity is the mother of invention.

Levi used what seemed to be plastic bags, ripstop, or something similar, wood parts, and lines to develop his C-shape wing. Does it work? It does, even though it still needs to be a bit bigger to jump and fly.

The story sparked an online movement to get Levi proper equipment.

People quickly stepped forward and asked how they could send their old kite models, sitting in the garage for years.

But that's not the point, here. We learned from Levi that determination and ingenuity can lead to great things.

Despite the Cinderella story, it's also important to reflect on the growing gentrification of kiteboarding and how equipment has become increasingly expensive over the years.

What can be done to lower the price of kite gear and make the sport truly accessible to everyone? Why has kiting culture grown to become an upper-class sports experience?

Let's not forget kiteboarding is an Olympic sport, and that status itself should require it to be affordable to young people, at least, at an early, low-cost, beginner level.

Making Kiteboarding Accessible Again

Whenever sports are limited to an elite, there is necessarily something wrong with it at a structural level.

And maybe, just maybe, one of the main reasons why kitesurfing's growth has stalled might exactly be associated with that.

Interestingly, this is not the first time we've seen a child enjoying the power of the wind using basic materials.

In 2007, another Brazilian kid got kiting using a tablecloth and a wooden "property for sale" plaque.

Meanwhile, let us just nurture talents like Levi, who impress us in and out of the water.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Lorenzo Casati and Zara Hoogenraad claimed the 2025 Red Bull Megaloop in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

What did 22 of the world's best big air kitesurfers do when a yellow weather code was issued for Storm Amy?

They headed to the coastal town of Noordwijk in the Netherlands for the sixth edition of Red Bull Megaloop and faced the brutality of the North Sea.

For two years, riders and fans had been eagerly awaiting the extreme weather conditions needed to make the sixth edition of Red Bull Megaloop possible.

And on Monday, September 15, the infamous kitesurfing competition finally took place.

Organizers gave the green light just 48 hours before the event, and kitesurfers from around the world rushed to Noordwijk, the hometown of Dutch kitesurf legend Ruben Lenten and Red Bull Megaloop 2015 champion Lasse Walker.

With wind speeds reaching Force 8, three-meter waves, and strong currents, 22 riders took to the water, ready to perform the Megaloop, one of the most challenging tricks in kitesurfing.

For the first time, the women's division saw six riders taking to the skies and showcasing their skills to the five-member jury, who were looking for extremity, execution, and flow.

Spectacular 20-Meter High Stunts

The megaloop involves launching off a wave at least 15 meters into the air while the rider loops their kite a full 360 degrees and gets thrown about a soccer field away.

It's one of kitesurfing's most complex tricks.

Competitors went head-to-head in elimination heats, battling for a spot in the next round.

Three kitesurfers, including Dutchman Cohan van Dijk, provided a spectacular final for the spectators, reaching heights of more than 20 meters.

In the end, Lorenzo Casati from Italy emerged as this year's winner, delivering a doobieloop boardspin.

"It is an incredible feeling for me. I always dreamed of winning this competition. It's the most extreme competition, the biggest megaloop," said Casati.

Meanwhile, Zara Hoogenraad from the Netherlands made history by becoming the first-ever female winner of the Red Bull Megaloop with her Boogieloop.

Her victory marked a major milestone for women's kitesurfing.

"I can't believe it. I am so happy. I'm crying because I'm happy. It's the first women's division, and I thought it would be so cool to win in Holland, because I am originally from Holland. I think we were able to really prove ourselves as women," added Hoogenraad.

2025 Red Bull Megaloop | Finals

Men

1. Lorenzo Casati (ITA), 9.04
2. Andrea Principi (ITA), 8.6
3. Cohan van Dijk (NED), 8.06

Women

1. Zara Hoogenraad (NED), 7.14
2. Nathalie Lambrecht (SWE), 5.62
3. Alessa Mensch (GER), 5.38

Jake Scrace has set a Guinness World Record for the highest kitesurf tow-up, reaching 1,587 feet (483.7 meters) above the Isle of Wight's iconic The Needles, in England.

The 34-year-old kitesurfer from Worthing, West Sussex, has pushed the sport to new heights - quite literally.

The feat, nearly twice the previous world-best of 908.7 feet (276.9 meters), was achieved after Scrace was pulled into the skies by paramotor pilot Chey Anich before cutting loose and gliding back down to the sea.

"It was the biggest challenge I've ever taken on," Scrace said afterwards.

"Up there, it was about trusting the team, the conditions, and just going for it. The sense of freedom was incredible, and I'm buzzing that we got the record on the first attempt."

Months of meticulous planning went into the stunt, which involved a 30-strong support crew including safety divers and film specialists.

Rising Above The Needles

The Needles are a famous natural landmark on the western tip of the Isle of Wight, just off the south coast of England.

They are a row of three striking chalk stacks that rise dramatically out of the sea.

Originally, there were four, but one collapsed in a storm in the 18th century.

Despite their name, the current formations are more like jagged, steep rocks than actual needle shapes - the lost fourth stack, called Lot's Wife, was the most needle-like.

Nearby, on the cliff, stands the Needles Old Battery, a Victorian coastal defense fort, and the Needles New Battery, which was used during the Cold War for rocket testing.

At the very end of the line of stacks is the Needles Lighthouse, built in 1859 to help guide ships safely past the treacherous waters of the Solent and English Channel.

Today, The Needles are one of the Isle of Wight's top tourist attractions, with viewpoints, boat trips, and even a chairlift down to the Alum Bay beach, which is also famous for its multicoloured sand cliffs.

Validated by Guinness Standards

The project was sponsored by global property and construction consultancy Gleeds, which staged the spectacle as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.

The record was verified to Guinness World Records exacting standards using drones, bodycams, altimeter readings, and GPS-enabled smartphones recording altitude and flight path, as well as synchronized footage from take-off to water landing.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel called the achievement "a stunning example of innovation, precision and daring," adding "we're proud to officially recognise this milestone as part of our mission to showcase the most remarkable accomplishments from around the world."

Richard Steer, chairman of Gleeds, said the record "embodies our belief that with vision, teamwork and determination, even the sky is no limit."

The achievement comes as Guinness World Records itself marks its 70th anniversary of cataloguing human feats across the globe.

"I'm already thinking about what the next stunt could be and where we can go with it," concluded Scrace.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

Robbie Douglas set a new world kitesurfing record for the fastest nautical mile.

The American kiteboarder rode his kite at an average speed of 42.73 knots at the 2025 Prince of Speed in La Palme, France.

Representing the North American Speed Sailing Project, Douglas took advantage of the 40-45 knots of wind, with gusts up to 50 knots, to break the previous record.

During his winning July 7 run, the experienced kiter reached a max speed of 50.65 knots, that is 93.8 kilometers per hour or 58.28 miles per hour.

It's Robbie Douglas' fourth one-nautical-mile kitesurfing world record of the last six years.

The American dedicated and credited his new world record to his late father, Captain Robert Douglas Sr., who introduced Rob to sailing and passed away in the early morning hours of April 23, 2025.

During the Prince of Speed speed sailing event, Rob also set two new American speed sailing records in wingfoil: one on the 500-meter run (32.47 knots) and another in the nautical mile (29.43 knots).

Prince of Speed: the European Speed Sailing Capital

The eighth edition of Prince of Speed is consolidating La Palme as one of the fastest speed locations on the planet for kitesurfers, windsurfers, and new generation foilers.

The 2025 edition saw eight world records and 17 national records fall and be submitted to the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC).

The weather and logistical conditions on offer at the Mediterranean venue make it a strong alternative to Namibia's Luderitz speed sailing channel.

In the women's division, Audrey Marie-Agnès claimed two trophies in the wingfoil discipline: the fastest speed over the nautical mile (29.40 knots) and the fastest 500-meter run (30.99 knots).

Marie-Agnès, 47, praised her coach and founder of Prince of Speed, Principe Baldini.

"Thanks to his advice and fine-tuning, I was able to set a record. He told me when to start to get the best wind angle," the wind speed queen explained.

"He lent me his gear, especially the sails he specifically designed for this venue. He's an exceptional person who helped me realize my potential."

Heidi Ulrich became the fastest female windsurfer in the world over the nautical mile with an average speed of 39.64 knots.

All records should be ratified by the WSSRC within a few weeks.

Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

After a two-year hiatus, the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) made a return to frozen waters at the 2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships, held jointly with the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA) for the first time.

The event took place on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, from February 3 to 8 and was the highlight of the 2025 Frozen Assets festival.

The year 2025 marked the first time an IKA snow kite event was held on the American continent.

The Edgewater Hotel served as the base of the event, providing spectators with a unique vantage point from the hotel's viewing deck to witness the action up close.

The event featured all three "hard-water" expressions of board sailing: windsurfing, wingfoiling, and kiteboarding, with 73 entries from 10 countries competing over five days.

The competition included course racing, short track racing, and a speed competition, and concluded with a thrilling one-hour marathon race around the frozen Lake Mendota.

Participants used kites similar to those used in KiteFoil racing but with skis or snowboards, creating a spectacular sight as large, colorful kites gracefully moved across the frozen lake at speeds exceeding 60 knots.

Community Support

The 2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships received tremendous support from the local community.

As the highlight of the beloved Frozen Assets festival, organized by the Clean Lakes Alliance, the event showcased the beauty and recreational opportunities of Madison's lakes during winter.

Thousands of people were brought closer to the sport of hard-water sailing through parallel events over the weekend, including a five-kilometer run on the frozen lake.

In line with IKA's commitment to sustainability, the event was a registered Clean Regatta (pending event level certification), while IKA held a very well-attended race officiating clinic prior to the event to share information and views with the local race officials' community.

Pursuing Winter Olympics Inclusion

Snowkiting combines the thrill of kiteboarding with the unique challenges of winter sports.

Following the successful inclusion of kiteboarding in the Paris 2024 Olympics, the community is now openly pursuing the possibility of snowkiting being included in the Winter Olympics.

The inclusion would not only further elevate the sport's profile, but more importantly, it would highlight the innovative spirit of winter sports and captivate audiences worldwide.

"The world needs a new generation of sports disciplines that are thrilling, nature-connected, spectacular, and media-friendly," said Mirco Babini, IKA president.

"Snowkiting, with its established legacy and numerous participants across continents, perfectly fits this vision. Now is the right time to aspire for inclusion in the Winter Olympic Games."

Estonian Ranno Rumm emerged victorious in the skis division, while Canadian Christian Labbe took the top spot in the snowboard division.

Swede Andreas Gustafson was the first kite to finish the marathon, capping off an unforgettable week of competition.

2025 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships | Results

Course Racing | Skis

1. Renno Rumm (EST)
2. Frank Kroenert (SWE)
3. Andreas Gustafsson (SWE)

Course Racing | Snowboards

1. Christian Labbe (CAN)
2. David Gilbert (CAN)
3. Jeremy Jones (USA)

Marathon

1. Andreas Gustafsson (SWE)
2. Connor McElroy (USA)
3. Dimitri Chirkin (USA)

Extreme big-air kitesurfer Lasse Walker pulled off a world-first feat off Dolphin Beach in Cape Town, South Africa.

On January 16, 2025, the Dutchman completed a stunning jump in the water over the low-altitude CubCrafters Carbon Cub plane of masterful Red Bull Air Race pilot Lukasz "Luke" Czepiela.

Walker grew up on the coast of the Netherlands, where he looked up to the exploits of local kitesurfing legends Ruben Lenten and Kevin Langeree and realized that his future lay in the sport.

After turning professional in 2015, the Noordwijk native has gone on to star at events like Red Bull Megaloop.

He is known for his jumps over unexpected obstacles, such as a freighter, a pier, and a whale.

The latest feat, though, took place at his favorite kitesurfing spot in South Africa.

Polish pilot Czepiela caught the aviation bug at the age of six when his father took him to see an air show.

The 41-year-old went on to hone his craft in the United Kingdom before winning Red Bull Air Race stops in the USA and Japan and then finishing first in the 2018 Red Bull Air Race Challenger Class.

Two Years of Preparation

Even though Czepiela has pulled off memorable feats before, such as his iconic skyscraper plane landing on the famous helipad of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, this particular feat involved working with Walker closely over two years to ensure they could pull it off expertly and safely.

"I was flying back from America, and we had headwinds during the flight."

"I actually came up with the idea: if a slow plane is now flying against the wind, I can jump over it," Walker, 29, revealed.

"The last few years we've been preparing, one of the key things for me was that I can jump over Luke consistently."

"So I've done thousands of jumps with height measurement devices and drones to prove that I can always clear the gap."

The pair knew that they needed perfect timing to complete this piece of aerial history, with Czepiela needing to hold the plane steady at low altitude while dealing with wind gusts of more than 50 kilometers per hour.

"It's about two years now since the bullseye landing," added Czepiela explained.

"One of the things that allowed me to land the aircraft on the helipad was the slow flight, so I have an all-in-all experience of four years of slow flying, and that helped me prepare for this project as well."

Perfect Timing

When the conditions were ideal, not far from the shoreline, Walker soared 15 meters above the water over Czepiela's plane, displaying flawless timing, skill, and trust to cheers from the beach.

Walker grabbed the perfect outlet wave to jump high enough so as not to hit the plane's propeller.

"We had the perfect kicker and timing," explained the kitesurfer.

"Luke was flying low; I jumped over, made the loop with my kite, and looked straight down into the cockpit. Everything came together."

Czepiela also flew brilliantly directly into a tricky headwind.

"You're trying not to stall it, and the aircraft is not very maneuverable," concluded the pilot.

"Then I look to the front, and there's a dude on the water with a kite above him. He pulls and flies over the plane. It was very surreal."