Sylt turns on the action

Hydrofoil Big Air kicks off
Seventeen riders — sixteen men and one woman — opened the week in light, tricky winds. Duotone’s Finn Flügel (GER), fresh off his U19 World Champion title, impressed again with controlled, precise riding against a strong field including Hugo Wigglesworth (NZL) and the Casati brothers (ITA). Finn fought through to the final, claiming second after Wigglesworth secured the win with a last 7.87-point trick. Another composed, consistent performance from Finn.

Kite-Surf steps into the spotlight

With Hydrofoil Big Air wrapped up, attention turned to Kite-Surf. After a five-month break since the opening stop earlier this year, Sylt marked the second event of the 2025 tour. With waves failing to appear in the morning, the competition began in surfboard freestyle format: 10-minute heats, seven trick attempts, and the best three scores counting.

Women’s competition

Twelve riders lined up for the women’s draw, including defending World Champion Capucine Delannoy (FRA) and Duotone team riders Camille Losserand (SUI) and Sofia Monti (ITA). Conditions were light, but the level was high from the very start. Camille stamped her authority in the quarterfinals with one of the top scores of the day — 18.47 points — showing she had her sights set on the podium.

In the semifinals, Camille faced Charlotte Carpentier (FRA) and advanced with a confident 17.69-point heat, locking in her spot in the final. On the other side of the draw, Sofia went up against Delannoy. Sofia threw down solid tricks and pushed hard, but the reigning champion held the upper hand, leaving Monti just outside the final in third place overall.

The final came down to Delannoy and Losserand, but with the wind dropping off, both riders struggled to land cleanly. An early 8.2-point trick gave Delannoy the advantage, and despite Camille’s best efforts, she couldn’t find the score she needed to overtake. Delannoy took the win, with Camille finishing second after a strong run all week.

Well done, Camille and Sofia! Delivering standout heats and a strong performance throughout, Camille showed once again that she’s one of the most consistent riders in the discipline. Sofia impressed with her fearless approach and keeps proving she belongs at the top. Big congrats to both of you — we’re so proud!

Results – Women’s Kite-Surf

• 1st Capucine Delannoy (FRA)

• 2nd Camille Losserand (SUI)

• 3rd Sofia Monti (ITA)

Men’s Kite-Surf

As the men’s competition got underway, the light winds kept the early heats locked into surfboard freestyle mode, demanding precision and smart trick selection. With such a stacked field, it didn’t take long before the upsets began.

For Duotone’s Pedro Matos (BRA) and Matchu Lopes (CV), both usually rock-solid and among the most consistent riders on tour, the Sylt conditions didn’t deliver what they needed. The lack of proper waves made it a tough stage to show their full game, and both exited earlier than expected in Round 3. Results aside, it underlined just how fine the margins are at this level — and both will be hungry to strike back at the next stop.

By the quarterfinals, the format had shifted to mixed scoring: the best wave, the best surfboard trick, and the next best score counting toward the total. Heats ran ten minutes, with twelve attempts and three counting scores. This change quickly raised the intensity. Tour leader Airton Cozzolino went out, with 4x World Champion James Carew (AUS) and Lorenzo Casati serving up one of the day’s many exciting battles. With trademark power and commitment, our Aussie wave gladiator James edged ahead to secure his semifinal spot. At the same stage, Duotone’s Noah Nicolas (FRA) — only 18 and already a double U19 World Champion — fought hard but couldn’t get past reigning World Champion Gabriel Benetton.

In the semifinals, James faced reigning World Champion Gianmaria Benetton in a heavyweight showdown. Benetton came out firing, stacking points early with two solid tricks and a clean wave. James pushed hard with his aggressive style, throwing everything at the heat, but didn’t quite succeed in closing the gap. He wrapped up the event with a strong third place overall.

The final saw Theo Demanez (FRA) take on Benetton in a light-wind battle, with Demanez finding the key scores to secure his first career GKA win.

Results – Men’s Kite-Surf

• 1st Theo Demanez (FRA)

• 2nd Gabriel Benetton (BRA)

• 3rd James Carew (AUS)

Well done team!

James added another podium to his name, proving once again why he’s one of the fiercest riders on tour. Noah impressed with his maturity and fearless approach against the very best. For Pedro and Matchu, the conditions didn’t play their way this time, but both remain major contenders and will be looking to bounce back strong at the next stop. Congrats to the whole team for representing our brand at the highest level.