KPL '24 Kicks off in beautiful Patagonia with Noe & Xander

As is the nature of the KPL and its organizers, they never shy away from a challenge. Albeit aesthetically pleasing, building a park and running a contest in a remote valley of Patagonia's mountain range is no small feat. Luckily, Argentinian local Ramiro Gallart spearheaded the event as a chief coordinator, who, with the help of his team, provided high-quality and inspiring features for the best park riders in the world to go head to head. 

Duotone's own, Noe Font and Xander Raith, were right in the mix, taking home the top spots. Noe Font starts the year strong with another first-place finish. Noe's ability to handle the variable high altitude conditions while utilizing his 14m Juice D/LAB through the early lighter wind rounds lined him up nicely for taking to the finals on his favorite park setup, his 12m Vegas with 151cm Gambler. Landing a stylish stailfish FS 720 as well as a switch BS 270 rewind combination on the A-frame box to make up two of his highest-scoring hits on his way to victory. 

Xander's podium finish is also becoming something we are getting used to seeing. Xander, having worked his way up the ranks for many years, first claimed a KPL second-place podium finish in 2023 in Italy. Also, taking home notable mentions over the 2023 season, such as his best kicker hit during the Hood River Team Battle, Xander is officially one of the top riders to watch on the KPL championship tour.

Hailing from deep roots in snowboard culture, Xander regularly turns heads with his clean, stylish hits, always executed with a unique flare. Also, finding his success on either his 14m Juice D/LAB or 13m Vegas and 151cm Gambler, he comments that he's never received so many compliments on a board graphic before, smiling every time he looks down. As the saying goes, looking good feeling good, and as it turned out, this event made Xander feel very good. Completing well-executed tricks, particularly on the most technical feature, the long flat-bar, was vital to landing Xander on the podium.

When asked, both riders gushed about the natural beauty and welcoming community in Villa La Angostura. Xander comments, "The kite scene in Villa La Angostura is a special one. I think everyone who has the opportunity to ride there knows just how special the spot itself is and how much of a privilege it is to be able to kiteboard in such a beautiful location. If you have not been or perhaps never heard of it, I would definitely recommend adding it to your kiteboarding bucket list, as it is truly the most stunning kiteboarding location I have ever experienced."

Congratulations to Noe and Xander for their incredible performances, and we can't wait to see what else the KPL has in store for all of us this year!