STUNNING PERFORMANCES AT KOTA 2022

Lorenzo rode his Rebel SLS and Jaime SLS to victory in a thrilling final alongside fellow countryman, teammate and current Big Air World Champion, Andrea Principi who finished up in the bronze medal position. Lorenzo advanced in first place through every heat, even taking down legends such as previous event winner Marc Jacobs in round 3, to bring home the victory at the King of the Air on his very first attempt.

"Just to be here and compete at Red Bull King of the Air was already a dream come true for me, but to win it is something I could never imagine. It’s the best day of my life. The conditions were crazy, and when it gets like this, this is the best spot in the world. There were some really tough heats, so I’m just super happy. Thank you to my sponsors and my dad, who's believed in me since I started kitesurfing.”  Lorenzo Casati

Liam Whaley won the Most Extreme Move of the day for the second year in succession. His Double Kite Loop Back Roll Board Off locked in a 9.94 score in the quarter-finals, but his day would ultimately be cut short in the Semi-Finals in a close battle with teammate Andrea Principi edging him out by 1.62 as the heat came to a close.

Riders were judged on the amplitude, variety, execution and difficulty of their tricks, as well as given an overall impression score by the panel of judges.

The Duotone team put on a strong showing with 8 athletes qualifying, but it was the Young Bloods that showed that there is a changing of the guard within the world of Big Air kiteboarding.

The strong winds and extreme conditions crowned a worthy champion and the level of riding displayed the most powerful and progressive riding we’ve ever witnessed. With the entire podium filled with riders under 20 years old and the current dynamic with the current field of riders pushing each other's limits, the future of Big Air kiteboarding looks to be in good hands!

Duotone athletes at the King of the air 2022: Aaron Hadlow, Lasse Walker, Liam Whaley, Edgar Ulrich, Lorenzo Casati, Beto Gomez and Andrea Principi. Airton Cozzolino unfortunately had to withdraw after suffering a training injury.