Duotone Young Bloods on Top 🏆

The Next Level of Big Air

The judging emphasised amplitude, extremity, technical difficulty, and creativity. Riders were rewarded for going as high as possible, combining powerful kiteloops and rotations with stylish board-offs, and sticking smooth, controlled landings. A perfectly executed “simpler” move could even outscore a sloppy attempt at something harder — proving that precision, control, and style remain decisive at the top level.

Day one brought unexpected drama when a rider collided with a jet ski. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, and competition resumed shortly after. Conditions tested the riders throughout the week — strong, gusty winds early on gave way to lighter breezes in the finals, forcing competitors to adapt, change gear, and rethink their strategies.

The young competitors rose to the challenge, their level of riding sending the beach crowd wild and confirming: the future of Big Air is already here.

Duotone Young Bloods on Fire

• Finn Flügel (GER) rose above the rest, winning the U19 World Champion title on his home turf with massive, controlled moves and a boundary-pushing performance packed with innovation that sent the beach crowd into cheers. He nailed all six of his tricks in the final, with three scoring over nine points (out of a possible 10). One spectacular combination of kiteloops, board flips, and tic-tacs earned a huge 9.8, giving him the unbeatable total of 28.30 out of 30.

• Marten Koblischke (GER) secured a well-deserved 3rd place in U19, with Elliot Buton (FRA) close behind in 4th, cementing their spots among the world’s best.

• Ben Gerhardt (AUS) impressed with a strong 2nd place in U16, proving his consistency and skills against a stacked field. Ben was joined on the podium by Pier Rizzello (ITA) in 3rd — both riders coming straight out of the Young Blood program.

• Aya Kasabova (BUL), just 14 and also a Young Blood Camp rider, stole the spotlight in the U19 women’s division, claiming victory with confidence and composure beyond her years.

• Basile Serre (FRA) was crowned U14 World Champion, fearlessly taking to the skies at just 13 years of age.

• In U14, Figo van Ekeren (NLD) battled into 4th, demonstrating huge potential for the future.

These results highlight the importance of the Young Blood initiative in shaping the next generation of riders. We couldn’t be prouder of our young shredders — well done team, you truly inspire us!

Celebrating the Next Generation

This first-ever Youth Big Air World Championship wasn’t just about results — it was a celebration of kiteboarding’s future. For the first time, riders under 19 had the world stage to push their limits, share their passion, and showcase their talent, creativity and progression that will drive the sport forward in years to come.

“Finn Flügel stole the show in St. Peter-Ording, claiming the U19 World Champion title with massive, controlled moves that lit up the home crowd.” 

All Eyes on Sylt

The action doesn’t stop here! Next week, the GKA World Tour heads to Sylt for the Surf competition, where the best wave riders in the world will take over. Stay tuned for another epic event! The following week, the Youth will head to Tarifa for the Freestyle Championships.