Big Air Kite and Wingfoil World Championship icks off in Gran Canaria

The competition begins with high-flying action at Salinas de Tenefé (San Bartolomé de Tirajana), where the World Championships of Kitesurfing and Wingfoil in the Big Air discipline have been presented. The best 70 riders from both disciplines, representing 5 continents and over 20 countries, will compete for world titles on the island of Gran Canaria from July 9 to 13.

“This is the second Wingfoil World Championship on the island and the first Kitesurfing World Championship. These 70 riders have gone through many filters to be here. It’s about quality, not quantity. The conditions are favorable, and we expect a spectacular competition,” said Manuel Martínez, president of the Canakite Experiences Sports Club and event organizer, along with the Royal Canary Sailing Federation.

Joergen Vogt, president of the global associations GKA and GWA, emphasized that the event has been planned for the past two years. “I’m thrilled to be at this globally recognized spot for its perfect conditions for water sports. The wind here is more predictable than anywhere else in the world, which is why we’re here to crown the Big Air world champions in two championships over five days,” said Vogt. He thanked the supporters of these sports and expressed his desire to “repeat it next year.”

The opening ceremony featured Francisco José García, mayor of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, accompanied by Julio Ojeda, Councilor for Sports, and Verónica Suárez, Councilor for Tourism, among other municipal representatives. All riders competing for the Kitesurf Big Air and Wingfoil Big Air titles also attended the inaugural event.

Mayor Francisco José García thanked the administrations for “making this event possible” and encouraged the riders to “enjoy the municipality and cultural heritage sites like Salinas de Tenefé.”

Julio Ojeda highlighted that the coast of San Bartolomé de Tirajana once again becomes “an international focal point, an opportunity to showcase the municipality not only from a sports perspective but also its economic potential and tourist appeal, as well as open spaces for new sports like kitesurfing and wingfoil.” Ojeda concluded by thanking the supporters and urging everyone to “enjoy our sea, wind, and salt.”

Local Riders Competing for World Titles 

Among the prominent riders at the presentation was the young wingfoil talent, Ancor Sosa from Fuerteventura, who could compete for the Wingfoil Big Air title. “The main thing is to have fun. It’s great to do it here with all the Canarian people watching. I hope to have some advantage because I train here. Everyone is here; there are some really good riders, but I hope to make it to the final,” said Sosa.

In the Kitesurf Big Air category, two other Canarians, Jeremy Burlando and Lorenzo Casati (of Italian origin), could become world champions this Saturday. “It’s an honor to have the world championship held here. I’ve trained a lot in Tenerife and here for this event, and my goal is to get on the podium,” commented Casati, winner of the Red Bull King of the Air 2022.

The Wingfoil Competition Begins 

Favorable conditions at Salinas de Tenefé allowed for the first elimination rounds in the wingfoil discipline, with Christopher Macdonald (USA) achieving the highest score of the day, totaling 17 points with his best two jumps. In the first and only edition of the Wingfoil World Championship held in Pozo Izquierdo last year, Julien Rattotti (FRA) and Mar de Arce (SPA) were crowned world champions.

The Qatar Airways GKA Big Air Kite World Championships Gran Canaria 2024 and the GWA Big Air Wingfoil World Championship Gran Canaria 2024 are sponsored by the Tourism and Sports departments of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, with the collaboration of the Santa Lucía de Tirajana City Council and the Government of the Canary Islands. The event is also supported by private entities such as Ahembo with its 7up brand or Spar Gran Canaria.