The biggest names in kiteboarding recently descended on Cape Town for reasons other than the wind. On 10 January, the Qatar Airways GKA Awards celebrated the world’s top kiteboarders at a glamorous gala event.
For the first time, South Africa hosted this prestigious global event that typically takes place in coastal cities worldwide. This third edition saw fourteen trophies awarded for remarkable kiteboarding achievements over the past eighteen months. Four South African kiteboarders, who compete internationally, were among the nominees.
“The GKA Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the world’s top kiteboarders and shine a light on the relentless dedication and passion of those who push the boundaries of what’s possible with a kite, inspiring future generations and elevating the sport to new heights,” says Dr Jörgen Vogt, CEO of the GKA Kite World Tour.
Cape Town, a renowned kiteboarding hotspot, made its iconic City Hall available for the event. The city’s strong winds, especially during Europe’s winter, solidify its reputation as a kiteboarding mecca. Many of the world’s best kiteboarders base themselves in Cape Town to train in the Cape Doctor winds that blow from November to March. It wasn’t surprising to see so many top athletes attend the event.
The Qatar Airways GKA Awards recognise both athletic skill and contributions to growing the sport on a global scale through the presentation of fourteen awards:
Brazil’s Bruna Kajiya was the night’s biggest winner. At 37, she claimed Female Rider of the Year after winning her fifth Freestyle world title. She also earned Women’s Freestyle Move of the Year for a perfectly executed trick. Her successful season included victories at all the year’s three Freestyle events.
Spain’s Lorenzo Casati took home the Male Rider of the Year award. A former Red Bull King of the Air winner, he excelled in multiple disciplines. He achieved podium finishes in Big Air Twin-tip, Hydrofoil and Kite-Surf categories.
Cohan van Dijk’s action shot, captured by Samuel Cárdenas, won Photo of the Year. This marked Cárdenas’ second consecutive win in this category.
The Video of the Year award showcased the artistic brilliance inspired by kiteboarding and went to FEAR by Julien Leleu.
GKA CEO Dr Jörgen Vogt said that staging the awards in Cape Town was a dream come true.
“Coming to Cape Town is a dream,” said Dr Vogt. “We’ve been working on it for ten years. Be patient and never stop dreaming. In my opinion, Cape Town is the best place we can run this awards night. Thanks to all those who supported us in Cape Town, we finally made it.”
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