The second edition of the GKA Kite World Tour Big Air Challenge in collaboration with WOO Sports delivered huge airtime and a stack of personal bests along the windy beaches of South Africa’s Western Cape from January 17 to 24, 2026. The event set a series of new records and highlighted the explosive growth of team-based big air competition in our sport.

This year’s challenge saw a record turnout, with 257 participants logging a total of 753 sessions—both new highs for the event. Riders used WOO sensors to record jump heights and upload their results during the competition window, adding a layer of objective data that showcased just how high kiteboarders are flying in peak conditions. 

Team Duotone retained the Big Air Challenge trophy for a second year running after their top five riders combined for a total height of 149.6 metres. Standout performers included Luke Dixon and Edgar Ulrich, posting heights of over 31 metres each, helping Duotone maintain a commanding presence throughout the event. 

While Duotone took the win, the highest single jump went to Julian Zens from Flysurfer, who posted an incredible 36.6 metres at Dolphin Beach. That leap stands as the highest recorded jump on a twin-tip in South Africa’s history, making waves and turning heads across the globe. Zens’ performance helped team Flysurfer secure second place overall with 134.5 metres. 

Third place went to Team Core with a combined total of 129.9 metres for their top five athletes. The competition conditions were truly epic, with 10 brands’ teams averaging more than 20 metres in jump height during the week-long contest. 

Almost a third of all riders achieved personal records during the challenge, with 80 athletes setting new best heights across 114 sessions. Big air is not just about winning anymore, it is about progression, personal milestones and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a kiteboard. 

Among kite models earning their own accolades, Slingshot’s Code NXT topped the lists with 12 personal records, followed closely by the Lacuna Alpha and Harlem Peak, each posting double-figure PR tallies across the event. 

The collaboration between the GKA and WOO Sports continues to elevate big air competition by making participation more accessible and performance metrics more transparent. Riders of all levels can compete under the same scoring system and upload sessions to contribute to their team’s success, fostering a global celebration of big air kiting that transcends traditional event formats. 

With the bar already raised high in 2026, it will be thrilling to see where riders take it next season, and which teams emerge as the new challengers for big heights across the world.

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WOO X GKA Big Air Challenge 2026
By IKSURFMAG