A native of South Africa, Joshua Emanuel has big air in his blood. Read his interview to find out about Joshua’s Woo World Record, Red Bull Megaloop Challenge win, and to find out about his plans to overtake the sport’s big air legends.

A native of South Africa, Joshua Emanuel has big air in his blood. As we write this, he sits at the very top of the Woo All-Time Leaderboard with a jump of 29 metres, which means he has a target on his back. The race to the 30-metre mark is on! Read on to find out what he's been doing to try to hit 30 meters before anyone else. 

What’s it like to boost 29 metres?!?

When I got my 29-meter jump, it honestly felt like I was on top of the world. When I hit the peak of a jump and get this sensation in my stomach, that’s when I know I have crossed new barriers.

You are currently at the top of the Woo leaderboard — congratulations! Do you worry that your record is going to fall? If someone beats it, who do you think it will be? How much higher do you think it’s possible to boost on a kite?

I don’t worry about the record being broken again; my main worry is someone beating me to the 30-meter mark. Guys that I think that are in the run for 30 meters are Stuart Downey, Kevin Langeree and Nick Jacobsen. Unfortunately, Nick is out due to injury — he was probably my biggest worry. I believe it’s possible to go up to about 33 meters or 35 meters. I think it will take a lot to get there, but we never know what’s possible until it’s been done.

How do you think that Woo has changed the sport of kiteboarding?

Woo has made kiting a more social sport. We are always on the water alone or just shredding with a few mates. Now we have devices that we can use to challenge each other when the conditions are right. We can see who can jump the highest among a group of friends who are spread out all over the world.

You’re from Durban - what’s the kite scene like there, and how did you get into kiteboarding?

The kite scene in Durban is reasonably small, but it has grown over the years. I got into kiteboarding in 2004. When some of my friends started, I saw what was possible and became interested in the sport. They referred me to Twiggy Baker for kite lessons who then managed to get me up and riding.

Do you think Cape Town is the best place in the world for going massive?

Cape Town is the best place in the world for going massive. We have super strong winds and some pretty perfect kickers to line up with. With these two elements combined, it allows us to break through new barriers and set new records.

Can you tell us about the XR5 Challenge? How much of a factor does your equipment play in helping you send it?

The XR5 Challenge is a competition that started four months ago. It was open to any kiter, anywhere in the world. The winners have been invited to come and challenge me in a boost-off in Cape Town. We selected the biggest female booster, biggest male booster, highest accumulated height and then one wildcard. The Challenge went down from the 17th of January until the 21st of January. By the time you’re reading this, you’ll be able to find the final results at corekites.com.

Equipment plays quite a factor in every session. If I want to send it as high as possible, I will use my XR5 as it has loads of lift and float. If I'm heading out for a mixed session of loops and big air, I prefer my GTS4.

Do you ever get tired of boosting sessions? What other styles of riding appeal to you? What are your interests outside of kiteboarding?

Yeah, I get tired of boosting sessions. When the wind isn’t 30 knots +, boosting’s not as fun because I can’t reach extreme heights. I also love wave riding and the strapless freestyle. Finding the perfect wave to kite is always a good mission.

I really enjoy surfing, skating, SUPing, wakeboarding and anything else that involves a board and being outdoors.

What have been the biggest accomplishments of your career?

So far, my biggest accomplishment would be winning the Red Bull Megaloop Challenge in 2017. Along with that, I’m currently holding the record on Woo for the biggest recorded jump in kitesurfing.

How do you manage risk vs reward when it comes to big air and mega loops?

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between risk and reward when it comes to pulling loops. You need to make sure you know the conditions you’re riding in. The better understanding you have of the conditions, the easier it is to distinguish between the two. I try to ride in the cleanest possible conditions to minimise the risk and focus on the reward.

What are your goals and predictions for 2018 Red Bull King of the Air?

My goal for Red Bull King of the Air this year is to get a spot on the podium. My prediction for KOTA this year is a win for either Jesse Richman or Kevin Langeree.

What are your plans for the future? How are you going to continue to push the limits of what is possible with a kite?

I have some pretty exciting plans for this year. I’m heading to Russia, then to Norway for Red Bull Ragnarok 2018. I then plan to go on a road trip through Europe. I hope to find some exciting things to do, and I want to push the limits of the sport. I will also be heading back to Mauritius for the GKA wave comp and then back to Cape Town for the next season!

Thanks Joshua for taking the time!

Videos

Red Bull King of the Air 2018
29m boosting session
Crazy loop session
Sunset Loops
By Lindsay McClure
Lindsay is a pro rider from Hood River in the USA, she works for IKSURFMAG as our Features Editor and is an integral part of the team. Lindsay is really into wakestyle riding and can be found in the Hood River Slider Park during the summer months, she also travels all over the world with the World Class Academy helping younger riders develop through kiteboarding!

Comments