It was one of the biggest events in kiteboarding this year, Over 12,000 spectators lined the natural amphitheater to watch 24 of the worlds best kiteboarders jump as high as they could, loop the kite as low as possible and much to the crowds delight, take the board off sail through the air bare-foot. Big air was back for just one day, and what a spectacular sight it was.

“The Red Bull King of the Air really showcases what kiteboarding is all about. Going big and jumping as high as you can, and that freedom that you get from jumping so big is indescribable.” Says the event winner, Kevin Langeree in this video about what it took to win kiteboarding’s most crowd pleasing event.

“It’s a really fine line between winning the event and seriously injuring yourself.” says Langeree, a point which became very apparent when event favorite Jesse Richman had to be pulled from the water with a broken leg, after a massive jump which went wrong.

Also needing medical attention was Tom Hebert who botched a massive (it might have even been the winning jump) kiteloop to land on his face. Check out the video below to see what we’re talking about. It’s pretty gnarly… Aaron Hadlow also had to be carted off on a stretcher (metaphorically) after he had a kitemare.

But amidst the carnage, the loops and the cheers from the crowd, Langeree emerged the winner. Now, we get to relive the best bits of the event, with this great little video from Naish.

Check it out, and remember to send that kite a little harder, or throw in a good ol’ kiteloop next time you’re out kiteboarding.

#News #Kitesurfing #Kiteboarding #Naish