The event window opens today for the 2017 Red Bull King Of The Air in Cape Town South Africa, but two very notable names are not on the list.

Kevin Langeree, who stood atop the podium for the last three years running was out training in Cape Town last week when he landed awkwardly from a megaloop. Conditions have been perfect for training, with a couple of 30+ knot days and exceptional weather. Plus, all the worlds best are there already getting used to conditions before the event window opens. This stuff is risky though, and on landing Kevin broke his ankle. One of the nastiest breaks for a kiteboarder to have, while they heal quickly, ankles take so much of the twisting force on a kiteboard it's hard to get them back to 100%. Bindings will help, but Kevin was one of the few riders who still chose to throw board-offs in the King of the Air!

Also down for the count, is another event favourite Jesse Richman. He was making the most of the winter conditions in the northern hemispehere by tow in surfing to some massive waves, when he fell and hit his head. We're not sure if it was the board or the ski, or the reef, but it left him with concussion and a broken bone in his face. That was back in December, and although Jesse's bones are now healed, he's chosen not to risk another big crash and further bump to his brain.

So while two of the three on the podium are out, who's left to take the crown? Aaron Hadlow is convinced that he'll be on top again, but this morning Ruben Lenten made a public announcement that he's after Hadlows title on social media. He wants to come back from his cancer battle with a win, and the kiteboarding community is going to be behind him 100%!

The event window for the Red Bull King of the Air opens today the 21st of January, and runs through to the 5th February. When the first day of 'Big Air' conditions opens, it will be on!

#News #Kitesurfing #Naish #Kiteboarding