French kitesurfer Charles Brodel has made history by setting a new world record for the highest ever kiteboarding jump during the Red Bull King of the Air 2025 Sardinia Qualifier, soaring an incredible 33.5 metres above the waves. The record-breaking feat, captured by the Surfr App, took place during the warm-up session of the event at Porto Pollo Bay in Sardinia.
While Brodel’s performance was the talk of the competition, it was 2024 Red Bull King of the Air champion Andrea Principi who secured victory on home waters, earning his place in the 2025 World Final set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 22 to December 7.
After the event’s postponement earlier this year due to weather, the conditions finally aligned perfectly for the 18 competing athletes. Sardinia delivered strong winds and pristine waves, setting the stage for some of the most spectacular tricks and jumps ever witnessed in a qualifier round.
In the final heat, Principi triumphed over Brodel despite riding with a broken board. His resilience and mastery reaffirmed his status as one of kiteboarding’s brightest talents.
“Today was so good here at home in Sardinia, a spot that I’ve been riding for a long time. It feels amazing to have this competition here and to show the world how incredible the Italian conditions can be. I’m so happy for Charles—he rode exceptionally well and earned his Golden Ticket for Red Bull King of the Air, the biggest event of the year.”
said Principi
Brodel’s second-place finish not only earned him that Golden Ticket to Cape Town but also cemented his name in the sport’s history books. His 33.5m jump surpassed all previous height records, proving both his skill and daring in pushing the limits of kiteboarding.
With this result, the Porto Pollo qualifier, alongside earlier events in Tarifa (Spain) and Klitmøller (Denmark), has finalized the lineup for the Red Bull King of the Air 2025 Final.
Sardinia Qualifier Results:
- Andrea Principi (ITA)
- Charles Brodel (FRA)
- Elliot Bouton (FRA)
As the countdown begins for Cape Town, all eyes will be on Principi, who has already claimed two King of the Air titles, as he aims for a third.
“Cape Town is like heaven for kite surfers. I’ve already won it twice, but I’m still hungry for another one.”
he said
With Brodel’s record-breaking jump and Principi’s dominant win, the Sardinia qualifier will be remembered as a defining moment in kiteboarding history—setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown in South Africa.
