The 2025 Red Bull King of the Air launched with explosive energy on Saturday, 22 November, as both the Open and Women’s divisions began Round 1 under classic Cape Town conditions. But after an action-packed opening day, competition paused with riders waiting for the wind to return. Forecasts show a powerful pulse of 30–35 knot winds (gusting to 40) and a 2.0–2.5 meter swell arriving on Monday, 24 November, setting up a dramatic Day 2 inside a weather window that runs until 7 December.
With athletes and spectators holding their breath for the next green flag, the stage is set for an unforgettable finals showdown.
Women’s Division: A Breakthrough Performance
Round 1 immediately delivered one of the biggest surprises of the day. Slovenia’s Lana Herman, competing as an injury replacement, shocked the field with a powerhouse performance that earned her a direct spot in the final. She joins Sweden’s Nathalie Lambrecht, who also secured her place with confident and progressive riding.
One spot remains undecided, with reigning champion Francesca Maini and Netherlands rider Zara Hoogenraad set to battle it out once the event resumes.
Red Bull King of the Air Sports Director Sergio Cantagalli praised the rapidly rising level of the discipline, saying:
“Incredible performances in the women’s discipline. All of them have proven they’re pushing the limits of Big Air kiteboarding to a higher standard, breaking boundaries like never before. The sport is growing with them.”
Open Division: Drama, High Scores and Shock Eliminations
The men’s competition completed Round 1 and kicked off Round 2 before conditions shifted. Italy’s Lorenzo Casati delivered the standout moment of the day with a massive KiteLoop 4X FrontRoll Board Spin — the highest-scoring single trick of the event so far.
Round 2 brought even more drama, including unexpected early exits. Local favorite Josh Gillitt was knocked out by rising Portuguese talent Shahar Tsabary, while seasoned Dutch competitor Stino Mul fell to 20-year-old American Parker Sage.
The home crowd had something to celebrate as South Africa’s Luca Ceruti advanced, defeating Dutch rider Kimo Verkerk and keeping his championship hopes alive.
Looking ahead, two of the biggest names in competitive Big Air — Italians Andrea Principi, the 20-year-old defending two-time champion, and Lorenzo Casati, the 2022 winner and 2024 runner-up — are still waiting to unleash their full power in Round 3.
“The open division brought big surprises right from Round 1. Tight heats, excitement, and unexpected outcomes. Round 2 led to a proper selection – unpredictable, but that’s Red Bull King of the Air.”
Cantagalli summed up the opening action:
Wind Loading, Tension Rising
As a glowing Cape Town sunset closed out Day 1 at Bloubergstrand, riders packed up and began the waiting game. With stronger winds on the horizon, the only thing left is for the weather to deliver.
The energy is building. The riders are ready. And the next chapter of Red Bull King of the Air 2025 will unfold the moment the wind fires back in.