Ouch... Red Bull King of the Air the biggest ever!
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.
Casualties included one of the event favourites, Jesse Richman, who has an unfortunate incident off a massive boost. From his recovery position behind a computer, he said:
“Funny when you find yourself in those situations when all you can do is clinch and brace for impact.... Today that did not work out so well for me. After awesome help from an amazing support crew I got one broken leg and some pretty messed up ligaments... Will know more soon but doing good now. Thanks everyone for all the support!!! “
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. So don’t try these loops at home kids! Water ‘aint soft when you hit it that hard!
The winner though, put on a near perfect performance. Kevin Langeree for Best kiteboarding was not only one of the consistent few pulling off massive loops every time. He mixed it up with some board offs, smooth transitions and even a little spinny action. After stepping down from the podium, Langeree said:
“The conditions picked up during the day and I couldn’t have hoped for anything better! The final was definitely tough and everyone of us was so close to winning. I definitely had my best heat of the day in the final. This is the 3rd Red Bull King of the Air I’ve competed in and it was a title I didn’t have yet, so I was hungry for it. I’m so stoked!” Check out the video below of poor Tom Hebert, he must have woken up in some serious pain…
queenscliff, NSW
