Enter the world stage next year in 2016 with the Red Bull King of the Air tournament in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand. The best of the best kiteboarders will be revealed as the world’s top contenders compete for the title. If this year’s tournament was any indication, competitors will come from all over the globe. Being the best in the world, these contenders made sure the competition came to an exhilarating final! The winner of 2015’s Red Bull King of the Air was Aaron Hadlow, from England, with second and third place going to Kevin Langeree and Jerrie van de Kop respectively (both from the Netherlands). This tournament, which will be the fourth consecutive occurrence of Red Bull King of the Air, will be sure to take the breath away from the multitude of spectators on the beach, as well as those watching from home on their television. Yes, it’s a televised event, so if you are one of those that aspire for greatness, you might then have the chance to showcase your talents to the whole world! The Red Bull King of the Air challenge usually occurs between late January and early February.

Book some accommodation right in the middle of Big Bay

If you would like to get to this event with as little effort as possible, it makes perfect sense to book accommodation with us, right in Big Bay. Whatever you would prefer, we have it, be it elegant properties or magnificent villas. Secure one of these luxurious properties to ensure you can experience the Red Bull King of the Air with little effort. Be sure to book early since this event will fall in the middle of the summer. Click here to view the properties that we offer in Big Bay. Once you are settled in your holiday accommodation, you could easily watch all the action from the comfort of the balcony, with many of the properties being located on the beachfront. Relax as you watch the world’s best show what they’re made of.

With some assistance from the weather of course…

The well-known Cape Doctor (a strong, persistent and dry southeasterly wind that is famous among locals) will ensure competitors catch plenty of air while wowing the crowds with their fantastic skills.

But how, you may ask, does the competition work?

The rules

As past tournaments go, this event will see 24 of the top kiteboarders in the world go up against each other in a contest of hair-raising and gravity-defying tricks in the air. These 24 riders are broken up into the top 12 of this year’s event, 4 wild card entries (only by invitation) and 8 entrants chosen from online video competition entries.

The tournament makes use of the ‘Flag Out’ format that works in the following manner:

The contestants compete in separate heats for a fixed time. Each competitor wears a vest of a certain colour that corresponds to a flag on the beach. Once the time is up, one of the flags is lowered, meaning that the contestant with the corresponding colour (with the lowest score) has been eliminated.

This format allows boarders to display their best adrenaline pumping moves to earn high scores and impress the judges.

This process continues until the top four kite surfers are left in what is sure to be a fantastic final. The last kiteboarder on the water takes the title.

What it takes to be a spectator

If you’re new to this event, you’ll be pleased to know that you will be able to watch at no cost whatsoever. Other than the cost of getting there, there is no entry fee and you could pick a spot on the beach (provided you get there in time) or get a table at one of the restaurants in the nearby Eden on the Bay shopping complex, with fantastic views of the competition area.

Make your plans today

To ensure you get the best experience of the Red Bull King of the Air, start making your plans today. With the event being at the height of the summer, rentals in the area will likely be booked months in advance. Make sure you are one of those that have themselves totally prepared to have fun at the 2016 Red Bull King of the Air in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand.