Charles Brodel wins Qatar Airways GKA Big Air Hydrofoil World Championship
by Holly Keenan 27 Jun 2022 06:42 EST
20 June - 6 July 2022
1st Charles Brodel (FRA) - 2nd Jamie Overbeek (NLD) 3rd Maxime Chabloz (SUI) 4th Alex Soto (DOM) © Samuel Cardenas
Sunday afternoon saw the Hydrofoil competition kick the action off at the Qatar Airways GKA Big Air World Championships in fine style at Bibo Beach on day six of this 16 day waiting period.
Hydrofoil kiteboarding is the fastest growing discipline in the sport at the moment and the dynamic efficiency of the equipment means that most recreational riders would find even 20 knots of wind and above quite challenging conditions. A strong 25 knot Poniente wind powered these world championship contenders for an incredible show all Sunday afternoon.
Blasting to the win
This year's biggest sensation in powerful, radical, big air hydrofoil kiteboarding held his nerve and put on an exciting performance that balanced powerful kiteloops with pure airstyle throughout, proving his rating as the rider's favourite to win was valid.
In the final he came through with a healthy four point lead over Dutch high flyer Jamie Overbeek, who himself had an incredible day. In round three, Overbeek nailed his intentions to the mast with a 10 point score from the judges for an incredible boogie loop (yes, we're seeing those in foiling now!), but then caught one of Tarifa's magic thermal 'bubbles' and rode out an incredibly long hangtime with ease.
One of the sporting world's emerging great all-rounders, Maxime Chabloz (Freeride Ski World Champion, GKA Kite World Tour Vice World Champion 2021 & GWA Wingfoil World Tour contender) finished third with Alex Soto from the Dominican Republic in 4th.
2nd: Jamie Overbeek (NLD)
16-year-old Jamie Overbeek from Holland put on a stellar performance, landing highly impressive doobie loops! Nevertheless, he could not match Charles's consistency and technical ability in the final.
3rd: Maxime Chabloz (SUI)
This was Maxime's second time competing in a hydrofoil competition on the world tour and he pushed hard, managing to land an impressive dangle pass in the semi final and mini final.
Maxime was very pleased with his third position overall as this is just one of several disciplines that he competes in, and is certainly not his main priority, yet he still managed to end up on the podium!
"Yeah, it ended up being a really fun day. I didn't think it would be this good looking at the conditions this morning. When the wind hits 20 knots, I'd usually grab my twin-tip and go freestyle, but the event today was so much fun."
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