GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup concludes in Sylt
by GKA Kite World Tour 30 Aug 2025 07:37 PDT
26-31 August 2025
GKA Hydrofoil Big Air World Cup final day © Lukas K Stiller
The 2025 GKA Kite World Cup Sylt got under way in spectacular fashion, with the opening discipline of Hydrofoil Big Air setting the tone for the week. Seventeen athletes registered to compete - sixteen men and one woman - in what proved to be an action-packed day of competition.
Noticeably absent from the lineup was reigning World Champion Charles Brodel, sidelined by injury. His absence left the door wide open for a new rider to seize the crown, and the challengers did not disappoint.
Semi-Finals: battle for the final spots
The intensity rose in Round 3, as riders fought for the top two spots in each semi-final to advance.
In Semi-Final 1, New Zealand's Hugo Wigglesworth stamped his authority from the opening minutes, stringing together three high-scoring tricks to establish a commanding lead. Despite some late crashes, Lorenzo Casati of Spain joined him in the final, edging out Borja Vellon and Robby James, who could not find the consistency needed to advance.
Semi-Final 2 saw Germany's Finn Flügel take control early, with Italy's Leonardo Casati hot on his heels. Dominican rider Joselito del Rosario impressed with strong opening moves but couldn't maintain the rhythm, finishing third and just missing a place in the final. Swiss rider Peer Schnyder struggled to land the tricks he needed, bowing out in fourth.
The Final: Wigglesworth shines in light winds
With the wind hovering at just 13 knots, conditions were challenging, but Wigglesworth showed no sign of hesitation. Combining height, control, and smooth execution, the Kiwi rider looked untouchable throughout the heat.
Behind him, Finn Flügel coped admirably with the light breeze, piecing together enough solid scores to secure second place. The Casati brothers pushed hard, with Lorenzo attempting an ambitious unhooked handle pass in a late bid to climb the rankings. The move paid off enough to put him into third, while Leonardo settled for fourth after a series of crashes.
In the closing moments, Wigglesworth landed a powerful trick worth 7.87 points, cementing his victory and claiming the win here in Sylt, Germany.
Final Results - Sylt Hydrofoil Big Air
1st - Hugo Wigglesworth (NZL)
2nd - Finn Flügel (GER)
3rd - Lorenzo Casati (ESP)
4th - Leonardo Casati (ITA)
With the Hydrofoil Big Air discipline complete, all eyes now turn to the Kite-Surf competition, which will headline the final two days in Sylt.