The Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2016 starts with the qualifiers on the 29th June and runs until the 3rd July. After the success of last year in which Airton Cozzolino took the title ahead of Keahi de Aboitiz, the 2016 event carries a big expectation among the industry, riders and kiting fans. The Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro 2015 saw huge crowds pack the beach, cheering loudly for the incredible action on the water. This year looks set to further build on that success and be even bigger and better in 2016.
GKA Grand Slam Wave and Strapless Freestyle Tour 2016 Video
24 riders will compete in the main event. Those 24 riders are made up by:
• The top 8 riders from last year´s event who qualify directly to the competition;
• 4 wildcards will be also be awarded to riders by local contest organizers;
• 12 riders will qualify via a trial competition on the 29th June.
Here’s the current list of riders for the 2016 event, taking place at the famous Valdevaqueros beach in Tarifa:
Airton Cozzolino, Mitu Monteiro, Matchu Lopez, Julen Kerner, Patri McLaughlin, Evan Netsch, Matt Elsasser, Reider Decker, Jan Marcos Rivera, Theo Demanez, Sando Pisu, Camille Delannoy, Danny Morrice, Herve Boure, Tundra Max Tachteris, Paulino Pereira, Luis Brito, Djo Silva, Stefano Gentilli, Ralph Boelen, Ismail Adarzane, July Rebollo, Gustavo Arrojo, Lele
The Tarifa Strapless Kitesurfing Pro is also the first event in the GKA Wave & Strapless Freestyle Tour, which consists of four events this season, at the end of which the GKA will crown a GKA Wave and Freestyle Rider of the Year – the most all-round high-performing rider across all four events, in waves and in strapless freestyle. The other Grand Slam Wave & Strapless Freestyle events planned are:
TARIFA – STRAPLESS FREESTYLE (Men only)
29th June – 3rd July
(confirmed)
SOTAVENTO – STRAPLESS FREESTYLE (Men only) 1st – 6th August
MAURITIUS – WAVE / STRAPLESS FREESTYLE
3rd – 17th September
(TBC)
FORTALEZA – WAVE / STRAPLESS FREESTYLE
1st – 6th November
(TBC)
Tarifa is not only famous for consistent wind, but also for its unique kiting culture, vibe and nightlife. We’ve taken great care to ensure that all aspects of the event go-off with a bang, and we look forward to launching the event in style at the opening ceremony, which will be held at the Wet-Café, with the awards venue at the Chiringuito Tangana.
For more info on the GKA and the Grand Slam series, visit
www.global-kitesports.org / www.facebook.com/Global-Kitesports-Association-GKA
Check out the Tarifa Pro 2016 Facebook page
