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Two-time Red Bull King of the Air champion Andrea Principi set two world records on Friday when he completed the highest drop from a structure with a kite and the most "Around the World" loops with six from the top of Ain Dubai - the world's tallest observation wheel at 250 metres.<br /><br />Here is all you need to know:<br /><br />Italian kitesurfer Principi, 21, has already carved out an impressive Big Air career thanks to his stunning 2023 and 2024 Red Bull King of the Air wins and two GKA Big Air World titles in 2022 and 2023.<br /><br />For this latest project, one of Italy's most promising extreme sports athletes worked with Red Bull King of the Air Sportive Director and board sports legend Sergio Cantagalli to attempt two world records in Dubai from the imposing Ain Dubai structure that is the equivalent of 57 storeys high.<br /><br />The idea for the drop came to Principi 18 months ago after he spotted a smaller observation wheel and, as soon as he arrived in the UAE and saw Ain Dubai, he knew that he had found the right place.<br /><br />To put the scale of the jump in perspective: in Big Air competition, a 15-metre jump is considered impressive, with elite competition-level sends exceeding 25-30 metres. Principi's dramatic Ain Dubai drop was the equivalent of 10 top-tier Big Air jumps stacked on top of each other.<br /><br />Principi boarded the wheel at ground level, launching his 15-square-metre Duotone kite from the bottom cabin with drone assistance and a manual quick-release system. As the wheel ascended, he flew the kite alongside it - fighting light winds that left it barely airborne. Metre by metre, he nursed the kite upward, keeping it stable until he reached the top and 250 metres above the water.<br /><br />He stepped off the iconic Dubai landmark at 6:54am local time in 14-knot winds to touch down smoothly on the waters of the Persian Gulf off Jumeirah Beach Residence before riding away on his board.<br /><br />The 58-second world-first descent also saw Principi execute six consecutive "Around the World" loops, a world first for the advanced kitesurfing manoeuvre.<br /><br />He said: "When I was at the top with my kite above my head and the board ready, I couldn't believe it. I said to myself, 'OK, it's time - don't think about it, go for it, jump'. I didn't even look down. I just looked at the amazing city and flew into the water. The sun was red in front of me. I could see the whole city from up high. I have no words to explain the feeling - it's too much."<br /><br />At times, it looked like the project might not get off the ground. After three days of failed plans and sleepless nights - the team waking at 3am each morning – a breakthrough came on the final day.<br /><br />By chance, the cabin Principi dropped from was number 27, on February 27th – a detail he took as a sign. He added: "When I want to do something and I really have it in my mind, until I reach it, I'm not done. I could have stayed here another month. If it didn't happen today, it would have happened eventually - I would never leave this city until I jumped. Now I feel a massive weight off me."<br /><br />Cantagalli declared: "We managed to do something we probably weren't even expecting. We came up with an idea and it ended up working in a completely different way. Don't ask me how it happened - we just made it. You have to consider that this equipment is not a parachute - it's not made to fly. But Andrea knows his limits better than anyone else. Beyond his experience, his mindset was there. We spent day and night together trying to find a solution."<br /><br />Principi, who grew up riding waves off the Tuscan coast, admitted: "I cannot live a normal life. I need to constantly push my limits."<br /><br />What's next? He revealed: "Something crazy that no one has done before."<br /><br />Footage: Red Bull

Andrea Principi Jumps Off 250-Meter-High Ain Dubai Observation Wheel

27th February, 2026

Two-time Red Bull King of the Air champion Andrea Principi set two world records on Friday when he completed the highest drop from a structure with a kite and the most "Around the World" loops with six from the top of Ain Dubai - the world's tallest observation wheel at ...

The Lanzarote Quemao Class has crowned its 9th bodyboarding champion, Tenerife bodyboarder David Pérez.<br /><br />Over two days in which ocean conditions exceeded all expectations, competitors pushed every heat to the limit to make the most of a demanding wave that once again proved why it's a global draw.<br /><br />In bodyboarding, the final featured France's Pierre Louis Costes, Basque rider Alex Uranga, Fuerteventura's Ruyman Rey, and Tenerife's David Pérez. It was a high-level heat in which the Tenerife native emerged victorious.<br /><br />David Pérez had been one of the standout competitors from the very start of the championship. Round after round, he raised his level, establishing himself as the surfer to beat heading into the final.<br /><br />"This year I felt a really strong connection with the championship - a different kind of motivation," he said after being crowned champion.<br /><br />"I've competed in three editions, and the previous ones didn't go as well for me, so maybe I had a bit of unfinished business. The atmosphere here in La Santa, the people on the beach, the quality of the wave - it all adds up. When you make it into a final, you know you have to take risks and give your best performance, and this time it worked out."<br /><br />The awards ceremony brought the 9th edition to a close with a festive atmosphere in La Santa, where local artist NASE performed live.<br /><br />The musician, who wrote the song featured in the event's official teasers, took the stage with a piece that has already become part of the Lanzarote Quemao Class's sonic identity, reinforcing the bond between sport, culture, and place.

2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class | Bodyboarding Highlights: Finals Day

24th February, 2026

The Lanzarote Quemao Class has crowned its 9th bodyboarding champion, Tenerife bodyboarder David Pérez.Over two days in which ocean conditions exceeded all expectations, competitors pushed every heat to the limit to make the most of a demanding wave that once again proved why it's a global draw.In bodyboarding, the final ...

The Lanzarote Quemao Class has crowned its 9th surfing champion: the local surfer Conor Donegan.<br /><br />Over two days in which ocean conditions exceeded all expectations, competitors pushed every heat to the limit to make the most of a demanding wave that once again proved why it's a global draw.<br /><br />The surf final brought together Basque surfers Adur Amatriain and Yago Domínguez, France's Joan Durú, and Lanzarote's Conor Donegan.<br /><br />In a very tight heat, the local surfer claimed victory after posting two of the most impressive waves of the entire championship.<br /><br />Donegan was also one of the biggest surprises of this 9th edition.<br /><br />One of the youngest surfers in the competition and solid from his very first heat, he improved round after round, establishing himself as one of the most consistent competitors in the event and capping his run with a hometown victory.<br /><br />"From the moment the championship started, I felt really good. Even before it began, I had the feeling this edition could stay at home, and I hoped I could be the one to win it. I felt very comfortable - in the end, I know where to position myself and which waves to choose. What I didn't expect were these results, and honestly, I don't have the words. I want to thank all the locals - this award belongs to them too, because they're the ones who have helped and pushed me since I was a kid," he explained.<br />The awards ceremony brought the 9th edition to a close with a festive atmosphere in La Santa, where local artist NASE performed live. The musician, who wrote the song featured in the event's official teasers, took the stage with a piece that has already become part of the Lanzarote Quemao Class's sonic identity, reinforcing the bond between sport, culture, and place.<br /><br />The president of the Lanzarote Island Council, Oswaldo Betancort, highlighted that "we're wrapping up a Lanzarote Quemao Class that was long awaited, but it was worth it. These 64 competitors, who set out to meet the challenge of riding a very difficult wave in terms of power and skill, have taken us to every corner of the world."<br /><br />"From the Island Council of Lanzarote, we are convinced that we must continue to invest financially in this product. It's a product that's not only about sport, not only about tourism - it's about gastronomy, identity, culture, and above all the solidarity of the people of La Santa with this event," he concluded.<br /><br />For his part, the mayor of Tinajo, Jesús Machín, said: "This edition comes to an end - we're very happy, but also a little sad, because what we've seen and experienced over these two days is now over, and it will be some time before we can see it again."<br /><br />He continued, emphasizing that "this edition of the Lanzarote Quemao Class has sent a message: we need to keep strengthening it, we need to take care of it - and that's being demonstrated by the participation of so many people over these days."<br /><br />The Sports Councilor of the Lanzarote Island Council, Juan Monzón, stated that "we can sum up this edition of the Lanzarote Quemao Class in two words: absolute success. Everything we've experienced over these two days has been a success."<br /><br />"The waves delivered, and we've witnessed a great spectacle thanks to these riders who have come from different parts of the world to take part in a sporting event on our island."<br /><br />From the Economic Promotion department – Saborea Lanzarote, Councilor Nori Machín noted, "as expected, we continue to back our local product. The Lanzarote Quemao Class has clearly consolidated itself over these nine editions; it's positioning itself internationally and is a global benchmark. What defines this event is its ability to showcase our local product and the talent of our people."<br /><br />And so the 9th edition of the Lanzarote Quemao Class comes to a close, once again projecting the island onto the international stage of surf and bodyboard, bringing together the elite of the global scene in La Santa, Tinajo.

2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class | Surfing Highlights: Finals Day

24th February, 2026

The Lanzarote Quemao Class has crowned its 9th surfing champion: the local surfer Conor Donegan.Over two days in which ocean conditions exceeded all expectations, competitors pushed every heat to the limit to make the most of a demanding wave that once again proved why it's a global draw.The surf final ...

The 2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class closed its first day of competition with a session in which performance continued to rise at La Santa in the Canary Islands.<br /><br />Expectations for this 9th edition were higher than ever, and this opening day did not disappoint.<br /><br />In the bodyboarding division, Pierre Louis Costes earned a place in the quarterfinals with the best wave of the day.<br /><br />"I'm really happy, honestly, because when I come to compete here, I know it's not a normal event. When the event starts, when they make the call, it means the conditions are firing. This is a very high-quality wave, and we know we're lucky to have only four people in the water," explained the French bodyboarder.<br /><br />"It's an incredible feeling to catch such a good wave in front of everyone," he added.<br /><br />Amaury Lavernhe was also one of the day's main protagonists.<br /><br />The Reunion Island native advanced as a top seed, commenting that "I'm super happy to start with this result and to be back at the Lanzarote Quemao Class.<br /><br />"It's a very special event for everyone - for us competitors and for the local community. We were really looking forward to being here, and we're very grateful."<br /><br />To wrap up this first day of competition, the first bodyboarding semifinalists were decided, and they will battle for a spot in the final.<br /><br />They are Basque rider Alex Uranga, Gran Canaria's Lionel Medina, Tenerife's David Pérez, and Aitor Ojeda from Fuerteventura.<br /><br />Tomorrow, the second and final day of competition begins with the competitors' call at 7:30 a.m., followed by action starting at 8:00 a.m. in La Santa, Tinajo.

2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class | Bodyboarding Highlights: Day One

23rd February, 2026

The 2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class closed its first day of competition with a session in which performance continued to rise at La Santa in the Canary Islands.Expectations for this 9th edition were higher than ever, and this opening day did not disappoint.In the bodyboarding division, Pierre Louis Costes earned a ...

2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class | Surfing Highlights: Day One

23rd February, 2026

The 2026 Lanzarote Quemao Class closed its first day of competition with a session in which performance continued to rise at La Santa in the Canary Islands.One of the afternoon's standout performers was local surfer Manuel Lezcano, who advanced to the quarterfinals as the leader of his heat."It was a ...

A massive bed of sea foam covered a large part of Leça da Palmeira Beach, near Porto, Portugal.<br /><br />The natural phenomenon was generated by several back-to-back storms that slammed the southwestern European nation after Depression Kristin made landfall, causing widespread destruction and several deaths.<br /><br />Sea foam is common in the north of Portugal during North Atlantic-generated winter swells, but the region never witnessed anything like this.<br /><br />The blanket of spume covered the sand strip from the low tide line to the seaside promenade, with parts being blown into the nearby streets.<br /><br />From late January 2026 to early February, Portugal registered the highest wind speed ever on record: 129,7 miles per hour (208,8 kilometers per hour).<br /><br />Over 850,000 people lost power when Storm Kristin hit the territory.<br /><br />Several cities became war zones, cut off from the outside world without communications, electricity, water, and gas supply. High-voltage transmission towers were obliterated.<br /><br />The state of calamity was declared.

Storms Hit Portugal, Blanketing the Coast in Sea Foam

3rd February, 2026

A massive bed of sea foam covered a large part of Leça da Palmeira Beach, near Porto, Portugal.The natural phenomenon was generated by several back-to-back storms that slammed the southwestern European nation after Depression Kristin made landfall, causing widespread destruction and several deaths.Sea foam is common in the north of ...

More than 10,000 people packed Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve for the 2025 edition of Surfing Santas, one of Florida’s most recognizable holiday traditions.<br /><br />Hundreds of surfers suited up as Santa Claus, elves, and other festive characters, filling the water and the shoreline with red suits, surfboards, and holiday noise.<br /><br />Now in its 17th year, Surfing Santas began in 2009 as a small family surf by local surfer George Trosset.<br /><br />What started with one Santa and one elf has grown into a global spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators and around 500 costumed surfers in and out of the Atlantic.<br /><br />The day delivered all the classics, including the annual Santa helicopter jump, creative costume contests, and the crowd-favorite SUPsquatch, where four surfers rode a single board together.<br /><br />Near-perfect weather, live music, and nonstop smiles kept the beach buzzing all morning.<br /><br />Beyond the fun, Surfing Santas raises money for the Florida Surf Museum, Grind for Life, and Who We Play For, supporting cancer patients and heart health awareness.<br /><br />It’s part surf session, part holiday party, and all Cocoa Beach.<br /><br />Footage: NPI Productions / Dalton Smith

Surfing Santas 2025 Light Up Cocoa Beach

26th December, 2025

More than 10,000 people packed Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve for the 2025 edition of Surfing Santas, one of Florida’s most recognizable holiday traditions.Hundreds of surfers suited up as Santa Claus, elves, and other festive characters, filling the water and the shoreline with red suits, surfboards, and holiday noise.Now in ...

Brazilian Lucas Chianca and France's Justine Dupont both claimed victory in the world's most prestigious big-wave surfing contest, the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge 2025, amid some of the biggest waves the contest at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, has ever seen.<br /><br />The 2025-26 edition of the tow-surfing event was called on for Saturday, December 14, as a huge Atlantic swell pushed some of the biggest waves ever seen at the tow-surfing competition into Praia do Norte, with faces ranging from 40-50 feet (12-15 meters) that required huge commitment and perfect synchronization from competitors and their safety crews.<br /><br />Multi-time Nazaré Big Wave Challenge winner Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca delivered an incredibly committed performance, riding two of the biggest waves of the day while also enduring two of the biggest wipeouts.<br /><br />After going over the falls on his first wave and being held underwater for almost 30 seconds, Chianca regrouped and was soon back up on another wave, but went over the falls again and had to endure another wipeout.<br /><br />His tow partner Pedro "Scooby" Vianna plucked him out, and Chianca went back out to eventually score his fifth Best Male Performance award.<br /><br />After the first heat, Chianca sat in the lead with a score of 23.60 to the 23.46 of Portuguese local Nic von Rupp.<br /><br />The second round competition was ultimately called off early following a power outage on the headland, so Chianca narrowly beat von Rupp to the title by 0.14 points.<br /><br />Rupp, however, scored the best wave of the day, an 8.33-scored ride, and the Best Team Performance alongside partner Clement Roseyro.<br /><br />"That was a heavy moment for sure, one of the heaviest wipeouts of my life. I want to thank Sebastian Steudtner for picking me up right in front of the rocks; he saved my life today."<br /><br />"The day started really gnarly, but we tried our best. Pedro 'Scooby' Vianna put me on some bombs, and I put him on some bombs. Thanks to Nazaré for putting on a show and to WSL for making this happen," said 30-year-old Chianca.<br /><br />Backing up her win from the 2024/2025 edition in February, Justine Dupont earned her second-consecutive Best Women's Performance award and her fifth overall victory in the event.<br /><br />Now based in Nazaré with her family, the French big-wave specialist rode the giant waves with style, successfully riding out onto the shoulder.<br /><br />Dupont's two best waves were a 6.9 (doubled) and a 6.07, which saw her score a 19.87-point total to take the win from Brazil’s Michelle des Bouillons (17.5) and Great Britain’s Laura Crane (11.93).<br /><br />"It was a crazy day, and I'm so happy with the win. I just want to thank Eric Rebiere, he's the best driver out there," said Dupont.

Nazaré Big Wave Challenge 2025/2026 | Highlights

15th December, 2025

Brazilian Lucas Chianca and France's Justine Dupont both claimed victory in the world's most prestigious big-wave surfing contest, the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge 2025, amid some of the biggest waves the contest at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, has ever seen.The 2025-26 edition of the tow-surfing event was called ...

On December 6th, 2025, at 4:40 pm on Cape Town’s iconic Kite Beach, Hugo Wigglesworth launched himself into the sky and shattered a barrier that many believed wouldn’t fall for years: he became the first kitesurfer in history to jump 40 meters.<br /><br />The moment was captured, measured, and verified by WOO, the world’s leading big-air measuring device — using a small sensor mounted to Hugo’s foilboard to track the jump.<br /><br />The Night Before: A Braai, a Forecast, and a Feeling<br /><br />It all began the previous evening, when the Flysurfer crew gathered for a South African braai — a relaxed barbecue that quickly turned into a heated debate.<br /><br />The forecast was calling for violent evening gusts pushing toward 40 knots, the kind of wind that only true big-air riders dream about.<br /><br />Someone asked the question everyone was thinking about: Could Hugo break the world record tomorrow? Some nodded confidently, others shrugged at the madness of the idea, and Hugo simply smiled and kept his thoughts to himself.<br /><br />A Rider with Something to Prove<br /><br />Before the chaos of the historic jump, Hugo spent the morning in training.<br /><br />He had every reason to push harder than ever: he was one of the biggest upsets among the riders not selected for the 2025 Red Bull King of the Air — the most prestigious kitesurfing competition in the world.<br /><br />Since the moment the rider list was published without his name on it, Hugo had been on the water every day.<br /><br />After a focused hour of training, he came off the water, headed back to the Flysurfer house, made himself avocado on toast, and settled in front of the TV to watch Formula 1 qualifying.<br /><br />Even as the cars sped around the circuit, his eyes kept drifting to his phone to check the live wind updates. And then suddenly, Hugo stood up and said, “Let’s break a WOO World Record today.”<br /><br />Within seconds, the house erupted into purposeful chaos. Kite bags zipped, foil boards were loaded, wetsuits were thrown into cars, cameras and phones were plugged in for a last-minute charge. Hugo, his parents, and the Flysurfer team piled into their cars and headed straight for the beach.<br /><br />In a twist of irony worthy of a sports documentary, Hugo parked directly at the event site of the very competition he had not been invited to — one of the most famous kite beaches on Earth.<br /><br />A New Setup and a Sense of Destiny<br /><br />When the team arrived, Hugo’s mother and father set up his foil gear while Jamie Overbeek (the current second-highest jump on the WOO leader board) was already throwing massive jumps on the 7m SONIC⁵ with a twin twin — a very clear signal that conditions were escalating fast.<br /><br />Then came the small but crucial detail: Hugo had changed his setup. He’d replaced his 23-meter lines with a 17-meter configuraEon, a decision that was crucial for the course of the story.<br /><br />Hugo launched the kite with calm focus, carved out to sea, and lit up his very first jump on the new setup. The WOO registered 28-plus meters — an outrageous height for a warm-up, enough to make spectators pause and wonder what exactly they were witnessing.<br /><br />He kept jumping, each time going higher and cleaner, then tacked far outside and took off on a choppy kicker wave. Compared to his earlier take-offs, this one came in with nearly double the entry speed.<br /><br />Hugo edged hard, sent the kite with full commitment, and the world seemed to freeze for a second. Then the beach erupted in disbelief.<br /><br />In that moment, Hugo launched into what would soon be confirmed as the highest jump ever recorded in kitesurfing history.<br /><br />Hugo’s mother watched her son disappear into the sky and whispered, almost to herself:<br /><br />“This is the highest I’ve ever seen Hugo go in my life.”<br /><br />Yet even as the beach gasped and cheered, Hugo showed no reaction. No raised fist.<br /><br />No shout. No celebration. He simply rode back out, as if the impossible had just been another test run.<br /><br />The Whisper That Shook the Beach<br /><br />Ten minutes later, Hugo finally headed to shore. He landed his kite with the same calm focus he had launched with, walked toward his parents and the Flysurfer team, leaned in, and whispered:<br /><br />“I just went 40 meters.”<br /><br />No theatrics. No shouting. Just six words — delivered quietly.<br /><br />Hugo packed his SONIC⁵, slung it under his arm, and started walking toward the parking lot like someone who had finished a normal training day, not someone who had redefined the limits of human flight.<br /><br />But history has a way of spreading fast. Within minutes, the news erupted across the beach. Flysurfer riders, local media crews, podcasters, photographers, and even people who had already left came rushing back.<br /><br />The new world record holder grabbed a 6m ERA and ran to the beach with a big smile:<br /><br />“You can’t train double loops every day, can you?”<br /><br />What followed looked like a rider beginning his day, not finishing it: massive double loops, huge S-loops, explosive rotaTons.<br /><br />It was as if breaking a world record had simply opened the door to more possibilities, and Hugo wasn’t done exploring them.

Hugo Wigglesworth's 40-Meter Kite Jump: A New World Record

10th December, 2025

On December 6th, 2025, at 4:40 pm on Cape Town’s iconic Kite Beach, Hugo Wigglesworth launched himself into the sky and shattered a barrier that many believed wouldn’t fall for years: he became the first kitesurfer in history to jump 40 meters.The moment was captured, measured, and verified by WOO, ...

Lorenzo Casati and Nathalie Lambrecht have claimed the prestigious 2025 Red Bull King of the Air title, held at Kite Beach in Bloubergstrand, South Africa.<br /><br />In a sport often driven by youthful bravado, raw talent and deep family roots, Sunday's Open Division final delivered a moment kiteboarding fans won't soon forget: two brothers going head-to-head for one of Big Air's most coveted titles.<br /><br />A historic family showdown<br /><br />The 15-minute, three-rider finale was a blur of powered loops and high-stakes tricks. When the spray finally settled, it was 20-year-old Lorenzo Casati who emerged on top with 34.02 points.<br /><br />His 16-year-old brother, Leonardo, finished just behind with 31.12 - an astonishing result in his event debut.<br /><br />At 16 years, 5 months and 16 days, he also became the youngest finalist in King of the Air history, edging out the previous record set by Jamie Overbeek in 2022. Dutch rider Cohan van Dijk completed the podium with 27.18 points.<br /><br />For much of the heat, it looked like the younger Casati might steal the spotlight. Leonardo kept the pressure high with composed, high-scoring passes that forced his older brother to respond.<br /><br />But Lorenzo - a former champion known for his calm under fire - delivered a decisive KiteLoop-BoardLoop combination, then threw down a massive jump at the 17:39 mark that effectively locked in the win.<br /><br />He added two more tricks at the buzzer for good measure, securing his second King of the Air crown.<br /><br />"It's the best to share it with my brother and father - a dream come true," Lorenzo said, fighting back emotion. "I'm even more motivated to push with my brother in the water. I have to thank my dad, and thanks to my sponsors and the public here."<br /><br />On the beach, their father watched a moment years in the making - a family dream transformed into kiteboarding history.<br /><br />Women's Division: A razor-thin finish<br /><br />While the Open final delivered a storybook family moment, the Women's Division came down to sheer competitive grit.<br /><br />Sweden's Nathalie Lambrecht narrowly clinched the title with 26.92 points, edging the Netherlands' Zara Hoogenraad by just 0.55 - one of the tightest margins the event has ever seen. Slovenia's Lana Herman, a late-stage injury replacement who became a crowd favorite, claimed third with 23.73.<br /><br />Hoogenraad, appearing in her second consecutive final, pushed Lambrecht to the limit. But Lambrecht's consistency and technical precision - underscored by a standout 7.52-point KiteLoop Board Off - proved just enough to secure the crown.<br /><br />"This is amazing," Lambrecht said afterward. "Thanks to my coach, my sponsors… I'm still trying to take this all in."<br /><br />Herman's unexpected podium run capped one of the event's most uplifting storylines, showing how preparation and perseverance can turn opportunity into achievement.<br /><br />Footage: Red Bull<br /><br />Full story:<br />https://www.surfertoday.com/kiteboarding/lorenzo-casati-and-nathalie-lambrecht-win-2025-red-bull-king-of-the-air

2025 Red Bull King of the Air | Highlights

27th November, 2025

Lorenzo Casati and Nathalie Lambrecht have claimed the prestigious 2025 Red Bull King of the Air title, held at Kite Beach in Bloubergstrand, South Africa.In a sport often driven by youthful bravado, raw talent and deep family roots, Sunday's Open Division final delivered a moment kiteboarding fans won't soon forget: ...

A full day of Finals saw 12 world champions crowned in pumping four-to-six-foot swell at the north side of Oceanside pier for the conclusion of the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship (WSPC).<br /><br />Today's champions, along with the four crowned yesterday, made history with three Perfect 10-point rides awarded in an event that will be remembered for its boundary-pushing performances.<br /><br />France became the first team to win three consecutive team gold medals, equalling the USA's overall total in the process.<br /><br />A total of 12 medals provided France with its most decisive victory yet. Five gold medals were joined by two silver, two bronze, and three copper.<br /><br />The USA had to settle for silver for the third year running, with Brazil returning to the podium for bronze, and Australia taking copper.<br /><br />ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:<br /><br />"What we saw this week in Oceanside was truly special. The level of surfing, the camaraderie, the joy, it was incredible. This is the United Nations of para surfing, and it fills my heart every year. For ten years, we have been building this movement together. The athletes keep pushing the sport to new heights, and the world is watching."<br /><br />"We are more committed than ever to the growth and development of para surfing, and we are so excited for the sport's future. Our dream of joining the Paralympic Games is alive and strong. We are looking towards Brisbane 2032 with hope and determination. I want to congratulate every athlete. A few go home with medals, but all of you are champions, because you are here representing your countries. Long live para surfing."<br /><br />2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship | Final Results<br /><br />Team<br />Gold - France<br />Silver - USA<br />Bronze - Brazil<br />Copper - Australia<br /><br />Men's Sit<br />Gold - Guillaume Colin (FRA)<br />Silver - Jeff Munson (USA)<br />Bronze - Chris Oberle (USA)<br />Copper - Juan Manuel Camacho Solano (CRC)<br /><br />Men's VI 1<br />Gold - Thomas Da Silva (FRA)<br />Silver - Kirk Watson (AUS)<br />Bronze - Ben Neumann (GER)<br />Copper - Elias ‘Figue' Diel (BRA)<br /><br />Men's VI 2<br />Gold - Pierrot Gagliano (FRA)<br />Silver - Luis Nicolas Medina (CHI)<br />Bronze - Roy Calderon (CRC)<br />Copper - Jack Jackson (AUS)<br /><br />Women's VI 2<br />Gold - Alelí Medina (PUR)<br />Silver - Melissa Reid (ENG)<br />Bronze - Ling Pai (CAN)<br />Copper - Sarah Gibson (AUS)<br /><br />Open Stand 3<br />Gold - Luciano Nem Silveira (BRA)<br />Silver - Eric Dargent (FRA)<br />Bronze - Naomichi Katsukura (JPN)<br />Copper - Stella Papetti (ITA)<br /><br />Men's Prone 2<br />Gold - Davi Teixeira (BRA)<br />Silver - Jose Martinez (USA)<br />Bronze - Mathius Vanderhoogth (CRC)<br />Copper - Cliff Gralton (AUS)<br /><br />Women's Prone 2<br />Gold - Sarah Almagro (ESP)<br />Silver - Beatrice Duran (FRA)<br />Bronze - Celine Roulliard (FRA)<br />Copper - Hannah Dines (ENG)<br /><br />Men's Prone 1<br />Gold - Joel Taylor (AUS)<br />Silver - Kai Colless (AUS)<br />Bronze - Cleuson Soares (BRA)<br />Copper - Bruno Hansen (DEN)<br /><br />Men's Kneel<br />Gold - Llywelyn ‘Sponge' Williams (WAL)<br />Silver - Dijackson Santos (BRA)<br />Bronze - Juan Martín Díaz Martínez (MEX)<br />Copper - Maxime Cabanne (FRA)<br /><br />Women's Kneel<br />Gold - Victoria Feige (CAN)<br />Silver - Vera Quaresma (BRA)<br />Bronze - Emma Dieters (AUS)<br />Copper - Emmanuelle Blanchet (FRA)<br /><br />Men's Stand 1<br />Gold - Davi Lima (BRA)<br />Silver - Ant Smyth (RSA)<br />Bronze - Suguru Nara (JPN)<br />Copper - Camilo Abdula (POR)<br /><br />Men's Stand 2<br />Gold - Kenjiro Ito (JPN)<br />Silver - Morgan Galeffi (ITA)<br />Bronze - Nachman Yariv Balulu (ISR)<br />Copper - JP Veaudry (RSA)

2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship | Finals Highlights

10th November, 2025

A full day of Finals saw 12 world champions crowned in pumping four-to-six-foot swell at the north side of Oceanside pier for the conclusion of the 2025 ISA World Para Surfing Championship (WSPC).Today's champions, along with the four crowned yesterday, made history with three Perfect 10-point rides awarded in an ...

Zoltan Torkos - the surfer who treats a wave like a skateboard ramp - is a known name in Santa Cruz and on the internet. People call him "The Magician."<br /><br />He mixes skate tricks, showmanship, and a long local history on the water.<br /><br />He grew up in Santa Cruz, California. His family story is a patchwork: a father who came from Hungary, and a mother from an Italian-Scotch-Irish line of magicians.<br /><br />Zoltan says he learned to surf, skate, and perform at a very young age. His older brother pushed him into surfing, and the two brothers shaped his early days in the lineup.<br /><br />What makes Zoltan stand out is a simple idea: try skate tricks on a surfboard.<br /><br />He trained the same moves you see on a skateboard - kickflips, darkslides, finger flips - and adapted them to waves.<br /><br />Torkos is widely credited as the first surfer to land a true kickflip on a wave and to film it for public view. That effort drew big attention in the surf world and beyond.<br /><br />The kickflip moment became a small drama.<br /><br />In 2011, a contest bounty for the first kickflip on a wave led to debate about whether Zoltan's clip met the contest rules.<br /><br />Fans and critics argued online, and the contest sponsor eventually paid him. The episode helped burn his name into surf lore.<br /><br />Zoltan didn't stop at one trick.<br /><br />He brought the "darkslide" - a skateboard move where the board rides upside down - into surfing, and he kept inventing or adapting unusual moves.<br /><br />Publications often describe him as experimental and a little mysterious. He gives lessons in Santa Cruz and still rides the local breaks.<br /><br />His style is playful and deliberate. Torkos names new moves in ways that sound like stage acts.<br /><br />He likes to push the limits of what a surfboard can do in the pocket of a wave. That attitude attracted attention from surf media, from online outlets to TV series.<br /><br />Red Bull's "In Plain Sight" profiled him, and several surf magazines and websites have run features and clips on his work.<br /><br />Zoltan's self-presentation blends surf culture with performance.<br /><br />He embraces the nickname "The Magician," a nod to his family history of stage magic and to the theatrical side of his surfing.<br /><br />On his personal website and social channels, he posts videos of trick attempts, lessons, and short films.<br /><br />His footage is often the evidence people point to when they talk about who did what first in trick surfing.<br /><br />People who know him or who study the small currents of surf history see him as ahead of his time.<br /><br />For some, he is a local character who never chased mainstream fame. For others, he is an innovator who quietly changed the trick vocabulary for a generation of aerial and technical surfers.<br /><br />Articles that revisit his work often note the stubborn, patient grind behind each trick - hundreds of attempts, odd bruises, and a long stretch of experimentation.<br /><br />Quick facts you can check fast:<br /><br />* Nickname: "The Magician";<br />* Hometown: Santa Cruz, California;<br />* Notable firsts attributed to him: first recorded surfing kickflip on a wave, first darkslide on a wave, early wake-surf kickflip, and other flipped tricks;<br />* Media: featured on Red Bull's "In Plain Sight";<br /><br />Zoltan's approach matters to surfers because he asks a basic question: what else can a surfboard do when a rider brings skateboard thinking to the ocean?<br /><br />The answer has rippled through trick surfers, aerial specialists, and filmmakers who chase new images on waves.<br /><br />Visit @ZoltanTorkosOfficial channel on YouTube.

Zoltan Torkos: The Kickflip Surfing Magician

30th September, 2025

Zoltan Torkos - the surfer who treats a wave like a skateboard ramp - is a known name in Santa Cruz and on the internet. People call him "The Magician."He mixes skate tricks, showmanship, and a long local history on the water.He grew up in Santa Cruz, California. His family ...

As the famous Billabong slogan once declared, "Only a surfer knows the feeling."<br /><br />These words couldn't ring truer in this charming short film by Patrick Tom, a commercial film director and lifelong surfer from Redondo Beach.<br /><br />The film titled "The Long Goodbye" is a sentimental story that depicts one surfer's journey of how dewaxing a surfboard explores themes of memory, personal reflection, and letting go.<br /><br />The story follows a lone surfer in a tranquil, mid-day, sunlit setting as he struggles to come to terms with saying goodbye to the wax on his surfboard.<br /><br />Before he meticulously scrapes the old wax from his surfboard, the names of the many breaks he has ridden around the world flash across the screen, serving as visual touchstones of a beloved surf history and past - capturing the emotion of a profound long goodbye.<br /><br />The vintage melody "The Japanese Farewell Song" serves as the film's emotional musical anchor, with lyrics that echo the theme of departure while promising an enduring connection.<br /><br />A final symbolic moment arrives when the surfer compresses the scraped wax into a ball, marking it with the date and adding it to a jar with wax collected from only a handful of key moments.<br /><br />This reflective scene beautifully encapsulates the film's essence about beautiful memories and the passage of time.<br /><br />"This story is definitely me," said director Patrick Tom.<br /><br />"I connect with my wax. I've lived in four countries and surfed all over the world, so every layer, grain of sand, and fingernail mark triggers great memories of sessions I've had."<br /><br />"The Long Goodbye" is a tribute to memories we hold dear, offering surfers and non-surfers an introspective experience that transcends the sport of surfing, as well as revel in it.<br /><br />Production Company: @liberum13 <br />Director: Patrick Tom<br />DOP / Cinematographer: Rene Von Gunten<br />1st Asst. Camera: Jimmy Gilgen<br />Editor: Fatmackajoe<br /><br />Music: "The Japanese Farewell Song"<br />Written by Freddy Morgan, Hasegawa Yoshida<br />Performed by Kay Cee Jones<br />Orchestrated by Lou Raderman

"The Long Goodbye": A Short Film About a Surfer and His Wax

30th September, 2025

As the famous Billabong slogan once declared, "Only a surfer knows the feeling."These words couldn't ring truer in this charming short film by Patrick Tom, a commercial film director and lifelong surfer from Redondo Beach.The film titled "The Long Goodbye" is a sentimental story that depicts one surfer's journey of ...

Brazilian skateboarding icon Sandro Dias has made history by breaking two Guinness World Records with an impressive descent of a 22-story building in southern Brazil.<br /><br />During the project, called Red Bull Building Drop, Dias reached a top speed of 103.8 mph. He skated from a height of 70 meters and made a 60-meter drop, measured from the lowest point of the ramp to the platform.<br /><br />Ten months of preparation<br /><br />This achievement was the result of ten months of intensive training, focusing on G-force training, speed and airbag safety.<br /><br />Sandro trained with a 40 kg vest on a modified mega-ramp and even reached a speed of 136 km/h during speed tests on the tarmac of an airport.<br /><br />Precise planning made it possible to perform this groundbreaking athletic feat.<br /><br />"The most important message I want to convey is to never give up," Dias said after his final descent.<br /><br />"This is a dream that lasted more than 13 years, and we have now fulfilled it by pushing boundaries."<br /><br />A timeless legacy<br /><br />Although Dias turned 50 this year, he continues to push the boundaries of skateboarding.<br /><br />He not only honors the rich history of the sport, but also transcends any competition or record with his groundbreaking vision.<br /><br />Dias emphasized, "I always said this had to be something that benefits skateboarding as a whole. I think this was a great accomplishment, and the visibility we gained ultimately helps everyone - that's the idea. It's not about seeking fame, it's about pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for others."<br /><br />With this achievement, the athlete brought to life a long-held dream.<br /><br />The idea of turning the building into the "ultimate skate-ramp" began as an urban legend and has gone viral over the past decade through memes, fingerboard recreations, and even a parody video on YouTube from 16 years ago.<br /><br />Dias' spectacular descent not only sets a milestone in skateboarding history, but also shows that age does not have to be a limitation for great feats.<br /><br />His record-breaking stunt will long be remembered as a blend of daring, technique, and perseverance.

Brazilian Skateboarder Sandro Dias Breaks Two Guinness World Records Dropping from 22 Story Building

26th September, 2025

Brazilian skateboarding icon Sandro Dias has made history by breaking two Guinness World Records with an impressive descent of a 22-story building in southern Brazil.During the project, called Red Bull Building Drop, Dias reached a top speed of 103.8 mph. He skated from a height of 70 meters and made ...

Brazilian skateboarding pro Sandro Dias made history, breaking two Guinness World Records after dropping in from Centro Administrativo Fernando Ferrari (CAFF), a 22-story building in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.<br /><br />During the project, named Red Bull Building Drop, Dias hit a speed of 103 km/h, skating from a height of 70 meters with a drop of 60 meters, which was measured from the lowest point of the ramp to the platform.<br /><br />He surpassed the records he had set during training sessions leading up to the day of the drop, when he achieved a drop-in nearly six meters lower, and reached a top speed of 90.8 km/h.<br /><br />"The most important message I want to share is never give up on your dreams. This is a dream of more than 13 years that we've just achieved now, pushing the limits," Dias reflected after the final drop.<br /><br />With this feat, created in collaboration with Prada Linea Rossa, the 50-year-old Red Bull athlete brought to life a long-standing urban legend: transforming the building into the "Ultimate Skate Ramp" - a dream that has been shared for more than a decade through memes, fingerboard recreations, and even a spoof viral YouTube video 16 years ago.<br /><br />Through G-force, speed, and airbag safety training, the feat was the result of precise planning and calculated risk. Sandro trained with a 40-kilogram vest on a modified mega ramp and hit 136 km/h in airport tarmac speed tests.<br /><br />To step onto each platform, Dias was lowered numerous times from the building's rooftop using rappelling equipment - a harness and a rope secured at the top - assisted by experts, fully exposed to the elements.<br /><br />Throughout the feat, Dias carried out a total of four attempts, all successfully executed on the first try.<br /><br />The skater's final descent had never been attempted during training, underscoring his mental and physical fortitude as he ventured into uncharted territory.<br /><br />Officials from the Guinness World Records were present on site to verify Dias' feat and the records he set, awarding the Brazilian a certificate for "the tallest drop into a temporary quarter pipe," and one for "the fastest speed skateboarding on a temporary quarter pipe."<br /><br />To make the descent of the world's biggest ramp possible, plywood panels were constructed along the building's outer curve.<br /><br />The concrete surface beneath was weathered and cracked from years of exposure, making it unsafe for skateboarding in its natural state.<br /><br />The temporary overlay not only protected the building's façade but also allowed Dias to ride a smooth line from top to bottom, while fully utilizing the building's shape.<br /><br />Multiple safety measures were implemented to counter the potential risks associated with the feat, including MotoGP-style air fences - inflatable and energy-absorbing barriers designed to slow down riders in crashes - along the sides of the ramp.<br /><br />Additionally, 1,800 foam cubes were placed at the end of the ramp, allowing Dias to come to a safe stop. Dias's body equipment also included a full-face helmet and a spine protector, neither of which is traditionally used in skateboarding.<br /><br />Dias began an extensive physical and technical training program for the feat in January 2025.<br /><br />From G-force conditioning to wind-speed monitoring, the preparation was a mix of precision planning and calculated risk.<br /><br />Dias trained with a 40-kilogram weighted vest while dropping into a modified mega ramp to adapt his balance to the strain of G-forces. He also conducted speed trials on an airport runway, becoming accustomed to riding at more than 136 km/h on his skateboard.<br /><br />The skater added: "I prepared myself a lot for this. It wasn't easy, and the training was way tougher than this. That's why I was so confident."<br /><br />During Red Bull Building Drop, Dias endured a maximum G force of 3.9 g, making him weigh around 280 kilograms, which is also the weight that he experienced as the maximum ground reaction force - the push the ground sent back to him during the descent.<br /><br />The distinctive curved design of the CAFF building has long drawn comparisons to a giant skateboard quarter pipe, earning a reputation among locals as "the Ultimate Skate Ramp."<br /><br />For years, it fuelled speculation in Porto Alegre's skate community, inspiring memes, stories, and even a doctored video that showed a rider dropping down its side.<br /><br />Until now, it had remained just that: an urban legend.<br /><br />For Dias, the milestone went beyond any contest or record, serving as both a contribution to skateboarding's evolution and a tribute to its heritage.<br /><br />Tony Hawk, regarded as one of the sport's greatest figures, also hailed Dias' achievement.<br /><br />"If you look at the history of skateboarding, it continues to progress. It continues to keep getting better," said Hawk.<br /><br />"We keep pushing the limits of height, of speed. And now Sandro has jumped ahead about five times everyone else. You can go even bigger than we ever imagined."<br /><br />Footage: Red Bull

Sandro Dias Drops Into the World's Tallest Skate Ramp | CAFF, Porto Alegre

26th September, 2025

Brazilian skateboarding pro Sandro Dias made history, breaking two Guinness World Records after dropping in from Centro Administrativo Fernando Ferrari (CAFF), a 22-story building in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil.During the project, named Red Bull Building Drop, Dias hit a speed of 103 km/h, skating from a height of 70 meters ...

Watch Raimana Van Bastolaer riding a giant wave at Teahupoo, Tahiti.<br /><br />The ride was shot during a 2011 Red Bull Junior Surf Training Camp held by Red Bull at the infamous Polynesian surf break.<br /><br />The year 2011 marked a "Code Red" event at Teahupoo, with some of the heaviest and biggest waves detonating at the local reef.<br /><br />Van Bastolaer is a professional big wave surfer and training coach.<br /><br />Footage: Red Bull

Raimana Van Bastolaer's Monstrous 2011 Teahupoo Wave

24th September, 2025

Watch Raimana Van Bastolaer riding a giant wave at Teahupoo, Tahiti.The ride was shot during a 2011 Red Bull Junior Surf Training Camp held by Red Bull at the infamous Polynesian surf break.The year 2011 marked a "Code Red" event at Teahupoo, with some of the heaviest and biggest waves ...

Jamie Huser from Switzerland has set a new wakeboarding world record, riding a 140-meter rail on Lake Falerin at 2,000 meters above sea level.<br /><br />The rail - built from 24 floating metal segments - is almost ten times the length of standard competition rails, demanding extraordinary balance, precision, and persistence from the 21-year-old, who succeeded on his 113th attempt.<br /><br />Key Facts<br /><br />* Athlete: Jamie Huser (SUI), age 21;<br />* New Record: 140-meter rail ride on a wakeboard;<br />* Location: Lake Falerin, Laax region, Switzerland - 2,000 m elevation;<br />* Attempts: 113 total - success on the final attempt;<br />* Speed: 34 km/h;<br />* Rail Construction: 24 floating metal segments, 140 meters in total length;<br /><br />The Challenge<br /><br />Wakeboarding rails in competition usually measure between 10 and 15 meters, built from plastic.<br /><br />Huser’s project was on another scale: a metal rail, 140 meters long, slicker than plastic and floating freely on an alpine lake.<br /><br />Maintaining balance and consistent rope tension proved the ultimate test. Speed had to stay precise, but rope pull varied along the rail.<br /><br />“I wanted to try something new and really challenge myself,” said Huser.<br /><br />On his 113th attempt, he held balance from start to finish, gliding all 140 meters.<br /><br />Technical and Physical Preparation<br /><br />Balance was key.<br /><br />Huser trained for months on slacklines, gym balls, and balance boards.<br /><br />He strengthened his arms and shoulders, especially his left shoulder, after recent surgery.<br /><br />On the rail, he made constant micro-adjustments in speed, stance, and positioning.<br /><br />The breakthrough came when he slowed his mindset. Huser explained: “I told myself, ‘Do it nice and slow, like in slow motion. Every tiny movement makes a difference.”<br /><br />The perfect pace: 34 km/h. And then, he nailed it.<br /><br />Footage: Red Bull

Jamie Huser Clears 140-Meter Wakeboarding Rail at Lake Falerin

18th September, 2025

Jamie Huser from Switzerland has set a new wakeboarding world record, riding a 140-meter rail on Lake Falerin at 2,000 meters above sea level.The rail - built from 24 floating metal segments - is almost ten times the length of standard competition rails, demanding extraordinary balance, precision, and persistence from ...

While code yellow advises people to stay inside, the best kitesurfers in the world took advantage of the storm that raged along our coast.<br /><br />An action-packed show was given on the Dutch North Sea during Red Bull Megaloop. With a women's category for the first time this year.<br /><br />Two years were spent waiting for these extreme conditions so that the sixth edition of the kitesurfing competition could take place.<br /><br />Monday, September 15, was the day: wind force 8 with gains of 100km/h, waves 3 meters high, and a strong storm.<br /><br />48 hours in advance, a final green light was given for the contest, and kitesurfers from all over the world rushed to Noordwijk.<br /><br />Twenty-two national and international kitesurfers took to the water to perform a megaloop as high and extreme as possible.<br /><br />The Megaloop is one of the most diﬃcult and extreme tricks within the kiteboarding scene.<br /><br />Kitesurfers set oﬀ on a wave and jump at least 15 meters high, only to send the kite around 360 degrees and be launched about a soccer field away. This makes for a spectacular sight for spectators.<br /><br />2025 Red Bull Megaloop | Finals<br /><br />Men<br /><br />1. Lorenzo Casati (ITA), 9.04<br />2. Andrea Principi (ITA), 8.6<br />3. Cohan van Dijk (NED), 8.06<br /><br />Women<br /><br />1. Zara Hoogenraad (NED), 7.14<br />2. Nathalie Lambrecht (SWE), 5.62<br />3. Alessa Mensch (GER), 5.38

2025 Red Bull Megaloop | Highlights

16th September, 2025

While code yellow advises people to stay inside, the best kitesurfers in the world took advantage of the storm that raged along our coast.An action-packed show was given on the Dutch North Sea during Red Bull Megaloop. With a women's category for the first time this year.Two years were spent ...

Australia was crowned Team World Champion at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games (WSG).<br /><br />The ninth straight day of pumping waves in Surf City El Salvador saw La Bocana offering up powerful four-to-six-foot peaks to decide the medalists. <br /><br />Dane Henry (AUS) and Janire Gonzalez-Etxabarri (ESP) won the men's and women's individual gold medals, respectively. Gonzalez-Etxabarri's victory marked the first-ever WSG gold for Spain.<br /><br />Henry's win, alongside bronze medals for Morgan Cibilic (AUS) and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), secured the team victory for Australia.<br /><br />The medalists were complemented by Ellie Harrison (AUS) in fifth, Milla Brown (AUS) in 11th before her withdrawal due to injury, and Callum Robson (AUS) in 19th.<br /><br />Already the most successful nation in WSG history, Australia broke a 14-year drought to win their sixth team gold medal - their 16th WSG team medal overall.<br /><br />Having claimed four of their six team silver medals in the intervening years, the team was thrilled to once again stand atop the podium. As the reigning Team World Junior Champion, today's win backs up their 2024 junior victory, also won in Surf City El Salvador.<br /><br />Dane Henry (AUS) became the first man in the modern era to win the WSG as the reigning ISA World Junior Champion.<br /><br />The 19-year-old follows in the footsteps of Tom Curren (USA), who won the 1982 WSG while still holding the junior crown from 1980.<br /><br />Only two other men - Gabriel Medina (BRA) and Jordy Smith (RSA) - have won gold medals at both the World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC) and the WSG.<br /><br />"That is a crazy club to be a part of," Henry said.<br /><br />"The whole time, I had belief in myself that I could do it. My surfing's been feeling spot on. I really wanted to really shine in the Final and I'm really glad that I got the opportunity to do that."<br /><br />"I have a really special connection with this place and this competition now. I felt really in my element, which definitely pushed me through and helped me get the win."<br /><br />Utilizing a similar formula to his 2024 WJSC victory at the same location, Henry attacked the La Bocana rights, opening the men's Final with a lofty full rotation that earned an 8.67.<br /><br />He soon added exceptional variety on a long right for a 9.50, building a massive 18.17 heat total that left Morgan Cibilic (AUS) and Douglas Silva (BRA) needing a two-wave combination.<br /><br />Four further excellent scores were posted over the 30-minute match, three of them from Kauli Vaast (FRA), the only surfer able to challenge Henry's lead with a single wave.<br /><br />Vaast's silver medal continues his trajectory of improving his placing with every WSG entered, having won the bronze in 2024 and placed 5th in 2023. Cibilic and Silva both take home their first ISA medals, the bronze and copper, respectively.<br /><br />Janire Gonzalez-Etxabarri (ESP) claimed the biggest win of her career and made history for Spain.<br /><br />The 20-year-old, who qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by finishing 15th in her WSG debut last year, bettered the historic copper medal earned in 2024 by her teammate and fellow Olympian Nadia Erostarbe (ESP).<br /><br />Competing alongside her sister, Annette Gonzalez-Etxabarri (ESP), Janire's victory also helped Spain equal their best-ever team result, matching the bronze medal secured in 2017.<br /><br />"It's like I'm sleeping in a dream and all of this is not real," Gonzalez-Etxabarri said.<br /><br />"I just have no words. I'm super happy and I don't know what to say. I was paddling out, super happy and just grateful to be in the Final and to be able to maybe get the gold. I made it, but I just wanted to enjoy my heat and show my surfing. I wasn't thinking about the gold; I was thinking about wave-by-wave and just showing my surfing. I'm super happy."<br /><br />Hopkins backed up her silver medal earned at the same location in 2021. The defending champion, Fitzgibbons, added a sixth WSG medal to her collection, a second bronze to join her unprecedented four golds.<br /><br />Rodriguez became the fourth Peruvian woman to win a WSG medal, the copper, adding her name alongside teammate Daniella Rosas (PER) and past Gold Medalists Sofía Mulánovich (PER) and Analí Gómez (PER).<br /><br />ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:<br /><br />"Today, as I was standing on the stairs watching the finals, one of the athletes from Vanuatu stopped by and told me, 'These were the best two weeks of my life.' It was the first time Vanuatu competed at the World Surfing Games, and that memory will stay with them forever. Moments like this are what make our work so meaningful."<br /><br />2025 ISA World Surfing Games | Results<br /><br />Team<br /><br />Gold - Australia<br />Silver - Peru<br />Bronze - Spain<br />Copper - France<br /><br />Men<br /><br />Gold - Dane Henry (AUS)<br />Silver - Kauli Vaast (FRA)<br />Bronze - Morgan Cibilic (AUS)<br />Copper - Douglas Silva (BRA)<br /><br />Women<br /><br />Gold - Janire Gonzalez-Etxabarri (ESP)<br />Silver - Yolanda Hopkins (POR)<br />Bronze - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)<br />Copper - Arena Rodriguez (PER)<br /><br />Footage: International Surfing Association (ISA)

2025 ISA World Surfing Games - Final Day Highlights

15th September, 2025

Australia was crowned Team World Champion at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games (WSG).The ninth straight day of pumping waves in Surf City El Salvador saw La Bocana offering up powerful four-to-six-foot peaks to decide the medalists. Dane Henry (AUS) and Janire Gonzalez-Etxabarri (ESP) won the ...

Jake Scrace, a British kitesurfer and thrill-seeker known for daring stunts including kite-surfing over Worthing Pier, has set a new Guinness World Record by reaching 1,587 feet in a kitesurf tow-up above the iconic Needles, Isle of Wight.<br /> <br />Scrace was pulled skyward by paramotor pilot Chey Anich in a world-first stunt before cutting loose at altitude and gliding back down to the sea. The flight almost doubled the previous record of 908.7 feet.<br /> <br />"It was the biggest challenge I've ever taken on," Scrace said.<br /><br />"Up there, it was about trusting the team, the conditions, and just going for it. The sense of freedom was incredible, and I'm buzzing that we got the record on the first attempt. I'm already thinking about what the next stunt could be and where we can go with it."<br /> <br />The attempt was months in the making and carried out with a 30-strong crew, including safety divers and film specialists, with the project backed by global property and construction consultancy Gleeds, who organised the stunt to mark their 150th anniversary with this sky-high achievement.<br /><br />The feat was verified to Guinness World Records exacting standards using drones, bodycams, altimeter readings, as well as GPS-enabled smartphones recording altitude and flight path, and synchronized footage from take-off to water landing.<br /> <br />The record comes in the same year that Guinness World Records marks its 70th anniversary of documenting remarkable achievements worldwide.<br /> <br />Talking about the new record, Pravin Patel, Guinness World Records' official adjudicator, said, "At Guinness World Records, we celebrate extraordinary feats that push the boundaries of human achievement."<br /><br />"Gleeds' record-breaking kitesurf tow-up is a stunning example of innovation, precision, and daring that reflects their value of professionalism with personality and a fitting tribute to 150 years in business."<br /><br />"We're proud to officially recognise this milestone as part of our mission to showcase the most remarkable accomplishments from around the world."<br /> <br />Richard Steer, Gleeds Global Chairman, added: "For 150 years, Gleeds has believed in pushing boundaries and turning bold ideas into reality."<br /><br />"This world record embodies that spirit perfectly as well as our value of professionalism with personality - a reminder that with vision, teamwork, and determination, even the sky is no limit."

Jake Scrace's Guinness World Record | Kitesurfing at 1,587 feet off Isle of Wight

12th September, 2025

Jake Scrace, a British kitesurfer and thrill-seeker known for daring stunts including kite-surfing over Worthing Pier, has set a new Guinness World Record by reaching 1,587 feet in a kitesurf tow-up above the iconic Needles, Isle of Wight. Scrace was pulled skyward by paramotor pilot Chey Anich in a world-first ...