The best 70 riders from all over the world, representing 5 continents and more than 20 countries, compete from 9 to 13 July in the Salinas de Tenefé for the World Championships in the discipline of the highest jumps.
The competition begins with high-flying action at Salinas de Tenefé (San Bartolomé de Tirajana), where the World Championships of Kitesurfing and Wingfoil in the Big Air discipline have been presented. The best 70 riders from both disciplines, representing 5 continents and over 20 countries, will compete for world titles on the island of Gran Canaria from July 9 to 13.
“This is the second Wingfoil World Championship on the island and the first Kitesurfing World Championship. These 70 riders have gone through many filters to be here. It’s about quality, not quantity. The conditions are favorable, and we expect a spectacular competition,” said Manuel Martínez, president of the Canakite Experiences Sports Club and event organizer, along with the Royal Canary Sailing Federation.
Joergen Vogt, president of the global associations GKA and GWA, emphasized that the event has been planned for the past two years. “I’m thrilled to be at this globally recognized spot for its perfect conditions for water sports. The wind here is more predictable than anywhere else in the world, which is why we’re here to crown the Big Air world champions in two championships over five days,” said Vogt. He thanked the supporters of these sports and expressed his desire to “repeat it next year.”
The opening ceremony featured Francisco José García, mayor of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, accompanied by Julio Ojeda, Councilor for Sports, and Verónica Suárez, Councilor for Tourism, among other municipal representatives. All riders competing for the Kitesurf Big Air and Wingfoil Big Air titles also attended the inaugural event.
Mayor Francisco José García thanked the administrations for “making this event possible” and encouraged the riders to “enjoy the municipality and cultural heritage sites like Salinas de Tenefé.”
Julio Ojeda highlighted that the coast of San Bartolomé de Tirajana once again becomes “an international focal point, an opportunity to showcase the municipality not only from a sports perspective but also its economic potential and tourist appeal, as well as open spaces for new sports like kitesurfing and wingfoil.” Ojeda concluded by thanking the supporters and urging everyone to “enjoy our sea, wind, and salt.”
