Duotone Kiteboarding Issue 09/2018
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THE GRAND FINALE IN FEHMARN.
The final stop of the 2018 GKA Kiteboarding World Tour took place in Fehmarn Germany, and all eyes were on who would be crowned World Champion at end of the event.
The essence of the tour is to find the most complete twin-tip rider out there, as well as a judging criteria that encourages the wow factor for spectator enjoyment. Riders are judged on their three best tricks in each category; kite loop, handle-pass and big air. A fourth score is awarded on overall impression.
DUOTONE RIDERS AARON HADLOW, LEWIS CRATHERN, HANNAH WHITELEY, MIKAILI SOL AND PIPPA VAN IERSEL WERE THERE IN FORCE, ALL OF THEM CONTENDERS FOR THE TOP SPOT.
Hadlow got off to a good start unfazed by the variable conditions. The master of competition, Hadlow knows how to put points on the board with his smooth moves, solid kite loops and stylish board offs. Advancing through the heats with tactics and technicality, Hadlow met big air rival Jesse Richman in the semis. Both riders would have liked more wind, yet Hadlow knew how to make the most of marginal conditions and stomped a tweaked double front roll board-off that was rewarded with the win and a place in the final. Unfortunately Hadlow lost out to Carlos Mario who put on an incredible display of powerful freestyle.
In the men’s double elimination Duotone rider, Lewis Crathern, stormed up the ladder proving that experience counts. Lewis unleashed the ultimate tricks list with boogie loops (mega loops with a front roll) kite loop late back rolls, super controlled double front roll board-offs (not using the handle), high kung-fu passes and a couple of super powered back mobes. Advancing through five rounds he came head-to-head with Jesse Richman, who made the most of his fresh energy to load up the scoreboard. Lewis’ journey ended here but he showed why he’s one of the world’s best big air riders. Hadlow and Richman met for the second time in the double eliminations, but it was Jesse who prevailed.
Our girls have been holding their 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions throughout the tour with Hannah loosing out to Mika in the past three finals. Onto the competition and 13 year old Mika needed one more win to claim her first major World Championship.
Conditions were strong and Mika and Hannah threw down in 28-32 knots. Mixing technical passes with kite loops and board offs, the two showed why they are at the top of the game. In the mini final Pippa gave it her all and claimed a solid 3rd place.
The final day of competition had a lot riding it for young Mikaili Sol and Hannah Whiteley. With an early bird start, the flag went up and it was showtime. It was battle of the best as Mika laid down a compilation of freestyle and kite loops before switching up her kite size for boosting and board-offs. Maintaining a 100% heat victory record this season, Mikaili claimed her first major World Championship title, with Hannah taking 2nd place and Dutch rider Pippa in 3rd.
Congratulations to all of the Duotone riders!
Head over to GKA Website to see all the action: https://www.global-kitesports.org/news
www.duotonesports.com