Gran Canaria is set to host the prestigious Big Air Kite World Championships from July 9th to 13th at the Salinas de Tenefé. This marks the first time the island will host the world championships for this high-flying kiteboarding discipline, as selected by the Global Kitesports Association (GKA).
The location is renowned within the kiteboarding community for its robust wind conditions, which often see wind speeds exceeding 30 knots and gusts reaching up to 40 knots from the north/northeast. These strong winds generate significant swells from the same direction, creating ideal conditions for the high jumps characteristic of Big Air kiteboarding.
This event represents the second major competition of the Big Air kitesurfing season, following an initial event in France, and is crucial for determining the world champions. Manuel Martínez, president of Canakite Experiences Sports Club and co-organizer alongside the GKA and the Royal Canarian Sailing Federation, expressed pride in hosting the world championships on Gran Canaria for the first time since a Freestyle World Cup event in 2019.

Sponsored by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria’s Tourism and Sports departments, in collaboration with the City Council of Santa Lucia and the Government of the Canary Islands, the championships at Salinas de Tenefé will conclude the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour. Both male and female world champions in Big Air will be declared at this venue.
Fans can watch the championship live through the official GKA website or attend in person at the museum-restaurant at the Tenefé Salt Flats. Spectators will have the opportunity to see top competitors like Jamie Overbeek and Pippa van Iersel from the Netherlands, who lead the world rankings after their victories at the GKA Lords of Tram event in Barcarès, France.
Jamie Overbeek, only 18, secured his first major victory at this event, while Pippa van Iersel triumphed despite a two-year hiatus due to injury. Among the over 20 competitors in the men’s category in Gran Canaria, Andrea Principi from Italy, the current and two-time Qatar Airways GKA Big Air World Champion, aims to recover from a semi-final elimination in Barcarès. With only two stops on the Big Air tour, Principi faces a significant challenge in defending his title.

The competition among local contestants is expected to be intense, with contenders like Jeremy Burlando from Tenerife, who finished second in Barcarès, and the Casati brothers, with Lorenzo having won the Red Bull King of the Air in 2022. Arian Braeutigam, originally from Germany but residing in Fuerteventura, will also compete in the men’s Big Air category. These local athletes have a competitive edge due to their familiarity and training within the windy conditions of the Canary Islands.
Additionally, the event will include a beach clean-up on July 12th, highlighting efforts to enhance sustainability and environmental responsibility in sports events, supported by local sponsors such as Ahembo with its 7up brand and Spar Gran Canaria.