February 9, 2015 | Cape Town, South Africa
OFFICIAL WARNING
Red Bull King of the Air 2015 on 48-hour call for Wednesday, 11 February 2015.
Cape Town (South Africa) – Now well into the 14-day waiting period for this year’s Red Bull King of the Air, the right conditions have presented themselves for the event to kick off on Wednesday 11 February. For the third year running, Cape Town’s Big Bay in Bloubergstrand will host the prestigious big air competition as 24 of the world’s best competitors take to the skies in a unique ”˜flag-out’ competition format to stand a chance at taking the prestigious title.
Aaron Hadlow warms up for Red Bull King of the Air in front of Cape Town’s famed Table Mountain. Kolesky / Nikon / Red Bull Content Pool
Cape Town’s southeasterly wind has been unusually absent or just not strong enough for the huge boosts and big air expected for Red Bull King of the Air over the window period. For the competition to take place winds should be no less than 25 knots (around 46km/h). Analysis of the prevailing weather conditions and systems have shown the wind to pick up later in the afternoon which could see a possible continuation of the event’s semi-finals and finals on Thursday.
Aaron Hadlow warms up for Red Bull King of the Air in front of Cape Town’s famed Table Mountain. Kolesky / Nikon / Red Bull Content Pool
“We’ve consulted with local meteorologists and analysed the different aspects including wind, weather, time available and days left in the window period. Wednesday’s conditions currently present the best opportunity in terms of running the event to make sure the riders have the best possible conditions to compete in.”
The field of competitors comprises of the who’s who of the international kiteboarding big air world; 5-time world champion Aaron Hadlow (GBR), Red Bull King of the Air defending champion Kevin Langeree (NED) and Jesse Richman (USA) who won the first Cape Town edition of the competition in 2013. Three South Africans are amongst the illustrious lineup Andries Fourie, Joshua Emanuel Fraser and Luke McGillewie will take to the water and skies when the event is given the ”˜GO’.
Aaron Hadlow has been spending the time waiting by making sure he’s prepared physically and mentally for the event:
“I’ve been testing my equipment, making sure I know what set up will work best for what conditions as this is important on the day. I have also be training at the gym. Red Bull King of the Air is especially demanding on the body your core muscles and legs should be strong and ready for anything. If I know I’m in shape, in tune and trusting my equipment then I’m comfortable and set for the competition.”
Make sure you keep your eyes peeled on www.redbullkingoftheair.com for more the most up-to-date information regarding event start time.