Kiteboarding | Qatar Airways brings Global Kiteboarding Awards to Cape Town as SA's kitesurfing mecca
Cape Town, January 06, 2025 – Qatar Airways and the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) are proud to announce the highly anticipated Qatar Airways GKA Awardsto be held on Friday, 10 January, 2025, at the iconic Cape Town City Hall, marking the first time that this prestigious event will be held in Cape Town and on the African continent.
This spectacular awards event promises to be the "Oscars of Kitesurfing" and a true celebration of kiteboarding excellence - a showcase of the world's most renowned kiteboarding athletes, including Capetonian legends who are nominated for some of the awards.
"The GKA Awards will honour the sport's greatest athletes, highlight their most remarkable achievements, and pay tribute to the global kiteboarding community that continues to inspire and innovate within the world of watersports. They celebrate the outstanding achievements of the world's top kiteboarders and shine a light on the relentless dedication and passion of those who push the boundaries of what's possible with a kite, inspiring future generations and elevating the sport to new heights," says Dr. Jörgen Vogt, CEO of the GKA Kite World Tour.
With 14 awards to be presented, the GKA Awards recognise athletic prowess and contributions to grow the sport on a global scale. Awards categories include Male and Female Rider of the Year, Freestyle Move of the Year, Wave of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, to name a few.
Adding to the excitement, the first GKA Big Air Challenge 2025, in collaboration with WOO Sports, is in full swing in the Western Cape. Brand teams are battling for the highest combined jumps between 2 and 9 January, with an annual trophy to be presented during the awards night.
The prized statuettes will be awarded to the best men and women athletes who will be given the top honour in the Rider of the Year awards.
Qatar Airways is proud to support this iconic event, furthering its commitment to elevating kiteboarding's global profile. "This event provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the strong synergy between Qatar Airways' global reach and the GKA's mission to elevate the profile of kiteboarding as a premier international sport," says Steve Reynolds, Vice President of Qatar Airways.
The Qatar Airways GKA Awards promises an unforgettable evening filled with excitement, passion, and celebration. With many of the world's best kiteboarders basing themselves in Cape Town to train in the cranking Cape Doctor winds that blow from November to March, a big turnout of professional athletes is guaranteed.
Renowned as South Africa's kiteboarding mecca, Cape Town is the perfect setting for this world-class celebration.
For those lucky enough to be in Cape Town on 10 January, tickets are available for R500, with exclusive access to the awards show and after-party. Secure your tickets now at www.gkakiteworldtour.com/awards-2024.
Don't miss the chance to be part of kiteboarding history and celebrate the incredible achievements of the sport's finest athletes.
Event Details:
· Date: Friday, 10 January 2025
· Location: Cape Town City Hall, South Africa
· Time: Doors open at 18:30 (Welcome drinks & canapés), Awards Show 19:45–21:30
· After Party: GKA x Dirty Habits After Party - Paarden Island
