The Season

Andre: As the winds die down and Brazil’s kiteboarding hotspots return to their quiet coastal fishing villages, the riders reflect on yet another unforgettable season. From nail-biting competitions to personal milestones, this season had a little bit of everything. Two events on the freestyle side of things, the GKA in Cumbuco and the Kite Park League (KPL) Team Battle in Taiba, kept everyone busy and focused. From world-class freestyle to epic rail sessions, Brazil’s kite season delivered once again.

This season was a bit different for me as it was the first time I didn’t go to Cumbuco to shoot. But Taiba delivered! This season the lagoon formed very differently from the last few years. There was the usual freshwater lagoon but we also had two tidal saltwater lagoons. They changed a bit throughout the season which helped me feel like I’d shot at a few different spots. It was a bit of a bummer how the season was so short for me this year – most of the riders came a bit late and I had to juggle shooting kiting here with a few golfing jobs in California, so I definitely didn’t shoot as much as I would have liked. The level of freestyle is higher than ever and it’s always an honor to watch it, even though I think some of the new tricks are not particularly photogenic. I definitely can say I finish the season wishing I could shoot kiteboarding more often!

Noè: It’s been a busy season, although this is my 12th season in Brazil so I’m sure I said the last one was busy too! I went straight into the KPL Team Battle and we’ve all been feeling tired ever since. But we made the most out of it. Then we watched the GKA event in Cumbuco, and now Xander, Tom and myself are finishing our  movie Vortex [featured earlier in the mag] so it’s like a sprint at the end of the race.

At the GKA event it was really fun to be in Maxime’s “pit crew” and watch him win. It’s really impressive to get to the event and see the lagoon all empty and perfectly flat. You do think to yourself “Wow, that’s epic.” We all knew a Maxime victory was coming and him winning was more a technicality than a big surprise. He has been so close so many  times. Events in Brazil are super insane action. Every rider brings their best because the conditions are so good. Everyone’s riding looks so polished. Maxime’s semifinal was probably the real final. I’m sure it was nerve wracking for him.

Before the GKA event we had the KPL Team Battle. It was cool to see the effort that everyone put into filming. We shot a lot in the waves which is always a challenge as you are more exposed to the elements and never know what you will get. It’s not liking riding in the perfectly flat lagoon. We chose to do the Team Battle here to bring all the facets of freestyle together, mixing classic freestyle with wave kickers and the rails. It was really cool to watch guys like Cocco, Maxime and Matteo who aren’t really KPL riders in a video setting pushing each other. It was a pleasure to see the progression.

Another standout from the season that must be said is the level of freestyle – just insane at the moment – it has never been higher. Big Air is so dominant at the moment but I can guarantee you that freestyle is alive and well. The new kids are doing it better than the people that came before them, and that’s kind of what it’s all about. Part of the reason of why Xander, Tom and myself decided to make a full-length movie is to inspire and push this new generation and also our generation to do more and show that. We need more exciting videos, not just one-hit wonders to go viral on social media… I would say that Matteo was the standout of  the season. If I had a kite brand, I would sponsor the guy! But it was also really inspiring to see guys like Lucas, Einar and Kimo really pushing the sport. Lucas is so humble and chill. He doesn’t really promote himself and when you get here and watch him ride you are super impressed.

Maxime: Brazil’s been good, with strong wind this year. I was so happy to win my first GKA event. I mean, I won in 2020 but that was the Covid  year and because many people couldn’t travel it took the shine out of it a little bit. But this year it was a very solid win. I still can’t quite believe it. Winning there, at the best spot ever, has been a dream ever since the first event we had there. I must admit I was pretty nervous at some points during the event but getting the best overall score in the quarter finals gave me a lot of confidence and everything worked well after that. Another highlight of the season was the KPL event. It was much harder than I expected. It felt like a week-long heat, which was a little strange but also really fun. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one. I’ve been really focused on the contests this year and now it’s full on to Qatar to hopefully win my first world title there. The conditions there won’t be as good as Brazil but I feel like that’s my main strength. By no means do I think I’m the best kiter in the world but I do enjoy competing and I think I’m good at handling the pressure and landing my tricks in different conditions whether it’s light wind or strong.

Matteo: I’m really stoked with this season. Firstly I’ve been really enjoying the new North Pulse. Having a C-shape in my hand for the first time has been amazing, it really makes riding easier. I’m also really happy and proud because I feel really involved in this move to North. It’s been a big dream to sign my first contract with North International. It’s also been a dream to spend time with the gurus of freestyle, plus I’m stoked to still be pushing freestyle after my injury – it’s like they say, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. I have found my style and now I can push not only the big tricks but also the more basic ones. The GKA this year has been good with me making my first final in France, and although the one in Cauipe  didn’t really go my way, I’m really stoked with my riding. I finally had the opportunity to ride more in the park, and feel like I improved a lot. I feel really  privileged to be more involved in the freestyle world.

Lucas: I spent some time off working to go to the gym before the Brazil season, to make sure I was fit for a long season. Unfortunately on the second day here I had a rib and muscle injury that put me out for six weeks. I got back in the water just in time for the KPL Team Battle. I enjoyed shooting with Andre and riding alongside many amazing riders. I’m super happy because I managed to win Best Wave Kicker Hit, tied Best Male Performance with Ewan Jaspan, and my team came second. I’m finishing the season here feeling grateful and looking for more sick riding times!