GKA Kite-Surf & Hydrofoil Wold Cup Taiba, BRA, 2022 - Highlights of Day 1

The first day of the last World Cup of the season was opened by the men in the discipline of kite-surf, where the two best waves ridden and the best freestyle trick of each rider are scored. The strong and partly gusty wind meant that especially the Brazilian local riders were able to show their skills under these conditions and thus put the leading riders of the World Tour under pressure. In the end it was Pedro Matos (BRA) and Matchu Lopes (ESP) who won their heats with their elegant style and fluid runs. Locals Artur Morais (BRA) and Wesley Silva (BRA) also convinced the judges and went straight into Round 5 of the competition. As the tide got higher it was the turn of the Hydrofoil Freestyle riders to show breathtaking tricks. Alex Soto (DOM) landed the trick of the day with his unhooked front-mobe and won his heat as well. With him Ryan Parsons (AUS) and Maxime Chabloz (SUI) moved on to the next round. The only 13-year-old Finn Flügel (GER) also moved on to the next round and showed that he already belongs to the world's best not only in kite freestyle but also in hydrofoil freestyle.