Guide to the best Big Air kitesurf spots
Ready to send it? Discover the world's sickest big air kite spots where you can launch to the moon and get stoked for insane hangtimes. These spots have the wind and waves conspiring to launch you into orbit.
9
Big Air Destinations
6 Big Air Spots
El Gouna, Egypt
March to June, September to November
3 Big Air Spots
Dahab, Egypt
May to October
2 Big Air Spots
Fuerteventura, Spain
May to September
1 Big Air Spot
Tarifa, Spain
April to October
1 Big Air Spot
Mũi Né, Vietnam
November to March
1 Big Air Spot
Phan Rang, Vietnam
November to March
2 Big Air Spots
Dakhla, Morocco
April to September
4 Big Air Spots
Ras Sudr, Egypt
May to October
1 Big Air Spot
Tenerife, Spain
May to October
What is big air kitesurfing?
Big air kitesurfing is the adrenaline-pumping discipline where riders harness the wind's power to launch themselves skyward, performing insane aerial stunts. It's all about height, style, and pushing the limits of what's possible with a kite and board.
Top big air kitesurf spots
Cape Town, South Africa: Home to the legendary Red Bull King of the Air
Tarifa, Spain: Consistent strong winds and a vibrant kite scene
Maui, Hawaii: Powerful waves and trade winds for massive boosts
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands: Year-round winds and flat water spots
Best big air kitesurf tricks
Kiteloops: Spin the kite in a circular path during your jump. This creates an exhilarating sensation of speed and G-force, pushing your limits.
Handlepasses: Pass the control bar behind your back during the jump, then grab it again before landing. This move demonstrates exceptional control and style especially when perfomed at high heights.
Board-offs: Unhook your feet from the board while in mid-air to perform tricks. This advanced move adds flair and difficulty to your jumps.
Megaloops: These are extreme, powerful kiteloops that generate massive height and force. Not for the faint of heart, megaloops are the ultimate big air move.
Doubleloops: A double loop involves sending the kite around the window twice, a move made possible by modern kites like the Orbit that re-generate line tension. It’s challenging on larger kites but achievable on a 6m. As riders gain experience, this trick is becoming more common.
S-loop: An S-loop is half a megaloop followed by driving the kite back the other way, creating an S shape.
The best kites for big air kitesurfing
North Orbit (PRO): Powerful with ultra-smooth thrust and excellent upwind capabilities.
Duotone Rebel SLS: Lighter and smoother, with aggressive handling for pushing limits.
Core Pace Pro: Engineered for extreme conditions with unmatched stability and power.
Cabrinha Nitro Apex: Known for great range, smooth power delivery, and extended hang time.
Harlem Force: Designed with a focus on stability and responsiveness, it excels in high-wind conditions, providing riders with excellent lift and hangtime.
Ozone Edge V12: Delivers great thrust and pulling speed, ideal for high winds.
Big air kitesurfing competitions
Big Air Kite League: The premier tour featuring events from Tarifa to Cape Town.
Red Bull King of the Air: The ultimate big air showdown in Cape Town.
Scoring in big air competitions
Understanding the scoring system is crucial for aspiring big air competitors. In major events like the Red Bull King of the Air, a rider's three highest-scoring tricks form their final score. Judges evaluate several key factors when scoring tricks.
Height is a primary consideration - the higher you go, the more points you'll score, but altitude alone isn't enough. Variety is equally important, with judges rewarding diverse trick portfolios rather than repetition of a single move. Execution is critical, encompassing the takeoff, the trick itself, and the landing. A perfect maneuver can lose significant points if it ends with a sloppy touchdown.
Finally, the overall impression takes into account style, risk-taking, and innovation. This is where riders can really stand out by wowing the judges with something they've never seen before. The most successful competitors balance all these elements, combining massive air with technical skill, diverse tricks, and that extra spark of creativity that sets them apart from the pack.
Key points to remember:
In big air competitions, it's not always about going the highest. A moderately high jump with a complex trick can often outscore a massive jump with a simple maneuver. Clean landings are absolutely essential - "sticking it" can make or break your score. Don't underestimate the importance of the "wow factor" either. High-risk moves and innovative tricks can significantly boost your impression score, setting you apart from the competition. The best riders find that sweet spot between altitude, technical difficulty, and style, all while nailing their landings consistently.
Big air kitesurfing FAQ
What conditions are ideal for big air kitesurfing?
What gear do I need for big air kitesurfing?
What are common maneuvers in big air kitesurfing?
More kitesurfing spots by category
If you haven't found what you're looking for, explore all the kitesurfing spots on Surfwaze, or check out one of our other category guides.