SA kitesurfer wins intense contest overseas

CAPETONIAN Joshua Emanuel, from Milnerton, made South Africa proud when he became the first contestant from outside Europe to win an international kitesurfing crown, taking first place at the Redbull Megaloop Challenge in Holland.

Earlier this month, the 23-year-old went up against 15 other riders from France, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands battling extreme weather conditions with wind speeds of up to 100km/h.

As the winner, he walked away with €4 000 (R63 000), the title and a trophy.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I am super-stoked, it’s something I’ve always wanted to win. I didn’t even think I was good enough,” said Emanuel.

He said competitors had been waiting for a storm to hit in order for the event to take place with extreme winds.

“We’ve been waiting for a storm to hit. In this competition when they know the storm is coming, they give you 48 hours notice then it’s time to compete.

“They told us on the Sunday evening and Monday I was on a plane to Holland.

“The level of riding was very high and my first two loops were bad, I wasn’t landing well,” he said.

Emanuel said in the semifinals he decided to change his kite. “This took me from a free ride to more control on the landing,” he said.

Second place went to Steven Akkersdijk and third place to Lasse Walker (2015 winner) .

Founder Ruben Lenten said: “I think the Red Bull Megaloop Challenge has never been run in these conditions, the wind was really incredible! Respect for the boys because it was a pleasure to watch.”

Event organisers said: “A weather code of orange was issued by Dutch authorities. Trees fell on the roads, people stayed indoors and trains ground to a halt. Sixteen riders and about 5 000 fans pulled up at the beach in Zandvoort. We had a southwest gale-force wind of 100km/h, a beach full of fans and a group of top international kiters. In short: the perfect conditions for the Red Bull Megaloop Challenge.”