While visiting the gorgeous island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands I was lucky enough to go to the 2012 World Cup for Kiteboarding and Windsurfing.  The competition was being hosted in Fuerteventura and would last for a few days. The final days of the competition were scheduled as freestyle and Air Style Shows.  I figured it would be a great opportunity to make the long bus journey to the south of the island to check it out!

After a 3 hour bus ride I finally made it to the René Egli Center for the competition. To be honest, I had no idea what I was in store for. As I walked from the bus stop down to the beach I could make out the layout of the competition. A grand stand was set up right along the water and people of all ages packed in eagerly anticipating the first round of the Air Style Show.

The competition began with a Women’s Air Style heat. These girls rocked! I was in awe as they launched into the sky whipping around and throwing tricks that I couldn’t even pronounce (or at least translate from Spanish). The day proceeded with a Men’s heat, followed by another Women’s heat, and back and forth until only two girls and two guys were left as finalists in the competition.

As the last heat for men was finished everyone made their way inside a giant tent area where the winners were announced. The finalists celebrated in a champagne shower and were granted the title of World Champion Kitesurfers! (The overall results can be found at the Fuerteventura Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup website.)

Now, enjoy photos of the action below!