Yellow Light

The yellow light has been given, signalling a potential start to the 2023 Red Bull King of the Air event within the next 48 hours. This exciting big air kiteboarding competition will take place at Kite Beach in Cape Town. The event features 18 riders and is scheduled to run from November 25 to December 10. Optimal conditions for the competition require wind speeds of at least 25 knots and a good swell to ensure the best action.

Day One is scheduled to begin in Cape Town at 2pm, Wednesday 29 November
(Cape Town +2GMT)

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The event's weather window opened on November 25, with a focus on the unique climatic conditions essential for the competition. Sergio Cantagalli, Sportive Director of Red Bull King of the Air, explains that while there's no minimum wind speed for starting the event, conditions typically start with an average of 25 knots (46kph), potentially rising to 35 to 37 knots (65 to 69kph).

Steve ‘Spike’ Pike, weather guru and founder of Wavescape.co.za, sheds light on the prevailing summer weather patterns. The South Atlantic High-pressure system's counter-clockwise flow forms the basis for the summer southeast trade wind, bringing warm, sunny days and consistent winds to Cape Town. This interplay between high and low atmospheric pressure shapes the ocean weather patterns, creating the ideal conditions for the southeast wind to strengthen, particularly in the afternoon.

 

PredictWind Weather Forecast for Wednesday 29 November, 3.15pm

The west coast section of Cape Town, from Milnerton to beyond Big Bay, aligns well with the southeast wind, allowing riders to utilize the wind parallel to the shore. This creates excellent wave-riding opportunities, with the consistent summer swell offering a stark contrast to the often flat summer seasons in European countries.

As the riders prepare to harness the power of the Cape Doctor, fans from around the world, especially from Germany and the Netherlands, flock to witness the thrilling spectacle, making Kite Beach a hub of international kitesurfing culture this summer.

The stage is set, the riders are ready, and the winds are calling. The 2023 Red Bull King of the Air is not just a competition; it's a celebration of skill, courage, and the relentless pursuit of pushing the limits of kitesurfing. As the event draws near, one question remains – who will be crowned the new King of the Air?

Words: Red Bull Content Pool

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