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MEANWHILE, IN CAPE VERDE... Epic wave battles took place at the legendary wave spot that is Ponta Preta during the first stop of the Qatar Airways GKA Kite-surf World Cup in Cape Verde this past weekend. Ocean Rodeo team rider and board designer Reece Myerscough put on a spectacular performance, making his way through to the quarter finals where he lost against local legend Airton Cozzolino, but it marks a great start to the season for Reece and we can't wait to see him on the next tour stop! Also joining him on the water, and making its first competitive...

THE BIG AIR BLUEPRINT Taking it big with the Tumbler In the last part of our series, we take a closer look at the final piece within the Champion’s quiver – his board. Why exactly is the Tumbler Giel’s board-of-choice, and what’s his ideal straps set-up for knocking out those steezy board-offs? All is revealed… Freestyle boards are more flexible on the tips and have "pop"... but you have moved exclusively to the Tumbler, with its large concave. Why? To be honest, I didn't want to ride the Tumbler at first because I have never seen that shape before. But...

THE BIG AIR BLUEPRINT TRUST THE PILOT Short lines vs. long lines – this is one of the hottest topics in Big Air kiteboarding right now. In this episode of The Big Air Blueprint, we find out from Double loop pioneer Giel Vlugt what he perceives as the perfect line length, and his preferred control system setup for sending it big.  So Giel, what Ocean Rodeo control system do you use? I use the Pilot Bar.  Do you adjust your center line bar trim just before "going big"? Nope, I just take it as it is and go as big...

THE BIG AIR BLUEPRINT ALL RISE Powered by the ultimate Big Air machine, the A-Series Rise, Giel Vlugt literally changed the rulebook in the Big Air game, pioneering moves that were simply not attainable before. So exactly how has the pairing of the Rise and Giel Vlugt worked out so spectacularly? We dug a little deeper to find out… What’s your favorite size in the Rise line-up, Giel? Well it really depends for what... In light wind, the 11 or 12 is just magical, as you can start kiteloops in very low wind. The 9 meter is just an insane...

THE BIG AIR BLUEPRINT THE VIKING What a spectacular season it was for Ocean Rodeo team rider Giel Vlugt! From daring to perform the first ever Double loop in the history of kiting, followed by a stylish S-loop, winning the podium at Full Power Tarifa, winning 2022 GKA Male Rider of the Year and 2022 GKA Best Move awards, putting up an incredible show at this year’s King of the Air battle, and wrapping up the year with first place winner of the 2022 BAKL World Tour.   As he prepares to power into the new season, we caught up with...