HALL OF FAME 2024
„I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for every person who contributed to our success story. It’s hard to fully comprehend what we have achieved. This wouldn’t have been possible without the passion, sacrifices, dedication, and love for this sport. Above all, we believed in what we were doing and stayed committed to our dreams—dreams that have come true after ten years of relentless hard work. It’s time to celebrate and reflect on a truly historic year.
Christoph Hesina, Brand Manager FLYSURFER
Welcome to the FLYSURFER Hall of Fame 2024, a celebration of extraordinary athletes, unmatched teamwork, and the groundbreaking innovation defining this historic year for wind sports. In 2024, FLYSURFER has proven, time and again, that we are truly “ahead of our time.”
This year, FLYSURFER athletes have set new benchmarks on the global stage, achieving success through dedication, resilience, and the strength of their teams:
Olympic Games, Marseille: At the Formula Kite debut, the FLYSURFER VMG kite powered the entire fleet.
Gold: Valentin Bontus (Austria) – the nation’s first Olympic kiteboarding medal. Silver: Lauriane Nolot (France) – inspired by a home crowd.
Bronze: Maximilian Maeder (Singapore) – a triumph under pressure.
Youth World Champion: Gian Andrea Stragiotti won the Formula Kite Youth Worlds, showcasing the next generation’s talent.
Red Bull King of the Air: Luca Ceruti (South Africa) claimed third as the first local rider to podium, powered by the revolutionary ERA kite.
Woo World Record: Hugo Wigglesworth soared to 36.7m, setting a new Big Air benchmark with the game-changing ERA kite.
These successes are a testament to the people behind the scenes: the athletes who push their limits, the coaches who guide them, the families who support them, and the FLYSURFER R&D team whose relentless pursuit of innovation enables extraordinary achievements. Whether it’s a youth world title, an Olympic podium, or a record-breaking jump, every milestone reflects the collaboration and dedication of the entire FLYSURFER family.
As we look back on 2024, we honor not just the victories but the shared passion and teamwork that have defined this year. Together, we are shaping the future of wind sports, empowering athletes of all ages to achieve greatness, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and fly higher.
FLYSURFER – Ahead of its Time
WORLD SNOWBOARD CHAMPION FREESTYLE
Laurent “Lolo BSD” Guyot mainly trains at his home spot, Lautaret Pass, in the French Alps and Serre Chevalier Valley.
Sometimes he travels to other snowkite spots to explore mixed terrain and snow conditions.
In 2014, Lolo reached 2nd place at the world SKM freestyle and won the French championship title – his biggest achievement! Since then, he has consistently podiumed at the SKM and French championships. His goal was always clear: to win the World SnowKite Masters and regain the French champion title.
“The first time I competed at SKM was in 2011. Back in the day, I was a rookie in snowkite freestyle. Year after year, I progressed and trained hard to push my level. My dream was to become one of the world’s top freestyle snowkiters.”
On the 3rd of February 2024, the wind was blowing around 12-15 knots, and competing started at 10 am. Judging criteria included height, power, speed, and style, with judges scoring each rider’s three best big air and freestyle tricks.
“I was ready to rock the spot. Let’s go! I knew I had to land my best tricks to qualify straight to the finals.”
SKM COMPETITION DAY
Lolo advanced to the finals after winning his heat, waiting to face Guillaume Chastagnol and Didier Botta. “We had a 15-minute heat to show our best tricks to the judges. I was feeling good and ready to boost my bigger tricks! 720 front one-footer, 1080 switch front tail grab with enormous height, then a toe-side 720 indy grab. Moving to freestyle, I sent a massive s-bend to blind, an unhooked front roll kite loop, and finally, a radical double s-bend with perfect kite position.”
For the ultimate push, Lolo unlocked his Flow bindings Hiback to show a world first: the snowboard-off. “I was flying in the sky in front of the judges with my snowboard in one hand and legs free in the air! They all screamed in excitement. I landed perfectly 150 m away and knew I had delivered a great final heat. Was it the day I would win the World SnowKite Masters after one decade of hard training?”
The prize giving was at 9 pm at “Le Chazelay” bar club. When the moment arrived to announce SKM 2024 freestyle snowboard men: 3rd place Guillaume Chastagnol, 2nd place Didier Botta, and in 1st place – Laurent Guyot! “After dedicating my life for over a decade to this sport, I finally reached my goal! I’m super STOKED!! I’m the new world snowkite snowboard freestyle champion and the new French champion.”
Text FLYSURFER
Photos:
SKM 2024 / Bertrand Boone
SKM 2024 / Wareck Arnaud
Wingfoil World Tour
Nathan van Vuuren
Nathan’s Winning Gear:
» TAO Surfwing
» SPG R80 Proto Foil
» 4’4 ULTRA X Custom Board
Get ready to ride the wave of an unforgettable FLYSURFER milestone! We’re thrilled to share that Nathan van Vuuren, in his debut appearance on the Wingfoil World Tour, has achieved an incredible third-place podium finish using our cutting-edge TAO Surfwing!
“What an intense day! I’m absolutely stoked to be here. The waves were massive, and this has been an amazing learning experience. The gear performed flawlessly—the new foil setup was exceptional, and the TAO Surfwing was so stable and predictable that I could focus entirely on my riding. I kept pushing my limits throughout the event and exceeded all my expectations!”
The competition in Ponta Preta, Cabo Verde, delivered epic conditions with consistent two-meter swells and 15 seconds, accompanied by 20-knot breezes—ideal for showcasing the world’s best wingfoilers. Nathan’s smooth, stylish performance captivated the judges and the crowd, cementing his place in the global spotlight.
Stay tuned for an exclusive behind-thescenes feature as we follow Nathan’s journey alongside James Leigh, who has captured every moment on camera. Together, we’ll explore the groundbreaking technology behind Nathan’s setup with insights from our wing designer, Maxi Kühnhauser.
Congratulations to Nathan and all the competitors for an outstanding performance! Your FLYSURFER team is proud to support this next-level achievement.
Nathan van Vuuren, a 22-year-old professional kitesurfer from South Africa, is celebrated for his big-air and freestyle expertise.
A former windsurfer, he transitioned to wingsurfing seven years ago, quickly excelling in the sport. As a top performer in the big-air scene, Nathan showcases his skills in competitions and contributes to the Flysurfer team as both an athlete and product tester.
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: Lukas K. Stiller
European Championships
Mar Menor (ES)
The European Championships at Mar Menor were a spectacular showcase of speed, resilience, and tactical mastery, featuring 137 competitors from 39 nations. The event reinforced the growing prominence of kitefoil racing on the global stage while setting the tone for the Olympic season ahead.
Maximilian Maeder (SGP) delivered a commanding performance, demonstrating the unparalleled potential of advanced foil kites. He clinched victory with consistent wins across challenging conditions. Lauriane Nolot (FRA) led the women’s fleet with exceptional control and tactical expertise, supported by FLYSURFER’s cutting-edge technology, which offered speed and precision. Key highlights included flat waters enabling speeds of up to 40 knots and thrilling head-to-head battles in gusty offshore winds on Super Sunday. FLYSURFER-supported athletes like Jessie Kampman displayed remarkable adaptability, leveraging innovative equipment to achieve podium finishes and set new standards for competition.
This event not only celebrated individual talent but also underlined the role of advanced gear in enabling elite performances. The European Championships marked another milestone in kitefoil racing and offered a preview of what’s to come as we gear up for the Princess Sofia Trophy in Mallorca.
Text: Jannis Maus
Photos: IKA International Kiteboarding Association / Robert Hajduk
Princess Sofia Trophy
Mallorca (ES)
The Princess Sofia Trophy in Mallorca delivered another unforgettable chapter in kitefoil racing. Against extreme conditions, including 35-knot gusts and towering waves, FLYSURFER’s athletes rose to the occasion, showcasing resilience and mastery under pressure.
Maximilian Maeder (SGP) continued his winning streak, taking the men’s title with precision and speed, while Daniela Moroz (USA) demonstrated dominance in the women’s fleet with tactical brilliance. Breiana Whitehead (AUS) made history by being named the best overall sailor across all ten classes, a testament to the versatility and performance of advanced wing and foil setups like those pioneered by FLYSURFER.
The competition also highlighted the importance of adaptability, with athletes managing shifting winds and unpredictable gradients. The VMG’s stability and the reliability of our foil kites provided competitors with the tools to excel in challenging conditions.
As the spotlight turns to the Olympic season, the Princess Sofia Trophy is a testament to the future of kite foil racing, driven by groundbreaking equipment and exceptional athletes.
Text: Jannis Maus
Photos: Sailing Energy / Princesa Sofía Mallorca
Semaine Olympique Francaise
Hyères (F)
The Semaine Olympique Francaise in Hyères delivered high-stakes drama as kiteboarders fought for the final Olympic qualification slots. In gusty Mistral winds, athletes depended on both skill and the unmatched reliability of their equipment to navigate unstable wind patterns and intense competition. FLYSURFER athletes excelled, with Elena Lengwiler (SUI) and Markus Edegran (USA) securing Olympic slots in their respective fleets. The versatility of our kites proved pivotal in the intense semifinals, where every decision mattered.
This regatta reinforced FLYSURFER’s commitment to enabling athletes to reach their highest potential, combining durability, speed, and control to dominate in high-pressure scenarios. As riders prepare for the final Olympic selection in Hyères, the road to Paris looks brighter than ever, with FLYSURFER’s technology leading the charge.
Photos: © IKA media/ Robert Hajduk
Text: FLYSURFER
World Championships
Hyères (F)
The Formula Kite World Championships in Hyères delivered a thrilling finale to the pre-Olympic season, with Lauriane Nolot (FRA) and Maximilian Maeder (SGP) clinching back-to-back world titles. In diverse conditions ranging from light easterlies to high-speed westerlies, FLYSURFER athletes showcased their adaptability and skill. The performance of our kites, including their precision and stability, was evident as Riccardo Pianosi and Axel Mazella pushed the competition to new heights.
The men’s and women’s finals epitomized high-caliber racing, with tactics and raw speed on full display. This event reaffirmed FLYSURFER’s commitment to innovation and athlete success, paving the way for the sport’s Olympic debut.
The future of kitefoil racing is here, and FLYSURFER is proud to lead the charge.
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: © IKA media/ Robert Hajduk
GWA Wingfoil World Tour
La Palma (ES)
Viola Lippitsch, an Austrian FLYSURFER team rider, shared her experiences from the Youth Wingfoil World Cup in Santa Cruz de La Palma, part of the GWA Wingfoil World Tour. The event featured U19, U16, and U14 divisions, with participants competing in freefly slalom and surf freestyle disciplines. Viola managed an impressive performance despite initial challenges, including lost luggage and missing equipment.
Her competition began on a challenging note, as her race foil and other gear failed to arrive on time. With help from colleagues and her sponsor, FLYSURFER, she borrowed equipment and adapted quickly to the new conditions. She used a slower freestyle foil in the slalom discipline but still secured second place thanks to favorable wind conditions and determination.
Light winds delayed the competition on the second day, providing Viola a brief reprieve as some of her luggage arrived. With her freestyle gear assembled just minutes before her heat, she advanced to the freestyle finals and finished fourth. The evening saw more races added to the schedule, and despite weak wind conditions, she maintained third place overall heading into the final day. The final day brought four races, where Viola aimed to defend her second-place position against strong competition, particularly Nia Suardiaz. Without a race watch, she relied on skill and focus, ultimately securing her position.
She highlighted the performance of her FLYSURFER TAO 5.2 wing, praising its versatility and effectiveness in freestyle and racing.
Looking ahead, Viola is heading to Fuerteventura for training before competing in the Big Air event in Gran Canaria. She expressed excitement about teaming up with fellow FLYSURFER rider Nathan van Vuuren from South Africa and remains motivated to achieve strong results in future competitions.
Viola‘s adaptability and determination were key to her success in La Palma, marking a strong start to her competition season despite the challenges.
Text: Viola Lippitsch Photos: GWA Wingfoil World Tour
Formula Kite Youth World Championships
Gizzeria (IT)
Gian Andrea Stragiotti and Catalina Turienz emerged as the newly crowned Formula Kite Youth World Champions in Gizzeria, Italy. Gian demonstrated exceptional consistency and resilience, leading the competition early on and clinching victory in the intense four-rider final. The first competitor decides the winner to achieve three wins, a format that keeps the outcome uncertain until the last race.
Gian attributed his success to rigorous winter training, strategic race planning, and mental composure under pressure. Despite challenges, including a crash and tactical misstep in the finals, he maintained focus through mindful breathing and adapting his strategy. He highlighted the importance of a clean approach, course selection, and learning from mistakes.
The level of competition was comparable to the Olympic fleet, underscoring the high standards in youth kiteboarding. Gian also credited his father’s support as a caddy and his coach’s guidance for his success.
Looking ahead, Gian will compete in the World Sailing U19 World Championships at Lake Garda before taking a short break from racing to recharge with paragliding and catching up on schoolwork. His achievements reflect the blend of skill, preparation, and adaptability required to excel in kiteboarding
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: © IKA media/ Robert Hajduk
PARIS 2024
FLYSURFER Makes Kiteboarding History with the VMG2
On Thursday, August 8, 2024, and Friday, August 9, 2024, history was made at the world’s largest sporting event of the year. These were the final days of the men’s and women’s kiteboarding competitions. Challenging conditions prevailed throughout the competition as there was almost no wind in Marseille. The regulations state that there must be at least 6 knots of wind across the entire racecourse to ensure a fair and safe competition. Some races in the previous days had already been postponed, putting the athletes‘ patience to the test. On the late afternoon of August 8, 2024, it was finally time: the women competed for gold. In an exciting and, above all, tactical race, Eleanor Aldridge (GBR) triumphed over Lauriane Nolot (FRA) and Annelous Lammerts (NED), securing the first gold medal in the history of kiteboarding.
The medal hunt continued on Friday with the men’s competition. The whole world watched as 23-year-old Austrian Valentin Bontus dominated the fleet after an impressive comeback with three consecutive victories in the medal races, earning historic gold. Toni Vodišek (SLO) secured silver, and Maximilian Maeder (SGP) took bronze.
FLYSURFER Celebrates Historic Success
FLYSURFER also had reason to celebrate! Both in the qualification rounds and in the final rounds, all races were contested with the VMG². The foundation for this remarkable success was laid back in 2018 when the development of the VMG kite began. To ensure equal opportunities among the athletes, the equipment had to be registered and approved four years before the event. In 2020, five brands qualified as official kite suppliers for 2024, but in the end, all 40 athletes chose the VMG² from FLYSURFER, leading to the brand’s absolute dominance in the races and, consequently, on the podium.
THE TEAM‘S PASSION PAYS OFF
This success is based on long-standing friendships, trust, and an unwavering passion for the sport. The decision to focus as a brand on the niche of kitefoil racing stemmed from the pure enthusiasm of the FLYSURFER team for foil kitesurfing.
Benni Bölli, Head of Research and Development, worked intensively on the development of the successful VMG kite with his team, which also includes Formula Kite World Champion Théo de Ramecourt. In 2019, Bölli himself moved to California for six months to fine-tune the final details of the VMG race kite.
“With the predecessor models SONIC RACE and VMG¹, we had already achieved great success and knew exactly what athletes needed to perform at their best on the racecourse,” says Bölli. “A tremendous amount of development work and material research went into the VMG². The production standards also had to be raised to a new level to produce such a finely tuned kite in the sport’s elite. For the company, it was a significant investment that has proven to be the right decision from today’s perspective. We are proud that our athletes were able to achieve podium finishes with the VMG².”
FLYSURFER has been supporting its athletes for years, not only with topnotch equipment but also on a personal level. Many of the athletes, including Valentin Bontus (1st place), Maximilian Maeder (3rd place), Jannis Maus (5th place), Lauriane Nolot (2nd place), as well as Daniela Moroz (4th place) and Leonie Meyer (5th place), have been part of the FLYSURFER team for many years. We are incredibly proud to continue supporting these athletes in their careers.
FLYSURFER looks to the future of the sport with confidence and has already developed and produced the third generation of the VMG as the foundation for 2028, to once again provide the athletes with the fastest and most efficient kite for future competitions.
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: World Sailing
Hugo Wigglesworth’s Woo Worlds Record Jump 36.7m
On September 7, 2024, 17-year-old New Zealand kitesurfer Hugo Wigglesworth set a new Woo Worlds Big Air record with an astonishing 36.7-meter jump. Using the FLYSURFER ERA, a kite designed for extreme Big Air performance, Hugo achieved this feat under ideal conditions after years of dedication and training.
During the record-setting jump, Hugo utilized a kicker for lift, executed multiple Heliloops for control, and safely landed after reaching the peak height. His adrenaline-filled achievement has elevated kitesurfing in New Zealand, drawing international attention to its growing community.
The FLYSURFER ERA was instrumental in the record, offering a perfect balance of performance and accessibility. Co-developer Luke McGillewie highlighted the challenge of designing a kite suitable for elite riders and the general market. Hugo aims to compete in major Big Air events, including KOTA, to secure future titles. His achievement marks a milestone for kitesurfing, showcasing innovation, passion, and commitment. Congratulations, Hugo! A truly unique performance.
FORCE Control Bar
23m
133cm custom TEAM SERIES Board (comparable to the RADICAL)
I’VE NEVER HAD SO MUCH
Hugo‘s Equipment
7
[M],
lines
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: Hugo Wiggelsworth
Nathan van Vuuren Woo Worlds Record Jump 16.1m
The world of wing-foiling has a new height to aim for: Flysurfer athlete Nathan van Vuuren, 22, made history at the WOO Worlds 2024 in Cape Town with a jaw-dropping jump of 16.1 meters. This achievement catapulted the talented South African to the top of the international elite, cementing his place in the record books of this prestigious global competition.
The journey to this record was no accident. Nathan had already impressed earlier in the competition with a 15.5-meter jump, demonstrating his exceptional talent and determination. But in his second session, he surpassed even his own high standards, achieving the highest jump ever recorded in wingfoiling and claiming victory at this year’s WOO Worlds.
Originally a windsurfer, Nathan discovered wing-foiling five years ago and has since established himself as one of the best athletes in the discipline. His passion for big air and freestyle has made him a role model within the community. Reflecting on his record, Nathan shared: “I love the feeling of weightlessness at the peak of a jump—it’s a moment that’s both thrilling and freeing.”
This achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to Flysurfer’s commitment to innovation. Nathan believes that Flysurfer will gain even greater prominence in the foil and big-air markets, especially after the upcoming Olympic Games.
WOO Worlds: A Competition for the Best
The WOO Worlds is a global event where athletes measure their jumps using a specialized WOO sensor and upload the data to a dedicated app. With his recordbreaking jump, Nathan not only secured the top spot in this year’s rankings but also reinforced Flysurfer’s position as a leading innovator in wing-foiling.
Nathan van Vuuren’s remarkable success at the WOO Worlds 2024 has set a new benchmark in the sport, proving that with the right tools and mindset, the dream of flying knows no limits.
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: James Leigh Stuart Frazer
South African kitesurfer Luca Ceruti made history at the 2024 Red Bull King of the Air by becoming the first South African to reach the podium. Competing at his home spot in Blouberg Beach, Ceruti secured third place in a high-stakes event marked by challenging wind and wave conditions. The competition featured 18 top male Big Air riders and 6 women, with Ceruti standing out for his technical skill and consistency. Despite a challenging year recovering from an injury, Ceruti trained extensively and entered the competition stronger than ever. His performance in the semifinal, where he edged out his competitor by a narrow margin, earned him a spot in the finals against past champions Andrea Principi and Lorenzo Casati. Ceruti’s third-place finish was celebrated as a landmark achievement for South African kitesurfing.
KING OF THE AIR 2024
Ceruti’s success was powered by the FLYSURFER ERA, a production 9m kite designed for Big Air, along with his custom Big Air setup. Signed by FLYSURFER in early 2024, Ceruti has been instrumental in developing the ERA, which balances performance, durability, and affordability.
The event highlighted the rising prominence of foil kites like the FLYSURFER SOUL and SONIC, renowned for their hangtime and light wind performance. FLYSURFER continues to innovate to meet the demands of professional and amateur Big Air riders.
FLYSURFER and fans alike celebrated Luca Ceruti’s groundbreaking performance, marking a historic milestone and promising an exciting future for both the rider and the brand.
Text: FLYSURFER
Photos: Wayne Reiche / Red Bull Content Pool
