The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour is excited to launch a major new kiteboarding initiative, featuring a ProAm Challenge and gear testing opportunities, that seeks to restore the northern French port of Dunkerque as a European kiteboarding hub.

The twin events over four days are part of an ambitious multi-year plan to bring together kiteboarding enthusiasts and the industry for a vibrant celebration of our sport on the historic North Sea strand.

The GKA ProAm Challenge and GKA Test Event, which will run side-by-side, will seek to unite kiteboarding amateurs, professionals, and the industry to advance the sport and make it more inclusive. The heart of the GKA Test Event will be a buzzing village of stands for kite brands from around the world to show off their latest developments.

What is the GKA Pro-Am Challenge? – What to expect

Open to all levels of riding no matter if you ride twin-tip, strapless, or foil the Pro-am challenge will consist of a series of race-style courses where riders will all take to the water together and collect points depending on where they cross the line!

There is no maximum number of races that can be completed. Depending on the forecast will determine how many races will be completed over the four days, keeping it wide open for plenty of change! New courses will be arranged in accordance with the wind direction and the Race director’s goal to create a fun, social environment with plenty of on- and off-the-water activities.

Although everyone will be racing together, we will separate the categories allowing different winners across the fleet. Categories are listed below within the registration information.

REGISTER AT THE EVENT SITE

Now that the event is up and running, we ask that if you would like to participate in the GKA ProAm Challenge, please make your way down to the event site between 10:00 – 11:00 every morning on 28,29,30 & 31 August and see Liam (event manager) who can sign you up to the days races.

When registering for the GKA ProAm, all participants will be within the ‘OPEN’ category. However, you will then automatically register yourself within the individual specific categories. These categories include:

– OPEN (for everyone competing)
– MASTERS (45+)
– YOUTH (U14-U19)
– FIN (all ages)
– HYDROFOIL (all ages)

JOIN THE WHATSAPP GROUP

If you want to compete please join our WhatsApp communication group! Here you can meet the following attendees and message Liam the event manager directly with any questions you have!

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hltp7WpVlIbKmfZUcQ0oas

Event Schedule – 30/08/2024

The forecast shows some prime wind to get a few races done in the afternoon on Friday 30th, while also testing some of this equipment!

10:00 – 11:00: Registration at the event site for those racing tomorrow.
13:00: Briefing for all riders on the course and race format!
14:00: First possible race start
18:00: End of racing

11:00 – 20:00: TESTING HOURS with all the brands!

Race Format – 30/08/2024

To kick things off we are beginning the first day of races with a simple and easy-to-follow course. A 6km Race consisting of a Rabbit start, competitors will then race crosswind until reaching the 1 turn bouy marked in Green. After the tack competitors will make it back to the finish line. We will complete this course a minimum of two times with the option to extend or shorten the length.

Can’t make all 4 days? NO PROBLEM!

Participating across the 4 days isn’t compulsory. We understand the event starts midweek and runs right through until Sunday. If you can only join us for 1 day, the weekend, or all 3 that is possible!

Entry Fees

Up until 29 August, 2024 ,the participation entry fee will be €50. This will include:

• Competition lycra
• Event T-shirt
• Event water bottle
• GKA ProAm boardstickers
• General organisation fees
• Racing (forecast dependent on how many races will take place)
• Access to the Test Village to demo equipment

What can you win?

Winning your category can see you take home some epic prizes! Up for grabs we have the following

• Flysurfer Indie Kite
• F-One HRD TRX Twintip with accessories
• Duotone Evo
• North Reach
• Nobile Horizon kite & Bar

Who’s going to be attending the Test Event?

Pairing alongside the Pro-Am challenge will be the GKA Test Event. Industry-leading brands will be present alongside one another showcasing their most up-to-date equipment with testing opportunities to be had for everyone! Want to try your favorite brand’s new kite? No problem, the following brands have booked their tents and will be ready and waiting.

1. Duotone
2. F-One
3. Naish
4. Nobile
5. Flysurfer
6. Slingshot
7. Xenon
8. Mio Boards
9. BOOOMTAG

Over the 4 days, testing hours will be from 11:00 – 20:00, with Sunday finishing slightly earlier for the Pro-am prize giving.

Brands will also be bringing the community together by hosting sunset drinks and DJ sessions within the test village, a great way to wind down from a day on the water.

What else can I expect to see?

With plenty of on-the-water action commencing, we’ve also got you covered off the water. Every brand joining for the test event has seminar talks scheduled on the event stage to dive a little deeper into their new products and what’s to come! Pair that with a beer on the sideline and you’ve got yourself a great match!

The GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup will also be running from 28^th -01^st with the best freestyle kiteboarders on the planet battling it out in Dunkerque. A spectacle to witness live, you’ll be able to watch amazing heats go down and see who can take the first freestyle win of the GKA Kite World Tour.

Also scheduled we have Pro Rider Q&A’s and signing sessions, so get those questions prepared as you’ll have the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the very best!