Due to dangerously overpowered Levante conditions, the GKA Freestyle World Cup Tarifa 2021 ran the finals in a pure big air format
Date: Friday 25th June
Words: Sasha Jade Gabriel
Photos: Samuel Cardenas
Video: Mintautas Grigas
Reporting to you from the shelter of a container as the sandstorm continued to blast. The angry wind has coated the remaining blue of the ocean with whirling whitecaps to the shoreline.
The atmosphere on the beach was intense as the riders huddled behind the gear container, in an attempt to hear the judges over the loud Levante in the first skippers’ meeting.
Due to the dangerously overpowered conditions for any form of Freestyle, it was no surprise to the riders when the judges announced the format of the day to be pure Big-Air. The talk went straight to safety measures.
Judging by Friday’s conditions the primary battle would continue to be between the riders and the wind. With that in mind, the Judges decided on changing the rules to one man on the battlefield at a time to ensure the safety of the riders.
The athletes competing in the heat would conquer the battlefield 7 times, returning to the shore after each trick attempt, to clear the competition area for the next competitor to take the stage. The judges will be counting the best 3 tricks.
Meet The GKA Freestyle World Cup Tarifa 2021 | BIG AIR PODIUM
MEN
1. A. Guillebert (FRA)
2. J. Burlando (ITA)
3. E. Jaspan (AUS)
4. A. Corniel (DOM)
WOMEN
1. M. Sol (BRA)
2. P. Van Iersel (NLD)
3. H. Whiteley (GBR)
4. R. Arnaus (ESP)
These warriors have been perservering to climb up the ladder for 2 solid days hanging on strongly through the gnarly Levante. Up and above their comfort zone from the first day with the new pure big air format the conditions required.
Each and every one of them showed up with courage, bringing everything they had to the shores of Tarifa and invited us to be entertained.
You can watch the wrap up video of the final day of the GKA Freestyle World Cup Tarifa 2021 here.
