Mykonos Daily | The Opening Ceremony

Summary

Kitesurf365: Mykonos Daily | The Opening Ceremony

Host: Adrian Kerr
Date: June 17, 2026
Episode Theme:
Coverage of the opening ceremony and registration for the GKA Big Air World Tour stop in Mykonos, Greece. Adrian walks listeners through the event’s first day, capturing rider reactions, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and exploring the excitement (and heat) that’s kicking off this unique Big Air competition.

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Overview

This episode launches Adrian’s new "Mykonos Daily" format: short, on-site updates following each day of the GKA Big Air World Tour stop in Mykonos. The focus is on atmosphere, athlete interviews, and first impressions as riders from around the world gather for the event's opening ceremony. Adrian captures the raw excitement, camaraderie, nerves, and competitive drive that set the stage for a hotly anticipated competition.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Event Atmosphere and Rider Registration

• Setting the Scene:
  • Brutally hot weather has driven most riders to hide in the shade as the opening rider meeting unfolds.
  • Boats unusually fill the bay, but this is expected to change as the wind picks up over the next days.

    “Normally this time of year there’s no boats here because the wind is just powering down this bay. So I suspect probably tomorrow, as the wind swings to the north and the Malteme kicks in, we’ll have less and less boats here…” (01:21, Adrian)

• Opening Ceremony Vibes:
  • Riders are treated to a barbecue and free beer; OG voices of the sport, like Joe Siesta, return, creating a sense of history and community.

2. Athlete First Impressions & Event Aspirations

Maxwell Dahl: On Rider Meetings and Spot Comparison

• On the Meeting:

  “Dude, it was so hot. And like, you don’t really get that much stuff out of it. Like, they could squeeze it down to, like, five minutes.” (02:37, Maxwell)

• On Mykonos:

  “It was like, I’ve been to Hood River before. It was like identical copy of it, like, with the swirl and the little magic gust you get.” (03:01, Maxwell)

Yusuf Parallik: First GKA Entry

• On Training:

  “I trained for three months, four months, and got in a good entry video and got in first time going at a big air competition. And I hope I will do good and represent my brand good.” (03:32, Yusuf)

• On Conditions:

  “Blue lagoon everyday, 30 knots. Perfect conditions to train. Gran Canaria, no one in the water. It's just perfect to train.” (04:08, Yusuf)

Cohen: The Established Podium Getter

• On Mykonos:

  "It is a very well known spot, but also very good…The water is warm, the wind is flipping strong, it has great updrafts and it’s just such a pleasure to ride here." (04:47, Cohen)

• On Competition:

  “It’s going to be a very interesting year…It is amazing to see and amazing to see this movement and the skill level these kids have. I’m just very excited to see and watch them and obviously try and top it.” (05:32, Cohen)

• On Mentorship:

  "They are pushing the sport to the limits and I want to take that with me. You know, I need to learn from them. They're not learning from me anymore..." (06:02, Cohen)

Brazilian Brothers: First ‘Real’ Big Air Event

• On the Experience:

  "It's a dream come true for us. We've been watching on the new live stream for so long and now we're here..." (07:12, Brazilian rider)

• On Gear:

  "The Brainchild kites are amazing...definitely, I think it’s going to be one of the best kites in this tournament for sure." (08:12, Brazilian rider)

Shahar Sabri: The Last Core Rider

• On Confidence:

  “No, I’m feeling amazing. I think I’m gonna be good for you in the fantasy, actually, with this condition. It's kind of what I grew up into.” (09:22, Shahar)

• Handling Pressure:

  “Now I just understand that I just need to be calm and enjoy the moment. And I think I have the tricks, I have the power, I just need to perform it.” (09:41, Shahar)

Max Tullard: Back to Competition

• On Balancing School and Kiting:

  "I've been at school for the past few years, and in the last year I've just finished school...This is where I slowly start to get into it." (10:19, Max)

• On Inspiring UK Riders:

  “But hopefully in the next few years, we can try and persuade some people to get into kiteboarding, because it is an amazing sport, especially competing in big air...” (11:10, Max)

3. Legends and Organizers Reflect

Joe Siestala: Original Voice Returns

• On Modern Big Air:

  “Big Air is the show discipline of our sport and the guys are doing an insane job and looking forward to seeing them go big and…see the origins of kiteboarding, which was go high or go big or go home.” (11:52, Joe)

• On the Next Generation:

  “What the new kids are bringing to the table is ridiculous. And I'm sure they have a few aces up their sleeve…” (12:09, Joe)

Moraine & Tom (GKA Team): Ballet of Wind, Safety, and Spectacle

• On Jump Heights and Tricks:

  “Last time was the biggest jump. Do you think we're going to see that beaten?” (12:39, Adrian) “I think we're gonna have around 20 meters per trick. 15 to 20 and hopefully something bigger.” (12:48, Moraine)

• Why Contra Loops Go Higher:

  “We had this data we sent you of the highest jumps were being contra looped...But I think here we might see a bit more kite loops, actually…” (13:09, Moraine)

• Event Logistics:

  "This is the first time the GKA comes to Greece in general and Mykonos. Yeah...to finally see that it comes into play. So I think it's probably one of the best locations to run a big air competition…” (14:25, Tom)

• On Venue Uniqueness:

  “You can get up on those sides and you really do get a good view.” (15:07, Adrian)

• On Growth of the Spot:

  “It’s an island that’s...popular for a lot of other people too, you know. So we expect also a good crowd to watch the show.” (15:32, Tom)

4. Coaches, Mentors, and the Support System

Jeremy Belando & The Italian Crew

• On Conditions and Prize Money:

  “It’s amazing to be back with everyone and finally we’re getting a proper bigger competition, it looks like.” (16:40, Jeremy)
  “...the actual organization that finally they're giving us some nice prize money together with Capital.com, I think they're showcasing what a real world tour is, you know, in the best way.” (16:58, Jeremy)
  “I heard Baptiste was saying that the first guy is getting €18,000.” (18:21, Jeremy)

Niko Demar: Coach of Superstars

• On Balancing Disciplines:

  “Honestly, I really enjoy...now the vibes is more into big as well. So, yeah, we adapt quite a lot. And I really enjoy now coaching big as well.” (18:54, Niko)

• On Coaching Gisela and Aya:

  "It’s a privilege to have Gisela back on tour...She just want to give it best, enjoy competing as she always do.” (19:17, Niko) “Aya...already, like, she was, like, fully motivated to commit, like, brainless. Going massive already. And, yeah, she's super talented.” (20:23, Niko)

• On Finn's World Title Hopes:

  “He has done, like, some pretty good sessions already here in Mykonos, so he is ready. And, yeah, for sure he's gonna give it all and you're gonna go for the title.” (21:02, Niko)

Commentary Team: Joe and Lewis

• On History & Venue Energy:

  “It’s lovely because we spend a lot of time in different worlds as well. What he does with fitness and the other sort of activities I'm up to. So it’s nice to rejoin with him.” (22:09, Lewis) “It’s nice it finally came here...I actually put it down to some Italians that will know who they are. Some Italians that know Ruben very well that found this place for me…they brought us here.” (22:31, Lewis)

5. Female Riders’ Voices

Francesca: On Comeback and Vibe

• Personal Growth & Flow:

  “I’m just there, here to, you know, prove myself, and, I don’t know, more for myself than for other people...I really lost my flow, like, for sure...but actually I’ve come back here. I actually finally did a boogie loop, which I haven’t done since Mega loop...And I think also I’ve, like, recovered more from the head injury and everything…” (27:09–28:07, Francesca)

• On the Event Mood:

  "There's some good vibes. I think everyone's actually weirdly relaxed, which is quite nice." (26:46, Francesca)

Esti: On Competition and Community

• On Feeling Comfortable:

  “Now I am feeling way more comfortable a bit.” (29:01, Esti)

• On Training:

  “I didn’t really had so much of a big training, but I’ve been in Tarifa a bit…But I didn’t have the chance to go to Egypt. I really like Egypt, though.” (29:21, Esti)

• On Rider Camaraderie:

  “It’s super nice with the girls and that we are like all together and sharing the same passion. So it’s really nice.” (30:11, Esti)

6. Unique and Fun Moments

• Showerside Interview:
  Adrian humorously conducts an interview with Jason while he’s in the shower, highlighting the relaxed, family-like vibe among the riders.

  “I mean, this is the first time I’ve ever done a video interview in the shower.” (31:12, Adrian)

• Final Words with Anna - Mykonos Duotone Pro Centre:
  Anna reflects on the years of work to bring the GKA Big Air World Tour to Mykonos, credits the community, and thanks all for their support.

  “Yes. No, it's been great help from a lot of people. It's not just us...So I am very grateful for that. Very, very grateful.” (32:02, Anna)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's a dream come true for us. We've been watching on the new live stream for so long and now we're here…meeting you and Ben, you know, the portrait Kai boys. I mean we love your stuff and we’ve been watching it from the very early stages.”
  – Brazilian Rider (07:12)

• “It’s amazing to be back with everyone and finally we’re getting a proper bigger competition, it looks like.”
  – Jeremy Belando (16:40)

• “Now I just understand that I just need to be calm and enjoy the moment. And I think I have the tricks, I have the power. I just need to perform it.”
  – Shahar Sabri (09:41)

• “I actually finally did a boogie loop, which I haven’t done since Mega loop...And I think also I’ve, like, recovered more from the head injury and everything.”
  – Francesca (27:45)

• “It’s nice it finally came here...they’ve got some really interesting people, clever people behind the scenes that are all kite boarders, which connects us all at the end of the day.”
  – Lewis (22:31)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Adrian opens from event site; sets the stage.
• 01:21 – Mykonos event atmosphere, opening ceremony, rider meeting.
• 02:27-04:35 – Interviews: Maxwell Dahl and Yusuf Parallik (first impressions, spot comparison, training).
• 04:36-06:32 – Interview: Cohen on spot quality, training, pressure, and the talent pipeline.
• 06:34-08:53 – Brazilian Brothers: First "real" Big Air, gear discussion.
• 09:03-10:43 – Shahar Sabri and Max Tullard reflect on competition, handling pressure, and representing their home nations.
• 11:34-12:25 – Adrian with Joe Siestala on evolution of Big Air, new generation excitement.
• 12:27-15:53 – Judges and GKA organizers (Moraine & Tom): expectations on jump heights, logistics, Mykonos as event venue.
• 16:18-18:36 – Jeremy Belando and coach Niko Demar discuss prize money, coaching philosophy, and the next generation of champions.
• 21:31-23:32 – Commentary insights: Lewis, Joe Siesta, and the Mykonos Big Air story.
• 23:36-26:09 – Baby Shark’s mental coach Michael on preparation, flow state, and the role of caddies/coaches.
• 26:18-28:50 – Francesca on comeback, women's field camaraderie, and mental barriers.
• 28:51-30:51 – Esti on being new to the competition, the supportive vibe among the women.
• 31:01-31:26 – Humorous interview with Jason in the shower.
• 31:45-32:50 – Closing with Anna from Duotone Pro Centre and final reflections on community.

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Final Thoughts

Adrian delivers an immersive, behind-the-scenes peek into the opening of one of the year’s premier Big Air events. The energy is high, camaraderie strong, and ambitions clear—with the summer heat and Greek winds promising an epic competition. From the returning legends and hungry newcomers to the coaches working tirelessly in the background, Mykonos is set to become a true stage for both established stars and the future of Big Air kitesurfing.

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Stay tuned for daily updates as the action heats up!

Transcript

[A]

Good morning everybody and welcome to Mykonos Daily. Each day I'm going to bring you all the action from the event site. I'm going to bring you along with me. I'm going to speak to riders and I'm going to speak to the movers and shakers. Today's episode was recorded at the opening ceremony and the registration for the riders each day I'm going to bring you all the action from the event sites over the next three days of competition. They probably won't be as long as this, but I'm going to bring my little microphone everywhere and yeah, keep you up to date for all the audio listeners out there. Ben and I have recorded the pre show and that's going to be out today sometime. So keep checking portrait or keep checking the socials. It's free to watch. If you're not a portrait member, you can still watch that for free. I hope you enjoy this.

[B]

Good morning, everybody. Colin and I have just finished recording the pre show for the second stop of the GK Big Air World Tour right here in Mykonos and I'm going to do these daily updates. I think I'm going to call it Mykonos Daily. So each day I'm going to bring you 10 to 15 minutes of action about what's happening and catch up with some of the interesting characters that are around this event right now. It is brutally hot, so all the riders are hiding in the riders area as Moraine is laying out the rules. It's pretty funny here as I look out into the bay, there's a whole bunch of boats anchored in the bay and normally this time of year there's no boats here because the wind is just powering down this bay. So I suspect probably tomorrow, as the wind swings to the north and the Malteme kicks in, we'll have less and less boats here and less and less people on the beach over the next three or four days we'll bring you all the action and I'm going to have a little walk around the event here and just, just talk to some of the interesting people that turn up at these events. It's not always riders, it's people who are fans of the sport. Let me see who I can find. So the 1 1/2 hour GK meeting has just finished, which I didn't really follow or spend much time listening to, but it's the usual stuff, talking about rules, regulations, where to jump, how to jump, and interestingly, one of the funny things I thought was they were actually telling the guys not to jump too close to the beach. Like, these guys don't know what they're talking about. But the guys are streaming out, actually, I must admit, they've done a great job here. They got a barbecue, they got free beer. You know, Mykonos is really turning it on here. And, you know, interesting Josiesta, who is one of the original voices of kite boarding, is back here. So, yeah, it's going to be. It's going to be a great event. There's a lot of. A lot of excitement in the air and. All right, let me grab Maxwell D. Max, how are you feeling, buddy? I mean, it's too hot, eh? Yeah, it's way too hot. The wind better start blowing.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Sometime soon, man. Oh, it's hot.

[B]

Give me a breakdown of that one and a half hour meeting. I mean, it's pretty boring, eh?

[D]

Was it one and a half hours?

[B]

Holy.

[D]

Dude, it was so hot. And like, I mean, you don't really get that much stuff out of it. Like, they could. They could squeeze it down to like five minutes.

[B]

What about when he pulled out the box with the drawing on the back? That was hilarious. He's like, imagine this is the box. Like, it's actually a box.

[D]

It's nice to have an event, of course. And yeah, it's s. I like it a lot. Yeah.

[B]

What was your thoughts on the spot here? I mean, it's. I mean, your first time here? Did you enjoy the wind?

[D]

Yeah, yeah, it was super nice. It was like, I've been to Hood river before. It was like identical copy of it, like, with the swirl and the little magic gust you get. It's super sick.

[B]

Actually. We were speaking to Zach Adams before on the pre show, and he also said it reminds a little bit of Hood River. I mean, people always talk about the chop here, but if you get. Fair enough, you sort of get in those rollers, right? You can get in the middle of them.

[D]

And even, like, when you come to landing and it gets a bit more messy, it's not that bad. It's pretty. Okay.

[B]

Good luck, brother.

[D]

Thanks, man.

[B]

Let me grab Yusuf Parallik here, who is also first time in the GK for you.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. I trained for three months, four months, and got in a good entry video and got in first time going at a beer competition. And I hope I will do good and represent my brand good.

[B]

And, dude, I said to you a long time ago, I mean, it wasn't me who made you do it, but I said, mate, you got to get those long lines out, bro, because There's a lot more credit in long lines, but, man, it looks like you're really enjoying it.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

Thanks to Gong, I now have the opportunity to train as much as the others. I can train like all year round. So I did it and I'll keep on doing it and hopefully we get a better level on Longlands.

[B]

Blue Lagoon to Gran Canaria.

[C]

Yeah, fuck, those places were unreal. Blue lagoon everyday, 30 knots. Perfect conditions to train Gran Canaria. No one in the water. It's just perfect to train.

[B]

Did you get a little bit of training here over the last few days?

[C]

I did. I had a session for one day for four hours. Was good to test the water. Was a good spot. I mean, the water is choppy, but it didn't, you know, made any problem with the takeoff or anything. Wind is very consistent. Was all good.

[B]

Cheers, brother. Good luck.

[C]

Cheers, man.

[F]

Thank you.

[B]

Let me grab my boy. Cohen, man, prolific podium getter. How you feeling, brother?

[G]

I am feeling amazing.

[B]

I mean, you've been here this spot a few times, so actually I'm surprised how many few riders have been here.

[G]

It is a very well known spot, but also very good. It is amazing to ride here. The water is warm, the wind is flipping strong, it has great updrafts and it's just such a pleasure to ride here.

[B]

How you've been feeling, mate? I mean, have you got the training in you? Happy with your preparation, coming to this event?

[G]

Not a lot of training, sadly, but I am very, very keen to compete. I just love this spot. I love the vibe here. So that all just plays a role in my mental health and other than that, just super excited.

[B]

I mean, big podiums last year, you know, I mean, how do you get to that top step though? It's super hard with those Italians up there, but how are you going to do that? Because you're the only, the only ones in the last six years who's pushed those guys to the limit.

[G]

Yeah, we've pushed the limits a lot. But now you've got to think about the young kids coming in there. You know, I think Andrea, Lorenzo, they're

[B]

also feeling the heat.

[G]

It's going to be a very interesting year and obviously we're just going to keep applying pressure, but the clock's ticking. It is amazing to see and amazing to see this movement and, and the skill level these kids have. I'm just very excited to see and watch them and obviously try and top it.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, you know, back in the day, like, Mark was a mentor for you, but how does that feel being a mentor for like Maxwell Dahl, who's man, let's be honest, the roof is the ceiling for this kid is crazy. At 15 years old, he's a real talent.

[G]

Yeah, he's a great competitor. You know, his mind is very strong, his tricks are very strong. And I love being around this, you know, youngsters energy. They are pushing the sport to the limits and I want to take that with me. You know, I need to learn from them. They're not learning from me anymore, anymore. And that's the fun thing. That's a fun thing here, you know, so it's great to have that new energy there. It's great to have Max with me. I would love to have a lot more younger kids on this north team and you know, make this sport greater than it already is.

[B]

Hey, but good luck for this weekend, brother.

[F]

Thank you.

[G]

Thank you so much.

[H]

Ciao.

[B]

Well, look, this is something I don't do very often, but interestingly, the Brazilian brothers are at their first Big Ear event. And I'm talking about proper Big Ear event, not the little tin pot ones in Brazil.

[I]

But you know, there's the camera. Where am I looking at?

[B]

No, no, we're doing aud. Yeah, but listen, this is audio only because these guys here, I mean listen, when you're talking about good looking boys, mate, these guys are dentist dreams. I mean, have you guys had your teeth both done? No, I think, I think you're going to Turkey soon. But anyway, guys, what's it like to be at your first Big Ear event? Like I know, I know you've done the ones in Brazil, but this is like a world champion. Stop. First time in Mykonos, the who's who of Big Ear kiteboarding. How are you guys enjoying this, man?

[I]

It's a dream come true for us. We've been watching on the new live stream for so long and now we're here meeting everybody, we're meeting you and Ben, you know, the portrait Kai boys. I mean we love your stuff and we've been watching it from the very early stages. I mean you guys do such good coverage of Coda, which brought the villia closer to the comps. But it's a different thing to be here and feel the adrenaline, feel the nerves going into and this is the most beautiful place I think I've ever been to. Brazil is awesome. But look at this. I mean, view the wind. We can't wait. We're stoked out of our minds, be honest.

[J]

Beautiful spot.

[B]

You guys have made your sort of thing doing a Lot of kite reviews. Is that something you guys are super passionate about?

[J]

Oh, yes. Since we've been kiting for, like, plenty of years so far. So we love, like, the kite surfing industry, kiting all the time. You know, the kite vibes. So it's, like, right on our alley, I think. Right. So, yeah, we love it.

[B]

Well, interesting enough, this is the place where Harlem was born and tested. You know, this is the place where they used to come. Do you think the Harlem Kites are going to do well here?

[J]

Yeah, 100%. You know, the Brainchild kites are amazing. And, you know, you can see Leonardo and the Kasadi brothers. You know, they've been doing so well with the Brainchild kite. So definitely, I think it's going to be one of the best kites in this tournament for sure.

[I]

I mean, it's interesting because we saw it in Lords of Tram with the Rebel D Lab and Jamie Overbeak and all the Duotone riders showing that a kite can go really big. And we've also seen it in, like, kickers, that sort of the peak and the Brainchild kites can do really well. I don't think we've seen how these kites actually work in, like, reasonably choppy waters with, like, onshore conditions.

[B]

Go on YouTube right now and look at it. We just put it up today, and you're going to see Brainchild at its best, believe me.

[J]

Really?

[B]

Well, look, guys, thank you very much. Enjoy the episode. We'll catch up with you guys over the weekend.

[J]

Thank you. We are big fans, so keep going, man.

[K]

Yes.

[I]

Really appreciate you, Andrew. You're the best, man.

[E]

Thank you so much.

[I]

Appreciate it.

[B]

I've just bumped into Shahar Sabri, who is the only core rider left in the fleet.

[L]

What the hell?

[B]

What's going on, man?

[F]

I don't know, but tough times make strong people, and strong people make easy times.

[B]

So, man, how are you feeling, brother? By the way, I've got you in my fantasy. Yeah, of course.

[F]

Sick. Sick. No, I'm feeling amazing. I think I'm gonna be good for you in the fantasy, actually, with this condition. It's kind of what I grew up into.

[M]

Yeah.

[F]

Like, judging criteria is just going big, and that's what I'm.

[B]

Because I kind of feel, brother, that, you know, you've had the skill, but over the years, you just never put it together in the competitions.

[F]

You know, I could not maybe under the pressure or whatever. Now I just understand that I just need to be calm and enjoy the moment. And I think I have the tricks I have the power. I just need to perform it.

[B]

And then we need the wind because God damn, it's hot.

[F]

Yeah. I'm like, sweaty talking to you. I don't know if it's you or the weather, you know?

[B]

You know it's me, brother. Good luck, brother.

[N]

Good luck.

[B]

Let me go over and get Max Tullard here, who is back in the second event. He's done in the gka. Let me just go grab Max quickly. If I can just pull him away. Max, back in the gk. What the hell? Why is it taking so long?

[D]

I don't know.

[O]

I've been at school for the past few years, and in the last year I've just finished school. I know a lot of the other riders haven't.

[B]

Yeah, they didn't do school. Those lazy bastards.

[O]

They have a bit of an advantage on me. But this is where I slowly start to get into it.

[B]

And it's been a long time coming, bro. I think I met you when you were 10 years old, six or seven years ago, and finally you're back where you should be. All these years, we've been waiting for you.

[E]

Yeah.

[O]

I was competing in France two years ago when I had a massive disadvantage against the other riders because I was so much younger and not quite ready yet. But I think for this competition, I'm a similar level to a lot of the riders, so it's going to be a good one and I'm going to do my best and see where I end up.

[B]

But I still think you can be that guy who leads the next sort of generation of British riders because too many Brits are getting into winging, man.

[O]

Yeah, there's not enough British kite surfers. There's not many young guns on the scene at the moment. But hopefully in the next few years, we can try and persuade some people to get into kite boarding, because it is an amazing sport, especially competing in big air or just performing. Big air is insanely exhilarating, and I definitely think more people should try it.

[B]

Well, it's good to see you back, brother. I'll let you get out of the sunny way. Hang. Good luck for the weekend, eh?

[P]

Thank you.

[B]

Let me just grab Joe Siestala here, who, as most of you know, was the original voice of kiteboarding, but he's back. Joe, how are you doing, man? Good to see you back.

[P]

Yeah, it's good to be here. Nice to see the family again.

[B]

Yeah. Dude, it's hot.

[P]

It is warm. It is definitely warm. Greece.

[B]

I mean, you've been heavily involved in crossfitter the last few years. What brought you back for this event?

[P]

I think it's really cool to be back. And obviously Big Air is the show discipline of our sport and the guys are doing an insane job and looking forward to seeing them go big and, you know, see the origins of kiteboarding, which was go high or go big or go home.

[F]

Yeah.

[B]

Tell you what, mate, it's a lot harder to call kiteboarding these days than it was two or three years ago.

[P]

No, it's insane. I mean, what the new kids are bringing to the table is ridiculous. And I'm sure they have a few aces up their sleeve, but yeah, looking forward to seeing them out on the water. And really good to have Ruben and Lewis here and you guys and Cam and the whole team here to shoot out the action and, yeah, put on a show.

[B]

Thanks, brother.

[P]

You too, man. Good to see you.

[B]

Let me just quickly walk and talk with Moraine here. Moraine, Are you guys ready? The Win Games surfer already? Yeah, Ready to go, mate. 26.8. Last time was the biggest jump. Do you think we're going to see that beaten?

[E]

It could be.

[N]

I don't know. France is like the big jumping spot we've seen. Lorenzo here jumped last year. 360 meters far because I was here, but it was like 60 knots. I don't think we're getting 16 knots, but yeah, let's see. I think we're gonna have around 20 meters per trick. 15 to 20 and hopefully something bigger.

[B]

I think it's gonna kick off, bro. I mean, I think on the last event there was 14 guys of the 24 jump over 20 meters, which is crazy. For a bigger event, I'd like to see the same. I think we're gonna see that.

[N]

Yeah. And I also am curious because we had this data we sent you of the highest jumps were being contra looped. France is this spot for contra loops. Somehow we see all these contra loops and the highest scoring tricks were contraloops. But I think here we might see a bit more kite loops, actually.

[B]

Why do you think contra loops go higher? Is that because they're pulling the loop later in the jump?

[N]

I think it's actually also the spot in France. It has this little bush on the left side and this bunker. And I have a feeling that there's a little bit more lift on that side.

[B]

You're the second person who's talked about that bush. Yeah, I think it's the bush.

[N]

You maybe go also a bit higher with the contra, but not enough to make that big of A difference, I think.

[B]

Is this your first time to Mykonos?

[N]

Yeah, it is.

[B]

Did you get a chance to ride the other day?

[N]

Not yet, but I'm gonna go tomorrow, hopefully.

[B]

I think you're gonna enjoy it. And I tell you what, these guys are gonna travel some distance.

[N]

Yeah, I'm afraid of that a bit. We need to push the box a bit out.

[B]

I was laughing in the meeting. The guy's like, be careful you don't land on the beach. I'm like, these guys are pros, man. They know what they're doing.

[N]

Well, if there's, like, some pressure on you to perform your last trick, you know, they forget sometimes to be safe,

[B]

look to the beach. There's the boys that are maybe, let's say, 100 meters out.

[N]

They cannot land any closer.

[B]

So if the guys land inside that, it's counted as a no trick?

[N]

Well, no, but if they're taking too much risk, we can disqualify them.

[B]

You know Tom, who's the tour manager for the gk. Tom, mate, how's it to come to Mykonos? Are you guys excited to be here?

[Q]

Absolutely excited. This is the first time the GKA comes to Greece in general and Mykonos. Yeah. We've been working on this project two years, more than two years, actually, and to finally see that it comes into play. So I think it's probably one of the best locations to run a bigger competition because of the setup of the bay. And, I mean, it's warm weather, it's predictable conditions. So now we're very excited about this.

[B]

I remember being here three years ago, and Baptiste said to me, oh, we're going to bring the bigger here. But the funny thing is, this was not known as the biggest spot. I mean, it wasn't. It was only like, I think the guys from Harlem were testing here. But suddenly, over the years, it's become more and more popular. It is a pretty crazy venue. I mean, as you said, you can get up on those sides and you really do get a good view.

[Q]

No, absolutely. That's what I think is unique about it. I mean, I've been coming here, to be honest, already, many, many years ago for windsurf competitions. And it's always been known for a very windy place. And I don't know why kiting took a while to make it popular, but I think the whole big air scene kind of, you know, they look for specific conditions, they travel all around the world, and every now and then, there is cover new secret spot. Although this is not a secret spot.

[C]

At all.

[Q]

I mean, the center here is nearly 20 years. And besides that, it's an island that's, I mean, popular for a lot of other people too, you know. So we expect also a good crowd to watch the show.

[B]

I mean, Tom, speaking of world travel, you're in Mexico, you're in Germany, you're here, mate. You are doing a lot of miles.

[Q]

I do, yes, I do.

[E]

I do.

[B]

I hope you drive an electric car just for the guilt.

[Q]

Well, I wish it would be electric planes, but yeah, it's true. We're having. I mean, not only the kite tour, so we're managing a wingfold tour. We have a surfboard tour now with basically 14 different disciplines. So that means we have something going on every week at the moment. And that's why we are moving from one place to the other. We have a lot of crew, different teams that work on the different tours of Brazil.

[B]

Hey, it's a great setup, mate. Good luck for this weekend, eh?

[Q]

Thank you.

[B]

Cool, bud. I'm here with the man in South Jeremy Belando. It's been a year since we're here. Last year we've just dropped the little edit, the nine minute edit. Have you seen it yet?

[R]

Yeah, I saw it. First viewer man, was me.

[B]

Dude, sick.

[R]

It's amazing, man. We had an epic time. It looks like yesterday.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. What's it like to be back here, bro? I mean, this is a spot you. I mean, I think between you three and maybe baby shark, you guys know the spot the best.

[R]

Yeah, man. It's been three years since the first year you brought me out and now. I mean, it's a great spot, man. I think we're gonna get some nice conditions and I really love the spot because you can get some insane updrafts, that's for sure. It's amazing. It's amazing to be back with everyone and finally we're getting a proper bigger competition, it looks like.

[B]

Yeah. What do you think of these conditions coming?

[R]

Yeah, I mean, it's normal Mykonos, 40 knots onshore, crazy updrafts. And also what I'm saying is the actual organization that finally they're giving us some nice prize Money together with Capital.com, i think they're showcasing what a real world tour is, you know, in the best way. I think it's the best competition competition I've been in in the past three or four years.

[B]

Awesome.

[R]

Yeah. So we're ready to send it, man. I'm keen to get some proper tricks to show the little kids how it's Done, man.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I guess the run for the World Championship is over. But you know what? You, Andrea, you and Lorenzo can help Leonardo, who's a little brother of yours. You know, you guys can knock out Finn, you can knock out Jamie. Has been some chapter between you guys to help Leonardo, you know, I mean, has that been any chat?

[R]

I mean, it would be nice, of course, to see Leonardo having his debut here. I mean, Leonardo, he grew up with us, you know, I've been seeing him, his progress, and, I mean, also with me, Lorenzo, Andrea, we had a nice evolution all together. And honestly, it doesn't matter if I'm gonna be World Champion or not. I'm gonna give my all, like, every time in this competition. And I know it's hard to get the World title now. It all depends on how everyone gets ranked and stuff. But I'm definitely gonna go for it, you know, especially also because the prize

[B]

money is pretty nice. Yeah, what is the prize money?

[R]

I heard Baptiste was saying that the first guy is getting 18,000.

[B]

€18,000. Holy shit. It's good to see you again, bro. And good luck, eh? Let me go and grab Niko Demar, who is literally the coach of the Superstars. Niko, how are you doing, my man?

[E]

Yeah, I'm doing good. First time in Mykonos. We have been traveling a lot these last months, going to Mexico, Germany, now Mykonos. So, yeah, it was pretty intense, but, yeah, really for this.

[B]

How do you find swapping between freestyle coaching and bighit coaching? Do you enjoy doing both?

[E]

Yeah, honestly, I really enjoy, like, my main passion, I would say, at the beginning was freestyle, but it's good to discover, like, new discipline as well. So it's like, now the vibes is more into big as well. So, yeah, we adapt quite a lot. And I really enjoy now coaching big as well. So, yeah, it's super fun.

[B]

Giselle is a legend in the sport and someone that we don't get to see so much anymore. What was it like when she reached out to you for coaching or to help her?

[E]

Yeah, exactly. She reached me out when we were in Brazil. It was like, October last year. And, yeah, I mean, it's a privilege to have Gisela back on tour. I think she's like someone in the spot. I've been watching her when she was competing and becoming 10 times world champion. So now she's back in big air, and I think she has, like, a big potential as well. So she just started training, like, a few months ago. So, yeah, that's the first event anyway, so let's see how it goes. But, yeah, she's fully motivated and then she will give it all.

[B]

And there's something about when Gisela, when she's around you, man, you can feel the energy, right? I mean, you know what I'm saying? There's something about her that's different.

[E]

Yeah, definitely. We can see, like, even the people like watching her, and I think maybe everyone has a lot of expectations. I hope she doesn't have too much pressure, this one, because she pretty relaxed. She just come back. She don't want to put, like, too much pressure on herself, and she just want to give it best, enjoy competing as she always do.

[B]

But, yeah, let's talk quickly about Aya Kasabova, Another potential superstar on the table. What's she like to coach? And, I mean, I know her and her parents and her mom, Mila, super well, but, I mean, she's a mega talent as well, right?

[E]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I met like a. She was like 13 years old, and you could see already, like, she was, like, fully motivated to commit, like, brainless. Going massive already. And, yeah, she's super talented. I think she has a lot of. To show to the. To this sport as well. And she's a world 200. She knows Mika a lot. She trained with Mika as well, a bit. So we'll see what she can do in this comp. She improved a lot just last month. I would say so. Yeah.

[B]

And Finn, I mean, I know that, you know, he's got to beat Jamie. Jamie's got to have a maybe finish below him. But what do you think it would mean for Finn to be the. The 25 freestyle world champion and the 26 big air world champion?

[E]

I mean, I think after this result in a lot of triumph, like, the second place is more, like, super excited. I want to put a big show in Mykonos. He has been swapping discipline, freestyle bigger all year long, I would say. So it's for sure hard to handle. But, yeah, he has done, like, some pretty good sessions already here in Mykonos, so he is ready. And, yeah, for sure he's gonna give it all and you're gonna go for the title.

[B]

Thanks, brother.

[E]

Yeah, welcome.

[H]

Well, you've hit the right place.

[B]

Yeah, no, I'm standing here, Lou, because that's about 300 degrees.

[H]

That's like, I can't deal with it.

[B]

You just got back from Estonia?

[H]

Yeah, it was lovely.

[B]

How was it?

[H]

Yeah, it was really like the journey that event's going on, it feels like. And I Hope there's many more events like that, standalone events that are finding the budgets from the right people. It was big, you know, and it's getting bigger and bigger and having Ruben there and Stig, their join and obviously Martin Ranald's there, who's becoming quite an established rider. So, yeah, it was a great experience.

[B]

Joe Siesta is joining you in the booth. You know, you two have been commentating for many years. I remember way back in the days it was you and Joe. How's that getting Joe back next to you?

[H]

It's lovely because we spend a lot of time in different worlds as well. What he does with fitness and the other sort of activities I'm up to. So it's nice to rejoin with him. And, you know, we have a lot of respect for each other. We'll also. We're also very excited that Aaron might pop in at some time. So he might be a bit of a secret entry there, but no, this is the full. The full lineup here.

[B]

The A team.

[H]

Yeah, yeah. And it's nice. And it's nice it finally came here. You know, like, this has been. Everyone sort of said, oh, wouldn't this be a great place? And here we are now. And I think everyone's like a bit overwhelmed. Like, what? The whole car park's been changed. It's not the place you know it to be. You know, it's never been like this. Aaron and Ruben certainly been traveling here, the windsurfers who do kite the other spot. But you're right, it's relatively new in the terms of big air kite boarding. But I actually put it down to some Italians that will know who they are. Some Italians that know Ruben very well that found this place for me. They're the ones that discovered this. Michelangelo, Tommy and Inti, they brought us here. And I know it's just been like bosh, straight to a big air finally, you know, but they've got the people here. They've got some really interesting people, clever people behind the scenes that are all kite boarders, which connects us all at the end of the day. And they've been able to tap into those people and get the support to make it happen.

[B]

Well, look, good luck over the. Over the next few days, man. It's great to have see you again and great to see Joe back with you as well.

[H]

No, no, no problem. Enjoy the show. Thank you.

[B]

All right, I'm going to get Michael, who is Baby Shark's coach, mental coach, and the guy who I think has really changed. Baby Shark. Michael. How are you, my man. I'm good.

[L]

And meanwhile, I'm taking my eggie here.

[B]

Yeah, he's eating an egg.

[L]

We've been together now eight months, believe, since November, and we just. Today we hit our eighth country together, so it's been a crazy trip, quite intense. We just came back from Tarifa because we were waiting there a bit to train. The wind was too strong, but actually was good for him because Alex had some prototypes for him and the wind was like, plus 50 knots, so he couldn't really ride, but at least he did. And when he came off the water, he was, like, very confident. Like, now I know I trust the gear and it feels good in the extreme and also in the low wind, so that's good.

[B]

I mean, we've all seen the change in Baby Shark. We've seen, I think The Relentless Episode 2 is one of the best little vogs. Are you guys going to be filming another one while you're here as well?

[L]

Yeah, we have the videographer with us, so it's the three of us now. Last time we had Nelson with us as well as a caddy, but we're staying here with the three of us the whole week.

[B]

So who's going to caddy for him this weekend? I think it's going to be difficult to caddy here because the guys are so far out to sea. I don't think the caddy's going to be as important. I think it's almost get the kite up and you just have to. Because just to give you guys some reference, once they leave and go up into position, they have to wait upwind until it's their turn to ride, which is gonna be. We don't. Haven't seen. We don't have that type of stuff very often. Normally you can just wait on the beach here.

[L]

And I think it's quite an advantage for Joshuay because we saw in France some riders, not to name any names, but they're quite dependent on their caddies or coaches. Right. But what I do with Joshua is just prepare him to go into this flow state. He goes in the water and just him in his creative brain and he's just there. He doesn't know how many tricks he does. He's just fully in the moment and then that's where he thrives. I think it's kind of special, but it's his superpower. Yeah. Let's say in the days before, we prepared this a bit, like, what's the game plan? But I always say, like, you can't have a plan but it will never survive the start point. So as long as he has the backup plan ready, he knows what to do. And then he can just feel, depending on the wind, but also the other riders which tricks to pull. But at least he has the plan ready in the back of his head. So I try to put it in his head together with him. Visualize this. It's very strong. So he knows exactly what to do and when. And then he can pull the trick out of his bag.

[B]

And he's ready.

[L]

He's ready.

[B]

Let's do it.

[L]

Let's do it.

[F]

No worries.

[B]

I'm just gonna see Francesca walk past. I'm just gonna grab Franken. Hello. And walk with her. How are you doing? I'm doing good. How are you feeling, more importantly?

[K]

I'm good. I'm feeling good, actually. I'm feeling way better than I was in Lord of Tram, so I'm pretty sure. Stoked. I've had some good sessions here. Not many, but, yeah, it's. I'm getting there, so I'm. I'm stoked. Ready to go out there. I quite like the spot, actually. I don't mind it. Don't mind the chop.

[B]

So it's nice with a bit more warm water. We always forgot in these bloody freezing places.

[F]

Right?

[L]

Yeah.

[K]

I honestly think the heat is making a good, positive vibe for everyone.

[B]

There are some good vibes going on.

[K]

There's some good vibes. I think everyone's actually weirdly relaxed, which is quite nice. I mean, like, I swear, like, the whole, like, fleet went out partying the other day, and everyone seemed not very concerned.

[B]

It's Mykonos.

[K]

It's Mykonos. You have to. It's rude not to. That's. I'm just there, here to, you know, prove myself, and, I don't know, more for myself than for other people. So. Yeah.

[B]

Do you feel like you need to find your flowback? Because I feel like after those couple of knocks, you just sort of maybe lost your edge a bit.

[P]

Yeah, yeah.

[K]

After the two.

[B]

And I'm not. I'm not being. No, no, no, no, no.

[K]

You're not being really? Yeah, no, I really lost my flow, like, for sure. And I haven't been training, to be honest. I haven't done any big air, really, since the Lord of Tram, just because I had so many other things going on.

[B]

That's pretty standard for you, though.

[K]

It's pretty standard. Very random. And it's like, oh, you know, I would have loved to train more, but here we are. I've had Some sessions here. And yeah, I haven't had my flow, but actually I've come back here. I actually finally did a boogie loop, which I haven't done since. Mega loop.

[D]

Wow.

[K]

And I was so mentally stuck with it and just mentally blocked with so many different things. And I think also I've, like, recovered more from the head injury and everything, and I've actually been pushing it in other sports. And now I feel like, because I pushed it in that, like, my flow starting to come back in everything. I still not 100% there, but I'm way more relaxed and feeling more confident than I did for the last event.

[B]

This is. This is the Francesco Note from Always.

[K]

Yeah, this is. It's me coming back. And I mean, you know, I'm definitely not as stressed. And I'm just like, you know what? I'm here to fight against myself more than the other riders. I just want to go out there and get my flow back because that's what I want. I want to have my, my, my send back and just send it again. And I, I feel like that's coming back, so I'm pretty stoked. It's getting there slowly.

[B]

You're the queen for us forever.

[K]

Oh, that's really. That's really sweet. I still feel like I've got a lot more to prove, though. I just feel like I haven't been riding my best the past year, to be honest. And I just want to have my old flow back and just like keep progressing. Instead of trying to get my old self back, I want to be progressing new tricks and pushing the level higher. And I'm sure that's going to come back.

[B]

Good luck.

[K]

Thanks so much.

[D]

Right.

[B]

I'm here with one of the newer riders on the sign. Esti esty. Welcome. How are you feeling now?

[M]

I'm feeling way better that we are speaking.

[B]

Are you ready for this comp?

[M]

Yes, I think so. I'm ready. I'm super curious, how is it here? I'm happy that it's finally like a more warm spot and I arrived here time because in France, like, I had like half day. So I'm super curious, how is it now? I'm feeling way more comfortable a bit.

[B]

Where have you been training?

[M]

Well now I didn't really had so much of a big training, but I've been in Tarifa a bit. That was nice. But I didn't have the chance to go to Egypt. I really like Egypt, though.

[B]

Oh, I've seen you at Blue Lagoon. You like Blue Lagoon?

[D]

Yeah, Yeah.

[M]

I really like it we've been there for like two weeks, but we didn't really have wind. But I'm definitely going to go back and try to do some new tricks.

[B]

Which Reading kites are you riding?

[M]

I'm riding the master model from Reading and I really like them. I think they are like more fast, more for the loops. I really love for the comp. It's like really high performance.

[B]

And what's your goal for this competition? I know that maybe the world title race is going to be a little bit tough, but what's your goal?

[M]

My goal, as it's the second one, I am trying to go always higher as the one before.

[B]

I love it. It's the perfect answer.

[M]

And have fun always. You know, it's super nice with the girls and that we are like all together and sharing the same passion. So it's really nice.

[B]

How cool are the girls here? I mean, the whole girls fleet's awesome.

[M]

Super nice. Super nice.

[B]

Really?

[M]

Really. Everyone is super nice. Super fun. Cheering to each other. It's really a nice atmosphere.

[B]

I mean, Gisela Polito's here. I don't know if you are a fan of Gisela. When you were younger, maybe you weren't in the sport, but she brings a lot of interest about her when she arrives.

[M]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I just met actually with Gisela in Tarifa, so she was super nice. I didn't really see her kiting yet, but I'm super keen. Like she was really a vibe.

[B]

Enjoy. Good luck.

[M]

Thank you so much.

[B]

I'm actually going to interview Jason in the shower. I mean, if you could see Jason's in the shower. I'm going to go, Jason, I mean, are you always this good looking?

[E]

Come on, what are you doing to me? I'm not even wearing underwear. You're going to see a little chub coming out.

[B]

Well, I hope so because Esti's standing here just finishing. We actually, I mean, this is the first time I've ever done a video interview in the shower.

[E]

It's quite nice, to be honest. I'm enjoying this. I could do this more often.

[B]

I could probably join you, but I've got nothing to wear.

[E]

No, we're not together in Japan anymore. There's people around, you know, they can see what we're doing.

[B]

Go and watch Road to Pro Japan on Portrait right now. Jason, good luck, brother. Thank you.

[M]

Goodbye.

[B]

I'm going to wrap it up here for Mekong Australia, Episode one. I hope you guys enjoyed that. Each day I'm going to bring you a Little bit more action. Talk to some different people. Oh, I can see. Anna, I gotta give you one more interview. I'm walking towards the big boss itself. I'm gonna get. I'm gonna be recording and cuddling. It's so good to see you.

[L]

Welcome.

[B]

Congratulations, Anna. Anna is the boss here at the Duotone Pro Centre in Mykonos.

[S]

Not really.

[B]

Not really, but you might as well be the boss.

[S]

Okay, fair enough.

[B]

You're the spiritual leader. Congratulations.

[S]

Thank you.

[B]

It's a long time. I remember two or three years ago, you were telling us you're going to do this. It's been a lot of work, eh?

[S]

Yes. No, it's been great help from a lot of people. It's not just us. I mean, we've had so much support. It's unbelievable people. There are so many people that like us and love us and try everything, you know, to. To help us out. So I'm very grateful for that. Very, very grateful.

[B]

Guys, if you do come to Mykonos, which I highly recommend, the Duotone Pro Centre, they've also got a great place over Mykonos. Kite house.

[S]

Yes. Kite Mykonos Village.

[B]

Kite Mykonos village. I messed it up. I can edit that out, but I won't. I missed it too.

[J]

Yeah.

[B]

You've done an amazing job. I was just signing off for the day, but I tell you what, congratulations, because this is looking like to be a really great event.

[S]

I hope so. I really do. I mean, the forecast looks amazing.

[Q]

Pretty.

[B]

Pretty nervous for a few days there, right?

[M]

Yes.

[S]

The riders are really excited and I think they love the island vibe and. And they like the spot. So I think it's going to be pretty cool.

[B]

Why don't you sign off by saying something in Greek to the listeners?