Kitesurf365: "Red Bull King of the Air | Fantasy Files | The Megapod"

Host: Adrian Kerr
Co-host: Jason (aka Colin Colin Carroll)
Release Date: November 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This special Megapod audio episode dives into the Fantasy League for the 2025 Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA) event. Adrian and Jason break down the personnel changes, fantasy rules, and the full men’s and women’s draws with layered predictions, picks, and analysis. It's a candid, passionate, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek discussion targeted at both hardcore fantasy players and fans of kiteboarding competition.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

[00:00–04:30] Setting the Scene: KOTA, Fantasy, & Format Changes

• The episode brings typically video-only Fantasy Files content to audio, aiming to include all fantasy players.
• Red Bull King of the Air is described as "the final event of the year," with high stakes for both riders and fantasy participants.
• Red Bull Italy is removed from the Fantasy League calendar due to an opaque fleet and organizational constraints.
  • “There was just too much going on... it was just the fleet itself... a little in terms of no one really knew who the people were.”—Jason [01:41]
• KOTA will be worth double points in the fantasy league, giving players a final chance to make big moves.
  • “It kind of just adds a bit more… pressure into the overall event. But it also is the most important event of the year, you know, and I think to give that a weight… is the right move.”—Jason [02:46]

[04:30–08:53] Fantasy League Logistics & Community

• Handling rider swaps: If reserves are activated, only Tier C will change — higher tiers remain untouched.
• Open encouragement for player feedback to improve the league: “Let us know what you want to see for next year. Like, let's build this thing together.”—Jason [05:44]
• Grand prize: A week at Makani in El Gouna, Egypt with gear, coaching, storage. Both hosts attest to the family- and kite-friendly setup: “Even for families... you can let [kids] run around there. It's so safe.”—Adrian [08:14]

Fantasy Player Breakdown and Rider Discussion

[08:53–20:26] Women’s Division: Analysis & Picks

Tier A - Francesca Maini, Zara Hoogenraad, Mikaili Sol

• Mikaili Sol is the perennial wildcard—brilliant, unpredictable, rarely bested, but her motivation is questioned:
  • “With Mika, if she wants to do this and win, she can win. But for sure, what's the mindset of Mika coming into this?"—Adrian [10:55]
  • “Her hair wasn't even wet. She won the world championship and never got her hair wet completely.”—Adrian [10:30]
• Zara Hoogenraad is spotlighted for her relentless work ethic and momentum after recent Mega Loop success.
  • “I think Zara has put in the hard work. She has not stopped this year.”—Jason [16:47]
• Francesca Maini faces uncertainty post-concussion, yet her multi-disciplinary training and past results keep her a contender.
• The pressure and legacy stakes are highlighted for each rider: Sol's quest for a unique title, Zara's double crown, and Francesca’s chance at back-to-back KOTA wins.
• Hosts’ Picks:
  • Jason: Zara—“Hard work beats talent.”
  • Adrian: Leaning toward Mika, banking on extraordinary talent in pressure moments.

[20:26–27:38] Tier B - Natalie Lambrecht, Pippa van Iersel, Svenja Peters

• Natalie Lambrecht: Cited as robust and driven, ready to move up in the rankings.
  • “She could be in Tier A. If it wasn’t for Mika, she'd be in TA.”—Adrian [24:06]
• Pippa van Iersel: Skilled and smooth, but needs to project more extremity for higher scores.
• Svenja Peters: Respect for her work ethic, but lack of Cape Town experience is a liability.
• Discussion on women’s fleet depth; optimism for expanding from six to nine or even twelve in the future.

[28:16–47:51] Men’s Division: Deep Dive by Tiers

[28:16–34:32] Tier C (Newcomers & Underdogs)

• Locks: Leonardo Casati—praised for an awe-inspiring entry video and immense promise.
  • “His entry video was undoubtedly the best we've seen all year.”—Jason [28:52]
• Rookies: Shahar Sabri also impresses with pure power and style, especially in video submissions.
• The pressure of rookie debuts at an event of this scale is emphasized; hosts note past rookie triumphs setting new standards.

[34:38–47:51] Tier B (Dark Horses & Foil Contenders)

• Key Names: Charles Brodel (hydrofoil master), Cohen van Dijk, Stijn Mul, Heel Vloot, Jason Vanderspey, Zac Adams.
• Charles Brodel: Judges now giving hydrofoils fairer scores; Port Apollo changed perceptions.
  • “There's no excuses now”—Jason [35:24]
• Stijn Mul: Noted for year-on-year improvement, calm under pressure, and “star” potential.
• Cohen van Dijk: Mercurial; flashes world-class rides but inconsistent tournament performances.
• Heel Vloot: Needs wind for best results; regarded as “modern day Reuben” for progression and style.
  • “He changed the game.”—Adrian [45:48]
• Difficult choices abound. Host picks go with Stijn Mul and Cohen, with Charles as the alternative upset pick.

[47:51–62:30] Tier A (Top Contenders)

• Andrea Principi: Could become first-ever three-peat KOTA winner, cementing GOAT status.
• Lorenzo Casati: Eyes on completing the “trilogy” (Mega Loop, World Title, KOTA in one year).
• Jeremy Burlando: Most stylish, fan favorite, but not as dominant; conditions must “align.”
• Luca Trudy: “Misfit” but laser-focused; new board/kite quiver could disrupt finals.
  • “He feels that pressure of being a podium finisher... you’ve got to like, now the job’s not done.” —Adrian [49:03]
• The foil kite wildcard: If light wind, foil-tech could shape outcomes; judges’ appetite for technicality under scrutiny.
• Host Picks:
  • Adrian: Andrea for historic 3rd straight KOTA title (“Andrea. For the third in a row and surpassing Kevin as and Jesse as the greatest king of their rider ever.” [59:17])
  • Jason: Lorenzo, embracing the Casati trilogy narrative.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fantasy League Tactics:
  • “I can control the rules however I like to, to have my advantage.”—Jason [02:30]
• On Women’s Competition:
  • “Francesca, I don’t know where her head is at the moment after the concussion… she’s been quite quiet on social media…”—Adrian [14:23]
• On the Evolution of Rider Skill:
  • “If you are new to kiteboarding, you could take any of these 18 riders and go back to 2013 to 2020... any of these 18 guys are going to win. That’s how crazy the level is now.” —Adrian [59:56]
• On Generational Shifts:
  • “At this stage, I feel like Luca is just in the wrong generation of kiteboarders. Anyone that is not the trap in this generation... it's been a difficult journey.”—Jason [58:52]

Key Timestamps

• 00:00–04:30: Fantasy format and Red Bull event schedule explanations
• 08:59–20:26: Full breakdown of women’s Tier A picks
• 20:26–27:38: Women’s Tier B analysis and the growth of female big air talent
• 28:16–34:32: Introduction and picks for men’s Tier C, the rookies
• 34:38–47:51: Men’s Tier B, depth, and the hydrofoil discussion
• 47:51–62:30: Showdown in Tier A — Principi, Casati, Burlando, Trudy
• Throughout: Interspersed strategy, humorous banter, and historical context

Tone and Atmosphere

• Camaraderie & Banter: The show features friendly ribbing and inside jokes (“You can control the rules however I like…”), creating a light-hearted atmosphere despite the technical odds-assessment.
• Passionate Expertise: Hosts regularly contrast hard work vs. talent, discuss judging evolutions, and analyze the meta-game within both competition and fantasy play.
• Community Spirit: Strong encouragement for player feedback and excitement about the inclusivity and growth of the sport.

Conclusion

The podcast provides a comprehensive, entertaining, and deeply knowledgeable guide to both the fantasy game and the dynamics of the 2025 Red Bull King of the Air. Whether you’re planning your own fantasy picks or tuning into the event, this episode captures the evolving landscape of competitive kiteboarding and the personalities shaping its future.