Kitesurf365 - The Megapod

Episode: "We Pick Our KOTA Fleets"

Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Adrian Kerr & Colin Colin Carroll

Overview

In this episode, Adrian and Colin dive into their predictions for the 2025 Red Bull King of the Air (KOTA) athlete rosters—both men’s and women’s fleets. With the competition fiercer than ever, they weigh in on who deserves a spot, who’s on the fringe, and which big names might miss out. The conversation is lively, deeply opinionated, and packed with inside knowledge, laced with the hosts' signature banter and irreverence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Depth & Pressure of KOTA 2025

• Adrian and Colin agree this is the toughest year ever to select the KOTA fleet due to unprecedented depth in talent, especially in the men's division.
• Career-defining stakes: Making the KOTA roster can transform or launch an athlete’s career. "It's one thing to make it, the second thing is to stay with it." (Colin, 02:51)
• Acknowledgement of the intensity and pressure for newcomers and returning riders alike.

2. Men's Fleet Selection - The Sure Bets

Pre-qualified athletes (from podium/qualifiers):

• Andrea Principi (1st, 2024)
• Lorenzo Casati (2nd, 2024)
• Luca Ceruti (3rd, 2024)
• Cohen van Dijk (Tarifa qualifier)
• Jeremy Beland (Cold Hawaii)

Next five likely picks:

• Colin is adamant: Jason Van der Spuy, Stino Mul, Jamie Overbeek, Heal G., and Josh Gillett.
  • “Jason Van der Spuy is the king of [short lines]... and Josh Gillett’s an absolute nutter and he puts on a show.” (Colin, 07:12)
• Adrian includes Zach and Hugo in his top tier for their consistency and recent performance.

3. Wildcard & Fringe Contenders

Notable contenders discussed:

• Leo Casati: Both hosts agree Leo is a lock — “His entry video is ridiculous. If he was like that, he could take out the whole thing.” (Adrian, 09:11)
• Finn Flugel: Highly debated due to lack of big air contest focus but tremendous technical skill, only German representation, and business potential for KOTA. “Germany's the biggest market in kiteboarding.” (Adrian, 10:21)
• Shahar Sabri: Recognized for aggressive riding. “No one did more aggressive doubles than Shahar on that day.” (Adrian, 11:42)
• Charles Brodel: “He creates a stir and Red Bull loves that shit. So he's in for sure. Now, whether you like it or not, you can't kind of deny that he is good…” (Colin, 13:00)

Wildcard picks:

• Mark Jacobs: Adrian and Colin believe he deserves a swan song wildcard for his KOTA legacy: “If it blows its tits off, Mark will be epic. He will rise to the occasion. He will outsmart the other young guns… Mark can do it.” (Colin, 15:47)
• Short Lines Specialists: The new judging direction is rumored to prioritize short lines, potentially shaking up fleet composition.

4. Who Misses Out—and Why

Names debated, criticized, or dismissed:

• Jet Bradshaw: Dismissed despite being South African and well-sponsored. Colin: “There’s more chance of Lewis Crathen shitting out a fucking woo 4.0 on the beach in front of all the crowd than Jet Bradshaw making this fleet.” (Colin, 16:49)
• Chemo Mahmood: Not enough top-tier competition experience.
• Aaron Hadlow (The GOAT): No recent form; not expected to participate unless fully prepped—“He would have to put his hand up and say I'm just not prepared enough to do this.” (Adrian, 18:58)
• Edgar Ulrich: “Maybe I think he's just had enough of kiteboarding.” (Colin, 22:23)
• Nathan Texier: Consistent in video entries but never delivers in competition.
• Tom Bridge: Unlikely, not fully committed.

5. Rising & Young Talents

• Max Tullett: Not yet ready. Colin: “Doesn't have the experience, doesn't have the name at the moment.”
• Timo Boismard (Timo Boyzma): On the bubble but respected: “He is always there and he is knocking on the door and...he is trying harder than a lot of people.” (Adrian, 20:33)

6. Women’s Fleet Discussion

Structure:

• 6 riders via video entry; all must qualify (no pre-qual).
• Near-locks:
  • Francesca Maini (last year’s winner—“stone cold killer”)
  • Zara Hoogenraad (recent Megaloop champ)
• Shortlisted:
  • Natalie Lambrecht (podium “bravery” moves)
  • Pippa van Iersel (last year’s podium, seeking redemption after injury and Megaloop snub)
  • Alessa Mensch (podium at Megaloop, hard-fought return)
  • Zoe Peters and Sara Sadik (both fearless, both with recent comp results/effort)
• Mikaili Sol: Divided predictions; Adrian is sure she won’t compete: “She ain’t going… She’s in Brazil…She’s got nothing to prove, dude.” (Adrian, 32:02-32:45)

On preparation and commitment:

• Success in KOTA requires total dedication and not everyone brings that level of obsession.
  • “Mika doesn’t have that. She’s got nothing to prove, dude.” (Adrian, 32:45)
• The hosts use Mikaili and Pippa’s journeys as prime examples of what it takes to transition into top-level big air competition.

7. Innovation in Riding & Judging

• Insider info: Chris Bull (head judge) is considering bringing short lines into focus for KOTA, opening doors for specialists like Jason Van der Spuy.
• Tech talk: Various kites' aerial performance and how this could influence rider success (“The Harlem’s the quickest… the Duotone…keeps you in the air longer…” (Adrian, 29:23))

8. Unfiltered Banter & Notable Quotes

• On drama and entertainment:
  “King of the Air as a show, whether you think he’s a clown or not, he’s part of the circus.” (Colin, 13:00)
• On selection:
  “This is only me and Colin just sort of messing around here. But for me he doesn’t deserve to make it because I just don’t think he’s 100 focused...” (Adrian, 20:47)
• On unfulfilled potential:
  “You tell me why. Explain to me why. I want to know why.” (Colin, 24:46)
• On the depth of 2025:
  “This is going to be one of the closest King of the years in some time, I think… This looks tight.” (Colin, 30:25)

Notable Memorable Moments

• [07:12] – Colin passionately advocates for local South Africans and the showmanship value they bring.
• [09:11] – Both hosts awe over Leo Casati’s entry, suggesting he could win.
• [13:00] – Colin frames Charles Brodel’s polarizing impact: “He creates a stir and Red Bull loves that shit.”
• [16:49] – Colin brutally (and humorously) shuts down Jet Bradshaw’s chances.
• [32:02-32:45] – Adrian definitively claims Mikaili Sol won’t turn up for the women’s fleet.
• [29:06-29:23] – Technical breakdown of the varied kite technologies and strategies in the fleet.

Women's Fleet - Predicted Final Six (time allowing for possible substition)

1. Francesca Maini
2. Zara Hoogenraad
3. Natalie Lambrecht
4. Pippa van Iersel
5. Alessa Mensch
6. Zoe Peters / Sara Sadik

Final Thoughts

Hosts' conclusion:
The 2025 KOTA is set to feature the deepest, most competitive, and unpredictable field in event history. The combination of rising talent, new judging priorities (short lines), market considerations, and the intense drama of athlete selection—coupled with high turnover and faded legends—makes this year’s fleet selection a truly compelling storyline.

Parting shots:

• The judges do listen to this podcast—Adrian and Colin know it, and so should the listeners.
• Tease of the new “Dot Zip” project film with Andrea, Jeremy, Lorenzo in Mykonos (coming soon).

For full rosters, detailed picks, and heated arguments, listen to the entire show or check the hosts’ upcoming article for a written breakdown.