The legendary waves of Ponta Preta welcome the world's best athletes between February 16 and 21, reaffirming Cape Verde as the elite destination for the sport.
Ilha do Sal is preparing to host the opening stage of the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup 2026 in the coming days. Between February 16 and 21, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the iconic Ponta Preta beach. This event is not just a competition; it is the official start of the world season, where the points earned in the crystal clear waters of Cape Verde begin to define who will be the next world champions in the discipline of kitesurfing (waves and strapless).
The setting and participants
The choice of Ponta Preta is no coincidence. Internationally renowned for its long right-hand waves and constant wind, the spot offers technical conditions that challenge even the most experienced surfers. For the 2026 edition, the biggest names in the international rankings are expected to participate. The reigning world champion, France's Capucine Delannoy, has already confirmed her presence to defend her crown. In the men's competition, although current champion Pedro Matos will be notably absent from this first stage, the field is open for new achievements and for local talent to dominate.
Who are Mitú Monteiro and Airton Cozzolino?
It is impossible to talk about kitesurfing in Sal without mentioning these names. Mitú Monteiro is the pioneer and a living legend of the sport, credited by many as the "father" of strapless surfing. Airton Cozzolino, although he often competes under the Italian flag, is a son of the island and one of the most explosive and technical athletes in the history of the circuit. Both are ambassadors for Cape Verde and serve as inspiration for the new generation, such as the young Hendrick Lopes, who has shown constant progress and is seeking his first major title in home waters.
Previous editions and tradition
Cape Verde has a long tradition on the world circuit. In past editions, the archipelago has been the stage for historic finals. In 2024, we witnessed an epic duel between Airton Cozzolino and Mitú Monteiro in Ponta Preta, with Cozzolino coming out on top in a final that brought the island to a standstill. The event regularly attracts thousands of spectators to the coast, transforming the beach into a vibrant natural amphitheater, where the "Morabeza" culture merges with the adrenaline of competition.
Schedule and next steps
After the conclusion of the stage in Sal, the world circuit will take a break before heading to Europe. The official 2026 calendar includes the following main stops:
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August: Sylt, Germany (Kite-Surfing and Freestyle).
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October: Dakhla, Morocco.
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November: Ibiraquera and Taíba, Brazil (Grand Finale).
Historical Context: It should be noted that Sal Island established itself on the world kitesurfing map in the early 2000s, largely thanks to the international success of Cape Verdean athletes who dominated European competitions. Since then, the Cape Verdean government and local authorities have invested in promoting sports tourism, recognizing that events of this magnitude are vital to the local economy and to the projection of the "Cape Verde" brand abroad.
Cape Verde 24.info
Source: GKA Kite World Tour Official Communications (2026).
Editorial Note: The dates and exact location of the races may be subject to last-minute changes due to weather conditions (wind and waves), in accordance with GKA regulations.
