For once the famous Cape Town wind was appreciated when as many as 5 000 spectators gathered in Big Bay yesterday, along the West Coast, to watch the world’s 16 best kiteboarders and eight wildcards take to the sea and of course, the air. The extreme competition – returning after a seven year hiatus – wowed the crowds with an exhibition of the riders’ creativity, height and style.

All rode hard but in the end, Sam Light (GBR) came in third, Nick Jacobsen (DEN) placed second and Jesse Richman from the USA took the crown, and the tribal mask.

Jessie had this to say:

I never expected this and I’m so amazingly pumped! Red Bull King of the Air has been the biggest event in the world since the very beginning – I competed in it when I was a little kid and it was the coolest thing ever. To come here and win this event is unbelievable! By far the best riders in the world were throwing down in the best conditions for the event today!

To see more photos from the event, check out the photo gallery below.

[Pictures: Kolesky/Nikon/Red Bull Content Pool]