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From March 2 to 6, Salinas del Rey (Colombia) has been the world capital of kitesurfing, a first level stage for the best riders in the world to give their best in front of an enthusiastic public. After three days of intense heat and wind, this Saturday, February 5, the winners have been announced. In the men’s category, the Brazilian Manoel Soares has taken the podium in his first GKA final with a total score of 30.14. His compatriot Carlos Mario has achieved second place and the Colombian Juan Rodríguez, with the local public in his favor, has obtained third place with a demonstration of ability and style. In the women’s competition, the Brazilians have also taken control in challenging weather conditions.
The number one kitesurfer in the world, Mikaili “Mika” Sol, has emerged as the leader of the competition with a display of technique and elegance that have elevated her to first position, followed by fellow Brazilian Bruna Kajiya. The third place has been for the Spanish, Rita Arnaus, second in the world ranking.
The first stop of the GKA Kite World Tour took place in Salinas del Rey, in the municipality of Juan de Acosta, in Colombia. This coastal location, known for its spectacular waves and its pleasant temperature -about 28°C- is, according to the portal whenwherekite.com, one of the best places in the world to practice kitesurfing, especially in the months of February and March. . The wind also helps, with gusts that exceed 23 knots (42 km/h) and favor the practice of this sport. Good weather, good beaches and a growing passion for water sports among the local population have been the key ingredients to guarantee the good development of the first of the eight stages of a World Tour that, throughout the year, will bring the best kitesurfers of the planet to the beaches of the Dominican Republic, Spain, Brazil or Israel.
When there are still two years left for the debut of Kitesurfing as an Olympic sport, this practice is consolidating in Latin America, turning places like Salinas del Rey into reference destinations. This is not accidental. Its privileged location, just 40 kilometers from two renowned international airports – Barranquilla and Cartagena – gives Juan de Acosta beach the merit of being able to offer a setting of nature in its purest form without being at odds with excellent international connectivity. Having the fourth and fifth cities of Colombia less than an hour away by car is a luxury, even more so when this sport serves as an excellent letter of introduction to the tourist potential of the area. Unlike other athletes, kitesurfers generally have a tireless traveling spirit. They are restless and like to get to know new realities, cultures and people, that is, soak up everything that surrounds the spots where they carry out their passion for the sea.