Building on that experience, the International Kiteboarding Association -IKA- has launched a process of internal reflection that has led to a review of its governance model, its competitive product and its ability to connect with a broader audience. The statement “Update from the IKA: Looking forward to 2026 and beyond” sets out a roadmap identifying the key tasks kiteboarding faces as it moves into the next Olympic cycle.

Leadership changes and greater athlete involvement

One of the first areas highlighted by the IKA is governance. The organisation has undergone changes in its leadership structure following the departure of its Secretary General and has underlined the need to move towards a more transparent model with a long-term vision. The stated aim is to strengthen the institutional stability of the class and ensure that strategic decisions are taken in the best interests of the sport, the athletes and the global kiteboarding community.

As part of this process, the federation stresses the importance of listening to athletes and coaches, as well as reinforcing internal participation mechanisms. The inclusion of athlete representatives within decision-making bodies and the organisation of in-person assemblies at key events on the calendar form part of this effort to align governance with competitive reality.

Competitive equality and equipment control

Another key task identified since Paris 2024 relates to equality on the water and the reliability of equipment. In recent months, the IKA has worked alongside World Sailing to audit manufacturers and review licensing processes for the foils used in the Olympic class, paying particular attention to structural issues detected in certain models.

This technical work includes testing programmes, periodic evaluations and the definition of clear protocols for equipment replacement and distribution, with the aim of reaching upcoming world championships and the first Olympic qualifying events within a stable and fair framework for all competitors. Standardisation and equipment control are presented as essential requirements for the sporting credibility of the discipline.

Managing meteorological uncertainty

Beyond equipment, the IKA has opened a broader discussion on competition formats. Since the cycle following Paris 2024, regulatory adjustments have been considered in relation to the number of kites allowed, line lengths and course design, with the goal of reducing variables, improving race readability and strengthening the overall consistency of the spectacle.

The experience in Marseille has also renewed reflection on how to manage meteorological uncertainty in outdoor sports. Without promising unrealistic solutions, kiteboarding is exploring ways to minimise the impact of adverse conditions through more flexible planning, formats capable of withstanding interruptions and better use of foil performance in light winds, without relying on ideal scenarios.

Audience, visibility and the Olympic narrative

One of the main lessons from the Olympic debut has been the need to improve engagement with the general public. While the speed and dynamism of kiteboarding generated interest beyond the traditional sailing audience, the IKA acknowledges that it must work on a more accessible and appealing presentation for broader audiences, particularly within the Olympic context.

To this end, the federation has identified priorities such as improved visual identification of athletes and nations, a stronger television narrative and the development of a more ambitious media strategy. The objective is to expand kiteboarding’s media reach and position it as a recognisable, engaging discipline aligned with the expectations of the Olympic movement in the lead-up to Los Angeles 2028.

The international calendar over the coming years, featuring world championships, youth events and emerging venues, will serve as a testing ground for these lines of work. Along this path, kiteboarding faces the challenge of turning the lessons of Paris 2024 into concrete progress, allowing it to approach the next Olympic cycle with a more solid, balanced sport prepared to capture the attention of a global audience.

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The introduction of new kite designs and next-generation foil packages has transformed the competitive dynamic. National federations are closely monitoring how their athletes adapt to the changes, fully aware that technological integration is now a decisive factor in consolidating high-performance programs for the upcoming Olympic cycle.

Innovation and strategy in Formula Kite

In recent months, manufacturers and teams have intensified their collaboration in the development of more efficient equipment. French rider Benoit Gomez, involved in the evolution of the Element kites, exemplifies the direct link between technological research and high-level performance. Flysurfer, dominant in the last Olympic cycle, now faces growing competition in an environment where innovation dictates hierarchy.

For federation coaches, this World Championship will provide a unique opportunity for comparative analysis. Race performance will help evaluate the effectiveness of equipment choices and their integration into training routines, setting the course for future Olympic programs.

Olympic champion returns

British rider Ellie Aldridge, Olympic gold medallist at Paris 2024, returns to the highest level of competition after focusing part of her season on the SailGP circuit. Facing her will be Lauriane Nolot, defending World Champion and Olympic silver medallist, who makes her comeback after a recovery period strengthened by an intense physical preparation program.

The line-up also includes established names such as Jessie Kampman, now competing under the Netherlands flag, and six-time World Champion Daniela Moroz, alongside rising talent such as Switzerland’s Elena Lengwiler. Federations from Spain, Australia, Poland and Thailand have also entered strong contenders, underlining the growing global reach of the discipline.

Vodisek and Maeder lead the men’s fleet

In the men’s fleet, Olympic Champion Valentin Bontus of Austria remains sidelined due to injury. The spotlight turns to Olympic silver medallist Toni Vodisek of Slovenia, and Singaporean Max Maeder, reigning World Champion and bronze medallist at Paris 2024. Their rivalry has defined the discipline in recent years.

British rider Sam Dickinson, who has recorded speeds exceeding 35 knots on downwind reaches, has attracted the attention of coaches and rivals alike for his rapid progress. Alongside him, Italian Riccardo Pianosi and Swiss Gian Stragiotti represent an emerging generation aiming to consolidate their status among the elite. For national federations, the performance of these younger athletes will be a key reference point in the renewal of their Olympic squads.

The competition will take place from 30 September to 5 October at Poetto Beach. Beyond individual results, the event will establish the new international hierarchy of Formula Kite and confirm the level of integration of the latest technological innovations into the equipment. For federations, the IKA, World Sailing, and the IOC, the analysis of this World Championship will be decisive in shaping preparation strategies and strengthening high-performance structures for the next Olympic cycle.

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“His experience leading the successful IKA Youth Camp in Gizzeria this summer makes him the ideal person to guide young athletes during the championship,” the organization stated. Janiak’s presence will provide continuous technical support for participants, strengthening the role of Member National Authorities -MNAs- in developing emerging talent.

A training environment for the growth of kiteboarding

The Youth Worlds is World Sailing’s flagship youth event, bringing together young sailors from across the globe to compete in multiple disciplines. Kiteboarding has gained increasing visibility within the program, particularly following its Olympic debut in Paris last summer.

The IKA highlights that appointing an official class coach is aimed at offering athletes a structured and professional training environment. “We want to ensure that every young kiteboarder has the tools needed to reach their full potential during the regatta,” the association emphasized.

An opportunity for the next generation

The IKA encourages all MNAs to seize this opportunity to showcase their athletes in a high-level competitive setting. The combination of professional coaching, favorable entry conditions, and the prestige of the event sets the stage for youth kiteboarding to continue strengthening its position on the global scene.

Although the official entry period has closed, late entries will be accepted at no additional cost, thanks to an agreement between the IKA, World Sailing, and the local organizers in Vilamoura.

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