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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Russian freediver Andrey Matveenko suffered a blackout after an attempted dive to 126.5 meters and subsequently developed severe neurological complications. He was first taken to a hospital without a hyperbaric chamber and later transferred to Athens, where he received specialized treatment. The delay in medical assistance and the lack of resources at the competition site have been pointed out as structural failures in safety.

Athletes’ withdrawal as a clear message

The incident did not go unnoticed by the international community. Top-level athletes such as Talya Davidoff (USA), Petar Klovar (Croatia), Zsofia Torocsik (Hungary), Davide Carrera (Italy) and Sanda Delija (Croatia) chose to withdraw from the championship in protest. A strong statement: prioritizing safety over the chance to compete at a World Championship is, in itself, a public denunciation of the state of affairs.

Adding to the concern was the institutional silence. CMAS did not issue a clear statement on the athlete’s condition or on the protocols activated, further fueling the sense of a lack of transparency.

The contrast with AIDA

The comparison with AIDA is inevitable. That federation has made safety its hallmark, with strict protocols, specialized medical staff on site, and hyperbaric chambers available at its major events. In CMAS, by contrast, improvisation, gaps in the chain of care and poor communication have become evident.

The situation also leaves Greek Sports Minister Yannis Vroutsis in an uncomfortable position, as just days before the championship he had highlighted the organization and safety of the event in meetings with mayors and local federations. The fact that such a serious incident occurred afterwards calls into question not only CMAS, but also the institutions that publicly endorsed the championship. Yet in Greece, very little was reported publicly, reinforcing the perception of opacity surrounding what happened.

A crisis of confidence

Athletes are calling on CMAS for an urgent review of its systems: standardized and public medical protocols, coordination with local authorities, transparency in each incident, and measures to ensure consistent safety at all venues. The absence of these guarantees is leading to a loss of trust that will be difficult to reverse.

Freediving is a sport where risk is inherent to every dive. And it is precisely for that reason that safety cannot be treated as an accessory, but as the foundation of every competition. In Greece, CMAS failed in that principle, and athletes made it clear with their withdrawal. The difference with AIDA—where safety has been consolidated as a priority—is, for many, the factor that explains the current fracture in the international community.

What the freediving community demands

From within the freediving community, the following urgent measures are being demanded:

• Medical protocols defined and published prior to the competition, including availability of a nearby hyperbaric chamber.

• Clear institutional coordination with local authorities (as in Greece in this case) to ensure compliance with health and emergency regulations.

• Full transparency: public reports on incidents, medical evaluations, and decisions taken.

• Fixed safety standards that do not depend on geography, but on the level of the event.

These are precisely the criteria that AIDA, for example, has been promoting in its competitions: pre-event evaluation, emergency drills, participation of specialized medical staff, and immediate communication.

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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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The Spanish official highlighted the quality of the medal matches, describing them as played at a “high, high level. It is incredible,” while also pointing out another key factor for the sport’s growth and visibility: its appeal to new audiences. “I love it because when people come to watch it for the first time, they say: ‘Oh, it’s dynamic, it changes’, and that is important.” Audience engagement, he noted, is another crucial element for Olympic inclusion.

Internationalization as an Olympic requirement

“When the medals are spread across different continents, that is the key. If beach handball wants to enter the Olympic Games, it needs minimum representation on three continents,” said Perurena. He stressed that balanced results across regions strengthen the discipline’s profile and bring it closer to meeting the criteria set by the Olympic movement.

The IWGA president, who is also a member of the General Assembly of the Spanish Olympic Committee -COE-, celebrated the bronze medal won by Spain’s women’s team and recalled the strong handball tradition in his country, where both national teams have claimed medals in major competitions and FC Barcelona is considered one of Europe’s top clubs.

Philosophy and atmosphere at The World Games

Beyond the results, Perurena underlined the philosophy of respect that defines beach handball. “We grow and raise the level of the athletes, similar to the Olympic Games, but without giving up our Fair Play,” he stated.

He also relayed the positive feedback received about Chengdu 2025 from athletes and delegations: “From the opening ceremony to the quality of the venues, the volunteers were always ready, and the athletes’ village has been at a very high level.”

The complementary vision of Joachim Gossow

The IWGA Chief Executive Officer, Joachim Gossow, agreed that the growth of beach handball must be supported by strong organizational standards. “The organizer really did a fabulous job. For us it is important to see how the sports perform and what improvements can be applied for the next edition,” he explained.

Gossow, a former handball player and coach, recalled the evolution of the discipline within The World Games, where it started as a demonstration sport before becoming part of the official program, marking a significant path toward its current international recognition.

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At the heart of the Protocol lies a Partnership Agreement enabling all teams to actively participate in event management and key commercial decisions, ensuring an equal voice in shaping the future of the America’s Cup. New York Yacht Club -NYYC- Commodore Jay Cross stated: “As the founding trustee of the America’s Cup, we are fully supportive of the move to modernise the oldest sporting trophy in the world.”

Calendar changes to fix “its lack of continuity”

The new structure sets the competition to be held every two years, with consistent race formats designed to maintain global audience interest and enable stronger promotion. ‘Team New Zealand’ CEO Grant Dalton explained: “Although the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport and the pinnacle of sailing, its Achilles’ heel has always been its lack of continuity. This transformation gives all teams collective stewardship, and we are introducing a new executive management team headed by an independent CEO.”

Negotiating the Protocol with the Challenger of Record aims to provide long-term stability for teams, commercial partners, and host venues to invest in multiple editions. According to Dalton, this is the boldest change in 174 years, while respecting the Deed of Gift, and represents “the best initiative to grow what is already one of the greatest sporting events in the world.”

Inclusion and equality at the core of the new model

The Protocol also introduces measures to ensure greater equality and representation, such as requiring at least one female crew member aboard each AC75. Boats will be crewed by five sailors, with a larger share of functions powered by battery technology. Two of the sailors, in addition to the female crew member, must be nationals of the team’s country, while the remaining two may be foreign nationals.

The racing format has been restructured to keep all teams competing for longer. The Louis Vuitton Cup will feature both fleet races and match races, with results determining the top four challengers advancing to the semi-finals and finals, where the winner will face ‘Team New Zealand’ in Naples 2027.

More preliminary races and guest experiences

Up to three preliminary regattas will take place in 2026, followed by one in early 2027 with AC40s, where each team may enter two boats — one with female and youth crews. A cost cap of €75 million per team will be imposed, with existing teams required to reuse AC75 hulls from the 37th edition if available. New entrants must either acquire an existing AC75 or build one based on the AC37 design, meeting the country construction requirements outlined in the Protocol.

During each race, AC75s will be allowed to carry a guest on board — including sponsors, media representatives, or public figures — to experience the event first-hand and share it with global audiences. RNZYS Commodore David Blakey stressed that this new equal governance model promotes pathways for young sailors and reinforces New Zealand’s leadership in innovation, technology, and sailing culture.

Italy was confirmed in May 2025 as the host nation, with the historic city of Naples serving as the official venue. The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will take place between spring and summer 2027, positioning Naples as a world-class stage for elite sailing.

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From local tournaments to national and international championships, the schedule includes both indoor and open-water events. Venues range from the cold waters of the Baltic Sea to warm tropical destinations, passing through Olympic swimming pools and unique natural locations. AIDA sends its best wishes to all athletes preparing to compete in these challenging events.

August competitions: a tour of AIDA events

The pool competitions begin with the AIDA 2nd Beijing Lyons Pool Competition (17–23 August, Beijing, China), followed by the AIDA One Breath Challenge 2 (22–23 August, South Sinai, Egypt) and, on 31 August, three simultaneous events: AIDA Hong Kong Freediving Competition 2025 Summer (Hong Kong, China), AIDA Raum ENC Pool Competition (Hwaseong-Si, Republic of Korea), and AIDA KZN Winter Static (Durban, South Africa). In the mixed category—combining pool and depth disciplines—highlights include the AIDA Lastovo Super Deep 2025 Vol.1 (15–16 August) and Vol.2 (22–23 August) in Zaklopatica, Croatia.

In depth events, the action will open with the AIDA Pangalo HUG Cup #2 (8–10 August, Bohol, Philippines) and continue with competitions such as California – AIDA #5 2025 (10 August, San Francisco, USA), the Crystal Clear Water Competition (12–16 August, Poland), the Cormorant AIDA Depth Challenge (13–17 August, France), and the Double K IDA 16th Depth Challenge (14–18 August, Philippines). The second half of the month will feature events such as the AIDA Cortez Cup (15–19 August, Mexico), the AIDA Apoyo Crater Challenger 2025 (16–24 August, Nicaragua), the AIDA Red Sea Deep Vibe (20–23 August, Israel), the AIDA Swiss Depth Championship (22–23 August, Switzerland), and an intense final stretch with competitions in Japan, Mexico, Germany, and another stop in San Francisco, all on 31 August.

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Recognized as one of the region’s leading adventure tourism and water sports festivals, the event offers an immersive experience for both participants and the public. The opening ceremony and the start of the competitions were attended by Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, and Dr. Khamis bin Salem Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, along with the participating athletes.

Sustainable tourism and the local economy

Sultan bin Sulaiman Al Khudoori, Head of Assets at OMRAN Group, highlighted the importance of the festival in enriching Oman’s tourism offering. He emphasized that organizing this type of sporting event allows visitors to discover the beauty of the Omani coastline and reinforces the country’s position as an international destination, in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.

Al Khudoori also highlighted the role of SMEs and local businesses in creating innovative and sustainable tourism experiences, with a strong focus on adventure and ecotourism. In his words, these initiatives help to attract adventure lovers and promote local content.

International competition and diversity of events

Shaima Said Al Asmi, events specialist at Oman Sail, pointed out that Oman’s unique coastal landscapes and resources can drive the growth of sports and adventure tourism, and highlighted the potential of each region to offer diverse and tailored tourism proposals.

The festival brings together more than 90 athletes who will compete in various events, notably the demanding “Oman Downwinder,” a stage race that runs from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island, passing through Ras Al Ruwais, the Pink Lagoons, Al Ashkharah, Ras Al Jinz, and Ras Al Hadd.

Specialized events

In addition to the Downwinder, the program includes specialized races such as the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman, the Coastal Race on Masirah Island, and the Slalom Race in Ras Al Hadd. The festival also offers family activities and an exhibition for SMEs in Ashkharah Municipal Park.

The Oman Kite Festival 2025 is registered as a Clean Regatta with ‘Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana’, an international standard for sustainable nautical events. The organization collaborates with the Environment Society of Oman to promote marine conservation through beach and marina cleanups, ghost net removal, and educational workshops on sea turtle protection.

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The championship was marked by an exceptional level of competition, reflected in the achievement of 109 new national records in the four pool disciplines. Of these, 63 were achieved by women and 46 by men, with 50 different athletes setting at least one new record for their country. In addition, new national records were set in 34 countries across five continents, and three world records were broken, underscoring the extremely high level of competition.

These results demonstrate the technical evolution of freediving and the positive impact of facilitating access to athletes from around the world. The Wakayama event has served as a platform for emerging talent, removing geographical and economic barriers and fostering a more inclusive competitive environment.

“Direct results after investment”

AIDA President Sasa Jeremic highlighted the importance of this edition: “Wakayama 2025 has been a key moment for the sport. We have seen the direct results of investing in athlete development: more participation, more records, and a stronger and more connected freediving community.” The words of the organization’s top official reflect the spirit of an edition that was committed to collective growth and equal opportunities.

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In the women’s category, Germany’s Heike Schwerdtner, who had already broken the world record this year, once again demonstrated her superiority with a time of over 9 minutes, retaining her world championship title. Finland’s Iris Ala-Olla took silver and set a new national record, while Japan’s Yuriko Ichihara won bronze and the Asian continental record.

In the men’s final, Sweden’s David Spreitz Elings set one of the best times in AIDA history with 10 minutes and 27 seconds, taking gold and the national record. Aleksandr Maksimov took silver with over 9 minutes, and Ming (William Joy) Jin of China completed the podium with a new national record.

In addition, the static apnea day set a new bar for the sport, with continental records for Asia, Africa, and South America, and up to 11 national records. Among the milestones, Yuriko Ichihara’s 7 minutes and 52 seconds for Asia, Fiona De Sousa’s 6 minutes and 14 seconds for Africa, and Christian Tomas Bown Buron’s 7 minutes and 36 seconds for South America stand out. The event has consolidated the international profile of freediving and the ability of its athletes to surpass themselves.

Day 1: two world records and a historic start

Looking back, the first day of the championship was marked by spectacular performances in the dynamic with fins category. Zsófia Törőcsik of Hungary set a new women’s world record with 259 meters, while Guillaume Bourdila of France broke the men’s record with 298 meters. In addition, numerous continental and national records were achieved, reflecting the high level of competition from the start.

Day 2: Polish dominance and Asian rise in dynamic without fins

The second day was dominated by the dynamic without fins discipline, considered the most demanding on the circuit. Julia Kozerska of Poland was crowned world champion for the fourth consecutive time with a record of 210 meters. In the men’s category, Kai-Hsiang Chan of Chinese Taipei took gold and the Asian record with 240 meters, while the day ended with a wave of national and continental records in both genders, confirming the global expansion of freediving.

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