TEAM NEWS: AIRTON COZZOLINO WINS IN DAKHLA!
The kitesurfing legend claims a defining victory on GKA’s third stop of the season.
Under the golden Moroccan sunset, GONG team rider Airton Cozzolino claimed a powerful victory at the GKA Kite-Surf World Cup Dakhla 2025, marking his first win representing GONG and an emotional comeback after a rollercoaster start to the season.
Kitesurfer: Airton, GONG team rider, riding his Lethal PU, Elips kite and FeelX bar. Photo: GKA.
A journey of grit and redemption
Just months ago in Cape Verde, Airton came heartbreakingly close to victory. After dominating the event with the highest heat score and average of the competition, he lost the lead in the final seconds of the final heat, narrowly missing what could have been his first win with GONG.
Then, at the next stop in Sylt, fate dealt another challenge: Airton competed despite a knee injury, pushing through pain to stay in the title race. That resilience set the tone for Dakhla and this time, nothing was going to stop him.
Kitesurfer : Airton, GONG team rider. Photo: GKA.
Dakhla delivers, and so does Airton
The iconic desert coastline of Dakhla offered perfect conditions for the 15th edition of the event. With steady 20–25 knot winds and clean 1.5-metre waves, the stage was set for high-performance wave riding.
From his first heat, Airton showed he was in rhythm with fluid, precise, and confident wave riding. After dispatching strong contenders including Théo Demanez in Round 3, he entered the semifinals with trademark power and flair. Against James Carew, Airton opened with a 9-point ride, followed by an 8.13, posting one of the highest totals of the event (17.13) and securing his place in the final.
The final battle: calm, composed, and victorious
In the last heat of the day, Airton faced Pedro Matos in a tight contest under the setting sun. Both riders exchanged strong waves, but Airton’s experience and precision made the difference. His final ride which scored 7.30-point sealed the deal, pushing him into the lead and onto the top step of the podium.
As he rode back to shore, arms raised in triumph, it was more than just a win. It was proof of his determination, perfect synergy with his equipment and his connection with the ocean.
This huge win also propels Airton to the top of the world rankings ahead of the final showdown in Taiba, Brazil, taking place from November 6th to 9th, where the world title will be decided.
Congratulations Airton for the first of many victories together!
Kitesurfer : Airton, GONG team rider. Photo: GKA.
Surf Lethal PU
Kite Elips
