TEAM NEWS: WOMEN TAKE CENTER STAGE AT DAKHLA
New GONG team riders Serena Luz and Clémence Derrien score big points in Dakhla.
The desert winds of Dakhla once again delivered world-class conditions for the 2025 GKA Kite-Surf World Cup, and this time, the excitement was doubled for us at GONG. Our two new team riders, Serena Luz and Clémence Derrien, made their official debut under the GONG flag, bringing talent, passion, and determination to one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Kitesurfer: Clémence, GONG team rider, with her Fatal FSP 2X, Elips kite and FeelX kite bar. Photo : GKA.
Non stop action in Dakhla!
After a first day that saw Airton take his first win with GONG in the men division, day two of the event belonged entirely to the women. With the dunes glowing in the early light and the swell lining up perfectly, the world’s top kite-surfers prepared to battle it out. Among them, Serena and Clémence, both ready to make their mark in the penultimate stop of the GKA Kite-Surf season under their new colors.
Dakhla delivered pristine waves and steady wind, setting the scene for some of the best women’s heats of the season. In the early rounds, Clémence Derrien showed her trademark flow and commitment, taking a solid win in round three to advance directly to round five. Serena Luz, representing Brazil, dominated her round-four heat with stylish power surfing that captivated the entire beach.
As the rounds advanced, Clémence faced a tough matchup against the highly experienced Astrid Cheylus, narrowly missing out on the semifinals but leaving no doubt about her place among the world’s elite. Meanwhile, Serena kept pushing through the ladder with clean execution and intensity, securing her spot in the semifinals after a commanding performance against Germany’s Sonja Bunte.
Kitesurfer: Serena, GONG team rider, with her Chemical HDCC, Elips kite and FeelX kite bar. Photo : GKA.
Semifinal Showdowns
The semifinals opened with an all-Brazilian clash: Serena Luz vs. Kesiane Rodrigues. Both athletes brought power and precision, but it was Rodrigues who edged ahead with two high-scoring waves to advance to the final. Serena’s drive and style, however, made a strong impression, an exciting preview of what’s to come from the young Brazilian in upcoming events.
On the other side of the draw, the newly crowned world champion, Capucine Delannoy, continued her dominance to reach the final against Rodrigues. The day closed with Delannoy taking the event win and securing the 2025 GKA Kite-Surf World Championship title.
In the mini-final, Serena shook off her loss with a performance that earned her first podium of the season. We couldn’t be prouder to have GONG athletes on the podium in both the women’s and men’s divisions. Congrats to them, and we can’t wait to see what’s coming next in Brazil for the last stop of the season. Make sure to tune in from November 6th to 9th.
Kitesurfers: Kesiane Rodrigues, Capucine Delannoy, Serena Luz and Astrid Cheylus. Photo: GKA.
Kiteboard Fatal FSP 2X
Kiteboard Chemical NOVO HDCC
Kite Elips
