Formula Kite World Championships in Challenging Atlantic Conditions

The Formula Kite World Championships, the Olympic kiteboarding class event, concluded on Saturday, May 16, in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Over six days of racing at one of the most challenging venues on the circuit, the world’s top athletes competed, including Olympic medallists and reigning world champions. The Czech Republic was represented by Vojtěch Koška and Dominika Braunová from TJ Sailing Pálava. 

The championship was marked by exceptionally challenging and highly variable conditions. Competitors had to cope with strong winds, large Atlantic waves, and frequent changes in weather and wind strength. “This year’s championship featured extremely challenging conditions. The wind was different every day — sometimes very strong, sometimes light, or almost nonexistent. The waves were huge; we don’t experience anything like that very often at competitions,” said Vojtěch Koška.

The Czech representative performed particularly well in the opening stages of the championship. After the first three days, he held excellent positions and advanced comfortably to the Gold Fleet among the world’s top riders.
However, in the final part of the championship, protests and collisions on the racecourse cost him a place in the finals. He ultimately finished 11th overall, just outside the top ten. “The first three days went really well for me. Then, in the Gold Fleet, there were protests and one collision that cost me a lot of points. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the finals, where I could have fought for medals. That’s disappointing, because the conditions on the final day would have suited me — strong wind and flat water. Still, I see a lot of positives and I know what I need to keep working on,” Vojta said.

Vojtěch Koška’s upcoming schedule will continue with a training block in Italy, followed by two regattas in Los Angeles, which will also host the Olympic competition in 2028. He is expected to spend a total of 20 days there.

Dominika Braunová finished the championship in 27th place. She was not entirely satisfied with her result either, but at the same time appreciated the valuable experience gained in such extreme conditions. “The results do not always tell the whole story. It wasn’t the result I had hoped for, and I can’t say I’m completely satisfied with my performance. But the conditions pushed all the riders to their limits — huge waves, strong wind, and extremely rough water made every race an enormous challenge,” said Dominika Braunová. “Progress is not only about the results sheet. Sometimes it is hidden in better decisions, new experiences, or greater confidence on the water. I can see improvement, and that makes me happy. Every mistake is another lesson, and now it’s time to keep training and come back stronger,” added Dominika.