Competition, community and giving back. KB4C 2026 once again brought riders from around the world to Hood River in support of a cause that extends far beyond kiteboarding. Read about Team Naish's standout performances, including second-place finishes for both our Men's and Women's teams and Philipp Schonger's Men's Masters victory.
There are few events in kiteboarding that bring the global community together quite like KB4C. What began in Hood River as a local fundraiser has grown into one of the sport's most meaningful annual gatherings, uniting riders, brands and families around a shared purpose: using kiteboarding to make a tangible difference in the lives of children facing serious illnesses.
Founded by professional kiteboarder and cancer survivor Steve Fisher, KB4C (Kiteboarding 4 Cancer) raises funds for the Children's Cancer Association, helping create moments of joy, connection and hope through music, play and community support. Every year, riders from around the world gather in Hood River to prove that the impact of kiteboarding reaches far beyond the water.
KB4C 2026 unfolded across three action-packed days. Friday welcomed riders with a community demo day, giving everyone the chance to test the latest gear before competition began. Saturday saw the return of the event's signature six-hour relay, where teams combined kiteboarding, winging and foil disciplines in one of the most unique endurance races in the sport. The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with the always-entertaining boarder cross competition, bringing fast-paced head-to-head racing to a close.
For Team Naish, the weekend was filled with standout performances. Competing under the name "Watch Out for Naish," the men's relay team of Tim, Matt and Ewan secured 2nd place overall after six hours of close racing. Tim set the tone early by winning the hole-shot drag race to the first buoy before handing over to Matt in the wing discipline and Ewan on the kite foil, combining for a strong all-round performance.
The success continued in the Women's relay, where Avrie, Lauren and Madison also claimed 2nd place, giving Team Naish podium finishes in both team divisions.
Individually, Naish team rider Philipp Schonger enjoyed an exceptional weekend, taking top honours in both the Masters Division and the Iron Man Division. Sunday's boarder cross events added even more silverware, with Pepefinishing 2nd in the Wing Boarder Cross and Aiden claiming 3rd in the Kite Boarder Cross.
While the results made for an impressive weekend, KB4C has never simply been about podiums. It is an event where professionals ride alongside weekend warriors, fundraising matters more than finishing positions, and the entire kiteboarding community comes together to support children and families facing unimaginable challenges.
That spirit is what continues to make KB4C one of the most respected events in kiteboarding. It reminds us that our sport is built on more than performance—it's built on generosity, connection and a shared willingness to give back.
Congratulations to every athlete, volunteer and supporter who made KB4C 2026 another incredible success. To everyone who competed, donated or simply showed up to be part of it, thank you for proving once again that when our community comes together, we can create an impact far greater than any result on the water.
We'll see you back at The Gorge next year!
