Naish’s Langeree & Lenny Take 2nd At The KSP World Finals

The fifth and final day of the KSP World Championship Title event kicked off with blasting trade winds and overhead surf on Tuesday, November 26th.

The Women’s final event was contested in epic surf and was a battle for the ages as Langeree and Whyte took to the water for a highly anticipated rematch. Jalou flaunted her powerful and fluid riding style as the winds picked up and gave her the speed and authority she needed to showcase her endless amount of talent. The competition between Jalou and Moona was so fiercely close, even spectators couldn’t tell who had edged whom. It was a close call by the judges and in the end, Langeree claimed runner up at this year’s KSP World Finals.

“What a great fight with Moona Whyte at the KSP finals! Had so much fun in my heat and riding a spot like Ho’okipa is sick. It was a very close call but it will only make me stronger. Can’t wait till next year!” – Jalou Langeree

The Men’s finals were also held during equally epic Ho’okipa conditions. Naish’s Kai Lenny, who was competing in his first ever kiteboarding competition, and reigning KSP World Champion Keahi De Aboitiz, met to determine who would be the new 2013 KSP World Champion. Lenny ripped and snapped his way through set after set like a seasoned pro, giving DeAboitiz some healthy and fresh competition. By the time the final horn sounded, no one on the beach knew who had won the heat. It wasn’t until the prize giving ceremony that De Aboitiz learned that he had successfully defended his world title narrowly defeating Lenny by a mere .9 points.

Not a bad year for Lenny who claimed 2 SUP World Titles (giving him a grand total of 5 World Titles) and a now, Runner Up for the KSP World Title!

“I have had the most incredible time competing for the first time in the KSP! This event really makes me want to compete more in the sport of Kitesurfing. I just fell short of my goal of winning the event and world title but could not be more stoked for De Aboitiz – he was ripping! Hopefully we can have a rematch for the world title next year! Thanks a million to Naish for the best equipment on the planet!” – Kai Lenny

Following the KSP Finals, the focus shifted to the Xensr Big Air Invitational. Riders were sent out on the water with a gps based Xensr measuring device that measures the height of each rider’s jumps to within 3mm. The final was won by Jon McCabe (HI) over Naish’s Jesse Richman (HI) in second and Charles Edwards (HI) in third. The highest jump of the day, however, belonged to Naish’s Shawn Richman (HI) with a height of 45.42 feet!

The Women’s Big Air was won by Jalou Langeree over 2nd place finisher, and fellow Naish team rider, Raquel Lima (HI) with Skylar Lickle (HI) in third.

Massive congrats to Naish’s team of waterwomen and men who brought the competition to new heights at this year’s KSP World Championship Finals!

Photos courtesy of Jimmie Hepp / KSP / Richard Hallman / Franck Berthuot /Detlef Teichmann