The Final results, video, photos and details – WKL Finals New Caledonia

Bruna Kajiya’s dominance was never in question as she managed the highest scoring ladies heat of the competition nailing an 8.87 Heart attack and 8.8 point grabbed KGB, this with a Hinterberger that she nailed after crashing the first attempt and a slim chance give her the cushion to go for the 315 in her last trick and become the first woman to land a double in competition, but unfortunately the bar escaped her grasp on the first pass so it was not to be.

This crowns her a well deserved champion and she wins her second championship again in New Caledonia after it was there she claimed her first 7 years ago in 2009.

Annabel van Westerop rode a flawless heat to score her 30.04 with a really strong start getting over 7 for each of here first four tricks, then stomping an 8.27 heart attack and improving on her previous back to blind. She was all necessary as she only secured second spot by 0.21 points but her calmness on the water was a contrast to her emotions once off the water with the second place confirmed. A well deserved final 3rd place for 2016 and she knows that she has a chance of the top steps of the podium next year the way she is riding.

Hannah Whiteley struggled a little bit with the wind, crashing hard on her first backmobe attempt but coming straight back to nail it for a 7.87. An s-bend to blind and 8.13 KGB gave her 3 tricks over 7 point but it all came down to the last trick, needing a high 6 for second and a mid 9 for the win she went for the heart attack which she landed but just butt checked slightly costing her the place as she scored 6.03. This was enough to give her the points needed for second place overall in the championship which she will be delighted with.

Paula Novotna rode a really consistent heat from the outset although struggled with power for the first two tricks, playing it safe. Stepping up for a nice 7.43 back to blind and then an 8.2 heart attack she unfortunately crashed her last two attempts where she was going for the KGB that she is so known for. She will be gutted to finished in 4th place although ever the gracious competitor she smiled all the way through the post heat interview but our heart goes out to her as she deserved to do better and will know inside that she could have been on that podium.

This means that the final results for the year are as follows:

• 1st KAJIYA B. (BRA)
• 2rd WHITELEY H. (GBR)
• 3nd V. WESTEROP A. (ABW)
• 4th NOVOTNA P. (CZE)

That brings to a close not just a successful event, but a successful year for the freestyle world tour. Each event has just got better and better and we cannot wait for a more packed schedule and the events next year which currently look as follows with all to be finalised and confirmed.

11-17 APR – Leucate, France
23 JUN – 02 JUL – Tarifa, Spain
JUL – Tenerife, Spain
18-26 AUG – Germany
SEP – Malmo, Sweden
NOV – China

We hope to be in person at the majority of events again next year and look forward to sharing them with you.

Published on: 19th December 2016