Formula Kite Explained

Formula Kite is an exciting and fast-paced sport that combines the thrill of kiteboarding with the competitive structure of sailing. Kite Foiling will make it debut at the 2024 Olympic games.

Formula Kite is a type of kiteboarding where competitors use foil kites (similar to paragliders) to harness the power of the wind, while using a hydrofoil which lifts them above the water to reduce drage and increase speed making them the fastest Olympic sailing class.

The race course is a windward-leeward course. This means riders start by heading upwind (against the wind) to a marker buoy and then turn to race downwind (with the wind) back to the start/finish line.

During the Olympic games, the 20 riders from 20 different nations will battle it out during the 16 races in the opening series which will last 4 days. On the 5th and final day, the top 10 will proceed in the medal series. Number 1 and 2 from the openingseries will be seeded in the 4 women final, and ranked 3-10 will be battling for the 2 remaining spots in two different semi finals. Riders ranked 3 and 4 will carry forward two race wins from the opening series, 5 and 6 both one race wil and 7-10 no race wins. The first rider to have 3 race wins will carry on to the final. In the final the same system will determine the podium.