Cold Hawaii 2025 - Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier: Complete Event Guide 2025

A unique Big Air qualifier in northern Europe

The Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier – Cold Hawaii is regarded as one of the most spectacular kitesurf competitions in the world. It is held in the coastal town of Nørre Vorupør, in the Danish region known as Cold Hawaii. This location, with its wind‑swept dunes, fishing boats dragged up onto the beach and a pier framing the natural arena, offers perfect conditions for big‑air kiteboarding: westerly waves and winds give spectators an unobstructed view of the action and have allowed several world firsts in recent years.

The Danish qualifier is the only event in northern Europe that allows athletes to earn a spot at the Red Bull King of the Air in Cape Town, South Africa. Red Bull introduced the first Danish edition as “the craziest Big Air kiteboarding contest in the world”.

Update on the competition date

As of 3 October 2025 it was announced that the competition will take place on Sunday 5 October from 08:00 to 15:00. The contest will be held at the Cold Hawaii Surf Arena in Nørre Vorupør, and a live stream will be available on the organisers’ website: coldhawaiigames.com.

Format and rules

The Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier – Cold Hawaii is an invitational event: only riders selected through the video qualifier can take part. Selection is based on the creativity, power and variety of the manoeuvres shown in the videos.

During the weather window the contest team monitors the forecast and gives the green light when strong winds and big waves are forecast.

The competition runs through elimination heats, with scoring based on height, control and difficulty. Riders need to impress the judges with jumps that can reach 30 metres high or 150 metres downwind, harnessing the gusts of the North Sea.

Location: Cold Hawaii and the surf arena

Nørre Vorupør is a small fishing village on Denmark’s west coast. Its pier and dunes protect a natural amphitheatre that lets spectators see every trick. Thanks to strong westerly swells and the winds that sweep across the North Sea, the area offers perfect conditions for big‑air. Organisers also highlight that fans can get close to the action from the pier that frames the arena – a unique feature of the contest.

Why “Cold Hawaii”?

The nickname comes from the variety of surf and kitesurf spots along this coast. Although it doesn’t have the tropical temperatures of Hawaii, the area offers powerful waves and steady winds. In recent years Cold Hawaii has hosted several international surf and kitesurf events, cementing its reputation as a European big‑air mecca.

Past winners

First held in 2020 as Cold Hawaii Big Air, the event has seen some of the best riders in the discipline take the title:

In 2024 the Italian Lorenzo Casati claimed victory at Cold Hawaii and later won the Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier in Tarifa, confirming his dominance in big air. The 2024 podium was completed by Dutch riders Jamie Overbeek and Cohan van Dijk.

How to follow the event

Spectators can watch the contest at the Cold Hawaii Surf Arena or follow the live stream on coldhawaiigames.com. During the weather window the organisers regularly update their social channels to announce when the green light has been given. Prospective visitors should consult the official website and Cold Hawaii Games social profiles for schedules and updates.

Travel tips

• Arrive early: weather conditions can change quickly; keep an eye on the green‑light announcement and plan your trip accordingly.

• Bring waterproof gear: Cold Hawaii’s climate is cool and windy; waterproof jackets, warm layers and sunglasses are recommended.

• Accommodation: Nørre Vorupør offers B&Bs and holiday houses; alternatively hotels and campsites are available in nearby Thisted.

• Respect the environment: the coastline is a nature reserve; follow organisers’ guidelines to preserve the dunes and the local ecosystem.

Why follow the King of the Air Qualifier in Cold Hawaii?

This event is a key milestone for kitesurfing enthusiasts. Beyond providing spectacle and adrenaline, the Red Bull King of the Air Qualifier – Cold Hawaii promotes the Danish region and showcases some of the world’s best riders. Thanks to the challenging conditions, competitors must combine height, control and creativity, offering spectators increasingly spectacular tricks. For anyone who dreams of seeing future King of the Air champions in action, Cold Hawaii is the perfect destination.