PWA Costa Teguise World Cup

The opening event of the PWA Freestyle World Tour has followed script, with the defending champions Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic/North Sails) and Sara-Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde) kick starting their year with conviction, winning the event with style. An action packed battle for the remaining positions saw tempers rise and battle commence, as competitors gave their all in a highly charged competition.

This year’s showdown was a grueling affair.  Thunderous winds and thumping swells pummeled the Eastern shores of Costa Teguise, whilst plumes of sand whipped through the stifling air. 40-knot gusts reduced flags to bare threads whist the world’s elite prepared themselves for en epic showdown that spanned over three rounds of double elimination competition.

All three rounds were completed under immense pressure, with men and women forced to throw caution to the wind, in an effort to tame the tempestuous conditions. Coherent, clinical performances by Andy Chambers (JP/NeilPryde), Anthony Ruenes (Tabou), Philip Soltysiak (Starboard/Dakine) and Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard/Gun Sails) were enough to consistently elevate them to the top end of the elimination ladders, and into the upper echelons of windsurfing’s elite.

Much focus has deservedly fallen upon the humble shoulders of Belgium’s Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2/MauiSails) this week, after successive, outstanding performances on the European stage have rocketed him into the limelight. A sense of anticipation and an aura of excitement descended onto the beach each time he took to the water, where he stunned the world with his explosive style.

Attention also centered on Antxon Otaegui (JP/NeilPryde/MFC), who made his loyal supporters proud, sailing like a man possessed and dominating the contest with fearless double-forwards. A true crowd pleaser, Otaegui looked wonderfully comfortable in the harsh environment, raising the standard of the competition each time he took to the water.

Tonky Frans (F2/Gaastra) and Taty Frans (Starboard/MauiSails) also eclipsed their opponents throughout the contest, combining their sleek style with aerial power throughout every stage of the event. Luck was to be the brothers’ only demise, as they faced each other in every stage, competing in incredible encounters laced with a very personal twist.

Estredo’s dominance was tested just once via the hands of the magnificent Kiri Thode (Starboard/Gaastra), who sailed two flawless heats against the World Champion, eventually winning the final of the third round. On the ultimate day of the contest, Thode was simply outstanding; completing the most challenging freestyle moves possible, often in double or triple combinations. Thode embodies so many amazing maneuvers, often completing a full score-sheet of fourteen tricks in just three and a half minutes, with a style that leaves competitors gazing in astonishment.

Despite this glimmer of class by Thode, nothing could take the shine from Gollito’s crown. Estredo had won the event after just three days, and he was untouchable at the top, as his sailing drew gasps of disbelief from all those who were lucky enough to glimpse such a brilliant performance. He has not only proved to the world that he is deserved of his adulation; but also that a fire within him still burns ferociously as he goes in search of this year’s World Title.