Double Eliminations

Women’s

The opening women’s heat of the day saw reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) - pitted against Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) in a battle for the podium. The heat was a close run thing with Iballa accumulating the higher jump scores, and things remain evenly balanced on the wave front until Offringa produced a moment of magic to rotate through a radical taka to earn 8.5 points - which proved to be the difference as Offringa progressed.

Having sailed so well against Iballa, many thought that Offringa would then use that performance as a stepping stone to gather momentum and fight her way up the podium. However, the Aruban produced an uncharacteristically below par display at a critical time and was ultimately eliminated by Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360), who sailed another solid heat landing an excellent tabletop forward and a backloop, while also earning the highest single wave score of the heat. Offringa started strongly with a big stalled forward and high tweaked pushloop, but then crashed numerous big backloop attempts. The real problem for Offringa was on the wave as the 15-time world champion only recorded two wave ride attempts during the entire 15-minute heat, which cost her dearly.

Waiting for Sniady in the final would be Daida Moreno (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), who came absolutely flying out of the starting blocks to rack up over 25 points in the first 4 minutes after landing a completely dry big stalled forward, a trademark one-handed backloop all the way, while unleashing several flowing, slashy cutbacks. Sniady started slowly and while she did recover towards the end of the heat with a good table forward there was no chance for the Pole to reel in Daida, who added a table forward to her scoresheet to seal the victory, while she also pulled the trigger on a double forward, which she wasn’t far away from landing! Daida’s latest victory in Pozo means she has now recorded victory here 18 times in the last 19 years! 

Men’s

Between them - Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) and Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) - have had a stranglehold on the event having won it every year between them since 2006. However, that all changed today with Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) fending off a late charge by Köster to win the opening wave event of the year!

Köster had started his comeback through the double elimination against Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) and he began with a real statement of intent as he posted the highest score of the whole contest - 45.39 points - meaning he only dropped 4.61 points out of a possible 50. 

Köster would then face a rematch against - Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) - and the two of them produced another epic heat, just as in the single with both men leaving nothing on the line. Both sailors landed huge double forwards and tabletop double forwards, while remaining very evenly matched on their wave scores. Critically, however, Köster was able to land an almost perfect pushloop forward to earn 9.7 points, while Browne had crashed his 3 opening efforts, but the tied remained in the balance heading into the final minute with Browne requiring a 7.85 point jump or better to win. Unfortunately for Browne his last minute pushloop forward fell just short at 7 points and Köster marched on to setup a final against Campello, while Browne completes the podium in Pozo.

Köster then claimed a clearcut victory against Campello in the final after Campello made a slow start and failed to complete his scoresheet meaning there would be a Super Final to follow. 

At this point the decision was made by the Head Judge to extend the heat duration by 5 minutes to 20 minutes in a winner takes all battle. Campello used the one heat break to recompose himself and the 34-year-old produced a much better performance in the Super Final landing a massive double forward - 8.5 points - a pushloop forward - 9.2 points - and a tweaked pushloop to place Köster under pressure. 

The 4-time world champion duly responded with a huge stalled double forward to earn perfect 10s and also landed a big one-foot backloop to earn a further 6.12 points and with the German well ahead in the wave riding department it seemed Köster was well poised to attack. However, instead of focusing on jumps Köster focused on waves, much to his caddies despair who was desperately running up and down the beach trying to communicate that information to Köster. Seemingly unbeknown to the 25-year-old he only required a 4.51 point jump to win the heat, but it wasn’t until the dying seconds that he launched into a make or break tabletop double forward, which he couldn’t quite sail away from and with that Campello cracked the Köster/Fernandez strangehold. With the benefit of hindsight a big stalled forward or tweaked pushloop would’ve done the job.

Take nothing away from Campello though as he sailed brilliantly under pressure when it mattered the most, while he also showed off the radical side that makes him so fun to watch, throwing a trademark one-hand, one-foot forward loop while also trying a massive forward-into-air spock and he deservedly walks away with the event title here and makes the perfect start to the season in his bid for a first wave world title.

The plan for the last two days of the event is to run a Youth’s Super Session. On Friday the Boy’s U13s and U15s and the Girl’s U15s, U17s & U20s will compete, while on the Saturday the Boy’s U17s and U20s will take the centre stage one last time. The sign up for the Youth’s tomorrow will be held at 12pm (GMT+1) with a first possible start at 1pm.

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Women’s Double Elimination

1st Daida Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Justyna Sniady (POL - Simmer / Simmer / AL360)
3rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU - Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Iballa Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Alexia Kiefer Quintana (GER - Fanatic / Duotone)
6th Maaike Huvermann (NED - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
7th Caterina Stenta (ITA / RRD Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
7th Oda Brødholt (NOR - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Men’s Double Elimination

1st Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN - Brunotti Boards)
2nd Philip Köster (GER - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
3rd Marcilio Browne (BRA - Goya Windsurfing)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP - Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses)
5th Jaeger Stone (AUS - Starboard / Severne / SWOX )
6th Marc Paré (ESP - Simmer / Simmer Sails)
7th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN - Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Alex Mussolini (ESP - RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Thomas Traversa (FRA - Tabou / GA Sails)
9th Julian Salmonn (GER - Bruch Boards / Gun Sails)
9th Leon Jamaer (GER - JP / NeilPryde)
9th Antoine Martin (FRA - JP / NeilPryde)

Double Elimination

Women’s

The real story in the women’s double elimination involves Alexia Kiefer Quintana, who finished second in the Girl’s U15s earlier in the week. The 14-year-old came back from the second round of the double elimination, all the way into 5th place as she won 4 consecutive heats defeating Maeli Cherel (Severne / Severne Sails), Birgit Rieger (Flikka), Oda Brødholt (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) and Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins). The youngster looks a real prospect for the future and already possesses great style and aggression on the wave, while also landing planing forward loops.

Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) eventually brought Kiefer Quintana’s come back to an end and the reigning world champion will now face Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) in the battle for third and 4th tomorrow.

Men’s

Jaeger Stone (Severne / Severne / SWOX / Shamal Sunglasses) completed a solid come back today as he battled back from 9th place in the single to 5th place in the double elimination. The Australian first dispatched of Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails) before going on the end the hopes of Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne), who had earlier caused the upset of the day by defeating Dany Bruch (Bruch Boards / GA Sails / AL360), Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde), Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails) and finally Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails) with a series of impressive performances as he showed off his trademark rail game and jumping prowess. Stone’s come back was then brought to and end by reigning world champion - Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) - who posted the highest scoring heat of the day 32.32 points. The Spaniard will now face Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) tomorrow in a bid for the podium.

Marc Paré completed an almost identical come back run to claim his best result yet on the world tour - 6th - after winning 4 heats on the bounce as he took down Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde) and Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX), while he produced his best performance of the day against Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone) landing a huge double forward and stalled forward, while linking together two waves in the excellent range to move into the top 6 for the first time in his career. Unfortunately, Paré didn’t have his best heat against Stone, but will still be delighted with a great start to the season.

Elsewhere, 20-year-old Julian Salmonn (Bruch Boards / Gun Sails) earned his first top 10 finish on the world tour - 9th - after coming through from the first round of the double. The German inflicted plenty of damage with his wave riding, while landing several massive jumps to progress past Alex Grand-Guillot (Fanatic / Duotone) and Takuma Sugi (Tabou / GA Sails) before claiming impressive victories against Adam Lewis (Fanatic/ Duotone) and local boy Omar Sanchez (Star-Fish / KA Sail) before losing out to Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone).

Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde) also came from the first round of the double to record his first top 10 finish on the world tour since 2016 as he gathered momentum in the double elimination. The 25-year-old produced a late pushloop forward - one of the only ones of the day - in Heat 41a to snatch victory from Alessio Stillrich (Fanatic / Duotone).

With a similar looking forward for Thursday, we should see an epic finale to the 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival. The sailors will meet again at 10:30am (GMT+1) tomorrow morning with the action commencing from 11am onwards.

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Current Ranking 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Women’s Double Elimination

*Top 4 places may still change

1st Daida Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Justyna Sniady (POL - Simmer / Simmer / AL360)
3rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU - Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Iballa Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Alexia Kiefer Quintana (GER - Fanatic / Duotone)
6th Maaike Huvermann (NED - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
7th Caterina Stenta (ITA / RRD Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
7th Oda Brødholt (NOR - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)

Current Ranking 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Men’s Double Elimination
*Top 4 places may still change

1st Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN - Brunotti Boards)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA - Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP - Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses)
5th Jaeger Stone (AUS - Starboard / Severne / SWOX / Shamal Sunglasses)
6th Marc Paré (ESP - Simmer / Simmer Sails)
7th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN - Fanatic / Duotone)
7th Alex Mussolini (ESP - RRD / RRD Sails)
9th Thomas Traversa (FRA - Tabou / GA Sails)
9th Julian Salmonn (GER - Bruch Boards / Gun Sails)
9th Leon Jamaer (GER - JP / NeilPryde)
9th Antoine Martin (FRA - JP / NeilPryde)

Women’s

Single Elimination

Daida Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) posted the highest score of the day - 35.28 points - against Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) in the semifinals to deservedly book her place in the winners’ final with an insane air taka, earning 9.62 points, being the pick of her moves. Unfortunately, the conditions deteriorated for both the men’s and women’s finals making sailing extremely difficult, but Daida still managed to perform a backloop, tweaked pushloop and a stalled forward to claim victory in the single elimination.

Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360) is now guaranteed her first ever podium on the PWA Wave World Tour after the Pole performed brilliantly today, while also causing a major upset in the semifinals as she defeated reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) to qualify for her first ever winners’ final. Sniady landed backloops, forwards and pushloops throughout to move into the top two while consistently scoring waves in the good-to-excellent range as she demonstrated that she has taken her sailing to another level over the winter. Sniady is now guaranteed 3rd place at worst, no matter what happens in the double, and will be absolutely delighted with today’s efforts!

Having recovered from the disappointment of not making the winners’ final - Sarah-Quita Offringa - recovered to secure the final spot on the podium in the single elimination. Although, now she will only be looking to move upwards in the double. The Aruban outscored Daida in the jumping department in the semifinal, but couldn’t find the wave scores she required this time around. 

Reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno - posted the highest score of any of the top 8 women in the quarterfinals - 25.26 points - but then seemed to struggle in the nuclear conditions. Iballa consistently launched into big backloops, but couldn’t quite hold onto the landings, while seeming too overpowered to inflict any damage with her wave rides, which are usually her most deadly weapon. Iballa will now no doubt be focused on trying to fight her way into the top 3 in the double elimination.

The top 5 is currently completed by Marine Hunter (KA Sail), Birgit Rieger (Flikka), Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) and Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / Maui Ultra Fins).

Men’s 

Single Elimination

Current vice-world champion - Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) - earned the best birthday present possible as the just turned 34-year-old won the single elimination ahead of Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) with a series of world class performances. In the winners’ final, Campello posted the highest score of the contest - 41.33 points - after putting on a jumping and wave riding masterclass. On his way to victory, Campello landed a huge double forward, a perfect pushloop forward, a tweaked pushloop, while posting two scores in the excellent range, which included a sick tabletop aerial. Campello will now look to defend his top spot in the double!

For the second year in a row Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) qualified for the winners’ final in Pozo Izquierdo after winning a blockbuster heat against reigning event champion - Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) - in the semifinals. Both sailors produced an outstanding display with huge pushloop forwards, double forwards and backloops off-the-lip, but eventually Browne came out on top by 40.95 points to 38.97. In the final, Browne filled his jump scoresheet again, but couldn’t quite find the waves he needed. 

Philip Köster received a bye in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals after Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) was forced to withdraw from the contest through injury, but in reality that may not have been the best preparation for the latter stages of the contest. The 4-time world champion sailed exceptionally well in the semifinals but then crashed much more than people are used to seeing in the battle for third and 4th place, which may just be testament to just how hard to conditions became for the finals. Köster completes the podium in the single elimination and you still can’t rule him out from coming back through the double elimination as he seeks to complete a hat-trick of event wins here. 

Reigning world champion - Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) - suffered a narrow loss to Campello in the semifinals with less than a point between them, but then, like Köster, the Spaniard looked out of sorts in Heat 24 as both he and the German failed to complete their scoresheets, which is basically unheard of for these two juggernauts. There were some rumours on the beach that Fernandez may have suffered some kind of injury, but we do not have official news to confirm that at this stage!

The top 5 is currently completed by Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails), Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde), Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone) and Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails), while Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX), Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX), Omar Sanchez (Star-Fish / KA Sail), Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX / Shamal Sunglasses), Dany Bruch (Bruch Boards / GA Sails / AL360), Alessio Stillrich (Fanatic / Duotone) and Josep Pons (I-99 / Point-7) will all be looking to defend their place in the top 10 in the double elimination at a minimum.

Double Elimination

After a one hour break, the men’s double elimination began and the opening two rounds have been completed at the close of play. 

Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails), who finished second in the U20s, caused a big upset in the opening heat as he dispatched of last year’s world No.15 Jules Denel (JP / NeilPryde), while elsewhere, local boy Moritz Mauch (Severne / Severne Sails) also faced a first round exit from the double at the hands of 18-year-old - Miguel Chapuis (JP / NeilPryde) as the next generation made their mark in the main draw. Chapuis then went on to win a tight heat against Ben Proffitt (Simmer / Simmer Sails) and will now face Josep Pons in the third round.

Meanwhile, several sailors started a successful comeback by recording back-to-back victories - firstly Loïck Lesauvage (Goya Windsurfing), Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde), Julian Salmonn (Bruch Boards / Gun Sails), U20s Champion Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing), Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne Sails), Amado Vrieswijk (JP / Severne), Antoine Martin (JP / NeilPryde) and the previously mentioned Miguel Chapuis. 

The wind and wave look set to continue into Wednesday with a similar looking forecast for tomorrow, meaning there should be another epic day of action on the cards. The sailors will meet again at 10am tomorrow morning with a first possible start at 10:30am (GMT+1).

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Women’s Single Elimination

1st Daida Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Justyna Sniady (POL - Simmer / Simmer / AL360)
3rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU - Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Iballa Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Men’s Single Elimination

1st Ricardo Campello (BRA/VEN - Brunotti Boards)
2nd Marcilio Browne (BRA - Goya Windsurfing)
3rd Philip Köster (GER - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Victor Fernandez (ESP - Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses)
5th Thomas Traversa (FRA - Tabou / GA Sails)
5th Leon Jamaer (GER - JP / NeilPryde)
5th Alex Mussolini (ESP - RRD / RRD Sails)
5th Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN - Fanatic / Duotone)

Women’s

Single Elimination

The top seeds in the women’s draw survived the first day of competition unscathed to safely progress into the top 8. 

Vice-world champion - Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) - made an assured start to her campaign as she posted the second highest score of the day - 23.86 points - to dispatch of Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone), who won the U17s yesterday. Pasquale was a little unfortunate to be drawn against Offringa as she would’ve progressed from the a-side on the panel, which saw Marine Hunter (KA Sail) defeat Serena Zoia (Fanatic / Duotone).

Defending event champion - Daida Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) - set the highest scoring heat of the day - 26.75 points - as she landed a trademark stalled forward, big backloop and earned a 7.25 point wave to make a confident start. On the other side of Heat 10 Birgit Rieger (Flikka) claimed an impressive victory against Nicole Bandini (Fanatic / Duotone) with the Austrian landing a backloop.

In Heat 11 - Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) - saw off the challenge of Nuage Le Derff (Severne / Severne Sails) on the a-side, while Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360) navigated her way past Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) with an efficient display.

Reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) - sailed in the final women’s heat of the day and she made light work of Svetlana Kolpikova Bala to set up a quarterfinal tie against Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins) after the Italian survived a late comeback by Oda Brødholt (Starboard / Severne/ Maui Ultra Fins).

Men’s

During the morning and early afternoon the men’s fleet was reduced to just the top 16 sailors, but with the tide becoming too high and conditions deteriorating the contest was then placed on hold. However, after an hour the competition resumed with the wind cranking up an extra notch and the ramps improving with the tide dropping back, which allowed the round of 16 to be completed after 4pm in over 35-40 knots of wind.

The restart - Heat 17 - saw the vice-world champion - Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) - in action against Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails) for a place in the top 8. The Brazilian/Venezuelan needed to at the top of his game, with Paré producing an excellent display, which included a sick stalled double forward - 9.1 points - and luckily he was as he posted the second highest score of the day - 33.88 points. With the wind picking up from earlier Campello was able to land a trademark pushloop forward and double forward, while recording wave scores or 8.65 and 7.5 points. On the a-side, Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails) manoeuvred his way past Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX) with the Brit missing his second jump score.

Reigning world champion - Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) - earned the only 10 point wave ride of the day against Omar Sanchez (Star-Fish / KA Sail) on the way to posting the fourth highest score of the day - 30.83 points to book his place in the quarterfinals. The Spaniard will now face Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde) after the German came out on top of an extremely close heat against Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX). In the end, there was just 0.17 of a point between them.

Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone), who finished joint 7th here in 2018, claimed the scalp of world No.4 Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX / Shamal Sunglasses) in Heat 19a as the 9-time Freestyle world champion continues to evolve his wave sailing skills. In the previous round, it was Gollito’s jumping that helped him past Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing), but against Stone, it was his wave riding that proved to be the difference as he posted an almost perfect 9.68 point wave after combining a goiter and a frontside 360 on the same wave. Stone actually outscored Gollito in the air, but for a change, the Aussie struggled to find wave scores in the tricky conditions, which is usually his forte.

On the b-side, last year’s runner up - Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) - recorded the third highest score of the day, just behind Campello, on 33.63 points. The Brazilian posted two excellent jump scores - 9 and 9.45 points - for a massive double forward and pushloop forward, while also recording one wave in the excellent range as he showed why he is one of the favourites for the event. Browne will now go head-to-head against Gollito for a place in the semifinals.

Alessio Stillrich (Fanatic / Duotone), who missed the entirety of last season through injury made a winning return against Antony Ruenes (Tabou / GA Sails), but then suffered a narrow defeat to Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails), who was absolutely delighted to progress. Advancing Into the top 8 guarantees TT a better result here than last year when he had to settle for 17th place. Traversa will no face hat-trick seeking Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), who posted the highest score of the day in the round of 32 with 35.38 points after landing a backloop off the lip, an air taka and a bolt upright pushloop forward despite the less than perfect conditions.

By the end of the day all four of last year’s top 4 - Köster, Browne, Campello, Fernandez - are safely into the quarterfinals, while between them, they ominously hold the top 4 highest scores of the day:

1st Philip Köster - 35.38 points
2nd Ricardo Campello - 33.88 points
3rd Marcilio Browne - 33.63 points
4th Victor Fernandez - 30.83 points

Elsewhere, Moritz Mauch (Severne / Severne Sails) showed once again that he is one of the best onshore wave riders in the world, however, his suspect jumping cost him again against Robby Swift in the second round. Josep Pons (I-99 / Point-7) sailed through the pain barrier to advance into the third round before deciding not to sail against Köster in order to save himself for the double elimination, while the youthful talents of Loïck Lesauvage (Goya Windsurfing) and Miguel Chapuis (JP / NeilPryde) enjoyed the closest heat of the day with just 0.06 of a point separating them come the end of the heat - in Lesauvage’s favour.

The forecast for tomorrow shows similar wind strengths to today and a slight increase in wave size from 1.4m to 1.6m, which should see the conclusion of the single eliminations. The skippers’ meeting has been called for 9:30am (GMT+1) tomorrow morning with the action commencing from 10am onwards.

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Girl’s U15s

1st Maria Morales (Goya Windsurfing)
2nd Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone)
3rd Lina Eržen (Flikka / Duotone)
4th Isabel Trivińo Delgado (Goya Windsurfing)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Girl’s U17s

1st Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone)
2nd Mar de Arce (Star-Fish / Loftsails)
3rd Inés Élez (Severne)
4th Lina Thekook (Patrik / GA Sails)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Girl’s U20s

1st Alexa Escherich (JP / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Regina Villegas (North)
3rd Lisa Witte 

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U13s

1st Carlos Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone)
2nd Val Eržen (Flikka / Duotone)
3rd Miguel Becerra (Goya Windsurfing)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U15s

1st Hayata Ishii (RRD / Goya Windsurfing)
2nd Giulio Gasperini (Starboard / Severne)
3rd Tobias Bjørnaa (Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U17s

1st Titouan Flechet (Tabou / Hot Sails Maui)
2nd Liam Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne)
3rd Lennart Neabauer (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Adrian Artiles (Goya Windsurfing / Simmer Sails)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U20s

1st Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing) 
2nd Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails)
3rd Valentino Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone)
4th Adam Warchol (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing)

Girl’s

U15’s 

Maria Morales (Goya Windsurfing) produced an excellent display in the winners’ final to earn the victory in the U15s division ahead of Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) and Lina Eržen (Flikka / Duotone). Kiefer Quintana earned the highest single wave score of the heat - 7 points - but couldn’t quite find the back up score she needed to move into the top spot.

U17s

Mar de Arce (Star-Fish / Loftsails) came out on top in the third U17’s final, but that still wasn’t enough to deny Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone), who backed up her earlier two victories with a solid second place today to claim a deserved victory.  Meanwhile, Inés Élez, completes the podium ahead of Lina Theokook (Patrik / GA Sails).

U20s

Alexa Escherich (JP / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) held a healthy leading heading into the Youth’s final day and the young German ends the event with a perfect record as she once again won the third final ahead of Regina Villegas and Lisa Witte.

Boy’s 

U13s

Carlos Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) claimed a hugely deserved victory in the U13s division as he claimed his third consecutive victory. The young German has been the standout youngster throughout and he shone again today as he landed a trademark forward, a big 8.5 point backloop and showed an aggressive approach to his wave riding. The 12-year-old looks an extremely exciting prospect and has apparently stated that he wants to land a double forward before his is 13, so his goals and ambitions are perfectly apparent. Val Eržen (Flikka / Duotone) and Miguel Becerra (Goya Windsurfing) complete the podium.

U15s

Hayata Ishii (RRD / Goya Windsurfing) proved too strong in the U15s fleet as he landed a forward and backloop to move ahead of Tobias Bjørnaa (Fanatic / Duotone) and Giulio Gasperini (Starboard / Severne). The young Japanese sailor then hammered the final nail into the coffin to secure the victory by linking together a wave that went close to the excellent range.

U17s

Titouan Flechet (Tabou / Hot Sails Maui) lined up against Liam Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne) in the winners’ final after they both won their respective semifinal duels. However, in the final it was the young Frenchman who made the best of the conditions on offer to earn the top spot on the podium. Dunkerbeck, may be slightly disappointed as he recorded the single highest jump score for a 7 point backloop, but couldn’t quite find the wave scores he required - which is usually his strength.

Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) completes the U17 podium after winning a nail biting losers’ final against Adrian Artiles (Goya Windsurfing / Simmer). Both youngsters showed an exceptional level of jumping, but in the end the tie went in the favour of Neubauer. 

U20s

At the start of the week Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing) clearly stated that he had his eyes set on the U20s No.1 spot and today he made that a reality with a hugely impressive display, which will have many of his older pros worried for the main draw. The 16-year-old earned a point 10 wave in the semifinals after landing a frontside 360 and a forward off the lip on the same wave. In the final in continued in a similar vein of form as he boosted into monster stalled forwards and backloops to deservedly be crowned the champion ahead of Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails), who also looks an extremely exciting prospect for the future.

Valentino Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone) won the battle for 3rd and 4th between himself and Adam Warchol (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) with Pasquale performing more consistently throughout the losers’ final.

The opening round of the Women’s Single Elimination was also completed, which saw the youth’s also make their mark in the main draw with Julia Pasquale and Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) both book their place in the second round, while elsewhere, Greta Benvenuti (I-99 / Challenger Sails / Al360) and Nuage Le Derff (Severne / Severne Sails) both also safely progressed.

After three days patiently spent on hold it looks as though Monday will finally be the turn of the pros with the wind expected to increase further in strength, while a small increase in wave size is also expected. Monday looks set to see another spectacular day of action and the pros will be meeting at 9am tomorrow morning with the action commencing from 9:30am (GMT+1) onwards. 

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Girl’s U15s

1st Maria Morales (Goya Windsurfing)
2nd Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone)
3rd Lina Eržen (Flikka / Duotone)
4th Isabel Trivińo Delgado (Goya Windsurfing)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Girl’s U17s

1st Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone)
2nd Mar de Arce (Star-Fish / Loftsails)
3rd Inés Élez (Severne)
4th Lina Thekook (Patrik / GA Sails)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Girl’s U20s

1st Alexa Escherich (JP / NeilPryde)
2nd Regina Villegas (North)
3rd Lisa Witte 

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U13s

1st Carlos Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone)
2nd Val Eržen (Flikka / Duotone)
3rd Miguel Becerra (Goya Windsurfing)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U15s

1st Hayata Ishii (RRD / Goya Windsurfing)
2nd Giulio Gasperini (Starboard / Severne)
3rd Tobias Bjørnaa (Fanatic / Duotone)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U17s

1st Titouan Flechet (Tabou / Hot Sails Maui)
2nd Liam Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne)
3rd Lennart Neabauer (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Adrian Artiles (Goya Windsurfing / Simmer Sails)

Result 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival - Boy’s U20s

1st Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing) 
2nd Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails)
3rd Valentino Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone)
4th Adam Warchol (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing)
 

Youth’s 

Girl’s

U15s 

In the girl’s U15s repechage round Lina Eržen (Flikka / Duotone) and Isabel Triviño Delgado (Goya Windsurfing) secured the top two spots ahead of Lucia Triviño Delgado (Goya Windsurfing) and Noelia Fuentes Fernández (Point-7) and they will not lineup for tomorrow’s final alongside Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) and Maria Morales (Goya Windsurfing), who qualified yesterday.

U17s

In the second U17s Final, Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone), who won yesterday’s final, ultimately proved too strong again as she saw off her main rival Mar de Arce (Star-Fish / Loftsails) with Pasquale’s superior wave riding proving to be the difference once more. 

U20s

For the first time, the Girl’s U20s fleet took to the water and by the end of the day, their first two finals have been completed with the same results on both occasions. Alexa Escherich (JP / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins), who is the defending champion, dominated again as the 17-year-old successfully came out on top against Regina Villegas (North) and Lisa Witte. Villegas is currently in a solid second place after twice finishing second.

Boy’s

U13s

Carlos Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) may have missed the start of the second final this morning, but that didn’t stop the talented youngster from storming to victory again as he maintains his perfect record. Once on the water, Kiefer Quintana stomped a technically perfect forward loop and a backloop to claim a well deserved victory ahead of Miguel Mirón Becerra (Goya Windsurfing) and Val Eržen (Flikka / Duotone). Becerra who finished 3rd yesterday, climbed into second today after winning the tiebreak against Eržen for recording the highest single wave score out of the two of them. 

U15s

Only the repechage round of the U15s was completed today with the finals being held until Sunday, but it was Giulio Gasperini (Starboard / Severne), who earned the victory ahead of Pepe Krause (Quatro / Hot Sails Maui) and Marc Alonso Cámara (Ezzy) to secure the last place in the final. Gasperini landed an excellent tabletop and linked together the best wave of the heat to deservedly advance. The young Italian will now face Hayata Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails) and Tobias Bjørnaa (Fanatic / Duotone) in tomorrow’s final.

U17s 

The U17s division saw an exceptionally high-level of sailing and after a fierce day of competition only the top 4 sailors remain standing, however, the winners’ and losers’ final have already been decided after the completion of the semifinals in the afternoon. 

The a-side of the semifinal saw Liam Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne) line up against Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) and they endured an incredible close duel. However, in the end, it was Dunkerbeck’s wave riding prowess that proved to be the difference and he will now face Titouan Flechet (Tabou / Hot Sails Maui) in the final after the Frenchman saw of the challenge of Adrián Artiles (Goya / Simmer).

U20s

Also, only the top 4 sailors remain standing in the U20s division with Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails) set to face Valentino Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone) and Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing) taking on Adam Warchol (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) in tomorrow’s semifinals.

Pasquale had earlier won an incredibly close heat against Takuma Sugi (Tabou / GA Sails), which the Spaniard won by way of a two to one decision, while Ishii had looked quietly confident and established throughout. 

On the otherwise of the draw, Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing), who yesterday stated that he hopes to win the U20s division, made an assured start as he consistently produced scores in the excellent range. However, he will face a tough test against Warchol in order to make the winners’ final.

After an exciting day of competition the Youth’s were eventually released at 6pm and they will meet again tomorrow morning at 9am (GMT+1) for the skippers’ meeting with a first possible start of 9:30am.

The Pros skippers’ meeting will take place at 1pm - with the focus tomorrow morning on completing the Youth’s contest. The forecast for tomorrow looks very similar to today, so after the Youth’s contest is completed there is the possibility of beginning the pro contest during the afternoon.

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Girl’s U15s

Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) and Maria Morales (Goya Windsurfing) were the two standout sailors in the Girl’s U15s. Kiefer Quintana landed super forward loops and showed plenty of aggression on the wave face, while Morales beautifully linked together her waves. The remaining four girls will now battle it out for the last two places in the Winners’ Final.

Girl’s U17s

Four girls - Mar de Arce (Star-Fish / Loftsails), Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone), Line Thekook (Loftsails) and Inés Élez (Severne) - battled it out in the opening U17s final. In the end, it was a close run contest between de Arce and Pasquale the pair inseparable in the air, but Pasquale dominated in the wave riding department with fluid aggressive snaps earning her a well deserved victory.

Boy’s U13s

Carlos Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone) produced a dominant performance in the opening U13s final with his jumping, in particular, separating him from Val Eržen (Flikka / Duotone) and Miguel Becerra (Goya Windsurfing). Kiefer Quintana landed two exceptional forward loops to earn 7.5 points for his best one. 

Boy’s U15s

In the first semifinal of the U15s - Hayata Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails) claimed a narrow victory over Giulio Gasperini (Starboard / Severne). There wasn’t much to separate the two sailors on the wave riding front, but it was in the air that the young Japanese sailor won the heat as he landed an excellent backloop to book his place in the final. Gasperini goes into the repechage alongside Pepe Krause (Quatro / Hot Sails Maui), who seemed frustrated with his performance on the opening day.

In the final heat of the day, top seed Tobias Bjørnaa (Fanatic / Duotone) dominated against Marc Alonso Camara (Ezzy) to deservedly book his place in the final.

Earlier in the day, we caught up with 16-year-old Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing), who is hoping to make his mark not only in the U20s but also in the main draw:

Hi Marino, how are you feeling about the opening wave event of the season?

MG: “I’m feeling pretty good. This year I’ve been working a lot of my new moves and then just trying to keep focused on the competition. Fingers crossed that this year goes way better than last year, hopefully!”

When you are talking about new moves, which new moves are you talking about?

MG: “I’ve been trying the Klei and landing a few pretty good ones. I’ve also been trying things like one-handed and no-handed goiters and those kind of things. I haven’t been really making the no-hands, but maybe the one-hand for sure. I’ve also been trying some doubles, tweaked pushloops etc.”

You’ve been training with Josep Pons (I-99 / Point-7) over the winter - how’s that been going and do you think it has benefitted your sailing?

MG: “Yeah, I’ve been concentrating on the physical side a lot with Pons and I feel like that’s really helping me on the water because he really knows about the mechanics of the body for windsurfing. His knowledge has really helped me a lot.”

What are your expectations for the event both in the Youths and the main event?

MG: “I hope I am able to manage to win the Junior’s here again, but it’s going to be much harder this year as I am competing in the U20s this time. That’s my goal though. In the main event, I’m just aiming to try and advance through more rounds than last year. In 2018 I made It to joint 17th, but my goal this time around is to try and make it into at least the top 13 or something like that. That’s the goal so I’ll give it my best to reach it.”

Thanks, Marino. Good luck in both the U20s and the main event. 

The forecast for Saturday is slightly better than today with slightly more wind and swell expected. The sailors will meet again tomorrow morning at 10am (GMT+1) for the skippers’ meeting with the action commencing from 10:30am - if conditions are suitable. 

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Result Girl’s U17s - *After One Final

1st Julia Pasquale (Fanatic / Duotone)
2nd Mar de Arce (Sail-Fish / Loftsails)
3rd Inés Élez (Severne)
4th Line Thekook (Loftsails) 

Result Boy’s U13s - *After One Final

1st Carlos Kiefer Quintana (Fanatic / Duotone)
2nd Val Eržen (Flikka / Duotone)
3rd Miguel Becerra (Goya Windsurfing)

Pozo Izquierdo is internationally famed in the windsurfing world due to its unrelenting wind and steep waves. The combination of these two factors creates the perfect playground for the world’s most extreme sailors to defy gravity and perform the biggest stunts on the planet. The local effects mean that even the slightest breeze can soon be accelerated to nuclear strength, with the wind peaking at around 50-60 knots and based on the current forecast that should see the guys and girls reaching for their smallest equipment.

Wave

Women’s

For the first time in over two decades the legendary Moreno Twins will not start the season as the No.1 & No.2 seeds after Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) managed to force her way into the overall top 2 in 2018, which could potentially result in reigning world champion Iballa (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) and Daida (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) meeting in the semifinals rather than the final, while Offringa could face a slightly easier route to into the final than in recent years as she could dodge the twins until the final. However, with the double elimination format, there is still every possibility that the insurmountable knowledge and experience, that both Daida and Iballa have at Pozo, will still lead to a showdown of the two titans of women’s wave sailing, with an all Moreno final.

While Daida may have finished 3rd overall in 2018 she will start the Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival as the favourite for the event. Daida has been incredibly dominant in Pozo Izquierdo throughout her career and last year was no different with the multiple-time world champion producing what could be regarded as her most impressive display ever, as she showed off an incredible array of jumping and wave riding to earn a decisive victory and she will be a hard woman to stop again.

However, Offringa has stated clearly that she has her sights set on the Women’s PWA Wave World Championship and over the last few years has made steady progress. She will undoubtedly be hoping to challenge for the event title. The 14-time world champion has been in Gran Canaria since May prepping for the start of the season and having finished second here for the last two years the Aruban will be looking to try and go one place better this time around, while her victory in the season finale last year illustrated her ever increasing threat on the wave tour. A positive start to the season here would take Offringa a step closer to completing a career Grand Slam of World Championship titles having already won multiple Freestyle and Slalom crowns.

Reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno - finished 3rd here last year, while carrying a slight knee injury, and will be determined to re-establish herself in the top two on home waters. Iballa can also take great confidence that she is the only sailor to have denied her sister the top spot here in recent years having won the GCWWF in 2012.

Unfortunately, last year’s world No.4 Lina Erpenstein (Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) and No.6 Steffi Wahl (Sailloft Hamburg) will both be missing from the lineup with Erpenstein withdrawing to focus on her studies, while Wahl suffered a foot injury last month while sailing in Denmark.

That will open up the draw slightly for Justyna Sniady (Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360), who finished 5th here last year and she looks to have taken her sailing to another level again over the winter, so the Pole may well be hoping for a shot at the podium as well. Elsewhere, the likes of Maaike Huvermann (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins), Caterina Stenta (RRD / RRD Sails / Maui Ultra Fins & Oda Brødholt (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) should be battling for a place in the top 5.

Men’s

The Power of the Pushloop Forward

Last year’s event podium consisted of eventual champion - Philip Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) - runner up - Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) and 3rd place - Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) and all 3 men had one thing in common… they all landed at least one pushloop forward each to make the podium and the pushloop forward could once again prove to be a decisive move in this year’s contest.

Köster will be looking to complete a hat-trick of event victories having won here in 2016 and ‘17, which would provide him the perfect platform to build upon as he aims to get his hands on a 5th world crown, while Campello, who came so close to a maiden world title in 2018 will be desperate to make a bright start. As will Browne, who won his last wave title in 2013 and all of their videos leading up to Pozo show that all three of them are charging and it should be one hell of a show!

For the first time since 2006 reigning world champion - Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Windsurfing) - finished outside the top 2 in Pozo last year - 4th - but as the only other man to have won the event, aside from Köster, since 2006 the Spaniard cannot be ruled out. Rumour has it that Fernandez has added a tabletop double forward to his repertoire, but it remains to be seen if he has added the pushloop forward to his artillery, and whether he is able to regain on a place on the podium in Pozo without that move.

Jaeger Stone (Starboard / Severne / SWOX) last finished on the podium here in 2016, but he has every chance of achieving that feat again over the next 9 days. The Australian finished 4th overall in 2018 and will be buoyed having won the Red Bull Storm Chase over the winter. Stone also possesses all the moves required to break into the top 3.

Adam Lewis (Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX) has finished 7th in Pozo for the last two years and should be there or there about again, as should Alex Mussolini (RRD / RRD Sails), who finished 5th here last season, but without the pushloop forward or stalled double it may be difficult for them go beyond the top 5 and both are more likely to be a bigger threat in Tenerife!

Elsewhere, the likes of Gollito Estredo (Fanatic / Duotone), Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde / SWOX), Dany Bruch (Bruch Boards / GA Sails / AL360) and Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) could all feature, while Alessio Stillrich (Fanatic / Duotone) will make his much anticipated return - having missed the whole of last season through injury.

Things didn’t quite go Antoine Martin’s (JP / NeilPryde) way last season, but the hugely talented and radical 25-year-old has been building confidence on the IWT and could easily do well here if he starts to build a bit of momentum. As could the likes of the highly rated Spaniard - Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails), who just missed out on a place in the overall top 10 last year, while local boys Josep Pons (I-99 / Point-7), Omar Sanchez (Starfish / KA Sail) and and Aleix Sanllehy (Tabou / GA Sails) are other sailors to keep an eye out for if back to full fitness!

There are almost too many names to mention given the depth of talent in the 48-man field, but a few select others would include the aspiring young talents of 16-year-old Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing), 19-year old Loïck Lesauvage (Goya Windsurfing), 19-year-old Noah Vocker (Fanatic / Duotone) and 22-year-old Arthur Arutkin (Fanatic / Duotone), while their more experienced peers such as Moritz Mauch (Severne / Severne), Leon Jamaer (JP / NeilPryde), Jules Denel (JP / NeilPryde) and Dieter van der Eyken (Severne / Severne) could all feature.

As well as the full Men’s and Women’s World Cup, the Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival will also stage the next stop on the PWA Youth Wave World Tour and you’ll be able to see the sports next generation of stars battling it out also over the next 9 days.

The current forecast looks as though the event will start with lighter winds (by Pozo’s standards) and smaller waves, but by the start of next week it looks like there could be some classic Pozo conditions on the cards! Don’t miss any of the action from this year’s Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival by tuning into www.pwaworldtour.com between 12th-20th July.

You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from Gran Canaria— including the live stream, elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Schedule For Day 1: (All Times GMT+1)

- Registration 10-11am
- Skippers’ Meeting - 1pm
- First Possible Start - 1:30pm

Recap of 2018 Women’s Wave Top 5

1st Iballa Ruano Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
2nd Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU - Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
3rd Daida Ruano Moreno (ESP - Severne / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Lina Erpenstein (GER - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Justyna Sniady (POL - Simmer / Simmer Sails / AL360)

Recap 2018 Men’s Wave Top 10

1st Victor Fernandez (ESP - Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses)
2nd Ricardo Campello (VEN/BRA - Brunotti Boards)
3rd Philip Köster (GER - Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Jaeger Stone(AUS - Starboard / Severne / Shamal Sunglasses / SWOX)
5th Marcilio Browne (BRA - Goya Windsurfing)
6th Adam Lewis (UK - Fanatic / Duotone / SWOX)
7th Alex Mussolini (ESP - RRD / RRD Sails)
8th Thomas Traversa (FRA - Tabou / GA Sails)
9th Robby Swift (UK - JP / NeilPryde / SWOX)
10th Daniel Bruch (GER - Bruch Boards / GA Sails / AL360)

Justyna Sniady: ’Boom’ - new video is out now! Check out some of my favourite locations and some of the new moves I’ve been working on over the winter. Not all made it on camera, others did but then drowned with my GoPro but I hope you’ll enjoy what’s in there.

Thanks to SIMMER STYLE, MYSTIC BOARDING, AL360, GOPRO, F45 Training Claremont and XoActive.”

You can see Justyna Sniady’s radical new edit @ vimeo.com/347284694

Maaike Huvermann : “The time is here for another road trip to the Canary Islands for the PWA World Tour. But first, a stop at Sagres! Two non-stop days of 80km/h cruise control driving and 2500km later, we made it to Sagres. Strong winds, flat water, perfect for freestyle!”

You can see Maaike Huvermann’s road trip @ youtu.be/cRD1VsOYEO0

Episode 3… is OUT!!
NEW – Pozo Training Diaries

In this Episode…

– We take a look at the Men's Top 4… Strengths and weaknesses

– Also a look at the Women's top 5… Can anyone beat the queen of Pozo!

– RocketMan is Back… and there is a NEW Rocket man in town.

– The Freestyle World Champ wants to become a ROCK star.

– We Name a Random Ripper

– The K4 SPRAY of the day is Back.. YES I did just say that!

– The junior are out in force… and Shrunkabeck has just nailed his first Pushloops!

– Plus we introduce another NEW Feature ‘Why are you crying’

…and we Give you the Chance to WIN a Board from F2 (Plus Sup’s and a Sail)
You just have to become a member by support the channel with Beer Money… you are truly helping the channel survive… or at least stopping me from dehydrating!!

If you missed the earlier link to episode 3 here it is again @ youtu.be/2jtMooNJrM8

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

I think it's genetic.. :) in my family we are a few to be completely addicted! As soon as I started planing I knew I was going to do this for a long time! I like the sensations, the fact you can be alone on the water, you can feel free but also all the moments that you share with people around the windsurfing world.

2. What quality do you like mort in other people? 

I like simple people, open to others, who love life and share.

3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

When there is no wind - especially during an event and injuries.

4. What do you most like in yourself?

I do not know ahaha.

5. What do you dislike in yourself?

To say only one.. :) I’m stubborn.

6. What has been your best moment on tour?

One of my best moments on tour is my first race victory, I was pretty close to win a round a few times but I could not get through and I finally managed it in Fuerte 2014, it was also my first podium during this same event, so I have an amazing memory of this event.

7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

Fuerte 2016 when I dislocated my shoulder, a bad moment for the pain but also because it was the first time that I had to stop competing at an event before the end, at this moment I also suspected that I could not finish the season normally. 

8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

When I started I did not really feel comfortable among all these big names, and it was impressive to be next to all these guys I saw in the magazines and I had a tendency to give my place in the jibe for example so I didn’t disturb them… if I had to give myself one piece of advice, it would be to do as I do now, to hold my line while respecting all the other riders.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Be yourself, and enjoy every moment.

10. What would be your perfect day?

Good forecasts and loved one’s around! 

11. Do you have any superstitions? 

No 

12. Which living person do you most admire?

I admire a lot of people alive, especially people who enjoy simple moments, who love to share and enjoy life.

13. What is your greatest fear? 

Losing a loved one.

14. What is your most treasured possession?

My fins.. :)

15. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

Graphic designer, that's what I studied and I like it a lot.

16. Where is the best place you’ve been?

Maui, but I also like New Caledonia a lot too. 

17. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

There are so many… Mexico, Cape Town, Tahiti, Mauritius…

18. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Family members who left too early.

19. First App you open in the morning?

Email, WindGuru, Instagram 

20. A phrase you live by?

Enjoy the present moment
Never give up

Thanks, Pascal. See you in Fuerteventura.

You can stay up to date with all of Pascal Toselli’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

- Facebook: @PascalToselli
- Instagram: @pascaltoselli

Sarah-Quita Offringa: "I spent a lot of time in Aruba again this winter. It was well windy at home, which was perfect to get ready for the  PWA freestyle in Bonaire which was a great event. However apart from the starboard shoot in Oz in February I didn’t really get any wave sailing in since sylt. (The only downside of coming from Aruba is the lack of waves on the island).

After freestyling in Bonaire I started panicking about not getting any wave sessions in, so I ended up flying to Gran canaria the first week of May. When Alessio Stillrich saw me he asked me what I was doing there haha.. Maybe a bit early… But hey, I caught some insane sessions in May which I’m grateful for, since it hasn’t exactly been going off in GC the past weeks.

It’s been good though to not be the only freestyler here since Oda’s [Brødholt) also here. So at least I feel like I’m getting the most out of every session here. Let’s get the freestyle event back here! it would hands down be the most epic showdown having the freestylers perform here. I’m sure Balz [Müller] would go out on his foil in these 40 knots!

Wait, I’m here for wavesailing right? The event is on in about a week from now. Pretty much everyone is here now which I love, because the level on the water is so high and all around there’s a nice atmosphere in Pozo before and during the world cup. Competing in Pozo is so challenging but I can’t wait to get out on the water and challenge the elements!”

Reigning world champion, Victor Fernandez: “I have been in Pozo since June 9th. First week it was quite good conditions and after it has been quite relax and a few light wind days. 

This winter I have been on Maui quite some time testing sails for Duotone and enjoying Ho’okipa. After that I went to Chile for 3 weeks and we had very good conditions. Then home to organise the PWA Youth event with the Club Victor Fernández which was very fun and this time we ran a lot of slalom races.

In February I went to Cape Verde with an amazing forecast and it was the best conditions I had this year. Then Maui again for the photoshoot. May Sardinia doing a project for Mercedes Benz. Now looking forward to the start of the season!”

Last year the twins made history by becoming the first windsurfing event to offer equal prize money for both men and women. With the 2019 edition rapidly approaching we caught up with the twins to find out more about this year’s event:

Hey Daida and Iballa, the 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival is now only 10 days away  - how are preparations going for this year’s event, which sees the event extended to 9 days compared to 7 in recent years… what was this reason behind you wanting a slightly longer event?

“Yes. Even if we only need 3 full days to finish the double [elimination] for the men and women, we felt we needed extra days to also make sure we ALL get the best Pozo conditions - also for the Juniors. We have over 50 Juniors!"

Last year you became the first windsurfing event to offer equal prize money for men and women - is this year’s edition going to be offering equal prize money again?

“Yes of course! As long our club organises the PWA IN GRAN CANARIA we will make this happen and try to be an example for all sports event organisers around the world.

After we did it last year in GC we also saw the World Surfing League doing it. Hopefully, we will see this in all PWA events around the globe one day. Women have great potential and we also deserve the same prizes as men. We are making sure if the money comes from public institutions and the government it has to be equal prizes for men and women by law in ALL sports events in Spain.”

How proud are you that for the second year in a row you will be able to offer equal prize money and continue to set the example?

"As women organisers this is something we are most proud of. We proposed this to the local government and they helped so we are happy this is finally happening in Gran Canaria. We are a change for sports in general."

Every year you have different activities and entertainment - can you already share some of the plans for this year?

"A part of extending the event by two days is to make sure we get the most radical Pozo conditions possible, we will have activities for kids every day. Also concerts and live music from local bands. We will also raise money for charity in three of the special nights like showing documentaries on the big screen, Canarian Music Night & Comedy Night. If you bring 1 kg of non-perishable food we will donate it to the Gran Canaria food banks.

Another important issue is that we will try to avoid is single-use plastics. So we will give each competitor a bottle to re-fill. We will also organise a big beach clean on the last day (like every year) but this year we will work with different organisations around Spain to help promote it. The more people who join the better! Plastic Ride, Clean Ocean Project, Oceans4lifegc are some of the organisations taking part. 

Also, we will have “Skin cancer prevention’ and we will have a specialist doctor providing free checkups to competitors and also the general public."

Aside from preparing and running the event you will, of course, be competing… how are your preparations going from a sailing perspective?

"Yes good. The month of June has been light so it has been ok to advance the final details of the organisation. But we are motivated as always to make the best we can!"

Thanks, Iballa & Daida. Good luck with the remainder of the preparations for the event and see you in Gran Canaria.

You can stay up to date with all the latest news from the Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival by following their Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @GranCanariaWindWavesFestival
Instagram: @gcwindwavesfest
Twitter: @GCWindWavesFest

And you can stay up to date with all the latest news and adventures of the Moreno twins via their Social Media Channels: 

Facebook: @morenotwins
Instagram: @morenotwins
Twitter: @morenotwins

You can see Philip Köster’s morning session shot in Pozo a few days ago @ youtu.be/3mkSxc4anWQ

“The WARP.BOYZ Marco Lang, Pierre Mortefon, Jordy Vonk and Vincent Langer show us what happens when the best DUOTONE slalom sailors train together on Tenerife: FUN!”

You can see the WARP.BOYZ new video ‘Never Grow Up’ here.

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

I’m living in New-Caledonia, I can’t not be passionate!! 
 
2. What quality do you like most in other people?

I love people who can raise a smile on everyone. 
 
3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

Not being able to see my friends for a long time.
 
4. What do you most like in yourself?

Wow I don’t know! Maybe my humour… i can make myself laugh alone! 
 
5. What do you dislike in yourself?

I hate my bloody temper when things are going wrong.
 
6. What has been your best moment on tour?

My first elimination on the tour in Noumea, at home : I took the 2nd place, side-by-side with Delphine [Cousin Questel]. All my family and my friends were on fire!! 
 
7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

When I had a big crash during the first winners’ final in Portugal... I was first after the first buoy and I took a nasty crash just before the 2nd mark.
 
8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

Stay focused and stop losing your temper! 
 
9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Stay focused and stop losing your temper! 
 
10. What would be your perfect day?

A non-active morning with a great lunch, big afternoon sesh at home and little party in the evening. 
 
11. Do you have any superstitions?

Nope.
 
12. Which living person do you most admire?

In my opinion, Sarah-Quita [Offringa] is the woman with the best life, the best way of mind and the best windsurf skills I have ever seen. 
 
13. What is your greatest fear?

That I stop windsurfing after my studies. 
 
14. What is your most treasured possession?

My 90L iSonic Starboard… always with me. 
 
15. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

I’m actually studying to become a pilot, it’s too hard to be a professional windsurfer when you are a woman. 
 
16. Where is the best place you’ve been?

You’re nowhere better than at home. 
 
17. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

Bonaire - heard too many exciting stories about this island.

18. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Wow I don’t know… there are always people you want to see again but you can’t…
 
19. First App you open in the morning?

Snapchat!!!!
 
20. A phrase you live by?

Your way depends on what you do with your sail, the wind is the same for everyone. 

Thanks, Lilou. Good luck for the rest of the year.

You can stay up to date with all of Lilou Granier’s latest news and adventures via her Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @LilouGranierFRA1208
Instagram: @lilou_granier

Ben Proffitt: “NEW – Pozo Training Diaries Episode 1 is ONLINE!!!

- YES.. they are back for another year!!!

- 2019 has not kicked off with a BANG…. but still lots of interesting stuff in this first episode 

- Ricardo Campello (Brunotti Boards) has NEW sails… but by who??

- Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) has NEW sails… Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing) has NEW sails… Marc Paré has NEW sails (Simmer / Simmer Sails)… in fact… everyone has new sails!!! haha

- [Philip] Köster (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) has been spotted and doing FREESTYLE!!!

- Victor [Fernandez] (Fanatic / Duotone / Shamal Sunglasses) has been doing some freestyle off the lip.. well sort of!

You can see episode 1 of the 2019 Pozo Training Diaries @ https://youtu.be/kGaJh88SpH0

Hi Nico, why did you decide to make this series?

“I decided to start this series at super short notice back in April. I love producing content for my YouTube Channel and fellow windsurfers. I also do believe that windsurfing is the best sport in the world and so I want to get as many people stoked on the sport, and the racing part of it, as I can.

Producing videos myself at a competition will never show the true emotions, because you just can’t take the camera when you’re caught up in the competition. Knowing how many incredible stories, personalities and emotions the PWA racing tour has to offer I decided that I wanted to utilise this to share the stoke with the world.

I talked to Ole Diebold, a videographer that I had worked with during the winter, and he immediately saw the vision I had. A couple of episodes of “Drive to survive“ on Netflix later the decision was made and I hired Ole to come and join us on the PWA World Tour.”

How long will it run for?

“The first four events of the PWA World Tour are just over and we collected an incredible amount of footage. We are also super thankful to have the PWA support this project wherever they can.

Unfortunately I can’t make it to arguably the best event of the year, PWA Fuerteventura, as I have to compete in the national championship in Germany. After that the World cup in Denmark and Sylt are on the schedule, so quite a contrast to the previous, rather warm events.”

How many episodes?

“Our plan is to make around two episodes per event. With 4 events done so far that means there will be 7-8 episodes until my next world cup in Denmark. 

As Ole has been super busy with grabbing footage on tour, reviewing and organising it, we actually don’t have all the episodes ready yet. So it’s gonna be a challenge to keep up with the release schedule of one episode per week. 

I hope this documentary series will reach many people and get them stoked on windsurfing and racing. Please share it with all your windsurfing and non-windsurfing friends and let’s make windsurfing great again.”

Thanks, Nico.

To see the first episode of Nico Prien’s new Slalom series visit @ https://youtu.be/u8mcEOA9wNY - make sure you also subscribe to Nico’s channel to receive a notification when the next episode is released.

Now the start of the 2019 PWA Wave season is just a few weeks away and like so many of the world’s top wave sailors, Campello is already in Gran Canaria to prepare for the 2019 Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival which starts on July 12. However, with the wind not quite playing ball at the moment that has given Campello the chance to look back on last year’s edition and put together a radical highlights showreel, which you can see @ https://youtu.be/ky-IVJx6TzY

Based on those highlights do you think Campello can go one better this time around and finally get his hands on the PWA Wave World Championship? Let us know in the comments.

The Brazilian will be hoping for a repeat performance in this year’s Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival (12th-20th July) in order to put himself in the running for a potential second wave world title. Browne has just released footage from his annual trip to Chile, which is packed with signature turns and stalled double forwards.

Marcilio Browne: “Another epic trip to Chile. Thanks to all the friends who made this possible Robby Swift Hotel Surazo Juan Luis De Heeckeren Lilian Arratia , Diego Fabres , Felipe Wedeles, Delio Tobar and all the locals for sharing their waves with us.

Filmed by : Juan Luis De Heeckeren and Lilian Arratia
Music : Tateeno by Levi Lenz”

You can see Marcilio Browne’s latest video here.

1. Why are you so passionate about windsurfing?

I always liked to compete in sports since I was a kid, and windsurfing is the perfect sport that gives me all the great challenges it comes with. Besides the competition perspective I truly love windsurfing and the chance to be every day on the water.

2. What quality do you like most in other people?

Honesty, generosity, attentiveness.

3. What annoys or frustrates you the most?

Injuries (had a few already), electronic stuff that doesn’t work.

4. What do you most like in yourself?

No idea haha.

5. What do you dislike in yourself?

Sometimes I manage to confuse myself about which activity to choose on a given day. There are so many options, and that seems to make me slightly stressed at times because I like to do all of them. At least I am afraid to miss one of them!

6. What has been your best moment on tour?

Not sure if I have a clearly best moment on tour, but as a couple of those I remember was winning my first loser’s final in Slalom in Sylt 2013, qualifying for the Aloha Classic 2014, 7th in Slalom Hvide Sande 2016 and 4th in Foil Japan 2019.

7. What has been your worst moment on tour?

Must be an airport experience few years ago flying back from Japan. Not going to tell more about that though...

8. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when your career started?

At the very early stage I should have focused more on trimming equipment. I truly thought that in the beginning that I could get away with being stronger and having better technique. Other than that, I was very fortunate to have good guidelines from better sailors such as Jesper Vesterstrøm, Brian Røgild or my dad.

9. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Focus on the first things first, and the smartest guy wins.

10. What would be your perfect day?

Wave sailing and mountain biking with friends in Denmark in one day! 

11. Do you have any superstitions?

Might have a little bit but not as much as I used to have as a kid. I would pray the night prior to a motocross race or windsurf competition. I still believe there is something though.

12. Which living person do you most admire?

I admire a lot of athletes for their dedication to sport and mental strengths. Mostly those who have accomplished big results and stayed humble and grounded at the same time. It’s a fine line to walk, but the Danish race driver who is 9 times Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen, does it very well and would be the first person on my mind.

13. What is your greatest fear? 

Losing a loved one.

14. What is your most treasured possession?

My NeilPryde Course Racing Foil ;-)

15. If you weren’t a professional windsurfer, what would you like to be?

Sports coach

16. Where is the best place you’ve been?

The best temporary location I’ve been to is Maui. Having said that, I still prefer living in Denmark!

17. Where would you most like to go to that you haven’t been to yet?

I would love to go to New Zealand once.

18. Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest, dead or alive?

Ken Roczen, alive. I’m a true fan of his motocross riding and how he manages to overcome difficult moments in life.

19. First App you open in the morning?

Instagram

20. A phrase you live by?

Learn to learn

Thanks, Sebastian!

You can stay up to date with all of Sebastian Kornum’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channel:

Instagram: @sebastiankornum

For now you can have a look at Adam Warchol’s winter training @ vimeo.com/341064610

Photo: Furacão

Coming into 2019, there may have been more pressure on Vonk to continue the kind of form that he showed last year, but he has more than risen to that challenge so far after finishing 4th in France and then securing his second podium finish on the world tour in South Korea - largely thanks to winning his first elimination. That bright start to the season sees the flying Dutchman move into new territory with Vonk now firmly in contention for the world title - currently tied on 19,600 points with reigning world champion - Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde). After a great start to the year we caught up with Jordy for an interview:

Hey Jordy, congrats on a great start to the season. How does it feel to be tied on points with Antoine Albeau in the race for the 2019 Slalom World Championship?

Simply an amazing feeling, I had a good feeling coming out of the winter preparations, but you always have to see how it all turns out. But after the tricky events, I think a 4th and a 2nd are super solid as a start of the season. 

After qualifying for so many Winners’ Finals in recent years - how did it finally feel to grab yourself a bullet in South Korea?

I think my 2,946 fist pumps after the finish line said it all, haha. It was on my goal list for such a long time already, but I never managed to pull it off. I think it’s one of the moments on tour which I’ll never forget!! 

That bullet then put you in the event lead heading into the final day, which was new territory for you - how do you think you dealt with that pressure and do you think it may have affected your performance on the final day?

It brings some pressure on your shoulders, but on the other hand, I knew that that bullet was a remarkable moment in itself and whatever happened, that bullet was a fact. As I expected it to be windy on the last day I didn’t start praying for no more wind, I knew that if I could do it once, I could do it another time. 

After missing out on the opening winners’ final on the final day you then bounced back and secured your second ever podium finish on the world tour - were you happy with how you responded to the result from the first race on the last day?

It was a tight race in the second elimination, but with too big gear it was very hard in the end to qualify. From there on I simply focused on myself and didn’t even check the results. I think halfway through the last elimination they said the event victory was gonna be between me and Matteo [Iachino], while I didn’t even know that I still had a chance for the podium! So definitely happy how I responded about that. 

How did it feel to earn a second podium finish - adding to your previous podium from Japan in 2017?

The podium in 2017 already felt a long time ago! Especially with a couple of 4/5th places in several events, I was very hungry to climb up on the stage again. Also, this time I was 2nd after 3 eliminations, so it feels a bit more deserved compared to the last time ‘one hit wonder’. 

What are your thoughts on the level on the world tour right now? It seems there is a whole list of sailors who are capable of not only making the final, but also winning it…

For me, it feels like it’s consistently rising, but I think that’s better to judge for the old generation as they know both levels. But there are 35 people that can be in the final and indeed lots of them who can win a final. I was also super happy to see Bruno Martini taking the second final in Korea home, he really deserves it too!! 

Do you think that heading into Fuerte there’s a different kind of pressure on you now that you are sat second in the overalls?

Not really, I love to race in Fuerte and I’m showing better results every year, so I can’t wait to go there and fight with everyone on the race course. I think Antoine [Albeau] started to win that event year after year since I was born, so he’s obviously the big man to beat there, but let’s see if we can stop him this time! 

What will you be doing between now and Fuerte and how will you prepare?

After Costa Brava I wanted to relax a little bit, which turned out to be a forced period into bed due to some virus. But it’s getting better now, I’m setting up a plan to get physically fully fit again. I will head to Fuerteventura 8/9 days in advance to be fully tuned up and I’ll be ready to give it my all!

Thanks, Jordy. Congrats again on winning your first elimination and see you in Fuerte.

You can stay up to date with all of Jordy Vonk’s latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @jordy.vonk.69
Instagram: @jordyvonk

Sarah-Quita Offringa: “Going through all this footage reminded me that last year was nothing less than epic. The level on the water was high and there was such a good and supportive vibe amongst all the ladies competing. I feel extremely happy to be sharing sessions with these power women. This year I want to do well, but more than that, quoting Steffi [Wahl], I’m just here for the love of windsurfing. Watching this footage I see the progress I’ve made in wave sailing and I’m really excited to see to which heights I can go this year!”

You can see Sarah-Quita Offringa's Pozo warm up @ vimeo.com/342339075

The Windsurf Project: "Thomas Traversa goes back to his roots in this new film. Joined by Boujmaa Guilloul we all travelled to the North Western tip of France and scored one of the best possible sessions in Thomas' home country. We're all incredible stoked to have Bridgestone supporting this journey."

You can see the latest epic Windsurf Project episode @ youtu.be/wM3ZgxiWM3I

Granted there was only one race, which took place in tricky conditions, but that result still placed huge pressure on Iachino heading into Asia with the Italian not being afforded any more room for error in order to keep his world title ambitions alive for 2019. 

The 29-year-old is one of the most composed sailors on the world tour and in Asia, in a scenario where it would’ve been easy to become flustered, you would never have even known that he was under any pressure at all to record a top result. Iachino sailed with a calm head throughout and after no wind in Japan for slalom, Iachino bounced back brilliantly in South Korea by winning for the 3rd time in Ulsan. Iachino was the only sailor in the fleet to qualify for every winners’ final and that victory sees him ranked 10th overall heading into Fuerte. 

Meanwhile, after bouncing back with victory in South Korea, the Italian then secured the final place on the podium in Costa Brava (Foiling), which sees him top the overall Foil ranking after the opening two events, while excelling in the Slalom Foil format. We recently caught up with Matteo for an interview, which you can read below:

Hey Matteo, congrats on your recent victory in South Korea and 3rd place in Costa Brava…The start of the season wasn’t particularly easy for you with a disappointing and probably quite frustrating result in France - which was your worst result since 2012 - was it a tough result for you to take?

It’s never easy to take a bad result. But getting it at the beginning of the season, it’s even worse. The conditions in my heat were really poor and the wind dropped so much from the heat before mine to my heat that was almost impossible to plane. The competition actually stopped on the heat after mine due to lack of wind…. A small mistake and a lot of bad luck brought this and I knew it. I just wanted to compete more and I knew I would’ve been there.

You then faced quite a long time to be able to erase that result from your memory with light winds in Japan and then the wind not arriving in South Korea until the second half of the event - was that mentally draining for you and how did you cope?

I was disappointed because there was no wind but I was ready to compete and I knew I was competitive. I wasn’t particularly stressed… Just wanted to compete hahaha. The key to win in our sport is the right mindset and I kind of learnt how to keep it through the bad moments.

When the chance came you grabbed it perfectly - bouncing back brilliantly in South Korea to secure your 3rd event victory there - How pleasing was that for you?

Well, it has been great. Finally, we had a couple of good days with nice conditions and I was eager to compete. For the first time, I was actually focused more on winning the event than winning a single elimination. Especially in the last elimination I just focused on Jordy [Vonk] as he was the only rider able to get in front of me and it worked out.

You then secured 3rd place in the Foil in Costa Brava with a late final day charge, which puts you at the top of the Foil rankings for now… how did you find the event in Costa Brava?

Well, I didn’t really enjoy the light wind races. I don’t enjoy them in general and going upwind on the second lap for me it’s always just pumping. But we got a high wind day and we kind of tried something different, then we got a couple of normal days and at the end, we tried slalom foiling and I loved it. I think mixing it up has been cool and kind of useful to check what we can actually do in a foil competition.

Obviously, there was the day with the Tramontana - what was it like trying to Foil in such strong winds and before that day what was the windiest conditions you had foiled in?

Before that day the windiest day I had foiled in was 3 days before in Costa Brava hahaha, right before the event. It was actually fun. More surviving the downwind than racing against the others, but still something different and a lot of adrenaline.

For the first time on the world tour we experimented with Foil Slalom in Costa Brava - what are your thoughts about it?

It felt amazing in the water and it was super nice to compete in Foil Slalom. Not only was it really fun, but I think that the kind of racing/competition that was had in such light winds was amazing. The emotions that you get out of it is also quite unbelievable because usually in those kind of conditions we would be waiting on the beach waiting for slalom conditions. 

I guess it is the natural evolution of the Slalom discipline - in light winds obviously. When it gets to 7.8m fully powered then for me regular Slalom is better, but overall I loved it!

If you just look at purely the results from the Foil Slalom then you would be the top ranked sailor after those 3 Eliminations with a first, third and a fourth - is downwind foiling something you have trained a lot?

No, not really. Actually, I didn’t foil that much at all because I was slightly injured when I was in Australia during the winter for the Starboard & Severne photoshoot and some sail development. After I came back from Australia I had to have a 1 month break and after that I focused on Slalom. Of course, I did a little bit of Foil training, but I would say 3, 4 maybe 5 times maximum. As soon as I had the gear on a reach though it felt amazing and just worked! The only thing I did was add more downhaul to the sail to open the leech a bit more.”

Now you have about 6 weeks before Fuerteventura - what will you be doing between now and how will you be preparing for Fuerte?

I’m now relaxing at home. Next Sunday I’ll fly to Guadalupe for a project with Tristan [Algret], and JC will be there shooting. It will be pretty cool. Then when I’ll be back I’ll train hard to get ready for Fuerte. I can’t wait to be there in strong winds again.

Thanks Matteo - congrats again!

You can stay up to date with all of Matteo Iachino's latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

- Facebook: @MatteoIachinoProWindsurfer
- Instagram: @matteoita140_official

Swift finished last year ranked 9th overall on the world tour and will be upping his preparations for the Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival which starts on July 12th.

You can see Robby Swift's latest Chilean adventure @ https://vimeo.com/341683270

Travelling the world in search of the biggest and best undiscovered windsurfing spots demands the best tyres.

We are proud to supply our Bridgestone tyres to The Windsurf Project. Project one coming soon.”

You can see the latest teaser for the Windsurf Project here.

Paré and Gil are two of the most exciting prospects on the PWA Wave World Tour and both are clearly pushing hard as they can as they continue to strive to push their sailing to the next level. Last year Paré finished ranked 11th overall while Gil, who is still only 16 finished just outside the world’s overall top 20 in 21st.

You can see Marc Paré and Marino Gil’s latest video @ https://youtu.be/Dcf0q65KZhI