Vrieswijk will be one of the favourites heading into the opening event of the year as the Bonairean finished the 2023 season as the vice-world champion after winning back to back events in Germany and Japan. Last year Vrieswijk still finished 6th overall, but that will have been below his expectations and  he'll be looking to make a solid start to the season. 

Heroic Wins for Browne and Hunter

In a fiercely contested men’s final, Marcilio “Brawzinho” Browne proved once again why he’s among the sport’s greatest. With radical turns and perfect wave selection, he edged out Spain’s rising force Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails / MFC), Japan’s Takara Ishii (Goya Windsurfing) and the UK’s Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde).

On the women’s side, Marine Hunter carved her name into WWT history with explosive, fluid riding that left no doubt about her dominance. She held off powerful challenges from Guadeloupe’s Lisa Wermeister (Duotone Windsurfing / Maui Ultra Fins), Spain’s Maria Andrés, and Venezuela’s Colette Guadagnino in a nail-biting final heat.

Legends Miss Out — The Depth of the Field was Unreal

Such was the depth of the competition that huge names Kai Lenny (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Levi Siver (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Camille Juban (AB Boards / S2Maui), Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins), and Bernd Roediger (Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins) — all former Ho’okipa standouts — missed the podium. That’s how stacked the field was. With 24 pro men and 8 elite women in the draw, this was a finals day where every single heat could have been a world title showdown.

Mahalo Nui Loa to our partners at MFC, the local crew, and the international riders who made this return to Maui a milestone moment. This was more than a contest — it was a homecoming, a proving ground, and a statement: the new era of windsurfing is here.

You can see highlights of the MFC | Maui Pro-Am @ https://youtu.be/874rsFM4O3k & find a full gallery of images here.

You can see Nico Prien flying around Tenerife @ https://youtu.be/1mqxV5WSuEU?si=8E87Onl237xKZDmp

Duotone: "Cape Verde truly delivered at the start of the year, providing the perfect opportunity for new Duotone team rider ⁨Liam Dunkerbeck (Duotone Windsurfing) to catch up with ⁨Victor Fernandez (Duotone Windsurfing) and, more importantly, score epic conditions together. Check out some of the best shots taken during their incredible trip."

You can see Liam Dunkerbeck and Victor Fernandez in Cabo Verde @ https://youtu.be/Y02gZ15nMtk?si=GB7JMHdE3OXul2KT

I hope you enjoy the video that WESTCOAST VISUALS put together for me!
Filming was done by:
- Siam Images
- Pozo Windsurf Photography
- Bênoit Légier”


You can see Marc Paré’s dream trip to to Cabo Verde @ https://youtu.be/VtL4uqKn1io?si=epqTh1J1eDt5IuBs

The Story

The Maui Pro-Am is more than just a competition; it’s the birthplace of modern wave sailing.

First held in the spring of 1982 at Ho’okipa Beach Park, this historic event introduced the world to a new level of high-flying windsurfing action.

The strong spring trade winds, mixing with lingering north swells, create the perfect conditions for radical  manoeuvres. It was here that early aerial attempts morphed into singles, doubles, and 360s on the wave face, fuelling the progression of the sport!

As we look ahead, the question becomes: will we soon see triples or backloops off the lip? If the wind and waves co-operate, there’s no telling how high this year’s riders will fly.

The Main Sponsor 

MFC Hawaii (Maui Fin Company) was founded in 1986 with one mission: pushing fin design forward. Since pioneering CNC shaping in the early ’90s and introducing innovative prepreg technology soon after, MFC has remained closely connected to watermen worldwide.

“It’s a privilege to support the return of the Maui Pro-Am, the event that put Ho‘okipa on the map and propelled our sport into the future. Words can’t express how honoured I am to give back to the community that has been my life and my family. Mahalo to everyone who keeps windsurfing alive and thriving!” — Pio Marasco

Ricardo Campello (MFC), Kai Lenny, Marcilio Browne, Sarah Hauser (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Levi Siver (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Jason Polakow (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Kauli Seadi (MFC), Marino Gil (Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Victor Fernandez (Duotone Windsurfing), Antoine “Titoun” Martin (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing, Gollito Estredo (MFC), Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails / MFC), Adam Lewis (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Takara Ishii, Hayata Ishii (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing), Josh Stone (Goya Windsurfing), Kevin Pritchard, Boujmaa Guilloul (Goya Windsurfing / MFC), Francisco Goya (Goya Windsurfing / MFC); the list runs deep. MFC Hawaii has arguably assembled the largest team and most decorated collective of world titles in windsurfing history.

Pio Marasco puts it best: “I never imagined the team growing to this extent. But what are you going to do when you’re surrounded by these incredible athletes—people who pour their love and energy into the same sports I’ve dedicated my life to? I’m starstruck every time I see them ride or they walk into the factory. And when I hear them talk about the gear, every word resonates. It brings us right back to the roots — why we do this in the first place? Over the years, those relationships naturally turn into friendships, beyond business. I’m really proud of each one of them—they’ve been the heart of MFC since day one.”

Pio Marasco reflects on supporting the 2025 Maui Pro-Am and when asked, why take on sponsoring events when you’ve already got your hands full with work, family, travelling etc…

“Events are where sports comes to life, where the community meets, where we share experiences, and the next generation gets inspired. It gives me and the team something to focus on—something that keeps us moving forward until the next one. This is what drives windsurfing. And honestly, there’s no better feeling than giving back to the athletes who’ve worked so hard—and shining a light for the youth coming up.”

Maui Fin Company 

Maui Fin Company was founded in 1986 and it’s always been on the cutting edge of fins and accessories designs and technology. With 34 windsurfing world titles, 2x WSL XXL Big Wave Award titles and 8x SUP world titles, it is currently one of the most versatile and awarded companies in watersports industry. Most of the best surfers and windsurfers athlete are, or have been, riding MFC Fins due to its advance moulded technology and innovative profiles and design, such as Francisco Goya, Dave Kalama, Darrick Doerner, Kai Lenny, Keith Teboul, Marcilio Browne, Levi Siver, Björn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne Windsurfing), Jason Polakow to mention just a few.

MFC has been “The First Fin Company” to introduce the CNC Machine shape technology in 1992, and an innovative Moulded Prepreg Technology in 1999. Created to merge the gap between design and technology on the manufacturing of products available to the market, MFC moved from custom fin development to mass production at the highest level of technology by conducting its production form overseas without loss of quality. This transition could not have been possible without Cobra International and its expertise in production.

Opening Blessing | 2025 Maui Pro-Am Opening Blessing:

Auntie Mopsy will open the event with a traditional blessing ceremony on Monday, April 14th at 9:00am local time at Ho’okipa Beach Park, sharing Hawai‘i’s cultural and spiritual values with the MFC Maui Pro-Am competitors, crews, and spectators!

Judging Team 

Luis Maria “Pick” Escribano: Widely regarded as one of the most experienced head judges in windsurfing history. Pick will lead the judging panel at this year’s MFC Maui Pro-Am. It’s an honour to welcome him to the event that started it all back in 1982 - a “sleeping giant” of a competition that’s returning to Ho‘okipa after two decades, ready to showcase just how far our sport has come. With Pick at the helm, riders can rest assured their performances will be judged by one of the finest professionals in the sport.

Matt Pritchard is a multiple-time world champion and a former Head Judge, bringing decades of top-level competition insight to this year’s panel. His combination of championship experience and judging expertise ensures a sharp eye for performance and progression.

Kevin Pritchard: As one of the most decorated World Cup winning riders across multiple disciplines and the 2000 Maui Pro-Am champion at Ho‘okipa, Kevin brings an invaluable blend of experience and heritage to the event. His inclusion in the judges panel not only honours the rich history of the Pro-Am, but also brings the sport full circle—celebrating the culture and passion that we all live by.

Angela Cochran is the most decorated Aloha Classic competitor of all time, an avid sailor, and a two-time world champion (1989 and 1991). Her deep expertise and history at Ho‘okipa and the World Cup make her a perfect fit for this year’s judging panel, bringing unmatched insight and passion to the event and the progression of wavesailing.

Media Team 

Paul and Sofie (Fish Bowl Diaries) are award-winning photographers whose instantly recognisable style has been commissioned by leading windsurfing and surfing brands—including Goya Windsurfing, Quatro, Naish, and Duotone Windsurfing (formerly Fanatic). With over 30 magazine covers and multiple “Photographer of the Year” accolades to their name, they bring a wealth of expertise to the 2025 MFC Maui Pro-Am, capturing every wave riding moment both on and off the water.

Introducing Kai Katchadourian

We are thrilled to present Kai Katchadourian (Simmer / Simmer Sails) as the 2025 MFC Maui Pro-Am presenter. With the longest track record in windsurfing; dating back to the first Ho‘okipa events, Kai has been chasing the perfect ride all around the world. His lifelong passion for the sport, enriched by his love for music and family, embodies the true spirit and culture of our global windsurfing community. Welcome, Kai!

Feeling the spring Maui vibe: “Maui has not seen a spring event since the PWA event in April 2005, two full decades ago. It is great to have it back on the schedule as the Maui Pro-Am. If one goes back into the history of wave events at Ho’okipa, some of the most memorable competitions were held in the spring during the long standing O’Neill Invitational, which ran from the early 80’s to the mid 90’s. DaKine, Chiemsee, and even corporate sponsors like Jeep, sponsored events at Ho’okipa in the spring. Maui always comes alive with abundant energy as we see the world’s best windsurfers take to the water and challenge the elements.” — Kai Katchadourian

A Short Message From the King

“It’s great to have the spring windsurfing event back at Ho‘okipa. Spring events usually offer better wind. It’ll be great to see the current generation of pros showing off their stuff. Aloha, Robby Naish.”

Moves 10, 9, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2 filmed by: Molenaar Visuals
Move 1 filmed by: Felix Volkhardt
Move 8 filmed by: Lisa Grisley
BOOT Footage: FPT / Aalvva Media"

You can see what George Grisley considers his top 10 moves @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnjaq09LPIw

Josep Pons: "I'll explain how effective visualisation and practicing land-based exercises can significantly improve your execution of the forward loop in windsurfing. In this video, we show you how we do it in our sessions and demonstrate how technique is key. Along with training routines and exercises, you'll gain the confidence to perform this maneuver and improve on the water. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these tips will help you progress in your windsurfing practice."

Peter Kenyon (Severne Windsurfing), from Geraldton, Western Australia, claimed top honours in the Masters final with a commanding score of 11.50 points, securing victory by 1.4 points over Arnaud Frennet (Naish / Naish Sails) of Belgium, a long-time Chile local and the 2023 Masters World Champion. Kenyon’s highest-scoring ride featured an impressive big aerial that brought cheers from the beach and sealed his win. His powerful turns and smart wave selection made the difference when it counted most.

Frennet, always a crowd favourite in Chile, showed all his class and composure throughout the event, surfing with precision and local flair to finish runner-up. In the other semifinal, Cristobal Zegers wowed the crowd with a strong 12.16 to win Heat 1 ahead of Kenyon, Michael Viscovich (JP / NeilPryde), and Charlie Rovira (Goya Windsurfing), who came into the event as the #1 ranked Master in the World Rolling Rankings.

Felipe Wedeles (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), the Chilean legend known as “The Sheriff,” advanced to the final with a tight second-place finish behind Frennet in Heat 2, while Zegers also advanced from Heat 1. In the end, Kenyon took control of the final, with Wedeles finishing third and Zegers rounding out the top four.

Michael Viscovich and Michael Friedl (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), the 2024 Masters World Champion, each placed third in their respective semifinals, earning a well-deserved equal fifth place finish overall. Charlie Rovira (Goya Windsurfing), despite entering the event as the top seed, and Ruedi Brodowski (Tabou / Severne Sails) both placed fourth in their semis, concluding the event with a shared seventh-place ranking.

Team Australia on Fire in Chile

Team Australia is having a standout event here in Chile. In addition to Peter Kenyon’s Masters victory, Jane Seman (Severne Windsurfing) claimed first place in the Women’s division, and rising talent Sarah Kenyon (Severne Windsurfing) has powered her way into the Junior Final, showing the future of Australian wave riding is in excellent hands.

Congratulations to all competitors for an incredible display of talent and sportsmanship. The Masters proved once again that experience, style, and wave knowledge never go out of fashion.

Stay tuned—more world-class wave action coming up tomorrow with the CHILE JUNIOR FESTIVAL, where we’ll be joined by a lot of local school kids, all eager to meet the pro heroes and see their junior contemporaries having fun out on the water, going for the titles.

Result Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup - Women’s Wave

1st Jane Seman (AUS | Severne Windsurfing)
2nd Alexia Kiefer Quintana (ESP | Duotone Windsurfing)
3rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Maria Morales (ESP | Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
5th Justyna Sniady (POL | Flikka / North Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne Windsurfing)

Result Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup - Men’s Wave

1st Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
2nd Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails / MFC)
3rd Baptiste Cloarec (FRA | RRD / RRD Sails)
4th Camille Juban (GPE | AV Boards / S2Maui)
5th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Duotone Windsurfing)
5th Federico Morisio (ITA | Starboard / Severne Sails)
7th Philip Köster (GER | Severne Windsurfing)
7th Bernd Roediger (USA | Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins)
9th Morgan Noireaux (HI | JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins)
9th Marino Gil (ESP | JP / NeilPryde / MFC)
9th Julian Salmonn (GER | Naish / Naish Sails)
9th Adam Warchol (POL | Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC)

Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup - Masters Division Result

1st Peter Kenyon (AUS | Severne Windsurfing) 
2nd Arnaud Frennet (FRA | Naish / Naish Sails) 
3rd Felipe Wedeles (CHI | Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC) 
4th Cristobal Zegers (CHI)
5th Michael Viscovich (DEN | JP / NeilPryde)
5th Michael Friedl (ESP | Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
7th  Charlie Rovira (USA | Goya Windsurfing)
7th  Ruedi Brodowski (SUI | Tabou / Severne Sails)

Women’s Final – Seman Soars to Victory

Australia’s Jane Seman (Severne Windsurfing) stole the show with a fearless, high-flying performance that earned her the win with 11.36 points, launching into a non-stop aerial assault in the perfect Topocalma walls. The eventual champion said: “Oh it was so fun! It was just like aerial city! Had a ball, loved it. I just decided to go for it — sometimes I got my timing wrong, but sometimes I got it right!”

Asked how the waves compared to her home break of Margaret River: “Ah, Topocalma is a bit different, we don’t have super offshore [wind] and this sort of stuff, but it’s close, it’s close enough. For aerials and stuff I felt really comfortable, which was fun!”. She was then mobbed by Team Australia in a wild beach celebration.

Spain’s Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Duotone Windsurfing), who placed second for the second straight year in Chile with 10.96 points, showed both class and style: “It feels amazing! I mean, the first round I lost it, I was a bit sad, but now finishing second it feels super good. I had a lot of fun! Congrats to Jane and all the other girls — to Sarah [Quita Offringa], Maria [Morales], it was amazing.”

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins), third with 10.87 points, reflected on the experience of being in such a diverse and tightly contested final: “It was really fun to do the heat here in Topocalma. It was a little bit nerve-wracking because I never sailed this spot before. But then when I got in the water I kind of got in the rhythm and I was having a lot of fun.

Third place is not what I came for — obviously I want to win — but I’m really happy with my sailing. Looking at the scoring, it was really tight. Just to be part of such a tight final with so many good — kind of like the young generation [Alexia and Maria] against the older generation [Offringa in her early 30s and Seman a Master.] — it’s really cool to be a part of that.”

Spain’s María Morales (Goya Windsurfing / MFC), still under 21 and competing in both the Women’s and Pro Junior fields, finished fourth after qualifying for her first pro final: “I feel a little bit sad, because I was so close to the podium and just missed out, but I’m happy to be here. That was my worst heat of the competition because the conditions were so complicated. It wasn’t my heat, but next year, I’ll train a lot and I think it will be better.”

Men’s Final – Browne Back in Charge

Brazil’s Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) reaffirmed his world champion pedigree with a composed and clinical win in Topocalma’s pumping lefts. Posting a heat score of 15.14 points, Browne edged out Spain’s Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails) by just 0.31 of a point in one of the tightest and most high-stakes finals the tour has seen.

Event champion, Marcilio Browne: “Thank you so much, [it’s] unbelievable, I’m so happy. Such a hard event,  with everybody sailing so well. I didn’t have all that many expectations, and just really focused on having fun and my gear felt incredible — I had all the good boards and sails. I had a lot of fun this week, so to end it here in Topocalma, my favourite break in Chile, made it extra special.

The biggest part of the heat was just getting a wave. Everyone was trying to get priority out behind the rock, and then you’d come in just hoping the texture would stay in the water — because sometimes it would just vacuum the wind out. You never knew. I’m so happy, stoked.”

Marc Paré, runner-up with 14.83 points, was all class in a performance that came within a whisper of victory: “It was fun — dreamy conditions. What else can we ask for, sailing in Topocalma! Super stoked with some of the waves I got. Just a shame, [that] I think towards the end, Braw got a really, really good one. Maybe I should have waited outside, but I came in with a set thinking it was going to be a good one and then it just faded out.”

France’s Baptiste Cloarec (RRD / RRD Sails) took third with 11.34 points, bringing aggressive, fast rail work and explosive hacks - despite competing with a broken foot: “We had amazing conditions here in Chile. We moved to Topocalma today — it’s just perfect! The sand, the wave, the wind — everything was perfect. I was on 4.0 completely overpowered — ha — it’s amazing. Thank you, I’m happy with this.”

Last year’s event champion, Guadeloupe’s Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) finished fourth with 10.17 points after an inspired run through the earlier rounds. 

Pro Junior Boys – Richter Rises to the Top

Germany’s Anton Richter (JP / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) delivered a breakout win in the Pro Junior division as he racked up 12.50 points to narrowly defeat Saint Martin’s Kymani Laurent (12.07 points) in a final that was packed with flair, power, and high stakes.

Kymani — in his second straight Chile final — showed huge progression, style, and control in the punchy lefts. Australia's Jake Ghiretti (Severne Windsurfing) (10.77 points) and Denmark’s Tobias Bjørnaa (Duotone Windsurfing) (9.93 points) also impressed, solidifying themselves as stars of the future.

The Road Ahead

With rankings now shaken and world title ambitions sharpened, the Chile World Cup Finals Day set a new benchmark for performance, drama, and global representation. From Browne’s poise under pressure, to Seman’s fearless flying, to Richter’s rising-star moment — the World Wave Tour’s future looks brighter than ever.

Next stop: Maui Pro Am 4-Star, April 14th-18th.

The global tour continues, and the race for the 2025 World Titles is officially on.

Result Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup - Women’s Wave

1st Jane Seman (AUS | Severne Windsurfing)
2nd Alexia Kiefer Quintana (ESP | Duotone Windsurfing)
3rd Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU | Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins)
4th Maria Morales (ESP | Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
5th Justyna Sniady (POL | Flikka / North Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
5th Lina Erpenstein (GER | Severne Windsurfing)

Result Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup - Men’s Wave

1st Marcilio Browne (BRA | Goya Windsurfing / MFC)
2nd Marc Paré (ESP | Simmer / Simmer Sails)
3rd Baptiste Cloarec (FRA | RRD / RRD Sails)
4th Camille Juban (GPE | AV Boards / S2Maui)
5th Victor Fernandez (ESP | Duotone Windsurfing / MFC)
6th Federico Morisio (ITA | Starboard / Sails)
7th Philip Köster (GER | Severne Windsurfing / Black Project Fins)
7th Bernd Roediger (USA | Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins)
9th Morgan Noireaux (HI | JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins)
9th Marino Gil (ESP | JP / NeilPryde)
9th Julian Salmonn (GER | Naish / Naish Sails)
9th Adam Warchol (POL | Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC)

Pro Men: Champions Rise Through the Pain

Reigning Chile World Cup champion Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) (Guadeloupe, France) was electric in the water, pushing through a broken toe sustained three weeks prior. “Whaaaaa!!! It was Sick!” he exclaimed, still catching his breath. “I knew it was going to be a hard one, really hard competitors in front of me, and 3 weeks broken toe so, this one has to be a lot of mental… The two guys that had their last broken bone in their foot—it’s crazy. I guess that heat by heat, and wave by wave things just worked again.”

Fellow Frenchman Baptiste Cloarec (RRD / RRD Sails) shared a similar story of defying medical advice and overcoming pain: “Foot is hurting a lot but, I did it, I’m happy! One week and half ago I did an x-ray and they say it’s been broken, you shouldn’t compete… but I’m so happy!”

Spain’s Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails), who is a fan favourite, was radiant after his performance: “I’m super, super stoked. It was a dream of mine to make the final here—this is like my favourite place on earth. So what can I say?”

And rounding out the men’s final, four-time wave and reigning world champion Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (Brazil) showed his trademark calm under pressure. “Lucky I was able to land on the right waves a couple of times. Saw Marc get some good ones, so yeah, I’m really stoked and I’m really happy to be in the final.”

Pro Women: A Final Full of Power, Passion, and Promise

In the women’s division, the elite and the emerging came together to deliver a spectacular show.

Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) (Aruba), the 25-time world champion, maintained her composure despite the rising pressure: “I was getting a little bit nervous, but I kept my cool enough and I’m happy with the turns I did… my goal was to make it to the final so I’m very happy about that!”

Jane Seman (Severne Windsurfing) (Australia) lit up the day with style and flair, celebrating her comeback from a tough Day 3: “Yeahhhh! I still went out on my small boards because it’s low tide and I wanted to fit into the little sections… I had a couple of nice aerials, so yeah it was fun, I’ve had a great day today, made up for yesterday, yeahh, woohooooo!”. She was stopped mid-interview to sign T-shirts for young girls sprinting to meet their hero.

Young talent, Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Duotone Windsurfing) (Spain) was glowing after her heat: “Oh I’m so tired, but it was fun! Amazing! I’m super happy and I’m in the final with my best friend so I couldn’t be happier!”

And perhaps the most heartfelt reaction came from Maria Morales Navarro (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (Spain), who made her first-ever pro final: “Woahhhh I don’t believe it! It’s my first final ever! I don’t know what to say! Thanks everyone who is watching me… I still don’t believe it… it was fun, it was fun! Oh man, thank you, thank you!”

Finals Day is Next

With the stage now set, anticipation is sky high for Finals Day at the Chile Surazo infernal World Cup. World champions, rising stars, and local legends will battle it out in what promises to be a jaw-dropping showdown. Stay tuned.

A United Future

Windsurfing is in a strong place, with a passionate community and growing interest. We can continue to strengthen it by embracing a more collaborative approach. By coming together to share our stories and values, we can amplify the sport’s reach and impact.

The PWA, as a nonprofit organisation, is committed to driving this vision forward, uniting efforts to elevate windsurfing’s popularity worldwide.

Alberto Zschiesche: “Our goal is to bring to life the incomparable sensation of being on the water, and convey that same feeling and the culture of our sport at the beach and via our media channels—a diverse, open, connected environment where windsurfers can thrive from Youth to the highest level. That bond between windsurfers is what makes this sport unique. It’s what will carry us forward. My desire is to contribute to the growth of what I consider the best sport in the world. I aspire to achieve this through active collaboration, innovation, and by promoting windsurfing as the ultimate global watersport.”

A Stronger Windsurfing Future

With Alberto’s leadership in growth, sponsorships, and sustainability, the PWA is entering a new era of opportunity. His focus? Strengthening the foundation, expanding the tour, and ensuring windsurfing thrives across all disciplines, genders, and age groups.

Join us in not only welcoming Alberto Zschiesche to the PWA, but also looking forward to building a stronger, more united future for windsurfing.

The PWA Board of Directors

One of the biggest moments of the day came from local favourite Benjamin Fabres (Goya Windsurfing), who stunned the field in Heat 5 of the men’s R6 CT Seeding round. Against seasoned global veterans, including last year’s champion Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) and tour veteran Jules Denel (Tabou / GA Sails), Fabres rose to the occasion in front of his home crowd, delivering a series of committed, critical turns, stylish aerials, and a spectacular goiter to score 11.13 points—which was one of the top heat scores of the day.

As Fabres kicked out of his final wave and returned to the beach, the crowd erupted. Hundreds of fans lining the shore cheered wildly, chanting his name and rushing toward him as he stepped back onto the sand. With flags waving, music pumping, and the beach commentator going wild with excitement, the atmosphere was more reminiscent of a football stadium than a surf event. It was likely a moment that will go down in Chilean windsurfing history.

To win a 5-star Champions Round heat at home, in front of his family and friends, after fighting his way through a huge field of challenger riders, must have been something he dreamed about. It was a very special moment for him and for this community—so proud and excited by their hero. And there’s a good chance he’s not done yet.

Women’s Champions Bracket Heats Up

In the women’s draw, the top seeds began their run in Round 2, with 25-time world champion and reigning wave world champion Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins), Sol Degrieck (Severne Windsurfing), Pauline Katz (Severne Windsurfing), and Lina Erpenstein (Severne Windsurfing) all advancing with confidence. Lisa Wermeister (Duotone Windsurfing / Maui Ultra Fins) also impressed, while Maria Andrés showed her veteran skill, winning Round 3 Heat 1.

The women made it to the last redemption heat before being forced to cancel due to the dropping wind.

Men’s Champions Bracket Stacked for Battle

The men’s Round of 24 is now fully set after an incredible day of seeding and redemption heats. Standouts included heat winners:
    • Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (13.03 points) – Four-time wave world champion and reigning world champion, posted the highest score of the day with a world champ’s precision.
    • Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) (12.33 points) – Took his power riding to town in the great conditions.
    • Philip Köster (Severne Windsurfing / Black Project Fins) (10.17 points) – Returning to top form.
    • Julian Salmonn (Naish / Naish Sails) (11.93 points) – Showing explosive power.
    • Benjamin Fabres (11.13 points) – Setting the beach on fire.

The elite 24-man bracket will get underway tomorrow. The road to the final is packed with potential matchups that fans have been dreaming about.

This is the kind of day that defines a world tour—incredible waves, world-class performances, and a crowd that brought the kind of energy that makes this sport truly global. Benjamin Fabres’ moment today was magical—pure emotion, pure sport.

Follow all the action with live broadcasts and scores on the official event page.

Through 22 intensely contested heats, the field was narrowed down to the final 8, where only the top 2 from each heat would progress. The stakes were brutally high – reach the top 4 and earn your place among the world’s best in the Champions Round of 32, or see your dreams shattered in the final moments of this gruelling qualifying gauntlet.

Benjamin Fabres, Diego Fabres, Alessio Stillrich (Bruch Boards / Bruch Sails) and Moritz Mauch (Simmer / Simmer Sails) emerged from this stacked battlefield, overcoming world-class challengers to secure their spots in the Pro Men’s main draw. Two red hot locals and two red hot internationals. Each rode with fire and fearlessness, conquering the legendary Topocalma walls and seizing their chance to face the top 28 ranked athletes in the world. The stage is set.

For those who fell short, the agony was raw. Narrow margins separated heartbreak from triumph, with several standout performances edged out by fractions of a point. This was a day where every turn, every aerial, and every decision mattered. The Challenger Rounds proved again why they are among the most unforgiving and exhilarating spectacles in competitive wave riding.

As we move into the Champions Round of 32, the four surviving challengers now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the elite of the sport. The question is no longer if they belong—Topocalma answered that loud and clear—it’s how far they can go.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

Local young hero Iñaki Maturana lit up the beach with a commanding win in his opening heat, continuing the momentum from his recent Chile Tour victory. The young Chilean is quickly becoming a national sensation, proving once again that he’s a serious threat on the global stage. With precise wave selection and bold, slashing big hacks, Iñaki’s performance earned cheers from the hometown crowd.

Another standout of the day was young Kymani Laurent, the stylish pro junior from Guadeloupe, who impressed the judges and fans alike with smooth, flowing lines and a massive tweaked aerial that had the beach buzzing. His heat win with the highest heat total of the day puts him firmly in the spotlight as one of the breakout talents of the event.

The day also saw top seeds like Spanish champion Alessio Stillrich (Bruch / Bruch Boards) storm back from a long-term injury to make his mark and announce his return. Denmark’s young Tobias Bjørnaa (Duotone Windsurfing) delivered big air to win his heat and also advance to R3. Veteran, local Masters champion and community leader Felipe Wedeles won his heat to advance and had great praise for young Australian ripper Jake Ghiretti with whom he shared the heat and who came second with both advancing to R3. Germany’s Moritz Mauch (Simmer / Simmer Sails) was in fine form making it look easy in the unforgiving conditions. The upcoming redemption rounds will give hungry challengers in 3rd and 4th today another shot at climbing the mountain.

With strong conditions forecast for the upcoming weekend and fierce match-ups emerging as the best advance, the next rounds promise more fireworks as the world’s best wave riders continue their quest for the 2025 Chile World Cup title and the first big step toward the 2025 World Wave Titles.

This event looks set to celebrate the next generation riding to shake up the old guard and there couldn’t be a more exciting way to start the big event.

Stay tuned to the World Wave Tour for full heat results, highlights, and live coverage.

At the forefront of the event is Bernd Roediger (Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins) (Hawaii USA), who enters as the #1 men’s seed after taking the top position in the World Rolling Wave Rankings for the first time in his career. Roediger’s ascent signals a major shake-up in the competitive landscape, as former world champions and tour veterans look to challenge the lead.

Meanwhile, Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) (Aruba, Netherlands) continues to dominate the women’s division, holding firm at #1 in the Rolling Rankings following a perfect rolling ranking score holding 3 wins. The reigning world champion remains the rider to beat as she sets her sights on another major victory.

With Chile’s powerful surf, a deep roster of talent, and crucial early-season points on the line, the 2025 Chile World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most intense battles of the year.

Roediger’s Rise & the Fight for #1 Seed

The men’s division has never been more competitive, and Bernd Roediger’s surge to the top of the World Rolling Wave Rankings adds fresh energy to the season. Known for his fluid, creative approach to wave riding, Roediger’s rise makes him the top-seeded rider in Chile, but he will have to defend his position against some of the biggest names in the sport.

Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (Brazil), the reigning world champion, is close behind and looking to reclaim the #1 Rolling Ranking and another title. Browne, a four-time world champion, is one of the most dominant figures in modern windsurfing and will use Chile as a crucial battleground to begin his campaign for a fifth world title. He won the 4-Star Japan event last month and is in red hot form heading into the first big 5-Star of the season in Chile.

Also in the mix are reigning event champion, Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) (Guadeloupe France), Víctor Fernández (Duotone Windsurfing / MFC) (Spain), and Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins) (Hawaii, USA)—all proven talents with the ability to thrive in Matanzas’ challenging conditions. All three made the Chile final last year with Juban winning the event in powerful form. With the rankings still shifting, the Chile World Cup will be a defining event as riders battle for top positioning heading into the 5-star part season.

Note: The Rolling Rankings, calculated over an 18-month period using each rider’s best four results (men) and best three results (women), determine event seeding and key support at major stops on tour.

Offringa’s Perfect Season & the Challenger Field

In the women’s division, Sarah-Quita Offringa remains at #1 in the Rolling Rankings, holding a perfect 30,000 points holding wins in Hawaii, Gran Canaria, and Germany. Her ability to perform across all conditions has made her the clear frontrunner, and she will look to continue her momentum in Matanzas.

However, a rising class of challengers is closing in. Sarah Hauser (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) (France), Lina Erpenstein (Severne Windsurfing) (Germany), who won here last year, and Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Duotone Windsurfing)(Spain) have all made significant gains in recent events, demonstrating the potential to shake up the rankings.

Hauser’s big-wave expertise, Erpenstein’s consistent podium finishes, and Kiefer Quintana’s explosive style make them real threats to Offringa’s dominance. With each rider fighting for critical early-season positioning, the Chile World Cup could see a shift in momentum.

Unfortunately Hauser is out for Chile with an injury. We wish her a speedy recovery so she may return to battle for the World Title. She’s won the Aloha Classic Grand Final twice, secured a victory in Fiji, dominated the Big Wave Awards, and holds the Guinness World Record for biggest wave ever ridden by a woman. The only piece of silverware missing from her cabinet is a World Wave Title.

Chile: A Proving Ground for Champions

The 2025 Chile World Cup marks the first 5-Star event of the season, making it a high-stakes battleground for riders looking to secure a strong start in the rankings.

Matanzas has long been regarded as one of the most reliable wave destinations on tour, delivering strong, consistent winds and powerful, long-period southern ocean waves that allow for high-performance riding. The event is a key test for both seasoned veterans and rising talents, with conditions that demand precision, power, and adaptability.

Beyond Matanzas, Chile’s coastline offers some of the best wave-riding locations in the world, with Navidad regional spots like Topocalma and La Roca continuing to attract elite riders looking to push their limits. The vibrant and passionate windsurfing community in Chile adds to the energy, making this event one of the most exciting stops on tour.

With a strong national tour and a rising junior field, Chile is one of the most exciting places to witness the new growth in the sport.

Photos by Fish Bowl Diaries

Windsurfing’s Growing Global Reach

The World Wave Tour continues to see steady global growth, with an expanding event calendar and increasing fan engagement. WWT’s digital platforms have already surpassed 4 million views before the first 5 Star event this season, underscoring the sport’s growing reach and visibility.

With more events, increasing sponsorship interest, and enhanced media production, the WWT is entering an exciting phase of development. The 2025 Chile World Cup will be a pivotal moment in shaping the trajectory of the season.

Where to Watch

Fans can experience the action live from Matanzas, with prime viewing locations at Hotel Surazo and along the coastline. For global audiences, the event will be broadcast digitally, featuring:

• Live competition streaming on the WWT YouTube Channel

• Event highlights and behind-the-scenes content on WWT social media

• Full event recaps and rider interviews across WWT digital platforms

With Roediger’s rise to the top seed, Offringa’s continued dominance, and Chile’s world-class conditions, the 2025 Chile World Cup promises to be an unforgettable season opener.

ABOUT THE WORLD WAVE TOUR

The World Wave Tour (WWT) is the premier global windsurfing tour, uniting the world’s best wave riders across 55 events on six continents. With a structured, unified ranking system, the WWT provides a clear pathway from local events to elite world-class competition.

A key force in the tour’s evolution has been the Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA) Riders’ Union and industry body, which has strengthened athlete representation and tour stability. By working alongside event organizers and industry leaders, the riders’ union and industry body has helped create a stronger, more professional competitive landscape.

The World Rolling Wave Rankings, calculated over 18 months using the men’s best four results and the women’s best three results, determine event seeding and key rider benefits at major events. The Official World Championship Rankings, however, run over a distinct 12-month season, with world champions crowned at the final event.

With the introduction of the 5-Star global pyramid, the WWT now delivers elite-level competition across iconic wave destinations, including Chile, Hawaii, Australia, Puerto Rico, Japan, Germany and the Canary Islands. The tour’s commitment to high-quality events, top-tier athlete performance, and expanded media reach continues to propel windsurfing forward, attracting new generations of fans and competitors worldwide.

Under the guidance of head judge Ziv Dori and his experienced team, the competition maintained fairness despite the challenging conditions. 

Finalists:

Men:

Eyal Shelef

Tom Reuveni

Yoav Omer

Hai Reznik

Youth:

Yoad Shaham

Neta Shafran

Yali Palti

Women:

Juliana Shelef

Tamar Steinberg

The winners will be announced at the upcoming closing party—details to follow soon.

This year's event was a collaborative effort involving the Haifa Municipality, the Dagan brothers—Ori and Arnon—and Moran Tapiro, manager of the "Just Surf" community. Their combined dedication ensured a memorable experience for both participants and spectators.

The newly established Gesher Allenby Surf Club showcased fantastic facilities, solidifying its status as one of the world's premier windsurfing venues.

Will last year's event champions - Lina Erpenstein (Severne Windsurfing) and Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) - be able to defend their crowns or will one of a plethora of suitors take their place?

With just a couple of days to go before the offical holding period begins, here's a little something to whet your appetitive @ https://youtu.be/5bR98oirLa4?si=pkcJhJfRonmqW9QH

After the qualifiers, the 20 best sailors in Israel—the Kings of the Storms—have advanced to the main competition this Thursday!

Check out the names:

Israel’s Olympic sailors:

Shahar Zubari

Yoav Cohen

Yoav Omer

And none other than gold medalist Tom Reuveni

And of course, past Storm Rider champions:

Eyal Shelef

Arnon Dagan (Future Fly)

These legends are all past Storm Rider champions and have what it takes to win again!

A big disappointment:

The reigning Storm Rider champion, Tomer Shamgar, has suffered a leg injury and will have to miss the competition.

Huge jumps and wave riding—that’s the name of the game!

Head judge Ziv Dori will give the opening signal at 9:00 AM (subject to conditions).

The competition is open to the public

📍 Location: The new and stunning surf club "Gesher Allenby" at Bat Galim Beach.
📡 Live broadcast on the competition’s Youtube Channel
www.youtube.com/@StormRiderhaifa

The best sailing photographers in Israel and the world, Uri Magnus and Giora Koren, are cleaning their lenses.

🔊 Turn up the volume for Arnon Dagan’s new song, "Storm Rider", and get into the vibe—see you on Thursday!

🎵 Listen here
https://youtu.be/qXsx4MCw7Zg

A huge thank you to our event sponsors:
Haifa Municipality
Subaru Strauss & son
Freegull Sea Sports
Rosen & Meents
Rosen Insurance Giant—Aryeh Rosen
Yamit Sea Sports
Natan Home Care & Rehabilitation Services
Soho Furniture & Lighting Design

Special thanks to our partners for their support and assistance:
Haifa Sailing Club
Ocean Nation
World Wave Tour
PWA World Tour Windsurfing

Production:
Wave Energy
Future Fly Boards
JustSurf

With light winds and crystal clear waves breaking fast over the shallow reefs, the final day delivered high-performance wave riding at its best, as competitors pushed their limits in a quest for glory. 

None fought harder than Bernd Roediger (Flikka/ Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins), who mounted a stunning comeback from the Round 4 Redemption Round to claim victory in the Pro Men’s division.

PRO MEN’S: BERND ROEDIGER’S REDEMPTION STORY ENDS IN TRIUMPH

Hawaiian Bernd Roediger delivered one of the most impressive performances this year, storming back from the Round 4 Redemption Round to win the event, proving his resilience, adaptability, and elite skill set.

Roediger scored a total of 16.03 in the final, edging out Takara Ishii (Goya Windsurfing) (14.67), Vincent Beauvarlet (13.43), and Federico Morisio (Starboard / Severne Sails) (6.93). His ability to read the waves, execute flawless turns, and unleash critical manoeuvres under pressure solidified his status as one of the best wave riders on the planet.

PRO WOMEN’S: MARIA ANDRÉS DOMINATES FINAL

In the Pro Women’s division, Maria Andrés (Duotone Windsurfing) was in dominant form, putting together a total score of 10.63 points to take the win. Andrés showcased strong wave selection and precision execution, proving she is a force to be reckoned with on the world tour.

MASTER’S: VINCENT BEAUVARLET CLAIMS VICTORY

French rider Vincent Beauvarlet took home the Master’s division title, earning a total score of 14.94 to defeat Charlie Rovira (11.27), Nelson Perez (8.30), and Jose Pla (7.24) in the final. Beauvarlet’s combination of powerful turns and seamless flow gave him the edge in a highly competitive final.

GRAND MASTERS: NELSON PEREZ SECURES THE WIN

In the Grand Master’s division, Nelson Perez emerged victorious with a score of 7.30, defeating Michael Friedl (Goya Windsurfing) (5.60) and Francisco Jaume. Perez’s local knowledge and smooth wave riding made the difference, securing him the title in front of an enthusiastic Puerto Rican crowd.

A LANDMARK EVENT FOR THE UNIFIED PWA IWT WORLD WAVE TOUR

The Puerto Rico Windsurf World Cup was a resounding success, showcasing the best wave riders from around the world and confirming Puerto Rico’s status as a premier wave sailing destination.

With over 55 events across six continents, the PWA IWT World Wave Tour is expanding rapidly, ushering in what appears to be a new Golden Age of Windsurfing. The tour continues to elevate the sport, attracting elite talent, passionate local riders, and a growing global audience.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the Puerto Rico World Cup now in the books, the focus shifts to the next stops on the WWT calendar, where riders will continue their quest for ranking points and championship titles. Next stop: Chile 5-Star World Cup, March 24th-April 6th.

Stay tuned for more world-class wave sailing action as the tour moves forward!

Big Upset As Reigning World Champion Mike Friedl Falls Short

The biggest story of the day was the shock elimination of reigning Masters World Champion, Mike Friedl (Spain). Despite his elite wave-riding skills, Friedl was unable to find the best waves in his heat, narrowly missing out on a spot in the Final. The loss highlights the incredibly high level of competition in the Masters Division, where even the world’s best are tested to their limits.

Guadeloupe’s Vincent Beauvarlet Dominates

One of the standout performances of the day came from Vincent Beauvarlet (Guadeloupe), who locked in the highest semifinal score of 7.94. His exceptional wave selection and effortless style made him the one to watch as he advanced confidently into the Final.

Masters Finalists Ready for the Ultimate Showdown

The Masters Final lineup is now set, featuring a stacked field of elite riders:

• Nelson Perez (Puerto Rico) – Local talent thriving in home conditions, bringing flow and style.

• Vincent Beauvarlet (Guadeloupe) – The highest-scoring semifinalist, blending power and precision.

• Jose Pla (Puerto Rico) – A tactical and consistent competitor, eager to claim the title.

• Charlie Rovira (Puerto Rico) – A strong, determined rider with the skills to shake up the final.

With small playful waves, perfect trade winds, and a world-class field, the Masters Final promises to be an unforgettable battle set in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet. The competition may be fierce, but every rider is soaking in the paradise that is Vega Baja—where the ocean is warm, the wind is perfect, and the Masters put on a show.

Next possible day looks like Tuesday March 4th and probably at Shacks beach if the forecast holds. Stay tuned.

This 4-Star event, part of the unified PWA IWT World Wave Tour, carries 60% world ranking points, making it a crucial stop for athletes chasing the world title.

With light winds and clean waves, conditions demanded precision, skill, and strategy, pushing competitors to their limits. Both international superstars and rising local talents put on an electrifying display, setting the stage for a thrilling battle as the event progresses.

PRO MEN: Challengers Rise, Top Seeds Enter the Battle

The day began with two intense Round 1 Challenger heats, where hopefuls fought for a direct path to Round 3 Seeding, where they would meet the world’s top-ranked athletes.

Heat 1: Philip Newmarch put on a dominant performance to take the win over Luis Santiago, Nelson Perez, and Igor Mazza.

Heat 2: Michael Friedl (Goya Windsurfing) secured his spot in Round 3, holding off Jean Seb Lavocat and Benjamin Perez.

The remaining athletes moved to Round 2 Redemption, where the top two finishers— and Michael Friedl—secured a second chance in the Seeding Round (Round 3).

When Round 3 kicked off, the world’s best riders joined the mix, delivering explosive performances.

Antoine Martin (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing), Federico Morisio (Starboard / Severne Sails), Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails), and Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins) proved their status as top-ranked riders, winning their heats and advancing directly to the R5 Quarterfinals.

Jean Seb Lavocat (Saint Martin) and Charlie Rovira (Puerto Rico) made big statements, securing their places in the quarterfinals with powerful performances.

One of the biggest shocks of the day was Hawaiian standout Bernd Roediger (Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins) falling short of direct qualification, but with Round 4 Redemption still ahead, he and other contenders will have one last shot at the quarterfinals.

PRO WOMEN: Wind Holds Off, Heats Rescheduled

The Women’s Pro Division attempted to run twice today, but shifting winds forced organizers to cancel both heats. Tomorrow’s forecast looks promising, with the women’s heats set to take priority.

Looking Ahead: More Drama Unfolds Tomorrow

As the Puerto Rico 4-Star World Cup continues, the competition heats up. Tomorrow, Round 4 Redemption will see riders battling for a last chance at the Quarterfinals (Round 5), where the road to the podium gets even tougher.

With Puerto Rico’s legendary waves providing the ultimate test of skill, expect high drama, big performances, and intense rivalries as we edge closer to crowning a champion.

With a forecast of dreamy Caribbean trade winds, palm trees, and azure waves on the horizon, competition officials have confirmed that the Pro Men and Women’s divisions will launch tomorrow, setting the stage for an action-packed start to the event.

In the Pro Men’s division, a stacked lineup of elite athletes will battle it out in the powerful waves of Vega Baja. Bernd Roediger (Flikka / Hot Sails Maui / Black Project Fins) (USA) (Seed #2), Morgan Noireaux (JP / NeilPryde / Black Project Fins) (USA) (Seed #5), Marc Paré Rico (Simmer / Simmer Sails) (Spain) (Seed #6), and Antoine Martin (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) (France) (Seed #7) lead the field, with top challengers like Takara Ishii (Goya Windsurfing) (Japan) (#13), Federico Morisio (Starboard / Severne Sails) (Italy) (#20), and Russ Faurot (USA) (#31) looking to shake up the leaderboard.

The draw also includes rising talents such as Michael Rene Friedl Morales (Goya Windsurfing) (Spain) (#40), Vincent Beauvarlet (France) (#78), Charlie Rovira (#83), and Felix Bermudez (Puerto Rico) (#87), each hungry to make their mark on the global stage.

The Pro Women’s division will also see fierce competition, with confirmed athletes including Coco Foveau (France) (#5), Maria Andrés (Duotone Windsurfing) (Spain) (#11), Denise Blondet (Peru) (#48), and Kaelyn Holmes (Puerto Rico) (rookie unranked), all set to test their skills in the world-class conditions of Puerto Rico.

Event organizers anticipate beautiful conditions, with the famous waves of Shacks and Vega Baja expected to deliver the kind of high-performance action that makes this stop a highlight of the WWT calendar.

Spectators can catch all the action live on-site or follow the event via LiveHeats.com, where heat draws, results, and live scoring will be available. Stay tuned as the Puerto Rico World Cup kicks off tomorrow – bringing world-class wave riding to the Caribbean!

Tim van Dam Sanchidrián on joining Bruch Boards and Sails: “Dany and I go way back—he helped me get my first sponsor at 13 and sailed with me in my first session at El Cabezo. I’m grateful for that, and now, joining the team with both sails and boards was a no-brainer. The gear feels amazing, and I couldn't be more motivated to take on this new adventure and push my limits in the coming seasons. I’m excited to work with Dany, my new teammate Alessio [Stillrich], and the whole team to make this brand and product even better!"

You can see Morgan Noireaux's latest edit @ https://youtu.be/4DCdNpk1nwQ?si=rJm4DhzatNniaR2x

Brazilian 4x Wave World Champion Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) dominated the Men’s Final to take the crown in Japan on finals day with flawless double forward loops and a dazzling display of radical riding. Despite being up against 2 x Aloha Champion Antoine Martin (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) and Japan’s number one champion, young Takara Ishii (Goya Windsurfing), the reigning world champion took the early lead and never looked back.

A dominant performance left the battle for second between the French veteran and the local young Japanese hero. These two exchanged the ‘lead’ several times during the extended special 30 minute final, but in the end 15 year tour veteran Martin claimed the silver with Takara having to settle for bronze.

Young Takara put up one hell of a fight in front of his home crowd. In one radical double forward attempt he crashed badly and emerged with a smashed front tooth. He didn’t let that slow him down as he poured out his energy striving to win with everything he had. Putting his body on the line for national pride he left nothing on the water and can hold his head high. Proud that as the hero of Japan he pushed his limits to the max for national pride. The home town Omaezaki crowd loved it. And his parents drove him straight to the dentist after the awards ceremony!

The #2 seed for the event Antoine Martin (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) from Guadeloupe and France was in a terrible position with 5 points of a potential 40 with only 2 minutes to go. Here’s how he describes his remarkable comeback from that near elimination,

“I thought I was ready to just give up because there was only two minutes left and I had had a truly terrible heat. I had zero jumps and only wave and I was in deep trouble!”

“While I was going back to the beach I was on a wave and I tried a goiter and I made it and I thought, huh, maybe I could still do this! Haha!”

Antoine went on to make the 3 man final with #1 seed Brazilian Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) and Japan’s Takara Ishii.

Along the way we were all dazzled by tour rookie Jahdan Tyger (Starboard / Severne Sails) from Brazil who fought his was through from round one with the challengers and made it all the way to =5th in his rookie pro event! Watch this kid as a future 5 star rider.

The Men’s final went on hold as the wind dropped out at sunset so we’re holding the final next chance we get with possible great conditions either Thursday or Saturday.

Tune in!

Photo Credit: Harimoto Akihiko

Japan’s most successful windsurfer of all time Motoko Sato (Severne Windsurfing) also shone brightly on day 1. After many heats in the wild Omaezaki wind she once again came out on top. Powerful top turns, perfect high radical rotation jumps, and a determined and fearless approach saw her take the crown.

Second in the Women’s Final was young Natsuki Wakasa, followed by Chieko Tagai, both powerful Japanese performers. The all Japan final excited the Japanese crowd on the beach. They cheered wildy for their champions.

Brazilian 4 x World Champion Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) dominated his first heat to post the highest heat total of the day and set the tone for a year where he’s clearly determined to win another world title.

The legends weren’t the only ones to shine. Young Brazilian rider Jahdan Tyger (Starboard / Severne Windsurfing) has returned to the World Wave Tour after two years of injury setbacks and he made some noise. Finally in top physical shape he’s booked his ticket to travel the tour this year with a plan to attend the 4 star events and work his way up the rankings.

Right now, he’s in his first event returning to the tour, he has no current or rolling ranking to help him, so he had to start in round one with the Challengers and fight his way through to meet the advance seed riders and the big names of the sport.

He could have buckled under that pressure, but he didn’t. He blasted his way to the top of every heat with a dazzling display of huge jumps and radical rotations. Years of sailing at his home spot in Jericoacoara, Brazil where starboard jumping conditions are perfect, has crafted his skill. The kid can jump.

After he made it into the main bracket to meet the advance seeds there was a question about how he may handle the World Class standard. Instead of being intimidated he schooled the legendary Antoine Martin (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing) to take the heat win and relegate Antoine to second place in the seeding round. Antoine is fine, still advancing to round 6, but the crowd has seen a new young star make his claim, and it was frankly exhilarating.

Today was all about the Challengers and the mighty Women. Tomorrow will be all about men and we’ll crown more champions just before sunset.

The forecast is for more incredible conditions with a lot of strong wind and perfect sun glistening wave ramps to launch our heroes into the sky. Expect giant jumps, ultra radical rotations and high drama here in Japan.

Photo Credit: Harimoto Akihiko
 

Katrine brings a lifetime of experience within our sport and over a decade of leadership experience organising world-class events, including several successful PWA World Cup events. Her extensive skillset, fresh energy, and deep passion for windsurfing and the environment make her the perfect fit to help us continue to grow and innovate our association and the sport around the world.

As Katrine steps into this role, her vision will focus on enhancing the quality and professionalism of our events while driving growth in participation and engagement within the global windsurfing community. She is excited to collaborate closely with our members, crew, sponsors, organisers, and partners to elevate windsurfing to new heights.

Here is a short message from Katrine:

“I am thrilled to join the PWA team as the Tour and Event Manager. I look forward to working with all of our members, crew, organisers and the worldwide windsurfing community."

We want to take this moment to express our gratitude to the voluntary management board, which has worked tirelessly during this transition period. Their dedication has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of the PWA while paving the way for this next chapter.

We are confident that Katrine’s leadership will bring a fresh perspective and new opportunities for the PWA and windsurfing, and we are excited to continue this journey together.