NoveNove Maui Aloha Classic
With yesterday seeing the conclusion of the men’s and women’s double eliminations the curtain was brought down on an epic event in fitting fashion. Morgan Noireaux (JP / Hot Sails Maui) and Iballa Moreno (Starboard / Severne / Maui Ultra Fins) both defended their Aloha Classic titles, but there were several epic comeback performances and plenty of standout moments. We caught up with a few of the sailors to gain their reaction to what has been an incredible Maui Aloha Classic sponsored by NoveNove.
Sarah-Quita Offringa completes the overall women’s wave podium for the first time in her career: “Wave is my new challenge and the goal was to finish top three this year. I just thought that would be cool. But now that I have it, I have the same feeling I had finishing 3rd in Pozo. It's great to have this mix of events of port and starboard tack and be able to sail against the best girls in the world of all these spots. It's a dream come true finishing on the podium for WAVE sailing. Unknowingly it was something I wanted badly. I get to be up there next to Daida and Iballa and that's real cool! Big, big congrats to all the ladies out there, especially charging at this event in Ho'okipa. They're all very inspiring to me. Time for some champagne!!”
Levi Siver (Quatro / Goya Windsurfing / MFC), who fought back to 3rd: “It’s been a great event tons of talent and insane action. Sailed 6 rounds in the double elimination to get into top 3 which actually was more fun because I had Ho'okipa with almost no one out for two days! Congrats to Morgan Noireaux for taking the win and Kauli Seadi for his second place you guys ripped! Also congrats to so many talented riders the sports on fire.”
Fiona Wylde (Starboard / Goya Windsurfing): “What an amazing last day and a half to the event. After losing in my first heat of the single elimination, I had a second chance in the double where I came back to win 7 heats in a row, only coming up short by a tiny margin in the final. I am so happy to have worked my way back into second place. Thanks to everyone who cheered and supported from near and afar, Congrats to all the ladies who competed - Ho’okipa has not been easy the last couple of days, so congrats all.”
Kai Lenny (Naish / MFC), who completes this year’s contest in 8th place: “This year’s Aloha Classic was incredible, I had a ton of fun competing with the best in the world and it’s motivated me to push my windsurfing to the next level. I cannot wait to put the jersey on again at Ho’okipa next year. Congrats to all the winners, you guys ripped.”
Amanda Beenen (99NoveNove / Point-7): “A 9th place here for me at the 99NoveNove Aloha Classic PWA! This concludes the year and puts me in 4th overall! I am stoked to be part of this contest another year and happy to see the girls charging! A big congrats to the winners and now it's time to train hard to get my level up so that maybe I can take that third overall for next year!”
Ingrid Larouche (Fanatic / North), sailed through the pain barrier to secure her place on the podium in Maui: “The NoveNove Maui Aloha Classic is finished! I wasn't able to hold on to my 2nd place in the double elimination but happy to finish 3rd behind awesome rippers Fiona Wylde and Iballa Moreno! Crazy to be 5th now in the overall rankings after my first year competing on this tour! What a turn of events!”
If the NoveNove Maui Aloha Classic has whet your appetite for a trip to Maui then be sure to check out Nalu Kai Lodge, who will be able to make your trip to paradise even more of a dream. Also if you make a booking with them this week and mention either PWA World Tour Windsurfing or the American Windsurfing Tour you will receive an additional 10% off your booking. Come score some epic wind and waves in the home of windsurfing. Find out more about Nalu Kai Lodge @ http://nalukailodge.com.