Maui Aloha Classic

The 2018 Aloha Classic has been running since the 28th October and concludes tomorrow and by the looks of it, the conditions have been firing with the Iconic Ho’okipa Beach Park not disappointing.

This year’s Aloha Classic acted as a Qualifier for the PWA World Tour - run by the International Windsurfing Tour (IWT) - which was eventually won by Camille Juban (Quatro / Simmer Sails), while the Women’s contest was won by Sarah Hauser (Tabou / Simmer Sails). However, as well as acting as a Qualifier the Aloha Classic also hosted the final stage of the Youth PWA Wave World Tour and they once again showed that windsurfing is in safe hands with an incredible set of performances.

U20s

In the U20s division Jake Schettewi (JP / Hot Sails Maui) dominated the final with his rail game. On his best wave, he produced 4 powerful varied hits blowing the fins with a 12 o'clock vertical approach, gauging the open face and throwing buckets to take the coveted top spot. 

It was then a close call for second place, between Japanese riders - Takara Ishii (RRD / RRD Sails) and Takuma Sugi (Tabou / GA Sails) with both boy’s knowing Ho’okipa well and snapping critical turns before lining up for their aerials down the line on the end bowl. However, Ishii did just enough to secure 2nd place with Sugi completing the podium ahead of Nicolo Spanu.

U17s 

Having competed in the U20s Final Takuma Sugi then dominated the U17s final as he again showed great reading of the wave to throw more aerials and turns. Spanu, his closest opponent, also went to the air and was able to back up those aerials with some nice turns to take second place ahead of Luc Guidroz  and Z Schettewi.

Next week we'll take a look at what that does to the overall Youth rankings. Congratulations to all.

All Images: Si Crowther