After the conclusion of the Main Draws yesterday, Day 7s focus at the 2026 Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup returned to the few fleets that were yet to gain a result - namely the U18 and U21 Girl’s, and the Master’s and Grand Master’s. With conditions steadily improving that gave the remaining fleets the perfect platform to shine and cap, after a slow start, a great event overall.
Sol Degrieck in a League of her Own
Belgian rider Sol Degrieck (Severne Windsurfing), who secured fourth place in yesterday’s Women's Pro fleet, entered the water with no pressure on her shoulders. At just 16, the young ripper already boasts extensive experience after competing against the world's best on the PWA World Tour for several seasons already.
Across the three heats contested in the U21 Women's division, Degrieck established a clear advantage over the rest of the field. Degrieck’s best score fittingly came in the final heat, where she earned 10 points in the wave-riding category to claim a thoroughly deserved victory. What initially appeared to be a duel with Spain's Lizzlotte Schilling (F2 / F2 Sails) took an unexpected turn when Germany's Emma Miron (F2 / F2 Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) surged into second place on the podium, followed by her compatriot Helena Dale (Severne Windsurfing) in third.
"I really enjoyed today because the conditions were fantastic, and I'm especially happy with the high score I achieved in the wave-riding section," said Degrieck shortly before the podium ceremony.
In the U18 Girl's division, Japan's Natsuki Wakasa (Goya Windsurfing) lived up to expectations by taking victory ahead of Spain's Aline Diefenbach in second place and Germany's Frida Miron (F2 / F2 Sails) in third.
Experience Makes the Difference
The Master’s fleet featured 15 competitors, alongside four Grand Master’s, including renowned names such as John Skye (PATRIK / PATRIK Sails), Ben Proffitt (Simmer / Simmer Sails) and Michael Viscovich. Once again, Pozo Izquierdo demonstrated that windsurfing is a sport where experience truly counts and where veteran riders continue to compete at the highest level.
The Master’s final produced an exciting battle as Germany's Lars Gobisch (Duotone Windsurfing) successfully defended his title against a determined Ben Proffitt. Although Proffitt posted the higher jump score, it was not enough to overcome Gobisch's clear superiority in the wave-riding discipline. Spain's Michael Friedl (Duotone Windsurfing) and John Skye also fought their own battle, eventually finishing third and fourth, respectively.
"Today I felt a great deal of responsibility because my children had already reached the podium, and I couldn't be left behind. Fortunately, I managed to win and successfully defend the title I earned last year," Gobisch said after the final.
In the Grand Masters division, Spain's Michael Friedl claimed the title.