This year’s Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival marked the 30th anniversary of PWA World Cups in Gran Canaria and there couldn’t have been a more fitting tribute with Pozo Izquierdo providing the howling winds it is known for - in excess of 50 knots on several days - plus waves every day to allow the most radical sailors in the world to produce a gravity-defying set of displays. The action 7 days long has been phenomenal with the level going through the roof.
Men’s
4-time world champion - Philip Köster - made an extremely impressive start to the season while remaining unbeaten in the opening event of the year. And while Marcilio Browne may have come to within just 0.31 of a point of forcing a Super Final. Followed by Riccardo Campello in third position. The top 10 is completed by Marc Paré Rico, Robby Swift, Dieter Van der Eyken and Dany Bruch.
Women’s
Offringa finished second while sailing better than ever and Daida admitted that she may have been feeling the pressure before the final with her. Meanwhile equals her best result here since 2016 after managing to gain one position in the double elimination, before claiming an impressive victory against reigning world champion - Iballa Moreno. The Aruban only after two, second places so far this season, the 27-year-old is firmly in contention for the title with two events to go as she is currently tied on 19,800 points with the Moreno twins.
Youth’s
The Gran Canaria Wind & Waves Festival also hosted the second stop on the Youth PWA Wave World Tour and they showed that windsurfing is in safe hands with a set of extremely impressive performances.
Miguel Chapuis sailed a superb final to claim a clearcut victory ahead of Adam Warchol, Valentino Pasquale and Jake Schettewi . Chapuis landed a sick tweaked pushloop and a one-handed backloop, while linking together a couple of solid waves to take top honours here.
Despite not being able to sail on the final today, due to injury, Alexa Escherich just held on to take the overall victory in the under 20s having won both finals yesterday. Meanwhile, Tessa van der Meer finishes second ahead of her sister Nikki van der Meer and Regina Villegas Cespedes.
MAN
1.Philip Köster
2.Marcilio Browne
3.Ricardo Campello
WOMEN
1.Daida Moreno
2.Sarah-Quita Offringa
3.Iballa Moreno
Boy’s Under 20
1.Miguel Chapuis
2.Adam Warchol
3.Valentino Pasquale
Girl’s U20
1.Alexa Escherich
2.Tessa van der Meer
3.Nikki van der Meer
Text and photos adapted from PWA.
