In this way, the Fuerteventura-based professional athlete ended a perfect weekend in which she won in all three modalities (downwind, technical and long distance). From 14.12. - 17.12. the "Gran Canaria Pro-Am, be Cordial SUP Challenge" organised by Björn Dunkerbeck took place in the south of Gran Canaria - in Playa de Mogan.
In this third edition of the European Championship on Gran Canaria, the participants had to cover a distance of 18 kilometres between Playa de Mogàn and Amadores. A race with challenging conditions, such as gusty winds and waves, which made the competition even more difficult.
Hönscheid, with a 14-foot board, managed to take the lead in the first few kilometres and completed the course in 2 hours and 19 minutes, 6 minutes ahead of her direct pursuer, the German Moritz Mauch, who competed with a 12.6-foot board. Third place in the Open category was secured by Hawaii-based Tristan Boxford, who is also a board member of the Association of Professional Paddle Surfers (APP).
Moritz Mauch won first place in the men's European Championship in the category for board lengths up to 12.6 feet. In doing so, he confirmed the title he also won the previous year.
There were also long distance races for children, juniors and amateurs, each with an adapted course length. Amateurs and kids came from Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria to demonstrate their skills on the SUP board. Events with these formats are important to secure the future of stand-up paddleboarding.
The third edition of the "Gran Canaria Pro-Am, be Cordial SUP Challenge" in Playa de Mogán proved once again how spectacular the conditions are that the municipality of Mogan and the coast of Gran Canaria offer for practising water sports in December. Few places in the world offer these sporting opportunities in the middle of winter.
With more than 100 registered participants and a significant line-up of international riders, the SUP European Championships have concluded another successful edition. Organiser and 42-time windsurfing world champion Björn Dunkerbeck is already planning the fourth edition with the aim of continuing to grow in the coming years.
During the three days of the event, fans were able to try out stand-up paddleboarding for free on the beach of Playa de Mogán with the help of trained instructors from Björn Dunkerbeck's surf schools. Dozens of people took advantage of this opportunity to try out one of the fastest growing sports in Europe. Everyone agreed that it was a fun and easy way to start surfing.
Without a doubt, the image of sun, beach and surfboards in the water was more typical of summer than the last few weeks of the year.
Winner open ladies: 1st Sonni Hönscheid (2h 19min 43sec) 2nd Esperanza Barreras (2h 49min 07sec) 3rd Barbara Bellavila (3h 27min 44sec)
Winner Open Men: 1st Moritz Mauch (2h 25min 49sec) 2nd Tristan Boxford (2h 27min 24 sec) 3rd Carsten Kurmis (2h 46min 37 sec)
Winner overall/fastest time: Sonni Hönscheid
