Chile preview: The first major World Cup of the season is just around the corner

Tomorrow is the day: the Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup will be the first 5-star event to kick off the 2025 wave season. After the great conditions last year, which according to Head Judge Boujmaa Guillou led to "one of the best contests ever", athletes and fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming action in Chile. Can the defending champions Lina Erpenstein and Camille Juban repeat their successes or will new champions be crowned?

Looking back at 2024: Epic conditions and new winners

The Chile World Cup 2024 went down as one of the best competitions in the history of the wave discipline. Pole-high sets with fast, hollow-breaking sections challenged the participants and offered spectacular down-the-line rides, including gritty aerials. In a thrilling women's final, Lina Erpenstein prevailed against Alexia Kiefer Quintana. "I was just in survival mode," recalls Lina Erpenstein of her first victory at a World Cup event. Camille Juban dominated the men's final with an outstanding performance. His radical style on the biggest waves of the day earned him a well-deserved victory.

Preview 2025: Who are the favourites?

All the top riders are highly motivated for this year's Chile World Cup. Defending champion Lina Erpenstein is travelling with a lot of self-confidence: "I feel well prepared and am looking forward to the challenge." Alexia Kiefer Quintana, last year's runner-up, has also been training intensively: "The waves were really big, but you just need confidence," says the young athlete, explaining her approach. In the men's event, Camille Juban wants to defend his title, but will have to fend off strong competition. Morgan Noireaux, who came second last year and won the Mega-360s is optimistic: "I feel really good and have set myself the goal of finishing on the podium again." Other favourites include the reigning world champion Marcilio Browne, Philip Köster and Julian Salmonn, who has also trained hard this winter and can show off his strengths particularly in down-the-line conditions with wind from the left.

Matanzas: Oblique onshore wind and powerful waves

The Matanzas venue has established itself as one of the best wave spots in the world. The combination of constant wind and big, powerful waves offers ideal conditions for spectacular rides and manoeuvres. "These were some of the best conditions we've ever had for an event," enthuses Morgan Noireaux. The athletes particularly appreciate the versatility of the spot, which enables both technical riding and massive aerials. The Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup 2025 promises to fulfil the high expectations. If the forecast plays ball, there should once again be top-class action. The event's long, 14-day window offers plenty of leeway and high chances of good conditions.

Highly motivated riders

Over the last few days, the organiser has asked a few riders for a short interview to find out what the mood is like just before the first big event of the year:

Pauline Katzwho shone with consistent results last year, is particularly looking forward to the World Cup in Chile: "As there was so little wind at home in Gran Canaria, I decided to travel to Chile earlier. Last year, my consistency gave me a lot of confidence. I hope that I can finally make it onto the podium this year. Anything is possible in Chile!"

Takuma, Sugi, who has also been preparing for the first 5-star event of the season on site for a few days now, explains: "I'm ready! The winter training in Omaezaki has helped me to improve my skills and now I'm looking forward to finally surfing in Chile with wind from the left. I want to be right at the front!"

Also Fin Mellon from Ireland, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the main event last year, is determined to progress this year: "I love it here in Chile and have fine-tuned my setup to be able to surf the waves of Matanzas optimally. I want to improve my performance and hope to make it through to the final rounds."

The young up-and-coming driver Lisa Wermeister reports on her winter preparation in Guadeloupe: "I feel ready! After intensive training with perfect conditions in Guadeloupe and a few competitions, I'm full of confidence for the season. The conditions here in Chile are exactly what I like."

For Marc Paréwho was unable to take part last year due to injury, this event means a lot to him: "Chile is my favourite spot. I'm looking forward to competing here again and doing my best."

Supporting programme and transmission

In addition to the professional categories, there will also be competitions in the masters, junior and amateur classes. Fans can follow the competition live on the IWT YouTube channel. In addition, regular updates will be provided on the social media channels @world_wave_tour and @pwaworldtour. For all those who want to be there, the organiser promises an extensive supporting programme that will allow them to experience the fascination of windsurfing up close.