Citroën Windsurf World Cup Sylt: The favourites for the World Cup Sylt 2025 - tips from the surf editors
SURF Redaktion
· 19.09.2025
The Citroën Windsurf World Cup on Sylt is and remains the measure of all things on the PWA World Tour. It is the only event that has the status of a Super Grand Slam with seven stars. This means that not only are three disciplines held on Brandenburg Beach, but the highest prize money on the tour is also paid out. Women and men will be competing in the supreme discipline of wave riding, while unfortunately only the men will be competing in the foil slalom at short notice. In freestyle, only the men will trick off Sylt, where the 2025 World Champion will be crowned at the end of the event. For the waver and foil slalom pros, there are still the final events on Maui and in Japan respectively.
The Citroën Windsurf World Cup in Westerland starts on Friday, 26 September 2025 with the marching in of the nations on the promenade and the subsequent opening ceremony in the Kurmuschel. And then, if the wind plays ball, it's time to get started. The programme of three different disciplines is challenging, but also offers action in (almost) any wind. Even in a light breeze, riders can race around the buoys in the foil slalom. This provides the opportunity for exciting races, especially in easterly winds. More wind but no waves? Then the freestylers can work their magic on the water.
Excitement on the water, party on land
One thing is already clear: it will be nerve-wracking and emotional. Because the world champion will be crowned on Sylt, and with only two freestyle tour stops, every move on the water can make the difference between triumph and drama. Everything has to be right for the supreme discipline of wave. A strong wind, preferably from the south to south-west, and waves to match, that's what everyone wants - participants and spectators alike. But we have to take what the North Sea offers us, and that can sometimes be very uncomfortable and unpredictable conditions. The past has shown that it is precisely in these conditions that the experienced professionals are able to impress and the highly motivated youngsters have to pay a high price. Great emotions are also guaranteed here.
In addition to the action on the water, the World Cup also has plenty of entertainment to offer on land. In addition to the event's sponsors and partners, numerous food and drink stands with a wide range of products will be set up on the promenade. Main sponsor Citroën will be showcasing its latest models and offering test drives on the island. Of course, surf Magazine will also be back at the World Cup with a stand directly above the paddock on the beach. Come and visit us, you'll meet the editors as well as one or two pros for a relaxed chat. The party tent slowly fills up at 6 p.m. - there's no need to say anything else about the legendary Sylt nights.
Here at surf-magazin.de we report live from the World Cup every day!
Wave Men: Browne and Paré parie
You won't find anyone among the wave worldcuppers who would name Sylt as their favourite spot. The conditions are too unpredictable and luck often plays a role in the outcome. What counts on Brandenburg beach is experience. The two tied leaders in the PWA/IWT rankings have already won on Sylt. Marc Paré is the defending champion on Sylt and Marcilio Browne is coming to Sylt as the reigning world champion, where he reached the final in 2024. Philip Köster currently occupies third place in the rankings. Julian Salmonn is a second German (who lives in the Canary Islands) in the top ten. However, the world championship will definitely not be decided on Sylt. That will only be decided at the waver season finale in Hookipa on Maui.
Wave Ladies: Sarah-Quita Offringa on course
The women's world championship in the wave discipline will also not be decided until October at the Aloha Classic on Maui. But Sarah-Quita Offringa has a good chance of winning the next title. However, German-Spanish rider Alexia Kiefer Quintana is breathing down her neck. The 20-year-old was on the podium at all five-star events in 2025. Both surfers are also among the favourites on Sylt. But Lina Erpenstein and Maria Behrens will certainly also be in contention for victory. Behrens sensationally made it to the final on Sylt in 2023, and Lina Erpenstein is hoping to finally be able to go full throttle again after her foot injury. The 15-year-old Belgian Sol Degrieck could be good for a surprise.
Foil slalom men: battle of the giants
Three events are on the tour calendar for the slalom foilers this year: Guadeloupe, Sylt and Japan. After the first cup, Matteo Iachino leads ahead of Pierre Mortefon and Alexandre Cousin. However, Jordy Vonk, Amado Vrieswijk and Maciek Rutkowski are also likely to play a role in the title race. Last year's winner off Sylt was the Dane Johan Søe, who did not compete in Guadeloupe in 2025. If he takes to the water on Sylt, "The Beast" will definitely be one of the favourites to win the event.
Freestyle men: Exciting title fight
The women have already crowned their world champion, Sarah-Quita Offringa, at the only women's freestyle World Cup on Fuerteventura. The men have at least a second event for the ranking on Sylt. Fuerte winner Yentel Caers knows how to win on Sylt and is therefore likely to be the favourite going into the title race. The reigning world champion Lennart Neubauer had to settle for fifth place on Fuerte due to injury, making it difficult to defend his title. However, he is definitely in contention to win the event on Sylt. But former champion Steven van Broeckhoven and Italian Jacopo Testa also want to have a say in both the event victory and the title.
