In January, some of the world's best freestyle windsurfers will meet in Hall 17 of boot Düsseldorf to showcase their skills on the 62 metre long XXL pool. The high-calibre field of participants promises top sporting performances and a show that will thrill the audience. At its premiere in 2025, the contest already generated enthusiasm among visitors and participants alike. The special atmosphere of the hall and the close proximity to the athletes creates an experience that is not possible in normal competition on the water.
Star-studded field of participants
Lennart Neubauer, the 2024 Freestyle World Champion and overall FPT winner in 2025, will lead the field. The exceptional 21-year-old athlete already won the title in Düsseldorf in 2025 and is now travelling back from Greece to repeat his success. "It's cool that the contest is being held in Düsseldorf again. It was incredible fun last year and the atmosphere in the hall was great," says Neubauer. The young world champion emphasises the importance of such events for the sport: "The fact that boot offers our sport such a stage is important. Only with this kind of attention can we get more people interested in water sports and windsurfing!"
The fact that boot offers our sport such a stage is important!" (Lennart Neubauer)
The reigning 2025 Freestyle World Champion, Yentel Caers, will also be competing in Düsseldorf. He will be joined by other top international athletes, including Bodhi Kempen, Foivos Tsoupras and Germany's top freestyler Niclas Nebelung. Five-time European champion Steven Van Broeckhoven, whose experience makes him one of the favourites, is also worthy of particular attention. The strong men's field is completed by Tigo Kort. All participants are already familiar with the special conditions of the XXL pool from last year and are among the veterans of the tow-in format.
Strong women on the water
Last year's winner Maaike Huvermann leads the women's field. The Dutchwoman already prevailed in Düsseldorf in 2025 and wants to defend her victory. "The pool presents us with different technical challenges than the open water, but that's exactly why I love the tow-in at boot. The atmosphere is incredible and I'm looking forward to putting on another great show in Düsseldorf," explains Huvermann. The multiple World Championship runner-up knows exactly what is important in the indoor format and is the clear favourite.
The atmosphere is incredible and I'm looking forward to putting on another great show in Düsseldorf!" (Maaike Huvermann)
Alongside Huvermann, Elena Dominick from Kiel and boat newcomer Živa Batis from Slovenia will be at the start. Both will try to break the dominance of the Dutchwoman and cause surprises. For Batis in particular, performing in the exhibition hall is a new experience, while Dominick, as a German participant, can certainly count on the support of her home crowd.
Dunkerbeck and Köster are also there
Visitors can also look forward to prominent names away from the pool. The 42-time world champion Björn Dunkerbeck will make several appearances on the surf stage and share his extensive knowledge with the audience. The windsurfing legend will also be supporting the VDWS Surf Academy from 17 to 21 January 2026, giving beginners helpful tips on how to get started on the board on the simulator.
Another highlight is the visit of five-time wave world champion Philip Köster, who is travelling all the way from Gran Canaria to boot Düsseldorf - shortly before he wants to defend his victory from last year at the Severne Margaret River Wave Classic 2026 in Australia.
Diverse competition programme
In addition to the FPT Indoor Tow-In-Freestyle contest, five other world-class competitions with international surf stars will take place. The pump-foilers will compete in Düsseldorf at the tour stop of the "SFT Surf Foil World Tour - boot Düsseldorf 2026" on 17 and 18 January 2026, while the wing-foilers will take to the water at the "GWA Indoor Wingfoil World Cup - boot Düsseldorf 2026", also on 17 and 18 January 2026.
For the wakeboarders, it's all about victory at the "Pooltastic Wakeboard Masters - boot Düsseldorf 2026" from 23 to 25 January 2026. The pros of the SUP and skimboard scene will take to the water at the "EuroTour SUP Indoor World Cup - boot Düsseldorf 2026" on 24 and 25 January 2026 and the "European Skimboard Masters - boot Düsseldorf 2026" on 18 January 2026.
Supporting programme and festival atmosphere
boot Düsseldorf not only offers a full programme during the day, but also creates a great atmosphere after the trade fair closes. At the soft closing, exhibitors, riders and visitors come together to round off the day with after-work drinks and chats in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you want to enjoy the all-round trade fair feeling, you can find a temporary home in the Surf Festival Camp on P1 (Caravan Centre) directly on the exhibition grounds at a special price of just EUR 25 per night (plus EUR 3 city tax per night). The price includes a shuttle service to the exhibition centre, which makes your visit particularly convenient. The camp offers the perfect opportunity to socialise with like-minded people and experience the special festival atmosphere.
The wake-up warm-up with Sascha Lang ensures an energising start to the day. The festival tent also offers food and drink at fair prices - both in the morning and in the evening!
