The Ummaii Surfstation on Rügen was the meeting point for the freestyle scene at the weekend. After the "Go!" for the Island Games Rügen, the conditions on Sunday offered perfect conditions for an entertaining contest.
Saturday started sunny, but the wind was rather restrained. Only three heats could be completed before the conditions were no longer favourable. Instead of freestyle, a relaxed "just-for-fun" race was spontaneously started, with fun taking centre stage. In the evening, the special spirit of the Island Games was evident: participants and spectators sat together over a barbecue and sunset, and new faces were warmly welcomed into the community. With Theo from the Czech Republic, Stephan from Oldenburg, Sebastian from Kiel and Tim from Berlin, the event was delighted to welcome four new riders to the line-up. At some point, some of the freestylers took to the water for a night session - a clip of which will follow soon!
Wind turns up - freestyle action at its best
Sunday made up for everything: the wind picked up considerably, with gusts of up to 36 knots providing plenty of pressure in the sails. The riders used sail sizes between 3.6 and 4.4 square metres - perfect conditions for a complete double elimination. Stephan Fitze in particular made impressive use of the conditions and worked his way to the front with strong runs. He beat Thies Romig, Theo Kriz and Sebastian Buder, among others, and was only narrowly beaten by Mathias Genkel.
In the end, Markus Marsand deservedly came out on top of the overall standings, followed by Mathias Genkel and Stephan Fitze. The B classification, traditionally for all riders who are still fine-tuning their airjibes and spocks, also brought excitement: Swantje Romig dominated ahead of Fiona Jendrzi and Tim Julier.
Thanks to the perfect weather, the campsite was packed and the dyke along the surf station became a hotspot for spectators. Between the smell of barbecues, the sound of the wind and enthusiastic applause, the Island Games on Ummanz once again demonstrated what makes them special: a passionate, open and cross-generational windsurfing community. The Island Games will be back on Stand By from September, and if the conditions on Rügen are good, there could be another edition this year!
Results Island Games Rügen 2025
- Markus Marsand
- Mathias Genkel
- Stephan Fitze
- Theo Kriz
- Sebastian Buder
- Thies Romig
- Philipp Grzybowski/Swantje Romig
- Benjamin Clausius
- Fiona Jendrzi
- Tim Julier
B classification
- Swantje Romig
- Fiona Jendrzi
- Tim Julier
