Messe Düsseldorf will continue its successful support for young windsurfers in the coming year. With the boot Cashback campaign, the world's largest water sports trade fair will once again cover the registration fees for young windsurfers at the California Windsurf Cup in 2026. In the past 2025 season, more than 30 youth and junior riders took part in the California Windsurf Cup, accounting for over a third of all participants. The sponsorship is aimed specifically at young athletes in the Junior U17, Youth U19 and Youth U21 categories.
"The boot Cashback campaign is the most successful junior programme in organised windsurfing in Germany," explains Matthias Regber from Choppy Water GmbH, the organiser of the California Windsurf Cup. "It motivates and supports young windsurfers to take their first steps in regatta sport. At the same time, this strengthens the competition structures in Germany in the long term." Messe Düsseldorf has been a partner of the California Windsurf Cup for several years and has made a significant contribution to the positive development of the junior scene with its financial support.
Early registration ensures support
boot Düsseldorf is providing a sponsorship budget of 3,000 euros for the cashback campaign. The funds will be allocated according to the proven "first come, first serve" principle. As the budget is limited, the organisers recommend early registration as soon as registration for the individual regattas opens. This procedure has already proven its worth in previous years and ensures fair access to funding. By taking over the registration fees, the aim is to increase the attractiveness of the top German series for young windsurfers.
Four DWC events are already on the calendar for the 2026 season, with a fifth regatta to be added at a beginner-friendly spot at the start of the season. There is also the ProAm series, which is primarily aimed at regatta newcomers.
Boat Düsseldorf 2026
The next boot Düsseldorf will take place from 17 to 25 January 2026. As the largest yacht and water sports trade fair in the world, it attracts over 200,000 visitors from 120 countries every year and presents more than 1,500 exhibitors from 67 nations in 16 exhibition halls. The heart of the surfing scene beats in Hall 17, where, in addition to the exhibitors' stands, there will once again be an XXL action pool where not only professionals will compete in various contests, but visitors to the fair will also be able to try out many fun sports!
