There could be a German wave world champion in 2025! And in this case, we're not talking about Philip Köster, but Anton Richter from Kiel, who, after his Victory in Denmark is at the top of the U21 rankings. Anton is already on his way to Maui and therefore has every chance of taking over the junior title from Liam Dunkerbeck. Dunki Junior is now too old for the U21, but last year he impressively proved with his third place in the men's competition that he is one of the best ahead of Hookipa and should not be underestimated. His surfing background will certainly also stand him in good stead.
Maui locals in the middle of the World Cup battle
The men's world championship leader after his Victory on Sylt Marc Paré. The Spaniard is in top form and finished ninth in Maui last year. His World Championship lead over Marcilio Browne is a comfortable 4,000 points, but Brawzinho is at home in Hookipa. If Browne finishes well ahead of Paré, his chances of winning his fourth world title are good. Just behind him is Philip Köster, although he is not a proven Hookipa fan and only finished 25th at the Aloha Classic.
One decisive factor for the World Championship race will be where the Maui locals finish. Bernd Roediger, Levi Siver, Kai Lenny, Morgan Noireaux - all have nothing to do with the World Championship race, but are among the absolute top favourites in Hookipa. Whether Camille Juban will also be there remains to be seen after his painful encounter with a kiter is not yet certain. If Marc Paré manages to place himself in the top group among all the locals, he has a good chance of winning the World Championship. Somewhat surprisingly, Ricardo Campello also wants to start at the Aloha Classic, he is registered and has apparently already arrived on Maui.
Who can be dangerous for Sarah-Quita Offringa?
The two world championship leaders in the women's event, Sarah-Quita Offringa and Alexia Kiefer, were able to cancel their results from Sylt. Neither made it past the semi-finals, but both retain their position in the World Championship rankings. While Offringa is taking part in Maui, Alexia has not yet appeared on the entry lists. Offringa is also the absolute favourite among some strong female waveriders such as Maria Andres, Shawna Cropas and Jane Seman. It will be exciting to see where Sylt winner Sol Degrieck ranks and whether she can still pose a threat to SQ. According to the entry list, last year's winner Sarah Hauser is not taking part this year.
While Lina Erpenstein has already finished her season, Maria Behrens is registered for the Aloha Classic. The Lübeck native was in the top group in 2023 and is much more comfortable down the line than pozo hack. Pauline Katz and Maria Schälin from Switzerland are also registered.
The forecasts for the Aloha Classic 2025 look extremely promising. Right at the start of the contest period from 13 to 24 October, a solid swell will set in, with wave periods of up to 18 seconds. The trade winds are also expected to play their part, even becoming extremely strong towards the end of the week. So it could be epic!
- All information under alohaclassic.com
Great Aloha Classic video to get you in the mood
A few weeks ago, the organisers presented a fantastic video to whet your appetite! Entitled "The Legacy Continues", it features spectacular scenes from over 40 years of the Aloha Classic. From Pete Cabrinha and Fred Haywood - whose historic picture of his lonely sailing stop between Hookipa foam rollers also adorns the poster - to Polakow and Dunkerbeck to Kai Lenny, Bernd Roediger and Sarah-Quita Offringa. There is no shortage of pathos: "Once you are Aloha Classic Champion, you remain Aloha Classic Champion forever," it says, and then later: "This is the arena of windsurfing. The legends, the newcomers, the women, the youngsters, the masters - all compete in the same conditions. From the first generation that built the sport to the new faces that are taking it forward, this event is where the story continues to be written."
