PWA Tour: Sausage brand sponsors World Cup - Wave X and Freestyle X to come?

EDIT: As you may have concluded when looking at the date, this of course is an April's fool. But no one would probably protest against a big sausage sponsor...

Hardly has Alberto Zschiesche presented as the new head of the PWA, the first coup of the new management has already leaked out: A major manufacturer of sausage products is to become the main sponsor of the entire World Tour. "We are delighted that the PWA Tour finally has a major partner again after many years," PWA circles say. The proceeds will primarily be used to publicise the sport and the riders in the best possible way.

According to reports, the deal also came about because the obstacle in Slalom X is often referred to as "sausage" by many riders - including PWA commentator Ben Proffitt. "What could be more obvious than to put our name on the sausage," a senior representative of the new partner is quoted as saying. Slalom X provided many spectacular scenes last season - including the sausage obstacle, which was often the centre of attention.

Wave X and Freestyle X under discussion

In light of the great success of Slalom X and in order to give the new tour sponsor the best possible stage, the PWA is also considering the introduction of Wave X and Freestyle X. The idea is to also lay out buoys and an obstacle sausage to provide excitement and drama. "You often see the riders wobbling around on the horizon for minutes during their heats, waiting for waves," a representative from the management board told surf. "Of course, that's not nice to watch, they should rather ride around the buoys and jump over the obstacle in between."

According to the concept, whoever has the most laps in their sheet at the end of the heat will receive a bonus of 10% of the points scored. In view of the often tight decisions, this could lead to completely new tactical requirements: would it be better to wait for a supposedly good wave or pull laps? In freestyle, too, the laps at the end can bring the decisive points. One insider reports that many riders are already in close contact with their equipment suppliers in order to adapt their wave and freestyle equipment to the new rules.

Customised advertising at events

The sausage company has big plans for the PWA World Cup: different products are to be advertised depending on the event and race. At the Spanish events in Pozo and on Fuerte, for example, the obstacle is to appear as a chorizo, and at junior races as a Teddy Bear poultry. At the request of the sponsor, Slalom X races will also be organised at other events. Will we see a Rostbratwurst on Sylt and a red Pølser in Hvide Sande?

While the sausage obstacle is the central motif of the campaign, numerous other formats involving professional windsurfers and the products are in preparation, including specially designed wetsuits with a sausage look for some riders. Nutrition tips, sample tastings and campaigns on social media channels are to follow, and rumour has it that some top surfers have already been chosen as testimonials. The rush is also necessary, as the season is already underway and, according to surf information, the contracts all come into force today, 1 April. Exact details are to follow - including information on which sausage company is involved.