On the first day of competition at the 2026 PWA Freestyle Grand Slam in Fuerteventura, following registration, a warm-up and the obligatory group photo, the action moved straight into the freestyle single elimination. The first two rounds of the men’s competition were completed, with most riders using 4.4 or 4.8 sails. All the top riders made it through the opening rounds without any unexpected defeats. The women stayed onshore on the first day and are set to join the competition on Saturday.
The judging panel has introduced a change to the scoring system, which for many years was based on an even distribution of manoeuvres on both sides. Previously, for example, riders had to perform exactly three tricks on each bow. The new system now requires at least two manoeuvres per side, but allows up to four of the best tricks on each side to be scored. This change gives athletes greater flexibility in their tactics and enables them to better capitalise on their strengths on their preferred leg. The scores for individual manoeuvres will continue to be assessed on the basis of technical difficulty, execution and style. The modification could prove particularly advantageous in challenging wind conditions, as it allows riders to structure their runs more strategically.
Neubauer sets the standard, Caers makes uncharacteristic mistakes
Lennart Neubauer was the rider of the day and recorded the two highest heat scores. The 2024 world champion faced Primus Sorling in the first round and scored 41.78 points. His radical skopu earned him eight points, whilst a shifty was awarded 7.86 points. In the second round, Neubauer improved his score to 42.30 points against Davy Scheffers. The Dutchman put in a solid performance with 36.70 points, which would have been enough to progress in all but one of the other heats in the second round. Scheffers will get another chance in the double elimination. Neubauer displayed clinical precision, stylish confidence and power on the water. He was the only rider to break the 40-point mark yesterday.
Defending champion Yentel Caers was given a bye in the first round and had to wait until 6.15 pm for his first run. The long wait may have proved detrimental to the Belgian, who did not get off to the best start. Caers made several uncharacteristic mistakes early on on the starboard bow, which is normally his stronger side in Fuerteventura. Nevertheless, he scored 39.85 points, thereby ending George Grisley’s run. On the port side, the reigning world champion showed his usual class with a Shifty Shaka, Shifty, Pasko and Air Chachoo. In the quarter-finals, Caers will face Bodhi Kempen, who beat Youp Schmit.
Balz Müller with a new combination and a top score
Dieter Van der Eyken secured his place in the quarter-finals with victories over Maarten Molenaar and Sam Esteve. The Belgian was particularly impressive in the second round against the tough opponent Esteve. Van der Eyken will now face Neubauer in the next round. Balz Müller entertained the crowd with his usual spectacular and creative riding. In his first heat, the Swiss rider landed a new combination – a Toad into Kono – against Björn Saragoza, who was returning to the tour after a long break. In the second round, Müller faced a tough battle against Takuma Sugi. He rose to the challenge with the highest-scoring manoeuvre of the day – a massive Shifty worth 8.40 points – as well as a signature Chebongka. Müller will face Jacopo Testa in the quarter-finals.
At this point, you will find external content that complements the article. You can display and hide it with a click.
Jacopo Testa didn’t perform at his best throughout, but produced enough moments of brilliance to defeat Sebastian Gux and Tim Gerdes. Takumi Moriya also needed a bit of time to get going. The 19-year-old Japanese rider, who finished fourth last year, only just avoided a first-round defeat against Eugenio Marconi in Heat 9. In Heat 21, a close battle initially developed with Tigo Kort, but Moriya pulled clear towards the end and comfortably qualified for the quarter-finals. Steven Van Broeckhoven survived a close call against Nicolas Akgazciyan in Heat 22. Just 1.48 points separated the two riders in the end. Akgazciyan’s Shuvit Spock came immediately after the final signal and was not counted – this trick might well have reversed the result. Van Broeckhoven had previously put in a strong heat against debutant Pier Sergio Bongianni and will need to reproduce that form in the quarter-finals against Moriya.
A look ahead to the second day of competition
The weather forecast for Saturday predicts conditions similar to those on the opening day, with wind speeds of between 19 and 24 knots. If all goes to plan, results should be achieved in the single eliminations in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
All heats and results can be found at pwaworldtour.com