PWA/WWT World Cup: Intense day of competition at the Aloha Classic, tension in the title race increases
SURF Redaktion
· 16.10.2025
Perfect trade wind conditions prevailed on the second day of the Aloha Classics in Ho'okipa on Maui. The prestigious 5-star competition delivered a long, intense day of competition with exciting heats in the men's and women's categories. While the men made it through to the quarter-finals and the top eight have been decided for the final day, the women also started the competition with their first rounds. The world titles will be awarded on the upcoming final day (tonight, Central European Time), which will be broadcast live on the World Wave Tour.
Semi-finalists have been confirmed
The men completed a true competition marathon on the second day of the Aloha Classic and worked their way from round five (Redemption Round) through the last 24 to the quarter-finals. Now only the top eight riders remain, with just three heats to go before the Aloha Classic and the 2025 Wave World Championship are decided. In the increasingly better conditions, both former champions and up-and-coming stars showed impressive wave riding. Bernd Roediger, Marcilio Browne, Ricardo Campello and Antoine Martin secured their places for the final day, as did Morgan Noireaux, Takuma Sugi, Marc Paré Rico and Robby Swift.
The biggest surprise is certainly Ricardo Campello, who travelled to Maui spontaneously and entered the event without any real sponsors. Campello had already caused a stir beforehand when he posted the best heat score of the event so far, putting even style master Bernd Roediger in the shade. However, Roediger also continued to impress with his fluid lines and powerful manoeuvres and secured himself a place in the semi-finals. Marcilio Browne also impressed with his precision, while Marc Paré Rico shone with explosive aerials. These performances make it clear that the race for the world title is still wide open ahead of the final showdown. The eight finalists will compete for the prestigious title on the last day of the competition.
The last heats of the day were the quarter-finals, which were also the last heats for big names such as Kai Lenny, Victor Fernandez, Levi Siver, Graham Ezzy, Camille Juban and last year's finalist Liam Dunkerbeck. Moritz Mauch and Philip Köster had already been eliminated one round earlier.
Women start the competition
The women also started the competition tonight. While world number one Sarah-Quita Offringa progressed to the semi-finals in commanding fashion, Sol Degrieck had to do a lap of honour in the Redemption Round, but was able to prevail against Maria Behrens, among others. While Degrieck and Offringa will face Pauline Katz and Lisa Wermeister in their semi-final, the second heat will be a meeting of Hookipa legends: Shawna Cropas, Angela Cochran and Jane Seman against each other, with Marine Hunter another young ride-off specialist in the mix. Sarah-Quita Offringa was in her usual strong form right from the start and qualified for the next round with power and style. Pauline Katz impressed with her clean execution and nimble carves on the rail, while Shawna Cropas put in an outstanding performance, especially in the wind that picked up in the afternoon.
Final day decides world champion title
With the top eight athletes now confirmed for the final day, attention turns to the decisive heats in which the 2025 Wave World Champion titles will be awarded. Excitement is building as the world's best windsurfers prepare for the ultimate challenge. Live coverage on the World Wave Tour Broadcast (on YouTube) will allow fans worldwide to catch the action up close and not miss any crucial moments.
The action is set to continue today at around half past eleven at night Central European Time, with the final scheduled for around half past twelve. The conditions should be even better than in the last few days - a furious end to the season. It's going to be exciting!
