The kick-off edition of the Dunkerbeck GPS Speed Challenge 2026 attracted more than 900 speed surfers from 34 countries, marking one of the most participatory starts to the season of the world's largest GPS competition. Athletes from Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Americas uploaded their sessions, with the international spread of participants ranging from France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK and Spain to emerging regions. Notable participation came from Japan, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Both the Youth and Masters categories were represented across several continents. The first stage laid the foundation for the 2026 overall standings, while two further events will offer participants additional opportunities to improve their positions.
Conditions from shallow water to open sea
The participants completed their sessions in widely varying conditions, which emphasises the versatility of the challenge. Flat water speed strips such as La Palme, Tarifa, Haga Park in Sweden and Den Helder offered ideal conditions for top speeds. Lakes and inland areas such as the Grevelingenmeer, Lauwersmeer, Walchensee and the Borna reservoir presented other challenges. Open waters and coastal bays such as Gran Canaria, Swan River, Pozzallo and Torbole rounded off the range of spots utilised. The format allows speed sailors worldwide to take part in the challenge without having to travel to specific locations.
Frenchman Damien Nico was the fastest in the men's race, achieving 45.20 knots (83.71 km/h) in La Palme. Christian Arnold and Laurent Fesquet came second and third. Heidi Ulrich was the fastest woman with 41.56 knots (76.96 km/h) ahead of Jenna Gibson and Laura van Beckhoven. Thomas Moldenhauer from Germany was the best Grandmaster with 42.82 knots (79.32 km/h), Georg Nassauer was the fastest Ultimate Master (71 years and up) with 36.19 knots (67.02 km/h) on the Schaproder Bodden. Florian Madec from France and Japan's Mio Anayama were ahead on the foil, with Germany's fastest woman Tatiana Danova in second place. Jack Crossley won the junior classification for under 14s ahead of Daniel Dunkerbeck, while George Crossley came first in the 15-18 age group.
Two further classifications of the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge 2026
The kick-off result sets the benchmark for every participant, but the season is still long. The Summer Edition runs from 1 July to 31 August 2026 and is entitled "The Charge". The final third stage will take place from 1 October to 30 November 2026 and is called "Final Action".
All information and results at dunkerbeck.com/challenges-events/
