Sponsor change 2024/2025: Pierre Mortefon also foiling with FMX boards

Shortly before the World Cup on Sylt, the second of three foil slalom events, Pierre Mortefon announces that he will also be foiling on FMX Racing boards for the rest of the season. As the Frenchman also rides Finian Maynard boards, this was an obvious choice - especially as the FMX shapes impressed Justine Lemeteyer and Johan Søe, among others, last season. Mortefon's previous partner Phantom was famously kicked out of the PWA with some fanfare due to non-paymentNeilPryde has been providing him with sails since Tenerife. "I'm happy to continue the story with FMX until the end of the season," wrote Pierre Mortefon on Instagram. "Since we started together, it's been a real success, two world titles in a row in Slalom-X, but also some great moments that are also very important to me. I've just got the boards and I'm still getting used to them, but I'm not scared because overall the quality of the boards is just on a whole new level! I'm happy and motivated to defend my foil title - let's go!" FMX founder Finian Maynard added: "After such a successful performance in the Canary Islands, which led to the Slalom X World Championship title, it was only logical to continue this journey together and extend our collaboration to Foil Slalom. Normally FMX would not have participated in or sponsored PWA Foil Slalom this season, but after a summer of developments and strategic re-evaluations, the brand has changed its approach and is now back for the rest of the year. Pierre will be using the Hyperion 158 in Sylt and Japan. This board is proven, winning and powerful and puts him in a position to fight for the top spots and the foil slalom title. Good luck, everyone!"

Antoine Albeau joins Severne

In the last few days, Severne announced some big news under the motto "New Horizon", and now it's out. With Antoine Albeau, the Australian brand is bringing none other than the 27-time world champion onto the team. "After 27 years with the same brand, Albeau's move to Severne is more than just a change of sponsor, it's a declaration of intent from one of the greatest windsurfing legends," Severne announces with much pathos. Albeau himself is quoted as saying: "Yes, it is true that a change after 27 years is a truly monumental change," he explains in Severne's press release. "But in the end, every story has an ending. I have seen Severne make significant progress in their development. They have improved a lot in terms of their performance over the last few years. So why not join them? That will also give me motivation." Albeau, who announced his retirement from the PWA Tour two years ago, will join Severne as a rider and in R&D. Together with Matteo Iachino and Cedric Bordes, he is tasked with making sails and boards even faster. The big goal is to continue setting new records in speed surfing: "I will be in Lüderitz next November and I hope that we will reach 100 km/h," explains Albeau.

Youp Schmit now on Flikka boards and own Heyyou sails

The brains behind the sail workshop "Heyyou" Youp Schmit has already repaired the sails of many a Bonaire visitor and saved their holiday. After parting ways with his previous sponsors Tabou and GA Sails, Youp is now tailoring his own sails. The freestyler has now also been able to announce a new board sponsor in Flikka. "I'm excited to officially join the Flikka family!" he wrote on Instagram. "I'm stoked to combine their epic boards with my Heyyou sails that I made back home on Bonaire. I couldn't ask for a better setup - I feel totally on top of my game with the best gear under my feet and in my hands!" Sounds like we'll be seeing Youp at the two Freestyle World Cups on Fuerte and Sylt this year too!

Maciek Rutkowski now officially with JP-Australia

Maciek Rutkowski did not have a board sponsor last season, in Slalom X the Pole rode boards from JP-Australia. The two sides have now announced that they have agreed to work together "for 2025 and beyond". As Rutkowski rides NeilPryde sails, the move is an obvious one for many observers. "I'm super happy to finally be able to share this news!" writes Maciek on Instagram. "Last year I decided to ride JP for Slalom-X and felt incredibly comfortable and confident. The S-Tec is an upgrade and I can't wait to get back on the World Championship hunt! I'm hoping to contribute in development and other areas too, so I'm more than excited to see what this collaboration will bring in the long run!" JP-Australia writes: "We are very pleased with this signing. When Maciek rode for Neilpryde last year, we witnessed his intense drive, dedication and professionalism, so we were keen to bring him to JP-Australia. With the right mix of talent, energy and experience, we believe Maciek is a good bet for the top positions on the PWA Racing Tour in both disciplines, but we feel his presence now extends beyond racing. And with the Guadeloupe World Cup just around the corner, we can't wait to see him fly on his new boards."

Bruno Martini joins I-99 and S2Maui

Bruno Martini is one of the most experienced racers in the World Cup, the Italian is a regular in the top ten with both foil and fin. From now on, Martini will be racing with boards from I-99 and sails from S2Maui. The separation from his previous sponsors JP-Australia and NeilPryde was apparently not exactly harmonious: "I could spend a lot of time explaining everything that happened this winter and the reasons for these decisions, but I'd rather not," Martini writes on Instagram. "Instead, I'm going back on the water with a new attitude and a team of new partners who support me 100%!" I-99, the board brand of Italian legend Cesare Cantagalli, is delighted with the new signing: "We are proud to announce our return to the PWA 2025. We have signed the top athlete Bruno Martini ITA-160 and we are very happy about it. We warmly welcome Bruno to the I-99 team and wish him every success for the 2025 season!"

Gollito comeback with Tabou and GA-Sails

Look here: The nine-time freestyle world champion is back! Gollito Estredo is switching to Tabou and GA-Sails and, according to a statement from his new sponsor, wants to return to the World Cup. "He is not only a competitor, but also an innovator," writes Tabou/GA. "Many of the moves that define modern freestyle windsurfing today bear his signature. From pushing the limits of amplitude to inventing and perfecting high-risk combinations, Gollito has always been at the forefront of freestyle evolution," it continues. At the same time, the comeback to windsurfing is announced after Gollito had focused on wingsurfing for some time: "Now, after an extended break from the tour, Gollito is ready to make a strong comeback on the PWA World Tour, and we couldn't be more excited to support his return with the world-class performance of GA Sails and Tabou Boards. Our collaboration is fuelled by a shared passion for performance, progression and style - the perfect match for this next chapter in his legendary career!"

WeOne hires Steven van Broeckhoven

Another new addition to WeOne: The Austrians have signed Steven van Broeckhoven and are thus further expanding their freestyle team. The former world champion posted an action clip from his home spot on the Brouwersdam, where he tries out his new boards. The Belgian was previously on Starboard for many years, but given his sailing partner, the switch to WeOne is hardly surprising as the two brands work closely together. This means that the team on the turquoise and black boards from Austria is getting bigger and bigger. Blanca Alabau and Andy Laufer switched to WeOne.

• Former freestyle world champion: Steven van Broeckhoven - A portrait of one of the best freestylers in the world

Andy Laufer now on We One

After his Switch to GunSails Andy Laufer has now announced that he will be taking to the water with boards from WeOne in future - hardly surprising given the close collaboration between the two brands. "I'm thrilled with the performance and love the look and handling," Andy enthused after the first session and is looking forward to the smaller material and speed equipment. A few weeks ago he had already announced his departure from his long-time supplier JP-Australia/NeilPryde and was in the waves for the first time in Cape Town with sails from GunSails.

Arthur Arutkin now with Flikka and GunSails

Waterman Arthur Arutkin switches from Duotone to Flikka and GunSails. The Frenchman announced his switch on the sidelines of the Wave World Cup in Chile: "The material feels fantastic, super light and robust, and I'm more than excited to start here in Matanzas!" Leon Jamaer and Coco Foveau also ride the Flikka and GunSails combination. Arthur Arutkin has been competing in selected Wave World Cups for many years, but is also one of the world's top SUP racers. There he rides material from Black Project.

Daida Moreno now also sails from Bruch

Daida Moreno now takes to the water in full Bruch Boards equipment. After two years with Dany Bruch boards, Daida now also rides the Sails of the newly introduced range. "I am happy to announce that I am fully part of the Bruch Boards family this year. Ever since Dani started his brand, I have been in love with his boardshapes. Now it's time to work on having the best sail brand on the market as well. I'm looking forward to a full year of action. Thanks for the support!" In addition to Daida Alessio Stillrich and Tim van Dam already fully equipped with breakage.

Steven van Broeckhoven and Starboard go their separate ways

Former freestyle world champion Steven van Broeckhoven and his long-standing board sponsor Starboard have parted ways. "Many thanks to Starboard for your support over the last 5 years! " writes the Belgian. "It was a great time with many podiums and it was a pleasure to work with Svein and Remi on the development of the Ignite and Ignite Air! Now our collaboration is coming to an end, so it's time for a change! More news to follow soon!" So it will be interesting to see which boards the GunSails rider will be taking to the water in the future.

Steven van Broeckhoven - A portrait of one of the best freestylers in the world

Lohan Jules switches to AV Boards

Lohan Jules from Guadeloupe, described by the PWA as "one of the most promising young slalom riders", is switching from Future Fly to AV Boards for the new season. "I am very happy to be joining AV Boards. A brand that already has a few riders from Guadeloupe, such as Camille Juban and Tristan Algret. I can't wait to start competing and show the immense potential of the boards." AV added: "We are thrilled to welcome Lohan to the crew! Our team may be small, but we're all about pushing boundaries and having fun. With Lohan on the PWA Tour, we're excited to show how good our boards really are. Go Lohan!"

Quatro/Goya signs Hayata Ishii

After already Takara Ishii on Goya his brother Hayata has now also signed with the Hawaiians. The Japanese waver is now riding Quatro boards and Goya sails. "We are very happy to welcome Hayata to the Quatro Windsurfing Team! As a shaper of Quatro boards, it's always a special moment to bring a new rider on board - especially someone with Hayata's talent and dedication," says Keith Teboul. "I've followed his development over the years and his style and determination in the wave really stand out. He combines suppleness with power and always pushes the boundaries of what is possible. That's exactly the kind of energy we're looking for - riders who inspire, innovate and challenge themselves. With Hayata's feedback, we will continue to refine our boards and designs and ensure we deliver the best for the next generation of windsurfers. We can't wait to see what he will achieve! Welcome aboard, Hayata. Let's create some magic!" Francisco Goya adds: "We are over the moon that Hayata Ishii is joining the Goya Windsurfing family! Don't let his age fool you - he has spent thousands of hours on the water, from Omaezaki to Pozo to his sessions in Jaws!" And Francisco poses the question: "Which Ishii brother will become wave world champion first? One thing's for sure: it won't be long before they're both striving for the top. It's an absolute honour to welcome you, Hayata. I can't wait to share many epic rides!" Hayata Ishii herself is also grateful for these flowery words: "I'm now able to ride the board I've always dreamed of. I am very grateful to Francisco for taking me seriously and equipping me with his sails. More than ever, I am happy to be part of this sport and this industry and to give even more!"

Andy Laufer returns to GunSails

30 years after the first partnership, Andy Laufer is returning to GunSails. From 1994 to 2000, Laufer was already at the starting line with sails from Saarbrücken, and now the direct sender has announced that Andy will be working with GunSails again with immediate effect. "I'm delighted to be back on board with Gunsails! I can still remember the exact moment when I signed my first contract with Eberhard an incredible 30 years ago. He was always a role model and visionary for me - I always appreciated that kind of foresight in him. If someone had told me back then that I would still be active on the water in 2025, I would probably have just laughed. And yet - here I am!" said Laufer in in a detailed interview that you can read at GunSails. His goals for 2025 are the Defi Wind, the Speed World Championships in France and possibly other PWA or IFCA events. Laufer also announced news about his new board sponsor on Instagram.

Tim van Dam Sanchidrian with sails and boards from Bruch

After Alessio Stillrich Bruch Boards announces the next addition to the team: Tim van Dam Sanchidrian is now also taking to the water fully equipped with sails and boards from Bruch. The Tenerife local was previously under contract with GunSails and has been riding the boards from Dany Bruch's plane for some time. Speaking about the switch, Tim said: "Dany and I go way back - he helped me find my first sponsor when I was 13 years old and went on the water with me for my first session in El Cabezo. I'm very grateful to him for that and now it was a no-brainer to join the team with sails and boards. The equipment feels fantastic and I couldn't be more motivated to take on this new adventure and push my limits in the coming seasons. I'm looking forward to working with Dany, my new team-mate Alessio and the whole team to make the brand and product even better!" Dany added: "We are very proud to welcome Tim to the Bruch team as our local representative for sails and boards. Having someone local you can rely on is key and he will also contribute to the development of our new sails and boards, provide valuable feedback and help build a strong team for the PWA World Tour. Together with Alessio, Tim will play a key role in the coaching sessions in preparation for the competitions. Our goal is to realise their full potential and accelerate their progression to the highest level of the PWA World Tour."

• Dany Bruch on his new start and plans with Bruch Boards

Antoine Martin joins Quatro/Goya

Antoine Martin is regarded as one of the most radical wave surfers on the planet, with a true make-or-break attitude. Although Antoine has so far been denied a major triumph in the world championship rankings, he has already proven several times at events such as the Aloha Classic or the PWA/IWT World Cup in Fiji that he has long since outgrown the stage of eternal talent: "I am proud and very happy to be part of Quatro and Goya now and will give my all to represent my sponsors in the best possible way" promises Antoine.

Jacopo Testa moves from Point-7 to GunSails

Just one day before the start of the FPT contest in Cape Town, there is another sponsor news: Jacopo Testa is switching from Point-7 to GunSails. The Italian has been using We One boards on the water for some time now, so the switch to the co-operating sail brand seems like a logical step. There is a nice clip to mark his debut, filmed by Maarten Molenaar

Challenger Sails signs John Soukos and Cyril Evrard

The Italian sailing brand Challenger has two new team riders for the new season: John Soukos and Cyril Evrard will be racing with Claudio Badiali's sails with immediate effect. "CHS Challenger continues its search for talent this year," the Italians wrote on Instagram. "We are proud that John Soukos will be part of our racing team and our CHS family." Regarding Cyril Evrard, it says: "Cyril is another rider in our talent scouting mission. Cyril Evrard will be part of our racing team and the CHS family. His technical qualities and prerequisites are certainly the right ones to explode in this wonderful sport. This talented rider has all the qualities to place himself among the top riders in the World Cup!"

Alessio Stillrich now rides for Bruch Boards

2024 was a year of highs and lows for Alessio Stillrich. The pozo local started the World Cup year in good form, but suffered a serious foot injury at his home event in Gran Canaria. But that's not all - his long-standing sponsor Simmer Style also ended their collaboration at the end of the 2024 season. Stillrich can look to 2025 with optimism, as he has now found a new sponsor in Bruch Boards.

We One signs Blanca Alabau

An important factor for Blanca Alabau in switching to We One was obviously developer and team rider Ben van der Steen: "Since I started windsurfing, Ben van der Steen has been a real inspiration. I've always dreamed of riding one of his boards... and now I will not only do it, but we will also work together to further develop the best material!"; writes Blanca on Instagram. We One is delighted with the new addition: "We are very happy to have Blanca on our team. She is an exceptional athlete who always pushes the boundaries of the sport. [...] She brings a unique combination of talent, hard work and determination that enhances the performance of the entire team."

Justine Lemeteyer joins Patrik

It was the last big name that was still open for the coming season: foil world champion Justine Lemeteyer and Patrik announced that the Frenchwoman will be racing for the title defence in 2025 entirely on Patrik equipment. "I already used the foil last year, now I've also tried boards and sails, it feels great!" says Lemeteyer in the short clip. She recently travelled to FMX and S2Maui. It's another top signing for Patrik: with Johan Søe, William Huppert and Mae Davico, they already have three new additions, and the team was already well-staffed with Michele Becker and Marion Mortefon!

Interview with Justine Lemeteyer: "We are considered top athletes in France"

Julian Salmonn to Naish

Julian Salmonn has signed with Naish and will be competing with boards and sails from the now Dutch brand in 2025. Naish celebrated the new signing with a great clip featuring footage from Australia, where Salmonn is currently travelling. The German, who has lived in Tenerife for many years, previously worked for GunSails and Bruch Boards.

FMX continues - Pierre Mortefon stays

Following the departure of Finian Maynard, it looked for a while as if his board brand FMX Racing would no longer be present. Almost all prominent riders have left FMX, including Johan Søe and Justine Lemeteyer. But now it seems to be going ahead, FMX announced the "re-commitment" of double world champion Pierre Mortefon: "Before the announcement came that I would be retiring, it was important for me to know that all FMX riders were ready for this season," reads a statement from Finan Maynard. "After careful consideration with Pierre and the young riders, it was our joint decision to continue to support them this season," Maynard continued. "And given the fact that the European FMX organisers want to take the brand forward, it made perfect sense. We are very pleased to know that FMX is in good hands!" The brand is apparently now in the hands of Marco van der Leer, who is delighted to be working with Mortefon: "I can't wait to see him dominate the PWA Slalom-X races and the national (fin) events again," he writes. "The boards are excellent and I'm proud and motivated to continue the strong FMX legacy." Pierre Mortefon, who became World Champion in Slalom X with the boards in 2024, also wants to do the same: "We had a great journey together in 2024 that must not end. I'm looking forward to working more closely with FMX EU and FMX France to further promote the brand!" His goal: Defending the title! It is not yet known whether other riders will return to FMX, contrary to the announcement.

Mae Davico now completely with Patrik

After saying goodbye to Loftsails, Mae Davico is now starting out with Patrik's complete package. The Frenchwoman will not only be riding Patrik boards in 2025, but also Patrik sails and wants to take off on the foil and with the fin. The calendar includes the PWA World Cups, the Defi Wind and the French AFF Tour. Patrik had already announced Johan Søe and William Huppert as new additions to the team, as well as Michele Becker, Marion Mortefon and Noah Vinter.

Brendan Lorho now on S2Maui

He was the surprise at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge and has also been at the top of the podium at the Junior World Cups: Brendan Lorho is predicted to have a great future, and now the 19-year-old Frenchman has a new sailing sponsor: "S2Maui is delighted to welcome Brendan Lorho to the international team for 2025! At just 19 years old, Brendan has already broken the 50-knot barrier and we are excited to see what he can achieve with S2Maui racing sails for 2025," writes the sailing brand in an Instagram post. Brendan himself says: "I am very excited to be joining the international S2Maui team for 2025. I'm looking forward to competing in various international regattas with the new sails. I have already used them here in Tenerife and I am very happy with the acceleration, speed, comfort and stability. We will also continue with the speed events!" So far, the Lorho has been competing at Point-7.

Huppert to Patrik, Sjöberg to Tabou/GA

Last season William Huppert competed on the PWA Tour without sponsors, now he is under contract with Patrik: "After a challenging year without sponsors and a hard goodbye to my former partners, I am thrilled to announce my new collaboration with Patrik," writes the World Championship 12th and Foil Speed Vice World Champion. "It's a dream come true to join a brand whose foil equipment is so good. I'm looking forward to a great season with Patrik, both on and off the water!" According to Huppert, he runs a Patrik shop in Brittany together with PWA rider Alex Cousin, which is said to have got off to a successful start.

Hugo Sjöberg can also announce new sponsors following his departure from Duotone; the Swede is now taking to the water with equipment from Tabou and GA Sails. "I'm currently in Tenerife to test the equipment and I'm more than excited about the performance and potential," he writes in his post. "I can't wait to see what we will achieve together this season!"

Blanca Alabau says goodbye to Starboard

Blanca Alabau, the 2023 slalom world champion, has announced her departure from Starboard. The Spaniard wrote on Instagram: "All my dreams came true thanks to this brand. I was just starting out when they opened their doors to me and believed in me, just as I believed in myself, to win a world title and reach the top of the world." Blanca, who previously rode the same equipment as her boyfriend Matteo Iachino, reflects on her time at Starboard: "Together we travelled, won and even helped transform the Olympic class into a more radical and exciting discipline. Thank you for everything!!! Now it's time to switch sides and start a new chapter, with bigger challenges, more speed and chasing bigger waves." She has not yet revealed which boards she will be racing on in 2025 - or whether she will continue to ride Severne sails.

Patrik gets Johan Søe - first iQFOil-WM, then PWA-Tour

Johan Søe aka "the Beast" will be competing in 2025 with boards, sails and foils from Patrik - exclusively on the foil. Apart from a trip to Defi Wind this year, the Dane wants to concentrate fully on the iQFOil World Championship in his home town of Aarhus (4 - 11 July); Patrik is known to have licensed iQ material in his programme. Afterwards, Søe will also be back in the PWA World Cup and is one of the top favourites given his performance last season. He will also be competing in the IFCA and the EPWT (European Pro Windsurfing Tour) Søe wants to fully attack in the second half of the year. "A new, radical foil slalom board is coming, which will incorporate Johan's feedback and which he will then use at the start," reveals Patrik team captain Henning Terstiege. So Søe can become world champion in the iQFOil as well as in the World Cup and the IFCA - not unthinkable in "Beast Mode"!

Lina Erzen moves to S2Maui

This could provide even more excitement in the women's foil slalom: Lina Erzen has announced that she wants to race the entire PWA Tour in 2025: "After a successful Olympic year, I have decided to race the entire 2025 PWA World Tour season," announced the former iQFOil rider. In 20204, she finished 21st at the Olympic Games. "At the same time, I would also like to say that I will be joining the S2Maui team! I want to thank them for this opportunity and can't wait to see what we can achieve as a team in the coming year!" S2Maui welcomes the Slovenian to the team: "Lina impressed the windsurfing world with her victory at her first PWA World Cup in Japan in 2023 and stood on the podium again in 2024! We are excited to see what she can achieve in 2025!" Lina Erzen has not yet announced which boards she will be riding, having previously competed with equipment from Starboard, Severne and Flikka, among others.

Liam Dunkerbeck now drives for Duotone

It's the top transfer of the winter: Duotone has signed Liam Dunkerbeck! Together with his new team mates Victor Fernandez and Adrien Bosson, Liam has just caught a super swell in Cape Verde, where the first pictures with the new material were taken. "We're stoked that Liam has joined Duotone," the brand wrote in the Instagram post revealing the switch. "We believe we can help him with the best equipment to realise his ultimate dream: to become PWA World Champion!" It also says: "Liam's journey is proof of what is possible with hard work and determination. As a three-time PWA Youth World Champion, top 3 finisher at the Aloha Classic and already in the PWA Top 10, Liam is now ready to take it to the next level!" Previously, Liam has been riding Starboard/Severne equipment since he was a kid.

Taty Frans continues at Point-7

At the end of 2024, Taty Frans had still written that he have no more contracts and wondered whether he should continue. But now the man from Bonaire has posted that he will continue to ride with sails from his previous sponsor Point-7, and the Italians themselves have also published a joint picture of Frans and P7 boss Andrea Cucchi. He has not yet commented on which boards Taty will be riding. In the picture on his Insta post, he is riding with Amado Vrieswijk's equipment - his Bonaire neighbour had just announced his switch to Point-7 and had previously ridden with Taty at Future Fly.

Vrieswijk confirms move to Point-7

It was no longer a real secret, at the latest since a posting of his tattooed arms it was clear that Amado Vrieswijk would be racing with Pont-7 sails in the future. Now he has officially announced his new sponsor: "After 13 great years with my previous brand, I felt it was time for a new challenge and an opportunity to pursue my ultimate goal of winning the slalom title," writes the man from Bonaire in his Instagram post. "I am excited to join Point-7, a brand that shares my vision and commitment to excellence. I am grateful for their support and confident that we can achieve great things together in the years to come. I am looking forward to this new chapter and to giving everything I have to reach new heights in my career." Point 7 boss Andrea Cucci welcomes Vrieswijk with warm words: "You are characterised by incredible versatility in freestyle, slalom and foil windsurfing. Now let's go on the hunt for a racing title with a focus you've never had before. We've been working hard on the sails for 2025 to go one big step better than 2024.

Hugo Sjöberg leaves Duotone

Swedish slalom racer Hugo Sjöberg will no longer be racing with Duotone equipment in 2025: "After four great years with Duotone, it's time for a new chapter," he wrote in a post on Instagram. "I'm incredibly grateful for the support and experiences we've shared along the way. Now I'm looking forward to new opportunities and challenges in this next phase of my windsurfing journey!" Sjöberg has not yet written where this will take him.

Goya signs Takara Ishii under contract

"Takara represents the next generation of radical windsurfers coming out of Japan. He splits his time between Japan, Maui and the international tour, has a lot of ambition in big waves and takes on the challenges of different conditions around the world," writes Goya Windsurfing on Instagram. The Japanese rider has been riding RRD equipment since childhood, most recently finishing 17th on the PWA/IWt Tour. "Takara windsurfs with so much confidence and courage that it's inspiring to watch him and we look forward to all the spectacular things he will show on the water with our equipment."

Justyna Sniady now on Flikka-Boards

New board sponsor for Justyna Sniady: The Polish rider is a new member of the Flikka team. "Although I've only been back on the water recently, I've already had many fun sessions on my new board, using everything from 3.3 to 4.7, both jumping and in down-the-line conditions! The board feels (and looks) epic!" writes Justyna enthusiastically, posting some pictures from Australia. Following an injury in the summer, the North rider was unable to take part in the last World Cup of the season. In recent years, Jusytna had no board sponsor and took to the water with neutral white boards. "After two years of trying and testing different models and shapes, I know exactly what I like, what I don't like, what improves my surfing and what hurts me on a board and makes it harder," she wrote in an earlier post.

Amado Vrieswijk soon at Point-7?

A muscular arm during training and the word "Soon" - that's all Point-7 has revealed about its new team rider. However, the tattoos are clear: Amado Vrieswijk will soon be racing with the black sails from Italy. Many followers have also recognised this and commented accordingly, and a comparison with another picture (see gallery above) removes any remaining doubts. However, the switch has not yet been officially announced. Vrieswijk's Bonaire neighbour and Future Fly colleague Taty Frans also sailed for Point-7 until the end of 2024, but he has not yet given any news about his future.

Daniele Benedetti moves to Duotone

After Daniele Benedetti recently announced his departure from Challenger Sails and FMX Racing, the World Championship runner-up has now announced his new partner. The Italian is now with Duotone, he said: "I'm thrilled to be part of the Duotone team, it's something I've always dreamed of. I can't wait to start this new journey and grow with such a great team. I immediately felt fast and comfortable on the new equipment, I love foiling on this stuff." he wrote in a shared Instagram post. "I'm pretty sure the team has the potential to work on the right track and achieve our best goals. I'm ready to face new challenges and push my limits on the water." And Raoul Joa, Duotone Windsurf Division Manager said: "We have been following Daniele for some time now. His results since joining PWA Foil Racing show a huge development. Apart from being a very nice and humble guy, he is always extremely focussed and professional. Over the years, we have learnt that the interpersonal relationship is just as important as the competitive potential to really progress as a team. Our product managers Dani Aeberli and Marco Lang had already given Daniele our foil racing equipment to try out last year, which he really liked. So in a way, it was a natural process and an agreement from both sides to work together. We are very pleased that we now have two top foil racing riders in our team in Daniele and Jordy Vonk."

Mae Davico says goodbye to Loftsails

Mae Davico is another departure, the Frenchwoman said goodbye to her sailing sponsor Loftsails: "The end of this wonderful adventure with Loftsails. Thank you for supporting me from the beginning and helping me for seven years. With you I was able to become a professional and I will always be grateful," she wrote on Instagram. Loftsails returned the thanks via a comment: "We are very happy to have been part of your journey! All the best for your further development!" There is also speculation in the comments about the new sailing sponsor, with the focus on Patrik in particular, who already supply Davico with boards.

Alessio Stillrich no longer with Simmer

Most of this winter's partings were apparently harmonious, with riders and brands posting words of appreciation and thanks. Not so for Alessio Stillrich, who announced his separation from Simmer Style, suggesting that there had been some friction behind the scenes: "I would like to announce that I will no longer be riding for or representing my previous sponsor, and I would appreciate no longer being associated with the brand. Thank you and good luck." The German-Canario also posted some pictures from his time with Simmer. Stillrich was unable to take part in the last two wave events of the year following his serious injury at the World Cup in Pozo.

Rumours surrounding Antoine Martin

According to rumours, Antoine Martin will no longer be riding for North Sails, at least that's what the French windsurfjournal.com is reporting, citing the rider himself. Martin took a break from social media after the Aloha Classic and has not yet commented on a possible end to his collaboration with North.

Salmonn, Lemeteyer, Benedetti and Ishii leave sponsors

On the last day of the year, more professionals announce their departure from previous material partners. So far, the drivers and brands have only announced farewells - so new partnerships are likely to be announced in the first few days of the new year. The most important changes from 31 December:

• Foil world champion Justine Lemeteyer says goodbye to S2Maui and FMX Racing
• Julian Salmonn separates from GunSails and Bruch Boards
• Daniele Benedetti leaves Challenger Sails and FMX Racing
• Takara Ishii no longer rides for RRD

Youp Schmit leaves Tabou and GA Sails

"Grateful for all the moments with Gaastra and Tabou," writes Youp Schmit simply and succinctly in his Instagram post with lots of spectacular pictures, thanking him for five years together. The freestyler from Bonaire - like everyone else who has announced a change so far - has not yet announced what equipment he will be using on the water in the future.

Liam Dunkerbeck says goodbye to Starboard/Severne

This could be one of the most exciting transfers of the year: Liam Dunkerbeck has announced his departure from Starboard and Severne. Until now, "little Dunki" has always travelled on the same equipment as his father Björn. "What can I say, I couldn't be where I am now without the help of Starboard and Severne," he writes in two separate posts with lots of pictures from their time together. "I am more than grateful for all the hard work and effort we have put in together to develop me as a windsurfer and promote the brand. I felt like I was part of a big family the whole time. Thank you for everything you have done for me, I will always be grateful." We can now speculate as to what equipment Liam will be racing with in 2025. As U21 World Champion and third at the Aloha Classic, he has just proved that he is certainly capable of filling the big shoes. Another exciting question is whether he will switch sponsors with his father Björn.

Johan Søe leaves FMX and Point-7

Johan Søe is regarded as a top contender for the slalom world championship title, recently dominating most foil races at will. However, the Dane will be racing with new equipment for the new season and has announced his departure from FMX Racing and Point-7. "It's been a great time for me with both brands and we've achieved a lot together in a short space of time," Søe wrote in an Instagram post. "Going from the first days as an absolute rookie to getting full support from Andrea Cucchi and Finian has been incredible for me. I want to thank them for not only supporting me in foil slalom, but also supporting me as an athlete by allowing me to compete in the Olympics, even if that meant I couldn't become PWA World Champion because I missed the event in Fuerteventura. We competed in my first PWA race together and ended up winning more than half of all the PWA races I competed in 2024, including two double wins, which ended this partnership in a perfect way."

Point-7 said goodbye to Johan with a beautiful video. The Italians wrote: "At the age of just 16, Johan captured our hearts with his remarkable talent and passion for foiling. We recognised his champion DNA and supported him with our energy, our equipment and our tireless commitment. In 2024, Johan amazed the world and won every foil competition he entered. It was a great honour to stand by Johan in the early stages of his career and support him on his way to the top." Point-7 also hints at what's next for Søe: "Now he is focussing on preparations for the IQ Foil World Championships, which will take place in his home country in July, and we have no doubt that he will continue to shine. If his time allows, he will also take part in other events, demonstrating his tireless drive and dedication. Johan, we wish you a future full of successes and titles. Thank you for being an invaluable part of the Point-7 Black team - not only as a champion, but also as a true friend. Keep pushing your limits and inspiring the world."

Amado Vrieswijk leaves Severne Sails

After 13 years together, Amado Vrieswijk and Severne have parted ways. The freestyler and slalom rider said goodbye to his sailing sponsor with an emotional post and lots of pictures. "Together we have achieved great things - from the first podium places in Bonaire to the PWA Freestyle World Title, the European Championship and the Slalom Vice World Championship," reads the joint post. "Your great talent and professional approach has helped push the boundaries of what is possible in freestyle and racing. The Severne team will miss your full throttle attitude!" It has not yet been announced which sails Amado will be racing with in 2025, but he is apparently sticking with Future Fly for his boards.

Will Taty Frans stop?

"I don't have any contracts and I think it's a good time to consider whether I should continue in 2025 or not..." wrote Taty Frans on Instagram. Most recently, the fin fan from Bonaire was competing with Future Fly boards and sails from Point-7. After struggling with foiling in recent years, Frans took fifth place in the new discipline Slalom X in 2024 and even finished third on the podium in Fuerte. World champion Pierre Mortefon sent motivating words via commentary: "One more time! I want to be on the podium with you again on Fuerte!" Frans has been competing in the PWA World Cup since 2002 and has long been among the top 10 in freestyle and slalom. In his native Bonaire, he runs the windsurfing centre "Frans Paradise" together with his brother Tonky

Finian Maynard quits

Finian Maynard has announced his official retirement from the World Tour, but has not competed as an active athlete for some time. The 50-year-old can look back on a glittering career spanning four decades. After making his debut in 1989, Maynard achieved his first podium finish in 1993 before taking the first of a total of five event victories at the PWA Speed World Cup in Leucate in 1999. In addition to his success on the PWA Tour, Maynard was also a speed specialist and became ISA/ISWC Speed World Champion five times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2006 & 2009). In 2019, he founded his own brand FMX Racing, with which he won several world championship titles - most recently with Justine Lemeteyer.