Surf schools and clubs: World Windsurf Tour wants to promote young talent with one-star events

Maui, Sylt and Pozo are at the top of the World Cup events with five stars, and some four-star events such as Fiji also attract worldwide attention. At the other end of the scale, the World Windsurf Tour is now expanding its competition system to include a grassroots level. From now on, windsurfing schools, clubs and local organisers worldwide can apply for and hold one-star events. These events form the basis of the five-level competition pyramid and earn participants five per cent of the points for the world rankings.

Wave Rally as a model for small events around the world

According to a WWT press release, the concept aims to give beginners and recreational surfers direct access to the global ranking system. The initiative starts without any lead time - interested parties can contact WWT immediately. It is modelled on the Wave Rally format developed by Paul van Bellen in Western Australia. This model focuses on low costs, simple organisation and maximum enjoyment of participation. Events can take place at any spot, from shallow water lagoons to wave spots. The formats remain flexible and adapt to local conditions.

The new one-star level completes the hierarchical system of the World Windsurf Tour. The structure is divided into five categories: One star for local events, two stars for national competitions, three stars for regional championships, four stars for Challenger events and 5five stars for World Cups. Each level awards different percentages of points for the ranking. The aim is to offer a continuous competition path from beginner contest to World Cup level. Participants collect points at local events, which are included in the global ranking. The WWT integrates all sanctioned events into its digital environment. The events appear there in the official calendar and the results are automatically included in the world rankings.

Schools and clubs appear on the international calendar with small regattas

The one-star programme is aimed specifically at windsurfing schools as the backbone of sport development. Events are intended to strengthen community ties and increase customer loyalty after courses. Schools could tap into new sources of income through regular competitions and consolidate their position on the market, according to the idea. The WWT hopes that the low organisational costs and low administrative effort will make the format economically attractive.

Interested parties can contact the WWT team by e-mail at info@windsurftour.com or via the website worldwindsurftour.com. The WWT checks applications quickly and offers support with event planning. Organisers are given access to the system, which simplifies registration, timekeeping and results recording. The tour provides structures, visibility and technical integration. Events appear in the global calendar and reach the international windsurfing community. The WWT emphasises fast processing and practical support. Organisers do not have to go through time-consuming approval procedures. The system is standardised worldwide, but can be adapted to local requirements.