The 2024 World Cup season has begun, from the 19 to 25 February the best windsurfers will be competing for valuable ranking points for the first time this year. As the event does not belong to the highest category, fewer ranking points will be awarded here than on Sylt or in Pozo, for example. Given that it cannot always be assumed that all events will take place due to the weather, numerous top riders have nevertheless travelled to the event. World champion Marcilio Browne will be at the start, as will Philip Köster, who is finally ready to attack again after recovering from a foot injury (you can find a current interview HERE).
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Japanese grab bag
The fact that Omaezaki is a miracle spot in terms of conditions was immediately demonstrated once again. The day before the competition, the spot still offered clean down-the-line conditions with sideoffshore wind from the left (watch a clip above!), but just in time for the first day of the competition, the wind turned flat onshore - a "Sylt memory day" with rain, 12 degrees and chaotic waves. As the day progressed, the wind continued to pick up, but with two to three metres of Pacific wave, it was very difficult even for the Japanese locals to get through the shore break and out into the contest zone. No more than two qualification heats were started to complete the starting field. If you want to see what is possible at this spot, you should watch the following clip by local Takuma Sugi:
However, it is precisely the fact that the conditions in Omaezaki are so difficult to predict that makes the tour stop so interesting. In classic Omaezaki conditions with westerly winds, the Maui specialists are likely to have an advantage in view of the powerful waves with wind from the right. But jumping conditions with wind from the left are also possible. As soon as the action at the World Cup Japan picks up, you will of course find all the daily reports, videos and results here on our website.
