A few weeks ago, we had already reported on a new discipline in the World Cup where Finn races with obstacles are to be held. The PWA has now announced the rules and principles of "Slalom X" for the coming season.
"The difference between fin and foil has become so great that both deserve their own role in our sport. There will therefore be two separate disciplines in 2024: Foil Slalom and Slalom X," writes the PWA. Foil slalom will continue to be the purest form of racing to ensure action in the widest possible wind range. "Foil Slalom epitomises the most intense battles, the biggest risks and the biggest rewards for the best performing athletes in windsurf racing and will be contested at all PWA Slalom events.
Slalom X, on the other hand, should herald the rebirth of the Finn slalom and bring the Finn out of the shadow of the foils. "Like the World Rally Championship or Formula 1 in motorsport, Slalom X will bring a new dimension and push the athletes to the limit," enthuses the PWA.
Slalom X for events such as Gran Canaria or Fuerte
"Slalom X aims to require more than just speed, with additional elements to ensure perfect control and composure," reads the PWA presentation. "We want to see unprecedented action and full-speed racing, with the introduction of beach starts, surf slalom, jumps and other elements, Finn Slalom will be at the forefront again!"
Nevertheless, foil slalom will remain the most important racing discipline in the World Cup and will be included in all slalom events. However, where the conditions allow, for example on Gran Canaria or Fuerteventura, there will also be Slalom X as an additional discipline "for all those who have the ability and courage to take on this challenge."
The rules of Slalom X
For each event with Slalom X, at least two suitable elements for each race or each elimination should be defined from a predetermined selection for the races:
- Beach Start
- Beach Finish (finish on the beach)
- Jumps over obstacles
- Speed measurement in one go
- Surf Slalom
- Harassment
- Full Fleet/Half Fleet
- Long Distance
However, at least one out of four races, i.e. 25%, should be free of the above-mentioned elements, i.e. pure Finn slalom as in previous years. Each rider can register three sails and two boards for Slalom X.
Slalom X is reminiscent of the former Super X discipline, which was part of the PWA World Tour from 2003 to 2007. During a race, the starters had to jump over rubber sausages and integrate certain manoeuvres. The first world champion was Kauli Seadi, followed by two wins for Kevin Pritchard and one for Antoine Albeau.
