GWA: New rules in the wave - "Pushing the boundaries of what is possible"

An exciting innovation for the wingfoil scene: new rules for the wave discipline will come into force at the season opener of the GWA Wingfoil World Tour in Cape Verde (13 - 21 March). For the first time, athletes will be allowed to use the power of the wing on the wave - a change that has the potential to fundamentally change the sport and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Previously, riders had to keep their wing in the "neutral position" as soon as they caught a wave. The new rule now allows riders to actively use their wings to jump higher and more radically, pull off sharper turns and create completely new manoeuvres. Alvaro Onieva, Head Judge of the GWA, describes the change as a "game changer" for the discipline and the sport as a whole.

"We expect athletes to push the boundaries of what is possible," explains Onieva. Front flips, back flips, radical cutbacks, snaps and high airs over the lip will now be possible as long as the landing is on the same wave. "For spectators, this promises a spectacular show with previously unseen manoeuvres and even more action on the water," hopes Onieva.

The rule change reflects the rapid development that the sport of wingfoil has undergone in recent years. According to the GWA, the wave discipline in particular has become a crowd favourite, "combining the dynamics of wave riding with the power of the wing. With the new possibilities, progress is likely to accelerate significantly once again."

GWA season opener in Cape Verde

The first event of the GWA Wingfoil World Tour 2025, where the new rules will be applied, will take place from 13 to 21 March on the Cape Verdean island of Sal. World Champion Cash Berzolla is a big supporter of the rule changes: "You'll see more airs, section crossings and maybe even flips off the lip," says Berzolla. "I think it's really good for the sport because it makes it more dynamic and interesting to watch. Now you can power up the lip. I think it will make the competition really interesting and I think we'll see some new people on the podium for sure." Elia Moreno, reigning world champion in the wave, is equally excited, even if she feels her dominance is in jeopardy: "We're going to push the envelope. There will be tricks that we can't even imagine today. It will raise the level and we will all have to get out of our comfort zone."