Gran Canaria is set to welcome the international wingfoil elite for five days of competition at one of Europe’s most challenging spots. The Spanish island is once again combining surf freestyle and FreeFly slalom in a single event. Whilst the Surf Freestyle Tour reaches its third stop, El Burrero marks the start of the FreeFly Slalom season. Playa El Burrero, north of Pozo, offers ideal conditions for both disciplines thanks to its consistent trade winds and Atlantic conditions.
Castenskiold is back
Benjamin Castenskiold has come up with the right response following his ninth-place finish at the season opener in Leucate. The 15-year-old Dane won the Tarifa Wing Pro and thus made an impressive return to the title race. The reigning world champion demonstrated in Spain why he is considered the favourite to retain his title. His main rival Tomas Acherer from Austria had previously won the Mondial du Vent in Leucate won the race and thus leads the early-season standings. Rocco Makana from Italy and the American Luca Vuillermet also made their mark at the French opener. Chris MacDonald from the USA got back on track with a second-place finish in France.
Malo Guénolé from France and Charlie Loch from Great Britain have established themselves as serious contenders for the podium. Both riders represent the up-and-coming generation that is giving the established stars a run for their money. The depth of the field makes predictions difficult and promises some thrilling heats at El Burrero. The third stop on the tour will reveal who can maintain the most consistent form throughout the season.
Schlittenbauer returns with a victory
Marie Schlittenbauer has made a perfect comeback following her injury lay-off. The 16-year-old German won convincingly in Tarifa, signalling her intention to defend her title. Schlittenbauer had missed the season opener in Leucate due to an operation, but immediately demonstrated her class. Nia Suardiaz from Spain had won in Leucate, getting off to a perfect start. In Tarifa, however, the Spaniard had to concede the podium to the returning world champion. The head-to-head battle between Schlittenbauer and Suardiaz is shaping the women’s competition and promises further thrilling duels in Gran Canaria.
Bastien Escofet from France begins his title defence in the men’s FreeFly Slalom. The 2025 world champion faces a tough challenge against a top-class field. Francesco Cappuzzo from Italy returns as a multiple world champion and is determined to reclaim the title. The French contingent, comprising Romain Ghio, Alan Fedit, Victor Le Roux and Julien Rattotti, along with Sebastiano Zorzi from Italy, round off the line-up of favourites. Every rider starts on zero points, which means the battle for the world title is wide open.
Suardiaz has his sights set on the double
Nia Suardiaz is competing in both disciplines in Gran Canaria. The Spanish athlete is defending her 2025 FreeFly Slalom title whilst also battling for the Surf Freestyle crown. Kylie Belloeuvre from France, Mar de Arce from Spain and Viola Lippitsch from Austria are determined to spoil Suardiaz’s hopes of another dream start to the FreeFly Slalom season. The conditions at El Burrero, with strong northerly winds, favour technically skilled riders who can maintain their speed even in choppy conditions.
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