The start of the eagerly awaited wingsurfer season finale was still a somewhat cloudy affair. The crew and riders went to the obligatory PCR test at 7.00 a.m. and only then were the 31 men and six women allowed to head out onto the partially rainy event site.
The women's World Championship title in the "Surf Freestyle" discipline had already been decided at the previous event in Brazil - Dutchwoman Bowien van der Linden had secured her first World Championship title in Fortaleza ( HERE to the report) and was therefore able to start the season finale relaxed.
The fact that Van der Linden's secure title is no reason to hand out presents quickly became apparent during the first day. In marginal conditions with ten to 13 knots of wind, it was the women's turn first. In the final of the GWA Tarifa Wing Pro, Bowien Van der Linden came out on top against her fiercest rival Olivia Piana - despite the light wind, both riders performed solid jumps such as Raileys and frontside 360s. The small final for third place turned out to be an all-French affair, with Flora Artzner winning a close heat against her compatriot Orane Ceris.
At the start of the season, I just wanted to take part in an event for fun. Now I'm world champion. Surreal!
In contrast, the men's World Championship title had not yet been decided at the start of the event. Titouan Galea had the best cards before the start of the event, as a fifth place in Tarifa would be enough for him to secure the title. The current second-placed rider, Camille Bouyer, therefore had to hope that the favourite would slip up.
On the opening day, the first two laps of the men's field of 31 riders were ridden. Despite the light wind, 360 variations and even backflips were conjured up in front of the Balneario beach. All the world championship favourites are still in the race, but with new faces suddenly appearing at the events and showing an impressive level, Galea & Co shouldn't be too sure.
Here's a clip with the highlights of the first day of the GWA Tarifa Wing Pro.
Further information on riders and results can be found on the Page of the GWA and of course on our website. Stay tuned!
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
Manuel Vogel, born in 1981, lives in Kiel and learned to windsurf at the age of six at his father's surf school. In 1997, he completed his training as a windsurfing instructor and worked for over 15 years as a windsurfing instructor in various centers, at Kiel University sports and in the coaching team of the “Young Guns” freestyle camps. He has been part of the surf test team since 2003. After completing his teaching degree in 2013, he followed his heart and started as editor of surf magazine for the test and riding technique sections. Since 2021, he has also been active in wingfoiling - mainly at his home spots on the Baltic Sea or in the waves of Denmark.
