The 2023 World Cup season is just a few weeks away, and if nothing unforeseen happens, the event in New Zealand could be the start of a truly impressive Wingfoil World Cup Tour. A total of 14 events are on the calendar and even though final confirmations from the local organisers are still pending, the pros are already waiting in the wings.
For the participants, the packed Calendar two sides: On the one hand, the large number of events guarantees that worthy champions can be crowned at the end of the year. The fact that there are many spots and therefore varied conditions also guarantees fair chances for everyone. Credit must also be given to the Hamburg-basedGlobal Wingsports Association (GWA)that it endeavours to cover all facets of the young sport. In the new season, therefore, not only the two established disciplinesSurf Race andSurf freestyle but for the first time also aBig Air (Gran Canaria; 10-16 July). The new disciplineWave will be on the programme at a total of four events and will celebrate its premiere at the end of March on the Cape Verde island of Sal.
However, the downsides include the stress of travelling and the associated costs. Even if it may not seem like it to outsiders, professional wingsurfing is still in its infancy. Apart from a few full professionals, many top riders suffer from chronic underfunding - in view of constantly rising flight and travel costs, the entire tour is unlikely to be affordable for most athletes. The prize money distributed - 15,000 euros at the start in New Zealand - is just a drop in the ocean, because: Distributed between women and men and the different disciplines, it is not possible to make any great leaps with this money.
This will become clear as the Tour kick-off in New Zealand approaches. In addition to freestyle world champion Malo Guénolé and world championship silver medallist Gollito Estredo, several other top riders are also registered. However, a considerable proportion of the field currently consists of New Zealand locals.
Of course, the Global Wingsports Association (GWA) has also recognised the problem. Tour Manager Tom Hartmann: "The discipline with the most events is surf freestyle, with eight events on the calendar. However, there is a drop from the 4th event and another drop from the 7th event. This means that the participants only have to take part in six events, and there are fewer in the other disciplines anyway."
So how the Wingfoil World Cup will develop is something to look forward to. In general, a growing tour calendar is of course an absolutely positive signal for the sport. We can only hope that the best riders in the world will then also be seen at the individual stops.
We will continue to report on all events in the new season. Stay tuned!
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
