What a start to the 2024 season! When the first green flag for the wingfoilers flew up in the afternoon, the first good sets were already rolling over the world-famous reef off Ponta Preta. And as the day progressed, the conditions were set to get better and better. The competition organisers decided that the two best waves of each heat should be included in the ranking. However, before the riders could enjoy surfing the endless lines, they first had to master the infamous shorebreak downwind of the reef, which meant waiting patiently, running off at the right moment, then paddling in the style of a surfer and hoping that the next set would take a little longer before crashing onto the steeply sloping sandy beach - there were always violent wipeouts here.
On the first afternoon, the first and a large part of the second round were completed. Most of the top favourites prevailed. What quickly became clear: Compared to last year, the level in the wave has become significantly higher. More and more riders are now surfing the critical part of the wave and carving their cutbacks not on the round shoulder, but on the steepest part of the wave. Outstanding in this respect were Malo Guénolé (FRA), last year's winner Cash Berzolla (USA) and the Canadians Finn Spencer and Benoit Carpentier (FRA), who scored over 17 points on two waves.
If you want to watch today's action at the Wingfoil World Cup Ponta Preta, you can find a recording of the livestream here, including the original commentary.
You can find an overview of all heats HERE. As soon as there are pictures and the highlight clip of today, you will find it here on our website. And of course we will keep you up to date on all the events at the Wingfoil World Cup Ponta Preta in the coming weeks.
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
