What a day for our qualifiers here at the GWA Wing Foil SuperFoil 2020! We started the day with heavy rain but thankfully by 10:00 it had stopped, and the sky was clearing. The wind filled in nicely once the clouds cleared, blowing between 15-20 knots, along with some small waves.
Format for the day was 5 minute heats with 3 minute transitions. Judges were looking for perfect execution and technique, freestyle tricks, stylish surfing and plenty of variety. It’s the first competition of its kind for the GWA so riders have an open book in which to leave their mark.
The first ever WingFoil event in the city of Fortaleza saw Balz Müller demonstrating that he is a master of not only freestyle, but at filling in his time in between tricks, with non-stop flowing dance-like moves on the water. The young athlete may come from a landlocked country, but today he proved that riding waves is no problem for a Swiss men. He performed outstandingly in both Waves and Freestyle, landing tricks he’d invented just days before. Riding toeside, he throws the wing and then adds a 720 at the end, perhaps he’ll name the trick “Radiculo”.
Day 01 GWA Wing Foil Super Grand Slam Fortaleza
Balz placed in first position during the qualifiers with a score of 25.67 and a 5 point lead
The second position went to Titouan Galea, who also demonstrated his vast WingFoil skills to our judges, he looked relaxed and comfortable on the water, and only just missed out on landing a backflip during his heat. Let’s hope someone lands one during the main event.
Maxime Chabloz, the all round athlete, took third position. Coming from a freestyle twintip, kitesurfing background, Maxime has taken to WingFoiling fast. He almost landed a back flip during his heat having only learnt them two days previously. The race is on to see who will be the first rider to land one during the SuperFoil 2020 event!
Michael Näf deserves a mention for surviving the biggest wipeout and crash of the day, which occured in the gnarly shore dump that arrived with the higher tide.
Former windsurf world champion Kauli Seadi’s water sports seem to have morphed into smooth and stylish WingFoil skills. The Brazilian rider caught some nice waves during his heat securing him 4th position.
Another Brazlian rider with transferable skills is Fernando Novaes, the surfer turned foiler showed judges the smoothest of turns and commitment in the waves, even if they were small during his heat. He added some stylish toeside air threes and finished in a well deserved 5th place.
We are excited to report about the competition the next few days on WINGFOILDAILY!
Words by: Kate Chandler
Global Wing Sports Association (globalwingsportsassociation.org)
Pictures by:
Svetlana Romantsova (romantsovaphoto.com)
SuperFoil Brasil (instagram.com/superfoilbrasil)
Events
Wing Foil World Cup Leucate 2022
The GWA Wing Foil World Cup Leucate is over! The last 3 days delivered great conditions! Read the event summary on wingfoildaily.
Roca Cup 2022 Wing Foil Highlights
Video highlights of the Roca Cup 2022 – the Roca Cup 2022 by Ecowave association took place from April 8th – 10th in France, Hyeres, L’Almanarre. Wing Foil pros like Balz Müller, Titouan Galea or Olivia Piana were part of the competition.
New Wing Foil Record? 250km long distance record attempt!
On Friday the 4th of February 2022 Stefan Naude from South Africa attempted a new Wing Foil Record at Langebaan Lagoon. Long distance foiling, 250 km, without a break, all in one day. Stefan reports about his new long day on the water. Find out on WINGFOILDAILY if he set this record.
Continue Reading New Wing Foil Record? 250km long distance record attempt!
Wing Foil Tour 2022 What you need to know!
The GWA (Global Wingsports Association) just launched everything you need to know about the Wing Foil Tour 2022 event schedule. Find out more now on WINGFOILDAILY.
Tarifa Wing Pro 2021 Final Day
The Tarifa Wing Pro 2021 has been an amazing event. Read the final report and find out who are the GWA Wing Foil World Champions 2021.
Liam Dunkerbeck Speed Record in Wingboarding
Liam Dunkerbeck sets what we believe is a new speed record in Wingboarding. Recently he set a new top speed at the Lüderitz Speed Challenge, Namibia. Read more about this Liam Dunkerbeck Speed Record.
Continue Reading Liam Dunkerbeck Speed Record in Wingboarding
Read more about wing foiling.
Starboard & Airush FreeWing Nitro 2022 Launch
The FreeWing Nitro 2022 from Starboard & Airush is here. Ultra-Responsive, Ultra-Light and Ultra-Durable – a new wing foil Freestyle & Surf sensation.
Continue Reading Starboard & Airush FreeWing Nitro 2022 Launch
Launch of the new VAYU AURA Wing 2022
The VAYU AURA 2022 wing is here – the new freeride and wave machine from VAYU.
Leave a Reply