The opening event of the PWA Freestyle Windsurf World Tour at Lanzarote’s Costa Teguise has followed script, with the defending World Champions Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo and Sara-Quita Offringa kick starting their year with conviction, winning the World Cup with style. An action packed battle for the remaining positions saw tempers rise and battle commence, as competitors gave their all in a highly charged freestyle competition.
Challenging Conditions at the first Freestyle Windsurfing World Cup of 2009
Thunderous winds and thumping swells pummeled the Eastern shores of Costa Teguise, whilst plumes of sand whipped through the stifling air. 40-knot gusts reduced flags to bare threads whilst the world’s freestyle windsurfing elite prepared themselves for en epic showdown that spanned over three rounds of double elimination competition.
Newcomer Windsurfer Steven van Broeckhoven impresses
Much focus has deservedly fallen upon the humble shoulders of Belgium’s freestyle windsurfing newcomer Steven Van Broeckhoven this week, after successive, outstanding performances on the European stage EFPT have rocketed him into the limelight. A sense of anticipation and an aura of excitement descended onto the beach each time he took to the water, where he stunned the world with his explosive style.
Freestyle Windsurfing World Champion Jose “Gollito” Estredo reigns supreme
Jose Estredo’s freestyle dominance was tested just once via the hands of the magnificent Kiri Thode from Bonaire, who sailed two flawless heats against the World Champion, eventually winning the final of the third round. On the ultimate day of the contest, Thode was simply outstanding; completing the most challenging freestyle windsurfing moves possible, often in double or triple combinations. Thode embodies so many amazing maneuvers, often completing a full score-sheet of fourteen tricks in just three and a half minutes, with a style that leaves competitors gazing in astonishment.
Despite this glimmer of class by Kiri Thode, nothing could take the shine from “Gollito’s” crown. Estredo had won the event after just three days, and he was untouchable at the freestyle windsurfers’ top, as his sailing drew gasps of disbelief from all those who were lucky enough to glimpse such a brilliant performance. He has not only proved to the world that he is deserved of his adulation; but also that a fire within him still burns ferociously as he goes in search of this year’s Freestyle Windsurfing World Title.
World Class Sailing of the Female Freestyle Windsurfers
The level of sailing in the Women’s freestyle fleet at the PWA Lanzarote World Cup has been unlike any that has gone before it. If the conditions were deemed challenging for the men, then praise should be exalted on the women who were courageous, determined and skilful.
Immediate honors will of course fall to Windsurfing World Champion Sarah-Quita Offringa, who has proven herself to be the most outstanding competitor in women’s Freestyle, raising the level of competition exponentially. Offringa barely broke her stride as she won every heat that she sailed, officially taking the event on her eighteenth birthday.
Female Runner-Up at the Costa Teguise World Cup Junko Nagoshi comes from Japan
Junko Nagoshi looked on fine form, reaping the rewards of a dedicated training regime, and boosting through the ranks to second overall. She was superb in the harrowing winds, never flinching, and pulling off complicated moves with style and confidence.
The Moreno Twins still Windsurf on Top of the Freestyle Field
Both windsurfing amazons Daida Ruano Moreno and Iballa Ruano Moreno excelled in the demanding conditions, demonstrating experience and courage as they charged through the reef with intent. Their preference for big wave windsurfing stunts gave them an intimidating edge, both often nailing huge backloops in the opening minutes of a heat, with Daida pulling off vast double forwards that delighted the crowd. Offringa was, however, in a class of her own for the entirety of the event, proving that she has the talent to win in even the most arduous conditions.
Next Stop of the PWA Windsurfing World Cup 2009: Gran Canaria
As the dust settles at the close of the first epic event of the year, the World Champions hold fast in familiar territory. Whilst the two lie in waiting upon the summit of windsurfing’s elite, we are left to wonder how much more this incredible pair will be able to offer to the discipline. Together, they are continuing to redefine the sport, and their presence alone is enough to inspire the best from anyone they face.
The PWA World Tour now heads to Gran Canaria, where the infamous Pozo beach awaits. Notorious for it’s harrowing conditions, this brutal event is certain to provide incredible entertainment. All of the astonishing action can now be seen in High Definition via the PWA TV service on our home page, so make sure you check out the unbelievable daily footage and photos from Lanzarote, and the action from Pozo as it unfolds.
RESULTS
MEN
1 Jose Estredo (VEN)
2 Kiri Thode (NB)
3 Antxon Otaegui (ESP)
WOMEN
1 Sara-Quita Offringa (ARU)
2 Junk Nagoshi (JAP)
3 Daida Ruano Moreno (ESP)
Watch the PWA Costa Teguise Freestyle Windsurfing World Cup 2009 at YouTube
Links
Official PWA Website www.pwaworldtour.com
