WINDSURF NEWS BULLETIN
WINDSURF NEWS BULLETIN
WINDSURF NEWS BULLETIN
Yes, it’s time to dig into the latest thrills, spills and behind-the-scenes gossip from the world of windsurfing. We have a new CEO at the helm of the PWA, fresh rivalries are brewing on the competition scene down in South America, and there is a last-minute transfer shake-up to keep things interesting. We also have the results from the South Wales Wave Classic which delivered great conditions in sunny Trecco Bay. So, let’s dive in and find out who’s riding high in Chile, and who’s been sent packing! Hang on to your harnesses and get ready for our latest Windsurf news bulletin! Don’t miss it!
Photos: Fish Bowl Diaries and John Carter.
PWA CEO
The PWA has announced a new CEO Alberto Zschiesche who is Spanish and has a background global brand strategy and marketing at multinational communication companies! Here is the official word from the PWA!
“The Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) proudly welcomes Alberto Zschiesche as its new CEO. With a background in global brand strategy and marketing at multinational communication companies (Havas, BBDO), and environmental advocacy at Greenpeace, Alberto brings a clear vision that unites windsurfing, fuels sustainability, and strengthens the future of the sport.
A United Future
Windsurfing is in a strong place, with a passionate community and growing interest. We can continue to strengthen it by embracing a more collaborative approach. By coming together to share our stories and values, we can amplify the sport’s reach and impact.
The PWA, as a nonprofit organisation, is committed to driving this vision forward, uniting efforts to elevate windsurfing’s popularity worldwide.
Alberto Zschiesche: “Our goal is to bring to life the incomparable sensation of being on the water, and convey that same feeling and the culture of our sport at the beach and via our media channels—a diverse, open, connected environment where windsurfers can thrive from Youth to the highest level. That bond between windsurfers is what makes this sport unique. It’s what will carry us forward. My desire is to contribute to the growth of what I consider the best sport in the world. I aspire to achieve this through active collaboration, innovation, and by promoting windsurfing as the ultimate global watersport.”
A Stronger Windsurfing Future
With Alberto’s leadership in growth, sponsorships, and sustainability, the PWA is entering a new era of opportunity. His focus? Strengthening the foundation, expanding the tour, and ensuring windsurfing thrives across all disciplines, genders, and age groups.
Join us in not only welcoming Alberto Zschiesche to the PWA, but also looking forward to building a stronger, more united future for windsurfing.”
COMPETITION
PWA/ IWT 5 STAR CHILE WAVES
All photo: Fish Bowl Diaries.
Well, the action is really hotting up over in Chile with the challenger rounds completed and the first days of amazing action in the men’s and women’s pro fleets already done and dusted. Apparently, Baptiste Cloarec has been sailing with a broken foot, while last years winner Camille Juban also has a broken toe. Both sailors were knocked out in their opening heats but fought back through the pain barrier to win their redemption round heats to make it through to the elite top 24 elimination round.
Philip Köster who stayed home to witness the birth of his second baby, flew straight in to Chile and romped through his heat alongside Arthur Arutkin into the elite round.
Apparently, the beach went wild when local rider Benjamin Fabres won his opening heat causing an upset leaving Camile Juban and Thomas Traversa to fight through the redemption round. Traversa was consequently knocked out by Baptiste Cloarec and Dieter Van Der Eyken.
The WWT reported from the Fabres heat as follows!
WWT: “One of the biggest moments of the day came from local favourite Benjamin Fabres ????????, who stunned the field in Heat 5 of the men’s R6 CT Seeding round. Against seasoned global veterans including last years champion Camille Juban ???????????????? and tour veteran Jules Denel ????????, Fabres rose to the occasion in front of his home crowd, delivering a series of committed, critical turns and stylish aerials and a spectacular goiter to score 11.13 – one of the top heat scores of the day.
As Fabres kicked out of his final wave and returned to the beach, the crowd erupted. Hundreds of fans lining the shore cheered wildly, chanting his name and rushed toward him as he stepped back onto the sand. With flags waving, music pumping, the beach commentator going wild with excitement, it had an atmosphere more reminiscent of a football stadium than a surf event, it was likely a moment that will go down in Chilean windsurfing history.
To win a 5 star champions rounds heat at home, in front of his family and friends, after fighting his way through a huge field of challenger riders, it must have been something he’s dreamed about. It was a very special moment for him and for this community so proud and excited by their hero. And there’s a good chance he’s not done yet!”
Lucas Meldrum from the UK failed to advance from the opening round of the competition and was then defeated in a tough redemption round heat up against Camille Juban and Adam Warchol who both advanced to the last 24.
In the women’s competition Sarah Quita Offringa sailed into the next round despite an excellent performance from German Maria Behrens who clocked up the highest wave score of the day from the ladies with a 5.97.
Fearless Sol Degrieck and last years winner, Lina Erpenstein also sailed safely through to the women’s quarter finals alongside Justyna Sniady, Pauline Katz and Maria Moreles.
Competition was eventually abandoned during the women’s redemption round when the wind died late in the day.
Lets see how the event pans out over the next couple of days and make sure you tune into the live stream to watch the action unfold!
SOUTH WALES WAVE CLASSIC
Despite a dodgy forecast the Trecco Bay delivered some excellent conditions on Friday for the South Wales Wave Classic. We already have a report from the action packed day which you can view here!
Windsurf MagazineSOUTH WALES WAVE CLASSIC
Results were as follows!
MEN’S RESULTS
- Ben Page
- Louis Morris
- Luke Smoth
- Nick Welsh
WOMEN’S RESULTS
- Izzy Adcock
- Ping Yin
- Georgia Stolliday
TRANSFER NEWS
ARTHUR ARUTKIN
Arthur Arutkin formerly a Duotone rider left it until he landed in Chile to announce his new sponsors GUNSAILS and Flikka boards. GUNSAILS published this short interview as they welcomed Arthur into the team!
GUNSAILS
Arthur Arutkin, one of the most talented windsurfers of his generation, is starting the 2025 season with GUNSAILS.
Hello Arthur, it is with pride and enthusiasm that we welcome you to our team. Welcome! Can you tell us a few words about your choice this season?
AA: It’s really an honour for me to join GUNSAILS this season! It’s a brand I’ve admired for a long time, especially for their wave sails, which are not only powerful but also super responsive. My choice was quite natural as GUNSAILS offers equipment that perfectly suits my wave style. The goal is to reach my full potential while working with such a passionate and dedicated team.
What are your goals and ambitions for the 2025 season, and how does GUNSAILS fit into those plans? How does their equipment help you to perform at such a high level?
AA: For 2025, my main goal is to continue to improve in surfing, be it competitively or in pure practice. I want to get even closer to the best and perform well at international events. GUNSAILS plays a crucial role in my ambitions as their wave sails are some of the best I have ever tested. They offer great manoeuvrability and perfect stability, so I can have maximum fun while focusing on performance. I’m looking forward to taking part in competitions like the PWA World Tour and testing new limits with equipment that really suits me.
How would you rate the development of your career in recent years? What was your biggest challenge?
AA: The last few years have been very drastic, especially in terms of progression. I’ve worked hard to refine my style in the wave and adapt to different types of conditions, which has been a real challenge. The wave discipline is demanding and every competition brings new challenges. But I’m happy with the results, even though I know I can still achieve more. My biggest challenge has been to stay consistent in my performances while exploring new spots around the world, always looking for the best conditions to develop.
What role does GUNSAILS play in your equipment and how does it help you to perform at such a high level?
AA: GUNSAILS is a key partner in my progress. Their equipment, especially the wave sails, are exceptionally good for working on responsiveness and manoeuvrability in different conditions. This type of sail is crucial when sailing on waves and spots that are sometimes capricious. GUNSAILS sails are super light yet robust and offer excellent control in complex manoeuvres. Working with them has helped me become more precise and gain the confidence I need to tackle the waves with composure.
How do you see the future of windsurfing? And what advice would you give to young windsurfers who want to follow in your footsteps?
AA: The future of windsurfing in the wave is very promising, especially with the development of the foil and the way this is changing the practice. Young people now have access to technology that allows them to progress faster than we could back then, and that’s a big advantage. My advice to them would be to really focus on understanding the waves and practicing in as many conditions as possible, because those are the key elements of this discipline. Of course, you also have to be prepared to work hard, accept setbacks and, above all, never lose sight of the fun of sailing. With passion and the right equipment, like the one I use at GUNSAILS, anything is possible!
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