March 11, 2023
2 minutes reading time
GWA Wingfoil World Tour: Champions crowned at the GWA Wingfoil World Cup New Zealand
There was a light breeze for the final of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup in New Zealand where the event concluded with the men’s elimination 5, and women’s eliminations 12 and 13.
The conditions were favorable for the start of the men’s elimination 5, with winds blowing at 9 to 11 knots. After several attempts, the final was able to start, but four riders went over early. Titouan Galea, Oscar Leclair, Ancor Sosa, and Camille Bouyer had to sail back to shore, missing out on the final race.
This was a window of opportunity for the six remaining riders. The challenging wind conditions certainly did not make it easy, but Bastien Escofet managed to accelerate his way to the front of the pack and head into the final FreeFly section in the lead, pumping his way to the finish line to claim his fourth elimination win.
Chris Mac Donald cruised through in second position, and Zane Schweitzer in third. Local rider Hugo Wigglesworth finished fourth, followed by Francesco Cappuzzo who went down due to a drop in wind but managed to somehow finish the course to claim the sixth position.
Men’s FreeFly-Slalom
- Bastien Escofet (FRA)
- Francesco Cappuzzo (ITA)
- Camille Bouyer (FRA)
Men’s Surf-Freestyle
- Chris Mac Donald (USA)
- Malo Guenole (FRA)
- Alan Fedit (GER)
In the women’s competition, the conditions allowed elimination 12 and 13 to take place while the wind was good where Bowien van der Linden took both wins.
Women’s FreeFly-Slalom
- Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
- Aimee Bright (NZL)
- Bowien van der Linden (NED)
Women’s Surf-Freestyle
- Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
- Bowien van der Linden (NED)
- Orane Ceris (FRA)
The afternoon saw the conclusion of the Armstrong tow in surf foil competition, putting on a great show for the crowds, with Matteo Ell from Hawaii and Bowien van der Linden from the Netherlands taking the win.
This was an incredible first event in New Zealand, with a huge variety in wind and wave conditions, and the tour plans to return next year.
View the full results from the GWA Wingfoil World Cup New Zealand here.
Next on the calendar is the GWA World Cup Cape Verde 2023, held in Sal from 17-25 March.
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Text and images courtesy of wingfoilworldcup.com.