GWA Wingfoil World Cup Ibiraquera 2024 – Preview
by Ian MacKinnon, 18 Oct 09:11 PDT
19-26 October 2024
Bowien Van Der Linden © Svetlana Romantsova
The concluding round of the GWA Wingfoil World Tour in the pure surfing Wave discipline is set to return to Brazil, where the world champions will be decided at the event’s end.
A fleet of 30 competitors from 10 countries globally will contend for the men’s and women’s world titles during the inaugural GWA Wingfoil World Cup Ibiraquera.
Following the second stop in Dakhla, Morocco, France’s Malo Guénolé dropped to second place in the rankings after suffering a surprising defeat in Round 3. Cash Berzolla (USA), who was defeated by Guénolé in the Cape Verde season opener’s final, claimed victory in Dakhla and now leads the standings.
Challenging situation
Defending champion Wesley Brito from Cape Verde finds himself in a challenging position to keep his title after a shaky performance on home waters. He exited early once more in Dakhla, making another title look elusive.
Canadian Finn Spencer, based in Maui, climbed to third overall after a strong showing in Dakhla. However, a number of seasoned competitors, including the French trio of Benoit Carpentier, Hugo Marin, and Tom Auber, have the ability to challenge the top three, which will add excitement in Ibiraquera.
Young French competitor Axel Gerard, only 16 years old, has also demonstrated his potential to shake things up. Corsican Noé Cuyala (FRA) is another competitor who could find himself in contention if conditions allow.
Focus on victory
On the women’s side, Spain’s Elena Moreno is leading the rankings after winning both events, including the first wave stop in Cape Verde where she defeated the reigning champion, Moona Whyte (USA). Whyte will not compete for the remainder of the season as she has opted to step away after Cape Verde.
Former Surf-Freestyle world champion Bowien van der Linden (NED) rose to second in the rankings after finishing as the runner-up in Dakhla and is one to watch for the Ibiraquera finale.
Another Spanish competitor, 17-year-old Nia Suardiaz, who boasts three wingfoil world titles, is aiming for another crown. She currently sits in third overall following her podium finish in Dakhla.
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