2024 WingFoil Racing World Cup Brazil – Day 2
by Andy Rice 4 Dec 17:35 PST
3-7 December 2024
Riders on the storm – Day 2 of the 2024 WingFoil Racing World Cup Brazil © IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
It’s the oldest cliché in the Book of Wind Sports, yet on day two of the WingFoil Racing World Cup Brazil, it was yet another instance of ‘It’s not usually like this.’
For a location in Brazil’s Equatorial region, the desert haven of Jericoacoara is renowned for its steady winds and warm climate.
However, shortly after the start sequence for today’s short course races, ominous rain clouds appeared, disrupting the competition. With wind shifts reaching up to 50 degrees, the warm rain dashed any chance of fair racing.
Welcome to pleasant rain.
Back to the shore for an afternoon of waiting in tropical bliss. For the international competitors, especially those hailing from Europe, there are few better ways to pass a rainy December afternoon. As Polish rider Karolina Kluszczynska aptly describes the warm rain in northern Brazil, it’s ‘Pleasure Rain.’
Kluszczynska, a familiar face leading the women’s fleet, is currently followed by Spain’s Nia Suardiaz, who skillfully utilized her freestyle abilities on day one to emerge ahead after three long-distance races.
Further back in the women’s competition are riders making their debut in the Wingfoil Racing World Cup this season. For some, this event in Jericoacoara marks their first time competing in an international field.
Racing for Spain.
While Suardiaz appears positioned to secure the women’s world title for Spain for the first time, another Spanish competitor is showing significant potential. Mar De Arce Sanchez is delighted with her results from the first day, although the 21-year-old focuses primarily on enjoyment. “Having transitioned from windsurfing, this is my first big race after two years of wingfoiling,” said Sanchez, who regularly divides her time between Tarifa in southern Spain and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
“I come from a racing background on Bic Techno windsurfers and know this is the top tier of wingfoil racing, so I aimed to be here to test my skills and was thrilled with my two 5th place finishes in the first two races. This environment teaches you a lot as you strive to reach the level of your fellow competitors.”
Baltic or Brazil?
Competitors from various watersports are gravitating toward wingfoiling. German rider Jette Koep has a traditional boat sailing background. “I progressed from Optimists through other dinghies to 49er skiffs for an Olympic campaign. However, I didn’t race long due to the expense, and we lacked the infrastructure for training. Now I’m just enjoying wingfoiling, having fun, and relishing the experience. The trip from Europe to Brazil was long, but absolutely worthwhile. Typically in December, I’d manage only a few days on the water because it’s too cold or lacks wind, so being here is fantastic, and I don’t even need a wetsuit.”
Another German contender, Jelena Duwe, understands the lack of need for a wetsuit. Unlike most of the fleet, who are teenagers or in their early twenties, Duwe exemplifies that you can be older and still enjoy the competitive scene. “I’m turning 37 next week, and at the elite level, most competitors are much younger. Still, I don’t mind the age difference; racing with young talent is a wonderful opportunity.”
“This is my first experience in Jeri, and it really feels like racing in paradise here at Vila Kalango. Anyone contemplating whether to come should just do it! It’s fun, safe, and you’ll have a blast.”
Chasing Czech dreams.
Similar to the German riders, Kristyna Chalupnikova from the Czech Republic easily decided to travel to the warm climate of Jericoacoara in December. “In the Czech Republic, it’s tough to train since we lack an ocean or even significant lakes, and during this time of year, it’s winter there. So, it’s around freezing, not ideal for wingfoiling. That’s why we love coming to places like this.”
Two years ago, the women’s world title was clinched by another Czech rider, Paula Novotna. Though Novotna has not participated in this season’s circuit, Chalupnikova draws motivation from the former World Champion’s success. “She inspires me, motivating me to show others that hard work can lead to incredible achievements.” Balancing her studies in law with her wingfoil racing, the 19-year-old is managing a full plate but relishing the challenge.
Cold feet in Chile?
Another competitor is a practicing lawyer who finds time to go wingfoiling most days from her home in Chile. Joséfa Asalgado shares that she had to muster courage to attend the event in Jericoacoara. “I dreamed of coming to this event for months but questioned whether I would embarrass myself. It required a lot of encouragement from friends and family to assure me that I should go and learn.”
“It took months of convincing, but now that I’m here, I feel neither frustrated nor embarrassed. I know I’m improving, which is why I came. I’m proud of choosing to be here.”
Zero regrets for Josefa.
“I’m learning a ton, and there’s always a first time for everything. You’ll never feel ‘ready.’ If you don’t start participating, you’ll continue to fall behind. Jump in, keep pace with the other girls, and you won’t reach their level if you hesitate. Just decide to come, shed the embarrassment, and take the plunge. Enjoy yourself; no one is judging.”
“The other competitors have been incredibly friendly. I trained here last week for a couple of days, and Maddi Spanu [defending World Champion] and her family welcomed me from day one, offering me tips and helping me fix my gear. I’ve learned so much from them, and everyone in this circuit is affable and super welcoming. I have no regrets about arriving in Jeri.”
Racing resumes on Thursday with plans for eight short-course races for the women’s fleet along with the two men’s qualifying fleets.
Results Men
1. Kamil Manowiecki, POL
2. Mathis Ghio, FRA
3. Francesco Cappuzzo, ITA
4. Julien Rattotti, FRA
5. Alessandro Jose’ Tomasi, ITA
6. Nicolo Spanu, ITA
7. Bastien Escofet, FRA
8. Luca Franchi, ITA
9. Oscar Leclair, FRA
10. Romain Ghio, FRA
Results Women
1. Nia Suardiaz, ESP
2. Maddalena Spanu, ITA
3. Orane Ceris, FRA
4. Iset Segura, ESP
5. Karolina Kluszczynska, POL
6. Marta Monge, ITA
7. Mar De Arce Sanchez, ESP
8. Bowien Van Der Linden, NED
9. Jelena Duwe, GER
10. Jette Koep, GER
More information and results
