Windsurfing World Championship Kicks Off in Fuerteventura
The 38th edition of the Windsurfing & Wingfoil World Championship has begun in Sotavento, Pájara, attracting top international competitors and launching the Windsurf Freestyle events. The Freestyle competition runs from 17 to 21 July, followed by Slalom X events scheduled for 22 to 26 July. Over ten days, Fuerteventura will host three world titles: women’s Freestyle and both men’s and women’s Slalom X.
The Freestyle category features 40 competitors, including 32 men and 8 women. The men’s first round includes 16 head-to-head matches, while the women’s comes with four initial heats.
Sotavento consistently provides ideal conditions, with sufficient wind on the opening day allowing competitions to commence. Many participants prepared sails ranging from 4.0 to 4.4 metres.
Organisers anticipate continued favourable conditions in the coming days, with the characteristic winds from Fuerteventura’s southeast coast expected to aid progress in the Freestyle heats. However, competitors will need to exercise maximum precision amid the intense winds and choppy waters.
These challenging conditions make Sotavento one of the most spectacular yet demanding venues on the circuit. The combination of strong winds, irregular seas, and natural ramps allows for complex aerial manoeuvres but offers little room for errors.
Official Launch Ceremonies
Prior to the sporting events, an official presentation introduced the championship. After receiving their numbers, competitors awaited the arrival of officials at the site.
The event began around noon, attended by Fuerteventura’s Cabildo President, Lola García; Tourism Councillor Marlene Figueroa; and Sports Councillor Luis González. The Canary Islands Government was represented by the Director of Tourism, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, and the Deputy Councillor for Culture and Cultural Heritage, Horacio Umpiérrez, along with Pájara’s Mayor Alejandro Jorge, Sports Councillor José Benito Alonso, and Tourism Councillor Tina Silva.
The presentation welcomed participants and marked the official start of a championship closely linked to Fuerteventura’s sports and tourism history, concluding with a traditional group photo of competitors and officials against the stunning backdrop of Sotavento’s beaches.
Freestyle Events Underway
Following the official presentation and competitors’ meeting, the Windsurf Freestyle heats commenced.
Each heat lasts nine minutes, with a three-minute transition between contests. Participants are required to complete at least two maneuvers per tack, with a maximum of seven attempts allowed on each side.
The scoring format prioritises the most valuable maneuvers, even if they aren’t evenly distributed across the tacks. The aim is to reward difficulty, execution, variety, and control of moves throughout each heat.
With the championship officially opened and the wind conditions promising, Sotavento prepares for several intense days as the first contenders for Freestyle titles emerge.
