The 38th Windsurfing & Wingfoil Championship in Fuerteventura concluded on Saturday, 1 August, with a festive closing ceremony held at La Carpa from 2pm.
Participants, award winners, families, and friends gathered to celebrate 21 days of sports competition, culture, and leisure activities. Festivities included performances from Bloco Da Illha and the Datana academy, accompanying the athletes and the awards presentation.
The ceremony honoured the top three male and female competitors in Surf-Freestyle and FreeFly-Slalom, both from the Fuerteventura event and the World Championship ranking. A total of 24 podium spots were awarded across genders and disciplines.
Zoe Trudeau from the US and Denmark’s Benjamin Castenskiold won the Fuerteventura Surf-Freestyle titles. Castenskiold was also named the men’s world champion, while Nia Suardiaz from Spain claimed the women’s world title. In FreeFly-Slalom, Kylie Belloeuvre from France and Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo were crowned both event winners and world champions after triumphing in the Super Finals.
Suardiaz was the most decorated Spanish athlete at the ceremony, receiving accolades in both Surf-Freestyle, where she finished third, and FreeFly-Slalom, where she took home two silver medals. Despite coming close to defending her title, she was outperformed in the decisive rounds by Belloeuvre.
Reflecting on her season, Suardiaz remarked, “This year has been challenging with ups and downs, but being here makes me very happy for all I’ve accomplished.” She also noted the increasing competition, saying, “I gave it my all and I’m very pleased.”
Sofia Ginzinger, another Spanish athlete, received the trophy for finishing third in the women’s World Championship of Surf-Freestyle. After consistently advancing through elimination rounds, she ended the season just 50 points short of second place globally.
Ginzinger praised the rising standard in women’s competitions, stating, “The competition was intense with a much higher level among the women. We had good conditions too.”
Completing the Spanish podium, Mar De Arce secured third places in both FreeFly-Slalom events: Fuerteventura and the World Championship finals. She expressed satisfaction with her performance and the conditions throughout the week.
The final tally for Spain in wingfoil included one gold, two silvers, and one bronze from Suardiaz, alongside Ginzinger’s and De Arce’s third-place finishes.
Officials from the Cabildo de Fuerteventura and the Pájara Town Hall were present at the awards. The Pájara delegation included Mayor Alejandro Jorge, councillors for Sports, Tourism, and Local Development, among others.
Mayor Jorge highlighted the successful blend of sports and cultural events during the championship, promising efforts to enhance the event further. Councillor José Benito Alonso thanked everyone involved, while Luis González, the sports councillor, praised the high level of competition and the support for future championships.
Councillor Tina Da Silva announced that preparations for next year’s event would begin immediately, ensuring the championship remains a highlight for international athletes.
With the awards and musical performances, the 38th Windsurfing & Wingfoil Championship in Fuerteventura closed, with hopes of continuing to improve one of Playa de la Barca’s most established international events.
