Athletes will be allowed to use power of the wing in Wave discipline for first stop in Cape Verde
GWA Wingfoil World Cup Cape Verde 2025 Powered by Armstrong Foils
13-21 March, 2025 | Ponta Preta / Kite Beach, Sal
Athletes in the hugely popular wingfoil Wave discipline are to be allowed to use the power of the wing in the swell for the first time in a move that has been hailed as a “game-changer” for the discipline and the sport.
The rule change will be unveiled at the season opener in Cape Verde in March, promising a spectacular departure for the pure surfing discipline. Previously riders had to keep their wing in “neutral” on the wave face.
The GWA expects to see a raft of radical new moves as the athletes push the boundaries in what is bound to be a breathtaking treat for the spectators.
Now we are likely to witness Front-flips and Back-flips, radical cutbacks, snaps and “airs” off the lip, huge boosting and other moves that can only be imagined.
“This is a huge change,” said Alvaro Onieva, GWA Head Judge. “It’s going to be a game-changer. The riders will be boosting off the lip, or just boosting super-high. It will be great for the fans. This reflects 100 percent the super-fast evolution of the sport and the Wave discipline in particular.”
Unprecedented views
The Riders’ Committee of leading Wave athletes voted for the change, which will come in tandem with a 28-rider Dingle ladder to enable more riders to compete in the discipline. The men’s ladder in particular attracts huge interested and is oversubscribed.
The men’s final last year in Cape Verde between the eventual world champion, Cash Berzolla (USA), and Malo Guénolé (FRA) attracted an unprecedented 213,000 views on YouTube, reflecting the discipline’s huge appeal even before the new rule changes.
Yet even the rule change will not move the discipline too far from its pure surfing roots. The biggest scores will still be awarded for long, radical wave rides, with the new moves not expected to figure too highly in the judges reckoning.
Reigning world champions, Berzolla and Spain’s Elena Moreno, are set to open the defence of their titles in the legendary break of Ponta Preta, ahead of scheduled stops in Dakhla, Morocco, in October, and Ibiraquera, Brazil, later the same month.
‘New athletes on podium’
Berzolla, 18, already has a big following on social media for his high-octane moves in the waves and is a big backer of the rule changes, which play to his strengths.
“You’re going to see more airs, crossing of sections, and maybe even flips off the lip,” said Berzolla. “I think that’s going to be really good for the sport because it’s just going to make it more dynamic and interesting to watch. Now you can power it up the lip. I think it’ll make the competition really interesting and I think we’re going to see some new people on the podium for sure.”
Moreno, 31, whose uncompromising wave riding in Cape Verde last year set her on course for the title, was equally enthusiastic but had her reservations for her own “selfish” reasons.
“Selfishly I think to myself, it’s going to be pretty hard because all the younger girls are doing Back-flips and stuff,” said Moreno. “They’re doing lots of tricks that today I cannot do. But we cannot think selfishly. This sport is really a passion for me. This is going to push the limit of everything. There are going to be tricks that we can’t even imagine now. It’s going push the level, and we all have to come out of our comfort zone.”
words: Ian MacKinnon
images: Lukas K Stiller
Spot Info
The idyllic island of Sal is gearing up to host the third GWA Wingfoil World Cup, set to showcase the exhilarating Wave discipline. Against the stunning backdrop of this picturesque paradise, this eagerly-anticipated repeat stop will offer two potential event locations, with both Ponta Preta and Kite Beach in the mix, depending on the conditions.
Ponta Preta
For those seeking the ultimate wave-riding experience, look no further than the legendary Ponta Preta, in Cape Verde. This picturesque spot offers big, powerful, and glassy waves, accompanied by the most favourable cross-offshore winds. Considered a playground for expert-level riders, the waves can soar up to 6m high, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. While the beach is rocky in places, it’s also dotted with pockets of sand, making it an ideal location when the north-easterly winds kick in.
Kite Beach
As one of Sal’s most versatile kiting spots, Kite Beach welcomes riders of all levels with open arms. The beach’s consistent onshore and cross-onshore winds make it a top choice for watersports’ enthusiasts, ensuring riders always have a smooth return to the sandy shoreline.
While it may be the busiest kitesurfing location on Sal, the vast 3kms stretch of sandy beach ensures ample space for both seasoned riders and kite schools alike, even during peak months. Those closer to the beach can expect a mild wind-blown chop and the occasional shore break, while further out on the reef, you’ll find waves perfect for shredding.
Wind
Cabo Verde offers fantastic wind conditions with consistent north-easterly Trade Winds blowing 15-25kts almost daily from November to June. The wind tends to be strong throughout the day, with the most powerful gusts occurring from 9am to 3pm. Kite Beach is the primary kitesurfing spot on Sal, as it faces east and provides less turbulent, onshore wind compared to other south or west facing locations.
The winter months offer pleasant temperatures of around 22ºC, and the water temperature is only slightly cooler. Most wingfoilers will find a 3/2mm shorty wetsuit suitable for full-day kiting sessions, while board shorts may enough on warmer days later in the season. Regardless of the time of year, it’s essential to apply sunscreen.
Wind directions include NNE, NE, and E, and the windiest months are November, December, January, February, March, April, and June
Event Information
- Location: Sal Island, Cape Verde
- Dates: 13-21 March
- All event information is here.
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