SUARDIAZ & GALEA SNATCH THE SURF-SLALOM SHOW

Bouncing back off a rollercoaster day Thursday, Friday offered a Surf-Slalom show for registered and local riders.

Friday 8th July 2022
Words: Liam Dredge
Photos: Svetlana Romantsova
Videos: Mintautas Grigas

The official competition has finished here at the GWA Wingfoil World Cup in Lanzarote. The crew was able to push through both men’s and women’s surf-freestyle on the first two days of the event. Trade winds have been blowing from start to finish and with two days of mind-blowing competition, it was now a chance to showcase the variety of disciplines we have on the tour. Today the focus was on Surf-Slalom with riders putting on a show with local competitors also being able to join the roster. 

36 competitors registered midday while judges planned a course offering it all. Although there were no points up for grabs that didn’t change the mindset of any individual out there today. When there’s competition the claws come out and it’s all to fight for!

Day three – Thursday 8th – A later start of 14.45 saw plenty of riders enjoy some racing with a competitive course making use of the waves here at Costa Teguise.

SURF-SLALOM SHOW

32 men registered for an afternoon of surf-slalom. Local riders also joined the party with it not being an exclusive show for registered GWA riders. After two elimination rounds, it was Hugo Marin (FRA) who took the first and Titouan Galea (NCL) took the second. Both F-One riders going to war with a final elimination to follow.

It was Titouan Galea who prevailed against his teammate in the final elimination. After missing a win in the first round he showcased elegant riding, gliding around the buoys and using every wave possible on the pumping track. The beach was busy with plenty of spectators as the sport was showcased by the absolute best during day three of the GWA Wingfoil World Cup

Over in the women’s heats, it was Nia Suardiaz (ESP) who gave a show-stopping performance winning all four of the race heats. Today she was too quick for rival Paula Novotna (CZE) and displayed effortless control throughout the course. Paula took the surf-freestyle win back on Wednesday, so some race wins for Nia, regardless of it being for the show will still be a big confidence boost heading into the next event.

GWA WINGFOIL WORLD CUP LANZAROTE
MEN’S and WOMEN’S SURF-SLALOM SHOW PODIUMS

Men

1. Titouan Galea (NCL)

Women

1. Nia Suardiaz (ESP)

Slalom racing is always good to watch, especially here on the GWA tour. When racing gets tight it can come down to the final corner and it’s been great to demonstrate this by bringing the best of the best here to Costa Teguise, Lanzarote.

One more day is on the cards for this event. As the competition was over and the surf-slalom had wrapped up, the crew has decided to run the best trick showdown for day four.

Get more detail from Thursday’s action through the liveticker text commentary and heat ladders / results on the GWA Wingfoil World Cup Lanzarote event page here

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