Tarifa kicks off with a bang

Tarifa kicks off with a bang as Nia Suardiaz claims yet another win at her home spot

GWA Wingfoil World Cup Tarifa 
Valdevaqueros Beach, Tarifa, Spain
11 – 14 October 2023

Tarifa, hailed as the wind Mecca of Europe, graciously welcomed the GWA Wingfoil World Tour amidst optimal levante wind conditions, setting the stage for an exhilarating start to the competition. Today witnessed the completion of the full women’s elimination where Nia Suardiaz took yet another event win, coupled with 4 rounds of the men’s elimination.

A total of 9 women and 28 men were registered to showcase their skills at this pivotal Surf-Freestyle event, marking the penultimate event of the season. Tensions are running high, especially in the fiercely contested men’s division, where the battle for the 2023 World Title intensifies.

Women’s Elimination

The start of this Surf-Freestyle event unfolded with our 9 talented female athletes taking the spotlight. As the competition advanced to the semi-finals, these athletes pushed their limits, displaying a solid array of tricks, including backflips and innovative moves like Nia Suardiaz’s one-handed backflip. Notably, Nia earned the day’s highest heat score in her semi-final gaining an impressive 30.23 points for her well-executed trick selection.

Despite a strong showing from newcomer Regaliz Sollom, along with commendable performances from Marina Alabau, Christina Koenig, and Sofia Marchetti, they concluded their competition in Tarifa during the semi-finals.

Women’s Final

The women’s final witnessed Nia Suardiaz maintaining her unstoppable momentum, entering with the same energy and determination that had defined her as the new Surf-Freestyle  World Champion for this season. However, her competitors, including Orane Ceris, Mar de Arce, and Bowien van der Linden, brought strong performances, each determined to secure a coveted spot on the podium in Tarifa.

In a closely contested battle, each athlete showcased solid tricks, keeping the point differentials tight until the final round of trick attempts. Nia sealed her victory with a flawless one-handed backflip innovation trick, earning a score of 10 points and securing her position at the top of the scoreboard, beyond the reach of her fellow competitors. Orane Ceris claimed 2nd place, Mar de Arce took 3rd, and Bowien van der Linden secured 4th place, rounding off an incredible display of skill and determination from all of our finalists.

Final results for the women’s division:

1 Nia Suardiaz (ESP)

2 Orane Ceris (FRA)

3 Mar de Arce (ESP)

4 Bowien van der Linden (NED)

Men’s Elimination

In the initial rounds of the Men’s Elimination, athletes took to the water, harnessing the gradually intensifying levante winds. Notably, the young athlete from Austria, Aleksander Acherer, has an impressive heat in his inaugural World Cup appearance, securing anoverall heat score of 27.66 points, propelling him directly into Round 3.

Local talent, River Moore, showcased a solid array of tricks in Round 2, earning him advancement along with Solen Gall from France. Adding to the hometown pride, Nathan Berger and Lucas Roguet, two promising locals from Tarifa, put on a great show for the crowds at Valdevaqueros Beach with their outstanding tricks.

The stakes soared in Round 3, as athletes pushed the boundaries of performance. Xavi Corr made history by being the first to execute the new Back-Mobe trick in competition, earning a notable 9.7 points and securing a spot in the quarter finals. Malo Guénolé demonstrated a well-executed repertoire of tricks, comfortably progressing to the quarter finals. Jerome Cloetens, riding on his home turf, showcased his flawless back-mobe, earning a perfect 10.

However, the spotlight was stolen by Chris MacDonald, the current leader, who made a dramatic entrance with an onslaught of high-scoring tricks. He culminated his remarkable performance with an outstanding Backflip to Frontside 7 combo, earning a perfect score of 10 points. Chris dominated the day, securing the highest heat score with 39.2 points, leaving no doubt about his prowess in the competition.

The day was completed with Round 4, which was the first elimination round for the men. The biggest surprise of the day saw Alan Fedit eliminated from competition much to his disappointment. Newcomer Aleksander Acherer, Vinnicius Martins, Francesco Cappuzzo, Clement Hamon, Ricardo Zorzi, Arthur Thebault, River Moore and Ancor Sosa all advanced through to the next round.

We now have our 16 quarter finalists who will battle it out tomorrow here at Valdevaqueros Beach! 

words: Gemma Hamaini
images: Samuel Cardenas

Event information

• Location: Valdevaqueros Beach, Tarifa, Spain
• Dates: 11 – 14 October
• The official Race Notice and event schedule can be found here.
• All event information here.

Find everything about GWA Wingfoil World Cup Tarifa by clicking event news.

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Our liveticker will be updated throughout the day. Event highlight video will be published next morning. Written reports will be posted to the website at the end of the competition day.