Surf

FreeWing x Starboard Dream Team riders Benoit Carpentier (France) and Zane Schweitzer (USA) have exploded on GWA World Tour with spectacular wingfoil surfing never witnessed before. The duo placed 2nd and 3rd on the podium respective in the new “Wave” format — the first GWA Wingfoil World Cup dedicated to pure surfing, staged on the world-renowned Ponta Preta break on Cape Verde’s Sal island.

The FreeWing riders defied limits on the debut of the new AIR v3 – our latest all-round performance wing – raising the bar and pushing both themselves and their gear to the very edge. Neither athlete left anything on the table, risking everything in the bombs breaking on the rocks.

See full results here

The ground-breaking contest was the first event of a pure wave wingfoil world tour, with the next stops set to take place in Brazil (August) and, hopefully, Morocco (September). Both FreeWing riders are in now in contention for a world tour world title.

Watch the highlights GWA Cape Verde highlights here:

Click here to watch all the live feed replays

Ben sets his intentions

SUP Surf World Champion Benoit impressed the judges with his effortless and silky smooth style, and kept spectators on the edge of their seats by getting supercritical.

“2nd place on the Wingfoil World Tour baby! I’m so stoked about this result!

What a pleasure to finally discover this iconic place and to compete here in Punta Preta.

Getting second in that event means a lot to me coming here as a “dark horse” trying to see if I could do something in the wingfoiling scene, a big career achievement that I’m proud of.

Wingfoiling in waves like this as been a dream and I feel so lucky to have been able to experience that I can’t even imagine what the future of wing foil wave will look like…”

Zane strikes back

3 x Ultimate waterman Zane Schweitzer delivered impressive performances with his characteristic powerful surfing style, despite super consistent performances, the Maui-based waterman just lost out to his team-mate Benoît Carpentier in an epic clash.

“Found my place on the GWA with the newly introduced Surf Format and the fire is lit for the WingFoil Surf World Championship Title. Grateful to make the podium, starting off the season strong. Looking forward to continuing pioneering this discipline and format with the Wingfoil World Tour and athletes!”

Day One – Zane’s heat

Day One – Ben’s heat

Day Two – Zane’s Mini Final

Day One – Ben’s final