With the 2012 edition of the FWC starting tomorrow, we take a look at the key players and what they can expect…
The Conditions
Now in it’s fourth year, the Fuerteventura Wave Classic is renowned for delivering a huge range of conditions that can often err on the side of ‘extreme’. Last year, unfortunately, saw no final result or winning team. Pumping swell and howling winds are what everyone is hoping for and the WindGuru predicitions are for just that! WindGuru are supporting the FWC as an official partner and have set up a special forecast for the event which you can see HERE. The swell forecast isn’t huge, but the wind looks set to show up and deliver – so fingers crossed we will see some competition.
The Riders
16 riders, 4 teams of 4 – simple! Representing the UK are Andrew Fawcett and expat Will Ward. Flying the flag for Fuerte-based board company Witchcraft, both sailors are very familiar with the breaks on Fuerte and will be a great addition to whatever team they end up in. The big names to keep an eye out for are recent Gaastra/Tabou signing Dario Ojeda, multiple ladies world champion Iballa Moreno as well as the Denel brothers and big wave charger Tom Hartmann.
The 16th place was empty until last week when Dutch sailor Amanda Beenen was selected to fill the final spot on the ladies team. Fresh from a winter of training in South Africa, Amanda is ready to charge.
Here is a round up of all the action at the 2011 event to get you ready for this year’s edition…
Best of luck to all of the riders and be sure to follow the event at their official website (fuertewaveclassic.com) and on Facebook.
