Event Preview – As the biggest windsurfing event on the planet draws ever closer, tension rises amongst the competitors whilst they prepare to battle it out for precious points towards their overall world rankings off Sylt’s iconic golden sands.

From the 24th September through to the 3rd October the PWA’s most proficient wave, slalom, and freestyle sailors will hit the brutal North Sea to trick, race, and ride their way to victory in front of the largest crowds known to windsurfing. Not only will world champions be crowned in men’s slalom, men’s freestyle, and women’s waves, but the sailors will also be fighting their way through heats to claim their share of the €105,000 prize purse.

This September marks the 27th year of world-class windsurfing competition in Westerland, and will for the first time ever be streamed live for everyone at home to see. The action is guaranteed to be absolutely insane, so if you can’t make it out in person, then be sure to tune in to the live footage!

Men’s Slalom

For the fourth consecutive year the modern day racing giant, Antoine Albeau (JP, NeilPryde) has secured the PWA slalom world title with an event to spare. But, will no doubt be in Sylt to stamp his authority on the fleet one last time before the competition season is over.

Albeau’s fifth PWA slalom world title didn’t come without its difficulties though, both the legend Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard, Severne, Mystic), and former world champion Micah Buzianis (JP, NeilPryde) stole the show at events earlier in the year, ensuring an exciting battle for the remaining podium spots available in Sylt. However, it’s not just the event winners that remain in contention. The 2009 runner up, Finian Maynard (RRD, Gaastra), and flying Frenchman, Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard, North) could also close the gap and claim the second spot if the racing goes their way in the North Sea.

Other sailors that have the possibility to perform well in Westerland include the PWA’s president Jimmy Diaz (Starboard, North) who stood tall on the podium at the first event of the year in Korea. The ever-consistent former world champion, Kevin Pritchard (Starboard, Gaastra, Dakine) who’s undoubtedly still on a high after his excellent performance at the Kia Cold Hawaii in Klitmoller. British racing hero, Ross Williams (Tabou, Gaastra) who was the only sailor to steal an event crown from Albeau in 2009. And, Sylvain Moussilmani (Starboard, Simmer) who’s shown plenty of promise throughout the year.

Men’s Freestyle

Another sailor who’s already sealed the deal due to his amazing performance throughout the year is three times world titleholder, Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic, North). Despite his fourth world crown already in the bag, we’ve been assured that the Venezuelan wonder kid will be in Sylt to trick it up and fight for some prize money!

The boys battling it out behind the world champ for the final spots on the 2010 podium include the kono king, Kiri Thode (Starboard, Gaastra) who’s currently lying in second overall. The Belgain boy wonder with more ‘pop’ than lady gaga, Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2, Gaastra) who’s just behind in third. Bonairean style master, Tonky Frans (F2, Gaastra) who’s fighting it out in fourth. And, the 2009 Sylt freestyle champion and 2010 Podersdorf champion, Taty Frans (Starboard, MauiSails) who despite currently lying in sixth has the potential to climb his way back to second!

With such a strong group of stylers locked in a tussle for the top positions, they’re bound to be raising the bar ever higher, so take a seat on the beach or watch the live streaming at home, as the world’s best perform the most mind boggling tricks in order to gain precious points from the panel of international judges.

Men’s Waves

Following an epic contest last autumn off Westerland’s iconic beach, the PWA’s most radical wave sailors will be keen to hit more thick North Sea lips in front of the hoards of spectators guaranteed to line the shore. And, having just returned from an excellent event in Klitmoller, they’ll all be accustomed to the European conditions. This season Sylt marks the penultimate stop of the men’s wave tour with the final scheduled to take place in Cabo Verde towards the end of the year.

Four times Pozo champion, Victor Fernandez (Fanatic, North, MFC) currently leads the rankings after a victory in Pozo and a second in Klitmoller. A good result here could see him secure the 2010 title with an event to spare! And, from what we’ve seen so far of the Spaniard he definitely has what it takes, with a flawless display of skill in the single elimination in Gran Canaria, and an outstanding come back in the double in Denmark.

However, with such a talented pool of wave sailors in the PWA, and the conditions not guaranteed, many of Fernandez’s main rivals could easily steal the show. These include the three times former world champion, Kauli Seadi (JP, NeilPryde, MFC) who is fresh from his recent victory further up the North Sea coast in Klitmoller. Triple loop daredevil, Ricardo Campello (JP, NeilPryde, MFC) who’s ranked second in the world right now, and has really impressed the judges this year with both his jumping and riding. 2009 Pozo champion, Philip Koster (Starboard, NeilPryde, Dakine) whose double forwards are without doubt the most impressive on the planet. Canarian ripper Dany Bruch (Patrik, Severne, MFC) who’s yet to win a contest, but is world renowned for his stylish riding. And of course the 2009 Sylt wave champion, Alex Mussolini (Tabou, Vandal) to name just a few.

Women’s Waves

The Colgate World Cup Sylt marks the final event of the year for the women’s wave tour, and leading the fleet going into this German wave bonanza is many times world champion, Daida Ruano Moreno (Starboard, Severne) from Gran Canaria. Following an outstanding performance earlier in the summer at her home spot, she now has to prove her worth in the unpredictable North Sea.

Over the past two years Daida has been locked in a battle with former world champion and twin sister, Iballa Ruano Moreno (Starboard, Severne) in Sylt. However, it won’t simply be a family affair on Brandenburger Strand. The 2010 slalom world champion, Karin Jaggi (Patrik, Severne) is fearless when it comes to wavesailing, and is more than capable of hitting North Sea growlers as hard as anyone else. And, the 2007 Sylt wave champion, Nayra Alonso (Fanatic, Severne) also has the ability to rip hard and throw a spanner in the works – she also has the mental advantage of knowing that she can take the crown, having won it before!

Sylt Style

The weather in this part of the North Sea can be anything from absolutely brutal with huge shore break and rough seas to flat calm freestyle heaven, making it an event not to be missed. With so many disciplines competing in the same place, there’s bound to be some sort of action on the water everyday. And remember, no competitors are guaranteed the win – Sylt is a true test of all round abilities.

Expect to see huge crowds arriving at the event site over the next day or so, last year over 200,000 people turned up to watch the action unfold right in front of their very eyes – and they weren’t disappointed! You too could be a part of the action, so if you get the chance, book that flight, ferry, train, or helicopter and feast your eyes on the September spectacular here in Sylt.

Keep in the groove

For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on www.pwaworldtour.com

Here you can use our:

• Live ticker service for heat-by-heat bulletins

• Check live elimination ladders

• View results

• Read daily news summaries

• Browse awesome action photo galleries

There’s also a dedicated event website which can be found at www.windsurfworldcup.de

Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via [email protected]