Light winds plagued Podersdorf for the third day in a row, but this didn’t stop the world’s finest freestylers from busting out their best tricks in front of the crazy Austrian crowds.
Following head judge Duncan Coombe’s dawn patrol, the hoards of spectators were treated to another full day of hanging out in the sun with the PWA’s stars. Unfortunately, we’ll all have to wait yet another day for the start of official 2010 world tour competition.
Mid afternoon, the same seven sailors that took part in the tow-in jump contest the previous day were saved from any bone breaking ramp action, and were instead asked to put on a show just yards from the beach. With reputations to uphold and fans to please, they invested every ounce of skill into styling it as best they could. The young Belgian, Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2, Gaastra), took full advantage of his extensive armoury of tricks and pulled off the most technical move, a culo, to win with emphatic style.
Winners And Losers
No official result, but Van Broeckhoven claimed first place in the tow-in freestyle exhibition, with Bonairean style master, Taty Frans (Starboard, MauiSails) in second after landing an amazing double flaka, and French showman, Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard, Gun) followed up in third with a stylish one-handed air flaka.
Move Of The Moment
Van Broeckhoven – Sailing away from a Culo is extremely impressive in the most idyllic freestyle conditions. But, being towed behind a Jet Ski at 30kts, and then launching into the move in front of thousands of spectators, with no wind whatsoever, is in a completely different league.
Biggest Breakthrough
Wind or no wind, the crowds were entertained. Competitors throwing themselves round the most difficult moves, in quick succession, and in ankle deep water is definitely a winner. Perhaps we should adopt this format of competition for the future…
Worst Wipeout
Tonky Frans (F2, Gaastra) – His back foot fell out of the strap whilst being towed at full pelt behind the Jet Ski. It looked nasty. But, he still came out smiling!
Beach Side Banter
Power Balance. Does the frequency given off by these wrist bands really help to improve your balance? Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers (JP, NeilPryde) gave it a go during a demonstration this morning, and it seemed to have a positive effect. Whether or not it helps on the water, or in a practical sense in everyday life remains to be seen. He parted with €35 for one! And, he’s been asking about frequencies that can have a negative effect, so anyone sailing against Bubble this season should watch out. Have your foot-straps had anything hidden in them?
Quotes Of The Day
Antxon Otaegui (JP, NeilPryde) to Andre Paskowski (Fanatic, North)
AO: “Hey Andre are we going to go with the jet ski or what?”
AP: “No way man, we’re too old for that!”
Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers (JP, NeilPryde)
“There’s no way I’m falling over now” – talking about his frequency enhancing wristband.
Taty Frans (F2, Maui Sails) – talking about Podersdorf
“I love the crowds… especially the women!”
Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic, North) to the Jet Ski driver.
JE: “Full power, full power, full power”
Driver: “This is full power!”
The forecast looks promising for tomorrow, so be sure to tune in for some explosive action on the PWA world tour.
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 for fans at www.surfworldcup.at
Or for more information, please contact the PWA office via [email protected]
PWA/Paul Griffiths
