LOCAL HERO’S TOP THE FIRST PUMP FOIL PODIUM

Day four presented similar winds to day three, with this being the case the crew ran the first-ever pump foil competition. Read on to discover more.

Friday 17th April 2022
Words: Liam Dredge
Photos: Sailing Energy/Engadinwing
Videos: Aalvaa Media

Another beautiful morning at one of Switzerland’s most prestigious lakes was how the day started for all. With no heats taking place yesterday, the crew was keen to run a pump foiling competition which was open to all competitors whilst waiting and keeping fingers crossed that we could resume the Ensis Engadinwing by Dakine GWA Wingfoil World Cup. 

Last night saw everyone spend an entertaining evening down at the Casino in St Moritz, one of the event partners. It’s great to have all the athletes together away from the water creating a nice social scene with the competitive side coming out early on! Dice were thrown, cards were shuffled and not everyone returned home with winnings!

Day four – Friday 17th – The first pump foil competition got underway. Read on to find out more!

RIDERS START THEIR DAY WITH SOME COMPETITIVE PUMP FOIL ACTION

25 of the most accomplished foilers signed up and Silvaplana produced perfect flat water conditions where competition began promptly at 11.00am. With prize money up for grabs and the idea of being claimed the first-ever pump foil champion, these riders were determined to succeed and bring it home. 

Round 1 saw everyone pump out to the designated bouy, complete the turn, and burn it back across the finish line. Athletes were given 3 start attempts but once up on the foil, that was the run that counted! The majority of the fleet were able to complete the course with only a handful of competitors falling short – This left us with an impressive ten to have a thrilling final. 

As the final commenced the course was altered. Judges wanted to see more variety so implemented a figure of eight turn which sure did burn the legs! As clock times were getting quicker and quicker the local boys of Balz Mȕller (CHE) and Maxime Chabloz (CHE) were pilling on the pressure to the remaining competition. Titouan Galea (FRA) wasn’t phased one ounce. Embracing the competition he took it against the Swiss boys and managed to stomp a second-place finish showing snappy turns and quick speeds. 

Maxime Chabloz is always a force to be reckoned with. A recent world champion freeride skier and previous vice world champion kitesurfer, he was looking to add another win to the repertoire. Throw anything at this guy, he loves to perform and finished with a solid third-place finish. 

Riding what was similar to a dinner tray, Mȕller showed his impressive skill set giving the quickest time on the course. Is there anything this guy can’t do on a foil? With the fastest time, he claimed first place and was crowned the champion!

MEN’S PRONE-FOIL RESULTS

1. Balz Mȕller (CHE): 26.48 
2. Titouan Galea (FRA): 26.59
3. Maxime Chabloz (CHE): 26.64

With a promising forecast ahead for the weekend, it’s looking like we’ll be able to complete the competition over the coming days.

Get more detail from Friday’s action through the liveticker text commentary and heat ladders / results on the GWA Wingfoil World Cup Switzerland event page here

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