The Engadin Surf Marathon is not your typical foil race.

Set on Lake Silvaplana in the Swiss Alps, the annual event challenges riders to cover a long course, combining speed, endurance and consistency. A strong start can make a difference, but over such a long distance, maintaining focus and avoiding mistakes becomes just as important.

At the 49th edition of the event, the ENSIS team delivered an impressive performance across wingfoil and parawing.

In the wingfoil category, Thomas Goodricke took first place, followed by fellow ENSIS rider Simon Mille in second. Meanwhile, Balz Müller claimed victory in the first official Engadin Parawing Marathon.

With podium finishes and plenty of ENSIS riders on the water, it was a memorable edition in Silvaplana. 

A Strong Start for Thomas Goodricke

For Thomas, the race started with one of its most critical moments: getting a good position off the line.

With more than 30 kilometres ahead, the Engadin Surf Marathon leaves room for comebacks, but it also demands concentration from start to finish. Riders need to push for speed over multiple laps while managing fatigue and avoiding costly mistakes.

The start is the most intense moment of the race, trying to get the best start. Then it is all fun battling it out with your friends”.

Thomas managed to get one of his best starts and immediately positioned himself at the front of the fleet, battling with the IQFoil riders.

But the challenge was far from over. With a long way ahead, the goal was simple: go as fast as possible while avoiding mistakes.

One Extra Half Lap

After completing four laps, Thomas was sitting in second place overall.

Then came an unexpected mistake.

I did an extra half lap because I didn't keep track of how many laps I had done”.

The extra distance dropped Thomas from second to eighth overall.

But despite the mistake, he still managed to secure first place in the wingfoil category.

Even with that big mistake, I still managed to get first place in the wingfoiling category. I was really happy with my performance”.

And, as Thomas pointed out, there is already a clear plan for next time:

I know for next time I will take a lap counter to not make the same mistake”.

Built for Speed

Conditions throughout the race were ideal for the DOUBLE ACE 5.5.

With wind ranging between 15 and 20 knots, Thomas chose the smaller size to stay comfortable when the gusts picked up.

It was a bit gusty, so I decided to go out with the 5.5 m² so that in the gusts I would not be too overpowered”.

For Thomas, the combination of speed and handling made it the right choice for the marathon.

I love the 5.5 because it is really fast due to its small leading edge and how easy it is in the tacks, even in the gusts”.

A 1–2 Finish in Wingfoil

Thomas wasn't the only ENSIS rider at the front of the fleet.

Simon Mille, riding the DOUBLE ACE 6.5, crossed the finish line in second place in the wingfoil category.

Together, Thomas and Simon secured a 1–2 finish among 21 wingfoilers.

A strong result for both riders and a great day for the ENSIS team.

A New Chapter for Parawing

This year's event also marked the beginning of something new.

For the first time, the Engadin Surf Marathon included an official parawing category — and Balz Müller took the win.

The addition of parawing reflects the constant evolution of foiling and the growing number of ways riders can experience the wind and water.

More Than a Race

While the racing can get intense, the Engadin Surf Marathon has always maintained a unique atmosphere.

For Thomas, that is one of the things that makes the event stand out.

It is one of the best atmospheres I have experienced because it is a sort of fun race, so there is not that much pressure. Everyone is super nice and cheerful”.

That same spirit continues on the water.

Yes, it is a bit more intense because everyone wants to get the best start, but it is still really chill and fun”.

Alongside Thomas, Simon and Balz, Karl Müller and other ENSIS riders also joined the race, making it a true team effort on the water.

Thrilling. Beautiful. Windy.

When asked to describe the experience in three words, Thomas didn't hesitate:

Thrilling. Beautiful. Windy”.

After another memorable edition in Silvaplana, we couldn't agree more.

Congratulations to Thomas, Simon, Balz, Karl and all the ENSIS riders who took part in the 49th Engadin Surf Marathon. See you on the water for the next one!