ENSIS at GWA Leucate
From the 6th to the 14th of April 2024, the GWA has just concluded its first FREESTYLE and FREEFLY (wingfoil racing) events of the year. Hosted in Leucate, France, a spot known for its flat water and strong offshore Tramontana winds. Being the first wing foil freestyle event of 2024, this event was highly anticipated, and the wind delivered, with well over 40 knots, reportedly reaching 60 knots in the gusts. This event pushed the limits of the riders and made for an interesting and challenging competition.
ENSIS at the GWA
Young gun Finlay Chandler, along with a full roster of ladies including Sofia Marchetti, Tina Konig, and Agata Blach, represented ENSIS at the event. The FREESTYLE ladies final had two ENSIS team riders representing. Thank you for representing ENSIS and riding to your limits even in extreme conditions. At the end of the article we chat to Sofia about the event and her plans, stick around.
SURF-FREESTYLE
The event kicked off with FREESTYLE on the 9th of April and finished on the 11th of April. With 40+ knots of wind, it turned out to be an exciting and exhilarating day. The same format was used as last year – riders are flagged and scored once for each wingfoil trick type. Agata, Tina, and Sofia represented ENSIS for the FREESTYLE; Agata made it to the third round where she got knocked out by a minuscule 0.03 difference in points.
Tina was consistent and comfortable, making her way through the early rounds all the way to the finals, where she placed 4th. Sofia Marchetti struggled in the early rounds in the strong winds but eventually got comfortable and made a comeback, securing a podium finish in 3rd place.
FREEFLY-SLALOM
The first day of FREEFLY-SLALOM was hosted on the 10th of April, and the Tramontana wind was holding strong. FREEFLY is a wing foiling downwind racing course with a freefly (pumpfoil) section where riders are not allowed to use their wings and can only use the hydrofoil to cover a set distance. Finlay Chandler, a youngster representing ENSIS, debuted at his first GWA event and performed exceptionally well. We look forward to seeing him in future events.
Catching up with Sofia Marchetti
The conditions were really challenging at the event. What was it like competing in over 40 knots?
The conditions were extremely tough, perhaps the most difficult for me thus far. I’m very proud of myself because I managed to hold my own as best I could in those harsh north wind conditions.
What gear did you use and how did it handle the conditions?
I used the 1.8 SPIN for the first time, and I must say it felt very small. I didn’t think I would be able to land my tricks with such a small wing, but it turned out to be the key to my success! For the board, however, I used my favorite, the ROCK’N’ROLL 47 l. I love this board. With this equipment, I managed to hold my own as best as I could and even surprised myself.
What was your training like leading up to the first freestyle event of the year, and where can we expect to see you next?
I trained hard, spending two weeks in Sicily where there were different but beautiful conditions every day. I trained as much as possible both at sea and in the gym, and my efforts paid off in the best possible way. Now I will stay here for the awards ceremony until Sunday, then I will drive to Lake Garda for an event. I will stay there for a few days to continue training before heading to the second stage of the GWA, which will take place in Tarifa.
Exciting year for wingfoiling
Thank you, and congratulations to all the ENSIS riders at the event. We truly appreciate your dedication and efforts. The conditions were indeed tough, but the riders persevered, showcasing their skills and the versatility of wingfoiling. The tour has just begun, and we’re thrilled for a year filled with action-packed excitement.
Interested in wingfoiling?
The ENSIS team is highly skilled in wing foiling and is eager to assist you in starting your wing foiling journey. Our worldwide retailers offer a variety of ENSIS products, making it convenient for you to bring wing foiling to your location. Contact us now to learn more about our products or locate an ENSIS retailer nearby.
