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SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA: UNSTOPPABLE!

We caught up with the 34-year-old Aruban, Sarah-Quita Offringa, after her incredible victory at the Aloha Classic…her fourth win at this iconic event (2016, 2019, 2023 and now 2025). That victory pushed her count to an incredible 28 world titles as she continues her dominant role in women’s windsurfing. On top of that, this is the second consecutive year, Sarah has claimed three world titles in a single season… To put it simply, she is unstoppable!

From the beaches of Sylt to the waves of Maui, Offringa continues to redefine consistency, resilience and pure competitive fire. Whether she’s battling jetlag, challenging heavy surf or silencing doubts after a rare off result, Sarah always finds another gear and delivers exceptional performances when it matters.

Photos: World Wave Tour / PWA  Fish Bowl Diaries.

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WINDSURF: How were you feeling mentally going into the Aloha after a poor result (for your standards in Sylt) Were you feeling any pressure?

SQ: “Hmmmm! Well, yes I think it did mess with my head a bit. I was actually so prepared going into Sylt after sailing so much in Brazil and then all of a sudden it was over in 15 minutes. I made all the wrong decisions and I was out, no second chances. So even though going into Maui I felt confident about it being starboard tack, my mind was definitely playing games with me, so yes maybe I didn’t go into the Aloha with 100% confidence. But all of that happens on land. As soon as I got on the water, I felt much better mentally.”

WINDSURF: Were you excited by the forecast and did you get much time to dial into the conditions?

SQ: “Yes I was very excited about the forecast. It’s finally clicked for me where I actually enjoy the big waves. I used to be scared, and now I can’t wait for the rush. There was not much time between the events unfortunately, so not really that much time on the water.”

 WINDSURF: What was it like transitioning from Sylt to Maui in the space of a week?

SQ: “The hardest part was getting over the jetlag and travelling fatigue. The jetlag was brutal for a couple of days and can make it a bit hard to function! With the 12 hr difference I would get super drowsy around 2-3PM. Or just fall asleep at 6PM but then be up from 2 AM onwards haha. But besides that, Maui is such a lovely destination. It’s all about the feel good vibes so it’s a pleasure to battle jetlag in paradise.”

 WINDSURF: What gear were you riding…the board looked like it was working well?

SQ: “I was on the Starboard Hyper 88, which is a quad setup and used 4.7m and 5.0m NeilPryde Combat. I sailed a lot of Starboard tack in Brazil just last month, so I think that helped me to get right in the groove of things.”

WINDSURF: How nervous were you during the heats?

SQ: “I was extremely excited to compete in the first heat, and as soon as the red flag went up, I became really nervous. So, as I said before, I do think I didn’t start 100% confident, simply because you can be as prepared as you can be, but things can still go wrong.

But that’s part of the game and after that heat my mental game improved.”

WINDSURF: Once Sol was eliminated in the semi-finals, that meant you had the title in the bag…Was it still important to you to win the event?

SQ: “Right after I had clinched the title, I was actually very relaxed and even thought whatever happens now really doesn’t matter. I could finish 4th! And then the heat started and I really wanted to win ha ha, but it’s different when your main goal has been achieved already. It wasn’t a do or die situation like with the men or like I had in 2019. So, it was just a pleasure to be part of another final in the Aloha and winning would be the cherry on top.”

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WINDSURF: Talk us through the final…I looked like you had a pretty sick heat?

SQ: “I had a good heat and scored when it mattered! There were very little waves/sets coming through, which made it hard to decide whether or not I wanted to go on the smaller waves or wait for the sets. I think now finally after a few years I’m able to be patient and wait for the bigger waves and make sure that I have longer rides that score more. I think my best wave was two turns and a hit which I was happy about that!”

WINDSURF: How did you feel about your sailing during the event?

SQ: “I was very happy about my sailing, I improved some things here and there.  but not as much as I would like to. Definitely have some regrets not coming to Maui as often as I would like to since Covid. But I would like to make a change in that the upcoming year and improve my riding.”

WINDSURF: How did you celebrate?

SQ: “We did a girls dinner which was very cosy! There is such a good vibe between the girls on the beach so it’s a pleasure to hang out with everyone!”

 

WINDSURF: What are your plans for the rest of the winter?

SQ: “I am not planning too much yet for the moment. Will take a break and in a few weeks set some goals!”