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WINDSURF MAUI PROM AM PREDICTIONS

Last year the Maui Pro Am was a 4-star event but this year it has been upgraded to elite 5-star status meaning most of the PWA / WWT big hitters will be in town. We have been patiently waiting for the entry lists to be confirmed before making our predictions as we don’t want to be backing any non-runners! But now that things are confirmed, it’s game on. The forecast looks banging with wind and waves set to hit after a spell of Kona rainstorms has finally dispersed. We also have bonus predictions reigning world champion Sarah Quita Offringa who has gone head to head with Windsurf to see if she can outdo our picks! Now that is a challenge indeed! Are we running scared?…maybe!

So without further waffle…here are the Windsurf and Sarah Quita Offringa Predictions for the Maui Pro AM coming your way!

Photos: WWT / PWA Fish Bowl Diaries.

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WINDSURF

MEN

The men’s fleet is so stacked we could be completely wrong with our top four selections, it really feels like throwing darts in the dark. There is a wave of Japanese talent, deadly Maui locals and PWA chargers like Liam Dunkerbeck ready to shake the hierarchy. Having said that we have to make some picks (it is so, so tough) but these are the sailors we singled out to kick off 2026 with a bang! We could be wildly wrong. But that’s never stopped us making bold calls before.

1: BERND ROEDIGER

The way Bernd was ripping at the Aloha Classic last year was, frankly, borderline ridiculous. He came within a whisker of taking the win and looked dangerous in every single heat with his super fluid, top-to-bottom style and seamless tricks.

We’re backing him to go all the way…unless the judges suddenly decide they want a jump thrown in. Judging by the forecast… they just might. Having said that the wind is up and down like a yo yo in the forecast.

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2: MARC PARE

Marc was unlucky not to make the final last year and what we have seen of him so far this year he is absolutely on fire. Pare been kind of low profile in the build up to the event but it looks like he is just letting his sailing do the talking this season, rather than blab it all out on social media. He is sure to have his gear tuned and will be fired up to kick of the season with a bang. Marc is strong in big waves, small waves and if jumps are included, he is sure to bang out a double loop or a push forward. This is a sailor ready for anything and his world title last year was certainly no fluke!

3: MARCILIO BROWNE

Last year’s winner returns, but with the upgrade to a 5-star event, the target on his back just got a lot bigger.

Marcilio is one of the best free sailors at Ho’okipa…effortless, stylish, and ridiculously consistent. The only question is whether that same freedom translates under contest pressure. Either way, with his trademark power turns, goiters and wave 360s, leaving him out would be… brave (and probably foolish).

WILD CARD

MORGAN NOIREUX

Morgan won the Aloha Classic in 2025 and is rarely out of the top four in Maui. He almost makes the job look too easy with the smooth silky way he performs in Maui. He is another sailor who is very tough to beat and we would not be surprised to see him take the victory at the Maui Pro Am. He has been on Maui most of the winter and from what we have seen in the videos he is totally on fire and ready for battle. His wave 360’s are amongst the best in the business and don’t be surprised if he does not back one up with a goiter. Hmmm maybe we should have him down for the event win…Only time will tell.

Also don’t count out: Kai Lenny (always dangerous at Ho’okipa), Antoine Martin (if it’s big, he’s going bigger), plus Robby Swift, Takuma Sugi, Thomas Traversa and Levi Siver…who’ve all had their moments of brilliance here.

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SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA

1: Morgan Noireaux!

I’m rooting for my teammate here. He is such a driven rider and spends so much hours on the water and never seems to get enough. Does he hold the record for most Aloha wins in the men? He posted some ridiculous rides online in the winter time I wanna see him get another title!

2: Antoine Martin!

So apparently it will not be textbook Maui conditions and someone that thrives in chaos and non perfect conditions is Antoine. He has won the Aloha several times and is one of the riders that always keeps you guessing with what he’s going to do next. He doesn’t hold back in competition and brings his free sailing to the heats.

3: Takuma Sugi

I loooove Takuma! Multi talented across disciplines and sends it any type of conditions. It seems like he’s been on tour for a long time but he’s only 21 I think. And he’s only going from strength to strength. It’s been awesome to see his dedication and has a unique style. He can make it to the top!

WILDCARD

Marcilio obviously is not a wildcard! His riding at Ho’okipa is unlike anybody else. Powerful and clean. He can easily win this contest.

Then there is Marc, Bernd, Victor, Swifty and Camille..

Since it’s Spring we should see a more windy Ho’okipa and therefore I think there will be more room for some tricks on the waves!

Good luck ladies and gentlemen!

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WINDSURF

WOMEN

The women’s competition is equally a tough equation to unravel. The level is so high right now that there are no easy heats, no easy paths, and definitely no guarantees.

Throw in experienced Maui specialists like Angela Cochran, and you’ve got a proper battle on your hands from round one.

1: MARINE HUNTER

With Sarah Quita Offringa sitting this one out, we have picked out last years winner, Marine Hunter to make it back-to-back victories. Marine is an absolute charger…committed, aggressive and seemingly unaware that backing off is even an option. If she sticks her moves, that “go hard or go home” style could once again take her all the way.

2: LINA ERPENSTEIN

Last year just wasn’t Lina’s year…injury recovery, tricky conditions… the works. Luck just did not flow her way.

Fast forward to 2026, and she should be fully fit, fully motivated and very ready to make up for lost time. Lina thrives at Ho’okipa and isn’t afraid to take on heavy sections. If she’s back to her best, a top finish looks more than likely.

3: MARIA ANDRÉS

Maria loves Maui…and it shows in her sailing.

After a winter in Australia getting plenty of port tack action, she’s been back on Maui recently getting re-dialled on starboard. Expect her to come in sharp, focused, and fully in attack mode.

WILD CARD: SOL DEGRIEK

Sol is progressing at a scary rate. After last year’s Aloha Classic, it felt like she just needed a bit more time at Ho’okipa to really click with wave selection and timing.

She’s fearless when it’s big and if she finds her rhythm early, she could absolutely shake things up. Rumour has it Dieter Van Der Eyken might be in her corner this trip…so don’t be surprised if she levels up quickly.

Keep an eye on: Pauline Katz, Lisa Wermeister, Maria Behrens, Sarah Jackson and Coco Foveau…all more than capable of causing a few upsets (and making us look even more wrong).

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SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA

The top 3 women below all seem to thrive in bigger waves and that’s why I have chosen them!

1: Marine Hunter 

My top pick for the event is Marine Hunter!

She stands out in big waves and is one of the women that gets out there even when it’s scary. Having spent much more time in Maui since last year, I feel like she knows the break the best at the moment, she has a no-fear attitude and knows what she needs to win her heats!

2: Lisa Wermeister 
She really impressed me at Ho’okipa the last two contests. She is low-key extremely driven. I noticed last year how focused she is on stepping up her game. And it showed in her sailing and especially her heat tactics. 

3: Coco Foveau 

If I’m not mistaken there should be some big waves coming up for the contest. And no one loves those more than Coco! I’m happy to see her back on the starting list and if it does get big, she should be one to watch as she doesn’t thrives in those conditions.

WILCARDS

But of course I know the top 3 ranked Sol, Lina and Pauline will be right up there with their competition experience!

Good luck ladies and gentlemen!