Windsurf MagazineLIAM DUNKERBECK WINS THE BOYS UNDER 20 IN COLD HAWAII

LIAM DUNKERBECK WINS THE BOYS UNDER 20 IN COLD HAWAII

The weekend saw some spectacular conditions in Denmark at the PWA/IWT Cold Hawaii Youth Windsurf World Cup 2023. In the under 20 division Liam Dunkerbeck came out on top and retains his Youth World Title, while Carlos Kiefer won the under 17! Awesome photos by I Lost A Wave In 79!

SINGLE ELIMINATION

The opening day of the 2023 PWA/IWT Cold Hawaii Youth Windsurf World Cup saw an early registration take place before the decision was made to move the contest to the Fish Factory – where the next generation were greeted by the wild and raw North Sea with gusts of up to 50 knots creating massive waves on the outside, and a solid the reform on the inside.

With almost storm chase conditions, the Youth’s were left running for their smallest equipment, which for most was a 3.0m paired with whatever their smallest board was.

The standouts of the first round were definitely Marlon Maethner (Duotone / Duotone Sails) and Samuele Ferrero, both of whom seemed comfortable in the wild conditions and they deservedly advanced into the top four.

Reigning Youth World Champion – Liam Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne Sails / Black Project Fins) – came out on top of a close heat against local boy – Tobias Bjørnaa (Duotone / Duotone) – to advance into the final where he would face Maethner. Ultimately, Dunkerbeck proved too strong as the 19-year-old produced a polished display to claim victory in the single elimination winners’ final, which sees him lead the event after the opening day. Meanwhile, Maethner claimed second place after a solid day of sailing, while Bjørnaa was able to secure the final place on the podium in the single elimination ahead of Ferraro.

DOUBLE ELIMINATION

Despite fightbacks from the likes of Tobias Bjørnaa, Hannes Gobisch and Marlon Maethener, again in awesome conditions, Liam Dunkerbeck took victory in the double elimination with a double loop close to the end of the heat against Tobias. Hannes Gobisch was the comeback king and passed four rounds in the double elimination before being beaten eventually by Tobias and finishing 4th overall!

UNDER 17

The under 17 competition was also action packed.

After a dominant performance in the Single Elimination, Carlos Kiefer defended his top spot in a close fought battle with Leon Maethener to take the victory in the double elimination.

After beating a charging Fernando Sottile, Leon Maethener was given a bye into the final after Ryu Noguchi unfortunately broke his leg trying double forwards during the double elimination warm up. We wish him a speedy recovery!