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WINDSURF: FUERTEVENTURA FREESTYLE PREDICTIONS!

Pozo is done and dusted and there’s barely time to catch a breath before the next showdown. The much anticipated PWA Fuerteventura Freestyle event is just around the corner, with the stunning turquoise waters of Sotavento ready to host another all-out battle between the world’s elite.

Our scouts have been lurking on the beaches, spying on training sessions, analysing form and our crystal ball has been given a serious polish. Will these predictions make you the king of your fantasy league? Probably not, but hopefully we can nail a few correct picks for the podium!

Let’s get stuck in…

Photos: Inna Bru…Tom Brendt…PWA

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MEN’S PREDICTIONS

1: Lennart Neubauer

2: Yentel Caers

3: Jacopo Testa

Wild Card: Sam Esteve

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1: Lennart Neubauer – The Ice Man!

Lennart Neubauer is absolutely oozing with confidence in 2026. Last year he arrived in Fuerte carrying an injury and then had the misfortune of running into nine-time freestyle world champion Gollito Estredo, who was on a mission to make a comeback and upset the rankings. Tough draw!

This season feels different. Lennart looks fitter, stronger and hungrier than ever. More importantly, he’s approaching his career with laser focus. During Pozo he wasn’t just chasing those insane shifty forwards…every spare minute was spent sharpening his freestyle arsenal.

With virtually every trick in the book locked in and the ability to stay calm under pressure, Lennart has proved himself one of the hardest men in the world to beat. One of our most respected scouts overheard that is quietly confident that he can smash out the victory in Fuerte! So we are backing the Ice man to keep his cool when the heat is on and is our favourite to take the crown.

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2: Yentel Caers – The Belgian Bullet

Are we writing off Yentel? Not a chance.

The defending Fuerteventura champion has the experience, consistency and explosive power to beat anyone when he’s on song. If Lennart slips even slightly, expect Yentel to pounce.

If the wind turns on and both riders are landing everything, this could easily become the showdown of the event. Yentel is the reigning world champion and he will be giving it everything to stay on top!

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3: Jacopo Testa – The Italian Assassin

Cool, calm and rarely flustered, Jacopo might look relaxed on the beach…but once the heat starts, he turns into one of the most dangerous sailors in the fleet.

The Italian has every major move on tap and has become one of the most consistent podium threats on tour. He quietly goes about his business…then casually drops world-class moves when it matters most.

Never underestimate the chilled Italian!

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Wild Card: Sam Esteve – The Dark Horse

Every event needs a surprise package and we’re putting our remaining money on French freestyle whizz kid Sam Esteve. He’s got the talent, the tricks and is more than capable of being in the mix. If he catches fire early in the single elimination, don’t be surprised if he sends a few of the favourites packing.

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WOMEN’S PREDICTIONS

1: Sarah-Quita Offringa

2:  Maaike Huvermann

3: Lisa Koster

Wild Card: Lina Shmied

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1: Sarah-Quita Offringa – The Freestyle Queen

Over to the women, where we could be about to witness one of the fiercest title battles we’ve seen in years.

Sarah-Quita Offringa has ruled freestyle for what feels like forever, but the challengers are getting closer. Last year Maaike Huvermann rattled the Queen’s throne by winning the opening Super Final. For a moment it looked like the crown was changing hands…

Then Sarah did what champions do.

She dug deep, delivered under pressure and came back to win the deciding final. That’s why she’s still the benchmark.

After another winter of training in Aruba, we think Sarah still has enough magic in the tank to defend her territory.

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2: Maaike Huvermann – The Fitness Machine

Maaike has transformed herself into one of the fittest athletes on tour. Between windsurfing and competing in Hyrox events, she’s probably arriving in the best physical condition of her career. Fitter, Stronger and Tougher than ever!

If that extra strength helps her hold onto those massive power moves, she could be an absolute nightmare for Sarah-Quita. If anyone is capable of ending the Queen’s reign in Fuerte, Maaike is the rider most likely to do it.

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3: Lisa Koster – The Silent Improver

Lisa just keeps getting better. Already a multiple-time top-four finisher, she’s quietly been building her level year after year and has become one of the safest bets for another podium. Can she upset the big two? Possibly.

She looks to have been putting in plenty of work behind the scenes, so don’t be shocked if she arrives with a few new weapons in her armoury.

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Wild Card: Lina Shmied – The Rising Star

Picking the final top-four spot wasn’t easy and while we were looking there were only six girls down on the entry list, but we’re going with Lina Shmied.

She’s steadily improving, has a growing bag of tricks and feels like one of those riders capable of taking a big step forward this season. Could she be this year’s surprise package?

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Final Thoughts

Predictions are made to be broken…and that’s exactly why we love freestyle.

One perfectly timed gust, one monster move or one tiny mistake can turn the entire event upside down. The fractions at the very top have never been closer and that’s what makes Fuerteventura one of the highlights of the season.

Will Lennart finally stamp his authority on the men’s fleet? Can Yentel defend his title? Is this the moment Maaike topples the Queen, or will Sarah-Quita remind everyone why she’s one of the greatest freestyle sailors of all time?

We’ll soon find out.

Grab your popcorn, charge your fantasy teams and get ready… because Fuerteventura is about to go crazy!