Tweet

WINDSURF POZO PREDICTIONS 2026

ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

Yes… it’s that time of year again. After the drama of perfect waves in Fiji, it is the turn of the wild and windy Canary Islands to take centre stage in the windsurfing world. The sails get smaller and the nerves get bigger as the best in the world prepare to do battle at the windiest stop on tour, for a full 5 star ranking event. Yep…Pozo Izquierdo…the legendary ‘home of the wind’…is back…Famous for its relentless trade winds, brutal conditions and epic battles. This is where heroes are made, egos are tested and the jumps go into orbit!

So, with the wind machine ready to howl (hopefully) and the world’s best preparing for battle, let’s get down to it and look at our picks as to who we think will conquer Pozo in 2026, who could cause some possible upsets and we will give you the reasoning behind our choices. Most likely they will all be wrong…but somebody has got to put their reputation on the line and make some bold predictions! We also have a guest predictor step in at the last minute so read ’til the end for Timo’s take on what will go down in Pozo!

DISCLAIMER: We have stared at forecasts relentlessly, analysed form, consulted our windsurf crystal ball and still fully expect this to go wrong. But that’s half the fun…

Photos: PWA / Carter

---

MEN’S DIVISION

The Big Guns & The Dark Horses…

Podium Picks

1: Philip Köster

2: Marcilio Browne

3: Marc Paré

Wildcard Threat

4. Marino Gil

What actually goes down during the competition in Pozo can ride a lot on the conditions. If the forecast is nuking, then normally the big guns rise to the top! If the forecast is sketchy then the elite players can struggle to shine. We have been holding back as long as possible, so we can check the forecast that will hopefully give us a clue as to what to expect in Pozo this year.

On top of all the decisions calling the forecast… this year’s event is a WWT event as opposed to the PWA running the show, so we doubt there will be a double elimination as in previous years. We are not sure of all the details as yet but most likely there will be one final to decide how things play out and no chance of a comeback.

---

 

1: PHILIP KÖSTER: Deadly at his home spot!

In the build-up to Pozo the wind has been absolutely nuking, so at least if gives all the sailors a decent window to get dialled in. However, as we head into the event window, things look set to calm down slightly, with the wind easing for a few days before (hopefully) returning with some proper horsepower. We’re not expecting a full-on survival mission with huge waves and tiny sails, but there should still be enough action to separate the men from the boys.

The good news for Philip Köster? He doesn’t seem to care what conditions are thrown at him. Over the last few seasons, he’s looked sharper, lighter and more explosive probably around 10kg leaner than his peak years…and he’s carrying that extra agility into the waves. His sailing has that frustrating “how did he make that look so easy?” quality, with tricks landed so smoothly it almost feels like he’s playing a different game to everyone else.

If Pozo decides to unleash its famous full-power madness, then Köster is one of the few riders you’d actually want in your fantasy squad. When the wind goes nuclear, he can go toe-to-toe with anyone, matching the biggest hitters in the sport with his trademark mix of control, commitment and ridiculous aerial ability.

At his home spot, Köster clearly knows every gust, ramp, and piece of chop like the back of his hand, although. he has the complete package and when the pressure is on, he has a habit of producing his best performances exactly when they matter most. If Pozo turns into a battlefield, don’t be surprised to see the local hero walking away with the victory!

 

---

2. MARCILIO BROWNE… Man on a Mission!

Yawn… here we go again…picking the obvious favourites is not usually our style but sometimes the major players at the front of the pack are there for a reason. After watching the top four battle it out in last year’s Pozo final, it’s hard to look past the big guns and Marcilio “Brawzinho” Browne is firmly in that conversation.

Every year he seems to arrive at Pozo with another level unlocked. His port tack game has become seriously dangerous and his timing, consistency and rad style just keeps on improving. His jump game is fully loaded, with doubles and push forwards both firmly under control. Add in his ability to throw back loops off the lip, plus his endless catalogue of takas, shakas and technical wizardry in the waves and you have a rider who is pretty lethal at Pozo when the heat is on.

But make no mistake, Brawzinho doesn’t fly over from Hawaii weeks early just to enjoy the Spanish sunshine and eat tapas. This is a calculated campaign. He’s putting in the hours, studying the conditions and is prepared for battle. The mission is clear: challenge for the event win and keep the hunt alive for a fourth world title.

 

---

3. MARC PARÉ… The Champion Under Pressure

The life of a world champion is not always as glamorous as it looks. After lifting the biggest trophy in the sport, the next challenge is proving you can handle the target painted firmly on your back…and after a tough opening event in Hawaii, Marc Paré arrives at Pozo with something to prove.

From our recent chat with Marc, it sounded like the pressure of being the man everyone wants to beat may have taken some time to adjust to. Winning a world title is the dream, but defending it comes with a whole new level of expectation…suddenly every heat feels like a final and every mistake or decision gets analysed by the critics.

But if there is one place where Marc can hit the reset button, it’s Pozo. He is without question one of the most dangerous sailors at this venue and has all the ingredients needed to win. Fearless in the air and radical on the wave, Paré is the type of rider who can be the standout during a brutal Pozo session.

The question is whether he can match the trickery of riders like Koester and the consistency of Brawzinho if the conditions don’t turn into full survival mode. In lighter or more technical conditions, the margins become tiny and that’s where the small details can decide everything.

Don’t write off the champ though. If Pozo switches into battle mode, Marc Paré is exactly the kind of rider you want charging into the storm. He may have arrived with a little pressure on his shoulders, but sometimes that’s when champions remind everyone why they won the title in the first place. We would love to see Marc win in Pozo even if it would shatter our predictions!

---

WILDCARD

4. MARINO GIL… The Local Wildcard

When it comes to Pozo, you can’t ignore the locals…and Marino Gil is not just any local. He’s a true homegrown weapon who has spent years learning every slippery boulder of this legendary battlefield. From chasing ramps as a kid to becoming one of the most feared sailors at the spot, Marino has earned his place among the elite.

Known for his huge jumps, explosive style and incredibly polished wave riding, Marino has all the tools needed to take down a win at Pozo. On his best day, he is absolutely capable of beating anyone…and the scary part is that when the conditions go wild, he almost seems more comfortable the more hectic things get. For most people, Pozo at full power is survival mode; for Marino, it’s time to go big!

Unlike many of his rivals, Marino chose to skip Maui and Fiji, keeping his powder dry and focusing all his energy on his opening strike of the season on familiar ground.

Marino has shown he thrives in this environment and with the crowd behind him, he could go all the way! Marino Gil is a serious contender, a Pozo specialist and there is no way we could leave him out of our top four. If the wind machine fires up, expect the local hero to come out swinging and probably flying higher than anyone if Pozo turns on.

Honourable Mention: MORITZ MAUCH

The Wave Riding Wizard

Firstly, we would like to say that if Moritz Mauch has learned to smash out double loops and push forwards, he would easily be our choice to take the victory. His wave riding execution at Pozo is simply ridiculous and we think he’s got the best style in town. Unfortunately, he has not got the jumping skills to match so we can’t include him in our picks for the podium!…Unless he has been secretly training doubles of course!

Looking at some of the videos from the build up their are a tonne of sailors ripping so don’t be surprised if our predictions are totally wrong and the likes of Alessio Stillrich, Liam Dunkerbeck, Victor Fernandez and Takuma Sugi are in the mix!

---

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Legends, Champions & The Next Generation

Podium Picks

1: Daida Moreno

2: Sarah Quita Offringa

3: Sol Degriek

Wildcard pick

4: Lena Erpenstein

1: DAIDA MORENO… The Legend That Refuses To Leave

After last year’s dramatic victory in the super final against Sarah-Quita Offringa, Daida Moreno reminded everyone that the fire is still burning brightly. When the pressure was at its highest, she delivered…proving that experience, hunger and a lifetime of battling at the top level are a lethal combination.

Daida has never relied on just one weapon in her arsenal. She brings the full armoury to Pozo: huge jumps, explosive rotations, and a level of wave riding that very few riders in the world can match. Goiters, wave 360s and radical turns…Daida has them all in her locker.

What makes her especially dangerous is that she knows Pozo better than almost anyone. This is a place where timing, commitment and confidence matter and Daida has decades of experience reading the conditions and finding those magic moments when a wave turns into a ramp.

This season she will also be lining up on new equipment with Goya and from all reports she is loving the setup. A happy sailor with gear she trusts is a scary prospect… especially when that sailor already has one of the most complete skill sets in the sport.

If Daida arrives fully fit, dialled in and with the same competitive fire she showed last year, then she will be one tough cookie to crack. Never count out a legend…especially one who still looks like she’s having way too much pleasure causing trouble for everyone else.

---

2. SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA… The Challenger

SQ arrived in Pozo a few weeks ago and it won’t take long for her to dial into the wild and windy conditions. Sarah loves a challenge and she has made it clear that she would love to win in Pozo, especially while Daida is still in the fight. Sarah is also always out to improve, so no doubt will be trying to nail 360’s, goiters and even doubles to bolster up her armoury for the big battle ahead. Has she got the nerve and the skill to go all the way in Pozo? or will Daida be able to handle the pressure once again…that is the question! It would be awesome to see Sarah win, but who knows what conditions we will get for the ladies and who will shine on the day.

---

3. SOL DEGRIEK… The Future Arriving Early!

At some point, Sol Degrieck winning at Pozo feels inevitable! The scary thing is, that could very easily be this year. Remember at the end of 2025 in Sylt…when Sol surprised the crowds and ran away with the victory.

Sol has been quietly building momentum and with more time spent training in Gran Canaria this season, she has been putting in the hours at one of the toughest proving grounds in windsurfing. Pozo is not a place that hands out victories willy nilly it demands commitment, confidence and a willingness to launch yourself out of your comfort zone and Sol has shown she has all three.

Even last year she was already throwing herself into the deep end, with double rotations and tweaked push loops…the kind of moves that separate a female rider from the crowd. The biggest weapons in Sol’s game are her youth, fearless attitude and ridiculous natural talent.

There are still experienced names in the mix, but Sol has the ability to shake things up and make a serious run. We wouldn’t be surprised at all to see her fighting for a place in the top four and if everything clicks, she could be the one making the established stars look over their shoulders. Since time of writing this we heard Sol hurt her toe in training and has been off the water with her foot on ice! We wish her a speedy recovery and hope she can make it back in time for the competition…or we are doomed as well!

---

WILDCARD

4. LINA ERPENSTEIN… The Doctor Of Destruction!

Lina Erpenstein is another rider who has the skills to go all the way at Pozo. She brings one of the most powerful and committed styles in the women’s fleet in the waves and when the conditions turn on, she is exactly the kind of sailor should be looking out for… mainly because there is a very real chance something huge is about to happen.

Her jumping game is a serious threat, with the power and confidence to go after some serious push loops and monster forwards, while her wave riding has a solid aggressive, attacking style if Pozo serves up any decent bowls to smack.

Last year, Lina was returning from injury and missed out on Pozo, with more time to recover, rebuild and get back into full competition mode, she should be coming into this event much closer to 100% and ready for battle.

If the conditions fire up and Pozo delivers its famous combination of nuclear wind and waves, Lina has every ingredient needed to challenge for the podium. She has the power, the experience and the fearless approach…now it’s just about putting it all together when the heat is on.

Lina is now a fully qualified doctor on top of being a world-class sailor, so she clearly knows a thing or two about preparation and handling pressure. The question is whether the rest of the fleet is ready for her treatment plan. Don’t be surprised if Lina pulls out the scalpel and prescribes a heavy dose of double rotations, aggressive wave riding and a painful reminder that she is one of the most dangerous sailors on the water.

---

So, there we have it. Our carefully researched, highly scientific, probably completely unreliable Pozo predictions for 2026. Now all that remains is for the wind to arrive, the waves to deliver and the sailors to remind us why Pozo is one of the greatest shows in windsurfing. Now we are going to hand over to Timo Mullen who has been keeping an eye on all the videos from Pozo to make his calls! 

Bring it on!

TIMO MULLEN’S POZO PREDICTIONS

MEN’S TOP 3

1ST – MARCILIO BROWNE
Timo’s pick for the win is Marcilio Browne. He feels that without Swifty with him this year, Marcilio will be fully focused on one thing: coming away with the victory.

“The footage I’ve seen of him so far is insane. I just think he’s going to be really hungry for it.”

2ND – PHILIP KÖSTER
In second, Timo goes for Philip Köster, highlighting his incredible consistency and ability to deliver when it matters.

“I think Philip is just so consistently good. I think he’s going to pull out the tabletop double, which could be a big one. I’m not sure how the judges are going to score it, but they should score it pretty high in my opinion. It’s a new move, no one else is doing it. I’d personally score it higher than a push forward if it was landed clean.”

3RD – MARC PARÉ
Timo’s third place pick is Marc Paré, who he believes has looked extremely dialled in ahead of the event.

“He’s just so solid. Looking at the footage so far, he’s really dialled in.”

Timo adds that the gap between his top three is incredibly small:

“It’s such a small margin between those three that you could honestly reverse my top three and put Paré first, Köester second, Browne third…or any combination. But I’m going to stick with Marcilio Browne, Köester, Marc Paré.”

Wild Cards

Moritz Mauch
For his first wild card pick, Timo chooses Moritz Mauch — especially if conditions require riders to force doubles in good swell but lighter wind.

“If it’s not that windy and they’re having to force doubles, but there’s good swell, Moritz Mauch…that guy’s just so good in the waves.”

Leonard Neubauer

Timo’s second wild card is a more controversial choice: Leonard Neubauer.

“I was going to say if the guy could wave ride, he’d be dangerous…but then I’ve seen some footage of him wave riding and he actually can. A lot of freestylers don’t commit their rail; they’re just going clew-first down the line. But it looks like he is committing his rail.”

Timo believes his unique moves could stand out with the judges:

“Those shifty forwards are like…no one else is doing them. So, you’ve got to score them high.”

WOMEN’S PREDICTIONS

1ST – DAIDA MORENO

For the women’s event, Timo goes with Daida Moreno as his winner.

“She’s just so consistently good. She’s got Pozo dialled. You’ve got to think all the other women sailors are trying to sail as good as Daida…that’s their goal. So not putting Daida first would be completely stupid in my opinion.”

2ND – SARAH-QUITA OFFRINGA

Timo’s second place pick is Sarah-Quita Offringa, who he says looks extremely sharp from the footage he’s seen.

“She just looks like she’s ripping. She’s got it dialled, and she’s going high on her jumps, which is so important for scoring. If you don’t go high, you can’t give anyone big points.”

3RD – JUSTYNA SNIADY

Third place goes to Justyna Sniady, with Timo praising her consistency and natural style.

“She’s consistent. When you’re judging someone, you have to ask: is anything forced? And Justyna is pretty natural in what she’s doing.”

WILD CARD – SOL DEGRIEK

For his women’s wild card, Timo picks the Belgian rider Sol Degriek.

“I’m going to be really boring and say the Belgian girl, Sol Degriek. I think if she gets her wave riding better, she could actually still win it. I haven’t seen much footage of her wave riding, but if she can nail her wave rides, that would be pretty amazing.”

Timo’s Final Picks:
Men: Marcilio Browne…Philip Köster…Marc Paré
Women: Daida Moreno…Sarah-Quita Offringa…Justyna Sniady

---

Watch Ben Proffitt from Windsurfing TV’s first Pozo Training Diaries here: