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Girlpower at the GWA Big Air Worlds in Pozo
Our Female Athletes Shine at the GWA Big Air Worlds in Gran Canaria
The GWA Wingfoil World Tour kicked off in Gran Canaria, from July 9th to 13th with its one-stop Big Air World Championships, where the Big Air World titles were decided. Returning for the second time since its debut 12 months ago, 24 men and 11 women competed for the world titles in the strong winds of the Canary Islands.
Nia Suardiaz emerged as the new World Champions, elevating the discipline to new heights!
Gran Canaria Big Air - Women
Nia Suardiaz was crowned GWA Big Air Wingfoil Women’s World Champion 2024 in a thrilling final under the late afternoon sun on the last day of the event, with whitewater crashing around the event site. The lead switched with each exchange, as 2023 champion Mar de Arce initially took the lead. Nia responded with gliding airs and finishing 360s. Mar boosted a 7.2-meter air to regain the lead, but Nia took the final lead by a narrow margin of 0.07.
Maria Behrens finished third, so we have three female Duotone riders on the podium in this World Championship!
2024 GWA Big Air Wingfoil World Championships - Women:
1 Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
2 Mar de Arce (ESP)
3 Maria Behrens (GER)
4 Viola Lippitsch (AUT)
»I came on the water before the flags, and it was super fun, but my first jump was terrible. I knew I wasn’t out of the competition and felt better as time went on. It’s one event, it’s different. I’m just going out and having fun, and it’s working.«
Gran Canaria Big Air - Men
The men’s Big Air final guarantees a showdown of the current top riders, MacDonald, Malo Guénolé (FRA), Bastien Escofet (FRA) and Benjamin May (GER). Benjamin was competing sick and was not in top shape, so ends up fourth.
GWA Wingfoil Big-Air World Championships 2024 - Men:
1 Christopher MacDonald (USA)
2 Malo Guénolé (FRA)
3 Bastien Escofet (FRA)
4 Benjamin May (GER)