2023 German Freestyle Battles have begun - Surffestival in Fehmarn
by Freestyle Pro Tour 19 May 11:50 BST
Skippers meeting on day 1 of the GFB Surffestival in Fehmarn © Freestyle Pro Tour
The first instalment of the 2023 German Freestyle Battles just started at the Surffestival in Fehmarn! The event brings together the vibrant community of German Freestylers to compete in front of the numerous crowds present at the festival.
With a promising forecast for both Saturday and Sunday, we expect some proper competitive sailing to yield the first GFB result of the year. With multiple internationally acclaimed German riders like Niclas Nebelung (Fanatic/Duotone/Maui Ultra Fins), Felix Volkhardt (Severne/Maui Ultra Fins) and Julian Wiemar (Starboard/Severne) present, some close heats are set to happen! Representing the young generation will be Leander Halm (Starboard/Severne), who got the hang of competition at the EFPT in Bonaire and is now ready to show his signature no-handed Spocks on a new stage.
The German Freestyle Battles were brought to life some 15 years ago in order to foster the growing German Freestyle scene. Nowadays it is the perfect platform for freestylers to try out their first competition in an easy and accessible way. This fits perfectly into the Proving Grounds Series structure of the Freestyle Pro Tour, where making competition as accessible as possible for upcoming riders is at the forefront. It's amazing to see the turnout at an event like this weekend, with a good mix of young and old, as well as established and upcoming riders present. They are here to meet, talk about freestyle and most of all celebrate the sport we are all so passionate about.
The event will also feature a tow-in competition. Set to run on the Saturday night, it will surely entertain the crowds that just finished their gear testing sessions. All of the big windsurfing brands are present at the festival to show off their 2023 gear, including the newest Freestyle boards, sails and fins!