2025 Wingfoil Racing Youth and Masters World Championships Praia Da Vitoria - Day 1
by WingFoil Racing World Cup 22 Oct 18:41 BST
21-26 October 2025
Kalina's father and Blanca's mother are sailing in the Masters' this week © IWSA media / Robert Hajduk
History is in the making this week as the first-ever Wingfoil Racing Youth and Masters World Championships gets under way, marking a milestone for this fast-growing sport.
With 64 athletes from 18 countries across five continents, the international nature of the event reflects wingfoiling's surging global popularity.
Despite a dramatic start, with torrential rain and high winds forcing the cancellation of racing on day one, spirits remain high and the forecast for the rest of the week is looking much more favourable.
Among the most compelling stories emerging from the fleet is that of 10-year-old Thanawat Promwaen from Thailand, the youngest competitor at the event. Already the Asian Under-15 Champion, Thanawat is showcasing both talent and composure well beyond his years, making him one to watch in the Youth category.
Hong Kong has also made its mark, sending three athletes - two boys and a girl - under the guidance of freshly crowned Asian Champion, Tsz Hei Chow. At just 22, Chow is making his coaching debut and admits it's a new kind of challenge. "Coaching is more complicated than competing," he joked. "In my role here I'm looking after everyone, but when I compete, it's just me I have to worry about." His squad includes the reigning Asian Youth Champion and the Bronze medallist, so expectations are high for strong performances.
Italy's Ernesto De Amicis, 17, is another young star making headlines before even hitting the water. The talented rider received news this morning that he's been selected as a torchbearer for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. He'll carry the flame through his home city of Naples - a huge honour and fitting recognition for one of wingfoil's brightest prospects.
Other notable youth athletes include Czech rider Stepan Benes and Dutch contender Felix Drent, whose form has strengthened throughout the season.
Team GB's Under-15 entrant Oscar Dempsey is also attracting attention - not least because he's being coached by his father, triple Olympic windsurfing medallist Nick Dempsey.
One of the unique aspects of this inaugural event is the combination of Youth and Masters categories, bringing together generations on the same racecourse.
It's a true family affair for several teams, especially Poland. Paulina Ziolkowska is one of only two women competing in the Masters division, while also supporting her daughter Blanka, racing in the Under-15s.
Fellow Polish Masters rider Grzegorz Grabski is also sharing the water with his daughter Kalina in the youth fleet.
As racing gets under way following the weather delay, anticipation is high for a thrilling week of competition. The event is not just a championship, it's a celebration of a sport on the rise. The next chapter of WingFoil Racing history is about to be written.
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More information and full results here.