2011 Bonaire PWA World Cup - Event Preview


10.06.11 - by: Ed Sinclair

2011 Bonaire PWA World Cup

Event Preview: The cool calm coast of the Caribbean is set to light up as the cream of the PWA's male and female contortionists head over to Bonaire for a five day freestyle frenzy.

The breath-taking Sorobon beach will play host to the world's most talented freestylers as they embark on a five day battle to decide who will claim the islands king and queen freestyle crowns. This event will mark the opening of the female freestyle world tour and take the men into round three.

Lac Bay, Bonaire provides the perfect playground for many of the world's best to learn the latest moves in between contests. Crystal clear waters and consistent trade winds alongside the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle make it a glorious spot for windsurfers of all abilities to hone their skills.

What to expect?

An explosion of combined aerial and sliding manoeuvres, the freestylers will spin their way through man on man heats where only the most outrageous and elaborate moves will allow them to make it into the next round. The most stylish, technically difficult and diverse moves will decide whether they have outperformed their opponent. Expect to see emotions running high as the sailors fly, spin or cry their way through the competition.

What's the deal?

Five days of fast paced action will see the 48 entrants fight their way through single and double elimination ladders for a taste of the ?45,000 prize purse. Along side the prize money crucial points towards the overall tour rankings will be decided depending on each sailor's position in this competition.

Dates

Sunday 12thJune - Thursday 16th June.

Competition is scheduled to commence at 12:30 on 12th June (UTC -4)

The Low Down

Male Fleet

Having put in an outstanding performance this season Kiri Thode (Starboard / Gaastra) is sitting at the top of the overall rankings. As the competition moves over to his home spot he is likely to be entering round three with a serious advantage, the action is set to be incredible as he will certainly be making use of his local knowledge in order to maintain his position at the top.

Hot on his heels, four times world champion Jose 'Gollito' Estredo (Fanatic / North) is unlikely to sit complacently in second place. Having suffered slightly due to Podersdorf's cold water, he will be looking to return to the Caribbean leg of the competition with a vengeance, and assert himself back at the top of the pack.

Lac Bay has seen freestyle wizards, Taty Frans (Starboard / MauiSails / Mystic) and Tonky Frans (Tabou / Gaastra) blossom from beginners to international superstars; these two know this spot like the back of their hands. They are going to be extremely hungry to entertain the crowds and take the podium spots for themselves on their home turf.

Having broken the mould in Podersdorf, Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2 / Gaastra) and Davy Scheffers (Tabou / Gaastra) have proved they own the ability to take down the world's best. With the taste of victory still fresh in their mouths, they will be looking to continue their rampage at the top of the ranks and take home some more trophies.