January 26, 2025
Thrilling Conclusion to the First-Ever FPT Indoor Tow-In World Series at boot Düsseldorf
The first-ever Freestyle Pro Tour (FPT) Indoor Tow-In World Series event at boot Düsseldorf came to an electrifying conclusion as the world’s best windsurfers delivered an unforgettable show. With the competition format set at four runs each and one best move to count (later extended to five runs), the finals were packed with drama, technical excellence, and breathtaking performances.
Women’s Finals
The women’s division set the stage with an intense battle for the top spot. Elena Dominick took an early lead with her impressive opening run, but Maaike Huvermann was not to be outdone. A highly determined Huvermann bounced back in her second run with a flawless and powerful move that left the judges and crowd in awe. Despite Dominick’s valiant efforts, including pushing for double spocks, Huvermann’s dominance secured her the event title.
French talent Salome Fournier rounded out the podium in third place. Known for her progression in tow-in events at her home spot in Vesoul, Fournier brought flair and creativity to the pool. Despite the tricky conditions, her determination and stylish moves earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Men’s Finals
The men’s division kept fans on the edge of their seats. Early nerves led to some uncharacteristic mistakes, but as the competition progressed, the riders raised their game. Five competitors made their mark early, including Sokratis Saraliotis with his rising trademark one-handed burner as well as Tigo Kort, Lucas Nebelung, George Grisley, and Yentel Caers.
Yentel Caers set the early benchmark in Round 1, but top seed Lennart Neubauer recovered from a shaky first round with a excellent air funnel into funnel in round two, claiming the lead with an 8.67. Niclas Nebelung joined the fray in round three with an impressive 8.17 air funnel burner, pushing Caers to third but falling short of Neubauer’s lead.
A Format Twist and a Stunning Finale
In a move to maximise the spectacle, the FPT and event organisers extended the format to five runs, giving competitors an extra chance to deliver their best. George Grisley seized the opportunity, stunning the crowd with a perfectly executed air funnel into burner, earning a massive 9.00 points and catapulting into first place. Foivos Tsoupras also capitalised, wowing the audience with a stylish and rare funnel clock, which earned high praise and pushed him up the leaderboard.
The final run brought the competition to a crescendo. Niclas Nebelung improved his score with a one-handed variation of his air funnel burner, raising the stakes for Yentel Caers. Caers delivered a clean air funnel into air funnel, but his score fell just shy of overtaking Nebelung.
With Grisley in the lead, all eyes turned to Lennart Neubauer for the final run. Under the spotlight and amid roaring fans (wind and crowd), Neubauer went for broke with a spectacular double culo. Executed flawlessly, the move secured him the championship title in dramatic fashion, igniting a thunderous response from the crowd.
A Historic Day for Windsurfing
The finals were a testament to the skill, determination, and creativity of the athletes in a confined swimming pool format. Thousands of fans packed the venue witnessing the some of the most advanced flat water moves in the sport. Those attending were treated to hands on experiences at the event, seeing some of the latest gear, meeting stars of the sport and seeking out deals amongst shelves of brand new equipment. The event not only showcased incredible athleticism but also solidified windsurfing’s place on the global stage.
“Today’s finals were nothing short of spectacular. The athletes brought their A-game, and the energy from the crowd was incredible. This event has redefined what’s possible in such an exciting arena, a new standard for tow-in competition, the torch is carried on from the excellent work with our partners from the GFB (German Freestyle Battles), whilst exceptional organisation and hosting was supplied by the boot 2025 team who worked tirelessly for months to ensure every detail was taken care of. We are throughly excited for 2026…” – Adam Sims, CEO FPT.
The FPT thanks all athletes, fans, and partners for making this event a monumental success. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking action as the tour continues.
