Report from day three | Cauipe, Brazil | Words: Liam Dredge | Photo: Svetlana Romantsova
- Bowien Van Der Linden secured the event victory in Surf-Freestyle, triumphing over the reigning World Champion, Nia Suardiaz, in the final
- Coming up next is the FreeFly-Slalom discipline, taking place in the Cauipe lagoon
After focusing on the men for the initial two days, the 12 enthusiastic women entered the competition with anticipation.
The venue for the competition, whether in the sea or the lagoon, raised questions. Nevertheless, Surf-Freestyle, thriving in these seaside conditions, encompasses both freestyle and wave elements contributing to the overall score, allowing riders to showcase the sport’s breadth.
In the grand finale, Nia Suardiaz (ESP) faced off against Bowien Van Der Linden (NLD), a match witnessed several times throughout the year. With two wave scores and two freestyle tricks in play, Bowien recognized the excellent opportunity to secure victory.
Nia initiated the final with two impressive back-to-back freestyle tricks, one scoring 7.53 with a backflip—a relatively new and consistently executed move in the women’s fleet. Although Bowien didn’t surpass a 5 in freestyle scores, she excelled in waves. Her opening wave, a significant 7.0, included an aerial pop into the pocket, while her second wave, a 6.70, provided the necessary backup to offset the lower freestyle scores.
Nia struggled to select the right waves, ultimately granting Bowien the title at Cauipe.
Expressing her joy, Bowien remarked, “Oh, this is amazing. I really had no idea what was going on during the heat; I was just doing my own thing out there. There were super good waves, and I’m so happy with my performance.” With a smile that spoke volumes, Bowien claimed her second Surf-Freestyle event victory of the year.
Click HERE to read the full report about the women’s action.
Copa Kitley GWA Wingfoil World Cup Brazil
Women’s Surf-Freestyle results
1 Bowien van der Linden (NED)
2 Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
3 Sofia Marchetti (ITA)
4 Orane Ceris (FRA)
