Asking the Riders | What's Your Favorite FPT Stop of All Time? | Part 1
September 2, 2026
Every tour stop and every event has its own story to tell. Some are remembered for the conditions, some for a big result or a career-defining moment, and others simply for the people, the sessions and everything that happens around the competition.
Over the years, the Freestyle Pro Tour has visited some truly iconic spots, and with that comes a whole lot of memories. From legendary EFPT events that have become part of freestyle folklore, to more recent stops that have already earned a special place in the riders’ memories, there is no shortage of stories to look back on.
So, we decided to ask the riders themselves: what’s your favorite FPT stop of all time?
The answers cover everything from European titles and first podiums to nuking conditions, first-ever events, packed lagoons and some unforgettable moments off the water. And, as you’ll see, some specific events seem to have left quite an impression…
Pier Bongianni
“An event that’s absolutely unforgettable for me is Naxos 2024. The nuking conditions and the insane level of riding that everyone put on at that event is something that definitely makes that one stand out for me.
There’s also one that I’ve heard the most stories about, EFPT Lanzarote 2017. Super strong wind with huge ramps, an absolutely stacked level and such a crazy atmosphere. Obviously, I wasn’t there myself, but I love hearing the stories from the more experienced guys on tour and trying to imagine what that whole event must have felt like.”
Živa Batis
Gunsails
“Yeah I think it’s gotta be the first one for sure. For me it was Naxos 2024; it was my first event, and I remember it being such an awesome experience getting to meet everyone for the first time. I remember this moment where Maaike (Huvermann) came up to me and said “Oh, so you’re Ziva right?!” and I was just standing there thinking to myself “OH MY GOD she’s actually talking to me!! Whatt?!!”
So yeah – I think that was the highlight. And obviously I was also like “Woah, that’s Lennart (Neubauer), that’s Yentel (Caers)” and I remember thinking that it was so crazy that everyone was just around. I also remember my first heat being against Lisa (Kloster), and actually it wasn’t too bad – I think I scored quite well so I remember that as well. Obviously the forecast was super good, so we got through the comp quite quickly. The whole vibe was awesome; lots of people on the beach, kids coming from school to watch and get signatures, so that was super nice.
It just felt like the first step to get into the community – I met all my close friends on tour for the first time there. Also the fact that we went there with the entire Karpathos crew, so we had everyone cheering for each other on the beach. And also everything we did outside of the competition as well – we explored the island, we went cliff jumping, all that. So yeah, overall that’s been the best one for me.”
Steven van Broeckhoven
Gunsails
“For me it has to be EFPT Naxos 2009, where I became European champion for the first time. I remember sailing the final heat, it was a super tough battle against Andre Paskowski, with really really light wind. There was also a helicopter flying super low above us the entire time with photographers and filmers on board. Those images are still some of best photos I’ve ever had from the sky in my entire career. All that, then combined with some great parties and a lot of crazy high-level riders, awesome time!”
Bijou Shahmirian
JP Australia / Neilpryde
“Representing Austria and sailing with an Austrian sail number, I’d say my home event in Podersdorf this year was pretty special. It was my very first podium, and I also was really happy with my sailing throughout the whole competition, so definitely remember it well from the competition side. We also hung out and spent a bunch of time together basically with the whole freestyle fleet when the competition wasn’t on; the whole event had such a fun and relaxed atmosphere, so it’s definitely one that comes to mind and definitely will stay in my memory!”
Leander Halm
Starboard / Severne
“For me there’s two events that come to mind. The first one has to be my first ever FPT in Bonaire in 2023 – to see all the Pros I only knew from clips in person, and get to go on the water with them for the first time was pretty sick, especially looking back now, since most of them are good friends of mine today. Full Power Caribbean Freestyle vibes back then!
But my favorite event has to be Naxos 2024. It was an incredible mix of amazing conditions on the water and super cool island vibes off the water. Loads of friends, great heats, tons of fun after the competition was over and the amazing sessions with everyone in the lagoon; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place so packed with freestylers. All sharing the stoke giving each other tips and sharing so many sessions. I also landed my very first Culo there after the competition, so that’s another memory I have. And also loved the ice cream at Waffle House after every action packed day!”
Foivos Tsoupras
Duotone
“Has to be Naxos 2024, for sure, because it the first time we came back to the island with the tour. The first year I ever went to Naxos was the last time the tour took place there (2009), so I was looking forward the whole 15 years for the tour to come back and to have a competition there, at the spot where I more or less learnt freestyle – so good!
I still remember back then when I was afraid to go out on the choppy side, in the waves, and so now having the competition there and having some good moves and good heats there was really really fun.”
Maaike Huvermann
Severne
“For me a big memory and something I’ll remember for a long time happened at the FPT event in Brouwersdam in 2018, where I beat Sarah-Quita (Offringa) for the first time. It was a really light-wind day, but it was the first time I managed to make that happen, so that definitely stands out as a special memory, and what made it even cooler was that it happened at my homespot, with so many friends and familiar people around.
More recently, I think Naxos in 2024 really stood out to me. The conditions were amazing, but what I remember most is the group of girls we had there and the atmosphere between everyone. There was a really nice sense of togetherness. We were obviously all there to compete, but at the same time everyone was pushing each other, having fun and enjoying being on the water together. That made the whole event feel really special.”
From the legendary events that riders still talk about years later to the stops that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the younger generation, one thing is clear: the conditions and competition might be what brings everyone to the beach, but it’s the people, the sessions, the battles, the celebrations and all those little moments in between that turn an event into a memory that sticks.
With plenty more riders and plenty more stories still to come, this is only the beginning. Stay tuned – Part 2 is coming soon!
