Flashback Friday | Break the Surface: Season Start 2023

We’re back with another installment of Flashback Friday – our weekly series where we delve into the Break the Surface archives, releasing full episodes on YouTube for the first time. These episodes offer an in-depth look at the evolution of freestyle windsurfing, showcasing both competition highlights and the behind-the-scenes energy that fuels each stop.

In today’s feature, we revisit the first half of the EFPT 2023 season—a year marked by intense battles, remarkable comebacks, and unforgettable performances across the globe.

The season opener in Cape Town presented a unique challenge, with competitions held on both the flat waters of Rietvlei Lake and the ocean’s wave playground. Howling winds and small sails set the stage for fearless riding from freestyle pros, local rippers, and wave sailors alike.

The single elimination finals featured top names like Dieter van der Eyken, Adrien Bosson, Matthias Mollard, and wave master Marc Paré, with Adrien Bosson clinching the single elimination win. Afterward, the competition moved to the ocean for double elimination, where massive kickers allowed wave sailors to shine. Marc Paré and Pauline Katz dominated the double elimination format and won the overall event.

Next, the tour landed in Bonaire—the spiritual home of freestyle windsurfing. The Proving Grounds format brought together a fierce mixed-gender fleet, including young rippers, seasoned pros, and local stars.

Most big names advanced as expected, but local hero Nigel Hart upset Yentel Caers before finishing fourth behind Bodhi Kempen in third. After 18 months away from competition due to injury, Lennart Neubauer made a sensational return, knocking out Steven van Broeckhoven on his way to the finals. However, Bonaire legend Youp Schmit defended his home turf and took the victory in an electric final.

Yentel mounted a powerful comeback in the boule rounds, taking revenge on Nigel Hart and Bodhi Kempen to secure a podium spot. An electric showdown between Yentel and Neubauer was a highlight, but Youp’s home advantage proved too strong.

The Surf Opening at Lake Neusiedl brought large fleets and passionate crowds eager for world-class freestyle. The single elimination began with strong winds but was interrupted when the breeze died late in the day, leaving four riders—Sam Esteve, Lennart Neubauer, Steven van Broeckhoven, and Jacopo Testa—battling for the title.

While waiting for the wind to return, the crowd was treated to a thrilling double tow-in synchro show, where pairs competed side by side in a 2v2 format emphasizing move synchronization. Team Belgium, consisting of Yentel Caers and Steven van Broeckhoven, took the win, delivering a spectacular freestyle showcase.

The next morning, the single elimination finals resumed with Jacopo Testa defeating Sam Esteve to set up a showdown with Lennart Neubauer, allowing Testa a chance to defend his 2022 title. Neubauer however, took the single elim crown, but the season’s defining moments were yet to come.

With improving conditions, the judges gave the green flight for the double elimination. Matthias Vingaard and Jamie Howard impressed with consecutive heat wins but were stopped by heavy hitters Youp Schmit and Yentel Caers, carrying the weight of the tour leader and podium contender jerseys respectively.

Steven van Broeckhoven then unleashed a spectacular run through the double elim, defeating Yentel Caers, Sam Esteve and Jacopo Testa on the way to a monumental final clash against Neubauer. This epic battle between freestyle legend Steven van Broeckhoven and the rising star Neubauer—who was seeking his first event win—ended with Neubauer triumphing, scoring his maiden victory and marking a new milestone and marking the start of a new era in freestyle windsurfing.

The tour then hit Fehmarn, Germany, for the German Freestyle Battles—an open event as part of the Proving Grounds series. With over 50 riders of all ages and skill levels, the event celebrated Germany’s thriving freestyle community. Competitive yet fun, the battles saw Lina Erpenstein and Felix Volkhardt take the wins, showcasing Germany’s impressive freestyle depth.

Closing out the first half of the season was the tow-in only event in Vesoul, France. With huge sends, big crashes, and enthusiastic crowds, Vesoul delivered a dramatic finale. Maaike Huvermann dominated the women’s fleet, while Yentel Caers smashed it in the men’s competition, cementing his place among the world’s elite.

The first half of EFPT 2023 proved that freestyle windsurfing is an ever-evolving, globe-spanning sport full of talent, drama, and innovation. From comeback stories to first-time wins, and from grassroots events to world-class showdowns, the season captivated fans worldwide.

Check out the full episode on YouTube now and make sure to tune in every Friday as we continue to Break the Surface!

Next week, we’re rewinding to the 2023 competition in the stunning town of Vieste, Italy—set against scenic coastlines and packed with scenic tow-in battles and cutting-edge Foilstyle action. Don’t miss it!