BOOT Düsseldorf 2025 made history with the first-ever indoor pump foil contest and GWA wingfoil racing, bringing the action to a 20x60m pool with wind machines and a pumped-up crowd. Viola Lippitsch took on the challenge, racing hard, pushing limits, and landing on the podium in both disciplines. Read all about it here!

What an amazing weekend at BOOT Düsseldorf 2025! It was a weekend filled with racing, action, and fun. The event took place from January 17th to 19th, featuring the first-ever indoor pump foil contest and GWA wingfoil racing, which were absolute highlights for viewers and riders. 

The action took place in a large pool measuring 20 by 60 meters and less than a meter deep, with powerful fans creating wind. Viewers were just steps away from the riders, making the excitement palpable. The close proximity of the crowd made it an incredible experience for the competitors. Hearing the cheers and shouts from the audience gave an extra boost of energy, motivating everyone to compete at their best and race as fast as possible.

I didn’t know what to expect since it was my first time at the pool. I arrived late for the evening practice directly from the airport and had no time to get used to the wind conditions or the starting winch.

The morning of the 18th was filled with excitement. Following the viewer’s opening ceremony, which featured the official opening of the pool and a display of tricks by Balz Müller in the water, we kicked off the first rounds of the pump foiling contest.

Since I didn’t participate in the qualifying rounds the day before, I was seeded last and had to face a strong opponent, Axel Gerald. We began with at least three runs, including one slalom lap in the pool. I needed to win most of the runs to advance to the next round. Unfortunately, I fell on the first run, and Axel was faster in the second and third runs, which meant he qualified for the next round. 

In the women’s category, the fastest two competitors would qualify for the next day’s finals. Fortunately, Sara Spalinger and I were the only two participating women, so we qualified. But it wasn’t over yet! 

An hour later, the wind machines turned on, and the wind began to blow. We completed five runs, which included two laps around two buoys. Each rider could go around in circles with two jibes and two tacks or jibe four times and head upwind. The first two starts were tricky, and I couldn’t complete the entire course. However, once I got used to the wind and the winch start, I managed to navigate the course and finished as quickly as possible. I had the second-fastest time on the women’s side and qualified for the finals the following day.

After a quick morning training session, during which all the riders had more time to practice, I felt comfortable with a slightly faster setup and was ready to start the final day.

Starting with the pump foiling round two, Sara and I had time to rest and enjoy the show, as the woman had already advanced to the finals. It was a fun time cheering up the riders with all the viewers. Seeing so many people interested in the new pump and wing foiling was incredible. It was also amazing to show people watersports they had never seen before and encourage them to try them.

The finals consisted, as the day before, of tree runs. For the man, today’s course got extended to two slalom and two straight speed lengthen. We changed the course for the woman to one slalom and one speed length. We already saw some intense battles between a few boys before, so Sara and I started super motivated into the last round. 

Sara won the first round after an intense battle, as she was slightly faster in the speed section. I had a fantastic start in the second round, and when Sara fell, I could slow down a bit and secure a victory. The race remained intense until the very end. I pushed hard on the speed stretch but fell just before the finish line. What an incredible competition! Seeing everyone get caught up in the excitement was so much fun.

But no time to rest. The fans turned on, and the action continued on the wing foiling. To keep up the action, the course was extended to three full rounds in the pool, and the hall was filled with more and more people. After three runs, we could crown our winners. It was tough for me after such a long day full of action, pumping and having fun.  I did my best but couldn’t beat Nia Suardiaz on the racecourse.

Standing on the second step of the podium at the first-ever GWA wing foil indoor race and the inaugural SFT pump foil contest was an incredible experience. I never imagined competing in a pool could be so much fun and exhausting. The large group of spectators, including excited kids and adults cheering just a few meters away, was truly remarkable. I thoroughly enjoyed participating and sharing a wonderful time with all the athletes at BOOT Düsseldorf. This event will definitely be one for the books!

 

By Viola Lippitsch

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