The double elimination was the call for the day and was held on Durobeach. Skippers meeting began at 08h00 and conditions were looking strong for the day. Wind was averaging 22 knots and the water was quite choppy, but the waves gave the riders a good chance to kick off and perform some high and powerful tricks.




The heats began just before 09h00 and the race director ran 7minute heats, with 3minute transitions. Antoine Auriol (FRA, KITELOOSE) looked good today and progressed through 3 heats to meet Eli Zarka (ISR, F-ONE), who was looking in top form himself! Zarka progressed to find himself against a determined Ariel Corniel (DOM REP, OZONE) in a super heat, to the delight of the locals on the beach.


Another great heat was Petr Tyushkevich (RUS, FLEXIFOIL), who is sitting on the top of the freestyle rankings and the second place, Leander Vyvey (BEL, JN). This result will play a huge role in the top positions for the freestyle this year and both riders showed why they were there! Both riders had a great heat, but unfortunately there was only space for one to progress and today it was Leander’s, meeting Tomas Teixeira (BRA, RRD) in the next round.


Leander:” My heat against Tomas was loads of fun! I did a super front mobe pass and thought I had a good heat. I really like Tomas’s style and it was a pleasure to ride with him in Cumbuco.”

Tomas went through Michael Shitzhofer (AUS, JN), who broke his leash during his heat and was looking strong up until then. Unfortunately for Michael, this was not his day and he had to setle for 4th place here in Cumbuco.


The final was set and Jesse Richman (HAW, CABRINHA) faced the local rider, Evandro Da Silva (BRA, RRD). It was a well-contested heat, with both riders pushing the limits to get as high and powerful as possible! The crowd was screaming for their local champion and he didn’t disappoint them, taking the double elimination title here in Brazil!



The talk of the women was the young rider, Karolina Winkowska (POL, NAISH) who was placed second after the single elimination. She fought off the challenge of Gisela Pulido (SPA, AIRUSH) and went on to push Susi Mai (GER, CABRINHA) to her limits for the top spot. She won the first heat against Susi and forced her into another great final heat. She went on to take the Women’s freestyle title here in Cumbuco and her first on the KPWT. Congratulations!
Karolina: “ I was so tired after having to fight through 3 heats, but I am so happy and excited with this result!”

Tomorrow will be a morning for waves and to finish the double elimination, before heading back to Duro beach for the course racing.

Men Double Freestyle:
1. Evandro Da Silva (BRA, RRD)
2. Jesse Richman (HAW, CABRINHA)
3. Tomas Teixeira (BRA, RRD)



Women Double Freestyle:
1. Karolina Winkowska (POL, NAISH)
2. Susi Mai (GER, CABRINHA)
3. Gisela Pulido (SPA, AIRUSH)