SITTING OUT ON HER FIRST POZO CONTEST IN DECADES
With an outrageous number of 20 titles to her name, and dominating womens wave sailing the last two decades, this year Daida Moreno has decided to watch the Pozo World Cup from the sideline.
After winning last year’s event, the Queen of Pozo retired from her incredibly successful career.
Wanting to know how Daida feels about not filling in the registration sheet this year, we threw her a few questions.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE POZO WORLD CUP AFTER 24 YEARS AND 20 WINS?
“Feels actually really strange, but I don’t really miss all the stress that produces to compete. After I became mother I tried to stay on the top in few events I could compete, but It was hard to brest feed and train and work and ask my boyfriend to take holidays from work so I could compete, it didn’t make sense anymore… It was clear to me I wanted to finish my competition career in the top, so last year I had the chance to say good bye. What’s also hard at the moment is dealing with everyone asking me every day if its true that I am no competing anymore. I have dominate the event in Pozo for the last two decade and it’s time for me to move on.”
WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT YEAR IN POZO?
“Hard to tell but If I had to pick up one year will be back in 2012, were I became second after my sister Iballa, but just after fighting with cancer few moths earlier. It was also the first time we took over the organization of the event in Pozo. If I look back I will definitely take this year as my highlight year.”
DO YOU STILL ENJOY SAILING POZO?
“I love Pozo, not only here in “El Arenal” were everyone sails, also all different spots around. I go sailing still a lot, I live thanks to windsurf and I don’t want to stop windsurfing as long as my body allowS me to. I could also say I am sailing my best nowadays.”
WHERE DO YOU PLACE THAT COMPETITIVE DRIVE NOW IN YOUR LIFE?
“I am a perfectionist girl, so in everything I do I try to do my best. Being a mother, windsurfing, as a physio… My competitive drive is present in my life on a daily basis.”
WHO’S SPENT THE MOST TIME IN YOUR PHYSIO CLINIC AND WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON INJURY YOU TREAT?
“Robby Swift has been struggling with some injuries for a while so he is definitely the rider who has visit me most last few days, also Justyna, Johannes, Marino, Liam, Tobias Bjornaa, Pauline, Victor, Takuma, Takara, Tati Frans, Tim Van Dam, Miguel Chapuis, Mike Fridl, Pons, Ricardo … everyone wants to be ready for Pozo. Obviously sailing few weeks here is not the same than other spots like Hawaii. Here is hard core for the body, it is a choppier and most jumping spot from the tour and the level is so high at the moment that any small pain can be a difference in a heat. Most common injuries are foot, shoulder and lower back.”
Daida remains an active sailor, and by all accounts still sails at the highest level, so we’re sure to see more of her this season and beyond. Thank you Daida for this insane contribution to the sport of windsurfing. Severne is stoked to have been a part of this journey so far. Watch this space.
IMAGES BY: JOSE PINA & JOHN CARTER
More Severne news
SEVERNE Margaret River Wave Classic 2026: Jaeger Stone back on top
Jaeger Stone reclaims Margaret River while 17-year-old Sarah Kenyon wins her first Pro Women’s event. Jake Ghiretti scores the highest wave of the competition. Team SEVERNE dominated every podium; all on the Stone.
Engineering Breakdown: What Powers your 026 Wave Sail
The 026 wave sail program delivers systematic weight reduction, enhanced reactivity, and direct power transmission. VX2 leech panels cut swing weight at the critical four-metre leverage point. D6 Dacron luff technology creates silent forward pull without backhand pressure. CarbonFusion welded construction eliminates micro-flex for instant response. Carbon insert systems lock every connection point for zero energy loss. SEVERNE engineering; lighter where it matters, stiffer where it counts, more responsive throughout.
Scott McKercher and Federico Infantino: XXL swell up north
The forecast was too good to ignore. Big swell, clean wind, perfect tide; everything aligned for one of those sessions you remember for years. Federico Infantino had already committed to heading north when the charts lit up with solid lines marching toward Western Australia’s remote coastline. Scott McKercher made the two-day mission north specifically for this swell
Oceania Youth Wave Titles 2026: Geraldton Calls
The world’s largest youth wave windsurfing event returns to Geraldton, WA, 12-18 January 2026. Junior Windsurf Camp and competitive divisions (U13, U15, U21) for riders under 21. Progression-friendly conditions from flat water to proper waves.
Iachino World Champion; Alabau claims Japan event title and Vice Title
Matteo Iachino secured his third PWA world title with a controlled performance in Yokosuka, while Blanca Alabau won the event and claimed vice world champion after one of the most dramatic final days in recent PWA history.
OBX-WIND 2025: the community gather on the Outer Banks
OBX-WIND 2025 delivered everything a windsurfing event should be. Consistent Outer Banks wind powered Long Distance racing and Mega Slalom competition on the Pamlico Sound, while Friday’s freestyle expression session brought pros and up-and-coming sailors together. The Beer Race, giant raffle, and Halloween costume party proved that growing the sport requires more than just competition; it’s about building community. SEVERNE has backed this event for years, and watching it expand what’s possible for grassroots windsurfing makes the commitment worthwhile.
Maaike and Lennart crowned 2025 FPT/European Champions
The 2025 Freestyle Pro Tour season finished at Naxos; Maaike Huvermann and Lennart Neubauer claiming European titles.
SEVERNE’s MEGA Freerace – two years, one mission
SEVERNE just launched the MEGA; a board that rewrites the freerace rulebook. Two years of development with Cedric Bordes and shaper Albert Pijoan produced something rare: genuine race performance without the exclusive setup demands. The MEGA works for World Cup racers and weekend warriors alike; slalom-level speed with freerace accessibility. Available now in 63 and 73.
Dieter Van der Eyken wins Tiree Wave Classic 2025
Team SEVERNE’s Dieter van der Eyken claims victory at the 026 Tiree Wave Classic with a decisive wave 360 in 30-knot conditions at Crossapol.