Team SEVERNE delivers commanding display; Maaike Huvermann battles for the crown while rising talent Takumi Moriya threatens the podium
The dust has settled on another explosive Fuerteventura PWA Freestyle World Cup, and team SEVERNE has left an unmistakable mark on the freestyle battleground. What unfolded in Sotavento was a nailbiter of finals and superfinals, marked by an incredible climb through the double elimination ranks led by young grom Takumi Moriya and culminating in Maaike Huvermann’s relentless battle on the championship crown.
Maaike’s championship charge
Maaike Huvermann came within 1.8 points of windsurfing history. In a performance that proved crucial to team SEVERNE’s dominance, Maaike delivered the closest challenge to Sarah-Quita Offringa’s freestyle crown in recent memory.
The final day belonged to Maaike’s relentless pursuit of perfection. After finishing runner-up in yesterday’s Single Elimination Final, separated by less than a point, Maaike threw everything at the defending champion in the Double Elimination Final. Her aggressive approach forced a Super Final; she meant business.
“I had a clear plan going in, I knew exactly which moves I wanted to go for and in which order,” Maaike explained. “In the days leading up to the competition, I actually practiced the heat layout as if it were the real thing, so by the time the finals came, it felt familiar and dialed in.“
Her preparation was instrumental in reaching this level. “I had really solid training during May and June at home. I also put a lot of focus into my strength training in the gym to build up some extra power, which makes also makes a big difference. I felt physically strong, but also mentally really fired up.“
When the pressure peaked in the Super Final, Maaike answered with pure technical skill. While Sarah-Quita’s experience ultimately prevailed with culos and burners executed on both tacks, Maaike’s performance marked a potential upcoming shift in the women’s freestyle hierarchy.
The disappointment was evident as Maaike dropped to the ground when hearing the result, but her campaign represents far more than a podium finish; it marks her continued evolution over the years to challenge the established order. This performance equals the closest anyone has come to dethroning the Queen of Freestyle.
Maaike’s campaign was powered by the Psycho 86 paired with Freek 3.6 and 4.0 sails. “The smaller board worked perfectly in the choppy and gusty conditions here in Fuerteventura, super responsive and easy to control,” she noted.
Takumi’s meteoric rise
At just 18 years old, Takumi Moriya delivered the breakthrough performance that signals the arrival of a new generation. His fourth-place finish in Fuerteventura is a clear sign of the hunger and precision that drives team SEVERNE’s youngest talent.
Takumi’s journey to “near podium” glory proves Japan’s growing presence on the PWA tour. His performance equals the best individual result by a Japanese sailor, matching Takuma Sugi’s fourth-place finish in Fiji 2023.
“I am proud that I was able to leave a wonderful result on behalf of Japan,” Takumi says. “Participating in many competitions and improving with young rivals and role models like Lennart leads to increased motivation.“
The grom almost staged a dramatic comeback against Jacopo Testa in the battle for third place. While his late surge came fractionally too late, Takumi’s evolution was decisive in reaching this level. “I think the biggest difference is that I can play more calmly than last year. Of course, the level of skills has also increased.“
His composed approach was powered by the his 025 Freek 3.6 and 4.0, paired with the Psycho 86 board, and the Enigma 140 boom.
Takumi Moriya, finishes fourth overall at the age of just 18.
SEVERNE squadron dominance
Team SEVERNE’s impact extended far beyond individual brilliance. With five riders securing top-12 finishes, the squad delivered a serious demonstration of both tactical and technical skill.
Lennart Neubauer mounted an impressive comeback from ninth in the Single Elimination to fifth overall. The reigning world champion posted the contest’s highest scoring heat, breaking the 40-point barrier with a massive 42.5 point performance against vice-world champion Adrien Bosson.
Dieter van der Eyken secured sixth place after winning four consecutive heats, marking his best Fuerteventura result since 2019.
Bodhi Kempen achieved his career-best PWA result with seventh place, highlighted by a standout 36.8-point performance against Gollito Estredo. His progression as of late has been nothing short of incredible. We’re sure to see more of this grom in the future!
Balz Müller rounded out the SEVERNE contingent with his usual radical flair, landing a cheeseroll into shaka; a first ever in a contest, and to the surprise of absolutely nobody.
Bodhi Kempen delivers his best result so far in a PWA World Cup.
Revolution continues
Fuerteventura 2025 marked a pivotal moment for team SEVERNE. Maaike’s relentless championship challenge and Takumi’s breakthrough performance demonstrate the team’s evolution from contenders to title threats.
Final results
Women’s freestyle top 10:
- Sarah-Quita Offringa (ARU)
- Maaike Huvermann (NED) – SEVERNE
- Lisa Kloster (GER)
- Živa Batis (SLO)
- Elena Dominick (GER) – SEVERNE
Men’s freestyle top 10:
- Yentel Caers (BEL)
- Jacopo Testa (ITA)
- Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL)
- Takumi Moriya (JPN) – SEVERNE
- Lennart Neubauer (GRE) – SEVERNE
- Dieter van der Eyken (BEL) – SEVERNE
- Adrien Bosson (FRA)
- Bodhi Kempen (NED) – SEVERNE
- Niclas Nebelung (GER)
- Antony Ruenes (FRA)
- Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (VEN)
- Balz Müller (SUI) – SEVERNE
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