LEADING THE WORLD TITLE RACE
Severne’s elite roster with Lina Erpenstein leading the charge showcased a spectacular level of wave sailing in Tenerife.
Lina Erpenstein, riding Nano Pro and S-1, claimed the top spot in the Women’s Wave competition, solidifying her status as one of the world’s premier female wave sailors. This victory follows her maiden World Tour win in Chile earlier this year, paving the way for that coveted World Championship title.
Technical proficiency was the name of the game for Lina. She leveraged conditions and her gear to execute a significant number of deep rail turns that made heads turn on the beach (for both judges and spectators). She backed that up with well-timed back, and forward loops to raise her overall score above the competition.
THE WOMEN ON A MISSION
Not to be overshadowed, Iballa Moreno, another Severne rider, and a legend of the sport, fought her way to a second-place finish. Iballa’s comeback story is one for the books, climbing from fourth place in the single elimination to secure her podium spot. Her repertoire included radical one-footed forward loops, a high-risk move that paid off, complemented by her trademark fluid wave riding style.
Team Severne’s success story continued with Pauline Katz, who secured a notable fifth place. Pauline’s performance is particularly noteworthy given her marked improvement this season. Riding the Redback and Nano combo, Pauline has truly found her groove after an injury setback last year.
DOMINATING THE YOUTH
In the youth divisions, Sol Degrieck, riding the Pyro and Redback combo, has secured her place at the top of the U18 Girl’s podium. That is her second consecutive victory. Sol’s abnormally high level jumping and wave riding skills at such a young age set her apart from the competition and also put her in ninth position in the women’s pro fleet.
LIAM ON A ROLL
In the men’s division, Severne’s presence was felt with Liam Dunkerbeck clinching fifth place. While dropping one position from the single elimination, Liam’s consistent top-five performance underscores just how much he has improved in the matter of a season. Liam rides the Blade.
But Liam’s achievements didn’t stop there. He also stormed to victory in the U21 Boy’s single elimination. Liam threw down textbook double forwards and one-foot back loops, coupled with “ninja” level wave riding to leave the competition in the dust. This win cements Liam’s status as a rising star in the sport. Lennart also finished 21st in the mens pro fleet.
RYU IS ONE TO WATCH
Also finishing on the podium in the junior U18 fleet was Japanese rider Ryu Noguchi. Ryu is already known for going for the biggest moves in the biggest conditions so we’re sure to see more of him in the near future.
FREESTYLERS TAKE IT TO THE WAVES
Staying within the junior and youth fleets, Lennart Neubauer came in hot after an impressive performance in the previous Gran Canaria World Cup (and a victory at the freestyle World Cup in Fuerteventura), but a stacked fleet of rippers made Lennart’s competition much tougher as he only narrowly missed out on a spot in the U21 final and had to settle with a fifth place.
Rounding out the Severne contingent was Dieter Van der Eyken, who narrowly missed the top eight, finishing in ninth place. Coming back from an injury he sustained at the previous PWA World Cup in Gran Canaria, Dieter could not sail until the start of this contest. Yet, his local knowledge and snappy wave riding were an indication of his full potential.
Gear talk
The technical aspects of team Severne’s equipment played a crucial role in these achievements. From Lina’s precise turns to Iballa’s controlled one-footed loops, the responsiveness and performance level of Severne gear were on full display.
As the PWA World Tour progresses, Lina Erpensein is well on her way to securing her first-ever World Title, and on the men’s side, Philip Köster is locked in an intense battle to win his sixth title. But lurking in the rankings is also Liam Dunkerbeck who could cause more upsets as the season progresses.
Rider setups
Dieter van der Eyken
Board: Nano
Sail: S-1 4.4 / 4.8
Lina Erpenstein
Board: Nano Pro 82
Sail: S-1 4.4 / 4.8
Liam Dunkerbeck
Sail: Blade 4.7 / 5.0
Pauline Katz
Board: Nano
Sail: Redback 4.3
Iballa Ruano Moreno
Board: Stone 78
Sail: Blade 4.5 /4.7
Sol Degrieck
Board: Pyro
Sail: Redback
Lennart Neubauer
Sail: Blade 5.0
Womens top 5
- Lina Erpenstein G-3
2. Iballa Ruano Moreno E-63
3. Alexia Kiefer Quintana E-59
4. Sarah-Quita Offringa ARU-91
5. Pauline Katz SUI-678
Mens top 5
- Marc Paré E-334
2. Victor Fernandez E-42
3. Julian Salmonn G-901
4. Marino Gil Gherardi E-959
5. Liam Dunkerbeck Morales E-11
Junior and youth fleets: click here.
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.