Leveling up
The progression from grom to pro isn’t always linear, but sometimes the signs are crystal clear. SEVERNE wave sailing prodigy Sol Degrieck has officially outgrown her Redback sail range, making the natural progression to the S-1 as her tool of choice for future development.
Photos by Maarten Van de Velde.
At just 14, Sol’s already carved out a reputation that most adults would envy. The Belgian ripper was already sticking forward loops at age 11 and hasn’t stopped pushing boundaries since. Her recent surge through the ranks – from dominating youth divisions to mixing it up with the pros – made the transition from Redback to S-1 a natural evolution.
The shift comes after a few mental years that saw Sol charging at some of the heaviest spots on the planet. From sending it at Ho’okipa to threading onshore rides in Sylt, Sol has proven she’s ready for the extra juice the S-1 delivers. A podium finish in Chile’s pro women’s division and Sylt was just icing on the cake. “The S-1 provides more power and makes me jump higher,” Sol explains, noting how the sail’s higher boom cut-out and increased power better match her recent growth. “I love the combination of power and control, which allows me to push my limits.“
The Redback foundation
Sol’s journey with SEVERNE youth gear stretches back to 2018 when she first jumped on the XS-3. By 2020, she’d progressed to the Redback (XS-3 morphed into Redback) – a sail specifically engineered for smaller rippers. The Redback’s lightweight construction and low power delivery proved crucial in Sol’s early development, particularly in learning the wave moves that are crucial for reaching those coveted podium positions.
“The Redback was ideal for jumping and landing when you are small,” Sol reflects. “It helped me learn the backloop – having that pressure point low was perfect when I wasn’t as strong.”
Natural progression
The transition between the two sails hasn’t been a jarring one. “To me, the Redback and the S-1 feel quite similar,” Sol notes. The main difference? More grunt when she needs it. The S-1’s higher boom cut-out and increased power delivery match her evolved riding style perfectly.
What started as occasional sessions on her mum’s S-1 in lighter conditions has evolved into a full commitment to the four-batten wave weapon. The bright colors don’t hurt either – though it’s the S-1’s renowned combination of power and maneuverability that’s really got Sol fired up about the future.
Looking ahead
With multiple youth world titles already under her belt and a growing collection of pro division results, Sol’s trajectory is looking proper vertical. The S-1 is now her ticket to the next level – a sail that can handle everything from logo-high Pozo to triple-overhead Ho’okipa.
Development pathway
What started with a young Belgian grom ripping on the Redback has evolved into one of wave sailing’s most promising talents carrying the SEVERNE flag into heavy conditions worldwide. From youth champion to mixing it up with the pros at just 14, Sol’s path serves as a blueprint for the next generation of wave sailors.
Sol’s journey is the perfect example of how rider evolution meets purpose-built equipment.
The future’s looking proper heavy for this one.
Sol’s new quiver:
- S-1: 3.0 / 3.3 / 3.6 / 4.0 / 4.4 / 4.8
- Pyro: 68 / 74 / 79
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