Historic Debut for Youth and Masters
History is being made this week with the start of the first Wingfoil Racing World Championships for Youth and Masters, marking a milestone for this rapidly growing sport.
With 64 athletes from 18 countries and five continents, the international nature of the event reflects the growing global popularity of wingfoiling.
Despite a dramatic start, with torrential rain and strong winds forcing the cancellation of the race on the first day, morale remains high and the forecast for the rest of the week looks much more favorable.
Among the most compelling stories emerging from the fleet is that of 10-year-old Thai Thanawat Promwaen, the youngest competitor in the event. Already the Asian Under-15 champion, Thanawat is demonstrating talent and composure well beyond his years, making him one to watch in the Youth category.
Hong Kong also made its mark, sending three athletes—two boys and a girl—under the guidance of newly crowned Asian champion Tsz Hei Chow. At just 22, Chow is making his coaching debut and admits it’s a new challenge. “Coaching is more complicated than competing,” he joked. “In my role here, I take care of everyone, but when I compete, I only have to worry about myself.” His team includes the reigning Asian Youth Champion and the bronze medalist, so expectations for high-level performances are high.
Italian Ernesto De Amicis, 17, is another young star who’s made headlines before he’s even touched the water. The talented rider received news this morning that he’s been chosen as the torchbearer for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He’ll carry the flame to his hometown of Naples: a great honor and fitting recognition for one of wingfoil’s brightest prospects.
Other notable young athletes include Czech rider Stepan Benes and Dutchman Felix Drent, whose form has solidified over the course of the season.
Team GB Under-15 competitor Oscar Dempsey is also attracting attention, not least because he is coached by his father, three-time Olympic windsurfing medallist Nick Dempsey.
With racing now underway after a delay due to bad weather, anticipation is high for an exciting week of racing. The event isn’t just a championship, it’s a celebration of a growing sport. The next chapter in the history of WingFoil Racing is about to be written.
For all the latest updates and exclusive content, follow @wingfoilracing on social media.
