China sorgte für einen atemberaubenden Auftakt am ersten Tag des „2026 Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational“, als eine spektakuläre Eröffnungszeremonie mit chinesischem Kung-Fu und Schwertkunst stattfand, um den Vorhang für die erste Ausgabe dieser Veranstaltung offiziell zu heben, bei der das professionelle Windsurfen sein Debüt in China feiert.
After a short warmup to entertain the crowds, the official competition began just after 11:30am in winds generally between 9-14 knots, but with some stronger gusts occasionally funnelling through.
Foiling transformed light wind racing a few years ago and today it proved that it can also transform light wind Freestyle into a fast-paced, dynamic discipline with huge moves being performed in conditions that would usually require proper wind and kickers.
Balz Müller (Severne Windsurfing) has been the sailor driving the foil revolution for years and he made no mistake of hammering home that message by winning the Single Elimination ahead of Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) to lead the event at the end of the opening day. Müller scored over 30 points in all of his heats, while showing his control on the foil is a level above anyone else by being the only sailor to perform double pop power combinations - such as air funnel into burners, burner-funnels and double culos, while also landing shifties, backloops and even switch paskos to give a true glimpse into the realms of what is possible for this exciting, and quickly evolving, new discipline. Even while sailing the Winners’ Final, Müller could be heard shouting his now trademark, “What a time to be alive!” as he cruised past the judging boat, just enjoying the moment.
Balz Müller after winning the first ever Freestyle Foil Single Elimination: “It’s a dream come true. It was even better than I expected, flat water and smooth wind that packed a punch. Perfect for sending it to the moon and new dimensions. I actually felt a lot of pressure going into it as kind of the pioneer everyone expects you to perform and provide a good show, so it was stressful. I’m so stoked I managed to put it together after a shaky start in the first heat. Sailing in the final against my friends was so much fun and it felt surreal to do it here in China.”
Neubauer gave Müller a solid run for his money in the final, but has to settle for second place at this stage. Even over the duration of the three heats he sailed you could see the reigning Fin Freestyle World Champion start to push his level further and further - playing around with air cana bravas, shifties and paskos. The Greek was the only other sailor to break the 30 point barrier aside from Müller and he looks like he will be the Swiss waterman’s main threat moving forwards.
Yentel Caers (JP / NeilPryde) edged an extremely tight B-Final against Takumi Moriya (Severne Windsurfing) to currently hold third place in the event rankings, but will still need to defend that position come the Double Elimination, which could possibly take place on Monday.
Four sailors currently share equal fifth: Tim Gerdes (HeyYou Sails), George Grisley (Duotone Windsurfing), Bodhi Kempen (Duotone Windsurfing) and Steven Van Broeckhoven (WeOne / GUNSAILS). The level looks exceptionally close, so the Double Elimination could yet feature some comeback stories.
With light winds expected on Sunday, and a promising forecast to come for Monday, the competition will remain on hold tomorrow. Instead of competing on the water, the sailors will be treated to a tour of a traditional Chinese market before having dinner in the beautiful ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, which is steeped in history and culture - offering a stark contrast to Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, which sits at the forefront of design and innovation.
You can stay up to date with all the latest developments from China — including elimination ladders, entry list, images and live ticker simply by clicking HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
Current Event Ranking 2026 Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational
*After Single Elimination (Results may still change)
1st Balz Müller (SUI | Severne Windsurfing)
2nd Lennart Neubauer (GRE | Starboard / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins)
3rd Yentel Caers (BEL | JP / NeilPryde)
4th Takumi Moriya (JPN | Severne Windsurfing)
5th Tim Gerdes (CZE | HeyYou Sails)
5th George Grisley (UK | Duotone Windsurfing)
5th Steven Van Broeckhoven (BEL | WeOne / GUNSAILS)
5th Bodhi Kempen (NED | Duotone Windsurfing)