2026 Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational

Autor: Chris Yates / PWA Carter
Datum: 09.11.2026

Tag 3: Balz Müller gewinnt das erste professionelle Windsurf-Event in China, nachdem er die ungewöhnlich starken Winde in Shanghai bezwungen hat.

Bei Windsurf-Wettkämpfen besteht das übliche Problem darin, dass man von schwachem Wind im Stich gelassen wird. Beim Foil-Freestyle wären Windstärken von F3–4 auf der Beaufort-Skala zwar ideal gewesen, doch wie so oft scheint Mutter Natur ein Händchen dafür zu haben, genau das Gegenteil von dem zu liefern, was benötigt wird – und tatsächlich wurden die Teilnehmer am dritten Tag des „Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational 2026“ von Winden mit 20 bis 30 Knoten begrüßt.

With such strong winds unexpectedly on offer, the sailors were thrown in the deep-end with many having to foil in the strongest winds they ever have and they more than rose to the occasion. Not only was the Double Elimination brilliant to watch, but you could really feel an air of excitement amongst the sailors as they pushed each other in the extreme foil conditions. Fin Freestyle is far from stagnant, but it’s been a while since you could feel this level of energy reverberating through the fleet - with genuine excitement about the progression shown throughout the event and where this could eventually evolve to because this is still just the very beginning of the Foil Freestyle journey.

Foil Freestyle

The Pioneer Prevails

Balz Müller has been at the forefront of the Foil Freestyle evolution, so it only seems fitting that the Swiss waterman produced a stellar performance in the Double Elimination Final to successfully defend his Single Elimination victory to be crowned the very first Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational champion, while also becoming the first sailor to win a professional windsurfing event in China.

Müller faced Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) in a repeat of the Single Elimination Final and made an absolutely flying start as he racked up over 30 points in under two minutes as he almost instantaneously exploded through a pasko, burner, shifty and a switch pasko to set an extremely high bar. Fittingly, by the end of the final, Müller posted the highest scoring heat of the contest - 36.53 points - to deservedly take the top spot on the podium.

Balz Müller on winning the first ever Foil Freestyle event: “It's a dream come true. It’s a surreal, unreal moment. It's crazy, being here surrounded by friends make it even more special. I’ve been windsurfing for over 20 years and I think this is the biggest dream of my life [to achieve]. I’m getting emotional now. Again it’s a dream come true celebrating being on the podium with these guys.”

Neubauer did everything in his power to try and force a Super Final, but even with the reigning Fin Freestyle World Champion posting his highest score of the contest - 34.7 points - it wasn’t enough to deny Müller on this occasion. However, it’s safe to say there is already a great rivalry developing, while having this inaugural event will provide added motivation for all the sailors in the fleet to continue to raise their level.

Neubauer with a candid reflection on Balz Müller: “Before I talk about myself, I think it’s important to talk about this guy [Balz Müller]. Everyone knows he’s the pioneer [of Foil Freestyle], but I think over the years on the World Tour in general he hasn’t received the credit he warrants - especially with how much he inspires all the other sailors improve, but I think now he’s starting to receive the recognition he deserves.”

Meanwhile, Yentel Caers (JP / NeilPryde) completes the podium after bringing Dudu Levi’s (Future Fly / GUNSAILS) comeback to an end with the pick of his moves being a radical pasko, which he classifies as his easiest move on the foil. The Belgian couldn’t get the better of Neubauer in the next heat, but it’ll be fascinating to see how their progress develops during the close season.

Caers motivated to push Foil Freestyle: “At times I felt like I was riding a bucking bronco. It was a rodeo out there, but I’m stoked to finish third for the event. It was a fun heat against Lennart, but Lennart and Balz are just on a different planet. I don’t know what they do at the moment, but it’s fun and inspiring to sail with them and I want to see more people getting into Foil Freestyle.”

Dudu Levi produced the comeback of the day as the 32-year-old sailed all the way from the first round to climb into fourth for the event after winning five consecutive heats - firstly taking down 17-year-old Leander Halm (Starboard / Severne Sails), before going on to also eliminate George Grisley (Duotone Windsurfing), Tigo Kort (JP / NeilPryde), Steven Van Broeckhoven (WeOne / GUNSAILS) and Takumi Moriya (Severne Windsurfing) as he continually posted scores in the mid to high 20s. Levi seemed dejected after the Single Elimination, but should now be able to walk away from the event exceptionally happy.

The comeback kid, Dudu Levi: “To be honest, it feels amazing. I’m stoked that I got a chance to show and express what I practised lately. It’s been a beautiful experience in Shanghai.”

Moriya falls one spot from the Single Elimination to end the first ever Foil Freestyle event in a solid fifth place, while Van Broeckhoven completes the top six.

Elsewhere, Sam Esteve (JP / NeilPryde) and Tigo Kort share joint 7th, while the top ten is completed by Bodhi Kempen (Duotone Windsurfing), Tim Gerdes (HeyYou Sails), George Grisley and Luka Stomp (Point-7), who all finish in equal ninth.

The wind looks much lighter for tomorrow, so we will just have to wait and see what happens. The official competition may be over, but that doesn't mean the sailing is. If there is enough wind then the plan will be to try and run a best trick format, while if it’s too light there is the option of running some tow-in. Skippers’ meeting on Tuesday will be 10am (GMT+8) with a first possible start at 10:30am.

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.

Result 2026 Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational