PWA Cold Hawaii World Cup - Traversa victorious in Klitmoller + Video

by Matthew Pryor / Karina Kold on 21 Sep 2012 PWA Cold Hawaii World Cup – Klitmoller, Denmark. The view from the beach with Karina Kold:

Thomas Traversa gets a big hug from his friend and caddy for the final, Alex Mussolini, as he comes out of the water after 25 minutes battling with wave world champion, Philip Köster, in the Super Final. His girlfriend, Sophia Regerbis, runs towards him and congratulates him with a kiss.

'I'm super happy,' Traversa says.

His French friends and fellow windsurfers, Jules Denel (with his dog, Jim) and Antoine Martin, join in the hugs and high fives.

'It's amazing for Thomas, for the whole French connection,' Martin says. 'We will definitely party tonight.'

The audience at Cold Hawaii are applauding as Thomas Traversa, Philip Köster and third-placed Victor Fernandez Lopez climb the podium.

'In this light wind I guess it was an advantage to be a light windsurfer. Yes, it's crazy to beat Philip Köster – but he's going to win all the rest,' Traversa says from the podium.

The announcer mentions that Köster is about 30 kilograms heavier than Traversa.

'It was tough out there when the wind was so light,' Philip Köster said. 'I'm like 92 kilograms - not a light windsurfer. That's the way it goes. I'll try my best in the next event. It's still pretty cool for me to be second at KIA Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup 2012. Traversa is a good winner.'

Fernandez Lopez seems pleased with his competition. 'It's nice to be here one more time on the podium,' he says. 'This is a very special event for me. Thanks to everybody – and to Traversa and Köster for giving the best show as possible in these light conditions.'

Rolf Köster, father of double world champion Philip Köster, On his son becoming Wave world champion: 'I'm proud of my son. I mean wave world champion is amazing but being it for the second time is even more difficult. He was nervous but he made it. I called my wife and we are both very happy.'

On his son losing to Traversa in the super final: 'Today it didn't matter if he won the super final or was second, he is still the wave world champion. That's excellent. I appreciate that he is behaving like a good sportsman, being happy for Traversa and congratulating him on the podium.'

On how they prepare for a heat: 'Before every heat I talk with Philip about which sails and boards to use. I had a surf school on Gran Canaria for more than twenty years. I trained him since he was a kid, and I've travelled with him on every PWA World Tour for nearly six years now. One-two minutes before the heat I leave him alone to focus on the windsurfing ahead.'

'I also take the responsibility that he is not disturbed by reporters or photographers in those last minutes before the heat. I am lifting away burdens from him so that he can concentrate on his windsurfing.'

'Philip can get nervous but I think he behaved very calm and relaxed at this Cold Hawaii PWA World Cup 2012.'