Warsaw Indoor PWA World Cup- Poland’s National Stadium erupts on day 2

by Chris Yates on 8 Sep 2014 At the Warsaw Indoor PWA World Cup, with the National Stadium waiting to erupt, the scene was set perfectly for the finale of the first indoor event in eight years. From the word go, the atmosphere within the stadium was amazing, but as the evening progressed the crowd became more encapsulated, and vocal, by the minute as the world’s best left nothing on the line to produce an exceptional night for windsurfing on the whole.

The freestylers were unleashed into the pool first tonight, but just as eight years ago Nicolas Akgazciyan (99 International / Point-7 / AL360 / Maui Ultra Fins) proved unbeatable. The Frenchman clearly excels under the pressure of performing in front of a crowd, and he didn't disappoint tonight either as he rotated through a trademark switch chachoo and a big shaka 360.

The question many people were asking tonight was whether the queen of freestyle could be defeated in the pool? As it turned out Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / Mystic) was as cool, calm and calculated as ever as she wowed the crowds to be crowned the champion, after stomping a stylish one-handed spock and a super quick double flaka.

Many people may have forgotten that Ben Proffitt (Simmer) is more than just an amazing commentator for the PWA. The Brit is now known across the globe for his unrecognisable enthusiasm and expertise when it comes to the world of windsurfing, but many have forgotten that Proffitt is also one of the best windsurfers in the world, such is his unbelievable dedication and passion towards the sport. However, tonight Proffitt returned to his competitive ways and the Brit was rewarded with a brilliant victory over Akgazciyan by way of a 2-1 victory.

Lena Erdil (Patrik / Loft Sails / AL360 / Mystic) saw off the local competition - Zofia Klepacka (RRD / North) - in the women’s final as the Turkish beaut successfully defended her better seeding, meaning that the Turkish lady claimed an emphatic victory by way of 2-0 decision.

Thomas Traversa (Tabou / GA Sails) showed exactly why he is not just one of the best storm chasers in the world, but also one of the finest jumper. The Frenchman opened with an incredible tweaked tabletop, before backing it up with a bolt upright forward, to defeat the likes of Ricardo Campello (Patrik / Point-7 / MFC,) who eventually had to settle for second place. Meanwhile, Amanda Beenen (Tabou / GA Sails) claimed the victory in the women’s as she threw caution to the wind to throw herself into a big forward loop. The women’s competition was also verging on the line of life or death, but all of the female sailors must be rewarded for the bravery that they showed to face the ramp again!