Please select your home edition
Edition
McDYachts_Pyewacket-for-Sale_1456x180 TOP

UKWA Wingfoil Slalom National Championships 2023

by Hugo Dobrijevic 15 Dec 2023 09:13 UTC
Hugo Dobrijevic wins UK Wingfoil Slalom National Championship for second time © Dave Dobrijevic / www.instagram.com/capture_the_stoke

Hugo Dobrijevic is quite literally flying high after being crowned National Champion after winning another title in Wingfoil Slalom racing.

For anyone who is new to this sport, this involves racing downwind on a broad reach in a zig-zag pattern around four marks at speeds that would make your head spin whilst trying to keep your foil in the water and not let any of your opponents pass you.

Lucky for Hugo he's fast, really fast! Top speeds he achieved this year topped 33 knots. He wears an impact vest and helmet, and takes his safety seriously; however if you are not moving at top speed over the start line when that flag comes down you are not in the race so courage and a fearless attitude are a necessity.

The UKWA kindly hosted seven events that collectively make up the National Championships for Slalom Wingfoil racing in the UK.

Full results: results.ukwindsurfing.com/2023/slalom-rankings.html

Hugo won the championship finishing on just 4 points, winning three of the events, second in two others and ended up discarding a third place. His speed and racing skills earn from years of high level dinghy racing have equipped him with a fierce competitive edge and unmatched speed. He still competes in a 29er on the National Squad with team mate Allegra Massey.

Hugo's parents are also immensely proud as are his local community at Hayling Island Sailing club, where many have followed his competitions through the year.

Hugo also attended a World Tour event in April of 2023 at Leucate one of the first GWA WINGFOIL WORLD TOUR stops, there he went up against the best 46 male athletes from all over the world. After a tough week of racing Hugo was thrilled to have made it through to the Winners Finals and finished 14th. At just 14 and competing against adults this was just incredible.

Next year Hugo hopes to go back and push even harder as he'll be another year older and stronger.

Hugo also finished the season finishing joint first in the BKSA Wingfoil Freestyle National Championships. He was the first in the UK to 360 and 720 and he is always working on his next trick. You can follow his journey here.

Huge thanks to Hugo's sponsors for their support with the fastest Wingfoil kit on the market Nik Baker (K66) and Duotone.

Related Articles

2025 Formula Wing Worlds Sardinia Preview
First ever Formula Wing Worlds to take place in Sardinia The inaugural Formula Wing World Championships marks another important step in the progress of the fast-developing sport of wingfoil racing. Posted on 16 Sep
The Soak Insure Tide Ride Returns in 2025
Bigger, Faster, and More Exciting Than Ever! Following the roaring success of its comeback in 2024, the Soak Insure Tide Ride will return to Hayling Island Sailing Club in 2025 for two thrilling days of high-octane racing, running Saturday 8th November to Sunday 9th November. Posted on 14 Sep
2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China overall
The event was a stage for cultural exchange and thrilling competition The 2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China has come to a close, bringing together 70 competitors from 12 countries on Daishan Island, at the delta of the Yangtze River. Posted on 7 Sep
2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China day 4
Currents of competition in Daishan The WingFoil Racing World Cup China has reached its thrilling penultimate day, and the competition is heating up! The top men gathered in the gold fleet, ready to battle it out for a spot in the grand final. Posted on 6 Sep
2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China day 3
Racing against the tide Day 3 of the WingFoil Racing World Cup China got off to a slow start as athletes waited for the wind to come through, but the pace picked up fast. The day's two sessions, each with three races, saw wind gusts reach 17 knots in the afternoon. Posted on 5 Sep
2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China day 2
From umbrella to parasol WingFoil Racing World Cup China takes a breather on day 2, after it got off to a thrilling start, with three action-packed long-distance races completed on the first day. Posted on 4 Sep
2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China day 1
Challenging conditions see early leaders show their hands The Daishan leg of the WingFoil Racing World Cup Series has kicked off with a bang, with nearly 80 sailors tackling three long-distance races in challenging conditions. Posted on 3 Sep
RRD One Hour Wingfoil 2025 at Circolo Surf Torbole
Alessandro José Tomasi triumphs A perfect day, with sunshine and a steady 15-knot southerly wind, set the stage for the 2025 edition of the RRD One Hour Wingfoil, organized by Circolo Surf Torbole under the aegis of the Italian Sailing Federation. Posted on 1 Sep
2025 WingFoil Racing World Cup China - Preview
2025 edition is set to deliver the most intense racing of the season. The WingFoil Racing World Cup China is back—and this time, Daishan promises wind, strong tidal current, and world-class competition. Posted on 27 Aug
North unveils the 2026 Big Air Collection
North Kiteboarding invites riders to rediscover what Big Air really feels like. This August, North Kiteboarding invites riders to rediscover what Big Air really feels like, with the launch of its 2026 Big Air Collection - featuring the completely re-engineered Orbit kite and three fresh TwinTips: Atmos Pro, Atmos, and Astra. Posted on 19 Aug
Armstrong 728x90 - Performance Mast Range - BOTTOMHyde Sails 2024 - One DesignRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTER