FPT Indoor Tow-In World Series at boot Düsseldorf
by Freestyle Pro Tour 27 Jan 2025 09:12 PST
Freestyle Pro Tour Indoor Tow-In World Series at boot Düsseldorf 2025 © Freestyle Pro Tour
The Freestyle Pro Tour (FPT) has once again pushed the boundaries of what's possible in windsurfing. Over three action-packed days at boot Düsseldorf 2025, the world's largest watersports trade fair, the first-ever Indoor Tow-In World Series event delivered a show for the ages.
The world's best riders showcased jaw-dropping tricks and technical mastery in a groundbreaking event that has forever redefined the sport.
The road to the finals: a battle of skill and nerves
The competition kicked off with a dramatic training session on Day 1 as athletes adapted to the unique challenges of the 65m indoor pool. Double moves, rare combos, and boundary-pushing tricks raised the stakes early, setting the tone for the event. Day 2 saw thousands of fans pack the venue for the qualification rounds, where Lennart Neubauer, George Grisley, Niclas Nebelung, and Maaike Huvermann cemented themselves as favorites with world-class performances that left the crowd in awe.
But it was Day 3 that will be remembered as a historic moment for windsurfing. With five runs each and the best move counting, the finals delivered unparalleled action.
Huvermann claims victory in Women's Indoor Tow-In Finals
The women's division opened the finals with intensity and flair. Elena Dominick set the pace with a strong opening move, but it was the reigning queen of freestyle, Maaike Huvermann, who left everyone speechless. In her second run, Huvermann executed a flawless, high-powered move that secured her victory and confirmed her status as the rider to beat.
French talent Salome Fournier brought creativity and determination to the competition, earning third place with stylish and innovative moves honed at her home spot in Vesoul. The women's division not only highlighted Huvermann's dominance but also showcased the depth of talent rising through the ranks.
Men's division: Neubauer's last-second triumph
The men's final was nothing short of breathtaking. Early nerves led to uncharacteristic mistakes, but as the competition progressed, the athletes delivered some of the most technically advanced tricks ever seen in the tow-in discipline.
Lennart Neubauer, who had already impressed in the qualifiers, faced tough competition from George Grisley and Niclas Nebelung. Grisley brought the crowd to its feet with a perfectly executed air funnel into burner, scoring a massive 9.00 and briefly taking the lead. Nebelung followed up with a stylish one-handed air funnel burner that secured him third place.
But the day belonged to Neubauer. Under the spotlight, with the crowd roaring, he delivered a spectacular double culo in his final run, executed with absolute precision and control. The judges awarded him the highest score of the day, securing his win.
A groundbreaking moment for windsurfing
The FPT Indoor Tow-In World Series at boot Düsseldorf was more than a competition - it was a celebration of windsurfing's evolution. Thousands of fans packed Hall 17, cheering on their heroes while enjoying hands-on experiences with the latest gear, meeting the sport's stars, and discovering innovations from top brands.
"This event has set a new standard for what tow-in competitions can achieve," said Adam Sims, CEO of the Freestyle Pro Tour. "The athletes brought their A-game, and the energy from the crowd was incredible. This event has redefined what's possible in such an exciting arena, a new standard for tow-in competition, the torch is carried on from the excellent work with our partners from the GFB (German Freestyle Battles), whilst exceptional organisation and hosting was supplied by the boot 2025 team who worked tirelessly for months to ensure every detail was taken care of. We are throughly excited for 2026..."
A bright future for the Freestyle Pro Tour
The FPT thanks all athletes, fans, and partners who made this event an unforgettable milestone in windsurfing history. With this groundbreaking event now etched into the sport's legacy, the Freestyle Pro Tour looks ahead to an exciting season filled with more innovation, competition, and inspiration.
Stay tuned as the tour continues to bring the best of freestyle windsurfing to fans around the globe.
Check out the qualification highlights from the FPT's first indoor competition at the boot trade show in Düsseldorf: