Gran Canaria, World Wingfoil capital for the third consecutive year

GWA WingFoil World Cup 2025 Official presentation © Gabinete de prensa

For the third year in a row, Gran Canaria cements its place on the global stage of nautical sports as it hosts a key event on the Global Wingsports Association (GWA) World Tour: the Gran Canaria GWA Wingfoil World Cup 2025. The competition will take place from August 5-8 at El Burrero Beach, in the municipality of Ingenio, and will feature over 45 riders from 12 different countries in the Wingfoil Surf-Freestyle discipline.

The official presentation was held this morning at the Casa Palacio of the Gran Canaria Island Council, with speeches from Antonio Morales (President of the Island Council), Aridany Romero (Sports Councillor), and Vanesa Martín (Mayor of Ingenio). The event also featured representatives from partner organizations, including Guiomar Bonilla, Technical Director of the Royal Canary Sailing Federation, and Bernardo Salom, former president of the Canary Islands Latin Sailing Federation.

Island Council President Antonio Morales emphasized the importance of the blue economy and the role that sports and international events play in boosting Gran Canaria's GDP. "Sport is essential for promoting the island, which is why we support these fast-growing disciplines with strong global reach. We're looking at an estimated economic return of over €10 million and a potential global audience of more than 26 million people," Morales stated.

For the Insular Sports Institute, continuing to attract international sporting events like this one is a strategic priority. These events position Gran Canaria as a world-class destination not only for its natural conditions but also for its clear commitment to sustainable sports tourism. "With these competitions, we continue to energize the economies of various municipalities across Gran Canaria," added Aridany Romero.

Mayor Vanesa Martín of Ingenio highlighted the revitalization of the local coastline: "One of our goals is to activate our coastline—it's been a long time since any major event was held on this beach." She emphasized the broader economic benefits for both the municipality and the island as a whole, as well as the value of educational and cultural activities linked to the event. "My hope is that this becomes a permanent fixture at El Burrero," she concluded.

The Gran Canaria leg will be the fourth stop on the 2025 World Tour, with the final scheduled in Brazil from December 3-6. "If the Brazil stop doesn't take place, Gran Canaria would be the venue to crown the world champions," explained Manuel Martínez, president of Club Deportivo Canakite Experiences, which is organizing the event along with Club Náutico El Burrero and the Ingenio City Council. "Our goal is to make this event a long-term tradition, expanding it with more athletes, new wingfoil disciplines, and positioning Ingenio as a top destination for athletes," Martínez added.

A Showcase of the Wingfoil World Elite

The 2025 edition will welcome some of the sport's top competitors. Leading the roster is American Christopher Macdonald, the current world champion. Representing Spain is Xavier Corr from Tarifa, currently ranked fifth globally, promising fierce competition in Canarian waters.

From the Canary Islands, rising star Ancor Sosa from Fuerteventura—just 16 years old—is making waves on the international circuit. Ranked 14th in the world, he is seen as one of Europe's brightest wingfoil prospects. Joining him will be Gran Canarian rider Jeremy Rodríguez and Lanzarote athletes Nöe Mercier and Manuel Morillo.

In the women's category, Spanish dominance is led by riders from Tarifa, with reigning world champion Nia Suardíaz topping the global rankings. Her participation ensures an exciting and competitive show, drawing interest from both local and international audiences.

The Gran Canaria GWA WingFoil World Cup 2025 is organized by Club Deportivo Canakite Experiences, Club Náutico El Burrero, and the Ingenio City Council. It is supported by the Island Council's Departments of Tourism and Sports, the Canary Islands Government's Sports Department, the Royal Canary Sailing Federation, and corporate sponsors such as Ahembo with its 7UP brand, among others.