2026 Chemical Riders event makes history
by International Windsurfing Tour 17 Jan 07:43 PST
2026 Chemical Riders © Moshe Menagen
Historic Eastern Med Conditions Point to a Future 4 Challenger World Cup
The Chemical Riders Haifa delivered a breakthrough moment for Eastern Mediterranean windsurfing, unfolding in what riders and officials described as the best competition conditions ever recorded in the region: powerful 4-metre wave faces combined with 30-knot winds at Haifa's raw, industrial "Tails" beach.
Produced by Moran Tapiro and Arnon Dagan, the event showcased rare Mediterranean power and consistency - a compelling signal that Haifa has the natural assets to rise toward 4-Star Challenger World Cup status by 2027.
Elite Pedigree Meets Local Firepower
The fleet was notable not just for depth, but for clarity across disciplines — Olympic racing, world-tour sailing, and proven international champions sharing the same heavy-water arena:
- Tom Reuveny - Paris 2024 Olympic Gold Medallist (iQFOiL, the current Olympic windsurfing class)
- Shahar Zubari - Olympic Bronze Medallist (RS:X, former Olympic windsurfing class)
- Tamar Steinberg - 2025 Vice World Champion (iQFOiL world-level racing)
- Tomer Shamgar - World Wave Tour rider - PWA/WWT
- Yoav Omer - Former Junior World Champion (RS:X international racing)
- Yoav Cohen - Youth World & European Champion, Olympic finalist (RS:X)
Alongside them, a strong local contingent including Eyal Shelef, Arnon Dagan, and rising youth and masters riders reinforced the depth of Israel's scene.
Heavy Water, No Margins
Set against the stark industrial skyline of Kiryat Haim, riders faced steep, fast moving sections demanding full commitment wave sailing: late drops, vertical hits, and total control in punishing gusts. These were conditions that separated genuine wave skill from survival.
Professional on-site judging and the LiveHeats platform ensured world class standards throughout the event window.
"Seeing Olympic champions, professional tour riders, and local talents all charging serious waves together shows just how far Israeli windsurfing has come - and where it can go," said producer Moran Tapiro.
Final Results
Open
- Eyal Shelef
- Tomer Shamgar
- Yoav Omer
Women
- Tamar Steinberg
- Juliana Shelef
Youth
Seniors
- Gadi Mintz
- Amit Mekel
- Yosi Salomon
A Venue on the Rise
With verified extreme conditions, a proven operations team, and a uniquely powerful Mediterranean setting, Chemical Riders Haifa has taken a decisive step beyond regional status. The 2025 edition was not about banners or politics - it was about conditions, credibility, and performance - and it firmly positions Haifa as a serious 4-Star Challenger candidate from 2027.