GWA Wingfoil World Cup Gran Canaria 2026 - Day 6
Chris Macdonald and Viola Lippitsch take Surf-Freestyle glory
El Burrero, Gran Canaria, provided the perfect setting for the penultimate Surf-Freestyle event of the season, with 27 men and 18 women registered to compete.
Strong winds and solid kickers set the stage on the final day again for an epic showdown, and the stakes couldn’t be higher with the World Titles on the line.
On Saturday, athletes had 8 trick attempts, with the top 3 scores counting toward their total.
The women’s semi-finals saw Viola Lippitsch once again repeat her strong performance from the previous day, posting a solid heat score of 22.13 to advance to the final. Bowien van der Linden joined her, edging out her competitors by just a fraction of a point.
The second women’s semi-final saw Nia Suardiaz ride a solid heat to advance to the final, keeping her World Title chances within reach. Newcomer Sofia Ginzinger advanced alongside her.
The men’s semi-finals delivered more outstanding riding, just as they had in the previous days. Franz Schlittenbauer started his heat riding incredibly well and looked set for his first-ever final appearance – but Axel Gerard landed an impressive double backflip on his final attempt to advance over him instead.
Chris Macdonald was on fire, landing three high-scoring tricks for an overall total of 28.03 and a locked-in spot in the final.
The second semi-final saw Benjamin Castenskiold find his focus and ride an outstanding heat, securing his spot in the final with ease and keeping his hopes of defending his World Title alive for another year.
Tomas Acherer advanced behind him after a close battle with Rocco Makana and Charlie Loch.
Women’s Finals
The women’s final kicked off in the early afternoon. Viola Lippitsch was having an incredible event, showing real ease and confidence in the strong wind conditions.
Reaching the final trick attempt, Lippitsch held her lead despite several crashes on her earlier attempts. Suardiaz had one last chance, on her final trick, to overtake Lippitsch and seize the title – but she crashed, settling for second place and leaving her title battle to continue in Fuerteventura.
Lippitsch earned a well-deserved first-ever win on tour. Suardiaz took second, Sofia Ginzinger third, and Bowien van der Linden fourth – capping off some truly outstanding skill from the women’s fleet in tough, demanding conditions.
Final Results Women:
1. Viola Lippitsch (AUT)
2. Nia Suardiaz (ESP)
3. Sofia Ginzinger (ESP)
4. Bowien van der Linden (NED)
Men’s Finals
The men’s final showdown pitted Axel Gerard, Tomas Acherer, Chris Macdonald and Benjamin Castenskiold against each other in insane action from start to finish – including Double Frontflips and Double Backflips. The final was intense, with athletes closely matched in points throughout.
Chris meant business, landing three scores in the 9s to solidify his lead. Benjamin trailed by a fraction, followed by Axel and Tomas, who were almost dead even.
It came down to the final trick attempt – still anyone’s win – but none of the riders managed to improve on their scores. Chris Macdonald took the win, Benjami Castenskiold second, Axel Gerard third, and Tom Acherer fourth.
The title race now goes down to the final Surf-Freestyle event in Fuerteventura next week.
Final Results – Men:
1. Chris Macdonald (USA)
2. Benjamin Castenskiold (DEN)
3. Axel Gerard (FRA)
4. Tomas Acherer (AUT)
July 26, 2026 © WING DAILY | text: GWA / Gemma Hamaini | photos/graphics: GWA / Samuel Cardenas | translation: DE
