On the tenth and final day of competition off Sotavento’s glorious white sands, a strong breeze with the occasional piece of swell rolling in turned the waters into the perfect playground for the world’s best freestylers. With the second double elimination well underway from the previous day, those still left with a chance battled their hearts out to improve their overall standing.

Results

1^st Jose “Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic, North) 2.7pts

2^nd Kiri Thode (Starboard, Gaastra) 4.7pts

3^rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2, Gaastra) 7pts

4^th Tonky Frans (F2, Gaastra) 7pts

5^th Taty Frans (Starboard, MauiSails, Mystic) 8pts

Champion Sound

Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo:

On claiming victory in Fuerteventura

“Winning this event feels really special for me because it’s such a spectacular show with the very best sailors in the world all in the same place at the same time. I’m extremely happy to be crowned the Fuerteventura Freestyle Champion for the fourth time. Today I was competing on my North Ice 4.0, and my Fanatic Skate 90L, which was perfect for the conditions. I actually really wanted to sail another heat because I thought I didn’t sail that well in the final, but the judges gave it to me on a 3-2 decision anyway, which was amazing!”

On Securing the world title

“I can’t believe I’ve taken the world title with an event to spare this year. Wow, that’s unbelievable. It hasn’t really sunk in. Are you sure… I’m lost for words. That’s excellent news!”

Biggest Moves

The first sailor of the day to up the stakes was 2009 Pozo Wave Champion, Philip Koster (Starboard, NeilPryde, Dakine). Even before the competition had begun he was impressing the judges with ankle dry double forwards off one foot chop. When it came to his heat, he was charging around trying to find the perfect ramp, and right on cue he flew into orbit nailing one of his now trademark two scoop specials.

The other most impressive move of the day was a spock culo combo. Both Broeckhoven and Thode have them nailed, and faultlessly performed them during their heats.

Stand Out Sailor

Tonky Frans was without a doubt the most impressive sailor, partly for his enormous air moves and amazing style, but also for taking out Estredo’s opposition, making heat after heat an even more exciting spectacle.

KP’s Inside Line

Former world champion, Kevin Pritchard (Starboard, Gaastra, Dakine) continued to capture the behind the scenes footage in Fuerteventura. Follow the links here to watch part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7 and part 8.

Overall Rankings – after three events

1^st Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic, North)

2^nd Kiri Thode (Starboard, Gaastra)

3^rd Steven Van Broeckhoven (F2, Gaastra)

4^th Tonky Frans (F2, Gaastra)

5^th Nicolas Akgazciyan (Starboard, Gun)