Surf Foil World Tour – SFT Pump Foil Showdown in Pensacola

The Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) Pump Foil discipline delivered two days of intense competition, stamina, and unexpected falls in Pensacola, Florida. With Europe and America poised for a battle, all eyes were on Switzerland’s Edan Fiander, Gwen Le Tutour (France) and the USA’s Gage Schonherr, both entering the event as front-runners and don't count out young, female rider, Ansley Pritchard, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. What unfolded was a thrilling display of skill, endurance, and comeback performances, leaving the packed Pensacola crowd in awe.

Day 1 – The Sunset Sprint & Head-to-Head Battles

The first day of SFT Pump Foil racing kicked off with a stunning sunset session, where 12 competitors—men and women—lined up for the fastest time trial of the event. The top 10 riders advanced into the elimination rounds, setting the stage for a battle of endurance and precision.

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the performance of Edan Fiander, the Swiss favorite. While he entered the event as a clear contender, he struggled with a few unexpected falls, forcing him to fight his way back. Despite his best efforts, he was eliminated early in the head-to-head knockout rounds by Ansley Pritchard, leaving the title up for grabs.

As the competition narrowed, the final showdown came down to two standout athletes: Gage Schonherr and Ansley Pritchard. With both riders pushing their limits, it was Gage who edged out the win, crossing the finish line just ahead of Ansley in a nail-biting sprint to claim victory.

Day 1: Top 3 Results:

1st Place: Gage Schonherr
2nd Place: Ansley Pritchard
3rd Place: Gwen Le Tutour

With one day of racing complete and America securing the first win, the question remained—could Edan Finder make a comeback on Day 2?

Day 2 – The Ultimate Redemption Story

After a tough first day, Edan Fiander came into Day 2 with a fire in his belly, determined to turn things around. This time, the format featured four competitors battling head-to-head in a best-of-five race format, putting endurance and mental toughness to the test. Edan faced Gwen Le Tour, who had secured third place on Day 1, in a heated battle. The Pensacola crowd packed the shoreline, eager to see if the Swiss powerhouse could stage a comeback.

A Battle for the Ages

The race didn’t start in Edan’s favor. Gwen took a commanding 2-0 lead, putting Edan on the brink of elimination. But just when it looked like another rough day for the Swiss rider, he found his rhythm and came roaring back. With a little help from a crash involving Daniel Ofarrill, Edan evened the score at 2-2, setting up a dramatic final race.

With everything on the line, Edan launched off the start line like a man on a mission. This time, there were no mistakes—he took the lead early and never looked back. As he rounded the final buoy, the biggest smile of redemption spread across his face, knowing he had finally secured his much-anticipated victory.

Day 2: Top 4 Results:

1st Place: Edan Finder 🇨🇭
2nd Place: Gwen Le Tutour 🇫🇷
3rd Place: Justin Chait 🇺🇸
4th Place: Daniel Ofarrill 🇲🇽

A Look Ahead – Next Stop: Leucate, France

With Pensacola in the books, the SFT Pump Foil Tour now heads to Leucate, France, where Europe will have a chance to respond to America’s dominance in the opening rounds. With Edan Fiander back in top form and Gage Schonherr proving to be a serious contender, the battle between continents is only just beginning.

Stay tuned—this tour is only getting started, and Pump Foiling has never been more exciting!

Thanks to @FoilLifePodcast for the media support all week and to the hosts @Foilingweek and Pensacola City / Beach!

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