Upper Austria SFT Pump Foil World Cup Finale

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UPPER AUSTRIA SFT PUMP FOIL WORLD CUP TRAUNSEE 2025

UPPER AUSTRIA SFT PUMP FOIL WORLD CUP TRAUNSEE 2025 country image 6-7 Sept 2025

Traunsee, Austria. Under blazing sunshine and on mirror-flat water, the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) concluded its first-ever SFT Pump Foil World Championship with a spectacular finale in Austria. Two days of relentless racing, dramatic storylines, and a festive lakeside atmosphere sealed a historic moment for the sport of foilboarding.

The Upper Austria SFT Pump Foil World Cup competition opened with a technical eight-buoy course and Time Trials, giving each rider two attempts to post their fastest lap. The format determined qualification for the Pro Division (top 12) and the Open/Amateur Division (next 10), setting the stage for tight racing across the board. Top three riders from the men's and women's divisions were crowned as event champions.

Early Drama: A Champion Tested

The men’s Pro field wasted no time delivering high drama. Edan Fiander, one of the favorites, jump-started Race 1 by the slimmest of margins and was disqualified. What might have derailed another competitor became the turning point of the championship: Fiander regrouped, dug deep, and fought his way back through the standings with laser-focus and a champion’s hunger. His comeback underscored the grit that ultimately carried him to the world title.

At the sharp end, Robert Von Roll and Jurij Scheibler kept the pressure high, their buoy-to-buoy battles resembling Formula 1 on water. Split-second overtakes, daring inside lines, and relentless pace defined the weekend as the three riders established themselves as the sport’s elite.

See the SFT Pump Foil Men's World Rankings

Women’s Racing: Strength and Resilience

The women’s division produced equally gripping action. Sarah Spalinger (SUI) was dominant throughout, capturing the world title with commanding performances. Lena Oberperfler (AUT) secured second place with remarkable consistency, while local favorite Viola Lippitsch (AUT) rode strongly into third, cheered loudly by the Traunsee crowd. Katrin Kolo (SUI) finished fourth, impressively managing to compete in Austria just hours after racing at the Swiss Championship the day before.

See the SFT Pump Foil Womne's World Rankings

Open Division: A Story of Grit

In the Open Division, athletes grew in confidence, steadily improving their performances heat after heat. The finals crowned a weekend of incredible racing. This division produced one of the weekend’s most emotional storylines. Austrian rider Lukas Kölbl suffered a crash during training that required hospital treatment for dental injuries. Against the odds, he returned to the water and captured the Open Division crown, his victory celebrated loudly by home fans who admired both his courage and skill.

Youth Rising: U14 Impresses on the World Stage

The championship also showcased the promise of the future. The Under-14 riders left a lasting impression handling the technical course with maturity well beyond their years, no doubt here is the next generation of champions.

A Celebration Beyond Racing

Beyond competition, the weekend celebrated community and the joy of foiling. A lively wake-surf exhibition saw riders pumping from the dock into a boat’s endless wake, surfing until after sunset. Despite two demanding days of racing, athletes refused to leave the water, closing the championship with laughter, energy, and camaraderie.

With flawless organization from Profs agency, ideal conditions, and world-class performances, the Austrian finale crowned not only the Upper Austria World Cup event champions, the new SFT Pump Foil World Champions, but also a new era for the sport. The Surf Foil World Tour’s first World Championship was more than a competition. It was a defining milestone in foiling history.