Indoor SFT Pump Foil Revolution in Düsseldorf, Germany

REPEAT WINNERS, NEW FRIENDS, AND EXCITED CROWDS!

What happened inside the BOOT Düsseldorf pool this year wasn’t just another competition—it felt like a turning point for pump foiling.

The latest Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) Pump Foil World Cup transformed a climate-controlled indoor pool into a full-blown arena, proving that pump foiling isn’t just a summer pastime anymore. It’s a winter-ready, high-intensity spectator sport—and one that can pull serious crowds.

With thousands of spectators lining the pool over the course of the event, the atmosphere was electric. Fans packed in shoulder to shoulder, cheering, filming, and reacting to every tight turn and near-miss. The energy felt more like a stadium than a trade show, and the riders fed off it.

On the water, the field was deeper and more international than ever. Eighteen men and eight women from across the globe came together in Düsseldorf, turning the event into a true world-class invitational. Riders traveled from multiple continents to be part of it, and the camaraderie on deck was just as strong as the competition in the pool—athletes sharing laughs, gear tips, warm-ups, and mutual respect, even as they prepared to go head-to-head moments later.

And when the horn sounded, it was all business.

A HUGE LEAP FORWARD

One thing was impossible to miss: the level of competition has jumped massively since last year.

In just twelve months, athlete performance has vastly improved. Riders were visibly faster, cleaner through turns, and more aggressive on the slalom lines. The technical progression has been driven by cutting-edge equipment—ultra-thin masts, high-efficiency wing profiles, and strategic use of foot straps—all of which unlocked speeds and carving angles that would have seemed unrealistic in shallow, confined waters not long ago.

The shallow pool added another fascinating dimension. Riders reported feeling a strong 'ground effect', which boosted lift and efficiency, allowing them to maintain speed through tighter sections and longer pumps. It changed how athletes approached each lap and rewarded those who could adapt quickly.

Edan Fiander's (SUI) victory perfectly captured where the sport is heading. His riding showcased how good dock starts, board straps and critical stability in tight turns have become his secret to winning at Dusseldorf! The margins were razor-thin, and small technical advantages made all the difference for Edan to out maneuver riders, Kai Thompson (AUS), Jurij Scheibler (AUT) and Balz Müller (SUI), for the win.

The women’s division was a real highlight, showing just how fast the level is rising as more women step into the sport. Sarah Spalinger (SUI) claimed a strong win, with impressive performances from Marnie Bertram (GER) in second, Manon Dupe (FR) in third, and Lena Oberperfler (AUT) in fourth—proof that the depth of talent in women’s foiling is only getting stronger. 

And It was inspiring to see youth and adult riders competing side by side, reflecting how foiling continues to bring generations together.

THE RACE FORMAT: Technical and Tactical

The competition format delivered nonstop intensity.

At the heart of the event were head-to-head heats on a tight slalom circuit. Riders raced just meters apart, fighting for position through buoy turns that demanded absolute precision. The combination of close proximity, shallow water, and high speeds created a 'gladiator-like' atmosphere that had the crowd holding its breath.

Every turn mattered. Every mistake was punished. Riders had to push the limits without clipping foils, crossing lines, or colliding mid-turn. That tension made the event exciting for competitors—and wildly entertaining for spectators. More than one fan compared it to watching an F1 Grand Prix in Monaco: tight track, no room for error, and constant high-stakes decision-making. It was technical, tactical, and thrilling from start to finish.

SFT TIME TRIAL RESULTS: These were crucial for seeding, where managing nerves during the dock start was the deciding factor.

Male | Name | Country
1. Edan Fiander | SUI 
2. Jurij Scheibler | AUT 
3. Kai Thompson | AUS  
4. Balz Müller | SUI |
5. Rob Von Roll | SUI 
6. Titouan Tournus | FRA 
7. Axel Pham | TAH 
8. Elias Ouahmid | GER
9. Michael Näf | SUI
10. Esteban Tournus | FRA 
11. Noam Kobel | SUI  
12. Julian Hinting | GER 
13. Victor Knopff | SUI 
14. Josef Altmann | GER 
15. Romuald Mamadou | FRA 
16. Matheo Von Roll | SUI 
17. Thomas Brinkop | GER 
18. Luc Stadler | FRA | DNF 

Female | Name | Country
1. Sarah Spalinger | SUI
2. Marnie Bertram | GER
3. Manon Dupe | FR
4. Lena Oberperfler | AUT
5. Katrin Kolo | SUI
6. Viola Lippitsch | AUT
7. Alina Kornelli | GER
8. Bowien Van der Linden | NED

HEAD-TO-HEAD OVERALL WINNERS: 

MEN

1.  Edan Fiander | SUI 
2. Kai Thompson| AUS 
3. Jurij Scheibler | AUT  
4. Balz Müller | SUI 

WOMEN

1. Sarah Spalinger | SUI
2. Marnie Bertram | GER
3. Manon Dupe | FR
4. Lena Oberperfler | AUT

A NEW ERA IN PUMP FOILING

The success of the Swiss delegation—now operating as a structured national team—offered a glimpse into the future of the sport. Their organization, consistency, and performance showed what professionalization in pump foiling can look like when talent is matched with support systems.  Pump foil has evolved from a "quiet lake activity" into an aggressive, technical, and highly visual competitive sport.

From packed crowds and international rider fields to next-level equipment and nail-biting head-to-head racing, the BOOT Düsseldorf event proved that pump foiling has officially entered a new era. And if this year is any indication, the best is still to come.

For more images please visit the SFT image bank and be sure to tag @surffoilworldtour and @bootdusseldorf: