FPT King and Queen of the Caribbean 2023 - Day 2: Schmit triumphs on his home turf
by Freestyle Pro Tour 9 Apr 2023 20:07 BST
7-10 April 2023
The podium of the single elimination - 2023 FPT King and Queen of the Caribbean - Day 2 © Aalvaa Media
Keeping up the momentum from day 1, Youp Schmit (GA-Sails/Tabou) wins the final of the single elimination, putting him in pole position for the event win! With youngsters Lennart Neubauer (Starboard/Severne/Maui Ultra Fins) and Bodhi Kempen (Severne) in second and third respectively, the podium was complete in the early morning. The day went on with the double elimination, where riders got the chance to come back up the ranks. With quite a few big heats along the way, the excitement is nowhere near done yet.
Youp Schmit and Lennart Neubauer had some unfinished business after their heat got cancelled the evening before. In the early morrow, the Bonaire local went up against the recent European Youth Champion in relatively light winds. With a 5.6 ready on the beach for a gear swap, Lennart started the heat strong, seemingly trying to get into Youp's head. With a Culo 360, one of Youp's signature stylish combinations, and a Flaka into Ponch he made a statement that he means business. "I saw him do the Flaka into One Handed Ponch and I was like, thats my move! That really got me riled up and it flipped a switch!" Youp said after the heat. And flip a switch he did. With a plethora of powerful moves, most notably his other signature move, the Shove-It Spock, he took control of the heat. Towards the end there was no doubt that the local superstar had won, as he was cheered back onto the beach.
At the single elimination winner announcement we also learned that Bodhi Kempen had bested Nigel Hart (FutureFly/Point-7) the day before, to complete the podium. With the results now settled, the race director sent us straight into the double elimination. Unfortunately the wind wasn't quite there anymore, and a waiting game ensued. The riders kept entertained with a long jump contest, riding children's gear in the water, and even some freestyle backflips on the beach!
In the afternoon, the characteristic Bonaire winds picked up again. It was a tall order ahead for some riders. Trying to come back into contention and limit the damage where Yentel Caers (JP/NeilPryde), Steven van Broeckhoven (Starboard/Gunsails) and Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard/NeilPryde/Maui Ultra Fins). Early on, the girls were matched up against the Polish crew. Offringa was up against Pawel Palichleb (Fanatic/Duotone) who was one of the few riders staying true to his 4.8. Sarah-Quita managed to best him and advance on to the next rounds. On the other side of the draw, Oda Johanne Brodholt (Starboard/Severne) had to take on Robert Sosnowski (JP/Severne). Releasing his inner showman, Sosnowski convinced the judges with numerous one handed moves, in the process getting the crowds on his side as well. Oda fought back but was no match against Robert's oldschool Gozzada's and super light wind Burners. Advancing to the next heat, he had Steven Van Broeckhoven waiting for him there.
Putting up a good fight, Sosnowski had to yield to the veteran of the competitive freestyle scene. He went on to best his teammate Maarten Molenaar (Starboard/Gunsails) as well, giving him a guaranteed spot in the top 10. Another competitive powerhouse, Taty Frans (FutureFly/Point-7), had to face local talent Bimbi Clappers (FutureFly/GA-Sails). Bimbi, known for his performance in light winds, won the heat and in the process further confirmed the imminent arrival of the new generation of freestyle windsurfers.
With the sun setting, the rest of the double was postponed to the next day. With a good forecast, only 10 world-class riders left in contention and some urge for revenge it's gearing up to be another exceptional day.
Official Single Elimination Results available here.