El Burrero beach, in Ingenio, has become the global epicentre of wingfoil from this Monday with the Canary Islands Open Cup, a precursor to the Gran Canaria GWA Wingfoil World Cup 2026. Over 120 riders from 13 countries will compete until July 25.
El Burrero beach, in the municipality of Ingenio, has turned into the international showcase for wingfoil since this Monday. The Canary Islands Open Wingfoil Slalom Cup has kicked off a week that will culminate in the Gran Canaria GWA Wingfoil World Cup 2026. More than 120 athletes from 13 countries, including the United States, New Zealand, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Spain, have already begun competing in the first heats.
Canarians Jeremy Rodríguez and Mar de Arce in the lead
The initial competitions have resulted in a very open contest. Italians Sebastiano Zorzi and Nicolò Spanu are standing out for their speed and consistency, while Tarifa's Nía Suardíaz, the reigning world champion, has responded with an upward progression. Among the Canarians, Jeremy Rodríguez remains in the front group with a solid series, and Mar de Arce has been gaining consistency as the heats progress. In slalom, the discard can significantly alter the standings, making continuity as important as peak performances.
The female presence accounts for 45% of the entries, a figure that confirms the growth of the discipline and the increasing prominence of high-performance female riders. In the women's category, 19-year-old Nía Suardíaz is one of the top favourites, although she will face strong competition led by Sofía Ginzinger, Marie Schlittenbauer, and Milla Danguy. Also in focus will be local rider Mar de Arce, who is competing at home against the elite.
Winds of up to 35 knots and waves of nearly two metres
Weather forecasts indicate winds exceeding 35 knots and waves that could reach 1.9 metres. These conditions will require precision, power, and adaptability, allowing the audience to enjoy speed heats and high-difficulty tricks from the beach. The event, organised by the Canakite Experiences Sports Club, the El Burrero Nautical Club, and the Ingenio City Council, is supported by the Royal Canary Islands Sailing Federation and Spar, along with the collaboration of the Tourism and Sports departments of the Gran Canaria Cabildo, Promotur Islas Canarias, and the Sports Department of the Canary Islands Government.
The men's line-up features several of the circuit's most prominent names. American Christopher Macdonald (three-time world champion) and Danish Benjamin Castenskiold, the reigning champion, are among the main contenders in Surf-Freestyle. Representing Spain, Nathan Berger stands out as the highest-ranked member of the national team, alongside Gran Canaria's Ángel Granda, who brings Olympic experience and will compete in the speed disciplines.
Parallel activities and environmental awareness
The opening day began with competitor registration, distribution of technical equipment, and an official welcome. The event featured the participation of Ingenio's mayor, Vanesa Martín; the Tourism councillor, Rubén Cruz; the Beaches councillor, Martín García; the president of the Canakite Experiences Sports Club and event organiser, Manuel Martínez; and the director of the GWA Wingfoil World Tour, Tom Hartmann. Vanesa Martín highlighted the wind and sea conditions of El Burrero and the international projection that hosting the wingfoil elite brings to Ingenio, while also calling for environmental care during the championship.
The programme is complemented by environmental talks, beach clean-ups, conferences on accident prevention at sea, courses, and clinics with professionals. After the Canary Islands Open, action will continue on July 21 and 22 with the FreeFly-Slalom World Cup, a speed and strategy discipline promising highly contested races. From July 23 to 25, it will be the turn of Surf-Freestyle, featuring jumps, rotations, and aerial maneuvers that will make El Burrero one of the most spectacular venues on the international calendar.
For local fans, this is a unique opportunity to see the world's best riders in action without leaving the island. Entry is free, and early arrival is recommended to enjoy the heats from the start. The wind and sea, allies of the competition, promise a high-level spectacle.
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