With a light wind forecast it was a slow start to the penultimate day of competition here in Peljecak, Croatia. As the riders slowly arrived to the beach it was apparent that the wind would not fill in from the get go.
This meant further use of the powerful rescue boat for a tow-in show to wow the building Sunday crowds. With a more favourable direction for the riders to show their moves we saw a callibre that we are more used to within this discipline.
Standout riders were Amado Vrieswijk (JP/Severne), Yentel Caers (JP/Neilpryde), Hugo Sousa (RRD/RRD) and Adrien Bosson (North/Fanatic) who were all throwing down solid double power move attempts, often pulling them off with a clean and smooth style.
Current tour-leader Adrien Bosson
Moves such as double burners, air funnel burners, double air funnel and even double culo tries were witnessed by the 200 strong crowd. The riders themselves also applauded eachother as the level was pushed yet again.
One particular highlight worthy of a mention was that of UK freestyler Adam Sims (Patrik/Sailloft). Stepping on the water for his first run he took the rope and immediately as the board got planning he appeared to detach his rig clean away from the board. Sailing out with his rig in one hand and feet in the footstraps the crowds and fellow riders had no idea what to expect next. Sims eventually launched the rig into the air and later announced that it was all quite unintentional.
Adam Sims getting the best angle on the tow-in action
Not only an opportunity for the pros to get some practice in, the kids also stepped up to the game and had their first attempts at tow-in. Thanks to the helping hand of Hugo Sousa, Tvrtko Ljutic managed to get a round in and even attempted and e-slider. Also assiting was Loick Spicher (JP/North) who demonstrated how to get going to the Lennart Neubauer (Starboard/Neilpryde). We are sure we will see more from these two youngsters in the near future.
Amado Vrieswijk with the island of Korcula in the background
As sunset approached the final runs took place and the riders cooled off after another very warm day here at the event site. Our fingers are crossed for the final day of competition to bring enough wind to finish the single elimination. Nonethless we will have plenty of action tomorrow to entertain the large windsurfing strong crowd on the beach.
Trvtko Ljutic in his first tow-in run
Martini EFPT Croatia 2015: Action + Interview Adrien Bosson and Tom Hartmann from European Freestyle Pro Tour on Vimeo.