The SFT Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) will introduce the inaugural SFT Downwind Parawing World Cup Leucate from April 22–26, 2026, in Leucate, France, in partnership with the renowned Mondial du Vent. The event marks the first official World Cup dedicated exclusively to Downwind Parawing and represents a major expansion of SFT’s global competitive platform. The competition will run alongside the GWA Wingfoil World Tour stop at Mondial du Vent, positioning Leucate as a premier international hub for elite foiling performance during one of Europe’s most established wind and watersports festivals.
Following the success of the 2025 SFT E-Foil and Pump Foil competitions in Leucate, SFT returns with a new discipline that reflects the rapid evolution of performance foiling. Downwind Parawing combines wind-powered propulsion from a compact, stowable wing with open-water hydrofoil racing. Athletes accelerate using the parawing before transitioning into extended downwind glide phases, requiring advanced wind reading, endurance, tactical race management, and precise board control. Leucate’s consistent Tramontane winds and open Mediterranean conditions provide an ideal arena for long reaches and technical downwind sections designed to test world-class skill and strategy.
Riders will compete for an €8,000 prize purse, further elevating the competitive stakes at this historic first edition.
MEN’S DIVISION
The men’s division is already lining up to feature a strong international field led by Olympic-level wind athlete Thomas Goyard (FRA) and progressive Swiss foiler Balz Müller (SUI). France’s Bastien Escofet and Alan Fedit add competitive depth, while Slovenia’s Ziga Horvat, Germany’s Benjamin May, Switzerland’s Michael Näf, and USA competitor Luca Vuillermet highlight the event’s international scope beyond the strong French contingent.
WOMEN’S DIVISION
The women’s division will be quite competitive as well, headlined by Nia Suardiaz (ESP), widely recognized as one of the most accomplished athletes in modern foiling disciplines. Viola Lippitsch (AUT) and Sofia Marchetti (ITA) join a competitive European field including Kylie Belloeuvre (FRA), Orane Ceris (FRA), Manon Dupe (FRA), Mae Haas (FRA), and Helene Simonnet (FRA). The Downwind Parawing format emphasizes endurance, wind efficiency, and strategic line selection, showcasing the continued growth and competitive depth of women’s foiling globally.
MONDIAL DU VENT
Beyond elite competition, Mondial du Vent delivers a week-long festival experience for families, spectators, and industry partners. The event features live music, beach entertainment, youth engagement programs, equipment exhibitions, brand activations, and public experiences, creating a dynamic environment where world-class sport meets accessible coastal culture.
By introducing Downwind Parawing at Mondial du Vent and staging the event alongside the GWA Wingfoil World Tour, SFT reinforces its position as the global platform crowning champions across the full spectrum of foiling watersports.