Sponsor Changes 2024/25

The end of the year and the first months of the new year is the time when plans, budgets and contracts for the upcoming season are made.

If you know some changes or rumors, please feel free to drop us a message to info@continentseven.com.

Latest update: 18.05.2025

Antoine Albeau joins SEVERNE Windsurfing

That’s a big news. Antoine Albeau, the fastest windsurfer on our planet just announced his change from JP/NeilPryde to SEVERNE. “SEVERNE Windsurfing is a new chapter in my life and I’m looking forward to the next competitions”,  the years old Antoine posted on his social media account. Here’ a link to the video release by SEVERNE, directed, filmed & edited by Raphael Bauer. Drone by Videociel.

Antoine Albeau joins SEVERNE Windsurfing in 2025 (Source:Severne)

SEVERNE announced: “The 27 x world champion and speed king embarks on a new chapter that will reshape windsurfing. The horizon has delivered its promise. SEVERNE announces a partnership that will send shockwaves through the windsurfing world: Antoine Albeau, the 27-time World Champion and undisputed speed sailing king, has joined team SEVERNE.”

Check out the full reveal “New Horizon”

GA Windsurfing welcomes welcomes Gollito Estredo

GA Windsurfing welcomes 9 times PWA freestyle World Champion Gollito Estredo to their team. “We are super excited to welcome the legend, the inventor of countless moves, freestyle world championships record holder and just incredibly stylish windsurfer to our team. Welcome Gollito.” GA Windsurfing

Nico Akgazciyan on Goya Windsurfing 

The French freestyle expert and former pro, who runs a Watersport center in La Franqui, France, has been riding on JP/NeilPryde has joined forces with Goya Windsurfing in 2025.

Nico Akgazciyan on Goya

Bruno Martini joins I-99 and S2 Maui

Italian racing pro Bruno Martino will ride for I-99 and S2 Maui. We wish good success!

Bruno Martini on S2Maui and I-99

Arthur Arutkin rides for GunSails and Flikka

French wave windsurfing pro Arthur Arutkin is not Duotone anymore. He now rides for GunSails and Flikka.

Arthur Arutkin rides waves in Chile on GunSails and Flikka

Steven van Broeckhoven rides for WE ONE

The Belgian freestyle windsurfing legend Steven van Broeckhoven is not on Starboard anymore. He now will ride for WE One. Steven, who is a great ambassador for the sport, can give a big boost to the relatively young board brand.

“Thank you Starboardwindsurfing for your support the last 5 years! It was a great time together with many podiums and has been a pleasure working with Svein and Remi in their development of the Ignite and Ignite Air! Now our collaboration came to an end, so it’s time for a change!” Steve van Broeckhoven

Antoine Martin joins Quatro & Goya Windsurfing

Antoine Martin is one of the most radical wave windsurfers. He just announced that he will ride for Quatro & Goya Windsurfing. The Frenchman left Starboard and North Windsurfing.

I’m beyond excited to join the Quatro & Goya team! These brands are part of a long-standing legacy in the sport and I’m truly honored to contribute to its story. I’m committed to giving my absolute best on the water and representing at the highest level possible. Can’t wait for the journey ahead! Antoine Martin about his change

Antoine has always sparked my interest as a rider.  His passion for windsurfing and wave riding his spontaneity and almost reckless abondon when he throws himself into moves and just pulls it off. I’ve always had it in the back of my mind what if he was on the most progressive wave boards what would happen? Now it’s happened and we all get to enjoy the show and progression. Welcome to the Quatro family Antoine!!!! It’s going to be an epic ride !!!! Keith Teboul, Quatro shaper & designer

Antoine Martin on Goya Windsurfing & Quatro in 2025

Andy Laufer leaves JP / NeilPryde

German speeder and Slalom racer Andy Laufer announced the end of his collaboration with JP / NeilPryde.

Jacopo Testa on GUNSAILS

Italian top freestyler Jacopo “Japo” Testa announced his change from Point-7 to GUNSAILS.

Arthur Arutkin leaves Duotone

The French wave riding pro Arthur just announced that he will not ride for Boards & More in 2025. He has been sailing for the brand for 12 years. Let’s see what comes next.

Tim van Dam Sanchidrian joins Bruch Sails

The El Medano local announced that he leaves his sail sponsor Gun Sails and he is excited to start a new journey with Bruch only. He now will ride on Bruch boards and sails.

Alessio Stillrich leaves Simmerstyle and joins Bruch Boards

The 29 year old Gran Canaria local, who suffered a severe injury on his leg during the PWA World Cup in Gran Canaria, posted on the first day of the new year following announcement on instagram:

I want to announce that I won’t be riding or representing my previous sponsor, and would appreciate to not be associated as one of the people involved in the brand. Thank you and good luck.

Now, at the beginning of February, Alessio announced the change to Bruch Boards. The Tenerife based brand of Dany Bruch not only produces boards, but also offers sails now.

I am super excited and thankful for this new chapter! From the very first moment I started talking with Dany, I could feel his passion for the brand and his motivation to have me on the team. I am sure this will be the perfect fit—and my favorite option! I’ve already tested the gear, and it felt like home immediately. I can’t wait to start working closely with everyone involved and to create amazing things together while hopefully helping the brand grow even more than it already has. Let’s get started! Alessio Stillrich

Alessio Stillrich rides on Bruch Boards

Alessio already returned to the water. He had his first session on November 1st, less than 4 months after the injury of his left ankle/foot. Here’s his latest YouTube episode “Moments of my life”. Alessio talks about his recovery process. We wish Alessio all the best, a positive attitude and really hope, that he ‘ll be able to return on tour again.

John Soukos joins Challenger

The young Greek rider John Soukos, the 2023 Youth Fin & Foil Slalom Champion, has signed with the Italian brand Challenger for 2025!

I’m incredibly excited to announce that I’m going to be a part of the CHS windsurfing family for the next two seasons! It’s such an amazing opportunity to join a brand that’s all about innovation and performance. I can’t wait to get out on the water, test out the gear, and push my limits with the support of such an awesome team. As they say, “Don’t limit your challenges, always challenge your limits.” Let’s make these seasons unforgettable! John Soukos

John Soukos rides on Challenger in 2025

Julian Salmonn joins Naish

Naish welcomes Julian Salmonn: “We’re thrilled to welcome Julian to the Naish team! As one of the most exciting riders on the scene, Julian brings passion, skill, and dedication to the water—making him a perfect fit for Naish. With his deep love for windsurfing and multi-discipline approach to water sports, we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

“Naish is one of the most traditional windsurfing brands that exist, and I am incredibly proud to work with such an amazing brand. Naish provides all the gear I need to maximize my time on the water. It’s the perfect fit,” Julian says. 

Ryu Noguchi joins Starboard

Starboard is excited to welcome 17 year-old Ryu Noguchi, a talented young wave rider from Omaezaki (Japan), to the Starboard Dream Team: “At a young age, Ryu has already made a name for himself with his rapid progress and dedication to the sport. Over the past few months, he has proven his potential during multiple PWA x IWT stops. He impressed everyone with his skill, determination, and hunger to succeed. It’s always exciting to see young athletes like Ryu bringing fresh energy and passion to the sport, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll achieve as part of the team.”

Liam Dunkerbeck joins Duotone

Duotone is extremely proud to introduce their latest addition to its team, Liam Dunkerbeck: “After claiming three youth world titles, securing 3rd place at the Aloha Classic, and making his way into the top 10 of the PWA overall rankings, we are thrilled to welcome him to Team Duotone as he works toward his ultimate goal: becoming the overall PWA World Champion.”

I’m super stoked to join the Duotone team! The gear feels absolutely incredible and fits perfectly with my style of riding. I feel welcome in the team and am super motivated being teammate with one of the riders that always inspired me: Victor Fernandez. I’m looking forward to the first competition and I’m sure we’re going to achieve some big goals together. Liam

Liam Dunkerbeck joins Duotone

Alexander Hasch, head of Sales & Marketing Duotone windsurfing: “We are thrilled to announce that Liam Dunkerbeck is joining our team as a brand ambassador and one of our leading riders for our Windsurf team rider division. As one of the most recognized names in the watersports community, Liam brings an unparalleled wealth of unique style, professionalism and already a lot of competition expertise to our team. Liam’s passion for windsurfing, his surfing roots and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport align perfectly with our brand values. His involvement will not only elevate our brand visibility and wave image in the competitive windsurf market but also add a strategic value to our innovation driven R&D approach. We envision Liam playing a vital role in our marketing strategies, engaging with our audience through all kind of media, events, and clinics. His insights will help us inspire both new and experienced windsurfers to pursue their passion and push their limits. We are confident that Liam’s unique perspective, focused drive to become world champion and enthusiasm will significantly contribute to our mission of promoting windsurfing as an exciting and accessible sport for everyone.”

Blanca Alabau leaves Starboard and joins We One

Spaniard Blanca Alabau, who won the 2023 PWA Slalom World title and is one of the most active female windsurfers on social media, just announced the end with her sponsor Starboard.

And all my dreams came true thanks to this brand. I was just starting out when they opened their doors to me, believing in me as much as I believed in myself to achieve a world title and reach the top of the world. Together, we traveled, won, and even helped transform the Olympic class into a more radical and thrilling discipline. Thanks for everything!!! Now, it’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter, with bigger challenges, more speed and chasing bigger waves. STAY TUNED!!!! Blanca Alabau

She announced the change to the board brand We One:

Since I started windsurfing, Ben van der Steen has been a true inspiration. I always dreamed of competing on one of his boards… and now, not only will I do it, but we will also work together to keep evolving the best gear!

Blanca Alabau on We One

S2Maui welcomes Lina Erzen to their team

The Maui based sail brand welcomes the young talented racer Lina Erzen from Slovenia to their international team. The former freestyler and Olympic campaign runner in Paris 2024 already achieved a few podiums on the PWA tour in her career.

After a successful Olympic year I decided I will be racing the whole PWA World Tour season in 2025. With this I would also like to say that I will be joining the S2Maui Team! I want to thank them for this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a team in the upcoming year. Lina Eržen

Justyna Sniady on Flikka 

WA resident Justyna Sniady will ride from now on for the Slovenian brand Flikka. She is more than excited to announce this news. The 39 year old lady from Warsaw will test the custom boards in the waves of Western Australia and compete in several locations around the globe.

Justyna Sniady rides on Flikka in 2025

Johan Soe joins Patrik

Danish top foil racer Johan See – he is 21 years of age only –  leaves FMX racing and Point-7. He joined Patrik and already tested the new equipment. Here’s his statement:

I’m really happy to join the Patrik team! I’ve already been sailing on the gear and was very excited about the performance. Getting to know the core team in Australia was really great and I look forward to being part of a big and strong team in 2025! I will be waiting impatiently both for my new gear to arrive and the season to start. Johan See about his change

I was first sponsored in 2020 by Point-7 and in 2022 by FMX and as you can see on the picture I was super excited (also because I never had seen so much new gear before. It has been an amazing time with both brands for me and we have achieved a great deal together in a short time. From being a complete rookie to receiving full support from both Andrea Cucchi and Finian Maynard has been incredible for me. I want to say thanks for not only supporting my foil-slalom but also supporting me as an athlete allowing me to go for the Olympics even though it meant I could not become PWA world champion due to missing out on the event in Fuerteventura. We did my first PWA together and ended up winning more than half of all the PWA races I attended in 2024 including back to back event wins ending this partnership in the perfect way. I want say a very big thanks to everyone involved in FMX Racing and Point-7.

Johan Soe joins Patrik Windsurf (source: PWA World tour)

Amado Vrieswijk on Point-7

28 year old Bonaire local Amado Vrieswijk, who won the PWA Freestyle World title in 2021, the IFCA Foil World Champion title in 2024 and several Vice World Champion titles in freestyle and racing, will not ride for SEVERNE in 2025. Amado will ride for the Italian Point-7. Here’s the statement of Amado:

After 13 amazing years with my previous brand, I felt it was time for a new challenge and an opportunity to pursue my ultimate goal of winning the slalom title. I’m excited to join Point-7, a brand that shares my vision and commitment to excellence. I’m grateful for their support and confident that together we can achieve great things in the years ahead. I’m looking forward to this new chapter and to giving everything I have to do to reach new heights in my career.

Amado Vrieswijk rides for Point-7 in 2025

SEVERNE released following statement:

Thank you Amado for 13 years of awesomeness! Together we’ve achieved serious greatness – from those first podiums in Bonaire to claiming the PWA Freestyle World Title, European Championship, and charging all the way to a Slalom Vice World Championship. It’s been nothing but full power with the big man from Bonaire. Your raw talent and professional approach have helped push the boundaries of what’s possible in freestyle and racing. The SEVERNE team will miss your full-send attitude. As Amado moves on to chase new challenges in 2025, we’re stoked about what he’s brought to the SEVERNE family. Whatever’s next mate, we know you’ll charge it just as hard as you’ve always done. Thanks for the memories champion! 

Takara Ishii joins Goya Windsurfing

Japanese wave windsurfing pro Takara Ishii announced that he is going to leave RRD watersports in 2025. It was a long collaboration and 23 year old Takara grew up with the Italian brand. He will now ride for the Maui based brand Goya Windsurfing. Read the statement about their latest team addition:

We’re stoked to welcome Takara Ishii to the Goya Windsurfing family! Takara represents the next wave of ripping windsurfers emerging from Japan. Splitting his time between Japan, Maui, and the international tour, he’s been pushing himself hard in big surf and embracing the challenges of diverse conditions across the globe. Takara windsurfs with such confidence and courage that it’s inspiring to watch, and we look forward to the amazing things he’ll do on the water with our gear. Let’s do this!! 

Takara Ishii joins Goya Windsurfing in 2025

Daniele Benedetti joins Duotone

The 29 year old Italian PWA Vice World Champion in the 2024 foil racing discipline just announced his change from FMX / Challenger to Duotone.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Duotone Team, it’s something I always been dreaming about. I can’t wait to start this new journey and grow with such an amazing Team. As soon I jumped on the new gear I started to feel straight fast and comfortable, I really love foiling on this equipment. I’m quite sure of the potentials of the Team to work on the right way, and to achieve our best goals. I’m ready to take on new challenges and push my limits on the water. Daniele Benedetti

We have been following Daniele for quite a while now. His results since he entered PWA foil racing show a massive progression. Besides being a very nice and humble guy he is still extremely focussed and professional. Over the years, we have learned that the interpersonal relation is just as important as the competitive potential to really progress together as a team. Our product managers Dani Aeberli and Marco Lang had already given Daniele our foil racing equipment to try out last year, which he extremely liked. So in a way it was a natural and “mutual agreement“ from both sides to come together. We are extremely stoked that with Daniele and Jordy Vonk we now have two top contenders in foil racing in our team. Raoul Joa, Duotone Windsurf Division Manager

Daniele Benedetti on Duotone in 2025

Youp Schmit leaves GA / Tabou

After 5 years of collaboration the freestyle windsurfer Youp Schmit from Bonaire will not ride on GA / Tabou anymore. He was placed 5th in the 2024 PWA freestyle ranking.

Justyne Lemeteyer leaves S2 Maui Sails

After 5 years of collaboration and a lot of success – Justyne won the 2024 PWA Foil racing world title – the French racing daredevil will not compete on the Maui based brand S2 Maui in 2025.

Julian Salmonn leaves Gunsails and Bruchboards

Julian Salmonn, who lives in El Medano, Tenerife, had a great season in 2024. He made it on a PWA podium twice with second place in Pozo Izquierdo and a third place in El Cabezo. Now the German announced that he will not sail for Gunsails and Bruchboards in 2025. Here’s his statement.

THANK YOU Gunsails and Bruchboards.I will be forever grateful. The past 6 years have been a journey beyond anything I could have dreamed of. Closing a chapter that has defined so many of my achievements is not easy. But 2025 brings new challenges, fresh winds, and the opportunity to take yet another step forward. With a heavy heart but a lot of excitement for what’s to come, I say goodbye to two incredible partners and thank you from the bottom of my heart – for your trust, your support, and every moment we shared along this journey!

Liam Dunkerbeck leaves Starboard/Severne

20 year old Pozo local Liam Dunkerbeck leaves Starboard/Severne. After many years of collaboration he is looking forward to a new chapter. News about new sponsors will be announced soon. Liam again won the Youth Wave World title in 2024 and is one of the upcoming riders in the men’s pro fleet. 

Thanks Starboard for all the great years together I’m really thankful for all the support I had from the team. What can I say, with out the help of Starboard I couldn’t be where I am now, since I first jumped on a windsurfing board until now it’s been with the help of the Starboard team. I’m more than thankful with all the hard work and effort we’ve done together to make me grow as a windsurfer and to help promote the brand. I just felt like in a big family all the time. So once again thanks for everything you have done for me I will be always thankful.