A historic day for windsurfing as Foil Freestyle explodes onto World Tour & Balz Müller powers into event lead after a spectacular opening ceremony at Yuandang Lake
China provided a stunning start to Day 1 of the 2026 Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational as a spectacular opening ceremony, featuring Chinese Kung Fu and sword art, was held to officially raise the curtain on the inaugural edition, which sees professional windsurfing make its debut in China.
Foiling transformed light wind racing a few years ago and today it proved that it can also transform light wind Freestyle into a fast-paced, dynamic discipline with huge moves being performed in conditions that would usually require proper wind and kickers.
Balz Müller (Severne Windsurfing) has been the sailor driving the foil revolution for years and he made no mistake of hammering home that message by winning the Single Elimination ahead of Lennart Neubauer (Starboard / Severne Sails / Maui Ultra Fins) to lead the event at the end of the opening day. Müller scored over 30 points in all of his heats, while showing his control on the foil is a level above anyone else by being the only sailor to perform double pop power combinations – such as air funnel into burners, burner-funnels and double culos, while also landing shifties, backloops and even switch paskos to give a true glimpse into the realms of what is possible for this exciting, and quickly evolving, new discipline. Even while sailing the Winners’ Final, Müller could be heard shouting his now trademark, “What a time to be alive!” as he cruised past the judging boat, just enjoying the moment.
🏆 Shanghai Freestyle Foil Invitational 🇨🇳
📍 Yuandang Lake, Shanghai, China
🗓️ 7th – 11th Nov 2026
Discipline: Foil Freestyle
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