This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire.
In this exciting episode, we sit down with Benji, the newly crowned wing foiling world champion, and Tom Hartmann, to discuss Benji’s incredible rise in the sport. Broadcasting from different corners of the world, we dive into Benji’s journey, the evolution of wing foiling, and the vibrant community pushing the sport to new heights.
- From Rookie to Champion: Benji shares his meteoric rise to the 2025 world title in his first full year on the GWA tour. Training with former world champion Chris MacDonald Jr in La Ventana, Mexico, Benji’s determination and skill led to a standout performance at Gran Canaria’s El Burrero, where perfect conditions and huge kickers fueled his victory.
- Mastering the Art of Freestyle: Benji and Tom break down the high-flying, stylish Palau combinations that dominated the tour, with Benji’s clean, massive tricks—like the Palau front flip—earning top scores. Tom highlights the sport’s progression, from mobes to double flips, and the push for height and power over technicality.
- The Gran Canaria Arena: Tom paints a vivid picture of El Burrero, a new gem on the GWA tour with consistent winds and ideal kickers. The spot’s setup, with spectators close to the action on a pier, made it a perfect stage for Benji’s championship-winning performance.
- Gear Matters: Benji credits his switch to Gong gear for its phenomenal hang time, emphasizing the critical role of equipment in competition. From wings to foils, having the right setup for conditions like Gran Canaria’s 30-35 knots was key to his success.
- Community and Competition: Tom celebrates the growth of wing foiling, spotlighting the women’s freestyle scene, led by talents like Marie, and the influx of young riders. Benji reflects on the camaraderie and rivalry with competitors like the Ajar brothers, pushing each other to go bigger.
- Looking Ahead: With his sights set on defending his title, Benji shares his plans to return to La Ventana in November and aim for “at least ten” championships. Tom hints at potential judging tweaks to encourage trick variety, promising an even more thrilling 2026 season.
Join us for an action-packed conversation filled with insights into wing foiling’s cutting edge, the thrill of competition, and the passion driving its global community. Benji’s story is a testament to hard work, fearless commitment, and the joy of soaring through the air.
Visit: https://www.instagram.com/wingfoilworldtour & https://www.instagram.com/benjamincastenskiold_07/
