13—24TH
HO'OKIPA
BEACH PARK
The 2025 Aloha Classic – The Crown, The Glory, The Wave
October 13th – 24th
On Maui’s North Shore, there is a stretch of reef where the trade winds meet Pacific swells in a perfect storm of speed, power, and beauty. Ho‘okipa Beach Park — the proving ground, the arena, the birthplace of modern Windsurfing.
The origins of the Aloha Classic trace back to 1981, when the first wave event put Maui on the map as the windsurfing world’s epicenter, shaping its North Shore into a dynamic, diverse community united by wind and waves. In early 1984, Fred Haywood conquered the largest wave ever ridden at Ho’okipa—still a record—featured on this year’s event poster and Mickey Eskimo’s iconic jump, both photographed by Arnaud de Rosnay. Later that year, the inaugural Aloha Classic drew the world’s top riders, and for over 40 years, it has crowned champions judged not only by officials but by the ocean’s raw power.
This year, the Aloha Classic is once again the grand finale of the 52 Events PWA / WWT Wave World Tour — the last shot at glory. For some, it’s about points, the final chance to lock in a World Title. For others, it’s about redemption, chasing the win that slipped away. And for the vast majority, it’s not about rankings at all — it’s about one thing: the Crown of Ho‘okipa.
The lineup is stacked. World Champions. Rising phenoms. Local heroes who know every shift in the wind and every bend in the reef. When the Hawaiian flag goes up and the sets roll in, there will be no hiding. Every ride, jump, or move will be measured to the highest standards. In the end, there will only be one rider standing.
This is not just another contest. This is the Aloha Classic.
The Crown. The Glory. The Wave.
Maui – The Windsurfing Capital of the World
Perfectly situated in the tropics, Maui is blessed with year-round trade winds and a unique geography that creates ideal windsurfing conditions. The island’s shape forms a natural Venturi effect, funnelling and accelerating the wind through the valley between its two giants — Haleakalā Crater and the West Maui Mountains. Surrounded by a coastline that faces multiple wind and swell angles, and positioned in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Maui receives the raw energy of the world’s largest body of water. Every windsurfing spot here is iconic, from the welcoming beginner beaches of Kanaha to Spreckelsville, and of course, the legendary Ho‘okipa. If you could design the perfect windsurfing venue, it would look like this, even with Ho’okipa’s amphitheater, which is why Maui has become the center and catalyst for wind sports worldwide. Just up the coast from Ho‘okipa lies Pe‘ahi (Jaws), the largest and most powerful wave in the world. It doesn’t even start breaking unless it’s over 20 feet, Hawaiian — measured from the back — reaching faces of 80 feet or more. Breaking less than a handful of times each year, it is a rare and awe-inspiring sight that completes Maui’s status as the ultimate ocean sports arena.
The Super Bowl of Windsurfing
Celebrating its 41st Year, the Aloha Classic hosts the final of the sport’s most extensive 52-event Wave World Tour, uniting over 1,400 ranked competitors from 50 countries across six continents. Only the top 100 will earn their place at this iconic global gathering in Maui, Hawaii.
The Unified PWA / WWT Wave World Tour will once again crown a World Champion at the Aloha Classic — the single most prestigious victory in the sport. The biggest names in windsurfing will converge on the legendary Ho‘okipa Beach Park, just down the road from Paia, Maui, Hawai‘i.
2025 World Tour – All Roads Lead to Ho‘okipa
The 2025 Unified PWA/WWT Wave World Tour has been an unforgettable season, kicked off with a bang by Maui Resident, Marcilio Browne. The Brazilian set the pace with a commanding win at the Chile World Cup, followed by two more 4 Star victories in Omaezaki, Japan, and the Maui ProAm. In the intense Canary Islands leg at Pozo Izquierdo and Tenerife, Browne held strong with a second in Pozo and fourth in Tenerife, facing fierce local competition. Spain’s Marc Paré matched Browne’s star power, taking 2nd in Chile, fourth in Pozo, and first in Tenerife, tying him for the lead in points. The men’s title race is wide open with only Sylt and the Grand Final left. Browne, the three-time back-to-back World Champion, is chasing his sixth world title, while Paré, with a first, second, and fourth, is hot on his heels. Gran Canaria Resident and Five-time Wave World Champion Philip Köster, currently ranked 3rd, trailing by 3,000 points with one event win, faces an uphill battle but thrives in Sylt’s conditions, making him a podium wildcard. Victor Fernandez, a three-time World Champion from Spain, sits 2,000 points behind Köster. With two events remaining and a discard in play, the men’s title is wide open and will all be coming down to the Aloha.
On the women’s side, Sarah-Quita Offringa of Aruba, with an astounding 27 World Titles across Racing, Freestyle, and Waves, continues to dominate. Her 2025 season boasts a win and a consistent string of podium finishes, cementing her as one of windsurfing’s all-time greats. However, a fierce group of young contenders—Alexia Kiefer Quintana (20), Sol Degrieck (15), and Maria Morales (19)—is shaking up the top four, keeping the Women’s World Title race open as the tour heads to its thrilling finale. The future of women’s windsurfing looks brighter and more competitive than ever.
And yet — beyond points and rankings — every rider has their eyes on something more: The Aloha Crown.
Ho‘okipa – Beauty, Chaos, and the Ride of a Lifetime
Ho‘okipa Beach is one of the most technical and dangerous windsurfing venues in the world — a shoreline of pounding shorebreak, powerful currents, shallow reef, and jagged rocks. And yet, despite all that works against it, Ho‘okipa has become the sport’s undisputed capital.
When we asked former Aloha Classic champion Levi Siver why, his answer was simple:
“It’s actually the perfect place when you’re doing it right — the opposite when you’re not. That’s probably why it never gets too crowded, the rocks are the self-regulating element.”
The challenges start before you even reach the waves. The launch alone has claimed countless injuries and destroyed more gear than anyone can count. Make it past the shorebreak, and you’re immediately confronted with opposing currents, sometimes only five feet apart. To an untrained rider, it’s a chaotic whirlpool; to the seasoned, these are elevators back to the peak.
The wind is no less complex — funnelling through narrow 30- to 50-foot corridors. You have to accelerate in these gusts to cross the next 20 to 40 feet of dead wind before the impact zone, where mast-high whitewater surges into the bay. Making it out on the bigger day is one of the sport’s greatest feats.
“In past Aloha Classics, we’ve seen entire heats of four top Pro riders unable to make it out,” recalls Paul Ehman, event founder.
As the wave stands up, offshore gusts can double in strength at the lip before dropping to nothing — or even reversing — behind it. This constant wind shift keeps Ho‘okipa’s faces clean and perfectly lined, but it also means there’s no sneaking back out through the point during a set.
According to Multiple-time World Champion and Aloha Classic Winner Jason Polakow, securing wave priority on crowded days often means venturing far offshore. But during swell season, the light winds make it tough to catch the faster, bigger swells out there. That’s why riders often stay closer to the impact zone, where the waves are steeper and easier to drop in. With the take off zone shifting 300 feet up or down the reef, multiple riders chasing the same wave, and positioning being everything, one rider’s wave of a lifetime can just as easily become another’s straight shot into the rocks.
Renowned shaper Keith Teboul puts it this way:
“The sections at Ho‘okipa are so fast that surfing on some bigger days is nearly impossible. But with the combination of the speed of the wave and the power of the wind, you can link the entire ride — from Green Trees all the way to the inside section in front of the rocks.”
If you scrape past those rocks to the left of the beach, you can catch the Ho‘okipa Express — a current that carries you straight back to the peak, even against the wind. Sounds ideal, unless your gear breaks and the current drags you around the reef for another lap. That’s when even the most fearless riders go wide-eyed — not from a single wave, but from taking set after set on the head, with no escape until the ocean allows it.
This is why at Ho‘okipa, everyone looks out for each other. Helping a rider drag broken gear from the rocks or lending a hand after a wipeout is part of the culture. Sooner or later, everyone meets those rocks — it’s not if, but when.
Former World Champion and Aloha Classic Winner Francisco Goya shares this advice:
“Get to know the place—surf it, swim it, and spend hours out getting comfortable in the uncomfortable. On the big days, the only thing you can control will be your state of mind. Enjoy the ride.”
The Local Edge, Youth & Masters
Ho‘okipa is more than the Grand Final — it’s the ultimate test, the crown jewel of the wave tour, and the arena where legends are forged. The contenders include the sport’s international elite alongside Maui’s top local riders, who train year-round in these waters and have claimed more than two-thirds of the titles since the event’s inception.
In the Women’s Pro Division, Maui’s own Sarah Hauser, a three-time Aloha Classic Champion and last year’s winner, continues to dominate with her unmatched frontside riding. Alongside her, Marine Hunter from France, the 2025 Maui ProAm Champion, is set to make waves. Both are must-watch competitors at this year’s Aloha Classic.
In the Open Pro Division at the 2025 Aloha Classic (October 13-24, 2025), defending champion and Maui local Bernd Roediger, a three-time winner, will compete against big-wave legend Kai Lenny, a local favorite still chasing his first Aloha Classic title since his Youth Division win. They face a formidable lineup, including Guadeloupe’s Antoine Martin(three-time champion) and Camille Juban (two-time champion), Spain’s Marc Paré, a standout with a strong 2025 season, and Maui’s own Aloha Classic champions Morgan Noireaux (three-time champion) and Levi Siver. This stacked field promises fierce competition as these elite athletes battle for supremacy on Maui’s iconic waves.
The Youth division is brimming with talent, led by 2025 Maui ProAm winners Lisa Wermeister, and Javier Escribano Toribio — who has been unstoppable this season, winning all three Youth events — alongside one of the strongest new generations the sport has seen in decades.
The Masters fleet is equally formidable, led by last year’s winner, Keith Teboul (below), and Masters World Champion Mike Friedl Morales Sr.
Rules, Sanction, and Status
IWT & Aloha Classic Event Director Simeon Glasson
The Aloha Classic is the crown jewel of wave riding — the single most prestigious title in the windsurfing world. It’s the moment where legends rise, new stars break through, and the sport’s most passionate fans gather on the iconic waves of Ho‘okipa.
In 2025, our vision is to elevate this prestige even further — celebrating the heritage of Hawaiian wave culture while delivering a truly world-class sporting spectacle.
We will showcase the planet’s best riders performing at their absolute peak, in the finest waves on earth, with storytelling and media coverage that capture the magic for a global audience. Through live broadcasts, social media, and worldwide news, the Aloha Classic will reach millions — shining a spotlight on Maui, Hawaii, the athletes, and the sport itself.
The 2025 Aloha Classic will not only crown champions — it will inspire the next generation, honor the pioneers, and unite the entire wave riding community in 12 unforgettable days of breathtaking action.
This event will be under the WWT Wave Tour Rules and Regulations and the Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) Rulebook. The PWA sanctioned it as a 5-Star World Cup and it forms part of the 2025 Wave World Tour.
https://www.liveheats.com/events/321871
Confirmed riders have a little blue tick against their name.
Waitlist riders have a little clock icon against their name.
Only PWA-registered member brands that are fully up to date with their fees may be used to participate in the Wave World Tour Final. Riders must ensure their sponsoring brands are registered with the PWA Office in advance. For any questions, please contact Katrine at katrine@pwaworldtour.com.
2025 Aloha Classic Competition Ladder – Wave World Tour Final
Women & Men/Open Pro (44 riders)
- 28 top seeds from the WWT/PWA World Tour Rankings
- 16 challengers (including wildcards)
Note: Depending on forecast and event needs, the challengers may only run a single elimination. The top 4 challengers will advance to join the 28 seeds, forming a 32-rider main event in Dingle format (conditions allowing).
Juniors (16 riders total)
- Girls <18 and <21: 8 riders
- Boys <18 and <21: 8 riders
Masters (>45 years)
- 24 riders in Dingle format (conditions allowing).
Maximum total entries: 128 athletes
PWA / WWT Wave World Tour’s Commitment to Equality
The PWA/WWT has been a leader in introducing equal prize money for men and women.
Equal Prize Money Structure
All PWA/WWT World Tour events, male and female athletes receive the same prize money for identical podium positions.
Boost to Women’s Participation
This landmark commitment is designed to inspire greater participation, support career sustainability, and foster the continued growth of women’s windsurfing worldwide.
Windsurfing Teams
AV Boards Team
Camille Juban 2x Aloha Classic Winner
Black Project Team
Bernd Roediger 3x Aloha Classic Winner
Morgan Noireaux 3x Aloha Classic Winner
Philip Koster
Takuma Sugi
Arthur Arutkin
Chris Freeman
Bruch Team
Dany Bruch
Tim Van Dam Sanchidrian
Jochen Stolz
Challenger Team
Jose Romero
Duotone Team
Victor Fernandez
Liam Dunkerbeck
Alexia Kiefer Quintana
Lisa Wermeister Youth Aloha Classic Winner
Maria Beherns
Lucas Meldrum
Shawna Cropas
Sarah Jackson
Ryoma Sugi
Maethner Leon
Maethner Marlon
Maria Andres
Cesar Filippi
Raphael Filippi
Ezzy Team
Graham Ezzy
Flikka Team
Bernd Roediger, 3x Aloha Classic Winner
Miguel Chapuis
Justyna Sniady
Arthur Arutkin
Titouan Flechet
Julien Flechet
Future Fly Team
Tomer Shamgar
F2 Team
Marc Alonso
Frida Miron
Emma Miron
Lizzlote Schilling Andrew
Gun Sails Team
Caroline Foveau
Arthur Arutkin
Leon Jamaer
Hot Sails Maui Team
Bernd Roediger 3x Aloha Classic Winner
Maria Andres
Anne Marie Reichman
Titouan Flechet
Julien Flechet
Jeff Henderson, 2x Masters Aloha Classic Winner
Julia Meijer
Naish Team
Robby Naish, 4 x Aloha Classic Winner
Julian Salmonn
Henri Kolberg
Alex Vargas
Michi Schweiger
Koa Fabbio
Neil Pryde Team
Sarah-Quita Offringa, 4x Aloha Classic Winner
Neil Pryde JP Team
Morgan Noireaux 3x Aloha Classic Winner
Marino Gil
Robby Swift
Anton Ritcher
Colette Guadagnino
Walter Costanzo
Maria Schalin
North Team
Miguel Chapuis
Justyna Sniady
Patrik International
Samuele Ferraro
Simon Thule
Point 7 Team
Josep Pons
Quatro – Goya – MFC Team
Angela Cochran, 5x Aloha Classic Winner
Junko Nagoshi, 5x Aloha Classic Winner
Sarah Hauser 3x Aloha Classic Winner
Antoine Martin 2x Aloha Classic Winner
Jason Polakow, 2x Aloha Classic Winner
Marcilio Browne, Aloha Classic Winner
Levi Siver, Aloha Classic Winner
Keith Teboul, 2x Masters Aloha Classic Winner
Josh Stone, Masters Aloha Classic Winner
Boujmaa Guilloul, Aloha Classic Winner
Francisco Goya, Aloha Classic Winner
Kai Lenny, Youth Aloha Classic Winner
Adam Warchol, Youth Aloha Classic Winner
Marine Hunter
Maria Morales
Line Bang Wittrup
Takara Ishii
Hayata Ishi
Gregory Stathopoulos
Javier Escribano
Sybille Bode
Toia Sanjurjo
Michael Friedl Morales Sr.
Michael Friedl Morales Jr.
Casey Hauser
Otis Buckingham
Paul Karaolides
Vincent Beauvarlet
Octavio Cavalaro
Charlie Rovira
Natsuki Wakasa
Esteban De Cruz (GoyaSails)
RRD Team
Baptiste Cloarec
Sailoft Hamburg
Nadia Jablonski
Simmer Team
Marc Pare
Moritz Mauch
Alessio Stilrich
Kai Katchadourian
Jochen Stolz
Cori McFarlane
Craig Yester
Starboard & Severne Team
Philip Koster
Sarah-Quita Offringa 4x Aloha Classic Winner
Lina Erpenstein
Jane Seman
Sol Degriek
Federico Morisio
Dieter Van der Eyken
Ryu Noguchi
Lennart Neubauer
Pauline Katz
Helena Derya Lale
Milanka Linde
S2 Team
Camille Juban 2x Aloha Classic Winner
Russ Faurot
Tabou Gaastra Team
Takuma Sugi
Thomas Traversa
Jules Denel
Laurent Kymani
Omar Sanchez
Jazz Glickenhaus
We One Team
Blanca Alabau
The competitors’ list and seeding will be finalized following the 2025 Sylt World Cup. Below is an estimated preliminary list based on last year’s competitors and top-seeded riders:
- Andrés María (E-2)
- Arutkin Arthur (F-7)
- Beauvarlet Vincent (SBH-8)
- Behrens Maria (G-209)
- Bermudez Felix (PR-103)
- Bisogni Pasquale
- Browne Marcilio (BRA-105)
- Buckingham Otis (USA-)
- Cavalaro Octavio (ARG-0)
- Chudoba Svenja (SUI-686)
- Cloarec Baptiste (F-258)
- Cropas Shawna (KC-99)
- Dallape Giacomo (ITA-)
- Denel Jules (FRA-41)
- Dunkerbeck Morales Liam (E-11)
- Erpenstein Lina (G-3)
- Escribano Toribio Javier
- Ezzy Graham (USA-1)
- Fabbio Koa
- Faurot Russ (US-785)
- Fernandez Victor (E-42)
- Filippi Cesar (C-16)
- Filippi Raphael
- Flechet Julien (F-67)
- Foveau Coraline (F-351)
- Freeman Chris
- Friedl Mike (sr) (E-714)
- Friedl Morales Michael (E-255)
- Funk Rob
- Garcia Thomas
- Gherardi Marino Gil (E-959)
- Glickenhaus Jazz
- Goya Francisco (A-211)
- Hauser Casey (US-634)
- Hauser Sarah (NC-6)
- Hadad Eitan
- Henderson Jeff
- Hunter Marine (F-181)
- Ikeda Yoshitaka
- Ishii Hayata (J-27)
- Ishii Takara (J-20)
- Karaolides Paul
- Katz Pauline (SUI-4)
- Katchadourian Kai
- Köster Philip (G-44)
- Lenny Kai (US-1112)
- Maethner Leon (G-31X)
- Maethner Marlon (G-31)
- Martin Antoine (F-193)
- Maryzko Zdenek (CZE-9999)
- Mauch Moritz (GC-103)
- Meijer Julia (H-69)
- Morisio Federico (I-676)
- Morita Hitoshi
- Noguchi Ryu (J-39)
- Noireaux Morgan (HI-101)
- Offringa Sarah-Quita (ARU-91)
- Papanikolaou Jason
- Paré Marc (E-334)
- Perez Nelson
- Reuveny Tom (ISR-60)
- Roediger Bernd (US-1113)
- Rovira Charlie
- Rud Vlad (GPE-99)
- Ruenes Antony (F-85)
- Salvatore Luca
- Sanjurjo Toia (ARG-94)
- Shirakata Yushi (JPN-136)
- Siver Levi (USA-0)
- Sugi Takuma (J-7)
- Swift Robby (K-89)
- Talma Brian
- Teboul Keith
- Traversa Thomas (F-3)
- Vargas Alex (CHI-9998)
- Warchol Adam (POL-111)
- Wermeister Lisa (F-293)
- Yester Craig
Judging Guidelines for Wavesailing – Aloha Classic
At the highest level of competition, wavesailing is a blend of technical mastery, creativity, and the art of harnessing raw ocean power. Riders will execute the sport’s most advanced maneuvers.
Wave Riding:
From 360s on the wave face to Goiters, Takas, Forwards, and the most sought-after move, the back loop off the lip — a maneuver yet to be landed in competition.
While spectacular moves on the wave can score well, true mastery — and the highest scores — will come from Power Riding: opening a wave with a committed hit under the peak, holding high speed tight to the face, and carving with precision through the most powerful, critical sections. It’s about reading the wave, flowing with it, and blending radical moves with seamless rail engagement where the consequences are real. This is what the judges will be looking for: nothing less than 100% Commitment, Risk, and Reward.
To assess this level of riding, the judging panel — comprised of the sport’s most experienced and visionary eyes — applies the following key concepts:
- Commitment & Degree of Difficulty – Risk factor, commitment to the wave, and difficulty of maneuvers.
- Innovation & Progression – New, creative moves that push the boundaries of the sport.
- Combination of Major Maneuvers – Linking multiple high-level moves in one ride with flow.
- Variety – A diverse mix of turns, aerials, and rotations.
- Speed, Power & Flow – Maintaining drive, strength, and seamless transitions.
- Wave Selection & Performance – Reading and using the best waves for maximum scoring potential.
- Style & Control – Confident, smooth execution with mastery over board and sail.
- Rail Engagement & Turn Quality – Full, fast, clean rail engagement through bottom and top turns without slipping or skidding.
- Vertical Approach to the Lip – Aggressive, vertical hits off the bottom turn into the lip for maximum impact and critical positioning.
This combination of radical maneuvers with power surfing separates good rides from the truly exceptional — and ultimately, what guides the crowning of champions at Ho’okipa.
Jumping:
At Ho‘okipa, the jumping side of windsurfing is usually reserved for the Maui ProAm spring event and summer months, when the trade winds are at their strongest, giving riders the speed they need to launch against the incoming surf. But with this year’s event starting a week earlier, don’t rule jumps out of the equation.
Scoring here is more straightforward than wave riding: it’s based on the height of the jump, the degree of difficulty — whether it’s a single, double, or combination jump, such as the push forward or even the yet-to-be-completed triple loop — and the landing. This is where windsurfing takes on a level all its own, blending the dynamics of surfing and the aerial intensity of motocross, fueling the sport’s progression.
The Head Judges
Luis Maria “Pick” Escribano — Widely regarded as one of the most experienced head judges in windsurfing history, Pick will lead the judging panel at this year’s Aloha Classic World Cup Final. We’re honored to welcome him back after his successful work at the Maui ProAm earlier this year. With Pick at the helm, riders can trust that their performances will be evaluated by one of the finest professionals in the sport.
Angela Cochran — The most decorated champion at Ho’okipa and 4 x Aloha Classic winner, Angela is a two-time World Champion (1989 and 1991), Head Judge at the Fiji Pro, and an avid sailor. Her deep knowledge of Ho‘okipa and World Cup competition makes her an invaluable voice on the panel, bringing unmatched insight and passion for the progression of wavesailing.
Matt Pritchard — A multiple-time World Champion and former Head Judge, Matt brings decades of top-level competition insight to the panel. His championship experience and sharp judging eye ensure that performance and progression will be recognized at the highest standard.
With a lifetime in windsurfing, Michi Schweiger transitions from a young Austrian World Cup competitor to a seasoned waterman. He is renowned for countless Jaws sessions and is a key product developer at Naish Hawaii. His vast experience brings maturity to the judges’ panel, guiding competitors toward the sport’s ongoing evolution with insight and vision.
Kevin Pritchard — One of the winningest riders in World Cup history across multiple disciplines, including the 2016 Aloha Classic, Kevin adds heritage and perspective to this year’s panel. His role honors the rich legacy of the Aloha Classic while celebrating the culture and passion that define our sport.
The Nevrslo Awards
Nevrslo Motorsports proudly returns as a sponsor for the 2025 Aloha Classic, led by founder and former pro windsurfer Joshua Steele. Introducing the Nevrslo Awards—two new trophies with dedicated prize money for Best Ride and Best Jump, judged exclusively by wavesailing revolutionaries Mark Angulo and Jason Polakow. These honors will spotlight riders elevating wavesailing, reflecting Mark’s groundbreaking moves that opened new possibilities—still unmatched—and Jason’s fusion of surfing with motocross speed, forever changing and elevating the standards of how waves are ridden.
Opening Blessing
Auntie Mopsy will lead the 2025 Aloha Classic Opening Blessing on Monday, October 13th, at 9:00 a.m. at Ho‘okipa Beach Park. This traditional ceremony will share Hawai‘i’s cultural and spiritual values with competitors, crew, and spectators as we begin the event.
Beach Clean-Up
We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Maui Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving our oceans, waves, and beaches. We aim to inspire choices that leave places better than we found them. The Beach Clean-Up date will be set according to conditions — please stay tuned for the date and time.
Media Team:
Presenter: Kai Katchadourian
We’re honored to have Kai Katchadourian as the presenter for the 2025 Aloha Classic. With one of the longest active competition records in windsurfing — dating back to the earliest Ho‘okipa events — Kai has chased the perfect ride around the world. His lifelong passion for the sport and its people, along with his love of music and family, embodies the spirit of the global windsurfing community & culture.
Fish Bowl Diaries
Paul and Sofie of Fish Bowl Diaries are award-winning photographers whose instantly recognizable style has been featured by top windsurf and surf brands — including Goya, Quatro, Naish, and Fanatic. With over 30 magazine covers and multiple “Photographer of the Year” titles, they’ll capture every moment on and off the water at the 2025 Aloha Classic.
Featured Photographer: Erik Aeder
Erik Aeder, a renowned ocean photographer, began his journey capturing surf scenes in La Jolla, California. After moving to Maui in the 1970s, he chronicled the evolution of modern ocean sports, including windsurfing, tow-in surfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. His acclaimed Bodies of Water series showcases the mesmerizing beauty beneath the waves. Now based on Maui, Erik continues to push creative boundaries, exploring fresh perspectives of the ocean he calls home.
Zone 3 Media
The award-winning team behind the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Aloha Classic, 2024 Aloha Classic, and 2025 Maui ProAm, Zone 3 Media has been telling Hawai‘i’s action sports story since 1998. With over 500 TV episodes, countless documentaries, and live productions from some of the most challenging environments on earth, they are leaders in 4K RED-camera storytelling. Backed by one of Hawai‘i’s largest action sports archives, Zone 3 delivers world-class event coverage across livestream production and TV Show creation— bringing the drama, beauty, and culture of Ho‘okipa to audiences worldwide.
IWT & PWA Press Officers and Social Media Managers
Anne-Marie Reichman, Russ Faurot, Maria Andres, Sarah Jackson, and Chris Yates combined well over half a century of sports communication with a world of knowledge and connections to riders, sponsors, and media outlets.
Satefy Team:
Samantha Campbell
We’re thrilled to have Samantha Campbell, ATC, CSCS, LMT, back on the Aloha Classic Physical Therapist Team. Founder of Deep Relief, Samantha has nearly 20 years of experience working with elite athletes worldwide, including the US Ski Team, Triathlon Canada, and Top Red Bull riders. Her expertise in athletic training, strength and conditioning, and massage therapy keeps competitors performing at their best.
Pe‘ahi Water Safety Team
Hawai’i’s own Kurtis Chong Kee and Mark Pohini have spent decades safeguarding Maui’s North Shore, from Jaws to the outer reefs. Their expertise in extreme ocean conditions has saved countless lives. We are deeply grateful to have them on board to ensure safety for all at the 2025 Aloha Classic.
Special Thanks
We extend heartfelt thanks to IWT Founders Sam Bittner, Russ Faurot & WWT Director Simeon Glasson, who continue to gather the international windsurfing community to celebrate the sport and culture we all love, Kevin at the Maui Department of Parks and Recreation, Paul Sensano from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation
Local & Industry Sponsors
- In September 2025, the Maui County Council—comprising Chair Alice Lee, Vice-Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Tasha Kama, and Councilmembers Tom Cook, Gabe Johnson, Tamara Paltin, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Shane Sinenci, and Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins—unanimously recognized September 21st as Peace Day and to support the 41st Aloha Classic. This event thrives due to the steadfast support and vital funding from the County of Maui, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, and Councilmember Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins. Their partnership enables us to host this global celebration at Hoʻokipa Beach Park, uniting communities and sharing Maui’s exceptional wind conditions, rich Hawaiian culture, and Aloha with the world.
Maui Toyota — Longtime supporter of Maui windsurfing, backing the Aloha Classic and Maui ProAm. Family-owned since 1975, they continue to serve the community with local values and a modern vision.
Mana Foods — A Pā‘ia landmark since 1983, Mana champions local and organic foods while prioritizing sustainability and community stewardship.
Hi-Tech Maui (HT) — Under Kim Ball’s leadership, HT has fueled Maui’s watersports scene for decades, hosting events and supporting local athletes.
Pritchard Windsurfing — Run by Matt and Kevin Pritchard, bringing their championship legacy and coaching expertise to the event.
Swift Watersports — Led by Robby Swift, offering premium gear sales, rentals, and clinics from Kahului.
Dimension-Polyant — The global leader in performance sailcloth, pushing innovation in eco-minded laminates for decades.
Team MPG — Scott Sanchez provides sports science based training for professional athletes from World Cup skiers to World Class Watermen, from NFL to NBA.
Forward Maui — Custom-building gear since 1994, just up the road from Ho’okipa at the Pauwela Cannery in Haiku under Quatro, Goya & KT.
TLC Laser Works — Makers of the Aloha Classic trophies, hand-crafted on Maui with artistry and care.
Brandwave Marketing – Co-sponsoring the 41st Aloha Classic and launching Windsurfer.co Magazine on October 1, 2025, with a feature spotlighting the event.
Mishka – one of our Ho’okipa regulars will be our event’s feature musician.
Nano Messera – #Nanoartbuss – Event Artist.
Bjoern Zedlick – Graphics & Inspiration.
Levi Siver – Videos & Content.
Acrisure Insurance Company – Mr. Frickey & Team providing the right insurance.
Akamai Pumping Services – Brenda & Team always supporting our events.
WWT – 2025 has been another successful year for the IWT/PWA Unified tour, with 52 events across all continents and oceans. Everyone’s efforts come together at the Aloha Classic.
PWA – Supporting this iconic event, which has been nothing less than the home of windsurfing and the fuel of our sport for over 40 years, is at the core of our non-profit.
Do you have any questions, or would you like to volunteer or sponsor the 2025 Aloha Classic? Please email us at info@AlohaClassic.com
Francisco Goya- 2025 Aloha Classic Organizer
“Welcome to the 41st Aloha Classic, the Wave World Tour Final. As the final and deciding event of the Unified PWA/IWT Wave World Tour, the 2025 Aloha Classic is the sport’s greatest event from Professional, to Youth & Masters. It is my honor to support and give back to the sport and community that has been my lifelong dream, passion, and extended family for over 40 years. An event of this stature takes a village, from the Maui County Officials, to the WWT, PWA teams, riders, windsurfing industry, sponsors, volunteers, and the passionate fans, so my deepest gratitude goes to everyone who supports, dreams, and follows the Aloha Classic — you are the ones who make it all possible.”
One thing we will never forget is the Aloha Classic Winners, along with our Sponsors and Organizers, who have made these Ho’okipa events achieve millions of viewers over the decades. Here are the short lists, but so many more people and businesses have made it all possible along its 41 years:
Organizers and Directors: Paul Ehman (Ehman Productions), Founder and Visionary; followed by Craig Yester, Rodney Kilborn, Scott Trudon, and Sam Bittner, who revived it as the community gatherer; and Simeon Glasson, who took it all to the next level.
Title & Presenting Sponsors: Hotel Playa Surf, Tenerife, Mercedes-Benz, Maui Strong, Jeep, Swatch, Hard Rock Cafe, PST, 0I0I Marui, Chili Productions, O’neill, Chiemsee, DaKine, MFC, Naish, Severne, Simmer, Starboard, NoveNove, JP, Neil Pryde, Bruch, Goya, FromA, PWA & WWT.
Profound tribute to previous competitors no longer with us, honoring their legacy and contributions to the sport: Arnaud de Rosnay, Angus Charter, Natsuki, Iijima, Sierra Emory, Peter Volwater, Federico Pecora, Jono Knight, and Farrel O’Shea.
Aloha Classic Winners
| Year | Women | Men |
| 1984 |  Debbie Brown |
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| 1985 | Kelby Anno |
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| 1986 | Kelby Anno |
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| 1987 | Kelby Anno |
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| 1988 | Dana Dawes |
|
| 1989 | Angela Cochran |
|
| 1990 | Angela Cochran |
|
| 1991 | Angela Cochran |
|
| 1992 | (no result) | (no result) |
| 1993 |  Jessica Crisp |
|
| 1994 |  Barbara Kendall |
|
| 1998 | (no result) |
|
| 1999 | Jennifer Henderson |
|
| 2000 | Angela Cochran |
|
| 2001 | (no result) |
|
| 2004 |  Motoko Sato |
|
| 2005 | Jennifer Henderson |
|
| 2006 |  Iballa Ruano Moreno |
|
| 2011 | Junko Nagoshi |
|
| 2012 | Junko Nagoshi |
|
| 2013 IWT Qualifier | Junko Nagoshi |
|
| 2013
PWA |
(no result) | Levi Siver |
| 2014 IWT Qualifier | Junko Nagoshi |
|
| 2014 PWA | Iballa Ruano Moreno |
|
| 2015 | Iballa Ruano Moreno |
|
| 2016 |  Sarah-Quita Offringa |
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| 2017 |  Sarah Hauser |
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| 2018 | Sarah Hauser |
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| 2019 | Sarah-Quita Offringa |
|
| 2021 | Sarah-Quita Offringa |
|
| 2022 | Jessica Crisp |
|
| 2023 | Sarah-Quita Offringa |
|
| 2024 | Sarah Hauser |
|
Nik Baker
Francisco Goya
Tony Garcia
Josh Angulo
Boujmaa Guilloul
Marcillio Browne