A double win for Switzerland at the SFT Indoor Pumpfoil World Cup

Siri Schubert

28/1/2026

Translation: Elicia Payne

Pictures: Siri Schubert

The Indoor Pumpfoil World Cup at the world’s largest water sports fair captivated hundreds of spectators with spectacular manoeuvres and extremely close head-to-head races. The result? A double victory for Switzerland.

Excitement builds in the 50-meter pool in the surfing hall at the international boat show in Düsseldorf. The «boot» exhibition isn’t just a showcase for superyachts and new water sports equipment, but also the venue for the season-opening race of the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT).

Highest demands on riding technique, speed and endurance

The starting signal sounds and the fun begins – over the next few hours, 16 men and eight women compete against each other in elimination races. It’s a «best of three» concept. Two foilers must each complete the slalom course around the buoys at least three times. Whoever wins two of the races advances to the next round.

Not everything goes smoothly all the time. Near-collisions, false starts and other mishaps prolong the races, putting technical ability, speed but also fitness to the test.

High-level international starting field

The race is a meeting point for the international scene: the Swiss team competes with surfers from Australia, France, Tahiti, Spain, Germany and Austria, including Olympic kitesurfer Alina Kornelli.

After around two hours of pure action, one thing’s certain: Switzerland’s Sarah Spalinger wins the women’s event and defends her title from last year. The men’s race was won by 19-year-old Swiss Edan Fiander ahead of Australian Kai Thompson, who has made a name for himself as a top downwind foiler in ocean races in Hawaii.

Swiss double victory: mental strength and surfing skills

«There’s a unique atmosphere at this event,» says Sarah after her win. I was extremely nervous and the conditions aren’t easy.» It wasn’t just the low height of the starting dock, the narrow buoys and the lack of water depth in the pool that caused the top athlete problems. The false start on her first run also sapped her mental strength. This is because pump foiling very much depends on the feeling for gliding and concentration. If you’re not spot-on, things will get tricky.

«Right now, I’m relieved,» says Sarah, who works full-time as a doctor, after her victory. What’s extra special is that she won on a board she designed herself and realised together with shaper Andi Widmann for Swiss water sports brand Indiana. For her, the fishtail shape represents the joy and playfulness of water sports.

For Edan Fiander, his victory is the best start to the season he could have wished for. «I’m very happy,» he beams, «and this is just the beginning». The mental challenge was crucial for him. «If you get nervous and something’s off at the start, it’s over,» he says. Staying calm and not allowing himself to get distracted was, according to him, his recipe for success. Easier said than done, because even experienced pros have stumbled in this particular race format.

Team spirit and atmosphere inspire Swiss crew

Two victories for Switzerland? How’s that even possible? «The atmosphere here is great and we have a fantastic team spirit,» says Christian Müller, President of the Swiss Foiling Tour. He supports the 12 Swiss athletes at boot. «To showcase what’s possible here, also motivates the next generation,» he says. Two of the youngest participants (14 years old) come from Switzerland, where Swiss Foiling specifically invests in working with young talent.

It’s definitely a memorable moment for the Swiss crew to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience at the boat exhibition. After its successful debut last year, the world’s only indoor pump foiling contest has become a crowd-puller. Hundreds of spectators – from children to seniors – line the edge of the pool to catch a glimpse of the top performances in this trend sport. Being so close to the action is an extraordinary opportunity. The other competitions usually take place on lakes or the sea, with the audience at a safe distance on dry land.

Inspiration and community vibes

Swiss competitor Balz Müller, who’s made a name for himself as a foil freestyle pioneer, comments: «This is a chance to come together as a community in winter and live our sport. We want to motivate and inspire – and it’s amazing how much the sport has developed.»

If you’d like to watch the races or take part yourself, you can find the dates for the Swiss Foiling Tour here. Dates for the international races of the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) with the disciplines pump foiling, surf foiling, wake foiling, e-foiling and downwind foiling can be found here.

Are you interested in foil boards or foils? Then you’ll find a constantly updated selection in the brand ranges Indiana, North and Slingshot.

Siri Schubert

Senior Editor

Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.ch

Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.

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