Swiss Surfing Championship 2023

From October 15th to 20th, the 26th Swiss Surfing Championship took place in Somo, Spain, bringing together Switzerland’s surfing community for a week of thrilling competition and camaraderie. Despite challenging conditions, the event showcased the growing talent and skill within the Swiss surfing scene, from top athletes to juniors and amateurs alike.

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Adapting to Conditions

‍With a lack of consistent swell and occasional strong winds, the competition team and head judges worked diligently to ensure the best possible event. Unlike previous years, not all finals were held on the same day. Instead, the Junior Girls, Longboard, and SUP finals were contested on the opening day in smaller waves, while the remaining divisions concluded on the final day at a different section of the beach, offering larger and more consistent waves.

Highlights and Innovations

‍This year saw the introduction of a Junior Girls-only division, highlighting the competition's focus on inclusivity and the next generation of talent. The championship kicked off under sunny skies, though rain and wind added variety to the later days. Despite the weather’s unpredictability, the event maintained an electrifying atmosphere, capped off with a celebratory fireworks display.

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Winners and Rankings

Men:

1. Fantin Habashi
2. Antoine Habashi
3. Rivan Rock Rosskopf

Women:

1. June Erostarbe Geiser
2. Alicia Martinet
3. Fabiana Klein

Junior Boys:

1. Antoine Habashi
2. Rivan Rock Rosskopf
3. Kilian Rosskopf

Junior Girls:

1. Fabiana Klein
2. Célia Magras
3. Sue Gartmann

Masters:

1. Rugby Colmenares
2. Benedek Sarkany
3. Eric Zbären

Longboard:

1. Matteo Kunz
2. Rephael Drayton
3. Isaia Kunz

SUP:

1. Nick Crettenand
2. Heiko Lars Bertschinger
3. David Hoppensack

Students Men:

1. Ben Heer
2. Lucien Hirschi
3. Sven Piek

Students Women:

1. Mariella Machaczek
2. Alena Gubler
3. Melanie Zihlmann

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A Celebration of Progress‍

The Swiss Surfing Championship 2023 demonstrated the remarkable development of Swiss surfing, with athletes delivering impressive performances in challenging conditions. The event was a testament to the sport’s growing community and talent, leaving spectators and participants alike looking forward to the future of Swiss surfing.

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