PWA Windsurf World Cup Sotavento 2026: Dates, Schedule, How to Watch
The PWA Windsurf World Cup returns to Sotavento in July 2026 for the 40th edition - the longest-running stop in the discipline. This guide covers dates, schedule, athletes to watch, where to stay and how to enjoy the event live or via livestream.
1. The Event in a Nutshell
The PWA Windsurf World Cup Fuerteventura is the longest-running stop on the Pro Windsurfers Association tour, hosted every year since 1986 on Sotavento beach. Three disciplines: Slalom, Freestyle and Foil. Around 80 male and 50 female pros compete over 10 days for world points and the legendary Sotavento title.
2. Dates and Schedule 2026
Dates: 18-27 July 2026. Daily action 11:00-18:00 depending on wind. Registration day 17 July. Skippers meeting daily at 09:30 at the Rene Egli centre. Award ceremony Sunday 27 July at 19:00 at the beach club.
3. Getting There
- By car: 1 hour from FUE airport on FV-2 south. Free parking at Hotel Melia Gorriones.
- From Corralejo: 1h30 drive south along FV-2.
- Shuttle: Tiadhe bus line 1 connects to Costa Calma, then taxi.
4. Athletes to Watch in 2026
Men's Slalom defending champion Antoine Albeau returns to defend his title. Sarah-Quita Offringa goes for her 24th world title in Women's Freestyle - a record nobody has come close to. Watch the youngsters: 19-year-old Spaniard Marc Pares making his Sotavento debut after a strong Tarifa stop.
5. How to Watch and Enjoy
Live action visible from the entire 9 km of Sotavento beach - the best viewing point is the elevated dune in front of Hotel Melia Gorriones. Free entry. Beach bar with food and drinks. Live commentary in English from the centre tower. Online: livestream on pwaworldtour.com and PWA YouTube channel.
6. Recommended Nearby Spots
- Costa Calma - base town with restaurants and bars, 10 min from Sotavento.
- Risco del Paso - sister kite spot 5 km north.
- Jandia peninsula - hiking on no-wind days.
- Cofete beach - wild day-trip 1 hour west.
7. Did you know…
The PWA Sotavento event has held the discipline of Speed alongside Slalom since 1996. Several windsurf world speed records were set on the Sotavento speed strip in the late 1990s and early 2000s - including the iconic 50-knot run by Antoine Albeau.
8. Quick Practical Tips
- 🗓️ Book stay early: Sotavento accommodation fills 8-10 weeks ahead for the event.
- 🧳 Pack: hat, SPF 50+, water, light jacket for windy beach.
- 🌀 Best viewing: from the dune in front of Melia Gorriones.
- 📋 Free entry: all PWA action is free to spectate.
- 🌍 Wind permitting: the daily schedule depends on wind - check the PWA app each morning.
9. FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
When is the PWA Sotavento World Cup 2026?
18-27 July 2026 on Playa de Sotavento. Daily action 11:00-18:00 wind permitting. Free entry.
Can I watch the PWA online?
Yes - free livestream on pwaworldtour.com and the official PWA YouTube channel. Daily highlight videos uploaded each evening.
Can I also kite during the event?
Yes - kite zones are clearly marked and respected during the windsurf event. Just avoid the central windsurf race course and ride at the north or south end of the beach.
Book your PWA week stay
Sotavento accommodation sells out for the World Cup week. Compare hotels and apartments on Stay22 and book direct.
Choose your kite school in Fuerteventura
👉 Book a kite course with one of the certified kite schools listed in our directory.
🔗 Explore all the active kite schools in Fuerteventura: https://kiteschoolfuerteventura.com/kite-schools-fuerteventura