Ever wondered who dominates the waves in windsurfing?
From jaw-dropping jumps to record-shattering speeds, these 15 icons have transformed windsurfing into an art form.
Grab your sails and dive into the stories of the mightiest maestros of the sea.
Best Windsurfers:
- Bjorn Dunkerbeck
- Robby Naish
- Antoine Albeau
- Daida Ruano Moreno
- Iballa Ruano Moreno
- Philip Köster
- Stephan van den Berg
- Alessandra Sensini
- Lee Korzits
- Kevin Pritchard
- Matt Pritchard
- Gollito Estredo
- Sarah-Quita Offringa
- Nevin Sayre
- Josh Angulo
Table of Contents
#1 Björn Dunkerbeck
- 🌍 Nationality: Spanish/Dutch
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 16, 1969
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Over 40 overall World Championships titles, including PWA and IFCA Slalom World Champion, multiple Grand Slam titles
A titan in windsurfing, Björn Dunkerbeck, also known as “The Terminator,” has dominated the sport as a record-holder with over 100 PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) event wins. His unrivaled speed, strength, and competitive consistency have made him a windsurfing legend, setting the bar for generations to come.
Björn’s impact on windsurfing is monumental, with his innovation in speed and slalom disciplines. Off the water, he’s involved in promoting environmental causes within the watersports community and supports various windsurfing events and initiatives. His German-born, but Canary Islands-raised background adds a diverse cultural perspective to his global influence.
#2 Robby Naish
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 23, 1963
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Windsurfer / Kitesurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 24-time world champion across different disciplines, including windsurfing and kiteboarding
Robby Naish, one of the most recognized names in windsurfing, has been at the forefront of the sport since he claimed his first world title at the age of 13. Known for his versatility and pioneering spirit, Naish has exceled in wave riding and racing, demonstrating an extraordinary natural talent and dedication to the sport.
Aside from being an extraordinary athlete, Robby has significantly influenced windsurfing equipment design through Naish Sails, his eponymous brand. His contributions have improved the accessibility and performance of the sport for enthusiasts worldwide. Naish continues to be a charismatic ambassador for windsurfing and action sports, inspiring countless fans and athletes.
#3 Antoine Albeau
- 🌍 Nationality: French
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 17, 1972
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time PWA World Champion in Slalom, PWA World Speed Record Holder
Antoine Albeau, the French powerhouse, has made his mark on the windsurfing world with an incredible track record in slalom events. His ability to harness immense speed and agility has earned him numerous titles and the admiration of competitors and spectators alike. Albeau is not only a competitor but also an innovator, constantly striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the water.
Outside of competition, Albeau is passionate about promoting the sport, working with manufacturers to develop better equipment, and encouraging new talent. He maintains an approachable and supportive presence within the windsurfing community. As a gentle giant off the water, his efforts to enhance the profile of windsurfing solidify his legendary status.
#4 Daida Ruano Moreno
- 🌍 Nationality: Spanish
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 19, 1977
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time PWA World Champion in Wave
Daida Ruano Moreno, one half of the windsurfing sensations known as the Moreno twins, is a force to be reckoned with in the women’s wave discipline. Her aggressive sailing style, characterized by powerful wave riding and dynamic aerial maneuvers, has earned her a collection of world titles and the respect of her peers. Daida’s competitive edge is complemented by her charismatic personality and dedication to the sport.
She emphatically contributes to the progression of women’s windsurfing and acts as a mentor for up-and-coming talent. Alongside her sister Iballa, Daida organizes the PWA World Cup event in Gran Canaria, fostering the growth of competitive windsurfing. Her prominence extends beyond the waves, as she engages in philanthropy focused on children’s education and sports development.
#5 Iballa Ruano Moreno
- 🌍 Nationality: Spanish
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 19, 1977
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time PWA World Champion in Wave, SUP World Champion
Echoing her twin, Iballa Ruano Moreno, shares an incredible legacy in the world of windsurfing. Known for her graceful yet potent style on the water, Iballa consistently demonstrates precise wave selection and control. Her sibling rivalry with Daida has spurred both to new heights within the sport, magnifying their impact as windsurfing icons.
Iballa has transcended windsurfing achievement by also excelling in stand-up paddleboarding, showcasing her versatile waterman skills. Her commitment to environmental protection is evident in her activities off the water. Iballa’s engagement in charitable events and her pursuits in nurturing new talents underscore her comprehensive influence in the windsurfing community.
#6 Philip Köster
- 🌍 Nationality: German
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 5, 1994
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time PWA World Champion in Wave
Nicknamed the “wunderkind,” Philip Köster has revolutionized the windsurfing wave scene with his jaw-dropping aerials and radical maneuvers. He burst onto the professional stage at a young age and quickly established himself as one of the all-time greats. Köster’s relentless pursuit of innovation in jumps and wave riding techniques has turned heads around the globe.
Despite facing serious injuries, Köster has displayed incredible resilience, making remarkable comebacks to continue dominating competitions. His contributions to promoting the sport, especially to younger audiences, are significant. Philip’s down-to-earth personality and engagement with fans make him a beloved figure in the windsurfing world and an exemplar of true sportsmanship.
#7 Stephan van den Berg
- 🌍 Nationality: Dutch
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 19, 1962
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Former Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics (Windsurfing became an Olympic sport)
Stephan van den Berg etched his name in the history books as the first Olympic champion in windsurfing, an achievement that earned him immediate fame and cemented his place in the pantheon of sailing greats. His tactical intelligence and remarkable dedication during a pivotal time for the sport allowed for a career defined by his pioneering Olympic success.
His victory at the Los Angeles Olympics had a ripple effect, inspiring countless Dutch and international sailors. Van den Berg’s contributions to windsurfing endure, as he transitioned into coaching and has remained an active promoter of the sport in the Netherlands. His legacy is not only in his victories but also in his commitment to fostering the next generation of windsurfing talent.
#8 Alessandra Sensini
- 🌍 Nationality: Italian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 26, 1970
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Former Professional Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Four Olympic medals across different editions (1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze), 1 RS:X World Championship, multiple European Championships
Alessandra Sensini stands as Italy’s most decorated female windsurfer, exemplifying exceptional skill, longevity, and performance under pressure, especially during her Olympic campaigns. Her dynamic sailing style and brilliant strategic mind have been a formidable combination in competitive windsurfing, leading to unparalleled success throughout her storied career.
Off the water, Sensini has been an ambassador for the sport and served in organizational roles, including as a flagbearer for Italy in the Olympics. Her involvement in sports governance and promotion of youth involvement in windsurfing demonstrate her dedication to the sport’s enduring vitality. As a trailblazer for female athletes within windsurfing, her impact is indelible, both on and off the waves.
#9 Lee Korzits
- 🌍 Nationality: Israeli
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 23, 1984
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: RS:X Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 4× Windsurfing World Champion (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Lee Korzits is a celebrated Israeli windsurfer renowned for her exemplary performance in the RS:X class. Her technical skills and prowess on the water have led her to become a four-time world champion, dominating the windsurfing scene in the early 2010s.
Despite facing a severe back injury in 2009, Lee made a remarkable comeback, overcoming the odds to continue her windsurfing career. Her resiliency and dedication serve as an inspiration to athletes worldwide. Off the water, Lee advocates for environmental issues, highlighting the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life.
#10 Kevin Pritchard
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 14, 1969
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Windsurfer and Wave Rider
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time PWA World Champion, PWA Wave World Champion (2006)
Kevin Pritchard stands out in the world of windsurfing for his success across multiple disciplines, including slalom, freestyle, and waves. His smooth style, strategic sailing, and wave-riding abilities have brought him to the forefront of the sport, earning him a place among the top windsurfing champions.
Overcoming the competitive nature of the sport and constantly evolving his strategies and skills, Kevin has demonstrated longevity in his windsurfing career. Off the water, he is involved in promoting the sport through coaching and video production, sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation of windsurfers.
#11 Matt Pritchard
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 30, 1974
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2005 PWA Super World Champion, 2004 PWA Super World Champion, 2002 PWA Freestyle World Champion
Matt Pritchard, brother to Kevin Pritchard, is also known for his excellence in the windsurfing world. His dynamic sailing and competitive edge have earned him numerous accolades over his career. The Pritchard brothers have often been mentioned in tandem, emblematic of family success in the realm of windsurfing.
Matt’s contributions extend beyond competition, as he commits to teaching and inspiring new windsurfers through coaching and camps. While details about his personal life are not as publicly chronicled, his influence in the windsurfing community is undeniable, improving accessibility and engagement in the sport.
#12 Gollito Estredo
- 🌍 Nationality: Venezuelan
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 28, 1990
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Freestyle Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PWA Freestyle World Champion (multiple times)
Gollito Estredo is famous for revolutionizing freestyle windsurfing with his extraordinary maneuvers and innovative tricks. Nicknamed “Gollito,” he began windsurfing at a young age in his hometown of El Yaque, known for producing talented windsurfers. His unique style and flair have made him a crowd favorite and a frequent atop the podium.
Despite facing limited resources and challenging conditions in Venezuela, Gollito’s perseverance has led him to international success. Beyond his competitive achievements, his charismatic personality and role as a mentor to young windsurfers have significantly impacted the community, encouraging new talent to emerge.
#13 Sarah-Quita Offringa
- 🌍 Nationality: Aruban
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 4, 1991
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Freestyle and Slalom Windsurfer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time PWA Freestyle World Champion, PWA Slalom World Champion
Sarah-Quita Offringa is a trailblazer in women’s windsurfing, achieving an esteemed reputation as a multiple world champion in both freestyle and slalom disciplines. Her versatility and impressive skill set are unmatched, earning her the title “Queen of Windsurfing” in many circles.
Offringa has overcome the challenge of excelling in multiple disciplines, setting a benchmark for future competitors. Her infectious personality and commitment to promoting women’s participation in windsurfing have made her an influential figure in the sport. Additionally, she holds a degree in marketing, which she has put to use in diversifying her career and promoting windsurfing worldwide.
#14 Nevin Sayre
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: Born in 1960
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Windsurfing Pioneer and Competitor
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2x ranked 4th overall in slalom, course racing, and wave disciplines, and achieved 2nd place overall in slalom and course racing
Nevin Sayre, a recognized figure in the history of windsurfing, has been instrumental in shaping the future of the sport. While specific details on his competitive achievements might not be as well-documented, his influence on windsurfing’s evolution and acceptance as a modern sport is unquestionable.
Having served in various capacities to promote and develop windsurfing, Sayre’s contributions to the sport extend well beyond personal accolades. His advocacy for youth sailing and windsurfing has helped foster a new generation of enthusiasts. His commitment to sustainable practices reflects his dedication to environmental stewardship within the windsurfing community.
#15 Josh Angulo
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 12, 1974
- 🏄♂️ Position/Role: Professional Wave Sailor
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PWA Wave World Champion (2003, 2009)
Josh Angulo is revered for his exceptional talents as a professional wave sailor, securing world championship titles and gaining respect among peers and fans alike. His aggressive yet controlled style on the waves has consistently placed him at the top of international competitions.
Angulo’s remarkable achievements in windsurfing have inspired many aspiring athletes. He’s had to navigate the mental and physical demands of professional sport, maintaining high performance in challenging conditions. Beyond competitions, Josh’s passion for windsurfing is evident through his involvements in promoting the sport, particularly on the islands of Cape Verde where he has spent much of his career. His down-to-earth demeanor and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the windsurfing world.
FAQ
Who is the best Windsurfing player of all time?
Bjorn Dunkerbeck is the best Windsurfing player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Bjorn Dunkerbeck is the best basketball player of all time. His record-breaking achievements and longevity at the top level have set the standard in the sport.
Who are the top 10 greatest Windsurfing players of all time?
Bjorn Dunkerbeck, Robby Naish, Antoine Albeau, Daida Ruano Moreno, Iballa Ruano Moreno, Philip Köster, Stephan van den Berg, Alessandra Sensini, Lee Korzits, and Kevin Pritchard are the top 10 greatest Windsurfing players of all time. These individuals have distinguished themselves with extraordinary performances and championship wins.
Who is the most famous female Windsurfing player?
Daida Ruano Moreno is the most famous female Windsurfing player. As a multiple-time world champion, she has significantly shaped the sport and has a vast number of accolades to her name.
