Another successful efpt season is over. In a bit strange though because the last event had to be cancelled and so we not only miss a great event in Russia but also a prize giving ceremony of the fresh European Champion.

The latest happenings in Georgia and Russia made it necessary to take this decision and cancel the last event of the tour. As one of the conflict areas is less than 500 km away from our competition place it would have been quite impropriate to hold a windsurf event. The organizers of the Black Sea Cup decided to take a break this year and called it off, they stay focused for 2009 and wish to have us back there!

Nevertheless we are proud to present the brand new EFPT and European Champion, a 24 years old crazy Spanish from Lanzarote. The dude was on and off on EFPT for the last few seasons but for this year he took it real serious and it seams to pay of. The 3rd place in Spain was a great start into the tour, after Tarifa winning 2 events, having one second place and taking the 4th place in Podersdorf which was a PWA and EFPT combo, Antxon was the first ranked EFPT rider, he stands on top!

An amazing season for him and we're quite sure that his amigos will give him a sick party at home!

Second place: Normen Gunzlein (JP/NP), 23 year old German Freestyler who is just waiting to get his turn. Also Normen's season was super successful, he won the first one in Tarifa and was leading till Podersdorf, after Austria he was on Antxons heels till the end and these two boys knew exactly how to make season exiting. Before Greece the two JP/NP riders event went to practise together on the island of Fuerteventura. The progress Normen did in the last year on tour is amazing and everyone expects very good results every time he hits the beach.

Third place goes to Nicolas Akgazcyan (Starboard/Gun Sails) from France. Also 23 years old he brings great honour to the "grande Nation". A fantastic character who is always in a good mood. With winning Vassiliki and finishing Podersdorf right after Antxon he did a great job this year. Also his second place on the last event in Turkey was important, especially because he went almost through the whole double after loosing in the single quite early. The one who stopped him in the end is the guy who owns the 2008 title.

In fourth position we have to mention Steven van Broeckhoven (F2). Belgian newcomer and definitively the "rookie of the year"!  Coming out of nowhere he ends in a top position and everyone expects this guy to go anywhere but up. An amazing start into his professional life which is outstanding and shows again the potential which lies hidden in probably every country. If this guy made a statement its: come out, go to competitions and proof yourself among the big ones - it's worth it!

But there are more to mention than just the first 4.

All these riders who take the effort to spend money, time and energy to travel Europe and show their skills in so many places are remarkable. They keep the windsurfing spirit alive and motivate people all over the continent. We said it before and we say it again: they are ambassadors of this Sport.

After all we have to admit we had a great season. Sick events in perfect places. Riders, organizers, visitors and crew enjoyed the 6th EFPT year in perfect conditions. All events were windy, every stop had a result, we spent the best time at nice spots which are dedicated and mostly influenced by the sport we love. The crazy stories of this year will be told over and over again and everyone who met the whole travelling bunch of crazy guys will never forget the time on the beach with them.

Again we thank all organizers, hotel and organization crews, sponsors, magazines, websites and all supporters who made this season possible.

We take a bow and promise to be back in 2009. If there's one thing for sure it's the motto that's alive from the first season: there's no beach out of reach.

See ya all in 2009.

Thanks for all and see ya on the water

DaMike for EFPT