The Fly! ANA Windsurfing World Cup YOKOSUKA MIURA Japan brings some of the world’s top professional windsurfers to Tsukuihama Beach in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, from October 31 (Sat) to November 4 (Wed), 2026.

This year’s event is the final stop on the world tour for men’s and women’s foil slalom, where competitors race across the water with their boards lifted above the surface. The results will determine the season’s world champions.

Who takes the lead at the first turn? And why can the battle for fourth place be just as exciting as the fight for first?

You don’t need to be familiar with windsurfing to follow the action. Here are a few things to watch for as the world’s top athletes compete in Yokosuka.

The Final Stop in the Race for the World Title

The event is part of the Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) World Tour, where athletes compete in events around the world for annual titles in different disciplines.

The Yokosuka-Miura event is the final stop of the 2026 tour for men’s and women’s foil slalom. Results from this competition will determine the final season standings.

Beyond winning an individual race, athletes are also competing for their positions in the overall rankings.

What Is Foil Slalom?

Foil slalom is a high-speed windsurfing race in which competitors navigate a course marked by buoys, turning around them as they race toward the finish line.

The boards are fitted with a hydrofoil, a wing-like structure beneath the board. As the board picks up speed, the foil generates lift, raising the board above the surface and reducing water resistance.

One of the most striking sights is watching competitors glide at speed with their boards lifted clear of the water, almost as though they are flying over the sea.

Watching the Race: The Start and First Turn

When a race begins, watch how the competitors move from the starting line toward the first course marker.

The markers, or buoys, define the route athletes must follow. As competitors approach the first buoy, keep an eye not only on the leader but also on those closing the gap from behind.

With several athletes approaching the same turn, their choice of line and timing can change the running order.

The first turn is often a key moment in the race. Watching who emerges ahead after rounding the buoy is a simple way to follow how the contest develops.

Watching the Race: The Battle for Fourth Place

Foil slalom races are organized into a series of heats. A typical heat features eight competitors, with the top four advancing to the next round.

The format also includes seeded athletes and a second-chance round for some competitors. Multiple rounds of racing are held as conditions and time allow.

That means the action isn’t limited to the fight for first place.

Keep an eye on the athletes battling around fourth position. With a place in the next round at stake, the battle around fourth position can be especially tense.

How the Wind Shapes the Race

Wind conditions play a major role in foil slalom.

As wind speed and direction change, athletes adjust their sails and racing lines to maintain speed and negotiate turns. Different responses to the same conditions can influence how a race unfolds.

Watching how competitors carry speed into each turn offers another way to appreciate the skills involved.

Windsurfing also depends on suitable wind and sea conditions. Races may be delayed or canceled if conditions are unsuitable.

Watch the World Cup at Tsukuihama Beach

Spectators can watch the Windsurfing World Cup from Tsukuihama Beach free of charge.

The event also features activities beyond racing, including a European market, the GOKUUMA JAPAN regional food fair, and spectator boat trips. Halloween-themed decorations and free face painting are planned for Saturday, October 31.

For full event details, including activities and visitor information, see our 2026 ANA Windsurfing World Cup event guide.

Race times and schedules depend on wind and weather conditions, so check the official event website and social media channels for the latest updates before visiting.

Event Information

Event: Fly! ANA Windsurfing World Cup YOKOSUKA MIURA Japan

Dates: October 31 (Sat) – November 4 (Wed), 2026

Venue: Tsukuihama Beach, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan

Competition: Men’s and women’s foil slalom

Admission: Free (fees apply to some activities)

Access: Approximately an 8-minute walk from Tsukuihama Station on the Keikyu Kurihama Line

Official Website: ANA Windsurfing World Cup

© Fly! ANA Windsurfing World Cup Yokosuka Miura Japan