UKWA Wingfoil Slalom National Championships 2023
by Hugo Dobrijevic 15 Dec 2023 22:13 NZDT
Hugo Dobrijevic wins UK Wingfoil Slalom National Championship for second time © Dave Dobrijevic /
www.instagram.com/capture_the_stoke
Hugo Dobrijevic is quite literally flying high after being crowned National Champion after winning another title in Wingfoil Slalom racing.
For anyone who is new to this sport, this involves racing downwind on a broad reach in a zig-zag pattern around four marks at speeds that would make your head spin whilst trying to keep your foil in the water and not let any of your opponents pass you.
Lucky for Hugo he's fast, really fast! Top speeds he achieved this year topped 33 knots. He wears an impact vest and helmet, and takes his safety seriously; however if you are not moving at top speed over the start line when that flag comes down you are not in the race so courage and a fearless attitude are a necessity.
The UKWA kindly hosted seven events that collectively make up the National Championships for Slalom Wingfoil racing in the UK.
Full results: results.ukwindsurfing.com/2023/slalom-rankings.html
Hugo won the championship finishing on just 4 points, winning three of the events, second in two others and ended up discarding a third place. His speed and racing skills earn from years of high level dinghy racing have equipped him with a fierce competitive edge and unmatched speed. He still competes in a 29er on the National Squad with team mate Allegra Massey.
Hugo's parents are also immensely proud as are his local community at Hayling Island Sailing club, where many have followed his competitions through the year.
Hugo also attended a World Tour event in April of 2023 at Leucate one of the first GWA WINGFOIL WORLD TOUR stops, there he went up against the best 46 male athletes from all over the world. After a tough week of racing Hugo was thrilled to have made it through to the Winners Finals and finished 14th. At just 14 and competing against adults this was just incredible.
Next year Hugo hopes to go back and push even harder as he'll be another year older and stronger.
Hugo also finished the season finishing joint first in the BKSA Wingfoil Freestyle National Championships. He was the first in the UK to 360 and 720 and he is always working on his next trick. You can follow his journey here.
Huge thanks to Hugo's sponsors for their support with the fastest Wingfoil kit on the market Nik Baker (K66) and Duotone.