A legendary return: Maui Pro-Am Windsurfing draws global lineup

For the first time in over two decades, the winds of history are shifting on Maui’s north shore.

The Maui Pro-Am Windsurfing Competition is making its long-awaited return — revived and reimagined as the Aloha Classic, now the first-ever Unified PWA x IWT Pro Tour.

Forty countries spanning North America, Europe, Asia, South America and more are sending their elite riders to Hoʻokipa Beach Park to earn their way riding one of the most iconic locations for the sport.

The International Windsurfing Tour also hosts a prestigious Big Wave competition featuring four divisions — men, women, youth (under 20) and Masters (45 plus) — as well as special recognition for the All-Time Best and Annual Best rides. Athletes from around the globe submit their most impressive wave-riding photos using the hashtag #IWTBigWave on Instagram, with winners announced at the conclusion of the IWT season.

Reemerging at a time when digital storytelling drives the sports world, the IWT has embraced innovation to bring windsurfing to millions around the globe. From high-definition event coverage and social media engagement to influencer partnerships and surf-centric branding, the tour has evolved into more than just a competition — it’s a global platform.

With over 100 million views across its events, the IWT has established itself as a leader in online engagement, connecting athletes and fans through immersive content, real-time highlights, and authentic storytelling that captures the spirit of the sport.

As trade winds whipped across the water and the final sets rolled in, the Maui Pro-Am ended not just with world-class performances, but with the crowning of two new champions.

Brazil’s Marcilio Browne claimed the Men’s division title, while France’s Marine Hunter soared to the top of the Women’s. Their wins at Ho’okipa were more than personal achievements–they marked the global return of a legendary event.

Reviving the deep-rooted spirit of windsurfing on Maui, the competition brought back the energy and joy that the sport gives to the local community and athletes around the world. From its first event in 1982 to this new era, the Maui Pro-Am–now the Aloha Classic–proved that Ho’okipa still has the power to shape the sport and inspire generations to come.

What makes Maui’s north shore a mecca for wind and water sports is its close-knit community of windsurfers, kitesurfers, surfers and, more recently, wind foilers.

It’s a place where the connection between athletes, ocean and each other runs deep. Whether you’re carving through waves at Kanaha Beach Park or facing the raw power of Peʻahi (Jaws), one truth remains: the ocean is always in control.

Maui’s winds are the strongest and most consistent in Hawai’i and draw elite athletes from around the world. From Indonesia and Japan to Peru and beyond, consistency may fuel their training back home, but the moment they enter Hawaiian waters, they’re not just relying on skill, they’re facing the elements.

The currents, gusts and intensity demand respect. Training on Maui is more than just preparation — it’s a rite of passage. For those chasing a world title, a chance to sharpen their craft in Maui’s unforgiving and awe-inspiring conditions may just be the edge they need to rise to the top.