The 2026 Playa Sur Wind & Waves Festival on Tenerife delivered a spectacular finale, with Team JP Australia riders delivering a series of standout performances in the powerful Canary Islands waves. The event saw Marino Gil Gherardi secure a podium finish and rising talent Anton Richter delivered breakthrough performances that have the entire team buzzing with pride.
For Marino Gil Gherardi, the Tenerife event is always the highlight of the season – and the 2026 edition did not disappoint. The Spanish wave specialist claimed third place overall, marking his third consecutive appearance in the final four. More importantly, he delivered what many called the most spectacular jumping performance of the entire men’s competition.
Marino, who grew up sailing the very waters of El Médano, used his intimate knowledge of the break to perfection. In his semi‑final heat, he landed a monstrous 9.43‑point pushloop forward – the highest‑scoring aerial move of the event across all divisions. The crowd erupted as he stomped the landing, and he followed it up with a series of powerful wave‑riding combinations that showcased his signature blend of speed and flow.
Although he narrowly missed the final showdown for the title, his bronze medal felt like a victory for the local community. Hundreds of fans lined the shore, waving Canarian flags and chanting his name after every heat. “Sailing here in front of my family and friends – that’s the real prize,” he said emotionally. “The waves gave me everything and I gave everything back.”
Anton Richter: Rising star earn team praise
While the veterans stole the headlines, we also celebrating our young talents.
Anton competing in the Pro Junior U21 division, delivered the best result of his young career. The German youngster fought his way through a highly competitive field to secure an outstanding second place, narrowly missing the title in a thrilling final heat. His jumping was particularly impressive, with multiple double forwards that drew gasps from the crowd. Anton‘s wave riding also showed remarkable maturity; he consistently found the steepest sections and connected his turns with fluid transitions that belied his age. After the final, he was seen exchanging a long embrace with his coach – a clear sign of mutual pride in a breakthrough performance. His silver medal was celebrated as the confirmation of a talent that has been building all season and his progression throughout the week – from a nervous start to a commanding finals appearance – did not go unnoticed. Back on the beach, fellow riders and support crew made a point of congratulating him personally, with several veteran team members patting him on the back and acknowledging his remarkable leap forward this season.
We heartfelt congratulate you guys again. We are just proud.
📸 // John Carter
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