APP World Tour Crowns 2024 SUP Surf World Champions at Gran Canaria Pro-Am

The 2024 Gran Canaria Pro-Am by APP World Tour, delivered a week of thrilling action, historic victories, and unforgettable performances in Gran Canaria. Argentina’s Lucia “Luchy” Cosoleto claimed her maiden Performance SUP World Title with a dominant showing, while Japan’s Taka Inoue overcame a star-studded field to secure his first Performance SUP World Championship crown. In the SUP Longboard division, France’s Benoit Carpentier captured a long-awaited world yitle, and Japan’s Kaede Inoue earned her unprecedented third consecutive championship in the category. The U21 divisions showcased emerging talent, with Enrique Perez Serra of Spain and Japan’s Sakura Inoue crowned World Champions. The Inoue siblings made history by each winning a World Title, a testament to their exceptional skills and Japan’s growing dominance in SUP, and with its iconic venues, El Lloret and La Cicer, the event reaffirmed Gran Canaria’s status as a premier destination for SUP Surfing!

(Re)Watch the full LIVE action of the 2024 Gran Canaria Pro Am here!

Lucia Cosoleto Claims Her First APP World Tour Title

Argentina’s Lucia “Luchy” Cosoleto secured her maiden World Title in the Performance SUP division with a flawless display of skill and composure. After years of near victories, Cosoleto finally ascended to the top, dominating her opponents throughout the event.

Her journey began with a commanding win over France’s Camille Dubrana in the quarterfinals. She then eliminated 2022 World Champion Kaede Inoue in a heated semifinal clash before facing rising Japanese star Sakura Inoue in the final. In challenging conditions, Cosoleto posted a solid 13.50 heat score to secure the win and her long-awaited title.

Sakura Inoue also impressed, defeating Brazilian favorite Aline Adisaka and reigning champion Iballa Moreno en route to the final. Her runner-up finish underscored her emergence as a formidable force in the sport.

Taka Inoue’s Stunning Performance Secures World Championship

Japan’s Taka Inoue delivered a masterclass to clinch the Performance SUP World Title, overcoming a field packed with talent. Inoue’s road to victory was anything but easy. He edged out Puerto Rico’s Max Torres in a closely fought quarterfinal, then triumphed over Peruvian standout Sebastian Gomez, who had posted the highest single score of the event.

In the final, Inoue faced defending champion Luiz Diniz of Brazil. With a dropping swell and rising tide, Inoue showcased his strategic wave selection and dynamic surfing style, leaving Diniz searching for scoring opportunities. The victory marked a career milestone for Inoue, who joins his siblings as major contributors to Japan’s dominance in SUP.

Benoit Carpentier Crowned SUP Longboard Champion

France’s Benoit Carpentier finally claimed his first SUP Longboard World Title after years of being at the forefront of this growing discipline. Carpentier’s campaign included a thrilling semifinal victory against Brazil’s Leo Gimenes, setting up a much-anticipated final against Taka Inoue.

Despite Inoue’s near-flawless scores throughout the event, Carpentier capitalized on clean waves at La Cicer to secure the win with a combination of smooth transitions and precise maneuvers. His victory underscores SUP longboarding’s appeal and the sport’s continued growth on the APP World Tour.

Kaede Inoue Dominates for a Third Consecutive Longboard Title

Kaede Inoue added yet another accolade to her illustrious career, capturing her third consecutive SUP Longboard World Title. Determined to bounce back after finishing third in the Performance SUP division, Inoue showcased her prowess in the longboard format, dominating Spanish up-and-comer Julieta Rodriguez in the final.
With smooth, fluid rides and consistently high scores, Inoue solidified her reputation as the queen of SUP longboarding, while her younger sister Sakura finished third, completing a remarkable family showing.

Youth Champions Shine in U21 Divisions

Spain’s Enrique Perez Serra claimed the U21 World Championship Title after a stellar performance in the boys’ division. Surfing with precision and adaptability, Perez Serra outshone France’s Kilian Burac, Lucas Winder-Dreux, and Titouan Pajot to take the crown at La Cicer.

In the U21 girls’ division, Sakura Inoue continued the Inoue family’s dominance with a commanding victory. Overcoming challenges from sister Kaede, Julieta Rodriguez, and France’s Prune Guerin, Sakura showcased critical surfing and earned the 2024 U21 World Title.

Gran Canaria Pro-Am: A Celebration of SUP

Once again, Gran Canaria provided an exceptional platform for SUP’s finest athletes. From the righthand point break at El Lloret to the ideal longboard conditions at La Cicer, the event highlighted the sport’s diversity and Gran Canaria’s world-class appeal.

With the conclusion of the 2024 Gran Canaria Pro-Am, the stage is set for an expanded APP World Tour schedule, culminating in next year’s grand finale in Las Palmas.

A heartfelt thank you to the event’s partners: Turismo de Gran Canaria, Instituto Insular de Deportes, Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Turismo de las Islas Canarias, Volkswagen, 7island Film, Poema del Mar, Waterspeed App, Red Bull, and Dunkerbeck SUP.
Stay tuned for the upcoming 2025 season announcements by the APP World Tour!

For more information on Gran Canaria Pro-Am 2024 and the APP World Tour, visit:
www.appworldtour.com