A huge congratulations to F-Ones’ Zoe Trudeau for claiming the wildcard entry prize into the GWA Wingfoil World Tour! She placed third in freestyle at the St. Francis Yacht Club, putting on a show in The Bay! Read more for insights into Zoes’ wing-life!
1. Zoe, can you tell us a little about your experience competing at the STFYC event?
This was my 3rd year competing at the Wing Ding. This one of the first times I have really been in the mix with a big group of people racing. The wind was strong for the event and I had the opportunity to compete in my first GWA qualifier as well.
2. What were some of your favorite moments from the event, on or off the water?
I had a lot of fun on the water and being in the SF Bay Area. I especially enjoyed getting to see a whale out on the course although I was sure to stay clear of it. Another key moment for me was getting 1st in the silver fleet for one of my races that was so exciting. We also got to explore part of the city including the amazing food.
3.How did it feel to compete in such an iconic location like San Francisco Bay?
Competing in San Francisco Bay is unreal between the Golden Gate Bridge and its barges filtering through the bay for course racing. As well as Alcatraz and the pier for the long distance race there is so much to see from the water while in the Bay Area.
4. You won a wildcard in both racing and freestyle- congrats! Tell us a little more about your wins!
So for the GWA freestyle qualifier I practiced building a pyramid with the tricks I had and laying a foundation in my heat. I placed 3rd with the guys but I really hope we can get more girls out there competing next year. And for racing I started out a little slower and really built racing momentum throughout the weekend. By the end of the weekend I was getting good at finding the right angles with the changing wind and water in the SF bay. I placed 2nd in racing and was so graciously given the wild card from first place Erika Heineken.
5. What does receiving those wildcards mean to you as a rider at this stage in your career?
Receiving those wildcards is such an opportunity and I plan to train this summer to hopefully see how much I can improve before deciding on a location to go and compete at one of the GWA events.
6. What are your goals for the rest of the season, and looking ahead?
My goals are to expand my trick list and work on good execution especially in low end wind. I want to keep improving myself while also finding other amazing people in the community to connect and train with.
7. Do you have a favorite F-One setup for racing vs freestyle? Can you walk us through your competition quiver?
My favorite F-One set up for racing is my 105cm 16 carbon mast with my 750 skate and 141 tail piece and my 47 L Rocket Wing board and strike wings with a harness line. My favorite freestyle set up is my 85cm 16 carbon mast and 630 escape with my 47L Rocket Wing board and strike wings and a boom.
8. Anything else you’d like to share with the F-One America community?
The F-One BAKS crew has been a big help to my progress. I really appreciate all the help with gear and support. Between Bruce helping me try the plume in San Francisco and Bruce, Billy, and Nico being huge advocates for my progress. I really appreciate all that everyone does at baks to make the ambassador programs possible.