A chat with Kamil Manowiecki, Vice-World Champion in the Wingfoil Racing World Tour 2024

At just 22 years old, Kamil Manowiecki has already established himself as one of the top athletes on the Wingfoil Racing circuit. After a phenomenal 2024 season where he clinched two World Cup victories in Sardinia and Brazil, Kamil finished as Vice World Champion, coming incredibly close to the title, just 4 points behind Mathis Ghio. Known for his tactical precision and explosive performance, Kamil is also making waves with his choice of cutting-edge equipment: the Ozone Fusion, the world’s first double-surface wing. Kamil’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed, earning him the title of “Favorite Male Rider 2024” in the TotalWing Awards. While the voting sparked some controversy (and will lead us to change the rules and voting system if we organise the TotalWing Awards again – Kamil was still in 4th place before the sharp increase in the number of votes.), his results on the water speak for themselves. We sat down with Kamil to talk about his remarkable season, his journey to the top, and how Ozone’s innovative technology has shaped his performance.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

Hi Kamil! Congratulations on your win at the TotalWing Awards! Your victory came with an impressive surge in votes over just a few days, which sparked some questions within the community. Can you tell us more about what might have led to such a strong show of support in such a short time?

To start, I was also really surprised by the surge in votes, I agree that it looks suspicious, but this has nothing to do with me.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

Well, our little friendly pool is nothing compared to your result on the Wingfoil Racing 2024 circuit, where you finished Vice World Champion in Wingfoil Racing, just 4 points behind champion Mathis Ghio. Did you expect this result? How would you rate your performance this season?

Honestly, finishing as Vice World Champion exceeded my expectations! Going into the season, my goal was to consistently place in the top 5 and maybe snag a podium finish or two. To be in contention for the title right up until the final race in Brazil was incredible. I’m very happy with my performance this season.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

You’ve even won World Cups, in Sardinia and Brazil. What strategies did you put in place to excel in these competitions?

Hard work and mental focus, from my side and sponsors assured to get me the best equipment.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

Tell us a little about your journey as a rider before joining the Wingfoil Racing circuit…

I’ve been involved in watersports for most of my life. I started windsurfing at a young age and quickly developed a passion for it. I competed in many disciplines before discovering wingfoiling.

My journey as a rider before joining the Wingfoil Racing began with sailing Optimists ten years ago. I progressed to national competitions, ultimately winning the Polish Championship in 2016. This achievement marked a turning point in my career. Driven by a thirst for more dynamic experiences, I transitioned to Bic Techno the following year. Despite being new to the class, I rapidly caught up with more experienced competitors and claimed the Polish Champion title in 2017.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

Since then, I’ve consistently defended my Polish Champion title, progressing through various Olympic classes like RS:X and IQFoil. Along this path, I’ve had the privilege of representing my country at the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina in 2019, achieving the title of Vice European Champion in RS:X Youth in 2020, and a third-place finish at the Formula Foil World Championships in 2021. After two years of Olympic class training, I saw the opportunity in wingfoiling and decided to pursue it.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

You sail with the Ozone double-surface wing, can you tell us about it?

That’s right, I use the Ozone Fusion wing, which is Worlds first double-surface wing. This means it has two layers of fabric connected by internal ribs, creating a rigid profile similar to an airplane wing.  This design provides incredible stability and less air turbulences, especially in gusty conditions.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

Can you tell us what the double-surface technology has done for your performance in terms of navigation, speed, routes, etc.?

The double-skin technology has been a game-changer for my performance. The closed profile of the Fusion wing generates more speed, especially upwind.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

How do you see the 2025 season and what are your main objectives for this new year?

I’m really excited about the 2025 season! There is a lot more to come. Next year I’m going for the full tour, I’m planning to win the world title.

Photo : Robert Hajduk – Wingfoil Racing Jericoacoara

Now that’s ambition! Thank you Kamil for your answers!

Follow Kamil Manowiecki :
Instagram

More infos about Ozone :
Official Website / Facebook / Instagram

More infos on Wingfoil Racing :
Official Website / Facebook / Instagram