The Master of the Ocean is an event like no other, combining four water sports – disciplines include surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddling (SUP) to crown one champion. Starboard Dream Team riders Zane Schweitzer and Fiona Wylde proved they had it what it takes to be crowned the ultimate waterman and waterwomen at this years 2019 Master of the Ocean event.
Fiona & Zane proved their mettle against the worlds best to take home their 3rd and 4th Master of the Ocean titles, respectively. Contestants had to fly high and surf while showing versatility, flow, style and power – all in the amazing Caribbean setting that is Cabarete, on the north shore of the Dominican Republic.
Zane’s Master of the Ocean results at a glance:
Stand Up Paddle – 1st
Shortboard Surf -1st
Windsurf – 4th
Kitesurf – 6th
Overall – 1st
MOTO Titles – 4
Fiona’s Master of the Ocean results at a glance:
Stand Up Paddle – 1st
Shortboard Surf -1st
Windsurf – 1st
Kitesurf – 2nd
Overall – 1st
MOTO Titles – 3
See more results at 2019 Master of the Oceans website.
“Wow, I guess it’s true when they say the Dominican Republic has it all! Four sports, four full competitions, 5 days. Crazy?! Maybe a little, but totally possible. The crew behind Master of the Ocean never thinks of anything less than the best. They strive to put us athletes first, and it is an honour to be part of such an event.”
~ Fiona Wylde
“After 5 days of competition, the Master Of The Ocean 2019 has wrapped up and I’m feeling super grateful to be back in the Dominican Republic and defend my title! There’s always so much good energy and great athletes around Cabarete along with the Dominican Republic, and I’m feeling grateful to once again be motivated from and learn from the athletes that tool part in this 4 discipline sports event!”
~ Zane Schweitzer
It didn’t end there for the two Starboard Dream team riders, Fiona & Zane then joined Parley for the Oceans and The DREAM Project to teach kids about swimming, surfing and plastic awareness.
“The day after the competition completed, I went to the DREAM Project, which is the Dominican Republic Education And Mentorship program and had the opportunity to talk with the children and bring them to the beach. With the help from Parley for the Oceans, Zane Schweitzer and Pedro Fernandez, a local surf pro from the DR, and I talked about the importance of keeping our beaches clean and the impact of plastics and microplastics. We did a beach clean up then got ready to go in the water to learn to surf. About six kids out of the thirty didn’t know how to swim, so I took the group that didn’t know how to swim and taught them about ocean currents, waves and introduced them to the water. In the beginning, they didn’t want to enter the water, but with some support, we went in. It was only about waist deep, but for them, it was life-changing. I had six girls hanging on to my arms, not wanting to let go. Encouraging them to trust me, I taught them how to tread water so they can rely on themselves to keep them afloat. By the end of our little session, all of the girls were dunking their heads under the waves and asked to go surfing! It was a spectacular transition and one that I am so happy to be part of! For me, it was the best part of this entire event.”
~Fiona Wylde
“We had the chance to work with the local foundation – The DREAM Project – to share our passion for ocean sports and our responsibility to become an ocean guardian with and kids from the local community. Fiona & I hosted my InZane SuperGroms kid’s clinic and beach cleanup, in collaboration with Parley For The Oceans! We had over 30 kids from the DREAM Project foundation and community, many of them learning to swim and getting in the ocean for their first time! This was the highlight of my time here seeing an overflow of emotions of happiness from these island kids experiencing the ocean and as well feeling their motivation to play a positive role in their community and environment!
Mahalo to Local pro surfer, Pedro Fernandez and fellow Starboard Dream team rider, Fiona Wylde, and the parents for volunteering your time with the kids for the day!”
~ Zane Schweitzer
