When William Aliotti first debuted the Twin Fin Invitational (TFI), the collective response was, “Damn, that looks so fun.” Now, in its third year, it’s safe to say he has turned that feeling into a lasting impression, one the invited surfers all seem to share.
The concept is simple: surfers must ride twin fins and showcase their style, flow, and creativity. Performance is judged by the surfers and filmers over the course of the week, during two days of mixed heats (men and women surfing together), and a video recap presented at the closing ceremony determines the winners.
As an official media partner of the event, SURFER will be covering and hosting the four-episode series on our YouTube.
The first episode’s theme is “Ongi etorri,” which means “welcome” in Basque. It’s an introduction to how the TFI is so much more than a contest. Its essentially an incredible expression of hospitality, cultural celebration and, of course, twin fins.
William explains, “During this event, I love to show what I love to do. That’s why we decided to go to San Sebastián on that flat day, because I love good food and this is the capital of incredible food. It was such a joy to share this with all the riders.”
Despite the early flat day, the forecast was promising for the whole week. Rather than having to force the event, the question was more so on cherry-picking the best windows for the big beach break in Zarautz. Aritz Aranburu’s Shelter Bar, located in the middle of the beautiful promenade in Zarautz, served as the headquarters for the TFI. In addition to the smorgasbord of healthy breakfasts, great coffee, delicious pintxos, and endless beers, Shelter played host to an epic welcome concert by The Currens.
Yes. Tom, Pat, and LeeAnn, held it down with a funky set that kept the bar grooving until late in the night. As a music snob, I can say that they played with passion, skill and exquisite taste. Tom and Pat switched off between playing drums and guitar, accompanying on vocals as LeeAnn led the set with her silky smooth voice and instrumental mastery.
As for the surfing, Tom said, “It’s very interesting having this event and it specializes in boards that were from the early ’70s. That means that a long time ago, they had a good idea, a very exciting idea, and that it’s good enough in 2026 that you have some of the best surfers in the world here. They’re all surfing on the fish, which used to be a knee board. You see all kinds of amazing surfing on the fish now.”
Riders represented all corners of the world, including Japan, South Africa, Australia, California, Hawai’i, Portugal, France, Tahiti, and of course, Euskadi (Basque Country). The full list included: Aritz Aranburu, Kepa Acero, William Aliotti, Ainara Aymat, Eli Beukes, Miguel Blanco, Nahia Calder, Lee-Ann Curren, Pat Curren, Tom Curren, Gatien Delahaye, Ian Fontaine, Brendon Gibbens, Ian Gottron, Alex Gray, Kepa Housset, Iñigo, Idigoras, Zoe Jackin, Maud Le-Car, Clay Marzo, Ander Mendiguren, Greyson Messier, Kaito Ohashi, Axel Oregi Rudy Palmbloom, Sam Piter, Clement Roseyro, Garazi Sanchez, Sara Taylor, Chippa Wilson, and Lili Young.
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Be sure to check out the first episode and stay tuned for the next one where the crew set off for a sneaky good day at Mundaka. Eskerrik asko / Thank you.
Related: Why Are Some of the World’s Best Freesurfers in Zarautz This Week?