The shortboard WQS finals went down on Saturday. The “challenging” surf of the early days was banished with a fresh, fun swell filling in to level the playing field. Huge congrats to Brit riders Jobe Harriss who made the quarters and Peony Knight who made the semis.
The victors were, not entirely unsurprisingly ex-WCT surfer Claire Bevo, and up and coming Aussie Shane Campbell. Commiserations to Angelo Bonomelli who had a final of contrast. Got a 10 and an interference call… Ouch. Apparently Shane and the Aussie crew made the most of the festival at Watergate that night in celebration.
WSL PRESS RELEASE
Claire Bevilacqua and Shane Campbell have won the Boardmasters, Cornwall today in good three-to-four foot surf at Fistral beach. Competition resumed early this morning and ran through the remaining rounds of the men and women’s QS competitions to culminate with the crownings of Bevilacqua & Campbell this afternoon.
The most form surfer of the entire event, Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), 33, opened her final count with a good wave on her forehand, and performed two solid turns on the outside before wrapping things up in the shorey for a 6.83 and a commanding lead. Ariane Ochoa (EUK), 18, tried to answer quickly but failed to perform on her first couple of attempts.
The young Basque didn’t lose faith and continued to scour the lineup for better opportunities, picking a nice right-hander as well to perform three solid backhand hacks for a 6.90, placing her right back in the game. In the meantime, Bevilacqua found another good wave for a 6.00 to extend her lead. Despite multiple efforts from Ochoa, Bevilacqua had built a sufficient lead and walked away with the win.
“I’m just really in disbelief, this whole week is gone so fast, we had beautiful weather and good waves and yeah I’m super happy, this is a dream and I love England, I can’t wait to come back !” an ecstatic Bevilacqua stated. “I’m going to compete in the European leg, this is a bit of a working vacation to see how I went and how it felt to come back on tour with a new approach and no pressure.”
“I’ve felt really good leading up to this event, I’ve been training and I’m just feeling really strong and confident in my surfing so I figured why not give it a go and try to make some points and money !” she continued. “I’m doing this for fun, I love surfing with the younger girls they push me and make me try really hard, it’s just all really positive.”
With her excellent runner-up spot today, and an event win previously achieved in Galicia, Ochoa continues to climb through the ranks and takes pole position in the European title race, overtaking compatriot Garazi Sanchez-Ortun (EUK) in the process.
“I’m super happy but I really wanted to catch that one wave I was missing,” she reflected. “Sometimes things don’t go your way and that’s just the game, but I’m super pleased with my result. It has been a really good week with my sister and her boyfriend supporting me every day. I’m loving it here. Hats off to Claire, she ripped the whole event so she deserved it !” Peony Knight (GBR), 18, claimed the host country’s best result today, with an excellent equal 3rd finish, falling just short of her season’s second final appearance. The young junior with an already solid resume on her local and national tours is quickly improving and could become Britain’s new threat in future seasons.
“I’m really happy, conditions were tricky and I had a really tough draw so I’m pleased with that result,” she commented. “I’m starting off this season well and we have a few more comps coming this summer so it’s a bit of a confidence boost and I’m going to just go for it now.”
In the men’s event, a busy start to the big final saw Shane Campbell (AUS), 21, and Angelo Bonomelli (ITA), 25, exchange a lot of waves right off the buzzer. The Australian, Campbell, got the edge with a 6.33 over Bonomelli low score and took an early lead.
With about ten minutes remaining in the battle, the Italian started on a wave as Campbell with priority opted to go as well, and was given a interference as judges deemed he altered his opponent’s wave scoring potential. With only one score then counted in his total, Bonomelli’s chances for the win were instantly reduced to none.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Bonomelli continued to surf and started on a long left-hander he absolutely destroyed with speed, power and flow, claiming the first and only perfect 10 point ride of the event.
Campbell improved his own situation with solid surfing on his forehand and finally claimed the Boardmasters title as the final horn sounded.
“There’s no better feeling, this is my first QS win and I’m really stoked, I haven’t even made the quarters on the QS before so to get into the man-on-man rounds and win is amazing,” he said. “It’s unfortunate what happened in the final, you never want to win or lose on an interference, and when it happened I thought it could go either way. I’m with the whole Australian crew here and we’re going to go out and celebrate at the festival tonight !”
The unfortunate Italian, Bonomelli claims a career-highest second place result in Newquay, and will be looking to keep the ball rolling as he heads to France for the next two QS events of the region’s summer leg.
“It’s really emotional to get to my first ever final, especially considering the general level in this event everyone surfed so well,” he commented. “I had a lot of fun, and even though I’m obviously disappointed about losing this way, but the scores I got are really encouraging and I hope I can continue and avoid this kind of mistake in the future..”
Men’s European QS: (post Boardmasters, Cornwall)
1 – Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY)
2 – Jorgann Couzinet (REU)
3 – Gony Zubizarreta (ESP)
4 – Andy Criere (FRA)
5 – Pedro Henrique (PRT)
The Boardmasters, Cornwall are scheduled from August 10-14, 2016 at Fistral Beach, Cornwall – England. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to worldsurfleague.com.
The Boardmasters, Cornwall are supported by Surfers Against Sewage, Carve Mag, Corona, Relentless, Cornish Orchid, The Stable and MagicSeaWeed among others.
There’s an eerie calm in Newquay this morning. The Boardmasters is done for another year. Surf contests have been battled. Bands have been danced to. Hangovers may still be ongoing.
The longboarding finished up the event on Sunday with a perfect beach day and fun little waves on offer for the WSL longboarders. After a hard fought day the honours went to Alice Lemoigne and Edouardo Delpero. The top placed Brits were Adam Griffiths who made the semis and Emily Currie who made the quarters. Congrats to all it was a wonderful day’s surfing and a perfect end to another great event.
WSL Press Release
Alice Lemoigne and Edouard Delpero have won the Boardmasters, Cornwall today in clean two foot surf at Fistral beach in front of a packed beach coming to enjoy a picture-perfect summer day.
Reigning World Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA), 18, opened her final count with a near-perfect wave of 9.33 for a long right-hander and multiple gracious nose rides all the way into the beach. Newly crowned 3-time European Champion Alice Lemoigne (REU), 19, took the first wave of the same set, a bigger wave but not as clean with more crumbling sections, not allowing her to fully exploit the clean wave face, for a 7.67.
The fading swell still regularly produced sets as Lemoigne quickly got another opportunity and surfed a very similar wave for another 7.50 and the lead over the American. Not content with her current situation, the French surfer from Reunion Island kept building house, with an excellent 8.83 to further apply pressure on her opponent. Despite multiple efforts, Tilly’s campaign to backup her 9 was vain and Lemoigne added another victory to her solid resume.
“This has been an incredible day, I could have never imagined it to turn out that way,” an ecstatic Lemoigne stated. “I got some good scores along the way and it’s really comforting for the rest of the season. I love coming here every year, we never have such an audience for a longboard event and it’s really cool to see all those people enjoying our show.”
Earlier today, Lemoigne survived a tense battle against good friend and fellow Reunion Island surfer Victoria Vergara in their semifinal matchup, cementing her regional rankings lead to claim her third European Longboard Champion Title.
“To clinch a third European title is absolutely unbelievable, it shows that all the work, the training, the efforts are not in vain,” she added. “ I can’t thank enough my sponsor Daddy Seal that shapes me incredible boards, my trainer, my parents and my boyfriend who support me so much.”
Californian Tilly fell just short of finding a good enough back-up score in the final and takes the runner-up spot. With a win earlier this season in Galicia, the reigning World Longboard Champion completes a fruitful European campaign and will try to keep her momentum going towards her next events on the world stage.
“It’s been a great time competing over here in Europe, I definitely I could have taken this one out as well but Alice surfed great, I was happy to at least post a 9 and put on a good show,” she reflected. “I’ll definitely be coming back next year, these events were really great ran and I look forward to it.”
In the men’s final, Emilien Fleury (FRA), 31, and Edouard Delpero (FRA), 26, got into multiple back-to-back waves and exchanged big scores for most of the final, both threading long nose rides and exploiting every little section with clean drop knee carves.
Delpero made a move for the win with a solid 8.97 on the ten-minute mark as Fleury kept very busy in the lineup, trying to find an equally great ride to try to clinch a maiden event win. Unfortunately opportunities got scarce and ultimately Delpero was carried up the beach, victorious for the first time this season. Delpero had previously dispatched of older brother and 2016 European Champion Antoine in an epic semifinal clash.
“I’m so happy to win here again today, I managed to beat my brother for the first time this year and to surf that final against one of my best mates in a man-on-man heat was incredible,” he stated. “All our European crew has been surfing so well this year again and we’re all super motivated to do well at the World final at the end of the year !”
Fleury with the runner-up position today nets his best result since 2013 when he reached the final of the Real B Voice Pro Longboard in Japan. Unable to find the best waves in the final, Fleury had however been the form surfer all-week, claiming both the highest combined heat total and single wave score of the entire event.
“It got tough by the end there with the high tide and a lot less sets than before, I wish I could have gotten better waves cause I was so close to win an event finally,” he admitted. “Edouard is so strong, especially when it comes to the finals, he chose better waves and deserved to win. I’m still extremely happy with my performance this week and this really motivates me to fight for the title next year and try to put a stop to the Delpero’s supremacy !”
Today’s results cement Delpero’s second place overall in the European rankings and propels Fleury up to second ahead of Ben Skinner.
Newquay local Adam Griffiths (GBR), 28, claimed Britain’s best result today at Fistral with an excellent equal third place as his great run at the Boardmasters was halted by Fleury in the semis. He had previously eliminated good friend and fellow Cornish surfer Skinner in their quarterfinal matchup.
“I’m really stoked with the third place today, it’s my first event of the year as I had a couple of injuries keeping me out of the water this year I didn’t have too much luck,” he analyzed. “I had a really good heat with Skindog earlier today, it’s always nice to beat him, we’ve been traveling and competing together for ages and he normally beats me.”
The musical side of the Boardmasters Festival will also conclude tonight at Watergate Bay with one last night of festivities. More information on the full festival lineup at boardmasters.co.uk.
Following the completion of the Boardmasters, Cornwall this week, surfers will now move on to South-West France for the upcoming Men & Women’s QS1,000 Médoc Océan Lacanau Pro from August 16-21.
Longboarders have now completed their four European events of the 2016 season and will look forward to representing their region at the Jeep World Longboard Championship, China presented by Wanning next December.
Final Men’s European LQS Rankings:
1 – Antoine Delpero (FRA) *** European Champion
2 – Edouard Delpero (FRA)
3 – Emilien Fleury (FRA)
4 – Ben Skinner (GBR)
5 – Martin Coret (REU)
Final Women’s European LQS Rankings:
1 – Alice Lemoigne (REU) *** European Champion
2 – Victoria Vergara (FRA)
3 – Carole Lormant (FRA)
4 – Kathleen Barrigao (PRT)
5 – Francesca Rubegni (ITA)
The Boardmasters, Cornwall are scheduled from August 10-14, 2016 at Fistral Beach, Cornwall – England. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to worldsurfleague.com.
The Boardmasters, Cornwall are supported by Surfers Against Sewage, Carve Mag, Corona, Relentless, Cornish Orchid, The Stable and MagicSeaWeed among others.
FISTRAL BEACH, Cornwall – England (Friday, August 12, 2016) – It was an all-women day at the Boardmasters, Cornwall on Day 3 of the event’s waiting period, with both QS and longboard athletes taking on the wind-affected one-to-two foot surf at North Fistral.
Shortboarders first took action to complete the third round of competition and decide the event’s quarterfinalists that will battle for the 2016 Boardmasters title when competition resumes tomorrow.
Claire Bevilacqua (AUS), 33, continued to progress through the rounds with ease, displaying her powerful and stylish brand of surfing and will be the number one threat on finals day Saturday.
Barbados up-and-comer Chelsea Roett, 21, was another standout in today’s QS action, taking out her Round 3 bout ahead of European form surfer Ariane Ochoa (EUK). Advancing through to the quarters, Roett has insured she will at least equal her best result so far this season, an excellent fifth place at the Shoe City Pro.
“I needed one more result to finish my QS campaign so I’m hoping to do well here, everybody’s surfing really good here and the waves are challenging so I’ll try my best and hopefully be a little lucky to get through a couple more heats,” she said. “I love how beautiful Newquay is, I’ve passed through on my way to France and Portugal before but this is my first time surfing in England and I’m enjoying it. I’ll try to see a few different places when the contest is finished as well.”
Women longboarders then finally came into play at Fistral for the opening two rounds of competition, deciding the final eight surfers in contention for the prestigious Boardmasters title.
Reigning Women’s World Champion Rachael Tilly (USA), 18, launched her assault in the British waters and performed her signature gracious nose rides in the fading swell. Tilly picked up the right waves and belted the day’s highest single score, an excellent 8.17 out of a possible 10. The Californian, who already claimed an event win in Europe a few weeks ago at the Pro A Coruña will look to confirm her supremacy when finals day arrives Sunday.
“It was pretty fun if you’re able to pick the right waves, unfortunately a lot of them were dying quickly as we’re approaching the high tide,” she analyzed. “I always feel the pressure to perform, I want to do well and hopefully give everyone else a good show as well. I love it here, exactly how I imagined England would be with all the greenery, the cliffs and I’ve been having a really great time.”
Californian compatriot and former World Champion herself Lindsay Steinriede (USA), 31, also powered her way through to the quarters, in a similar fashion and with high scores in her earlier round. Steinriede alongside Tilly will look to play spoilers to the European title race as she will be facing one of the two surfers in contention on finals day.
“It’s my first time in England and I find it really beautiful, I knew the waves would be somewhat challenging but I’m still having a great time,” she stated. “It was great to get the two rounds out of the way and back-to-back so we could stay focused, warm and active.”
European rankings leader Victoria Vergara (FRA), 22, survived a tricky opening round matchup in the dying swell and kept her hopes of a maiden regional title alive. Pressure’s on for the Reunion Island native who will need to advance into the semis and finish at least one round ahead of her direct opponent, reigning European Champion Alice Lemoigne (REU).
“I’m really happy to have escaped that round, this event is extremely important for me as I’m currently in the lead and I’m super motivated to try to win the European title so there’s no room for error.” she commented. “The first round stress is out of the way and we’re expecting good conditions for the finals Sunday so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Today marks the official launch of the main music festival at Watergate Bay which will bring together thousands of music and party enthusiasts for three days of LIVE acts in the pristine set up overlooking the ocean. More information on the full festival lineup at boardmasters.co.uk.
Organizers will welcome men and women QS competitors at 8:30AM Saturday for what could be their final day of competition, while longboarders will have a day to rest before the big finals on Sunday.
The Boardmasters, Cornwall are scheduled from August 10-14, 2016 at Fistral Beach, Cornwall – England. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to worldsurfleague.com.
The Boardmasters, Cornwall are supported by Surfers Against Sewage, Carve Mag, Corona, Relentless, Cornish Orchid, The Stable and MagicSeaWeed among others.
UPCOMING BOARDMASTERS WOMEN’S QS QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS:
QF 1: Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) vs. Lucy Campbell (GBR)
QF 2: Ainara Aymat (EUK) vs. Reika Noro (JPN)
QF 3: Denver Young (AUS) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK)
QF 4: Peony Knight (GBR) vs. Chelsea Roett (BRB)
UPCOMING BOARDMASTERS MEN’S LQS QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS:
QF 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Adam Griffith (GBR)
QF 2: Emilien Fleury (FRA) vs. Josh Le Marquand (JEY)
QF 3: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Ben Howey (GBR)
QF 4: Sam Bleakley (GBR) vs. Antoine Delpero (FRA)
The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continued today. Competition ran through the remaining heats of Round 2 followed by the opening four heats of Round 3 before being called off as conditions deteriorated. The WSL Top 34 battled to avoid early elimination in three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf at Jeffreys Bay. Top seeds dominated the day’s action, winning eight of the twelve match-ups.
Jordy Smith (ZAF) was the day’s top performer and commanded his Round 3 heat. The home-town hero stormed through his match-up against Kolohe Andino (USA) with an 18.20 heat total. Smith used his experience at Jeffreys Bay to find back-to-back excellent rides that earned him an 8.70 and 9.50 and a place in Round 4. Andino was left in a combination situation and leaves the competition in 13th place.
“I’m just so happy to be home and surfing good waves — it’s been absolutely firing,” said Smith. “There’s a lot of history here for me so it definitely brings up a lot of emotions. I’m just going to stick to the same things I’ve been doing. Just surf, wait for the good ones, and have fun with it. That’s it really.”
Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) also posted big scores and gave an impressive performance in Round 2. Dantas built his scoreline steadily throughout the heat, finishing with a near-perfect 9.50 to net an excellent 18.27 two-wave heat total and the win over compatriot Jadson Andre (BRA). Dantas will surf in Round 3 when competition continues while Andre is eliminated in 25th place despite a strong showing.
“I knew it was pumping and I had priority so I just tried to get the next wave and get a good score,” said Dantas. “I felt comfortable and had fun surfing J-Bay with two guys in the water. I put everything into the wave. It’s hard surfing against Jadson. He’s a friend of mine, but a heat’s a heat and there are no friends in the water when you compete.”
John John Florence (HAW) and Dusty Payne (HAW) went head-to-head in an all Hawaiian match-up in Round 3 Heat 2. With Florence chasing a World Title and Payne fighting for requalification the pair battled for the advantage. Payne kept busy catching nines waves, but Florence took the win by just 0.90 thanks to an 8.33 on his third wave and moves on to Round 4.
Payne, who leaves the contest in 13th place, previously posted the highest single-wave score of event so far, a near-perfect 9.77, in his Round 2 heat against Stuart Kennedy (AUS).
Josh Kerr (AUS) showed variety and flair in this Round 2 heat against Jack Freestone (AUS) and an excellent 8.23 at the midway point gave him a solid lead over his compatriot. Kerr followed this with a technical stalefish reverse aerial maneuver for 6.27 and finished with a near-perfect 9.23 to seal the win and his place in Round 3.
“I had a frustrating heat yesterday,” said Kerr. “Today I was so excited — the sun’s out and it’s warmed up. It’s about as rippable as J-Bay gets out there. It definitely zaps you with no jet ski assist, especially when you want to take chances on waves and catch a lot and make some scores happen. You come in pretty tired, especially with 35-minute heats. When you don’t have those howling offshores and it’s pretty buttery out there you can do whatever you want to do — some big turns or airs, it’s pretty fun.”
Kerr’s excellent run of form continued in Round 3 when he eliminated current No. 4 on the Jeep Leaderboard ItaloFerreira (BRA) in Heat 3. Kerr wowed with crowd with more aerial antics to net a 16.40 two-wave heat total and secure his place in Round 4.
Two-time event winner and 2012 WSL Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS) took on Matt Banting (AUS) in Round 2 Heat 7. Parkinson opened up strong with with a 7.67. Despite two good scores from Banting, Parkinson found a 7.50 to back up his opening score and take the lead, leaving his compatriot in need of an excellent 8.67. Parkinson moves on to Round 3 and Banting takes home his third 25th-place-finish of the season.
“I was really pleased to surf early this morning because conditions were great,” said Parkinson. “I’m feeling almost 100% again and am improving every day. I love J-Bay so it’s great to be back here.”
Alejo Muniz (BRA), three-time Quarterfinalist at the J-Bay Open, found two long waves to eliminate Nat Young (USA) in Round 2. Young was the busier of the two surfers, riding nine waves to Muniz’ four, but could not match the Brazilian’s top two scores and leaves the competition in 25th place.
“Yesterday I had a little bit of a shocker in my heat,” said Muniz. “I was really excited to go out and be in a heat with Conner (Coffin) and Mick (Fanning) , which I think are the best two guys out here. I was just too excited and didn’t stay calm so today I wanted to fix that and take off on the good waves and try to do my best. There’s a little bit of pain in my knee still. It’s cold in the mornings here, which is why I didn’t surf before my heat, so I could rest.”
“Whenever you’re sitting out there in second place with the time winding down all you want is the opportunity,” said Young. “I got the opportunity but the wave wasn’t all that good with a flat spot in the middle of it. It’s definitely a bummer for me. It’s a long journey and to lose that first round is tough. I feel lately I’ve been so dedicated and I feel like I do everything I can to make it through heats, so it’s a bummer when you put in all that work and come up short, but there’s the next contest.”
Michel Bourez (PYF) dispatched 2016 WSL Rookie Ryan Callinan (AUS) in a close battle in the opening heat of the day. The rookie held control for a majority of the heat with a 12.90 heat score, but an excellent 8.40 ride at the buzzer pushed Bourez into the lead to earn a spot in Round 3.
“It was kind of stressful out there,” Bourez said. “I was waiting for that last one. I let Ryan go on that small wave and I knew he was going to get the good score. I knew the set was breaking wider than it was supposed to do and it worked out. I don’t really get good results in cold waters so I feel like it is hard for my body to get used to it. At the end of the day, J-Bay is the best place and it is just beautiful.”
Adam Melling (AUS) stole a win from 2016 WSL Rookie Connor Coffin (USA) with some last-minute heroics in Round 2 Heat 9. Coffin held the lead through most of heat with a 14.67 heat total, but a score of 6.93 from Melling at the end of the bout saw him claim his place in Round 3 by just 0.19 points. Coffin is eliminated in 25th place.
“It was a pretty hectic heat,” said Melling. “He got the first wave, which I thought looked really nice, but my one doubled up pretty nice and I’m pretty happy to get the score there. It was a bit of a tricky one because I hadn’t really surfed much before I came here. I love right-hand points and that’s what I grew up on so I feel pretty confident out there.My ankle is playing on my mind a bit but it’s good to get through that heat.”
“Going forward I’ll be mixing it up a bit, not doing the same maneuver,” said Coffin. “It sucks losing at J-Bay. Fiji and J-Bay were the two events I was looking forward to. You have to try and learn from all your results but it’s also important not to think about it too much. You surf the way you surf.”
The final heat of the day saw 11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) dispatch Adrian Buchan (AUS) with an early score of 6.33 on the best wave of the heat. Slater advances on to Round 4 while Buchan is eliminated in 13th place.
“It was a tough heat for both of us because the wind sprung up early on,” said Slater. “I was fortunate that I was in the right position early in the heat to pick off the best wave. That was the difference between winning and losing.”
Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:
Fading, but fun size, SW swell mix prevails Thursday as wind backs down (and turns side/onshore in the afternoon). A potentially larger SW swell could move in for the weekend, although wind conditions do look more problematic with at least some periods of onshore flow. We’ll be watching for a fun size swell around mid next week, with potential for larger swell during the final weekend of the waiting period.
J-Bay Open Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.47 def. Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.93 Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.27 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 11.77 Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.54 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 14.34 Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 3.87 Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.07 def. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.90 Heat 6: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.27 def. Nat Young (USA) 12.93 Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.17 def. Matt Banting (AUS) 12.17 Heat 8: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 18.27 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 17.13 Heat 9: Adam Melling (AUS) 14.86 def. Conner Coffin (USA) 14.67 Heat 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.67 def Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.44 Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) 18.06 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 15.26 Heat 12: Dusty Payne (HAW) 17.47 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 11.44
J-Bay Open Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18.20 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.10 Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 14.83 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 13.93 Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.40 def. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.20 Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 11.73 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 5.20
J-Bay Open Upcoming Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 5: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF) Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS) Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS) Heat 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA) Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (USA) Heat 11: Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) Heat 12: Adriano De Souza (BRA) vs. Davey Cathels (AUS)
You’d be forgiven for not noticing the J-Bay comp started today with the news in a constant tailspin at the moment. There’s just too much happening. Huge news stories are struggling to get noticed as history stumbles onwards. But. Surfing is a solace. Sure you might consider it sticking your head in the sand while the world goes to hell in a hand basket but it’s probably wise.
There’s been some good surfing going down today at the bay of Jeffrey. Some favourites did as expected, Jordy, Slater, Medina and the keenly watched, lightly injured, Mick Fanning zipped up the round one heats neatly.
JJF, Parko and Wilko didn’t. But Wilko lives to fight another day as he squeezed through a ridiculously low scoring round two heat that was there for the local wildcard Steve Sawyer’s taking. But the ocean had other ideas. JJF had to bounce back from being pipped by a grom in round one, a notch in the belt for Kanoa Igarashi, but again JJF brought his A-game in round two nailing one of the best waves of the day. Flip Toledo also looked particularly lethal in Rd2…
All in all it was a welcome diversion from real life. Which in the end is what makes surfing so great. Whether you doing it or watching it you can just unplug your mind from the world and enjoy the dance … for a while at least.
The J-Bay Open, Stop No. 6 on the 2016 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), commenced today and the world’s best surfers took to the water for a full day of exciting action at Jeffreys Bay. Competition ran through Round 1 and the opening four heats of Round 2, and the WSL Top 34 battled for a place in Round 3 in building three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf.
All eyes were on three-time WSL Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) who surfed in the opening heat of the day — his first heat at Jeffreys Bay since the dramatic J-Bay Open Final last year where he was attacked on live television by what is believed to be a 12-to-15-foot Great White Shark. Despite suffering an ankle injury during a freesurf last week, Fanning looked confident and claimed a solid victory over Alejo Muniz (BRA) and Conner Coffin (USA). Fanning found a classic Jeffreys Bay wave, one of the longest rides of the day, for a 7.50 to secure his win, while his opponents were unable to find the back-up scores required to challenge the Australian.
“It’s been a big week actually,” said Fanning. “I got here early but then hurt my ankle so had to sit on the sidelines and watch the amazing waves go through. The medical staff have worked wonders and I’ve got it taped up. I feel good when I’m up and riding and each day my ankle gets better and better. It’s great to get back out there.”
Julian Wilson (AUS) looked untouchable in the penultimate heat of Round 1 and delivered the day’s biggest scores. Wilson showed skillful wave selection and earned two excellent nine-point rides for a combination of barrels and carves. His near-perfect 18.77 heat total sees him move directly to Round 3, while his opponents Nat Young (USA) and Jack Freestone (AUS) will surf again in elimination Round 2 when competition resumes.
“It’s so nice out there today, there’s plenty of swell on the opening day and it’s incredible to be back,” said Wilson. “It’s one of the best heats I’ve had all year and the conditions are really nice. I’m just enjoying the waves here and it feels good to have a strong heat.”
Another of the day’s top performances came from replacement surfer Sebastian Zietz (HAW). A huge opening score (a 9.17) from Zietz gave him an early lead over Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Michel Bourez (PYF) in the final heat of Round 1. The Hawaiian quickly found an excellent back-up score for an impressive combination of attacking carves and left his opponents searching for opportunities.
“I am excited to be here in J-Bay and make it out of that heat,” said Zietz. “My boards were feeling good and after Fiji I got down here early to get my feet in the wax. I’m stoked to advance to Round 3 and excited to catch more waves.”
2016 CT Rookies Davey Cathels (AUS) and Kanoa Igarashi (USA) delivered big upsets today, both winning through their Round 1 heats and advancing directly to Round 3.
Cathels defeated No. 1 on the Jeep Leaderboard Matt Wilkinson (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 6, sending him to elimination Round 2. Cathels managed to manufacture an 11.33 two-wave heat total to edge out Wilkinson and wildcard Steven Sawyer (ZAF) and claim an important Round 1 win.
“This is an event that I’ve always watched and wanted to come and compete at,” said Cathels. “It’s great to be here and really fun. Wilkinson is always so good out here and he’s having a hell of year so it feels good to get that win.”
Wilkinson went on to win through Round 2, defeating Sawyer in a close-fought battle. The South African finishes the event in equal 25th place and Wilkinson will advance on to Round 3. Wilkinson’s victory will see him retain the Jeep Leader Jersey heading into the next event on the CT, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.
“That was a super tricky heat,” said Wilkinson. “I’m lucky I can keep this jersey. I was so excited out there but I kept falling, so luckily I got through it. I’m excited to keep that jersey and excited to make it through.”
“It’s definitely a setback being ill, but it wouldn’t have changed the end result I don’t think,” Sawyer said. “I was falling and doing silly things out there. I was just waiting for that bomb but was uncomfortable on the waves I got. It’s bit of a bummer because I know I could have done it but I’ll have to come back next year.”
Igarashi caused another upset, defeating John John Florence (HAW) and Keanu Asing (HAW) in Round 1 Heat 3. It was a polished performance from the rookie who asserted himself early on in the heat with an excellent 8.17 for multiple tube rides. Igarashi, who showed no nerves taking on Florence, backed up his score with 7.47, leaving his Hawaiian opponents searching for scores.
“I’ve been here for six days now and I’ve just been surfing as much as I can,” Igarashi said. “I have a lot of experience around me, which probably helps me get more experience that I was lacking before. I feel like I haven’t been able to do my best surfing this year yet and I want to show what I can do in good waves like this. I’ve been having a good time, my boards are feeling good and I’m learning a lot so I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
Florence recovered from his Round 1 loss by storming to victory in Round 2 Heat 2 against Alex Ribeiro (BRA). Just two waves from the Hawaiian were enough for him to build a 17.27 heat total and advance to Round 3.
“The first time I came to J-Bay I think I was 12 or 13-years old,” Florence said. “I’ve been coming here every year since. This is one of my favorite places in the world. Going into Round 2 is always pretty stressful, but I am stoked because the waves are firing right now. It is a little less windy than it was this morning and I am excited that there are waves. It is fun to get some nice, open-faced waves.”
Current World No. 2 Gabriel Medina (BRA) was in top form, winning through his Round 1 heat with a 17.27 heat total. Medina kept busy throughout the 35 minute bout and dominated from start to finish. A combination of powerful turns and high-risk maneuvers earned the 2014 WSL Champion an excellent 9.10 and the win. Dusty Payne (HAW) and Ribeiro were both left in a combination situation and sent to Round 2.
“I like J-Bay. It is a tricky wave, but at the same time it is good,” Medina said. “I found a good board and tried to go for the set waves. I am feeling good. After Fiji I have not been surfing and that was my second surf, so it feels good to surf well and make the heat.”
Jordy Smith (ZAF) looked fired up for his first heat at Jeffreys Bay. The two-time event winner and lone South African on the men’s CT pulled together an impressive combination of maneuvers to find two excellent scores – an 8.10 and 8.33. Despite a near-perfect 9.27 from opponent Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Smith took the win, sending Dantas and Adam Melling (AUS) to Round 2.
“You really have to surf out of your skin at J-Bay to get good scores,” said Smith. “It was a great heat and there were lot of opportunities. Last year I didn’t really get the opportunity to surf my best so it feels good to be back. It’s incredible to be home and have the crowd behind me. Every time you do a big turn you hear the crowd erupt and it feels great — it’s good to be home.”
11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) defeated Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Matt Banting (AUS) in Round 1 Heat 7 and will advance directly to Round 3.
“Jeffreys Bay is so special because there aren’t many pointbreaks that barrel like here,” said Slater. “In that heat, I was just trying to find anything to give me a score. I did have a couple of good waves early, but it is tough out there with the bump on the face and the high wind gusts. I probably could have maximized a couple of other waves earlier in the heat and not put the stress on myself. I am super happy to win that heat and have another day to get acclimated and used to my boards and the waves.”
Toledo went on to storm through his Round 2 heat by taking to the air and netting an impressive 16.54 heat total to eliminate Kai Otton (AUS) from the competition.
“I’ve really been working a lot and trying to improve at places like J-Bay,” said Toledo. “I’m super excited to be here and surfing in perfect waves like this. I’m really happy. Surfers like me love to do airs and crazy maneuvers, but I know if I want to be a world champ I have to improve my other types of surfing like barrels.”
Reigning WSL Champion Adriano de Souza (BRA) also won through Round 1 to secure his place in Round 3. De Souza defeated Otton and Josh Kerr (AUS) in Heat 4.
“Before the event started, I saw the forecast and I’ve surfed this wave so much over the past ten days,” De Souza said. “I’ve been learning a lot here and know I need to apply what I’ve been doing in the last few weeks. I am happy to move on. It was a tricky heat against Kai and Josh, as they both have an amazing history here at J-Bay.”
Surfline, official forecaster for the World Surf League, are calling for:
Medium size SW swell mix prevails Wednesday along with very strong offshore flow, before trending down Thursday and into Friday morning as wind eases significantly. A potentially larger SW swell could move in for the weekend of the 9th-10th, although wind conditions do look more problematic with at least some periods of onshore flow. At this point the early to middle part of next week looks pretty slow, with some fun to possibly mid size SW swell around the last three days of the waiting period.
J-Bay Open Round 1 Results: Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.67, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.80, Conner Coffin (USA) 9.97 Heat 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.33, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.06, Ryan Callinan (AUS) 8.43 Heat 3: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 15.64, John John Florence (HAW) 13.24, Keanu Asing (HAW) 12.60 Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.76, Kai Otton (AUS) 10.80, Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.00 Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.27, Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.77, Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 12.27 Heat 6: Davey Cathels (AUS) 11.33, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.33, Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.43 Heat 7: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.26, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 12.00, Matt Banting (AUS) 9.43 Heat 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.16, Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.66, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.50 Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.43, Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 15.10, Adam Melling (AUS) 9.40 Heat 10: Caio Ibelli (BRA) 15.26, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.60, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.90 Heat 11: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.77, Jack Freestone (AUS) 10.17, Nat Young (USA) 7.50 Heat 12: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 17.90, Michel Bourez (PYF) 9.90, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 9.74
J-Bay Open Round 2 Results: Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.47 def. Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 7.93 Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.27 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 11.77 Heat 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.54 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 14.34
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50 def. Keanu Asing (HAW) 3.87
J-Bay Open Round 2 Upcoming Match-Ups: Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS) Heat 6: Nat Young (USA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Matt Banting (AUS) Heat 8: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA) Heat 9: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS) Heat 10: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA) Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS) Heat 12: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Stuart Kennedy (AUS)
Grant “Twiggy” Baker (ZAF) claimed victory today at the Puerto Escondido Challenge, besting a field of 24 of the world’s best big wave surfers in towering 20-to-35 foot surf off the coast of Mainland Mexico’s Puerto Escondido.
The first event of the 2016/17 World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour (BWT), the Puerto Escondido Challenge, tested the top big wave chargers with enormous and difficult beachbreak conditions. A solid swell from the South Pacific delivered massive surf over two days for the inaugural BWT event at the exceptionally powerful beachbreak known as “The Mexican Pipeline.”
Baker, 2013/14 BWT Champion, put on a stunning performance in Mexico, storming to victory in the Semifinals before his impressive showing in the Final.
“Yesterday was pretty difficult out there so I didn’t have a great heat but I made it through,” said Baker. “This morning when I woke up and saw it was my favorite size for Puerto and I was so happy.”
The South African showcased technical and precise surfing throughout the Final. Baker captured early control over the field and continued to solidify his lead with incredible rides. Baker locked in multiple excellent-range scores, but it was the perfect 10.00 awarded for escaping a massive tube that cemented his victory. Baker’s final combined score was an impressive 27.50 out of a possible 30.
“I’ve been coming here for 20 years and I love it,” continued Baker. “The waves are amazing and I want to thank all the locals for being so hospitable and making us feel so welcome. To my wife and baby at home, this one’s for you.”
Baker came into the event as an injury wildcard and his winning performance will kick off his 2016/17 BWT Title campaign with 12,500 points and first place on the BWT rankings.
Baker’s fellow finalists represented elite competitors of the big wave community, including Greg Long (USA), Pedro Calado (BRA), Carlos Burle (BRA), Will Skudin (USA) andMakuakai Rothman (HAW).
Greg Long (USA), two-time BWT Champion, captured second place at the event. Long’s chances were in doubt during the Semifinals when he had yet to catch a wave with five minutes left in the hour-long heat, but his experience at Puerto Escondido let him catch a single excellent-range wave at the last minute which was enough to put him through to the Final over other competitors with two lesser rides. Long’s runner up finish in the Final puts him in 2nd on the leaderboard and in position to defend his existing WSL Big Wave Title.
“I am happy with my result here in Puerto Escondido,” Long said. “I had a couple of really fun waves. I had to work hard for them, but it was worth it. I have a special place in my heart for Puerto Escondido. I came down here for the first time when I was 17-years-old and I am 33 now and I have literally not missed a big swell. This event was pretty spectacular by all accounts and one of the top days I’ve ever surfed.”
Pedro Calado (BRA) charged throughout the contest to capture the third place position. The young Brazilian cemented his reputation as the best teenage big wave surfer in the world, demonstrating commitment and fearlessness as he charged through heavy barrels and dispatched top-seeded competitors.
2009/10 BWT Champion Carlos Burle (BRA) rode three waves in the Final for a 16.87 heat total and fourth place.
Will Skudin (USA) finished in fifth place with a 12.97 heat total in the Final. Skudin, a native of Long Beach, New York, carries the torch for America’s East Coast onto the top ranks of the Big Wave Tour in 5th place on the leaderboard.
Last year’s BWT runner-up and 2014/15 BWT Champion, Makuakai Rothman (HAW), suffered an injury twenty minutes into the Final and was not able to come back to the competition. Rothman charged through a deep, heavy barrel, but was wiped out by a powerful wall of water. Rothman was in fine form in Mexico for this event, winning both his Round 1 and Semifinal heats. Rothman will walk away with a 6th place finish and takes 6th on the BWT rankings.
“I just want to apologize for not being able to put on a show for all the folks at home,” Rothman said. “I did my best and I was trying to represent Hawaii. I just went up and over the falls, and my ten-foot-board hit me in the ribs. Thank you to the WSL, this was a great call. Thank you to all the fans out there who make this possible for us and make it possible for us to live our dreams.”
Local wildcards Jimel Corzo and Rogercin Ramirez (MEX) suffered Semifinal eliminations today after a strong performances yesterday. Corzo put up a hard fight until the dying minutes of the heat, but could not close the 2.44 point gap required to advance. Ramirez caught two massive rides in the opening Semifinal heat, but his effort was not enough to make it through to the Final.
Jamie Mitchell (AUS), who gained entry into the 2016/17 BWT as a WSL Big Wave Awards Performer of the Year nominee, suffered a Semifinal elimination today after a stunning Round 1 performance. Mitchell, who posted the best heat score of the event in Round 1 Heat 4, a near-perfect 29.03, but was eliminated in his Semifinal against Rothman, Calado and Burle.
Two events, the Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Challenge in Chile and the Billabong Pico Alto Challenge Peru remain in the Southern Hemisphere window with potential to run, conditions permitting, before the August 31st close of the window.
Puerto Escondido Challenge Final Results:
1 – Grant Baker (ZAF) 27.50 2 – Greg Long (USA) 25.03 3 – Pedro Calado (BRA) 24.77 4 – Carlos Burle (BRA) 16.87 5 – Will Skudin (USA) 12.97 6 – Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 7.66
Puerto Escondido Challenge Semifinal Results:
Semifinal 1: Grant Baker (ZAF) 26.34, Will Skudin (USA) 16.07, Greg Long (USA) 16.00, Kai Lenny (HAW) 14.74, Albee Layer (HAW) 13.41, Rogercin Ramirez (MEX) 10.83
Semifinal 2: Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 22.33, Pedro Calado (BRA) 21.01, Carlos Burle (BRA) 13.63, Jimel Corzo (MEX) 14.83, Jamie Mitchell (AUS) 13.74, Rusty Long (USA) 11.46
The 2016/17 BWT season is divided into Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere components hosting three possible events within each. The Southern Hemisphere window runs from April 27 to August 31, 2016 with event options in Mexico, Chile and Peru. The Northern Hemisphere window runs from October 15, 2016 to February 27, 2017 with event options in Portugal, Hawaii and Mexico.
2016/2017 WSL Big Wave Tour Schedule:
Southern Hemisphere: April 27 – August 31, 2016
Puerto Escondido Challenge: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Challenge: Punta de Lobos, Chile
Billabong Pico Alto Challenge: Pico Alto, Peru
Northern Hemisphere: October 15, 2016 – February 28, 2017
Pe’ahi Challenge: Haiku, Hawaii
Todos Santos Challenge: Todos Santos, Mexico
Nazaré Challenge: Nazaré, Portugal
