The decision to postpone R5 of the Arica Chilean Challenge was rewarded yesterday when a big swell rolled into the famed reef and turned it on for the Top 16. The conditions were classic and El Gringo fired up for the crowd in Arica with 10-12 feet waves.
The top-16 debuted and dominated the heats. The highlight of today was the Hawaiian, world champion in 2009, Jeff Hubbard. Accustomed to the great conditions in Hawaii, Jeff showed that it is tough to beat him in big waves and combines 18.67 out of a possible 20 in his opening heat … Details
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Following two consecutive days of fast and furious racing, the competitors were greeted on day 7 with glorious sunshine and flat calm waters off Jinha beach. All the signs were present for the thermal breeze to build, but by the cut off point of 14:00 the conditions remained the same.
This left the event leaders from day 6 basking in both the sun and their glory, having claimed victory at the first PWA slalom world tour event of 2010Â …Â Details
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On a clear, calm and cold morning, competitors and spectators alike arrived at Knights where they were greeted with some glassy 1 to 2 foot wedges.
Rather than move to the event to the more swell exposed beach of Waitpinga, the call was made to hold the competition at Knights as the swell was expected to rise throughout the morning.
It proved to be a good call as the waves became more consistent, with some perfect 3 foot wedges pumping through the lineup … Details
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