With typhoon Usagi spinning clouds, rain showers, and worst of all wind, at us in Hangzhou, the surf conditions were….challenging. All the athletes and crews rallied, made the most of it and performed at an unexpectedly high level. Especially on the day of finals when lashing rain cut visibility to under 20 meters and the local authorities called the comp to a halt before we could reach the starting point.
Fortunately the squall passed within 30 minutes and the authorities allowed the contest to continue, though on a slightly shorter course due to the inability of the crews to gas up the skis and officials boats. None the less, the surfing was world class, the judging was spot on and the comp an overwhelming success. Like so many comps before it, it came down to the last two sections with RVCA losing the lead to Ocean and Earth as Phil MacDonald snapped vertical turn after vertical turn off the top only to be answered by RVCA’s Kalani David who shredded the last section, regaining the lead before the wave died out in deep water.
First place champions, Team RVCA Kalani David, Makua Rothman
2nd place Ocean & Earth (2012 winners) Phil MacDonald, Trent Munro
3rd place Lifeproof Anastasia Ashley, Steve Newton
4th place Fuel TV “The Crew” Mark Mathews, Richie Vaculik
The Red Bull Qiantang Shootout is the first of its kind surf contest that pits teams of surfers against each other on the most unusual wave in the world.
Contest Format
4 Teams of 2 surfers, choice of equipment (long, short, paipo, hand plane, sup, mat).
Teammates alternate drop off either by tow in or step off and move off the wave face to await the end of their mates ride, at which time they will switch positions and be dropped into the next opportunity.
The contest venue presents a number of wave faces. Teams take turns down the river as faces present. 1st priority is given by coin toss.