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DAY 3 19/09/14
Press release :Waterman League
Kai Lenny claims a formidable victory at the 4th stop on the 2014 Stand Up World Tour
Kai Lenny (Naish) from Maui once again proved just what a formidable competitor he is, as he secured victory for the second year in a row here at Huntington Beach and put himself firmly back in the World Title Race, taking the Ratings lead after this 4th Stop on Tour.
However, the battle is still very much on, with virtually nothing between him and Caio Vaz (Art in Surf), in a very close second. It will all come down to the Final event in France to decide who will be crowned Champion of the World for 2014.
Kai started off his day against Mattheus Salazar, dominating the heat to advance through to the Semis. He then came up against the young phenom from Haleiwa, Mo Freitas (Focus SUP), for one of the most widely anticipated match ups of the year, as they battled it out wave for wave, with Kai getting the edge to win by just over a point.
It then all came down to the Final heat against the on form Tahitian phenom, Poenaiki Raioha (F-One), who had already taken some of the pressure of Kai by dispatching of the previous Ratings leader Caio Vaz. Kai stamped his authority on the heat, finding the waves with the most scoring potential to amass a heat score total of 18.43, the highest heat score total of the event just when it mattered the most, posting two 9 point + rides.
While Kai is on a high from the victory, he will now have to bring his focus back onto the job in hand, as we ramp up for Stop number 4 of the 2014 Stand Up World Series with the goal of catching up current ratings leader Connor Baxter (Starboard), but also retaining his Grand Slam crown here in Huntington Beach.
Make sure to check out the highlights from all the days of competition and join us once again LIVE from Huntington Beach from 12pm PST to watch the Stand Up WOrld Series Sprint Racing South of the Pier. Join us at www.watermanleague.com
Poenaiki Raioha proves himself to be a major threat here on the World Tour
Poenaiki Raioha (F-One) is certainly not a new face on Tour, even though he is just 17 years old, having already had Finals finishes (Tahiti 2012) and more recently, a 5th place finish in Abu Dhabi with a spectacular heat against All Stars Champion Kai Lenny (Naish).
However, here in Huntington it is clear to see that he has matured as a competitor and his flawless performance and the radical display of progressive surfing firmly establishes himself as one of the most dangerous athletes on Tour.
After taking out Bernd Roediger in an incredible heat in the quarterfinals, Poenaiki seemed to peak in the semis, as he took down the world ratings leading coming into Huntington, Caio Vaz in epic fashion much to the delight of the Tahitian contingent on the beach and online.
While he didn’t find the waves he needed to take down the 2013 World Champion in the final, Poenaiki now moves into 4th place overall in the World Rankings coming into the final event in France.
Watch out more of Poenaiki here on the Stand Up World Tour and check out the highlights at www.watermanleague.com
Mo Freitas has another stellar event and continues to go from strength to strength
Mo Freitas (Focus SUP) continues to stun the world with his progressive surfing and radical style, powering through the rounds to make it to a long awaited semi final heat with the eventual winner Kai Lenny (Naish).
In a replay of the last stop in Abu Dhabi, Mo and Caio Vaz (Art in Surf) ended up in 3rd place overall, as Mo was unable to take down the Champion, despite a valiant effort that brough him to just a point short.
One thing is for sure, like Poenaiki Raioha (F-One), Mo continues to go from strength to strength and we are only now beginning to see what is to come with this young talent from Oahu’s North Shore.
Watch Mo LIVE in action this weekend on the Stand Up World Series, as he takes on the best of the best in the racing world in Surf City USA. You can also check the highlights, but also a recent profile of Mo Freitas by going to www.watermanleague.com
Caio Vaz puts on an impressive performance in Huntington Beach
From the outset of this 4th stop of the 2014 Stand Up World Tour, there was no doubt that Caio Vaz (Art in Surf) from Brazil was not only one of the favorites for the event win, but was also calm, collected and had his sights set on victory here, a victory that would secure him the World Title in advance of the Final event in France.
Despite stand out performances throughout the event, including some of the highest posted heat score totals, Caio was unable to take down the young Tahitian talent in the Semifinals, having to settle for 3rd place in the event and slipping to second in the World Rankings, just a hair behind the 2013 World Champion Kai Lenny (Naish).
With 2 wins and a 3rd in Caio’s counting results, it will now all come down to the La Torche Pro France, as it will be a battle for the finish line for the two Champions here on the 2014 Stand Up World Tour.
Izzi Gomez secures the event win & in the process her first World Surfing Title
Izzi Gomez (Starboard) made history today by not only claiming her 2nd consecutive Huntington Beach Pro Title, but also securing her first ever World Championship Title in advance of the Final event in France next month.
It has been a dominant year for Izzi Gomez, and a meteoric rise to the top since the beginning of last year, as she has taken the world by storm and already won more single events than any other girl, 2013 World Champion Nicole Pacelli included.
Her journey to the victory here in Huntington Beach was equally as impressive, as she put on a showcase of some of the most progressive surfing ever seen for the women here on the Stand Up World Tour.
It is clear that Izzi Gomez is a name to watch out for and has a huge career ahead of her, with a World Title already under her belt at such a young age.
Make sure to check out the highlights from all the days of competition and join us once again LIVE from Huntington Beach from 12pm PST to watch the Stand Up World Series Sprint Racing South of the Pier. Join us at www.watermanleague.com
Nicole Pacelli is gracious in defeat and puts on a strong performance in Huntington
2013 World Champion Nicole Pacelli put on a valiant performance in the Final heat of the day, unable to post the scores she needed to take the win here in Huntington and retain her coveted World Title in 2014.
While the disappointment was obvious for the young Champion, Nicole was gracious in defeat, but also demonstrated moments of brilliance in this groundbreaking 4th stop on the 2014 Stand Up World Tour in Huntington Beach, posting some of the highest scores of the contest for the women.
Nicole will now go on to France to consolidate her second place in the World Rankings and looking to finish the year on a high with an event win at the La Torche Pro France 2014.
Make sure to watch her progress, check out the highlights and stay in the loop on the latest from the Stand Up World Tour & Series at www.watermanleague.com
Candice Appleby puts on a solid performance at the Huntington Beach Pro
Candice Appleby put on another strong performance this week at the Stand Up World Tour component of the Huntington Beach Pro Grand Slam, where we saw her storm her way through the rounds, winning all her heats on her way to the Semi finals.
In a repeat of the Final of the 2013 Huntington Beach Pro, Candice came up against the new World Champion and friend Izzi Gomez (Starboard) in the semi finals and was unable to take down the young phenom, clearly destined for greatness.
However, currently lying in 5th place in the Overall World Rankings, Candice is hungry for more, and will be back in action next month in France with the goal of taking down the World’s best at the Final event of the year, to move up the rankings and finish the year on a high.
As with many of the male athletes, Candice is phenomenally talented across both Surfing and Racing, so you can watch Candice in action LIVE tomorrow at Stop 4 of the 2014 Stand up World Series here in Huntington Beach California by going to: www.watermanleague.com.
Fiona Wylde posts her best result to date on the World Tour and turns heads
Fiona Wylde is a relative newcomer to the Tour, having competed for the first time at the Turtle Bay Women’s Pro back in February of this year, and now in Huntington Beach this week, seeing how she fares against the best of the best.
The answer: extremely well! Fiona put on an impressive performance throughout the week, as she blasted through the rounds and all the way through to the Semi finals, to finish in 3rd equal overall.
There is no doubt that Fiona is an athlete to watch out for here on the Stand up World Tour, but also on the World Series, as we will be able to watch Fiona LIVE tomorrow right here in Huntington Beach.
So make sure to watch the highlights from this epic surf event and join us tomorrow for the LIVE broadcast of Stand Up World Racing Series Stop number 4 in Huntington Beach California by going to www.watermanleague.com
LIVE FEED 19/09/14
DAY 3 18/09/14
Press release :Waterman League
Despite early morning winds that buffeted the event site on arrival today at Huntington Beach, by the time the sun came up, the wind backed off and the conditions turned on for a day to remember here in Surf City USA.
It all began with the Repechage Round, where we saw athletes battle it out to get back into the running here at Stop 4 of the 2014 Stand Up World Tour.
Uncharacteristically, one of these athletes was Ian Vaz (Art in Surf), current number 5, who had to battle his way back into contention after a first round slip up. However, comeback he did, as he became one of the stand out performers in Rounds 3 and 4, posting impressively high scores to earn his place in the quarterfinals, where he will now face his own brother, current rankings leader Caio Vaz (Art in Surf)
It will be a noteworthy battle, as the two brothers face each other at a clutch time in the 2014 season, with Ian looking to improve on his 5th place overall in the current world rankings and Caio looks to secure the World Title right here in Huntington Beach. However, to do this, he must not only beat his brother, but win the event.
Whatever happens, it will be a final day to remember, so make sure to join us LIVE from Huntington Beach to watch history in the making right here in Surf CIty USA. Watch it all LIVE at www.watermanleague.com
Women’s Round 3 sees stand out performances and great action
We saw impressive performances today from the women’s division, as the Top seeds advanced once again, making their presences felt on the global stage.
Stand outs were once again Izzi Gomez (Starboard), but also the newcomer Tarryn Kyte from South Africa and Fiona Wylde from Oregon, who despite an inteference still won her heat with some impressive surfing.
Meanwhile Aline Adisaka (New Advance) put on a valiant performance to advance on to the Quarterfinals, tweaking her existing knee injury threatening her continuation on in the contest. However, after an afternoon of icing and elevation, it looks as though Aline will be back in action tomorrow at Huntington Beach as the Women’s Quarterfinals will kick off bright and early at 7am PST.
Watch the girls LIVE tomorrow at www.watermanleague.com
Round 3 of the Men’s sees impressive performances across the board
Round 3 was full of dramatic battles as Top Seeds continued their charge, led by a flawless opening heat by Current Ratings leader Caio Vaz (Art in Surf), who notched up one of the highest single wave scores and combined heat totals of the event so far.
But the action did not stop there, with stand out performances also coming from Kai Bates (Fanatic), who completed one of the more radical turns of the day and clearly showed that he is a real threat on the Stand Up World Tour, but also Matheus Salazar, brother of 2012 World Champion Leco, continuing the Salazar surfing Legacy.
Mattheus made it through to the Quarterfinals, so make sure to tune in LIVE tomorrow to watch him, his fellow Brazilians Caio and Ian, but also the remainder of th World’s best still in contention here as we prepare for Day 4 of the 2014 Huntington Beach Pro Grand slam, presented by Starboard.
You can watch it all go down LIVE from 7am PST at www.watermanleague.com
The drama intensifies in Round 4 as athletes put it all on the line for the win
Drama was the name of the game in Round 4, as major upsets, stand out performances and nail biting buzzer beaters brought the spectators to their feet as the World’s best put it all on the line when it counted here at the 2014 Huntington Beach Pro Grand Slam.
The first stand out performance came from Bernd Roediger from Maui, who strung together a series of phenomenal rides to take the win in his heat, followed by the current World Rankings leader, Caio Vaz (Art in Surf).
Ian Vaz (Art in Surf) was the next stand out as mentioned above, followed by another impressive showing by the young phenom from Tahiti, Poenaiki Raioha (F-One), who advanced onto the quarterfinals where he will mee Bernd Roediger in what will be a dramatic showdown.
However, the most dramatic moment of the day came in heat 3, where we saw Zane Schweitzer (Starboard) and Kai Lenny (Naish) trailing in 3rd and 4th respectively until the last 10 seconds of the event….out of nowehere a set came, as Zane secured a better wave to boost him into second place in the heat, but Kai Lenny, with just 5 seconds to go, locked in an 8.5, to move him from 4th to first place, as both Maui boys secured their places in the Quarterfinals. An emotional moment for Maui, as their two representatives pulled themselves out of an impossible situation, just when it mattered.
DAY 2 17/09/14
Day 2 of the Huntington Beach Pro 2014 saw some intense surf action with the majority of the Top Seeds making it directly to Round 3.
Great quote from Glyn Ovens UK rider : “the standard over here is so high, with guys from Tahiti, South Africa, and further afield. My first heat today is heat twelve about 8pm UK time, shouldn’t be too bad, only got Kai Lenny in it haha….”
“It has all been a bit crazy over here, but getting launched into a heat with the World number one, was awesome: with super choppy and challenging conditions. I received so much support from everyone back home and abroad, over the last few days, I was blown away.”
Watch Glyn’s heat below. Skip forward to Time 5:25.30
Press release :Waterman League
Today dawned bright and beautiful here in Huntington Beach, as the swell peaked for a full day of action for the Main Event of both Men’s and Women’s competition. Stand out performances across the board today, with the majority of the Top seeds making it directly through to Round 3.
Here we see Zane Schweitzer (Starboard) attacking a bigger outside set on his way to victory in his first round heat. Watch Zane back in action tomorrow in Round 3 LIVE at www.watermanleague.com
Stand out performances from the Top seeds, as Huntington Beach turns on
Other standouts today were Current Rankings Leader Caio Vaz (Art in Surf), Sean Poynter (Starboard), Kody Kerbox (Naish), Florida’s Giorgio Gomez, 2013 World Champion and Huntington Beach Pro Champion Kai Lenny (Naish) and featured here, 2012 World Champion Leco Salazar (New Advance), featured here, posting one of the highest heat score totals of the day.
The women’s division sees the performance bar raised to a whole new level
The women came out of the blocks firing all cylinders this morning, taking on the large surf that greeted us first thing and making it look good.
There were some great performances and moments throughout the day, but the real standouts of the day were the 2 rankings leaders, Izzi Gomez (Starboard), now California resident and Nicole Pacelli from Brazil (featured here) battling it out for the 2014 World Championship Crown.
Plenty more to come here as we have now wrapped the 1st Round and Repechage for the Women and will pick back up with the women’s competition around 9:40am, once the Men’s Repechage is complete.
Make sure to join us LIVE for continuation of this spectacular event from 6:50am PST here at www.watermanleague.com
Join us tomorrow live from Huntington Beach from 6:50am at watermanleague.com
We have a full day of action to come tomorrow as we capitalize on the exceptional swell this week and continue on with the Men and Women’s Main Events. Here is the forecast schedule of events, conditions allowing:
- 6:50am: the Starboard Morning Show
- 7am: Men’s Repechage Round
- 9:40am: Women’s Round 3
- 11am: Men’s Round 3
- 1:40pm: Men’s Round 4
DAY 1 Press release :Waterman League
After an exciting day of action on the water with the trials of the Huntington Beach Pro 2014. Thomas King from South Africa dominated with the win. But Thomas wasn’t the only one on the water. Look out for the red Fanatic Pro wave board of our very own Glyn Ovens stealing some of the shots as well. We are pleased to say that Glyn has made the main event…Good job.
Press release : Waterman League
Thomas King makes his country proud today in Surf City by claiming victory
South Africa increasingly seems to be making its presence felt in the international surfing scene from big wave surfing to regular world tour surfing, but now here on the Stand up World Tour, as the South African contingent put on a show today in the Trials component of the Huntington Beach Pro Grand Slam.
Posting some of the highest scores of the day as well as the highest heat score totals, Thomas put on a polished performance today taking a convincing win and earning his spot in the prestigious Main event of this fourth stop of the 2014 Stand up World Tour.
We look forward to see how he fares as he matches up against the very best in the World tomorrow, once the Men take to the water around 9am PST. Make sure to join us LIVE at www.watermanleague.com
Justin Bing, nurses an injured knee, but does not hold back to earn 2nd place
Another South African put on a stellar performance today, despite having to nurse an injured knee, making it all the way to the finals, only to finish second to fellow patriot Thomas King.
Justin will be taking the opportunity to rest up this evening in advance of the Main event tomorrow, with the Men’s to kick off at 9am (Women’s at 7am).
Nitzan Benhaim adds to truly international final putting on an impressive display
Nitzan Benhaim (Focus SUP) from Israel put on a solid performance today in the Trials component of the 2014 Huntington Beach Pro Grand Slam, making his presence felt and posting a worthy 3rd place finish in the finals.
Nitzan will be on the other side of the draw from team rider Mo Freitas (Focus SUP), but will be hoping for a strong finish against the best of the best here in Surf City USA.
Join us LIVE for the start of the Main event from 6:50am PST here at www.watermanleague.com
Masa Motohashi once again shines at the Huntington Beach Pro, surfing like a warrior
Masa Motohashi from Japan was on phenomenal form today at Huntington Beach, unfortunate not to find the waves he was looking for in the final, but making his presence felt as someone to watch out for over the coming days and indeed, coming events om Tour.
Quiet and unassuming on the land, Masa’s level of commitment in his turns consistently impressed the judges as he linked together turns to the inside with real flow.
Currently tied for 1st place on the overall World Rankings, the battle is on for 2013 World Champion, Brazil’s Nicole Pacelli and the young phenom, Izzi Gomez (Starboard) from Florida, but now resident in California.
With 2 wins for Izzi compared with 1 for Nicole, but consistency keeping Nicole right up in the mix, it will be interesting to see how it all goes down at the final 2 stages of the Women’s World Tour: Izzi was 2013 Huntington Beach Pro Champion and now has more event wins than anyone else on Tour, competing in front of a home crowd, while Nicole’s consistency and confidence with having one World Title under her belt will stand her in good stead – it will be a great battle for the Title this year.
But it is still anyone’s at this stage, as a whole host of talent is lining up to take down the top 2: from Brazil’s Aline Adisaka (New Advance) who has been showing flashes of brilliance this year, currently sitting in 3rd and Iballa Moreno (Starboard) from the Canary Islands in Spain who has shown devasting form at moments this year, building on the confidence of a finals finish in Abu Dhabi to the US powerhouses of Candice Appleby and Sophia Tiare Bartlow, who will be wanting to come out on top in front of a home crowd, and boost their overall World Rankings.
As the Women’s World Tour goes from strength to strength with participation from all four corners of the World, it will be interesting to see how it all goes down this year, as the World Title Race intensifies.