Izzi Gomez takes victory at Stop #1 of the 2016 Stand Up World Tour here in Hawaii: the Turtle Bay Pro sees great conditions
Photo: Brian Bielmann
Izzi Gomez (Starboard) is 2x World Champion and until now, has put an unmistakeable mark on the sport of Stand Up Paddling having at some point won every single event on Tour, that is except for Hawaii…
While the Hawaii leg of the Stand Up World Tour has somehow been a stumbling block for the young Floridian talent, in 2016, Izzi showed no signs of any weaknesses at this year’s Turtle Bay Pro, putting on an impressive display of high performance surfing and demonstrating that time spent in the islands pays off as she takes the well deserved victory of the season at Turtle Bay.
Izzi’s powerful and progressive style once again not only wows the crowds and judges alike, but keeps her on top of the World after Stop 1 of the 2016 Stand Up World Tour. Make sure to stay tuned for full highlights, and replay from the LIVE broadcast at www.watermanleague.com
Fiona Wylde continues to take the world by storm, making the Final and battling to the end with Izzi Gomez, to secure 2nd place
Photo: Brian Bielmann
As one of the USA’s leading Stand Up Paddle athletes, Fiona Wylde (Starboard) continues to go from strength to strength and position herself as one of the sport’s leading Ladies, having finished the season on a high last year on the Stand Up World Series in second place and then putting on a stellar performance again here at the Turtle Bay Pro to finish runner up at Stop 1 of the Stand Up World Surfing Tour.
Like Izzi, Fiona is another one leading the way with her progressive style and critical surfing, demonstrating that there is real talent in the sport and that the performance level amongst the girls continues to sky rocket. Drawing on her multi-sport background, Fiona’s committed, and driving bottom turn in particular draws parallels with the likes of Kai Lenny (Naish), Zane Schweitzer (Starboard) and Bernd Roediger (Naish), who’s windsurfing background has provided phenomenal fundamentals for Stand Up Paddling that were clearly evident here at Turtle Bay.
This year’s Tour is full of impressive talent, and there is no doubt that it is going to be the most competitive yet as we are excited to see it all unfold. Make sure to stay tuned for the full highlights and watch the LIVE replay at www.watermanleague.com
Shakira Westdorp once again proves herself to be one of the real standouts, posting some of the highest scores of the contest
Photo: Brian Bielmann
There is no doubt that Shakira Westdorp (Starboard) from Australia made her presence felt here at Stop #1 of the 2016 Stand up World Tour at Turtle Bay, posting the single highest score of the contest and continually posting scores in the excellent range throughout.
While it looked as though she was destined to make it to the Finals once again, as she did in 2015, it was not to be this year, as she came up against Fiona Wylde (Starboard) in the semis who was just able to edge ahead of the talented Australian Surfer.
However, there is no doubt that Shakira Westdorp will be one to look out for in 2016 with her radical and aggressive surfing style. She has started well and demonstrated that she is set to be one of the biggest threats on the Women’s Tour, finishing in 3rd place here at the 2016 Turtle Bay Pro. Make sure to stay tuned for the highlights and watch the full LIVE replay at www.watermanleague.com
Nicole Pacelli puts on another stellar performance at Turtle Bay to finish in 3rd equal and mark the start of an exciting year ahead
Photo: Brian Bielmann
2013 World Champion Nicole Pacelli from Brazil feels right at home here at Turtle Bay, having won 2 out of 3 of the events here on Oahu’s Fabled North Shore and spending much of the winter out here training in the powerful Hawaiian surf.
This year was no different, as she has once again upped her game and is looking better than ever coming into the 2016 season, with strong performances throughout the day on her way to the semi finals, just falling short to the current World Champ Izzi Gomez (Starboard), leaving her having to settle for 3rd.
While she will be disappointed not to regain her Turtle Bay title, a 3rd place finish is a good start to the year for this Brazilian talent, as she sets her sights on recapturing the World Title in 2016 and continuing the Brazilian surge on the World Tour. Stay tuned to watermanleague.com
Press release : Waterman League 05/01/16
Stand out performances here on Day 1 of the 2016 Turtle Bay Pro, as the World’s best women stepped up in clean overhead surf
Beautiful conditions proved the star of today’s action at the Opening Day of the Turtle Bay Pro and 2016 Stand Up World Tour, as the World’s best stepped up to do battle in clean, overhead surf. WIth a truly international field in attendance ranging from Australia, Japan and South Africa, to France, the Canary Islands, Brazil and of course the USA and Hawaii, Turtle Bay proved the consumate host with its completely unique and unparalleled amphitheater.
However, the athletes did make it look impressive and put on a fitting spectacle for the assembled crowds to complete 3 full rounds of competition, as we anticipate Round 4 thru to the Finals to be completed tomorrow. Make sure to stay tuned for the highlights and join us for all the action LIVE from 8am HST (10am PST) at www.immersedtv.com
Shakira Westdorp turns heads on Day 1 of the Turtle Bay Pro, posting the single highest score of the day advancing to 1/4 finals
Shakira Westdorp (Starboard) made her presence felt throughout today’s action, posting the single highest wave score of the day (9.33), wowing the judges with her powerful backhand assault in the glassy righthanders on offer at Turtle Bay’s infamous Pool Bar.
As we head into Day 2, there is no doubt that Shakira will be one to watch out for, as we wrap Round 4 and go into quarterfinal action, and competition intensifies. Make sure to join us for all the action LIVE at www.immersedtv.com
Current World Champion, 2013 World Champion, 2015 World #2 and an exciting new force on Tour are through to the quarters
Izzi Gomez (Starboard) kept her composure today to secure consistent scores through Rounds 1&3 and avoiding the ever dangerous repechage rounds. Looking fitter than ever, Izzi has her sites on victory here in Hawaii, the only event that she has not been able to win yet on Tour.
Meanwhile Nicole Pacelli (Art in Surf) from Brazil who was not only the 2013 World Champion, but also two times winner of the Turtle Bay Pro, is looking for redemption in 2016, and a shot at the World Title once again.
As mentioned above, Shakira Westdorp (Starboard) has shown herself to be a force to be reckoned with, not only after her performances last year, but her impressive showcase today, posting some impressive scores to earn her place in the quarterfinals.
Finally, Fiona Wylde (Starboard) continues to amaze, showcasing herself to be one of the most complete athletes on Tour at the moment, as one of the World’s fastest racers, and a formidable talent in the surf as well, clearly benefiting from her winters spent in Hawaii.
The last 4 spots in the quarters will be decided in the morning, as it will come down to the wire and a Champion will most likely be crowned right here at Turtle Bay Resort. Join us for all the action LIVE at www.immersedtv.com
Na Kama Kai Challenge & Clinic to celebrate & nurture emerging youth talent with the 6th annual event at Turtle Bay this Saturday
Still to come this Saturday is the Na Kama Kai Clinic and competitive challenge taking part on both sides of the Resort, providing entry level opportunities for local kids and a unique competitive platform for aspiring Champions.
Inspired by the local non profit Na Kama Kai, the Waterman League is committed to furthering the non profit’s founder Duane DeSoto’s mission of empowering youth through mentored Ocean Sports opportunities and learning.
Join us this Saturday at Turtle Bay & for more information on Na Kama Kai go to nakamakai.org