IBA 2012 Stealth Arica Chilean Challenge presented by BSC
Event 3 of 8, Mens Grand Slam Series
Day 1 of the 2012 IBA Stealth Arica Chilean Challenge Grand Slam presented by BSC kicked off in solid 6-8 foot (2-3 meter) surf today. A slight bump in swell and offshore winds provided the GSS riders with heaving barrels and massive ramps. Standout of the day was local wildcard, Danton Correa who posted the highest heat score of 17.5 out of a possible 20 points. Correa managed to scoop into what seemed like a 10 foot close-out, which he somehow navigated through and exited the barrel only meters from the treacherous El Gringo rocks.
Correa commented, “Us chileans have been waiting all year for this event. This is our chance to compete against the worlds best at our very own world class wave. I am so happy I won my heat today”.
Other standouts of Round 1 included, Amaury Lavernhe (REU) and Pierre-Louis Costes (FRA) who both found big set waves that barreled across the entire El Gringo reef providing them with near perfect scores. Australians, Nick Gornall and Dave Winchester and Chilean powerhouse Alan Munoz took to the air in their Round 1 heats with high flying inverts. Gornall landing possibly the biggest air of the event so far, for which the judges rewarded him with an 8.25 out of a possible 10.
Event organizers have asked all GSS competitors to check in at 7:00 am tomorrow morning with a possible 7:30 am start.
For the full draw go to http://results.ibaworldtour.com/draw.html
