Day 1 At 2016 Turtle Bay Pro Filled With Electrifying Performances And Epic Conditions
- Written by Staff
- Published in News
- Comments::DISQUS_COMMENTS
Fiona Wylde was a stand out performer on Day 1 of action putting her in the Quarter Finals. | Photo Courtesy: Waterman League
OAHU, Hawaii - On Day 1 of the 2016 Turtle Bay Pro, the World's best women stepped up in clean overhead surf and beautiful conditions proved the star of today's action at the Opening Day of the Turtle Bay Pro and 2016 Stand Up World Tour. 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 consummate host with its completely unique and unparalleled amphitheater.
The athletes did however make it look impressive and put on a fitting spectacle for the assembled crowds to complete three full rounds of competition, as we anticipate Round 4 thru to the Finals to be completed tomorrow.
Shakira Westdorp turns heads on Day 1 of the Turtle Bay Pro, posting the single highest score of the day advancing to the Quarterfinals. | Photo Courtesy: Waterman League
Starboard SUP athlete Shakira Westdorp made her presence felt throughout today's action, posting the single highest wave score of the day, a 9.33, wowing the judges with her powerful backhand assault in the glassy right-handers 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.
Current World Champion Izzi Gomez (pictured here), 2013 World Champion, 2015 World #2 and an exciting new force on Tour are through to the quarters. | Photo Courtesy: Waterman League
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 sights 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 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, Werner Paddles) 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 four spots in the quarters will be decided this the morning, as it will come down to the wire and a Champion will most likely be crowned today at Turtle Bay Resort.
Na Kama Kai Challenge & Clinic to celebrate & nurture emerging youth talent with the 6th annual event at Turtle Bay this Saturday. | Photo Courtesy: Waterman League
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
El Nino is not to disappoint as the Sunset Beach Pro returns from Monday 8th February to open the 2016 Stand Up World Tour. | Photo Courtesy: Waterman League / Hand Photos
With a string of large to extra large swells forecast over the coming 10 days, we are anticipating an epic showdown at Sunset Beach next week for Stop #1 of the 2016 Stand Up World Tour. In addition, watch out for the Waterman Challenge, that is inviting 20 of the World's most well rounded Ocean Sports athletes to battle it out at Sunset Beach across shortboard, longboard and SUP for the prestige of being crowned Champion at this multi sports spectacle at Sunset Beach.
Make sure to stay tuned to www.watermanleague.com through the holding period (8th - 20th February) and watch all the action go down LIVE at www.immersedtv.com
To see more news from the Stand Up World Tour, click HERE.
Staff
Submit your news, events, and all SUP info, so we can keep promoting and driving the great lifestyle of stand up paddling, building its community, and introducing people to healthier living.
Website: supconnect.com Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
