ASP 6-Star SuperSurf Internacional Kicks Off in Brazil
Harley Batista posted the highest scores on day 1 of the ASP 6-Star SuperSurf Internacional.
ITAMAMBUCA BEACH, Sao Paulo State / Brazil (Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011) - The ASP 6-Star SuperSurf Internacional presented by Peugeot began under rainy skies but quickly became sunny at Itamambuca Beach, Sao Paulo with waves in the 2-3 foot (.5-1.0 meters) range on offer. 144 athletes from 18 different countries will be competing for U$145,000 in prize money and crucial ASP World Ranking points.
The initial 24 Heats of Round 1 were completed on the first day of competition with Harley Batista (BRA) scoring the day’s highest single wave total with an 8.60 (out of 10) and the highest heat wave total by scoring a 16.27 (out of 20).
“Wow, I didn’t know I scored highest in the event so far,” said a surprised Batista. “I ended up arriving late to my heat. I was freaking out and came running with my heart in my throat but I was able to catch the two waves I needed to win. On my best wave, I started off with a vertical off-the-top followed by a strong cutback and I finished off by completing an air-reverse on the inside shore break. I want to do well in this contest to improve my ranking and qualify for more important events like the PRIMES.”
Young surfer Santiago Muniz (ARG) hit the water at the same time that his brother, Alejo Muniz, was competing at the ASP World Tour event in France with the same result; a heat win.
Luke Davis (USA) also won his heat against Cristobal de Col (PER), Guiherme Ramalho (BRA) and Artur Aguiar (BRA) in Heat 5 of Round 1.
“The heat was tricky because I’ve never been to this beach before and the waves are kind of difficult,” said Davis. “It’s my first time to Brazil and I think everything is really beautiful. There’s a lot of green everywhere and the waves look good too. They’re only a bit difficult today (Tuesday).”
Hawaiian surfer Gavin Gillette also rode his way to victory in Heat 12 over Francisco Bellorin (VNZ), Cleyton Felix (BRA) and Johnny Norris (USA).
“The tide is really high and it’s difficult to find the right waves,” said Gillette. “Some seem good, others don’t but get better on the inside so I just decided to stay calm without really worrying about my wave choice and just thought about surfing. It’s my third time to Brazil and my second to this beach. It’s definitely the city I like most here in Brazil.”
The first heat of the day took place at 8:30am local time and was won by newly crowned 2011 ASP South America Pro Junior champion and local surfer Filipe Toledo (BRA). Toledo was in Indonesia competing at the ASP World Pro Junior event but was defeated in Round 3 and flew back to Brazil to compete at the SuperSurf Internacional.
“Nothing better than starting off with a win,” said Toledo. “I arrived from Indo two days ago. I tried to arrive earlier to get in sync with the waves and the jet lag so I’m happy everything worked out. I was able to find two good waves even though conditions were tough with the heavy rain. I want to do my best and go as far as I can at this event.”
The SuperSurf Internacional is presented by Peugeot and is produced by Abril Media and with the support of the State of Sao Paulo through the Secretary of Tourism, Nicoboco surfwear, Jovem Pan Radio and Alma do Mar art gallery. The SuperSurf Internacional is an ASP World 6-Star event and is part of the ASP South America circuit which is broadcast live at www.supersurf.com.br with the final day being broadcast by ESPN Brasil.
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