Jamie Sterling wins Billabong Pico Alto Invitational, Burle was the 3th

The winner

The Billabong Pico Alto Invitational 2010 presented by Sony, went off in fantastic, huge surf.

The atmosphere surrounding the competitors was filled with energy and adrenaline. The grandstand full of spectators was shocked by the size of the waves. The generous force of nature gave us waves of more than 35 feet high, peaking during the semi final heats where the wave of the contest, a perfect 10 by Grant Baker from South Africa, was scored.

The local surfers demonstrated a high level of performance as well.

Rafael Velarde

Gonzalo Velasco, Billabong team rider and Sebastian De Romaña arrived to the semi finals competing along side twelve of best international big wave riders, including current world champion Carlos Burle from Brazil and defending Billabong Pico Alto 2009, winner Greg Long from the USA.

Various surfers experienced extreme moments, the Peruvian Rafael Velarde lived through the intensity of Pico Alto in his first heat, when a wave of 24 feet high broke the board that he ridden to two previous Billabong Pico Alto finals (2006 and 2009).

Foto: Gonzalo Barandiaran

Foto: Gonzalo Barandiaran

Foto: Gonzalo Barandiaran

Foto: Gonzalo Barandiaran

Foto: Gonzalo Barandiaran

The eventual winner, Hawaiian Jamie Sterling and South African Chris Bertish, both endured two wave hold-downs, Bertish coughing up blood and unable to finish the heat.

Water Patrol provided by Ocean Riders, the local Peruvian team and Tim West from the Big Wave World Tour, insured not only the surfers security in these huge waves but also provided them transport from the beach to the line up with the use of PWC´s.

Carlos Burle descendo uma bomba na final

The grand final was highly contested between Anthony Tashnick (USA), Carlos Burle (BRA) and Jamie Sterling (HI) with Jamie taking the title. “I’m very emotional since this is the first time I have won a Big Wave World Tour event” expressed the smiling Hawaiian.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS: Twiggy nailed a perfect ten in the semifinals but couldn’t find a backup score; Burle and Tashnick charged all event, but couldn’t overtake Sterling, who tackled the giant walls on his backhand.

QUOTE: “I’m very emotional since this is the first time I’ve won a Big Wave World Tour event.” –a smiling Jamie Sterling

2010 /2011BWWT current ranking (after Peru)
1. Jamie Sterling
2. Cristian Merello
3. Anthony Tashnick
4. Greg Long
5. Gabriel Villaran
6. Carlos Burle
7. Peter Mel
8. Marcos Monteiro
9. Mark Healey
10. Grant Baker

The collaborated effort of our fellow sponsors: Sony, Burn, Powerade, Cosas Hombre, Lan, Von Zipper and Nixon made the realization of the event possible for everyone.

www.billabong.com

Updated August 16th 2010:

Billabong Pico Alto Invitational Green Light confirmed by official forecast

Official Forecast for the Billabong Pico Alto Invitacional on the 2010/2011 Big Wave World Tour.
FORECAST UPDATE SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH – by Surfline.com

Storm and swell is confirmed. See below Jason satellite pass last night with 33 foot seas – also not even in the peak of the storm which is probably closer to 40 feet. Also looks very good on the satellite loops. At this point, looks like a very, very good swell confirmed for the Pico Alto event for Thursday, August 19th. Winds on Thursday still expected to be light and variable from the south, not ideal, but not strong enough to really hurt the conditions either. Hopefully winds will improve and will be lighter.

See the complete forecast at: www.surfline.com

Updated July 21th 2010:

Billabong Pico Alto Invitational waiting period kicks-off

Billabong announces the eighth edition of the most anticipated big wave event of the region, the ‘Billabong Pico Alto Invitational 2010′. This year, the waiting period for this classic event will run from July 15th to August 31st, like we have noticed before (post below).

Carlos Burle at final 2009

Since last year the Billabong Pico Alto event forms part of the Big Wave World Tour (BWWT), being the second one of this important circuit. BWWT seeks to creates conscience in people about the big wave surfing sport and gives the surfers the opportunity to live searching for these waves.

This year we will have the best 12 big wave surfers of the world, which will face to the immense wave of Pico Alto and 12 experienced local big wave surfers. Prominent figures like Carlos Burle (Bra) – World Champion 2009 of the BWWT-, Greg Long (USA) – winner of the Billabong Pico Alto 2009-, Grant “Twiggy” Baker (Saf) – winner of the Billabong XXL 2010-, Mark Healy (Haw) – hawaiian hellman-, between others, will come to Peru to offer a great show.

These athletes will compete for a total prize of US$ 10,000 dollars in cash.

Former champions of this Pico Alto event are;
Magoo De La Rosa Toro (PER) 2004
Jose “Jarita” Gómez (PER) 2003 and 2006,
Greg Long (U.S.A) 2009.

Due to the importance of the Billabong Pico Alto event the competition will be transmitted live the Billabong website: www.billabong.com/sa/picoalto10

Updated July 7th 2010:

Carlos Burle invited to Billabong Pico Alto International Invitacional 2010

Burle

The Brazilian big rider and big wave world champ, Carlos Burle is one of the guests for the Billabong Pico Alto International Invitacional 2010.

The event is a big wave paddle surfing contest that will run at Peru as part of the official calendar of the Big Wave World Tour 2010-2011 -BWWT. Last year, Burle took second place in the competition.

The waiting period for the event begins on June 15 and runs through July 30. Organizers hope for better conditions for the event. In other words, expect the biggest waves for that the big riders can get in the water in the second event of the world title 2010-2011.

POLLS OPEN FOR THE 26th ANNUAL QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU

(Huntington Beach, Calif.) August 11, 2010 — Public polling has begun for the 26th annual Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau. Voting will close August 31, 2010. More than 70 of the world’s best big wave paddle-in surfers are posted on the polling list. To vote for your favorite big wave rider go to www.polls.quiksilver.com. Voting is limited to one vote per voter.

This is stage one of the selection process to elect the esteemed 24 invitees for the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The event will run on one day between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011, when waves at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, reach a minimum of 20 feet. An Opening Ceremony on December 2nd, 2010, will bring together the Aikau Ohana and selected Invitee and Alternate competitors.

A testament to the global appeal of Aikau’s story, “The Eddie” has grown to be the world’s longest-running and most respected big wave specialty event. First staged at Sunset Beach in the winter of 1984/85, then moved to Waimea in 1985/86, it has been held eight times. Its strict adherence to wave height stipulations has only served to underscore the authenticity and importance of the event. Past champions are Denton Miyamura (1985), Clyde Aikau (1986), Keone Downing (1990), Noah Johnson (1999), Ross Clarke-Jones (2001), Kelly Slater (2002), Bruce Irons (2004), and Greg Long (2009).

On December 8, 2009, during the most epic big wave season on record, the Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau was staged in breath-taking waves as tall as palm trees. Images and stories from that day reached the largest international audience in history for a surfing competition.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is staged in honor of Waimea Bay’s first official lifeguard and Hawaii’s most famous big-wave rider. A humble Hawaiian surfer, Aikau set the bar for big wave riding at Waimea Bay in the ’60s and ’70s. A natural born waterman, Eddie saved countless lives during his watch as Waimea Bay lifeguard. He also traveled as one of the first touring professional surfers in the mid-’70s when he was ranked among the world’s top 16. During his travels Eddie touched countless lives around the world as he voluntarily delivered a personal message of aloha from Hawaii, often accompanied by his younger brother Clyde and their slack-key guitar playing that was famous for bringing people together.

Eddie lost his life at the age of 31, during an ill-fated voyage of the Hokule’a sailing canoe in 1978. En-route to Tahiti from Oahu, the Hokule’a capsized in the Molokai Channel in heavy weather and giant seas, injuring crew members. Aikau was last seen paddling for the Hawaiian Islands to get help. His life, spirit of aloha, and passion for the ocean and mankind is celebrated annually through this big wave event. It is arguably the most famous story in surfing.

This year’s list of potential invitees includes big wave riders from Australia, Europe, South Africa, South America, Japan, USA, and Hawaii.

Related posts:

See the 2009 edition coverage

Check the 2009 event pics

The event organizers have decided to extend the waiting period for the event until the end of the 2010 winter brazilian season. Everybody is waiting for the biggest single day of surf.

The event is the first tow in competition in Brazil and launches the 2010 brazilian big wave season featuring 15 of the best brazilian big wave riders, including names like Jeff Clark (EUA), Garrett McNamara / Kealii Mamala (HAW).

1 Carlos Burle / Eraldo Gueiros (Bra)
2 Rodrigo Resende / Danilo Couto (Bra)
3 Everaldo Pato / Yuri Soledade (Bra)
4 João Capilé / Jorge Pacelli (Bra)
5 Sylvio Mancusi / Haroldo Ambrósio (Bra)
6 Fabiano Tissot / Marcus Pettini (Bra)
7 Romeu Bruno / Luis Roberto Formiga (Bra)
8 Alemão Maresias / Flávio Caixa D’Água (Bra)
9 Jeff Clark / Marcelo Ulysséa (EUA / Bra)
10 Thiago Jacaré / Plinio Cruz (Bra)
11 Daniks Fischer / Lucinei Malas (Bra)
12 Rodrigo Koxa / Vitor Faria (Bra)
13 Paulo Moura / Wilson Nora (Bra)
14 Dê da Barra / André Barcelos (Bra)
15 Garrett McNamara / Kealii Mamala (Haw)

Greg Noll in Brazil for the first time

Greg Noll during FestivAlma 2010. Photo: Mariano Kornitz

The legendary Californian surfer Greg Noll, was in Brazil for the first time during the seventh edition of FestivAlma Festival, which was held between July 1th – 3th and was organized by Alma Surf magazine.

The FestivAlma is an event that promotes the surf culture in different ways, presenting a mix between art, music, cinema, fashion and design.

During the decades of 40’s and 50’s, Greg Noll was the great pioneer of big wave surfing, and even today he is an inspiration for the major rides and surfers arround the world. On November 7, 1957, he and a small group of big-wave riders surfed Waimea Bay for the first time.

3 hot pics of Noll in action and one moment at Festivalma 2010

Today, at 73 years, Noll still has the same energy of the old times. He was and continues to be a unique contributor to the world of surfing.

On his first visit to Brazil, Greg Noll was very nice with the brazilian people at the FestivAlma. He signed autographs and was considerate of everyone who had the honor of being next to him during the event.

Greg Noll said he was very happy to visit Brazil for the first time.

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to come to Brazil and i have to thank Romeu Andreatta for the invitation to visit this festival that is a true celebration of surf culture. People here are very nice and I am very happy to see that the brazilian people give such value to the surf, “said Greg Noll.

After the event, Greg Noll have lunched with the Alma Surf magazine’s publisher and creator of FestivAlma, Romeu Andreatta, besides Rob Machado and the American artist Jay Alders.

Learn more about FestivAlma at Alma Surf Magazine’s website: www.almasurf.com

Session at Brazilian Slab shows a little of what’s to come in Mormaii Tow In Championship

The waiting period was opened on May 1th and ends on July 30th. The chargers are waiting for the right window to get the $ 20,000 of prize.

In the water, local guys faced some strong waves. The tow session have shown the slab’s potential and was a good training for guys like Plínio Cruz, André Paulista, Thiago Jacaré, Marcus Pettini and Fabiano Tissot.

The brazilian photographer Harleyson Almeida was in the water and took some pics.

Bateria 7 Quiksilver Ceremonial (Final):

Cristian Merello

Peter Mel

Jamie Sterling

Mark Healey

The Champ

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Bateria 6 Quiksilver Ceremonial (Semifinal 2):

Bateria 5 Quiksilver Ceremonial (Semifinal 1):

Bateria 4 Quiksilver Ceremonial:

Terceira Bateria Quiksilver Ceremonial:

Highlights Heat 3 (Resumen Manga 3)

Segunda Bateria Quiksilver Ceremonial:

Mark Healy

Marcos Monteiro

Fernando Zegers

Resultados

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Primeira Bateria Quiksilver Ceremonial:

Bateria 1

James Sterling

Cristian Merelo

Resultados

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Unlikely local upstart wins Quiksilver Ceremonial in Chile

Cristian Merello wins the Quiksilver Cerimonial Punta de Lobos. Check out the Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos final results and Highlights form Chile. See the videos by clicking the tabs above.
Text by: Jason Murray / Source: http://espn.go.com

Punta line up Photo: Jason Murray

Much to everyone’s surprise, the morning of the Quiksilver Ceremonial big-wave contest started off a little slow. Expectations were that yesterday we’d awake up to the thunderous sound of 15-foot sets marching across the reef of Punta Lobos. Instead, it was 8 to 10 feet, clean and glassy. Definitely not the ideal situation for a big-wave event. I guess forecasting isn’t perfect after all.

Then again, by the time the finals rolled around, the sets were peaking in the 18-to-20-foot range and it was considerably more serious. And with an all-star cast in said final that included Santa Cruz’s Peter Mel, Hawaii’s Mark Healey and Jamie Sterling, and of course, Greg Long, it was most definitely on. But even with big-waves heavies crowding the sizable lineup, it was Chilean charger Cristian Merello that managed walked away with the top honors. Displaying local knowledge, a committed approach, and a sheer will to win, 27-year-old Merello conquered the heavy lefts with a level of comfort and confidence well beyond his years.

Cristian Merello Photo: Jason Murray

Merello was elated with his accomplishment on a number of levels. “Winning this event was really special for me and it wasn’t just for me, it was for my mother, who is battling cancer and for the community of Pichilemu,” he explained. “My strategy was to sit as deep as possible and wait for the biggest waves. I felt so comfortable out there and I’ve surfed that board so many times at this spot that I knew what to do and did my best. Now, I’m hoping to get an invitation to the contest in Peru so I can keep going”.

Up until now, most of the surf world had never heard of Merello, but true to underground form, he has been charging the points of Chile for years. He’s gained invaluable experience as Ramon Navarro’s tow partner, and has now made amends for an early exit in last year’s semifinal that saw him suffer a knee injury and a subsequent three months of rehab.

“I’m stoked that Cristian won because his mom needed it and it’s good for his career,” told the ever-humble Navarro, the godfather of Chilean big-wave surfing. “It was a close call between Gabriel and him, but most importantly, it’s just amazing seeing the Latin American guys compete with the best big-wave surfers in the world.”

Diego Medina Photo: Jason Murray

Diego Medina, of Horcon, Chile, won the biggest drop of the day and the Waterman Award in Memory of Noel Robinson, which was voted on by fellow competitors. His wave was hands down the biggest wave of the day.

The community of Pichelemu and the other coastal cities of this region have had a rough go the past four months. This event, although brief, provided a well-deserved break and distraction from picking up the pieces of life after the earthquake and tsunami. It has been a long road to recovery, and they still have a long way to go, but optimism is in the air and the excitement of a hometown boy winning definitely added to the positive atmosphere. It’s good to see the local boys doing well and the crowd getting behind them. And to add to the aloha just a little bit more, all of the finalists agreed to donate half of their prize money to aid in earthquake relief.

Punta Lobos Cerimonial 2010 Photo: Jason Murray

“It was a fantastic start to the new season,” said Big Wave World Tour director Gary Linden, who was more than pleased with the day’s events. “To bring a world-class event to a rebounding community with the surfers donating half of their prize money to the benefit of the local fisherman was a gesture in the spirit of the passion that is driving this tour. We do it because we love it and we want to share that feeling with the rest of the world.”

With the first event of the 2010 Big Wave World Tour all wrapped up, the pisco flowing like water, and the basado providing a top-notch dinner, the day came to a perfect end. While some rocked out to a Doors cover band late into the night, a few of the competitors quickly re-packed their guns and headed up to Puerto to chase the swell. Surely, it’s going to be bombing up there this weekend — the biggest swell of the summer thus far, and with a good warm up under their belts here in Chile, the crew is ready for some giant beach break barrels.

Cristian Merello and friends celebrate for the quinessential podium shot. Photo: Jason Murray

Results:
1) Cristian Merello (Chile)
2) Gabriel Villaran (Peru)
3) Peter Mel (USA)
4) Jamie Sterling (Hawaii)
5) Mark Healey (Hawaii)
6) Greg Long (USA)

Session at Brazilian Slab shows a little of what’s to come in Mormaii Tow In Championship

Laje de Jagua Photo: Lucas Barnis

A solid swell, generated by an extratropical cyclone, has came across Santa Catarina’s southern coast. The waves were big and strong, but the southeast wind created bad conditions for surfing.

The waiting period was opened on May 1th and ends on July 30th. The chargers are waiting for the right window to get the $ 20,000 of prize.

On Friday 14th, local guys faced some strong waves but not that big. The tow session was a good training at the slab for these guys.

The photographer Luke Barnes was in the water and took some pics.

Last Update 5/16/2010 – Grrn light to Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Invitational

Hello everybody, our friend Noel has sent us an amazing swell and it looks like we are a go for the contest! Wed. the 19th of may. 20ft at 19sec. Looks like one of the biggest swells down here in the last 4 years. The event is on!

Updated 5/12/2010 – Yellow alert to Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Invitational

“Aloha everybody. I know everybody feels terrible about our loss of a really good person and friend Noel. We will always have a place in our heart for him. I have a feeing he is watching over us now and is sending us an incredible swell for next week wendsday. It looks like it is for sure going to be bigger then the trials and the wind looks favorable. The direction is perfect and we will try to confirm saturday but at the very latest sunday. I think that this is the one boys!”

“The waves are cooking down here so bring some small boards too and stay a while! Thanks for the support, FUERZA CHILE!”
Ramon Navarro

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Updated 5/6/2010 – Red alert to Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Invitational

The Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Invitational organizers said that the event is back to red alert. The swell gets smaller and it’s not ok to run the contest. Anyway its a lot of movement in the ocean and we are gonna keep you informed of any change.

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Updated : 5/4/2010 – Yellow alert to Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Invitational

The Quiksilver Punta de Lobos Invitational organizers said that a really nice swell is coming in the next week. So the event is on yellow alert to confirm next friday .

“Is a really nice an good swell, 18 foot but clean and the sandbar at lobos is like the best ever, so that make waves break bigger than you can see in the report . Also we have transportation to pichilemu from the airport and free place to stay in Pichilemu too. So guys be allert and we hope the report keep good and like a dream coming bigger.” Said the local big rider Ramon Navarro.

Keep in touch!!!

See also:
Big Wave Punta de Lobos Trials (imagesn e videos)

Punta de Lobos no BWWT 2010/2011