Day two started with a 10h00 skippers meeting for all the Wave Riders and conditions were looking good.
KPWT Santa Cruz Ocean Spirit Wave Master then kicked off at 16h00 with the first rounds for men. The riders were all very excited for the chance to get onto the water and impress the spectators on the beach.
High tide pulled in and the waves were now pushing to 2 meters with a good northerly wind at around 15 knots.
The first rounds in single elimination for men started and Cameron Dietrich (HAW, CABRINHA) looked good, using the conditions as best he could, accustomed to his big wave Hawaii style. He will face Abel Lago (SPA, RRD) who defeated the local rider Bruno Melo in the second round. Henrique Claudio (POR), who is from the local team decided to put himself to the test and take on the worlds best! He performed well on the waves he selected, with kick-backs on the face and used the power in his kite well. He will face Jesse Richman (HAW, CABRINHA), who came third at the first Wave Masters event in Germany.
Unfortunately conditions shifted a little too much as the tied had come in and wind dropped off to under 10 knots. The second round for the single elimination for men was not completed and the women’s heats will start hopefully tomorrow if the wind returns.
Tonight’s festivities promise to bring in huge support and there is an exciting buzz around the beach. Lets hope that tomorrow there is wind and some good swell!