Perfect Conditions for the Start of the Competition
Valdoviño, August 29 (A Coruña) – Today marked the beginning of the WQS 3000 ABANCA PANTÍN CLASSIC GALICIA PRO competition, and it started with exceptional conditions that captivated both surfers and spectators alike. The 36th edition of this event kicked off with good waves and gentle winds, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
Waves and Tides: A Crucial Factor
The weather conditions played a crucial role in shaping the first day of the WQS 3000 ABANCA PANTÍN CLASSIC GALICIA PRO competition. With low tide, surfers were greeted with highly favorable conditions, including good right-handers in the sets and short yet powerful left-handers. As the tide rose, the wave strength slightly decreased, but surfers had more space to execute combinations of maneuvers.
Men’s Category
In the men’s category, all eyes were on Tahitian surfer Michel Bourez, who already showcased his skill by winning the Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii. Bourez lived up to expectations, securing the top spot in his heat with a display of great wave reading and his experience in high-level competitions.
Impressive performances from surfers like Frenchman Kylian Guerin, Basque surfer Keoni Lasa, and Asturian surfer Pelayo Suárez were also highlights on this action-packed day. Notable names that advanced to the next rounds included Cantabrian surfer Mario Rasines and Galician surfer Sebastián Bamonde.
Bamonde, the sole Galician surfer in the men’s category, secured his spot in the Round of 96 for the following day, following the elimination of A Coruña’s Pablo Montero and the withdrawal of Vigo’s Gony Zubizarreta due to injury.
The excitement will continue in the Round of 64, where we will witness the participation of the Fernandez brothers, Manuel and Juan, who earned their wildcard spots through the Open competition of the Galician Surf Federation.
Women’s Category
The women’s category took to the water in the late afternoon for the Round of 56, during high tide and a playful swell that delivered long, classic right-hand waves characteristic of Pantín Beach. Four heats of the first round were completed, resulting in the qualification of eight surfers for the second day: Tya Zebrowski, Natasha Van Greunen, Vittoria Farmer, Belle Betteridge, Daniela Boldini, Rheanna Rosenbaum, Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri, and Ellie Turner.
These surfers showcased their flow and determination on the waves, promising even more exciting clashes in the upcoming competition days. Notable performances in this initial phase were delivered by Basque surfer Annette González-Etxebarri, Canarian surfer Daniela Boldini, and Belgian surfer Rheanna Rosenbaum.
A Promising Start
The first day of the WQS 3000 ABANCA PANTÍN CLASSIC GALICIA PRO competition exceeded expectations with good wave and wind conditions. Both in the men’s and women’s categories, surfers displayed their high-level skills and quality of surfing, ensuring that the upcoming competition days will be filled with excitement in the waters of Pantín.