Individual Gold Medalists Are Hawaii’s Honolua Blomfield In The Junior’s Under-18, South Africa’s Simone Robb In The Open Women’s And France’s Antoine Delpero In The Open Men’s. Team France Wins The ISA Aloha Cup

France, the 2013 ISA World Longboard Team Champions, holding the Team Champion Trophies presented by ISA Vice President Alan Atkins (far right) and Peruvian Institute of Sport (IPD) President of La Libertad, Benjamin Gayoso (far left). Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

All the Individual Gold Medalists (from left to right): Hawaii’s 14-year old Honolua Blomfield, the only girl in the Junior’s Under-18 Final, South Africa’s Simone Robb in the Open Women’s, and France’s Antoine Delpero in the Open Men’s. Photos: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Following an amazing week of great waves and exciting surfing performances, the 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship, in historic Huanchaco, Peru, is officially over.

France will go down in the history books as the Gold Medal Team in the first stand-alone ISA World Longboard Championship.

In the individual divisions, France’s Antoine Delpero won the Open Men’s, South Africa’s Simone Robb won the Open Women’s, and Hawaii’s Honolua Blomfield won the Junior’s Under-18. Team France won the ISA Aloha Cup.

“It’s been an incredible World Championship with excellent waves every day of the event,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “This has been a historic World Championship as it is the first time an ISA World Longboard Championship takes place separate from the ISA World Surfing Games, and furthermore, the inauguration of the Women and Junior Longboard Divisions for the first time in ISA history.

President Aguerre continued, “A very special thanks to all of the athletes, the whole town of Huanchaco, the public and private sector of Peru, and especially, the Peruvian Institute of Sport, the Association of Olympic Athletes of Peru, the Peruvian National Olympic Committee, the municipality of Huanchaco, and our dear event organizer of this first World Championship, Karin Sierralta.”

Huanchaco’s great surf during the Final Day of competition continued. The waves were in the 3-5 feet range, bigger than previous days, with calm winds all day long, providing exceptionally long rides for the surfers to perform at their highest level.

The first final in the water was the Junior’s Under-18, where Hawaii’s Honolua Blomfield won the Gold Medal earning 15.00. As one of only two girls entered in the Junior competition, Blomfield had a difficult task, but managed to dominate most of her heats throughout the event, including the final.

“I just feel on top of the world! I can’t believe that I was able to make it this far,” said the elated Hawaiian. “On my first wave, a set wave, I just played safe and did a couple of turns and some nose riding and ended up getting a seven. I was just amped throughout the whole heat. Then another really long wave came through, a little nugget that peeled all the way to the inside and I ended up getting another seven on that one.” These two rides added up to a winning performance.

Gold Medalist in the Junior Under-18, Honolua Blomfield (HAW). Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The Silver Medal went to France’s Martin Coret (13.24), the Bronze to Brazil’s Caio Santana (10.56) and the Copper to South Africa’s Ethan Pentz (7.27).

Up next was the Open Women’s Final. South Africa’s Simone Robb won the Gold Medal, earning 11.50, defeating Silver Medalist Rachael Tilly (10.43) from USA, Bronze Medalist Justine Dupont (9.83) from France, and the Copper Medalist Megan Godinez (7.27) from Hawaii.

“I started up with a bang! I got the first wave of the heat, which was an 8, and I was really lucky to get that one,” commented the South African in her post-heat interview. “It’s really cool to be the first Female ISA World Longboard Champion. I’m really happy. My kids will wear my Medal when I get back home. This event was amazing and the other women were so nice to compete against; they were all are really friendly.”

Gold Medalist in the Open Women’s, Simone Robb (RSA). Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

In the Open Men’s Final, France’s Antoine Delpero won the Gold after posting two big scores of 9.00 and 8.20, an impressive total heat score of 17.20. Great Britain’s Ben Skinner had been in form all event, but felt just short in the Final, earning 15.60 and the Silver Medal. Brazil’s Phil Rajzman won the Bronze Medal, earning 12.03 and South Africa’s Thomas King the Copper Medal (11.97).

“It was a really hard and close Final, and everyone got good waves,” said Delpero as he waved his third ISA Gold Medal in his career having previously won Gold in the Longboard division of the ISA World Surfing Games in 2009 and SUP Surfing in the 2012 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship.

“You never know if you’re going to have a good wave because the wave doesn’t opens up until near the end, where the strong scoring potential of the wave is. I tried to do my best and I’m super happy about that!”

Gold Medalist in the Open Men’s Antoine Delpero (FRA). Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The last event in the 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship was the exciting ISA Aloha Cup, a tag-team competition.

The Aloha Cup Final featured Australia, Brazil, France, and Peru. Team France featuring the Gold Medalist Delpero, his younger brother Edouard, Justine Dupont and Martin Coret won the Gold Medal exhibiting a smart strategy and displaying high-level surfing longboarding skills. The French defeated Peru (Silver), Australia (Bronze) and Brazil (Copper), as the largest crowd of the event cheered them on.

Following the competition, the Closing Ceremony took place to present all of the medals and trophies, and to bring an end to an incredible week in one of the most historic surfing communities in the world.

Closing Ceremony dignitaries included Benjamin Gayoso, the Peruvian Institute of Sport (IPD) President of La Libertad, Alfredo Gamero, representing the Huanchaco Kahunas Club, and ISA Vice Presidents Alan Atkins and Karin Sierralta. Sierralta was also the event organizer.

Official Results:

Final Team Standing:

1- France- 4,810
2- South Africa- 4,010
3- Hawaii- 3,726
4- Brazil- 3,618
5- Great Britain- 3,478
6- Peru- 3,441
7- USA- 3,136
8- Argentina- 2,993
9- Venezuela- 2,783
10- Australia- 2,636
11- New Zealand- 2,500
12- Ecuador- 2,425
13- Uruguay- 1,855
14- Dominican Republic- 1,745
15- Japan- 1,735
16- Mexico- 1,546
17- Costa Rica- 1,380
18- Puerto Rico- 1,320
19- Italy- 1,170
20- Canada- 875
21- Chile- 660
22- Panama- 600

Open Men’s:
Antoine Delpero (FRA), Gold Medal
Ben Skinner (GBR), Silver Medal
Phil Rajzman (BRA), Bronze Medal
Thomas King (RSA), Copper Medal

Open Women’s:
Simone Robb (RSA), Gold Medal
Rachael Tilly (USA), Silver Medal
Justine Dupont (FRA), Bronze Medal
Megan Godinez (HAW), Copper Medal

Junior’s Under-18:
Honolua Blomfeld (HAW), Gold Medal
Martin Coret (FRA), Silver Medal
Caio Santana (BRA), Bronze Medal
Ethan Pentz (RSA), Copper Medal

ISA Aloha Cup:
France- 58.05, Gold Medal
Peru- 46.95, Silver Medal
Australia- 42.90, Bronze Medal
Brazil- 29.45, Copper Medal

For a full list of results visit: http://isawlc.com/results/

For the full event coverage with daily videos and photo galleries visit- http://isawlc.com/

On October 26, 2013 the community of Huanchaco will be enshrined as the world’s fifth World Surfing Reserve, and the first World Surfing Reserve in Latin America.

In addition to formally recognizing Huanchaco for it’s outstanding wave quality, unique environmental characteristics, surfing heritage, and community support – the cornerstone of the World Surfing Reserve program is it’s emphasis on locally-led coastal conservation efforts.

Save The Waves Coalition works alongside each new World Surfing Reserve to develop a Reserve Stewardship Plan; a strategic plan for identifying the local World Surfing Reserve goals, primary threats to those goals, the root causes of those threats, and concrete steps for mitigating those threats.

The Reserve Stewardship Plan is co-developed by the Local Stewardship Council, which oversees the Reserve management. This group is comprised of local surfers, environmentalists, local government officials, and business leaders. Developing the Reserve Stewardship Plan together builds consensus on future conservation efforts that they can enact to protect their prestigious World Surfing Reserve.

The result is a clear conservation framework developed by the local community in partnership with Save The Waves Coalition to guide their efforts and achieve measurable coastal conservation outcomes.

The Event Continues To Be Blessed With Good Waves At The Historic Surf Break

With critical nose rides, Great Britain’s Ben Skinner earned the highest heat score of the day of 16.27, advancing to the Grand Final in search of the Individual Gold Medal. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The exciting ISA Aloha Cup Semifinals, a tag-team format competition, took place today. Every team is made up of 4 surfers, and each surfer must catch 3 waves in a one-hour heat. Photo: ISA/Tweddle

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Champions will be crowned on Saturday. All of the Individual and Team Gold Medals, plus the ISA Aloha Cup will be decided on the Final Day of competition.

On an electrifying Day 5 of competition, the first Grand Finalists have been confirmed and the Repechage Finals have also been set. The two surfers that advance from the Repechage Final will move into the Grand Final.

The surf conditions at the historic point break in Huachaco remained in the 3-4 foot range with long walls, allowing the surfers to perform a variety of maneuvers. The highest scores of the day came from rides where the surfers displayed power and flow with a mix of traditional and high performance longboard surfing, which is the criteria established by the ISA for judging.

“We are one day away from crowning the Team Champion and all of the Individual Medalists,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Huanchaco has blessed us with great waves all week long. This historic surf break and the surrounding community have an amazing vibe that dates back 4,000 years with the use of the Caballitos de Totora at the same location we are holding the contest today. I invite everyone to enjoy this unique experience by watching the Final Day of competition tomorrow on the live webcast.”

The local fishermen riding the traditional Caballitos de Totora. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

In the Open Men’s, Great Britain’s Ben Skinner and South Africa’s Thomas King advanced directly into the Grand Final. Skinner had the highest total heat score earning 16.27, defeating King (13.76), and sending into the Repechage the French brothers Antoine (11.53) and Edouard Delpero (10.67).

“It’s a big dream of mine to be in the Final again, I’m just at a loss of words,” said the elated and emotional British surfer, Skinner. “I had so much support from my friends, family and from my country, this one is for all of you, for sure. My main inspiration are my kids. The ISA has done a great job putting on this great event, and I feel really privileged to be here in the first ever ISA World Longboard Championship, and make it to the Final. I just can’t believe it!”

Skinner and King will be joined in the Grand Final by the 1^st and 2^nd place finishers of the Men’s Repechage Final, featuring Phil Rajzman (BRA), Piccolo Clemente (PER), Antoine Delpero (FRA), and Edouard Delpero (FRA).

Ben Skinner (GBR) and Thomas King (RSA) were clearly stoked to advance to the Grand Final. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

Phil Rajzman put on a great performance today, earning 13.60, to advance to the Repechage Final, narrowly defeating the local Peruvian, Piccolo Clemente (13.57), sending home Juan Jose Corzo (PER, 11.97) and Kai Sallas (HAW, 11.57).

“My heat was incredible, against the two Peruvians and the Hawaiian,” said the relieved Brazilian. “I took a really good wave, and I started with a Hang Ten and then some radical maneuvers that gave me good points. I was in third place and that wave put me in first. I’m really happy and feel lucky to be here in Peru, it’s an incredible place.”

Phil Rajzman (BRA), hanging-ten, on his way to the Repechage Final. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

On the Women’s side, France’s Justine Dupont and South Africa’s Simone Robb advanced directly into the Grand Final. The South African managed to squeeze in second place, earning 9.37, sending to the Repechage Final Megan Godinez (HAW, 9.27) and Mary Gil (ARG, 5.66).

“Today the conditions are really tricky,” said Robb. “The strategy is to get two decent waves and perform the best you can. Our Team made it to the Final Day of the competition, which is great. Good luck to everyone else that is surfing in all of the other teams. My team rocks, I love South Africa!”

Simone Robb (RSA) pulled out of her bag of tricks a “helicopter,” rotating her board 360 degrees. Photo: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

Dupont and Robb will be joined in the Grand Final by the 1^st and 2^nd place finishers of the Women’s Repechage Final, featuring Rachael Tilly (USA), Karen Mendiguetti (PER), Megan Godinez (HAW), and Mary Gil (ARG).

In the Junior’s, Hawaii’s Honolua Blomfield and France’s Martin Coret advanced directly into the Grand Final. The Hawaiian is the last female remaining in the division and won her heat earning 11.94, defeating Marting Coret (FRA, 9.6) and sending to the Repechage Final Ethan Pentz (RSA, 8.97) and Caio Santana (BRA, 8.90).

“I felt really good in the water, I’m just doing my thing,” said the Hawaiian. “I’m so happy, as I did not think that I could make it this far, surfing against all boys, I just have to be at their level and compete as good as them. I’ve never surfed waves like this, but it’s fun and different surfing a left this long.”

Honolua Blomfield (HAW) hanging-five. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Blomfield and Coret will be joined in the Grand Final by the 1^st and 2^nd place finishers of the Junior’s Repechage Final, featuring Yoissis Delgado (VEN), Surfiel Gil (ARG), Ethan Pentz (RSA), and Caio Santana (BRA).

The exciting ISA Aloha Cup semifinals, a tag-team format competition, took place today. Every team is made up of 4 surfers, and each surfer must catch 3 waves in a one-hour heat. In the first semifinal, Australia, with 59.75, defeated Peru (54.00) and eliminated Argentina (40.90) and New Zealand (37.20). In the second semifinal, France dominated with a total score of 71.05, defeating Brazil (49.20) and eliminated South Africa (37.80) and Venezuela 37.30.

Australia, Peru, France, and Brazil will face each other in the ISA Aloha Cup Final on Saturday.

With only 15 minutes to paddle out, catch 3 waves, and come back to tag your team-mate, speed is a key part of the strategy during the Aloha Cup. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

With all members of their National Team still in the competition, Team France and South Africa are in the lead and will fight for the coveted Team Gold Medal on Saturday. Peru and Brazil, in 3rd and 4th respectively, are not far behind and will be looking to cause major upsets on the Final Day.

For a full list of today’s results, go to- www.isawlc.com/results

Team Standing after Day 5 of competition:

1- France- 5,720
2- South Africa- 5,000
3- Peru- 4,665
4- Brazil- 4,428
5- Hawaii- 4,056
6- Argentina- 3,800
7- Great Britain- 3,758
8- USA- 3,276
9- Venezuela- 3,200
10- Australia- 2,636
11- New Zealand- 2,500
12- Ecuador- 2,425
13- Uruguay- 1,855
14- Dominican Republic- 1,745
15- Japan- 1,735
16- Mexico- 1,546
17- Costa Rica- 1,380
18- Puerto Rico- 1,320
19- Italy- 1,170
20- Canada- 875
21- Chile- 660
22- Panama- 600

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship will resume Saturday, at 9:40am with The Morning Show featuring members from Team Hawaii.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Junior’s Repechage Final
Open Women’s Repechage Final
Open Men’s Repechage Final
Junior’s Grand Final
Open Women’s Grand Final
Open Men’s Grand Final
Aloha Cup Final
The live webcast of the entire 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship is available on www.isawlc.com

Day 4 Of The ISA World Longboard Championship Features Excellent Performances And Big Upsets

Peru’s Piccolo Clemente was in dominant form, earning the event’s highest total heat score of 17.60 during day 4 of the ISA World Longboard Championship in Peru. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Team USA’s only hope for an Individual Medal is Rachael Tilly, who is still fighting to advance to the final through the Repechage. Tilly had the highest total heat score of the Women’s division, earning 14.66. ISA/Rommel Gonzales

As the ISA World Longboard Championship approaches the final days of competition, the race for the Individual and Team Gold Medals is heating up.

The south-west swell in Huanchaco continued to deliver great waves during day 4 of the ISA World Longboard Championship. The waves were in the 3-4 foot range and occasionally larger sets, and with clean conditions all day long. Once again, the world’s best longboarders delivered excellent performances demonstrating a combination of traditional nose rides and powerful high performance carving.

“The waves continue to be amazing for Longboarding here in beautiful Huanchaco, and the surfers are delivering an incredible show,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “With only one more day before the finals, all the surfers remaining in the competition are continuing to give their best effort . Friday and Saturday are the last two days, which include the ISA Aloha Cup (tag-team format competition), the Repechage Finals and the Grand Finals. Good luck to the remaining surfers and their National Teams.”

Many teams have suffered the loss of their athletes, but the biggest upset of the event so far came from Team USA and Australia.

USA was considered a top medal contender coming into the event, but with the loss of the defending ISA World Longboard Champion, Tony Silvagni, the 2-times and current ASP World Tour Longboard Champion, Taylor Jensen, and their Junior surfer, Nick Anderberg, their hopes for a Team Medal have come to an end. Team USA’s only hope for an Individual Medal is Rachael Tilly, who is still fighting to advance to the final through the Repechage.

The defending ISA World Longboard Champion, Tony Silvagni lost today in a tough heat against Justin Bing (RSA) and Phil Rajzman (BRA). Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Australia, which typically finishes in the Medals at most ISA World Championships, had a shocker, losing their last three surfers in the Repechage. Ian Bell lost in the Open Men’s, Georgia Young in the Open Women’s and William Crowe in the Junior’s.

France, South Africa, and Hawaii are leading the charge in the overall Team points as they have surfed well enough to keep all four surfers on each Team in the competition.

South Africa’s Justin Bing, along with the rest of the South African Team, has the Gold Medal within sight. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The fourth day of the six-day event featured Open Men’s Qualifying and the Repechage rounds in all the divisions, which would further narrow the field of competitors by the end of the day.

Other than his first heat of competition when he was suffering from an injury, Peru’s Piccolo Clemente has been in dominant form, and he is not slowing down. In the Repechage, he nailed the day’s highest total heat score of 17.60 in his morning heat. In his second heat of the day, the Peruvian earned 16.87, defeating Hawaiian Kai Sallas (9.8) and sending home Venezuelan Ronald Reyes (8.27).

“Conditions have improved compared to the previous days,” said the Peruvian. “The waves are in the 3-4 feet range and glassy, without wind. You have long waves where you can perform many maneuvers. I’m still in the race, in the Repechage, but alive and solid. My highest scoring wave was big and with a good wall, where I performed two big turns and a long high five, ending with a radical maneuver. Let’s hope that the conditions stay this way.”

Also barreling through the Repechage was Brazil’s Phil Rajzman, who earned the highest single wave score of the event so far, a 9.60. With a total heat score of 16.9, Rajzman defeated South Africa’s Justin Bing (14.53) sending home USA’s Tony Silvagni (13.93).

“I’ve been surfing my heats wearing a wetsuit, but it made me tired. In this heat I went in to the water without a suit, so I felt lighter, and I think that it helped me get that good score. The waves now are more perfect compared to previous days.”

Brazil’s Phil Rajzman is one step closer to the Grand Final. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Rajzman continued, “The Brazilian Team is really united. We want the individual and team victory. When I get back home from Huanchaco, I’ll bring with me great memories of the waves and its town.”

On the Women’s side, Team USA’s only surfer left in the contest, Rachael Tilly, had the highest total heat score of the division, earning 14.66 and defeating Peru’s Karen Mendiguetti (11.96), sending home Australia’s Georgia Young (9.07) and Brazil’s Atalanta Nascimento (6.46).

“The waves are so good right now as they are peeling down the point,” said the American. “I was able to find the right ones that connected all the way, which was such a blessing. I’m really happy I was able to make it through this heat with good scores. Being in the Repechage is nerve-wracking. It makes you more amped to want to advance. I’m just super stoked to be here in Peru, and I had so much fun out there.”

In the Junior’s, showing great determination, Argentina’s Surfiel Gil advanced in both his Repechage heats and is one heat away from the Grand Final.

“The conditions are even better than yesterday and I had the chance and good luck to advance in my second Repechage heat. I have one more heat and hopefully I’ll make it to the Grand Final, and maybe win the Gold Medal.”

Argentina’s Surfiel Gil hanging-5 on his way to the Repechage Final. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

For a full list of today’s results, go to- www.isawlc.com/results

Team Standing after Day 4 of competition:

1 France- 5,720
1 Hawaii- 5,720
1 South Africa- 5,720
4 Peru- 5,275
5 Brazil- 4,428
6 Argentina- 3,800
7 Great Britain- 3,758
8 USA- 3,276
9 Venezuela- 3,200
10 Australia- 2,636
11 New Zealand- 2,500
12 Ecuador- 2,425
13 Uruguay- 1,855
14 Dominican Republic- 1,745
15 Japan- 1,735
16 Mexico- 1,546
17 Costa Rica- 1,380
18 Puerto Rico- 1,320
19 Italy- 1,170
20 Canada- 875
21 Chile- 660
22 Panama- 600

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship resumes Friday at 7:40am with The Morning Show featuring members from Team Argentina.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Repechage 6 Open Men’s
Qualifying 3 Open Women’s
Qualifying 5 Open Men’s
Qualifying 3 Junior Under-18
Repechage 7 Open Men’s
Aloha Cup Semifinals
The live webcast of the entire 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship is available on www.isawlc.com

Great Waves Continue To Pump Into The Historic Left Pointbreake in Huanchaco

France’s Edouard Delpero (1st) and his brother Antoine (2nd), the former ISA Longboard Gold Medalist, both advanced in the Qualifying Round. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Brazil’s Atalanta Nascimento kept her hopes alive, dominating her heat with a great performance of classical nose riding and high performance surfing. ISA/Rommel Gonzales

The competition intensified at the idyllic pointbreak of Huanchaco for Day 3 of the ISA World Longboard Championship. Great waves continued although the swell dropped slightly into the 3-4 foot range with calm winds and glassy conditions. With the right wave selection, the surfers connected through the different sections, resulting in over 200 yard long rides.

The third day of the six day event featured the Repechage rounds for the Open Men, Open Women, and Junior, followed by Qualify 3 of Open Men, for a full day of intense, often do-or-die surfing.

“The competition is reaching its critical stage, when athletes can’t afford to lose or they will go home, after loosing for a second time,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Every surfer is giving their full effort trying to get the scores they need to advance and keep Individual and Team Medal hopes alive. If you are not here in beautiful Huanchaco, the best way to enjoy the event is watching the live webcast, or go to the official website www.isawlc.com, and check out the day highlight videos and photos”

To kick-off the day, the Open Men’s Repechage 2 took place, where Peru’s Piccolo Clemente was the standout, earning the highest heat score of the round. The Peruvian defended his home court earning a 15.50 total heat score, narrowly defeating USA’s Tony Silvagni (14.66) and sending home Uruguay’s Gonzalo Eris (6.84) and Antonio Pita (6.53).

“Even though the waves have decreased in height, the ocean is more organized and the conditions have improved,” said the local, Clemente, who is fighting to advance to the final through the Repechage. “There’s less current and the wave has more wall, so you can perform more maneuvers. My best wave was a long hang-ten, a couple of re-entries and a closeout hit in the white water.”

Clemente has been nursing a knee injury, but it didn’t seem to have any effect on his surfing. “My knee has healed a lot and the pain has decreased. It still hurts, but I’m doing better compared to previous days.”

Peru’s Piccolo Clemente posted the day’s highest total heat score, earning 17.10. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The Peruvian surfed again in the afternoon, where he earned the day’s highest total heat score of 17.10 thus keeping his hopes alive.

In the Open Women’s Repechage, Brazil’s Atalanta Nascimento kept her hopes alive, dominating her heat defeating Japan’s Shiho Okazawa (7.24) and sending home Great Britain’s Claire Smail (4.94) and Dominican Republic’s Caroline De Cat (1.47).

“I didn’t do well in my first round and fell to the Repechage, but now I’m confident and focused,” said the happy Brazilian. “I did great in my Repechage heat, getting the highest score focusing on victory. I know there is a long road ahead but I’m concentrating.”

Huanchaco’s local fisherman on the traditional Caballito’s de Totora. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

In the Junior’s, Venezuela’s Yoissis Delgado led the charge with the highest heat score of the division, earning 13.34, defeating USA’s Nick Anderberg (7.8) and sending home one of the only 2 girls in the Junior Division, Canada’s Lola Mignot (6.23).

“It was hard for me to fall to Repechage after coming all the way here and so much hard training,” said Delgado. “Nonetheless, my concentration is better and I have the right attitude to advance in my heats. I thank my Venezuelan teammates for all their support.”

Yoissis Delgado from Venezuela used high performance maneuvers to earn high scores and advancing into the next round in the repechage. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Following the Repechage rounds, the Men’s Qualifying 3 hit the water, with performances at a very high level. The standout was Great Britain’s Ben Skinner, who earned an impressive 17.00 total heat score, defeating South Africa’s Thomas King (12.66) and sending into the Repechage Australia’s Jared Neal (11.57) and USA’s Taylor Jensen (11.4).

“This is such an incredible wave,” said an elated Skinner, who arrived in Peru having won the European Surfing Championship’s Longboard Division just two days before. “Coming from Great Britain, we don’t have these long left points or even right hand points. It’s an amazing experience to be here at the first ISA World Longboard Championship, representing Great Britain, and to have a heat like that, and beat a 2-time world champion was just one of the biggest achievements of my life so far.”

Great Britain’s Ben Skinner. Photo: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

For a full list of today’s results, go to- www.isawlc.com/results

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship resumes Thursday at 7:40am with The Morning Show featuring members of Team New Zealand and Hawaii.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Repechage 4 Open Men’s
Repechage 2 Open Women’s
Repechage 2 Junior Under-18
Qualifying 4 Open Men’s
Repechage 5 Open Men’s
Repechage 3 Open Women’s
Repechage 3 Junior Under-18

The live webcast of the entire 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship is available on www.isawlc.com

A Combination Of Traditional And High Performance Longboard Surfing Prevail In Huanchaco’s Long Lefts

Phil Rajzman from Brazil, showed great high performance style during Day 2 of the ISA World Longboard Championship in Huanchaco’s famous long lefts. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Amazing surfing continued during Day 2 of the ISA World Longboard Championship in Peru. Surf conditions improved at the historic Huanchacho pointbreak, as the swell became more manageable and organized in the 3-5 foot range. The world’s best longboarders took advantage of the improved conditions and put on an amazing display of traditional and high-performance longboarding.

“Peru keeps delivering the great surf it’s famous for,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre, “and Huanchaco keeps delivering its famous long lefts. The camaraderie between all the National Teams on the beach has created a great vibe amongst the surfing tribe. Stay with us, and if you are not watching the live webcast, you are missing out.”

Day 2 featured Qualifying Round 2 for Open Men, Open Women, Junior Under-18, and Round 1 of the Open Men’s Repechage. This is a do-or-die round; if a surfer gets 3rd or 4th place, he or she is out of the contest.

In the second Qualifying heat of the morning, when conditions were glassy and near perfect, Hawaii’s Ned Snow, put on a display of power and flow, delivering the competition’s highest total heat score of 17.27. Snow defeated Edouard Delpero (FRA, 13.27), Ian Bell (AUS, 9.13), and Anthony McColl (NZL, 8.67), sending Bell and McColll to the Repechage round.

Ned Snow from Team Hawaii. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

“Today was way smoother,” said the victorious Hawaiian. “This morning the waves were all clean, it was high tide, so you don’t have to worry about racing down the line, and you can just flow with the wave. It was so fine; Huanchaco is a great wave.”

Snow continued, “We don’t have waves this long in Hawaii; this is the longest wave that I have ever surfed in my life, to be honest. Normally back at home you can get maybe like 3-4 turns, but this one you can link 6 or 7 turns. It’s really fun.”

Other standouts in the Open Men’s were Great Britain’s Ben Skinner, France’s Antoine Delpero, and South Africa’s Thomas King, all advancing in 1^st place in their respective heats into Qualifying Round 3.

Ben Skinner from Team Great Britain. Photo: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

A big upset of the day was the defending champion, Toni Silvagni (USA), who placed 4^th, forcing him into the do-or-die Repechage round.

Up next were the Open Women’s Qualifying. The standout of the division was South Africa’s Simone Robb, who gracefully rode the long waves of Huanchaco earning the highest Women’s heat score of the day 13.33, defeating Justine Dupont (FRA, 12.07), Karen Mendiguetti (PER, 10.84) and Rachael Tilly (USA, 8.50).

South Africa’s Simone Robb gracefully rode the long waves of Huanchaco earning the highest Women’s heat score of the day 13.33, with traditional longboarding maneuvers. Photo: ISA Rommel Gonzales

“The conditions are very different to what they were yesterday, and it’s a lot more contestable,” said Robb. “It’s still quite tough because of the strong rip, plus my leash broke, which made it difficult. But in the end, it was pretty fun out there; the competition is good and this place rocks!”

In the Junior’s Qualifying, Brazil’s Caio Santana dominated his heat, earning a 14.50, defeating Honolua Blomfield (HAW, 9.67), Surfier Gil (ARG, 8.03) and Jordan Griffin (NZL, 7.67).

To finish the competition for the day, the first heats of Open Men’s Repechage hit the water, where the first surfers of the competition were eliminated. Surviving through this round in dominant form was the Italian surfer Alessandro De Martini who earned 11.2, defeating Guaili Ramirez (PUR, 8.9) and sending home Yuki Nakaya (JPN,7.16).

“Today was a great day,” said the Italian, “and everyone surfed so well. Huanchaco is a beautiful place and I recommend it to everyone. Today, we had sun and the water is warmer, and we had a wonderful time.”

Locals cheering for Team Peru . Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

For a full list of today’s results, go to- www.isawlc.com/results

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship resumes Wednesday at 7:40am with The Morning Show.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Repechage 2 Open Men’s
Repechage 1 Open Women’s
Repechage 1 Junior Under-18
Qualifying 3 Open Men’s
Repechage 3 Open Men’s
The live webcast of the entire 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship is available on www.isawlc.com

SOLID WAVES AND PERFORMANCES ON DAY 1 OF THE ISA WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP IN PERU

Argentina’s Martin Perez, on day 1 of the ISA World Lonbgoard Championship, took advantage of today’s 6 foot surf by performing big power carves, advancing with a 1st place in the opening round. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Taylor Jensen from USA is well known as a power surfer, but today he finessed his way to victory with his nose riding skills. Jensen advanced in first place in one of the day’s toughest heats against local favorite Piccolo Clemente (PER) and Ben Skinner (GBR). Photo: ISA Michael Tweddle

Day 1 of the ISA World Longboard Championship (WLC) kicked off on Monday with firing waves and incredible performances in Huanchaco, Peru. The surf during the first day of competition ranged from 6-8 feet with many rides 200 yards long.

The waves at Huanchaco allowed the surfers to perform multiple maneuvers in a ride including critical turns, big cut backs, huge floaters and nose rides. The surfers had to pick their waves wisely and be tactical because the paddle back out to the line up was long. Some surfers opted to run back up the point on the beach.

Edouard Delpero from Team France. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

“We had an incredible first day of this historic ISA World Longboard Championship,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Huanchaco is living up to expectations by delivering excellent 6 foot surf for the world’s best longboarders. It’s a beautiful thought to picture Huanchaco’s locals thousands of years ago surfing these very same waves on the traditional “Caballitos de Totora” (reed fishing boats), and now we have the opportunity to compete on Huanchaco’s waves and share them with the world. It’s just perfect!”

Benoit Clemente from Team Peru. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

The first day featured Qualifying Round 1 for Open Men, Open Women, and Junior Under-18 for a full day of action-packed surfing.

Ned Snow from Team Hawaii. Photo: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

In the Open Men’s, South Africa’s Thomas King was the stand-out of the day earning the division’s highest total heat score of 13.77, defeating Venezuela’s Francisco Hernandez (8.96), Hawaii’s Kai Sallas (8.1), and Italy’s Alessandro De Martini (5.4).

“It’s nice to be here in Peru, here in Huanchaco,” said the South African, while his teammates showed their support blowing traditional vuvuzela. “It’s my first time in South America. The country is nice and people are friendly. I have been here over a week now so I’m comfortable and I was feeling good out there. The support of my team and all my family and friends back home helped me a lot, so it felt good to get the right waves, which allowed me to get the scores. The surfing is unbelievable and I’m happy the ISA put on this contest and proud to be here!”

King continued, “The wave is quite difficult here. It’s a lot different than what we have in South Africa. I think the strategy is to make sure I get waves. The wave changes all the time so every heat is different.”

In Open Women’s, France’s Justine Dupont put on a dominant performance earning the day’s highest total heat score of 13.83, defeating Hawaii’s Megan Godinez (6.27), Venezuela’s Adriana Gamero (5.60) and Japan’s Shio Okazawa (4.13).

“It was a tough heat, it was very difficult,” said an elated Dupont. “My board is not ok, it almost broke. My first wave wasn’t good so I had to go back out and catch another. Catching the wave is not so difficult but you have to choose the good ones. I like the wave, but you have to paddle a lot. I expect to surf heat by heat and hope to win.”

Justine Dupont from Team France. Photo: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

In the Junior’s, one of the standouts was Australia’s William Crowe, who earned a 10.56, defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Griffin (8.93) and USA’s Nick Anderberg (6.0).

“It was a hard heat, it’s a lot of paddling out there because of the strong current, but once you get out in the spot and get one it’s quite good out there and fun,” commented Crowe. “I was lucky to get a couple of good ones. The strategy is to get one wave quickly and then back it up with another one, and if you have time, find a better one. Overall, the Australian team has done pretty good today.”

The only Team Canada competitor, Lola Mignot, was one of two girls competing in the Juniors U-18 division against many of the world’s best boys. Lola gave her best effort in the challenging conditions, but in the end came up fourth, moving her to the repechage, or second chance round

“I’m really not used to this kind of wave and it’s really difficult. I’m Canadian but I live in Mexico, where the sea is warmer and with smaller waves. It’s a really nice experience to be here in Peru, to practice on big waves. It’s not difficult at all competing against the boys, as I’ve done it since I was little and it’s really fun when you beat them.”

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship is a double elimination competition, with the first two surfers always advancing to the next Qualifying Round. Surfers in third and fourth place move into the Repechage Round, giving them a second chance to advance. However, another third or fourth place finish, and they will be out of the competition

For a full list of today’s results, click here- www.isawlc.com/results

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship resumes Tuesday at 7:40am with The Morning Show.

Following that, the competition will feature:
Qualify 2 Open Men’s
Qualify 2 Open Women’s
Qualify 2 Junior Under-18
Repechage 1 Open Men
The live webcast of the entire 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship is available on www.isawlc.com

The Streets Of Huanchaco Lined With Local Citizens Welcomed The 23 National Delegations That Participated In The Opening Ceremony.

(From to left right) Benjamin Gayoso, Regional President of the Peruvian Institute of Sport; Karin Sierralta, event organizer; Huanchaco Mayor Delia Mestanza; and ISA Vice President Alan Atkins, amongst the flags of the 23 National Teams, declared the 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship officially open. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The Peruvian National Longboard Surfing Team, parading along Avenida Riviera, passing the Huanchaco’s historic Caballitos de Totora, during the Parade of Nations. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

The ISA World Longboard Championship officially opened on Sunday. In attendance were the 23 National Delegations featuring 70 of the world’s best longboard surfers, who traveled to Peru from every corner of the globe. Local authorities, government officials and the people of Huanchaco witnessed the start of the first stand-alone ISA World Longboard Championship.

ISA Officials at the Parade of Nations. Credit: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

The National Teams paraded along the town’s main street adjacent to the surf break and the contest site. Dozens of Huanchaco’s historic “Caballitos de Totora” (reed fishing boats) lined the beachfront, while the surf was pumping with 6-8 feet sets in the background. It was a perfect setting for the visiting athletes to witness Peru’s incredible natural resource and 4,000 year-old culture at the same time.

Team USA and Team Venezuela at the Parade of the Nations. Credit: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

Two representatives from each delegation walked on stage, one proudly waving their national flag while the other poured sand from one of their local beaches into a custom glass container, symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing. The Sands of the World Ceremony is unique to ISA World Championships and it leaves the local people and the athletes with a wonderful lasting impression.

Yuki Nakayama and Shiho Okazawa from Team Japan, Sand from Ikumi Beach, Japan. Credit: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

On behalf of ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, Karin Sierralta, the local organizer and ISA Vice President made the following opening remarks: “I would like to welcome you to Peru and Huanchaco. For me, it is an honor to have been given the opportunity to organize 6 ISA World Championships in Peru. This would not have been possible without Fernando Aguerre’s trust and support.”

ISA Vicepresident Karin Sierralta speech. Credit: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

Sierralta continued, “When I took on the responsibility to organize the first ISA World Longboard Championship, I had the conviction of holding it in Huanchaco because longboard is the tradition in our sport and Huanchaco is where surfing originated in Peru. Huanchaco has a strong culture of sea and waves. In the next few days you will have the pleasure of experiencing this mystical, historical and cultural place that deserves to be shown to the world.”

“Finally, I would like to thank all of the humble people of this city, who joined us to support this World Championship. Thanks to the Peruvian Institute of Sport’s, Francisco “Pancho” Boza, and especially Jose Quiñones, Peru’s National Olympic Committee President, who has become the biggest supporter of Surfing in Peru,” concluded Sierralta.

Athletes and spectators were treated to local traditional dances that kept everyone entertained. “La Marinera Norteña” was performed beautifully by 12-year olds Sugey Urcia and her partner, Carlos Correa. Sugey is Peru’s National Dance Champion in her age group and is the younger sister of Huanchaco’s Juninho Urcia, the ISA Gold Medalist and 5-time ISA Scholarship recipient. A second performance from an Afro Peruvian dance group, kept the crowd jumping, with its up-beat music and dancing.

Suegey Urcia and Carlos Correa performing “La Marinera Norteña” at the Opening Ceremony. Credit:ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

ISA Vice President Alan Atkins and Huanchaco Mayor Delia Mestanza declared the 2013 ISA Longboard Championship officially open, concluding the ceremonies for the day.

The ISA World Lonboard Championship begins Monday with The Morning Show at 7:40am (local time) followed by the competition at 8am featuring Round 1 of Qualifying Open Men, Qualifying Open Women, and Qualifying 1 Junior Under-18.

The live webcast of the ISA World Longboard Championship is available on www.isawlc.com

The schedule:
Monday, 7:40am Huanchaco, Peru
Monday, 5:40am West Coast USA
Monday, 2:40pm France
Monday, 10:40pm Sydney, Australia

The ISA President addresses the importance of this famous surf break as Latin America’s first World Surfing Reserve

ISA President Fernando Aguerre (skyping on screen) joined the Press Conference from Argentina, where he recently attended the 125th IOC to advocate for Olympic Surfing, along with (from left to right to left) Team Peru’s Karen Mandiguetti, Coach Ricardo Kaufman, Huanchaco City Manager Dr. Enrique Castillo, Lieutenant Walter Leyton Arismendi from the Navy, and Team Peru’s Juan Jose Corzo. Photo: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship starts Sunday with the Opening Ceremony featuring the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony. All 23 National Teams and participating athletes will gather and parade down the streets along El Elio Beach in Huanchaco in front of thousands of local spectators.

Today, the Official Press Conference took place in the Huanchaco Municipality Auditorium built in 1912, where many of Peru’s leading media outlets were present.

“It brings me great happiness to introduce the historic ISA World Longboard Championship taking place in the famous point-break surf of Huanchaco,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “Launching a stand-alone World Lonboard Championship has been a dream that has been in the works for a long time. I would like to especially thank the local organizer, Karin Sierralta, along with the Peruvian Surfing Federation (FENTA), the public and private sector that has supported this event, and everyone that has helped make this competition a reality.”

Huanchaco’s City Manager, Dr. Enrique Castillo, joined the ISA President in welcoming all of the surfers. “In the name of the town of Huanchaco and it’s Mayor, we are proud to welcome all of the 23 National Delegations that have arrived with great satisfaction and hopes that this first ISA World Longboard Championship is very successful.”

Dr Enrique Castillo, Huanchaco City Manager. Credit: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

Huanchaco was recently named a World Surfing Reserve by the Save The Waves Coalition. ISA President Aguerre addressed  what this means for the community. “Huanchaco is the only beach in Latin America recognized as a World Surfing Reserve. Dozens of other beautiful beaches were considered and the Peruvian’s should be proud and take good care of all of its beaches.”

Aguerre continued, “Huanchaco is a jewel in the world and we want for the community of Huanchaco, with the support of the public and private sector, to embrace its status as a World Surfing Reserve. This is very unique and it should be preserved for the future of all the people of Huanchaco, Trujillo and Peru. It is now in your hands to enrich and keep Huanchaco beautiful.”

Ben Skinner from Team Great Britain, who just won the Longboarding Division of the European Surfing Championship, nailing a critical maneuver on one of Huanchaco’s long walls. It is very common that this surf break has 200-300 meter long waves, which is one of the many reasons why Save The Waves Coalition recognized Huanchaco as a World Surfing Reserve. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Peruvian Team Coach, Ricardo Kaufman, expressed the team’s commitment to perform well on their home break: “We have a big task ahead. We have been working very hard as a team. The athletes have been practicing for more than 3 months, and they have dedicated a lot of time and effort. We have developed a technical and tactical strategy for the competition thanks to the experience from previous ISA World Championships.”

Peruvian Team Coach Ricardo Kaufman. Credit: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

Peruvian Team Member Juan Jose Corzo remarked “We are going to leave everything on the court and show that Peru is a powerful surfing team as we have established in the past.”

Team Peru’s Juan Jose Corzo.. Credit: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

Team Peru’s Karen Mendiguetti. Credit: ISA/ Michael Tweddle

On Sunday, the Opening Ceremony will officially mark the start of the World Championship, which will feature the ISA’s traditional Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony. This ceremony allows each participating nation to come to the stage waving their national flag while pouring sand from their local beach into a glass container symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

Credit: ISA/ Rommel Gonzales

The live webcast of the Opening Ceremony begins at 10am, local time and can be viewed on http://isawlc.com/live/

Here is the schedule:
Sunday, 10am Huanchaco, Peru
Sunday, 8am West Coast USA
Sunday, 2pm Western Europe
Sunday, 11pm Sydney, Australia

The World’s Best Longboarders From 22 Countries Have Gathered In Historic Huanchaco, Peru, Where They Will Compete for Gold

A total of 22 countries are confirmed to compete at the world-class, left pointbreak in Huanchaco, Peru for the ISA World Longboard Championship. Photo: Rommel Gonzales

As we approach the start of the ISA World Longboard Championship, most of the participating National Delegations have announced their teams.

A total of 22 countries are confirmed to compete at the world-class, left pointbreak in Huanchaco, Peru. Longboarding has traditionally been included in the ISA World Surfing Games since 1988, but due to the growing popularity of this discipline, the ISA will present its first stand-alone World Longboard Championship.

Each National Team consists of up to 2 Open Men, 1 Open Women and 1 Junior Under-18, plus Team Officials.

The confirmed countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Great Britain, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela.

The Urcia family, who have been living in Huanchaco as fishermen for generations, demonstrate how to build the traditional “Caballito de Totora. It was here, in Huanchaco, 4,000 years ago, when the Chimu’s, a pre-hispanic culture, first used the reed boats for fishing and riding waves. Fishermen in Huanchaco are still using the vessel today. Juninho Urcia (right) is a 5-time ISA Scholarship Program recipient, which helped him become Peru’s youngest National Champion and an ISA Gold Medallist.Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

“Expectation is building in anticipation of the ISA World Longboard Championship with only a few days to go before the Opening Ceremony. All Teams have been announced and the athletes have begun to arrive in the historic northern Peruvian town of Huanchaco, known as the cradle of surfing in Latin America. It was here, in Huanchaco, 4,000 years ago, when Peruvian fishermen invented the Caballito de Totora, which is still the vessel being used by Huanchaco’s fishermen today,” remarked ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

The ISA President continued, “Peru is known for its ideal surfing conditions with consistent swell and great weather. The surfers will be practicing on the long lefts in preparation for the World Championship. Surf in the head high to overhead range is expected for the start of the competition. As I like to remind all athletes, even though only some of the competitors will win medals, they are all champions, having competed for their countries as members of their National Surfing Teams.”

Fishing on the “Caballitos de Totora.” Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Below is a full list of the confirmed teams. Please note team registration closes on Saturday and team lists are subject to change. The final list will be found on http://isawlc.com/teams/ at the close of registration.

Argentina
Martin Perez (Open Men)
Daniel Gil (Open Men)
Mary T. Gil (Open Women)
Surfiel Gil (Junior U-18)

Australia
Jared Neal(Open Men)
Ian Bell(Open Men)
Georgia Young (Open Women)
William Crowe (Junior U-18)

Brazil
Geraldo C Lemos Neto (Open Men)
Phil Rajzman (Open Men)
Atalanta Nascimento (Open Women)
Caio Felipe de Santana Santos (Junior U-18)

Canada
Tamaya Lola Laurena Anais Mignot (Open Junior, Open Women)

Chile
Mauricio Aguirre (Open Men)
Belko Suarez (Open Men)

Costa Rica
Anthony Mesen Flores (Open Men)
Alex Gomez Diaz (Open Men)

Ecuador
Isidro Villao (Open Men
Danny Flores  (Open Men
Michelle Soriano (Open Women)
Romano Rubilova (Open Junior)

France
Antonie Delpero (Open Men)
Edouard Delpero (Open Men)
Justine Dupont (Open Women)
Martin Coret (Junior U-18)

Great Britain
Adam Griffiths (Open Men)
Ben Skinner (Open Men)
Claire Smail (Open Women)
Ben Bates (Junior U-18)

Hawaii
Kai Sallas (Open Men)
Ned Snow (Open Men)
Megan Godinez (Open Women)
Honolua Blomfield (Junior U-18)

Italy
Alessandro De Martini (Open Men)
Camilla Michetti (Open Women)

Japan
Yuki Nakayama (Open Men)
Kinihiko Nishizaki (Open Men)
Shiho Okazawa

Mexico
To be confirmed

New Zealand
Antony McColl (Open Men)
Zen Wallis (Open Men)
Belinda Goodwin (Open Women)
Jordan Griffin (Junior U-18)

Panama
Alan Barnes (Open Men)

Peru
To be confirmed

Portugal
Luis Bento (Open Men)

Puerto Rico
Guaili Ramirez (Open Men)
Fernando L. Guzman Hau (Open Men)
Marien Blanco (Open Women)

South Africa
Thomas King (Open Men)
Jusin Bing (Open Men)
Simone Robb (Open Women)
Ethan Pentz (Junior U-18)

Uruguay
Antonio Pita (Open Men)
Gonzalo Eiris (Open Men)
Julian Schweizer (Junior U-18)

USA
Taylor Jensen (Open Men)
Tony Silvagni (Open Men)
Rachael Tilly  (Open Women)
Nick Anderberg (Junior U-18)

Venezuela
Francisco Hernandez (Open Men)
Jean Carlos Flores (Open Men)
Adriana Gamero (Open Women)
Yoyssis Delgado (Junior U-18)

From September 22-28, Peru will become the gathering place of the world’s best longboarders, who will compete in the ISA World Longboard Championship (WLC) at the world-class pointbreak of Huanchacho.

Over 20 countries from all corners of the planet will soon arrive to the beautiful country of Peru, its welcoming people, great food, and incredible waves.

Here are the 10 things you need to know about the 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship:

Huanchaco is a famous rock and sand bottom long left point-break, and similar to its close neighbor, Chicama, its long lines and sloping wave face make it perfect for longboarding. On bigger days, the wave can connect from behind the point all the way past the pier, resulting in 200-300m long rides. Photo: Rommel Gonzales

1. The Event

The 2013 ISA World Longboard Championship (WLC) is the first ISA stand-alone competition exclusively for the world’s best Longboarders. The ISA WLC will gather the best competitors in Huanchaco, Peru from September 22 to the 28.

2. The History

Longboarding has traditionally been a division of the ISA World Surfing Games, which has crowned Open Men’s World Longboard Champions since 1988. Due to the growing popularity of the Longboard division and the increase in participating athletes, the ISA has decided to organize its own World Championship with specialized longboarding judges at one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Additionally, for the first time ever, the ISA will crown an Open Women and a Junior World Longboard Champion!

3. Past ISA World Longboard Champions

These are the ISA World Longboard Champions that have been crowned since the inclusion of the division in the ISA World Surfing Games:

1988 Andrew McKinnon (AUS)

1990 Wayne Deane (AUS)

1992 Teva Noble (TAH)

1994 Michel Demont (TAH)

1996 Geoff Moysa (USA)

1998 Alexandre Salazar (BRA)

2000 Marcelo Freitas (BRA)

2002 Marcelo Freitas (BRA)

2004 Marcelo Freitas (BRA)

2006 Matthew Moir (ZAF)

2008 Matthew Moir (ZAF)

2009 Antoine Delpero (FRA)

2010 Rodrigo Sphyer (BRA)

2011 Toni Silvagni (USA)

Huanchaco is located in the North of Peru, and it is known for its world-class, consistent waves and its long history of wave riding. Photo: Rommel Gonzales

4. The Competition

The World Championship is a team competition with individual Open Men, Open Women, and Junior Under-18 divisions. Each National Team consists of up to 2 Open Men, 1 Open Woman, and 1 Junior (Under-18 Boy or Girl), for a total of 4 athletes plus Team Officials.

The ISA WLC gathers the best Longboarders from every continent to compete for their National Teams in an “Olympic-style” event. Of special note will be USA’s Tony Silvagni, 2011 ISA World Longboard Champion France’s Antoine Delpero, 2009 ISA World Longboard Champion, Brazil’s Phil Rajzman 2007 ASP World Longboard Tour Champion, and USA’s Taylor Jensen, 2012 ASP World Longboard Tour Champion. On the Women’s side, France’s Justine Dupont, a top competitor on the ASP Women’s World Longboard Tour will be one of the favorites.

5. The Prize
The surfers compete for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper Medals, the World Team Championship, and the honor of representing their respective countries.

6. The Location

Huanchaco is located in the North of Peru, near the major city of Trujillo. It is known for its world-class, consistent waves and its long history of wave riding. Huanchaco is also the birthplace of the popular “ceviche” dish. Before the Inca Era 3,000 years ago, Peruvians were documented riding waves on “caballitos de totora,” a small reed fishing boat and one of humanity’s earliest known surf crafts used for both work and pleasure.

Caballitos de Totora. Photo: Rommel Gonzales

In October 2012, Huanchaco was declared a World Surfing Reserve by Save the Waves Coalition as the first in Latin America and fifth in the world. Read more about this historic surfing region and the importance of being a World Surfing Reserve here- http://www.savethewaves.org/news/world-surfing-reserve-in-peru.

The 2013 WLC will be held during the winter, so the air temperature in Huanchaco should range between 58-64 degrees F (14.5-18 degrees C). The water temperature should range between 62-72 degrees F (16.4-22.3 degrees C). There will be 0% chance of rain since it is located in the desert.

7. The Wave

Huanchaco is a famous rock and sand bottom long left point-break, and similar to its close neighbor, Chicama, its long lines and sloping wave face make it perfect for longboarding. The wave can break in different sections, but on bigger days it can connect from behind the point all the way past the pier, resulting in 200-300m long rides.

8. The Schedule

The first edition of the ISA World Longboard Championship will officially open on September 22 in Trujillo, Peru, with the traditional ISA Opening Ceremony held at the “Plaza de Mayor de Trujillo,” which will include the Parade of the Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.

The Parade of the Nations is a colorful and energy-filled event, complete with teams chanting, waving flags and the cheering of the locals who come out to watch the spectacle.

The Sands of the World Ceremony symbolizes the true fraternal spirit that bonds together all members of the global surfing tribe. The union of the countries of the world in this emotional ceremony is symbolized through the mixing of the sands from the beaches of every participating country, showcasing the ISA’s desire for a better and peaceful world through surfing.

Important Dates:

Friday, September 20 – Official Press Conference

Sunday, September 22 – Opening Ceremony- Parade of the Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony.

Monday, September 23 – Competition Begins

Saturday, September 28 – Final day of competition, Awards Presentation and Closing Ceremony

9. The Host and Support

The ISA WLC will mark the sixth ISA World Championship that Peru has hosted since 2008, including two this year (the ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship was in February). Not only does Peru offer incredible world-class waves throughout the country, but the nation has always welcomed the ISA and the hundreds of competitors from all around the globe with open arms and warm hearts.

The ISA WLC has been made possible thanks to the continued support from IPD (Peruvian Institute of Sports), ADO (Peruvian Association of Olympic Athletes), COP (Peruvian Olympic Committee) and its President Jose Quiñones, and all the sponsors, and especially the event organizer, Karin Sierralta and his staff.

10. The Mission

The ISA’s mission is to develop the sport of surfing in Peru and around the world. This is accomplished through annual World Championships, membership development, educational programs, scholarship distribution and working towards Olympic Surfing.

To watch the official event promo, visit the official event website www.isawlc.com  where you will find photos, videos and the live webcast beginning on Sunday, September 22 with the Opening Ceremony. Competition begins on Monday, September 23, and the Finals and Closing Ceremony will be Saturday, September 28.

 For the first time in ISA History, Longboarding Will have its Own World Championship to Take Place in Huanchaco, Trujillo, Peru, September 22^nd to 28^th.

La Jolla, California, August 22, 2013- The International Surfing Association (ISA) is excited to announce the first stand-alone ISA World Longboard Championship this September at the legendary break of Huanchaco, Trujillo, Peru.

Longboarding has traditionally been a division of the ISA World Surfing Games since 1988. Due to the growing popularity of the Longboard division and the increase in participating athletes, the ISA has decided to organize its own World Championship with specialized longboarding judges at one of the best surfing destinations in the world.

“Longboarding really brings the best of modern and historical surfing together,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “We’re honored to host the first ISA World Championship in Huancacho, Peru, as this historical location is documented to be one of the original birth places for riding waves thousands of years ago, and is home to a passionate and growing population of surfers,” he added.

Tony Silvagni (USA), defending World Champion of the Longboard Division from the 2011 ISA World Surfing Games. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

Longboards are the original equipment surfers rode before the shortboard revolution in the late 1960s. Longboards came back in popularity in the early 1990s, and made the learning curve much smoother for entry-level surfers. Today, contemporary longboarding includes traditional maneuvers (like Hang Five, Hang Ten, Drop Knee Turns), as well as all the gravity-defying aerial maneuvers of contemporary surfing.

Huanchaco (pronounced Whan-Cha-Co) is not only known for its world-class, consistent waves and as the birthplace of the popular “ceviche” dish, but also for its long history of wave riding. Before the Inca era about 3,000 years ago, Peruvians have been documented riding waves on their small reed fishing boats called “caballitos de totora.”

Surfing is also an incredibly popular activity in the country, which has produced a handful of world championship-level surfers. Peru hosted the 2013 and 2012 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championship in Miraflores, Lima; the 2011 World Junior Surfing Championship in Punta Hermosa; the 2010 World Surfing Games in Punta Hermosa; and the 2008 World Masters Surfing Championship in Punta Rocas.

The ISA World Longboard Championship will include a women’s and junior’s division for the first time as well. During the competition, teams of four will compete including two in the Open Men’s, one in the Open Women’s and one in the Open Junior’s (under-18 male or female) divisions. Individual Gold Medals will be awarded, as well as one overall Team Champion at the end of the contest.

Defending Champions from the 2011 Longboarding Division of the World Surfing Games in Playa Venao, Panama, include: Toni Silvagni (USA) Gold Medal; Harley Ingelby (AUS) Silver Medal; Piccolo Clemente (PER) Bronze Medal; Antoine Delpero (FRA) Copper Medal; and Team Australia (Gold), Brazil (Silver), France (Bronze), Argentina (Copper).

Catch the live webcast on www.isawlc.com beginning on September 22, with the Opening Ceremony.