El Confital Pro - Day 1 gets underway
posted by Terry McKenna on 3rd December 2007
The last event on the 2007 IBA World Bodyboarding calendar at El Confital in Gran Canaria is off and racing.
After an official welcome from local delegates representing several government sporting and tourism departments, the first round of the men's division got underway in a solid two-metre swell. Former World Champion Kira Llewellyn was one of the many spectators that looked on in awe.
"I'm excited to see an event here. It's a good wave and a great destination for this final event on Tour."
"I got here early and I have been training pretty hard so it means a lot to me to do well here and try to get second overall on the ratings for 2007."
The first heats hit the water around midday after official proceedings were wrapped up and the mountainous seas combined with a dropping tide created some challenging conditions for the contestants.
Alvaro Padron (CNY) used all of his home turf advantage to notch up the day’s highest score after the judges awarded a 7.75 for a highflying roll off a thick inside section.
Laurent Lopez (CNY) secured the best two-wave combination with a gutsy effort in the dredging conditions.
Other heat winners included:
Miguel Hernandez (CNY)
Jean Astudillo (CNY)
Ivan Fonte (CNY)
Francisco Alonso (CNY)
Anibal Guedes (CNY)
José De La Cruz (CNY)
Francisco Garcia (CNY)
The point at El Confital is very much tidal dependant and as a result organizers have opted for an 8am start tomorrow.
It will be the introduction of the first round of seeded riders and some of the more experienced international competitors should revel in some awesome conditions.
Watch the webcast LIVE!!!
www.confitalibatour.com/live.html 1739 views
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