The Vissla Central Coast Pro pres by Slimes saw a day of intense surfing and tricky conditions as the opening rounds of competition kicked off in windy two-to-three foot peaks.
Tru Starling - WSL / Ethan Smith
Having recently competed at Manly as part of The Vissla Sydney Surf Pro, QS6,000 rated event, Mitch James showed the competency of a seasoned veteran, posting an impressive 15.00 two-wave heat total to claim his first round heat. As a late entrant, James had to start in the opening round, where he proceeded to execute an eclectic mix of carves and snaps to notch up a score and leave his fellow competitors chasing combinations to snatch away his lead.
"If you were in the right spot you could definitely find a couple of decent waves, but it was hard to get them," said James. "It's always a good feeling to get your campaign underway with a decent heat total. Hopefully, the wind cleans up over the next day or two and the waves tidy up a bit."
Mitchell James finding shade at Avoca - WSL / Ethan Smith
Kalani Ball was another solid name who was forced to begin his Vissla Central Coast Pro campaign in the first round due to late entry. Ball -- who recently lost his sponsor -- proceeded to dominate his round one and two heats with a combination of innovative and powerful turns. Ball and local dynamo Caleb Tancred both sealed their position in the third-round thanks to posting heat totals in excess of 15.00 points.
"That heat was really fun," said Ball after his Round 2 heat. "It was almost as if the wind backed off and it pulsed for us. All the guys in the heat are such good surfers, so I knew I needed at least one excellent score to get the upper hand in the heat. Thankfully, I got that 8.90 and it gave me a bit of an edge."
Kalani Ball was a clear standout on the opening day of competition. - WSL / Ethan Smith
Sarah Baum found multiple diamonds in the rough to stamp her authority on her opening Women's heat. Baum nailed a series of forehand and backhand turns to notch up a 12.90 and cement herself into round two which is forecast to be surfed tomorrow.
"I feel really comfortable in waves like that," said Baum. "I find whenever the surf is like this, then it's best to catch as many waves as possible and stay busy. I thought if I do that, and stay away from the pack, then I could hopefully get through. I'm stoked it worked."
Sarah Baum - WSL
Hailing all the way from the Basque Country, Nadia Erostarbe put on one of the most dominant performances seen all day, scoring a giant 18.40 two-wave heat total. Erostarbe locked in a 9.00 and a 9.40 to amass the excellent total and solidify herself as one to watch as the event continues.
Nadia Erostarbe posted an excellent heat total of 18.40 on Day 1 at Avoca. - WSL / Ethan Smith
Tricky Conditions to Kick Off Competition at Avoca
Tom Bennett
The Vissla Central Coast Pro pres by Slimes saw a day of intense surfing and tricky conditions as the opening rounds of competition kicked off in windy two-to-three foot peaks.
Having recently competed at Manly as part of The Vissla Sydney Surf Pro, QS6,000 rated event, Mitch James showed the competency of a seasoned veteran, posting an impressive 15.00 two-wave heat total to claim his first round heat. As a late entrant, James had to start in the opening round, where he proceeded to execute an eclectic mix of carves and snaps to notch up a score and leave his fellow competitors chasing combinations to snatch away his lead.
"If you were in the right spot you could definitely find a couple of decent waves, but it was hard to get them," said James. "It's always a good feeling to get your campaign underway with a decent heat total. Hopefully, the wind cleans up over the next day or two and the waves tidy up a bit."
Kalani Ball was another solid name who was forced to begin his Vissla Central Coast Pro campaign in the first round due to late entry. Ball -- who recently lost his sponsor -- proceeded to dominate his round one and two heats with a combination of innovative and powerful turns. Ball and local dynamo Caleb Tancred both sealed their position in the third-round thanks to posting heat totals in excess of 15.00 points.
"That heat was really fun," said Ball after his Round 2 heat. "It was almost as if the wind backed off and it pulsed for us. All the guys in the heat are such good surfers, so I knew I needed at least one excellent score to get the upper hand in the heat. Thankfully, I got that 8.90 and it gave me a bit of an edge."
Sarah Baum found multiple diamonds in the rough to stamp her authority on her opening Women's heat. Baum nailed a series of forehand and backhand turns to notch up a 12.90 and cement herself into round two which is forecast to be surfed tomorrow.
"I feel really comfortable in waves like that," said Baum. "I find whenever the surf is like this, then it's best to catch as many waves as possible and stay busy. I thought if I do that, and stay away from the pack, then I could hopefully get through. I'm stoked it worked."
Hailing all the way from the Basque Country, Nadia Erostarbe put on one of the most dominant performances seen all day, scoring a giant 18.40 two-wave heat total. Erostarbe locked in a 9.00 and a 9.40 to amass the excellent total and solidify herself as one to watch as the event continues.
Caleb Tancred
Check out a selection of images from the QS10,000 in Ericeira the last time it was held.
The EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira resumed in firing surf yet again, and there was plenty of drama.
Rights fire down the Ribeira point for three more rounds of competition.
The EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira continued in smaller surf and the CT curse continued as Italo Ferreira was knocked out of competition.
Day One of the EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira saw tricky conditions and a number of CT surfers bow out early.
Vissla Central Coast Pro pres by Slimes
Holmes and Baum Take The Win
The two have taken victory at the Vissla Central Coast Pro pres. by Slimes.
All the action form the Third day at Avoca
All the action form the opening day at Avoca
The Vissla Central Coast Pro presented by Slimes has continued on Day 3 in tough conditions.