Last year marked a historic return for world-class longboarding at Domes, Rincon, Puerto Rico. The community celebrated a 50-year anniversary of the 1968 World Longboard Championships held at the very same beach, where Fred Hemmings was crowned the champion, with the Rincon 50 Surf Fest and now comes back as a vital stop once more to decide North America Longboard Regional Titles.
For the women, that victory was taken by Peruvian Longboard Tour veteran Maria Fernanda Reyes before heading to the World Longboard Championships in Taiwan. Now, Reyes is back to defend her Puerto Rican title against a field of upcoming talents and fellow veterans. The WSL caught up with Reyes before she heads back to a dream destination and close out her 2019 season.
Reyes' smooth style was something to take note of in 2018 and looks to show more of her surfing this time around. - WSL / Darren Muschett
WSL: How exciting is it to be back at a dream wave such as Domes?
Reyes: Returning to Puerto Rico is amazing. It's like being at home because I'm so well received by all the locals and they feel like family. I'm excited to return to such a magical place.
What did winning this event mean to you last year?
It was something incredible. I just want to have fun surfing and enjoy the beautiful place. I think it's the fourth time I've come back and I can't wait for the moment to be there.
Domes from a bird's eye view featuring Reyes en route to her big win. - WSL / Darren Muschett
What's something you're looking forward to coming back?
This week I hope we get some good waves for the contest so I can demonstrate my surfing. It will also be amazing to see all the familiar faces and people I've grown close to over the years here. It's so special and I look forward to another great contest at a fun wave like Domes and Maria's.
The Rincon Surf Fest WSL North America Longboard Championships will run November 15 - 17 at Domes, Rincon, Puerto, with a backup site of Maria's just around the corner.
Rincon Surf Fest: Maria Fernanda Reyes Returns
Andrew Nichols
Last year marked a historic return for world-class longboarding at Domes, Rincon, Puerto Rico. The community celebrated a 50-year anniversary of the 1968 World Longboard Championships held at the very same beach, where Fred Hemmings was crowned the champion, with the Rincon 50 Surf Fest and now comes back as a vital stop once more to decide North America Longboard Regional Titles.
For the women, that victory was taken by Peruvian Longboard Tour veteran Maria Fernanda Reyes before heading to the World Longboard Championships in Taiwan. Now, Reyes is back to defend her Puerto Rican title against a field of upcoming talents and fellow veterans. The WSL caught up with Reyes before she heads back to a dream destination and close out her 2019 season.
WSL: How exciting is it to be back at a dream wave such as Domes?
Reyes: Returning to Puerto Rico is amazing. It's like being at home because I'm so well received by all the locals and they feel like family. I'm excited to return to such a magical place.
What did winning this event mean to you last year?
It was something incredible. I just want to have fun surfing and enjoy the beautiful place. I think it's the fourth time I've come back and I can't wait for the moment to be there.
What's something you're looking forward to coming back?
This week I hope we get some good waves for the contest so I can demonstrate my surfing. It will also be amazing to see all the familiar faces and people I've grown close to over the years here. It's so special and I look forward to another great contest at a fun wave like Domes and Maria's.
The Rincon Surf Fest WSL North America Longboard Championships will run November 15 - 17 at Domes, Rincon, Puerto, with a backup site of Maria's just around the corner.
Maria Fernanda Reyes
Featuring Ben Skinner, Alice Lemoigne, Maria Fernanda Reyes, Natsumi Taoka, Kelis Kaleopaa, Honolua Blomfield, Rachael Tilly, Kai
The Peruvian Longboard Tour veteran, Maria Fernanda Reyes, rose to the occasion of elimination and posted an event-best, 8.40 single-wave
The Floridian and Peruvian earned respective wins in amazing fashion at the Rincon Surf Fest WSL North America Championships.
McLean claimed the North America Regional Title and Reyes earns back-to-back Rincon Surf Fest wins.
Defending event champions, WSL longboard first-timers and more ready for finals day at Rincon Surf Fest.
Rincon Surf Fest WSL North America Longboard Championships
Domes provided a platform for more spectacle at the Rincon Surf Fest WSL North America Longboard Championships to determine finals day.
The Rincon Surf Fest WSL North America Longboard Championships will play a key role toward the 2020 Longboard Tour.