Reigning Big Wave Tour (BWT) World Champ Grant "Twiggy" Baker was the first major event favorite eliminated from Round One at the 2017 Puerto Escondido Challenge. In Heat 1, Playa Zicatela was serving up pristine 10- to 12-foot avocado-colored tubes. Baker stroked into a big Carmelita's Right on the north end of the beach, set his line, and pulled into a gaping barrel. The potential for an excellent score was clear, but the frothy wave spit and pinched before Baker could emerge from the barrel. Unable to find another good wave for the remainder of the heat, the Champ was bounced out in the first round. A stunning development merely 30 minutes into the first event of the BWT season.
