Repechage Rounds lead to fierce competition, eliminate first batch of surfers in all divisions
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Huntington Beach delivered another day of epic conditions for the world’s best U-18 surfers at the 2018 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship presented by Visit Huntington Beach.
After great conditions greeted the recording-breaking number of athletes (361) and countries (44) to kick-off the event, Tuesday’s increase in swell provided the best waves yet and the elite of junior surfing did not disappoint.
The first Repechage Rounds ran on Tuesday across all four divisions, resulting in fierce competition to avoid elimination from the event.
New Zealand’s Boys U-18 competitor Shane Kraus was the standout performer of the day, notching the highest heat total with 15.50 points. Luke Thompson of South Africa was nearly as impressive, earning 15.26 points in the Boys U-16s.
Japan’s Minami Nonaka shined on the girls side of the competition. The 8.17 single wave score that she earned in the U-18 was the highest of the day among the girls divisions.
Australia’s Emma Cattlin (14.67) and USA’s Kirra Pinkerton (14.23) earned the honors of top heat score in the U-16 and U-18, respectively.
Due to the double elimination format of the VISSLA ISA Juniors, all competitors get a second chance to advance in the event should they fall out of the Main Event through the Repechage Rounds. However, the road to the Grand Final through the Repechage is much longer than the road for those who stay in the Main Event.
Fiji’s Kiesha Wakeham was able to advance through her Girls U-16 Repechage Round 1 heat to stay alive in the event. Wakeham, an ISA Scholarship ambassador representing her nation for the second year in a row, spoke about her emotions surfing in an elimination round.
“These are like the waves I surf every day,” said Wakeham. “This is similar to the best day at my local beach break.
“When I go out in the Repechage Round I feel nervous, but excited at the same time. Once I get out there the only thing in my head is to surf my best, have fun, and catch the first wave.
“Representing Fiji in this event is a huge thing for me and my country. Last year I was the only girl on my team at the VISSLA ISA Juniors, but this year I am here with my sister. We are quite proud to surf for our country and our family.”
Israel’s Siam Nikritin was able to bounce back after falling out of the Main Event in Boys U-18 and advance through the Repechage on Tuesday afternoon.
“The wave isn’t so easy, but there are solid sets, so you need to be in the right place at the right time,” said Nikritin. “I was sad to drop into the Repechage. I wanted to be in the Main Event, but I was stoked to make that heat.
“I’ve tried to compete in the VISSLA ISA Juniors for a few years and I finally made it. I have made many new friends here and learned how to surf better by observing all these competitors.
“I am in the Repechage, but success for me and my team is still to make the Grand Final. I want to win the Gold.”
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:
“The first round of Repechage is a rollercoaster of emotions. We had the most amazing waves and performances. It’s sad to see the first round of competitors being eliminated. My warmest congratulations to all of them, for making it to Huntington Beach.
“The unique feature of all ISA World Championships is that once you lose, you are now in full time cheerleading role, supporting your team.
“This epic history making day of waves in Huntington Beach exceeded our already high expectations that had been set earlier this week. I am so happy to partner with Huntington Beach for the best junior surfers of the world.”
The schedule for the event will be as follows*:
October 31 – November 4 – Competition at Huntington Beach Pier south side, 7:30am – 6pm
November 4 – Closing Ceremony after competition
*Schedule subject to changes. All times in Pacific Standard Time.
To see the full schedule of activities, click here.
The 2018 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship will be streamed live on www.isasurf.org October 27 – November 4.
