Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup
Day 4 of the Chile World Cup saw emotional scenes on the beach as exhausted, but elated riders returned to shore, having just secured their places in the finals of one of the most iconic events on the World Wave Tour calendar. With classic Matanzas waves rolling through and the pressure on, it was a day where grit, talent, and sheer determination triumphed.
Pro Men: Champions Rise Through the Pain
Reigning Chile World Cup champion Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) (Guadeloupe, France) was electric in the water, pushing through a broken toe sustained three weeks prior. “Whaaaaa!!! It was Sick!” he exclaimed, still catching his breath. “I knew it was going to be a hard one, really hard competitors in front of me, and 3 weeks broken toe so, this one has to be a lot of mental… The two guys that had their last broken bone in their foot—it’s crazy. I guess that heat by heat, and wave by wave things just worked again.”
Fellow Frenchman Baptiste Cloarec (RRD / RRD Sails) shared a similar story of defying medical advice and overcoming pain: “Foot is hurting a lot but, I did it, I’m happy! One week and half ago I did an x-ray and they say it’s been broken, you shouldn’t compete… but I’m so happy!”
Spain’s Marc Paré (Simmer / Simmer Sails), who is a fan favourite, was radiant after his performance: “I’m super, super stoked. It was a dream of mine to make the final here—this is like my favourite place on earth. So what can I say?”
And rounding out the men’s final, four-time wave and reigning world champion Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (Brazil) showed his trademark calm under pressure. “Lucky I was able to land on the right waves a couple of times. Saw Marc get some good ones, so yeah, I’m really stoked and I’m really happy to be in the final.”
Pro Women: A Final Full of Power, Passion, and Promise
In the women’s division, the elite and the emerging came together to deliver a spectacular show.
Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins) (Aruba), the 25-time world champion, maintained her composure despite the rising pressure: “I was getting a little bit nervous, but I kept my cool enough and I’m happy with the turns I did… my goal was to make it to the final so I’m very happy about that!”
Jane Seman (Severne Windsurfing) (Australia) lit up the day with style and flair, celebrating her comeback from a tough Day 3: “Yeahhhh! I still went out on my small boards because it’s low tide and I wanted to fit into the little sections… I had a couple of nice aerials, so yeah it was fun, I’ve had a great day today, made up for yesterday, yeahh, woohooooo!”. She was stopped mid-interview to sign T-shirts for young girls sprinting to meet their hero.
Young talent, Alexia Kiefer Quintana (Duotone Windsurfing) (Spain) was glowing after her heat: “Oh I’m so tired, but it was fun! Amazing! I’m super happy and I’m in the final with my best friend so I couldn’t be happier!”
And perhaps the most heartfelt reaction came from Maria Morales Navarro (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (Spain), who made her first-ever pro final: “Woahhhh I don’t believe it! It’s my first final ever! I don’t know what to say! Thanks everyone who is watching me… I still don’t believe it… it was fun, it was fun! Oh man, thank you, thank you!”
Finals Day is Next
With the stage now set, anticipation is sky high for Finals Day at the Chile Surazo infernal World Cup. World champions, rising stars, and local legends will battle it out in what promises to be a jaw-dropping showdown. Stay tuned.