Conditions at The Peak were already exceptional two days ago – so what can we say about today’s… There are no words to describe the quality of the waves and the commitment of the young European surfers, who are now in the home stretch ahead of the finals.
Sets of over 2m, a wave that works equally well at high and low tide, a steady onshore breeze all day long, and breathtaking performances from both the girls and the boys.
The European individual title is one thing, but surfing in such conditions to help secure the team title takes on a whole new meaning.
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| Rosie Hawke - Wales |
In the boys’ U18 category, we already know two of the four finalists. Indeed, the main draw final will see Michele Scoppa (ITA), Jaime Veselko (POR), Kamiel Deraeve (BEL) or local surfer Joshua Karbus (IRL) go straight through to the final. Whatever happens to the two losers in this round, they’ll have the chance to reach the grand final via the repechages, which are set to be fiercely contested, as yesterday saw some favourites stumble, such as Alejo Valido (ESP) – who had impressed on the first day of competition – Aaron Bacon (FRA) and Manel Pirujinho (POR).
In the U18 girls’ event, Spain – with Julieta and Nora – are very much in contention, but here too there is stiff competition from Rose Calvez (FRA), Nikijuluw (SUI), Van der Huls (NED) and Chiara Cuppone (ITA). Friday will be a decisive day in this category.
In the boys’ U16 category, Tiago Hanssen (SWE) is in the final four of the main round alongside Deraeve (BEL), Anglani (ITA) and Santos (POR). Keep an eye on Mandozzi (ESP), who is through from the repechage but has been putting in a string of strong performances, such as yesterday’s 9.50 points and a total of 16.85 points in his last heat.
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| Margaux Vieuge - France |
In the U16 girls’ event, there are still plenty of heats to go before the final four emerge. Many of the U16 competitors are also competing in the U18 category, so some of them will need to manage their energy carefully to avoid being too affected by the fatigue that is starting to set in.
The three French and Spanish competitors are in the repechage, whilst Wales, Scotland and England are represented by Hawke (WAL), Cruickshank (SCO), Arthur and Reay (ENG), as well as Germany’s Lindemann.
Once again, the girls’ commitment yesterday in the challenging conditions of the day was remarkable, and we mustn’t miss the final day as it promises to be a real spectacle.
For longboard, they gathered at the Rossnowlagh spot, 2àmns north of Bundoran.
With conditions sheltered from the swell and protected from the wind, the multi-peak break was particularly appreciated by the competing teams.
Hats off to the organisers, who managed to set up a full podium in record time at this new competition spot.
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| Rory Roynon - England |
Whilst the favourites Margaux Vieuge (FRA) and Rory Roynon (ENG) have already reached the girls’ and boys’ finals, alongside Puddiphatt (ENG) and Caponne (ITA), there were surprises for Martin (ESP) and Le Tohic (FRA) in the boys’ event, as well as Robroch (NED) and Rodriguez Villamil (ESP), who had to skip his longboard heat to prioritise the shortboard event just 20 minutes away.
No problem for them – the second chance in the repechage will allow them to make it back to the final if they perform well in the upcoming heats.
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| Emma Van Der Huls - Nederland |
