INTERNATIONAL NEWS - The waves at El Gringo never disappoint. Unlike most stops on the WSL Qualifying Series, rather than having to wait for solid swell, the waves in Arica have had a reputation for occasionally being too gnarly for competition.
On Monday morning, a solid South/Southeastern swell in the 6-8 foot range (2-2.5 meters) was on hand for the start of the QS 1500 Maui and Sons Arica Pro Tour in Chile.
After initially putting the contest on hold in the morning, conditions improved and provided heaving barrels going left and right.
But after only two heats in Round 1, a strong onshore wind swept in and left conditions too risky for the athletes. Lucas Silveira (BRA) and Joao Chianca (BRA) earned the day's only victories, while Francisco Usuna (ARG) and Sebastian Correa (PER) advanced in 2nd place in their respective heats.
All four surfers moved on to Round 2 and will face the seeded surfers at the 3rd stop of the 2016 World Surf League Qualifying Series held in South America.
"The onshore wind here at El Gringo makes conditions too risky at an already dangerous wave. They start closing out and begin to put our athletes into harm's way instead of showcasing their technical abilities," stated Roberto Perdigão, the Tour Manager for the WSL South America.
"The onshore wind here at El Gringo makes conditions too risky at an already dangerous wave. They start closing out and begin to put our athletes into harm's way instead of showcasing their technical abilities," stated Roberto Perdigão, the Tour Manager for the WSL South America.
