The debut of Boy’s U/16 saw the highest numbers out of either of the boy’s divisions so far, with a 9.00 ride from Hawaii’s Tiger Abubo arriving as the highest single wave score for the boys. Taro Takai (JPN) picked up the highest heat total of his division, 15.06, closely followed by Italy’s Michele Scoppa and Argentina’s Thiago Passeri with 14.83 and 14.67 two wave totals, respectively. Meanwhile, Alejo Valido (ESP) was able to find an excellent 8.87 to take an early heat win.
Fletcher Kelleher (AUS) opened the day for Boy’s U/18 at La Bocana by utilizing his mature rail surfing to pick up a pair of 7’s. Kelleher made good use of the peak with a 7.67 coming from his forehand on the left and a 7.07 for his backhand on the right.
Surfing in the final heat of Boy’s U/18 Main Event Round 1, 2023 U/16 World Champion Hans Odriozola (ESP) debuted in the division with the highest heat total of the round, 15.67, which included an excellent 8.17 single wave score, equal with the highest of the round. Having also been a finalist in 2022 here in Surf City El Salvador, Odriozola feels comfortable in the lineup and in rhythm with the ISA format.
“It feels amazing,” Odriozola said. “I’m super happy to get two good waves and surf them how I wanted. Because they are so good that they let me do pretty much whatever I want. I love it. I’m feeling good. I feel like the ISA fits me and I’m happy to make my first heat and let’s see how it goes and try to get to the Final again.”
Original Post from this site