BY WATERMAN LEAGUE- We are now just under 2 weeks out from what is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular stops on the Stand Up World Tour: the Waterman League’s Sapinus Pro, presented by Air Tahiti Nui.
In 2010, we saw some of the most mind blowing action of the Tour so far in heavy 10 – 12ft barrels, as Duane DeSoto pulled into one of the heaviest barrels yet, to set the tone of the event, and big wave Dave Muir matched size with size, carving his way to victory in the powerful surf.
This year’s event will be bigger and better, as Air Tahiti Nui will fly athletes in from over 12 nations to take part in Stop 3 of the Stand Up World Tour
The Players
Competition will intensify this year, as contenders will be looking to knock World Champion Kai Lenny (Naish) off his winning streak (with 2 straight wins out of 2 events in 2011), but also lay claim to a victory here at the prestigious Sapinus Pro, presented by Air Tahiti Nui. Principal Contenders coming into this event will of course be Robin Johnston, from Hawaii, #4 from last year and current number 2 following the first 2 events, alongside Brazil’s Leco Salazar (Imagine) from Brazil. Antoine Delpero is also on great form coming into this, while fellow countryman, Peyo Lizarazu will be looking for redemption after his disapointing quarterfinals finish in France. Australia will have its fair share of contenders in the form of Big Wave Dave Muir (Starboard) who will be looking to defend his Title here in Tahiti, but also newcomers Justin Holland and young hotshot, Keahi de Aboitz.
Polynesia to stand strong
As always, the Polynesian contingent will be looking to stand strong at home, with both Hawaiians and Tahitians stepping up to do battle. To look out for are locals Vetea ‘Poto’ David (Naish), Tama Audibert (Starboard), Patrice Chanzy, Arsene Harehoe and ‘Sapinus Boy’ Guillaume Bourligueux, but also Hawaiians Bonga Perkins, Kekoa Uemura and Kainoa Hauanio (Rogue).
It will all be to play for as Sapinus turns on for the Waterman League’s Sapinus Pro, presented by Air Tahiti Nui. Stay tuned for up to the minute updates at www.standupworldtour.com, but also on the Stand Up World Tour facebook and twitter, and for daily highlights at www.standupworldtour.com
The Moorings renew as an official partner
The Moorings are once again providing the riders HQ for the event, perhaps the most glamorous beach check in in the world! This 46′ catamaran will also be the vehicle for the riders to explore the wonders of Tahiti on the lay days, as there is no better means of transport around the islands than this kind of boat.
A big thank you to our other partners
A big thank you also to our other partners for the event, from our presenting partner Air Tahiti Nui to Tahiti Tourism, the Region of Punaauia (la Mairie de Punaauia), our official hotel for the event, Le Meridien and our other partners: OPT, Tikiphone and Mana. A big thankyou also to our Tahitian partners on the ground: Papa Hoe, the Tahitian Surfing Federation and the Sapinus Boys. Special rates to travel to the event are available on Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui.com) and at the Meridien Hotel (www.lemeridientahiti.com) by quoting the event name.
Sunset Beach Pro to air Tuesday 17th May, 19:00
The Sunset Beach Pro is to air tomorrow, Tuesday 17th May at 19:00 CET on Eurosport 2. Following airings on NBC Sport, Universal HD and Versus ealier this month, the Sunset Beach Pro presented by Turtle Bay Resort will reach European TV sets this week, with further airings to follow on Canal +, Fox Sports Australia and in Hawaii on OC16.
Other World Tour news
An active month here at the Stand Up World Tour headquarters, with news across the board: As you may well have noticed, the Chile event was postponed for 2011, but is in place for 2012 for the same dates as scheduled for this year, just before the Brazil event (end August). While we were disappointed that it didn’t come to fruition this year, it will show its worth in 2012, as the infamous big wave spot of Punta de Lobos opens its arms to the very best Stand Up Paddlers in the World. Stay tuned to www.standupworldtour.com. Also news is that the California leg of the Stand Up World Tour will take place at Huntington Beach right after the Battle of the Paddle at Dana Point, from the 28th September to the 4th October – more information coming soon. News on the Australian stop of the Tour, to be held at Philip Island in Victoria, will be forthcoming as well as information on a new project developing in Fiji that will follow directly after this event – more info to follow right here at www.standupworldtour.com
Official Naish La Torche Pro highlights now online
Finally, official highlights from the Naish La Torche Pro, presented by O’Neill are now online at www.standupworldtour.com, as well as galleries, updated rankings and much more. Check them out and keep an eye on the site as we build up to the spectacular Sapinus Pro, presented by Air Tahiti Nui.
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