Round 3 of the Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge presented by Coca-Cola Amitil Indonesia and the Australian Embassy Jakarta continued today in stellar conditions at a one of the world’s most iconic waves, Uluwatu on Bali’s beautiful Bukit Peninsula.
Heat one was one to watch with ex-WSL Championship Tour veteran Damien Hobgood (USA) showing his competitive drive is still well and truly alive, taking down Australia’s Jacob Connelly and Loco Swastika (IDN). Hobgood posted a heat total of 15.25 (out of a possible 20) with a display of timeless rail surfing.
“I haven’t been competing much lately,” said Hobgood. “Anytime there is a fun event at a cool wave like this I’m down for it. Uluwatu is a special place and getting to surf it with just a few guy’s out when it’s like it is today it’s totally worth it.”
Young Australian Jared Hickel booked himself a spot in round 3 along with Alan Saulo. Hickel posted an 8-point (out of a possible 10) ride early in the heat to put himself in a commanding position early.
“It’s Ulus with only three guys out so I just wanted to catch as many waves as possible and have fun,” said Hickel. “I did go on a few waves I shouldn’t have when I had priority, but once I had the 8-point ride I knew I was in a good position.“
“This is one of my favourite spots to surf, I love Uluwatu,” said Ohno. “Everyone was smiling and talking and laughing, it was a good vibe in the water. Every wave you would take off on just had a perfect wall, so everyone could surf his best.”
Young Brazilian Jean Da Silva’s experience surfing at Uluwatu showed in his heat against Jake Paterson (AUS), Gerard McCallum (AUS) and Ida Bagus Sima Rai. Da Silva trailed Paterson for the majority of the heat until taking off on a set wave and posting the highest single wave score of the morning, a 9.25, giving him the heat win. He and Paterson both progress to round 3 while McCallum and Rai were eliminated.
“I’m pretty excited to be competing here at Uluwatu,” said Da Silva. “I’ve been surfing here every year for five years now. Conditions have been great this contest especially today. It was cool to surf a heat with Jake. He is such a legend. I was lucky to get the best wave of the heat and get the score I needed.”
Other heat winners today included Made Lana (IDN), Blake Thornton (AUS) Alik Rudiarta (IDN) Nick Vasicek (AUS) Marco Giorgi (URY).
Competition will continue tomorrow, as the final 3 heats of round 2 will be completed and we move into round 3.
The Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge will run during a four day window from August 13-16 as part of the 8th annual Quiksilver and Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, Bali’s Big Eco Weekend Event, which takes place this year during Indonesia’s Independence Day long weekend. Bali’s Big Eco Weekend highlights the need to keep Bali’s beaches clean and safe for everyone to enjoy as well as promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through the various surfing events and beach activities that take place through the course of the event.
More information available here – http://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2015/mqs/1349/quiksilver-uluwatu-challenge
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