Surfing

Billabong Pro Tahiti - The Best World Class Contest in Surfing History

The world’s best surfers put everything on the line as they battled the world’s most dangerous wave for an historic Finals day at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, stop no. 7 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour (WCT). The Final Day's 12-man field took on perilous conditions and monster 12-to-15 foot barreling waves, the biggest of the season, in pursuit of victory. It was Gabriel Medina (BRA) who came out on top to claim the coveted title of Billabong Pro Tahiti Champion after an unbelievable day of competition and what is being dubbed the best WCT contest in history.
28. 8. 2014

The Billabong Pro Tahiti saw historic performances, perfect scores, horrific wipeouts and a serious shakeup in the hunt for the 2014 ASP World Title. An incredible Final saw Brazilian phenom Gabriel Medina reign supreme in huge, perfect conditions at Teahupo'o. The win over 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is Medina's third WCT victory of the year, after triumphing at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and Billabong Rio Pro, and sees him extend his lead in the World Title race. 

"What can you say? It was incredible. I've never seen anything like it and today will go down as one of the best days of surfing in my career, no question."

Kelly Slater, the 11-time World Champ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All surfers sang the praises of Teahupo'o massive swell that increased into the treacherous realm of 12-to-15 feet (3.7 - 4.6 meters).  Known for its heavy, glassy waves offshore, often reaching 2 to 3 m (7 to 10 ft), and sometimes up to 7 meters (21 feet), Teahupo'o is not an easy break to surf - heavy waves combined with a shallow shoreline can result in serious injuries and even death in a wipeout. However, if the conditions are right, it is a real blast.


Owen Wright in his element

“I don’t really know what to say,” said Gabriel Medina. “I’m so blessed to have these conditions at ‘Chopes (possibly the heaviest wave on Earth - editors note) and surf against all these guys. This is such a special event and I’m just so happy right now. Kelly (Slater) is a legend of surfing and it’s the best feeling ever to win. The waves were big and perfect and this feeling is amazing. I love surfing and to get these waves is incredible. I want to thank ASP for the event and I’m so happy to be part of this.”


The winner Gabriel Medina


Photos credit: Will H-S

The next stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour will be the Hurley Pro at Trestles from September 9 - 20, 2014. The event will be webcast LIVE on ASPWorldTour.com

Photos: © Kirstin Scholtz/ASP

Source: http://www.aspworldtour.com

28. 8. 2014
Tags Surfing

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