The 2007 Cabo Verde World Cup Boards Magazine Super Session
Marcilio Browne wins $1000 as PWA Hellmen Push Boundaries in Boards Magazine Expression Session
Who could blame Editor Bill Dawes for throwing in $1000 cash towards a super session today, as more sensational conditions tempted the worlds finest wave sailors onto the water?
Like everyone who’s witnessed this spectacle, the UK mag just couldn’t get enough of the action, and decided to treat the crowds to a feast of free sailing madness.
An hour long heat for the dozen or so mental enough to enter didn’t let them down.
As soon as the green flag was raised Ricardo Campello (JP / NeilPryde) set the tone with an outrageous double forward off the lip attempt.
With the waves breaking perilously close to the rocks, the superstars of the PWA risked all of their remaining equipment, recklessly throwing themselves into suicidal manoeuvres.
Victor Fernandez (Fanatic / Simmer) was inches away from landing the coveted wave 360 that so many pro’s dreamed of making at this venue. Moves such as Goiter’s and air taka’s, that are second nature at lesser locations, are almost impossible here, and only a session like this could up the ante.
Strong offshore winds scuppered countless attempts at back loops off the lip, push loops off the lip and insane forwards launched off critical pitching sections.
Klaas Voget (Fanatic / NeilPryde) consistently tried the back loop, but the updraft rushing off the wave face just kept denying him the chance to complete the rotation.
Eventually Victor Fernandez got the closest, and with superior height he earned 3rd place; three trips over the rocks being the price he paid.
Campello’s showmanship was rewarded as he sailed away from a double forward off the lip, albeit landed off the back of the inside bowl, to claim second.
The strength and focus required to land aerials at Ponta Preta is illustrated when even the master of the one-handed smack himself, Josh Angulo, didn’t dare lift a finger from his boom during official competition.
Today however, in a sea of radical yet in completed moves, only Mistral’s newest acquisition, Marcilio Browne (Mistral / Gaastra), had the nerve to hang one off during a sizeable hit off a chunky peak.
The judges unanimously awarded him the victory for his stylishly executed move, and subsequently a generous pile of cash courtesy of Boards.
Despite the holding period still being open, as the double elimination and super session are already completed, the event is closed, leaving the riders free to enjoy the superb sailing all over the Island of Sal!
Thanks for following the action with us, and special thanks to Cabo Verde Investment and all the riders for making this such a spectacle and the people Sal for their warm welcome. Here’s to our next visit!
Be sure to check the April issue of BOARDS for the full story and some absolutely staggering pics!