Again the wind conditions were not very strong and sailing began about 2pm, with longer heats to allow riders more time to perform their moves.

From the Brits we saw Andy Chambers take on World Champion Steven Van Broekhoven, and even with Andy throwing some huge moves and excellent variation, he couldn’t get through, putting the last UK male out of the single for this elimination.

The ladies heats began after Andy’s, seeing some great moves from the worlds best female freestylers, including some nice shaka’s from the top contenders.  I sailed against Arrianne Aukes from Holland, and unfortunately we both failed to show our best moves struggling in gusty conditions and also for myself fighting a lot of nerves.  It was very close but Arrianne went through landing a great flaka on the outside to win the heat.

The finals then began, with incredible sailing form the worlds best, seeing an exciting moment when 20 year old Dieter Van Der Eyken managed to win his heat against Van Broekhoven, passing in to the semi finals for the first time in his career.

For the ladies it was close heats, but in the end we saw Laure Treboux and Sarah Quita Offringa (2011 number 2 and number 1) battle it out in the final, a very impressive heat with Sarah’s massive Shaka standing out followed by many other powerful moves.  Laure fought hard but couldn’t match Sarah, although it will be good to see the double for the next chance to push the world champion.

The mens semi finals and finals were unbelievable to watch, Kiri Thode was on fire in his semi final against Gollito, whilst Dieter pushed hard against Tonky Frans to make it into the finals.  The finals saw Gollito take on Tonky, Gollito pulling a new move he has been working to take the win, an air flaka in which he almost does the whole of a 2nd flaka in the air before touching the water once during the manoeuvre.

The judges annouced the winners on stage for the crowds here in Fuerte’s famous party tents, before announcing we were to continue heats into the evening for the double elimination’s to get a good start.  Heat order had been changed, putting me in the first heat so rushed around to prepare, only then waiting to hear them cancel all sailing for the day due to deteriorating conditions, so am first up tomorrow!  Hopefully the wind will be in and I can really take my chance to climb up position in the double elimination.

For full results from todays elimination you can check out the PWA website and for photos I will be updating the Getwindsurfing album asap.