PWA World Cup Guincho Wave Contest 2006 Day One

Tuesday June 6, 2006

The PWA World Tour celebrates its return to this legendary location for a second time since a break of a few years. Building on the success of last year’s epic event and classic conditions, we also see the return of the women’s fleet to the beautiful Estoril coast. All in all no less than 6 former wavesailing world champions line up with some of the hungriest new talent on the elite scene.

(Check the GUINCHO WORLD CUP 2005 EVENT GALLERY for pictures of the action).

Five PWA Wave Champs! Courtesy of PWA/Carter

Eager to fill the podium are current world wavesailing champions Kauli Seadi (BRA253 Quatro/Naish), and Daida Moreno (E-64, Mistral/ North Sails), as well as former world champs Scott McKercher (KA-181, Starboard/ Severne), Josh Angulo (CV-1), Kevin Pritchard (US-3, Starboard/ MauiSails) and Karin Jaggi (Z-14, F2/ North Sails).

But new talent is pressuring the top names, with Spanish riders Victor Fernandez (E-42, Fanatic / Simmer) and Alex Mussolini (E-30, JP/ Neil Pryde) flaunting their outrageous new skool style in front of more experienced players. Also waiting in the wings are Boujamaa Guilloul (M-3, Starboard/ Severne) and 3 times World Freestyle Champion Ricardo Campello (V-111, JP/ Neil Pryde). But old dogs can learn new tricks, as seasoned campaigner Nik Baker ( K66, Mistral / North) showed last years young guns with a joint 2nd overall in wavesailing in 2005, along with last years winner here in Guincho Matt Pritchard (US 10 Tabou / Gaastra). Matt, a two times Super-X world champion, found the conditions similar to his native Californian beachbreaks and Santana winds, which along with experience, proved decisive in his defeat over Seadi. And sharing that 2nd place podium with Baker was fellow Brit Robby Swift (K-89, JP/ Neil Pryde), who’s recovering from a serious off season injury. This will be the young all-rounder’s first event of the year where he’ll prove a major threat nevertheless, especially considering his impressive 4th place finish here last year.

Beach transport Courtesy of PWA/Carter

The top ranks of the ladies see a challenge from Maui-based starboard tack specialists Junko Nagoshi (J-11, F2 / Simmer) and Tiffany Ward (USA-69 Starboard). Their hardcore wave style on this tack will provide a stiff threat to the traditional high flyers Iballa Moreno (E-63, Mistral/ North Sails) and sister Daida.

With registration day now complete, see the heat draws for the MENS SINGLE ELIMINATION LADDER and LADIES SINGLE ELIMINATION LADDER.

Shorebreak! Courtesy of PWA/Carter

Forecasts for the earlier part of the week are not as promising as the upcoming weekend where wind and waves are expected. Until the wind shows up, the competitors enjoy the legendary Portuguese hospitality of the Cascais region, in this dramatic location between the Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point, and the glamorous Casino resort of Estoril.