Italo Ferreira (BRA), 18, posted the high heat-total of Round 2 Surf Open Acapulco action.
PLAYA REVOLCADERO, Acapulco/Mexico (Wednesday, July 3, 2013) – The Surf Open Acapulco presented by Vans returned to action for the second consecutive day to complete Round 2 of competition, and while there was a slight drop in swell, several surfers displayed some incredible performances in the rippable two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Playa Revolcadero.
Italo Ferreira (BRA), 18, who won his Round 1 heat yesterday, maintained his form in Round 2 of the Surf Open Acapulco, dismantling the wedgy lefts on his forehand with committed turns and big airs.
“That was a good heat for me and the waves were much better than my heat yesterday,” Ferreira said. “Hopefully I can keep winning and do the same in my next heat.”
Ferreira, an ASP World Junior Tour standout, hopes to build momentum on today’s performance and is eyeing a result in Acapulco to break in to the higher ranked events.
“Winning my first two heats definitely helps with confidence,” Ferreira said. “I’m focused and my boards are feeling really good and these are good conditions for me. I’m looking forward to surfing again.”
Balaram Stack (Point Lookout, NY), 22, looked at home in the punchy breakbreak conditions and took flight on the lefthand ramps of Playa Revolcadero. The goofy-footer would go on to punt a big air-reverse, earning an 8.33 for the single maneuver and would find a sold backup to solidify his Round 2 heat victory.
“These are definitely my ideal conditions, fun peaky beachbreak like home,” Stack said. “Hopefully it stays like this because I’m having fun. Unfortunately I blew one of the best sections I’ve had in a long time on one left, but hopefully I won’t do that in the next heat. Overall, I’m here with my friends, the waves are good and I’m having a good time.”
While several of the day’s highlights came at the hand of frontside aerials, Francisco Bellorin (VEN), 23, dominated his Round 2 affair with unmatched backhand power. The Venezuelan unloaded a seamless combination of turns on a steep left, taking a 9.43 for the ride, the day’s highest single-wave score.
“I’m really happy to be here at a 4-Star in Mexico and the people are amazing.” Bellorin said. “I was a little nervous at the beginning of that heat because all of the surfers are really good. I was relieved to get that good left that let me do some turns and I’m really happy to move in to the next Round and represent Venezuela and Latin America.”
The Surf Open Acapulco presented by Vans holds a waiting period from July 2-7, 2013. Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible 7:30 start to Round 3.
