Competition recommenced on the second day of the ASP 2014 Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Powerade. Quality conditions were on hand as waves in the 3-4 foot range (1 metre) and light offshore winds greeted competitors at Praia de Itauna.
A number of high-scoring waves were earned throughout competition on Wednesday, accentuated by Billy Stairmand (NZL), who received the event’s highest heat wave total with a 17.63, while World Championship Tour (WCT) rider Sebastian Zietz (HAW) collected the event’s highest single wave score with a 9.77. Following closely behind Zietz’s performance was fellow WCT competitor Filipe Toledo (BRA), who scored a 9.57 by displaying his renowned air-game.
Filipe Toledo (BRA) impressed the judges with his aerial game.
“I was watching the heats before mine and I noticed that everyone was sticking to the lefts, but there were some incredible right-handers that I was focusing on,” said Toledo. “I started my heat off well with that big air at the end and then added on a good score to qualify into the next round. I’m feeling confident and look forward to competing tomorrow.”
For the first time in ASP history, the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime has implemented a four-man priority system in competition. By applying this method, the ASP is seeking to improve the quality of heats and maximize opportunity in competition.
Currently No. 6 in the WTC rankings and No. 1 on the Qualification Series rankings, Adriano de Souza (BRA) commented on the new priority system after advancing to Round 3: “It gives you a certain freedom to sit and wait for the wave you want without having to pay much attention to your opponents. You can just concentrate on how you surf.”
Local favorite Raoni Monteiro (BRA) won his Round 1 heat, finishing on an 8.50 ride.
“I feel very relaxed and competing at home is great,” Monteiro said. “I’ve got everything in my favor.”
A total of 28 surfers representing 10 different countries remain in competition at the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime.
The 2014 ASP Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Powerade is brought to you by the Brazilian Association of Surfing Professionals (ABRASP) and sponsored by the State of Rio de Janeiro, the City of Saquarema, Powerade, Quiksilver, Peugeot and Barra GR Hygiene and Cleaning and is supported by CCR Via Lagos, the Rio de Janeiro Surf Federation (FESERJ) and the Saquarema Surf Association (ASS). The event is organized by the ASP South America as the first 2014 ASP World Prime event and offers U$ 250,000 in prize money and 6,500 points towards the ASP Qualifying Series ranking. The Quiksilver Saquarema Prime is broadcast live via www.aspworldtour.com.
