Josh Kleve delivers standout performance in perfect 10 foot surf on Day 2 of the IBA Pipe Challenge
posted on 17th February 2012
Day 2 of the 2012 IBA Pipe Challenge unfolded in perfect 10 foot surf at the world famous Banzai Pipeline. In front of a global webcast audience and a packed beach of spectators, the sport of bodyboarding was raised to new heights as the worlds best rode some of the most flawless and scary Pipeline recorded to date.
Standout performance of the day went to South African dark horse Josh Kleve, who posted the highest heat score of the day with 18.8 out of a possible 20 points to take out his Round 5 heat.
During his Round 4 post-heat interview, Kleve commented. "These are the best waves I have ever got to surf. I was just lucky out there."
Winning all his heats so far, the 23 year old South African will face fellow countryman Jared Houston, Kainoa McGee (HAW) and Dave Winchester (AUS) in Round 6 tomorrow.
Micah Oh (HAW), Charly Chapelet (FRA) and Spencer Skipper (HAW) also put on incredible performances today. All three posting exceptionally high heat totals of 18, 18.25 and 17.25 respectively. Chapelet was also one of only two riders to score a perfect 10 point ride for a long barrel which he exited clenching his fist in the air.
When asked about the quality of waves today, Micah Oh answered:"This is awesome. It's the best ever. I have been waiting all my life to surf these waves with just four guys out. I'm 33 now and should have done it when I was 15, it's been a long time, but I am happy to be here."
The other rider to be rewarded with a perfect 10, was Matt Holzman from the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Holzman was unfortunately not able to fight his way out of his Round 5 heat, but did manage to get the wave of the day, a perfect 10 foot barrel ride across the first reef at Pipe. Jubilantly paddling back after his 10 point ride and only three minutes remaining in the heat, Holzman elated to , "It's OK if I don't make it through this heat. That was the best wave of my life."
With only 32 riders remaining in the draw, tomorrow will be the final day of Mens, wrapping up the GQS and GSS rounds, crowning a 2012 IBA Pipe Challenge Champion and kicking off the 2012 IBA World Title race. Starting time will be as usual 8am Honolulu time.
Ladies and DK will resume on Saturday 8am Honolulu time.
Round 6 (round of 32) of the mens gets under way today Friday at 8pm South African time. Mark McCarthy is the first South African up in the 3rd heat. Jared Houston and Josh Kleve battle out the 6th against Kainoa McGee and Dave Winchester. Alistair Taylor who has been in fine form through the early rounds contests heat 8.
Make sure you are tuned in to
http://ibaworldtour.com/live/ to follow all the action.
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