21st May 2011
Day 1 at the Arica Chilean Challenge got off to a cracking start with solid 2 mtr waves at El Gringo.
The first rounds of the trials saw some outstanding riding from the predominately Chilean contingent in front of a vocal local crowd.
Lucas Isnard (Brazil) and Danton Correa (Chile) were the two standouts of the day with consistent performances.
Joa Gabriel (Brazil) held the best two-wave combo (14.00) whilst the single highest score of the day belonged to Sebastian Siede (Chile) who blasted out of the gates in the first heat to post a solid 8 pointer for a deep tube to roll combo.
In the last heat of the day Kalani Latanzzi (Brazil) showed why he is one of the next big things coming out of South America with great wave selection and stylish rolls.
The day included countless other highlights as El Gringo showed glimpses of brilliance by pumping out the occasional heaving slab that split in both directions. The forecast for the coming days looks promising with Sunday shaping up for the finish to the trails and a possible start for the main event.
By mid afternoon the "Brisa" or onshore breeze kicked in and organizers decided to postpone the last 4 heats of round 2 till tomorrow.
The town goes into celebratory mode tomorrow with a public holiday so an army of hardcore spectators is expected to roll up. The competitors are asked to check in at 7am for a 7.30 start.
The top 7 riders from these trials join the Top 23 riders in the world and two wildcards in the main event next week.
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MUSIC// - Eddie the Wheel - he's a scream - Nearsayerfive
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