Day Two of the PKRA event in Dakhla marked the beginning of the first wave event of the 2014 tour season. The day started with trials and finished with the second round of men’s and women’s semi-finals. Spectacular performances were made throughout the day from both the men and women. Mother nature set the stage for one of the most exciting kiteboarding disciplines.
Located just outside the city of Dakhla, the beautiful wave spot of Oum Lamboir is a classic right-hand point break that offers up perfect peeling waves and side-shore wind. During light wind in the morning, many riders took the opportunity to grab a warm-up surf, demonstrating some impressive surfing skills without a kite.
By noon the winds filled in to 14-20 knots and the men’s wave trials began with 8-10 man heats on the water for 14-minute sessions. Out of 37 riders, only the top 12 riders who impressed the judges advanced into the main event. For the main event, there was a three-man heat, allowing the top rider in the first round to advance an extra round, guaranteeing them a better spot.
As the tide came in, chest to overhead high sets began rolling off the point, and the women took to the water. Notable rides came from the Milla Ferriera, showing impressive skill — proof that training with her brother has been paying off. Also, the young Moona Whyte demonstrated a very fluid style and excellent wave selection, ultimately beating Ines Correia in a very close heat, even though Correia actually received the highest scoring wave of the day. Former World Champion Jalou Langeree’s critical backside snaps pushed her through the rounds, and Kristy Jones’ impressive use of the inside waves allowed her to advance as well.
For the men’s ladder, many of the heats were close proving that the level of this growing discipline is rising quickly. Keahi De Aboitiz stood out with some of the longest rides of the day, earning the highest scoring wave of 8.67. Keahi took off at the point and worked the wave all the way to the inside with a variety of vertical snaps, floaters and aerial re-entries.
Noteworthy performances also came from Mitu Montiero who took advantage of the smaller, yet often faster inside, showing commitment with vertical snaps and aerials. Felippe Ferreira demonstrated excellent rail-to-rail surfing and dynamic off the top maneuvers, while Nuno Figueiredo managed a nice barrel- ride amongst other aggressive maneuvers — advancing him to the next round.
Tomorrow’s wind and waves look to be similar and competition within the wave discipline will continue. Freestyle riders will remain on hold, and if conditions are not favorable to run the wave event, the freestyle single eliminations will commence.
For the latest updates and more photos, visit the PKRA World Tour website at: www.prokitetour.com.