Top-ranked South American surfers have been giving it their all this week at the Punta Rocas Open Pro international tournament, which wrapped up Sunday at Peru’s leading surfing spot, Punta Rocas Beach, just south of Lima.
The second edition of this World Surf League (WSL) event kicked off Thursday with the Men’s Qualifying Series (QS 1000) and Junior Tour competitions.
Some 80 percent of the 135 competitors are either Brazilian or Peruvian, setting up a Brazil-Peru clash “for leadership in the region,” Sebastian Rubio, spokesman for the RDV Surf association, which organized the contest, told Xinhua.
“The level is quite high,” he said.
The tournament helps to promote the sport in Peru, but “above all, it helps the young boys aged 13 to 20 years old who have never competed,” according to Rubio.
“Bringing a WSL event to Peru … gives them the opportunity to measure themselves against the best,” he said.
The Qualifying Series calls for surfing competitions by region (South America, Europe or Asia), held in stages throughout the year in different countries, with competitors accumulating scores to rise in the WSL ranking. Those with the highest scores will be able to compete in the Championship Tour, the global contest for the world’s surfing elite.
Meanwhile, the Pro Junior circuit brings together surfers up to 20 years of age, who can go on to compete in the Junior World Championship.
Punta Rocas, which has hosted many national championships, is known for its long, strong waves with a well-defined barrel, according to the specialists.
