WATCH: Brazilian triumphs in Ballito Pro final
Six days of world class surfing, thousands of spectators, live performances and so much more. The 2018 Ballito Pro pres. by Billabong was one for the books.
It was the perfect day to end a simply amazing week of surfing at Willard Beach as the 2018 Ballito Pro pres. by Billabong was decided between Brazilian Peterson Crisanto and Australia’s Jack Freestone, with the South American emerging victorious.
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Saturday morning dawned without a cloud in the sky, and consistent swell coupled with a favourable breeze created some of the best conditions of the six day tournament.
“This win has given me a lot of confidence going forward to compete with the best surfers in the world,” said Crisanto after being declared champion.
Yesterday’s surfing ended off on a high with another Brazilian – Krystian Kymerson – becoming the first surfer this year to be awarded a perfect 10 out 10 by all five judges on the panel with an outrageous aerial.
Described as a ‘tweaked-out, full-rotation backhand aerial’ by those familiar with these manoeuvres, the packed beach erupted as Kymerson landed perfectly and emerged from under the spray with his arms held aloft in triumph.
Unfortunately he was unable to carry this form through to progress to the final round.
Also read: The unstoppable Mulanovich clinches Ballito Women’s Pro title
Eight quarter-finalists took to the surf today to duke it out for top spot, including Crisanto, Kymerson and Freestone, as well as: fellow Brazilian Thiago Camarao, Wade Carmichael (Australia), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Ricardo Christie (New Zealand) Seth Moniz (Hawai).
Also read: Local surfers outclassed in Ballito Pro Juniors Series
All the surfers took full advantage of the day’s punchy 1 meter – 1.5 meter waves and light winds.
They took full advantage of the ideal conditions for aerial manoeuvres, boosting themselves high into the air and performing skateboard-inspired tricks in mid-air before landing.
The final though, was decided by some good old fashion turning, with little aerial action on display as the two surfers clearly did not want to chance throwing it all away.
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