After a five-year absence from the elite Championship Tour, Brazil surfing ace Ian Gouveia’s Ballito Pro, pres. by O’Neill win today puts him firmly in the 2025 qualification conversation.
The 10 000 points he earned for the win over American Nolan Rapoza (USA) sent him straight to the top of the Challenger Series rankings, relegating fellow Brazilian and former Championship Tour athlete Samuel Pupo to number two.
Gouveia reached the final by comfortably defeating another fellow Brazilian, Edgard Groggia, in the semi-finals (15.34 over 10.76) in a heat that saw him bag an excellent 9.17.
His opponent in the final, Rapoza had made a habit of winning performances throughout the contest. With his explosive style versus Gouveiea’s calm and experienced approach, both were able to go to the air at any time which made for a great matchup in the final.
After 10 minutes of competition, Rapoza seemed in control, leading with 11.83 over Gouveia’s 4.50.
But an uncharacteristic mistake in which he lost his footing seemed to usher in a shift in momentum.
Approaching the halfway mark, Gouveia secured a 7.17 to close the gap, requiring only a 4.66 to take the lead.
Following up with a slob grab worth 5.60 to replace his 4.50 backup score, Gouveia did so.
With 12 minutes to go and Rapoza only needing a 6.78 to reclaim the lead, it was game on and hard to call a winner, especially knowing that a mid-range score was well within Rapoza’s wheelhouse.
However, the strongest south-westerly wind of the entire event window put a ruffle on the wave which did not seem to suit Rapoza’s super responsive epoxy surfboard.
The board seemed almost too light under his feet and he failed to land the critical manoeuvres that would have seen him get the scores he needed. Considering Rapoza had six waves scored below one point, he unfortunately missed too many big swings which gave Gouveiea the big W with a final score of 12.77 over 11.83.
A fun fact is that Gouveia surfed the final on women’s Championship Tour legend Tatiana Weston-Webb’s (BRA) board. Signed by surfing greats Kelly Slater and Mark Occhilupo, Geouviea called it his magic board.
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