INTERNATIONAL NEWS - The juniors invaded the black sand beach break of Taharu‘u for Day 1 of the Papara Pro Surf Tahiti, a World Surf League (WSL) Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 event that takes place in the tropical archipelago of French Polynesia.
The youngest competitor of the event - Luana Coelho Silva (HAW), 11 - remains in the contest, along with sibling competitors Dax and Finn McGill (HAW), Oahu's Brisa Hennessy and Tahiti's Mauiki Raioha.
The morning began with an opening ceremony to welcome surfers, which included live music and dancing, a mixing of ocean waters, and traditional monoi (coconut and tiare oil) making. The mayor of Papara, Putai Taae, spoke on behalf of the council.
"Our wish is that the waves will be good and that you all enjoy your time here in Papara," said Taae.
The vibrant Tahitian backdrop added color to head high surf and light variable winds, which made for a successful completion of Round 1 for both the men and women's competition.
A men's trials heat was first in the water to determine two additional slots in the main event. Noah Hill (USA) and Maxime Ratia (PYF) were able to advance ahead of a strong 5-man field including Mauna Reveil (PYF), Kona Oliveira (HAW) and Manuarii Laux (PYF). Ratia missed out in Round 1 while Hill advanced into the Quarterfinals.
A men's trials heat was first in the water to determine two additional slots in the main event. Noah Hill (USA) and Maxime Ratia (PYF) were able to advance ahead of a strong 5-man field including Mauna Reveil (PYF), Kona Oliveira (HAW) and Manuarii Laux (PYF). Ratia missed out in Round 1 while Hill advanced into the Quarterfinals.
The contest then switched gears to begin the Vahine Pro Junior, which saw former WSL World Junior Champion and 2x ISA Gold Medalist Mahina Maeda (HAW) storm through Heat 1 against Luana Silva Coelho (HAW) and Savanna Stone (HAW).
Maeda looked strong on her backhand, hitting the lip with a variety of turns to take down competitors. An 8.25 and 6.50 saw the Sunset Beach, Oahu native secure a Quarterfinal spot along with Silva-Coelho.
Eleven-year-old Silva Coelho is the youngest competitor of the event, but impressed judges with her finesse in the water. The North Shore, Oahu wahine talked about going up against Maeda, saying it's scary and exciting at the same time but really fun. In regards to her expectations for the event, ‘Lulu' said: "I am hoping to achieve a good finish and a good start to a good year."
Eleven-year-old Silva Coelho is the youngest competitor of the event, but impressed judges with her finesse in the water. The North Shore, Oahu wahine talked about going up against Maeda, saying it's scary and exciting at the same time but really fun. In regards to her expectations for the event, ‘Lulu' said: "I am hoping to achieve a good finish and a good start to a good year."
