Following a turbulent weekend, with a fierce 10-meter swell and high spring tide battering the South African coast, all beach activities were suspended. Consequently, the Walker Bay Pro event was postponed for the initial days. The ocean calmed on Tuesday, allowing the IBC Women’s World Tour’s final leg to begin at Onrus Beach with 6 to 8-foot waves.
In the non-elimination first round, international riders acquainted themselves with newly formed sandbanks from the storm. The slow round one, affected by a large swell and imperfect wind, made positioning challenging.
Highlights included Valentina Diaz winning the first heat, Sari Ohhara impressing as World Champ, and Pamela Bowren triumphing over Neymara Carvalho. Round two, with improved conditions, featured Luna Hardman and Tracy Delport advancing but bidding farewell to Viviana Araya and Joan Figueroa.
The second heat showcased Brazil’s Clara Pontes and Chile’s Constanza Soto, defeating South Africans Lezandre Wolmarans and Anita Kannemeyer. As a storm approached, the Walker Bay Pro called off the competition after round three due to strengthening winds.
Portugal’s Joana Schenker avenged her first-round loss to Valentina Diaz, securing second place and eliminating Constanza Soto. Sari Ohhara and Brazil’s Maylla Venturin impressed in fierce competition, with Maylla earning the highest score. Luna Hardman left the competition despite her efforts.
Pam Bowren continued her winning streak against five-time world champion Neymara Carvalho. With gale-force winds, Maira Viana dominated the final heat, and Tracy Delport improved on her previous result in Sintra.
The competition will resume after the approaching storm passes, possibly with the ladies’ quarterfinals on Friday or Saturday, determining the year’s final seeding.
