Not all of the PWA's top riders have made the journey to South America. Topcalma usually offers exactly the waves that the best in the world want. Perfect down-the-line conditions and strong winds. However, as a 4-star event, the competition is not necessarily decisive for the title. Four of the top five riders from the 2022 PWA wave rankings are missing. Only Philip Köster travelled from the first World Cup in Japan straight on to Chile.
He faced the young local Matias Vargas and the Swede Martin Lundgren in his first heat. Vargas put on an impressive show and finished second, but Köster dominated the heat and put in the best performance of the day. While others struggled with the Matanzas wave, Köster was extremely consistent and showed impressive aerials. That wasn't the only standout performance of the day, but this was definitely a remarkable story: Köster dominating on the PWA/IWT Wave Tour. "This guy is one hell of a tough rider" cheers the IWT!
Six Germans at the start of IWT Chile
In addition to runner-up Köster, five other German men will be competing in Matanzas - Leon Jamaer, Julian Salmonn, Henri Kolberg, Laurin Schmuth and Nick Spangenberg. Alongside top favourite Köster, some of them have what it takes to make it to the front. Leon Jamaer is competing for the first time with his new sails from GunSails and has already familiarised himself with the conditions a few days before the contest.
While the wind forecast a few days ago did not bode well - high waves with no wind - yesterday's breeze was favourable and allowed for a spectacular contest and the first laps could be completed.
Alongside Köster, Leon Jamaer and Julian Salmonn have also impressed so far, with both of them winning their heats to progress. Italy's Frederico Morisio and Japanese youngster Hayata Ishii have also shown that they are willing and able to fight for the Surazo Infernal title. Not all of the heats for the top 16 have been completed yet. Jane Seman won both preliminary heats in the women's event and is therefore the favourite going into the final.
A move from Matanzas to Topocalma could be on the cards for today (30 March). The conditions there could be better given the forecast.
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