STAND UP PADDLE WORLD TOUR: Kwart Finale Brasil

The Mormaii Ibiraquera Wave Contest is now officially open.
With the National Windsurf/Kitesurf/ SUP contest almost over, we are now kicking off with the Trials for the 4the stop of the Stand Up World Tour.

All the main contenders are here and ready. We have the top five Tahitians: Arsene Harehoe, Guillame Bourligueux, Tama Audibert, Thierry Domenech, and Patu.
Six Hawaiians: Kai Lenny, Ekolu Kalama, Robin Johnston, Ikaika Kawae, Kainoa McGee, and G-Mac. Dave Muir, last event winner (Tahiti) is with us again from Aus. From France we’ve got Remi Quique, Peyo Lizarazu, Xabi Lafite, and the winner in France, Antoine Delpero. However, missing due to unforseen visa issues are Hawaiian powerhouse Duane DeSoto and renowned Californian, Colin McPhilips, whose second place in France would have put him in a good position here in Brazil.

Strong Brazilian talent, fresh from the Brazilian Nationals Kauli Seadi, 3X Windsurf World Champion, won both the Windsurfing and SUP over Brazilian favorite, Leco Salazar… and is in the final stages of the Kitesurfing division right now.

The swell is switching from East to an ideal North on Monday, and it looks like Wednesday is going to give us the biggest and cleanest surf.

Now on hold for Trials, we are letting the Brazillians wrap up the Kite division of their Nationals, as the current wind conditions are better suited for it.

Traveling between 3-36 hours from different places, through different hubs, we all flew finally into Florianopolis, and took the same drive out. Landing in a city of a thousand buildings, crossing the beautiful bridge that overlooks a million homes, and harbor full of boats, we were surprised by the vast contrast of our destination. We made our ways in rental cars, vans and taxis for a couple of hours ride out to Ibiraquera.

We’re here in off-season, but this sleepy little beach town is a cracking holiday destination most of the year. Massive lakes border the towns and are separated by sand bars from the ocean. Little islands lay just off the long beach, the sand’s as soft as flour and the skies are foggy. Right whales are showing off as close as 20 feet from the surfers. This place is truly romantic. Just over the hill is the densely inhabited town of Rosa, which brags art venues and fine dining.

Taking a step away from the contest site, we went up to National Champion Kauli Seadi’s home he’s built on a private hill here overlooking the beach here at Ibiraquera. All glass, the light pours in from all sides and you can watch the surf from anywhere in the house or out on it’s wrap around balconies. From his self designed furniture to his giant bedroom hot tub, he’s got to just be laughing himself to sleep every night. Congratulations on your… life! More to come from Kauli as he faces up against the very best stand up paddlesurfers in the world.

Many thanks to Mormaii, for inviting us here, hosting this event back to back with their own. This is the friendliest, most capable crew, showing no signs of exhaustion after a week of constant work. Smiles and more smiles make us feel so welcomed and thankful. Mormaii has put us in lovely Pousadas, which are like B&Bs, all over the town. From the great breakfasts, lunches at the beach, and dinner at the various restaurants scattered through Barra de Ibitraquera that give you about five sides with each entrée … big athletes, big appetites, big smiles!

Next call is at 3pm Brazil time, although it is looking more likely that the trials will begin bright and early in the morning.

We will keep you posted, right here at www.standupworldtour.com