Excellent Performances Shine on Day 2 of 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championship
By ISA Staff
The 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach, Calif., saw some great surfing on its second day of competition. Multiple standout rides came in during the completion of Round 1 in the men’s divisions and start of Round 2 of Men’s Prone 2.
Newer competitors like Andy Guy (ENG), Ander Goenaga (ESP), Douglas Hendrix (RSA), and Pierrot Gagliano (FRA) delivered breakthrough rides. Veteran stars including Jean Paul Veaudry (RSA), Rafael Lueders (BRA), and Felipe Kizu Lima (BRA) also returned to the event in top form.
The 2017 silver medalist Quinn Waitley (USA) was thrilled to win her Prone 2 heat, the first women’s match-up of the contest. She rode out of a solid drop to take the victory. Waitley said, “I still can’t believe I won that heat. I normally don’t win the first heat, so this is new for me.”
The Prone 2 division also saw strong surfing from 2021 gold and silver medalists Jocelyn Neumueller (AUS) and Sarah Almagro (ESP), plus two-time gold medalist Ann Yoshida (HAW).
In a dramatic finish, defending champion Aleli Medina (PUR) landed a clutch wave in the closing seconds to top the Women’s Visual Impairment 2 leaderboard. She edged out challengers and former champions Melissa Reid (ENG) and Hailey Houston (USA).
On the men’s side, 2021 World Champion Jose Martinez (USA) posted the best scores so far with an 18.34 heat total. He unleashed powerful turns on a long right-hander that earned a 9.67. Martinez said adjusting his fins last minute “worked out perfectly.”
After a long absence, Norwegian legend Ismaël Guilliorit made his return to the event. The 45-year-old said he’s been waiting for the right time to make his comeback and is thrilled to be competing again.
The inaugural round robin format continues tomorrow at 7:00am PST at Southside Huntington Beach Pier. With excellent performances already, the world’s best para surfers look ready to push their limits even further.
You can catch all the action by streaming live