Merello’s Lobos

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LOCAL big wave rider, Cristian Merello, wins the Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta de Lobos Big Wave Invitational at Pichilemu Chile in 30ft surf. Presented by Suzuki, the event on May 19, 2010, launched the 2010-2011 Big Wave World Tour that Cristian Merello now leads. It was a South American double-up with Cristian Merello (Chile) winning the $10,000 and Gabriel Villaran (Peru) taking second place. The roster of big wave surfing names you would expect to see in a final filled the remainder of the places: Peter Mel (California) in 3rd, Jamie Sterling (Hawaii) 4th, Mark Healey (Hawaii) 5th, Greg Long (Califonia) in 6th. © 2013 Escobarphoto.com/Courtesy Quiksilver

Merello employed patience and local knowldege in a determined effort to ride the biggest waves, overcoming his more experienced challengers. Being a goofy-footer in the reeling lefts was no handicap either... Merello's defeat of a stellar international field of big wave riders was inspired by his mother, who is battling cancer, and by his community. The win was made all the sweeter by being in front of a huge home crowd. Adding to the moment, all of the surfers competing today came together to present a total of $15,000 to local fishermen from the village who lost their homes during the February 8.8 earthquake and ensuing tsunami. "When I found out (I had won), it was really, really special for me," said Merello. "But it wasn't just for me, it was for my mother, who is in an intense battle with cancer and going through some brutal treatment. It was for me, for her and the entire community. We've all been through a lot." © 2013 Saavedraphoto/Courtesy Quiksilver

Villaran only added to his reputation of being one of the most well rounded surfers on the planet, doling out many high-risk manoeuvres, typically reserved for flamboyant small wave surfing. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

Peter Mel took a break from commentating to take 3rd place. Scoring in big wave surfing doubles the points of your best ride before adding the second score -- thus forcing surfers to nail the biggest of the heat. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

From a spectator's perspective, Punta de Lobos is a venue akin to a the Colosseum, except here instead of baying for blood the super enthusiastic crowd hoot and holler letting the surfers know when a set is approaching. It seemed half of Chile and bit of Peru had rocked up to spectate. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

Hawaii's Mark Healey (placed 5th), wasn't alone in praising Merello. "He had that local knowledge and was straight into the biggest and best waves," said Healey. "The conditions really changed throughout the day and he was the best at adapting. I've surfed with Cristian on previous visits here, but outside of Chile, or South America, people probably haven't heard of him. "But that's how it is with big wave riding, there are going to be people like him that come out of nowhere, so to speak. It's a different way of surfing and you've really got to want it. He definitely wanted it today. "Some of the waves were really barreling, and it's a point, so it's totally different to what we're usually riding in Hawaii. Plus it's a left, so no excuses for me! I got a couple of tubes early in the day, so it was good." © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

What with commentators adding up scores on pencil and paper, finally finding a calculator, not being able to see the surfer due to glare, instant replays uploaded via Vimeo -- this event was a wonderful combination of how you think surfing should be, (real) coupled with an innovative utilisation of new media. It'll change, the webcast will get slicker, the sponsors will open their money bags wider, all things which will progress the sport and are necessary. All we say is enjoy watching the new big thing in its relative infancy and love it for what it is. Big waves, big balls and not very big egos. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

When people say this wave barrels it's no joke. Being a pointbreak it also has no max-out point. The potential for a 100ft barrel people? Something to aim for at least... Here Pato Texeira gets shacked on a 9ft board 20ft from the rocks, not the easiest of tasks. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

The day dawned small with the forecasts promising a massive swell, starting small, but building quickly throughout the day and fingers were gently crossed. After a brief delay it all kicked off in eminently contestable conditions before the swell really kicked into gear for the semis and finals. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

We caught up with Gary Linden, Big Wave Tour Director, to ask him - what benefit does a unified tour bring to big wave surfing? "A unified tour, says Gary, allows for the crowning of a World Champion, something I believe is essential to the creation of a sport as compared to a lifestyle pursuit. "Providing a consistent format and judging criteria with prime big wave locations around the world allows for international growth and recognition for the sport and the athletes that are involved. "Here we have an opportunity to create careers and thus allow more athletes to start earlier and achieve higher levels of performance." The next event is Pico Alto in Peru, waiting period from June 1st. You can learn more about the tour at bigwaveworldtour.com. © 2013 Courtesy Quiksilver

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