Pico Alto

BILLABONG'S Pico Alto Big Wave Invitational is on today, Aug 19th. The second round of the 2010/11 Big Wave World Tour is bracing itself for the arrival of a solid swell. Watch it HERE. This is a big swell make no mistake. With a discrete packet of open ocean swell at 15ft at 17 seconds the biggest waves of the day should range around 40ft on the face. The forecast has been holding steady and it all comes to a head today. For event director, Gary Linden, the decision to lengthen the waiting period has been justified by this swell: "Extending the waiting period into August seems to have paid off. With predictions in the 40ft plus range we're hoping for an epic event. "There will be 11 Peruvian locals surfing alongside the for the title with last year's finalists Rafael Velarde and Javier Swayne eager for the chance to better their results. "Also keep an eye out for Billabong rider Alvaro Malpartida who missed last year as well as resident local Jose Gomez. The international crew of: Anthony Tashnick, Carlos Burle (champ), Chris Bertish, Dave Wassel, Diego Medina, Grant Baker, Greg Long, Kalani Chapman, Marcos Monteiro, Mark Healey, Peter Mel and Ramón Navarro. With only one event (of five) completed in the 2010/11 season everyone has their eyes on Carlos Burle's World Championship crown. © 2013 escobarphoto.com

Local boy Gabriel Villaran will be doesn't need introduction - he finished 2nd in Chile and is probably one of the best all-round surfers on the planet. The wave? "For me Pico Alto is a special wave when gets over 20ft plus" says Gabriel. "It's a long wave with 2-3 sections and gets hollow. It's a hard wave to surf when its solid. There's always lots of water moving around and you have to paddle all the time to be on the right spot." How does it feel to surf your home break with the best international riders? "Really motivating.. it's actually pretty fun to watch, those guys surf amazing on these waves.. nothing better than sharing waves with friends and good surfers.. "I'm stoked only to be part of it, I really like the big wave thing, there is also a great vibe and energy in between the competitors and the organization." Your pick for the locals? "Jose Gomez, Alvaro Malpartida, Sebastian de Romana, Rafael Velarde and Javier Swayne." © 2013 Lorene Carpentier

Current Ranking of the BWWT (after the first stop at Punta Lobos): 1. Christian Merello (Chile) 2. Gabriel Villarán (Perú) 3. Peter Mel (USA) 4. Jamie Sterling (Hawaii) 5. Mark Healey (Hawaii) 6. Greg Long (USA) © 2013 escobarphoto.com