Sterling’s Triumph

The final was a tightly contested affair between Anthony Tashnick (USA), Carlos Burle (BRA) and Jamie Sterling (HI) with Jamie taking the title and the tour lead. Surrounding the comp was a an atmosphere fizzing with energy and adrenaline. Spectators packed into the grandstand were a bit shocked by the size of the waves. Nature's generous force created waves more than 35ft high, peaking during the semi-final where the wave of the contest, a perfect 10, was ridden by Grant Baker from South Africa. © 2013 Billabong

Local surfers also demonstrated a high performance level, pulling it out the bag for their home crowd. Gonzalo Velasco, Billabong team rider and Sebastian De Romaña made it to the semi-finals competing alongside 12 of the best international big wave riders, including current world champion Carlos Burle from Brazil and defending Billabong Pico Alto 2009, winner Greg Long from the USA. © 2013 Billabong

As you might expect various surfers experienced some extreme moments. Peruvian Rafael Velarde lived through the intensity of Pico Alto in his first heat when a wave of 24 feet high broke the board that he ridden to two previous Billabong Pico Alto finals (2006 and 2009). The eventual winner, Hawaiian Jamie Sterling and South African Chris Bertish both endured two wave hold-downs, Bertish coughing up blood and unable to finish the heat. © 2013 Billabong

Santa Cruz native Peter Mel must be pushing (30...) by now. And despite finding himself as comfortable behind the mike as in front still finds time for a bit of this. © 2013 Billabong

Standings after two of five events: 1. Jamie Sterling (HAW) 1690 2. Christian Merello (Chile) 1000 3. Anthony Tashnick (Nor Cal) 932 4. Greh Long (So Cal) 875 5. Gabriel Villaran (Peru) 810 6. Carlos Burle (Brazil) 725 7. Peter Mel (Nor Cal) 630 8. Marcos Monteiro (Brazil) 621 9. Mark Healy (Hawaii) 450 10. Grant Baker (South Africa) 414 © 2013 Billabong

Billabong's Pico Alto Invitational 2010 presented by Sony, was the second date for this second year of the Big Wave World Tour. This nascent tour is made possible by the collaborated effort of the sponsors: Sony, Burn, Powerade, Cosas Hombre, Lan, Von Zipper and Nixon who make it possible for everyone. Water patrol was provided by Ocean Riders, the local Peruvian team and Tim West from the Big Wave World Tour, ensured not only the surfers security in these huge waves but also provided transport from the beach to the line-up. Next waiting period to open is the newly included Nelscott Reef on November 1st, 2010. Thanks © 2013 Billabong