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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 BillabongLocal 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 BillabongAs 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
Astonishing footage of one of the world's most dangerous breaks rediscovered in a familiar place
Era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes set to continue say the NOAA
Goofy surfers stand resolute beside the form guide
Join Our World is Blue as they host the Downderry and Seaton Ocean Day
OLI Adams and Yannick de Jager search for breaks upside of the colder latitudes continues.
A perfect 10 and goofy surprises at the opening day of the Oakley Pro Bali.
