RED BULL EXPRESSION SESSION STARTS OFF HIGH COMPETITION IN LAS PALMAS

Competition in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria began today with an athlete expression session hosted by the APP World Tour and sponsored by Red Bull.

APP Athletes put their skills to the test to and were judged for their “Big Move”, a one maneuver show stopper including aerial moves, slashing cutbacks and snaps.

Poenaiki Raioha’s powerful drive and aggressive snaps won him a top podium spot for the Expression Session here in Las Palmas. Photo by: Roderigo Jiminez / APP World Tour

RED BULL EXPRESSION SESSION LAUNCHES GRAN CANARIA PROAM

In the afternoon onshore swell, APP athletes took to the water for a chance to win 500 euros for Men & Women as part of Red Bull’s “Big Move” Expression Session to start the competition in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

WOMEN’S EXPRESSION SESSION SHOWS RISE IN PROGRESSION FOR FEMALE SUP SURFING

All ten females took to the water for a single 45 minute heat to vie for waves and show judges the ‘big move’ in their repertoire. It was a memorable sight to witness the world’s finest women SUP surfers in the water for one great heat. Standouts included Izzi Gomez’s front side snap on the outside section, Iballa Moreno’s big cutbacks on the inside and Pacelli’s highly technical surfing skills to round out the Top 3.

Also notable were Shakira Westdorp’s super charge to the inside along with Dominique Miller’s consistent attention to every wave throughout the heat.

Women’s Top 3 Red Bull Expression Session: (1) Izzi Gomez (USA) ; (2) Iballa Moreno (SPA) ; (3) Nicole Pacell (BRA). Photo by: Roderigo Jiminez / APP World Tour

MEN’S EXPRESSION MAKE USE OF EVERY WAVE FOR HEATED COMPETITION

The Men’s competition consisted of two Semi Final Rounds to diversify the numbers on the water with a Final in the afternoon/early evening light to round out the day. In the first heat, Zane Schweitzer (HI) captured 1st place with his usual progressive surfing style, pumping down the line and working cross bow snaps with alacrity.  The Men’s second heat saw Mo Freitas (HI) rise to the top with strong wave selection and superior moves to place him in the Final Round.

Zane Schweitzer’s off the lip maneuvers are a signature style for the progressive young Hawaiian. His consistency and energy was noted by the judging panel. Photo by: Roderigo Jiminez / APP World Tour

The Men’s Final included Zane, Mo, Poenaiki Raioha (PYF), Luis Diniz (BRA), Benoit Carpentiere (FRA) and Juan de los Reyes (ESP) along with Leonardo Gimenes (BRA). In the fading light of the day, each man found multiple waves to show their progressive moves and style giving the crowd a showcase of the best in the sport of SUP Surfing.

Arriving at the podium, in a ceremony hosted by Bjorn Dunkerbeck, a multiple windsurfing world title legend and the APP’s great host here in the Canaries, the Top 3 were awarded medals and a check for 500 euros to the first place winner courtesy of Red Bull. The judges awarded Frenchman Benoit Carpentier a third place win.  Hawaiian Zane Schweitzer placed 2nd and coming out on top was the bold, young player from French Polynesia, Poenaiki Raioha.

The Men’s heats for the Red Bull Expression Session is a foretelling of things to come in the days of competition ahead. Photo by: Roderigo Jiminez / APP World Tour

MAIN EVENT TO START THURSDAY WITH A 7:30AM CALL TIME & 8:00AM START

With a swell on the rise and conditions looking favorable to meet the criteria for a World Title event, the APP World Tour anticipates the start of the main competition to begin tomorrow, Thursday, December 13th, 2018, with a first call for athletes at 7:30AM with a possible 8AM start time. The Men’s Open Trials will go first

Stay tuned for results and ALL your LIVE ACTION here at www.appworldtour.com

This is one show not to be missed.

Written by:  Evelyn O’Doherty Online Editor / APP World Tour