Peter Mel dominates Billabong Pico Alto to clinch first victory – 2011 Big Wave World Tour
America’s Peter Mel emerged triumphant at the second competition in the 2011 Big Wave World Tour, Billabong Pico Alto, which went down in Peru on Thursday, walking away with the first place prize cheque and his first ever Big Wave World Tour success.
Australia’s Ben Wilkinson remained pretty impressive throughout the final, but was unable to keep Mel from clinching the win and eventually had to settle for second-place finish. Brazil’s Felipe Cesarano finished third, while Portugal’s Joao de Macedo took
fourth position. Reigning World Champion from Hawaii, Jamie Sterling, finished in fifth place, while Peru’s Kodiak Semsch rounded out the sixth position.
The competition consisted of a field comprised of international surfers from all around the globe, converging at the event site on a prior notice of just two days. Peru was also well represented in the event through its army of skilled surfers.
Making his way into the six-man Final, the Californian-based Mel put his experience and confidence to use in order to dominate surf that were well over 30-foot. The extreme conditions were unable to keep the American at bay as he raged through the one-hour
heat, ruling the mammoth-sized waves with his exquisite style. Starting off with a solid nine-point tide, Mel relaxed a little, giving Wilkinson an opportunity to take command of the heat with two excellent scoring waves.
However, the Californian surfers waited till the dying minutes of the heat to make yet another charge and edge past his Australian rival to claim top honours.
The thrilling matchup was undeniably one of the most memorable one. Big Wave World Tour director Gary Linden said, “It was actually a little bigger than we thought. The conditions were great all day. And what a final, four rookies and two veterans, including
our world champion Jamie Sterling. You couldn't ask for any more. Pete was just so impressive, it's great to see him get the win. He's very deserved.”
Sterling, who finished in fifth place, commented on the conditions that the event location had once again justified it s reputation of offering some of the best and biggest waves in the world.
Both Mel and Wilkinson sit at the bottom of the Big Wave World Tour rankings, though their latest result would definitely help to improve their standings.
The next stop of the Big Wave World Tour is in Nselscott Reef in Oregon, Mexico.
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