Local Knowledge Prevails

The Air Tahiti Nui Vonzipper Trials is done. In an all-Tahitian final at six feet Chopes, 23-year-old Tuamata Puhetini posted an almost-perfect 18.17 out of 20 to take victory over Tamaroa McComb. “I have had a lot of time to watch the Billabong Pro contest as a spectator and to watch Manoa reach the final (in 2008) was great. I have spent four hours in the water training every day. Now is my chance, I am ready,” said Puhetini. The Tahitians dominated the event, with Heiarii Williams and Steve Pierson, both of Tahiti, finishing third and fourth. Despite an impressive run from both, Australia’s Laurie Towner and Anthony Walsh tied for equal fifth place. Walsh rode two barrels on one wave in his quarter final and posted a 9.93, but it wasn’t quite enough to come back after being combo-ed by Steve Pierson. Laurie Towner’s campaign was a little more bumpy. Loz head butted the reef during a wipeout in Round 3, receiving a stitch-worthy gash above his right eye. He soldiered on to the quarter finals, until he received a fin to the right ear during a close inspection of Teahupo’o’s impact zone. He was taken to hospital but is reportedly fine. Both Puhetini and McComb will now join seeded wildcard, Manoa Drollet (PFY) in Round 1 of the upcoming Tahiti Billabong Pro, set to commence Monday, August 23.