- WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot
- WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

All images from WSL Europe photographer Damien Poullenot.

Adrien Toyon (FRA) placed 1st in Heat 15 of Round TWO at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Adrien Toyon - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

The perfection of Basse-Pointe

Adrien Toyon eyes his next turn on a perfect Basse-Pointe wall. Unfortunately the Reunion Island native fell short in a goofy v/s regular matchup with Soli Bailey and former CT athlete Ricardo Christie.

Alejo Muniz (BRA)   Placed 3nd in Heat 2 of Round Four  at Martinique Surf Pro Alejo Muniz - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

By the numbers

Being an ex-CT athlete might cause your opponents to second-guess their strategy, but the judges will score you the same as anyone else. Despite Alejo Muniz' polished approach to forehand carves, the Brazilian's performance was a bit light compared to that of compatriots Yuri Goncalves and Lucas Silveira.

Carlos Munoz (CRI)  placed 4 th in Heat 7 of Round THREE at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Carlos Munoz - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Hail Mary much?

Let's be honest, the size and energy of the wave here on the opening three days of competition have clearly favorited power moves, but you can always count on Carlos Munoz to bring a little air game to the party! That one he didn't land and unfortunately exited competition early.

Charly Martin (GLP) Placed 2nd in Heat 11 of Round Three at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Charly Martin - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Caribbean power

Charly Martin was one of the strongest chances for a Caribbean title in Martinique and the Guadeloupe native demonstrated his raw talent before a slow and tricky heat sent him home.

duckdive at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 1. Paddle hard 2. Inhale 3. Dive deep! - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Brace for Impact

All sorts of conditions have graced the first two editions of the event in Martinique, but nothing prepared us for the epic swell that hit the coast on the second day of the event's waiting period. The usually mellow pointbreak turned into a Haleiwa-like machine pumping huge waves for Rounds 2 and 3. Most of the surfers didn't have a big-enough board to handle such conditions.

event site at Martinque Surf Pro 2017 Back view of the event site. - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Paradisiacal setup

The lush greenery of Martinique is breathtaking, everywhere you go colors just jump at you from all angles. The event site is no different with the inside little harbor a perfect example.

Heremoana Luciani (PYF) Placed 3rd in Heat 12 of Round TWO  at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Heremoana Luciani - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Power for power

Tahitian Heremoana Luciani is putting himself on the map in 2017 with brilliant surfing wherever he enters an event. In Martinique, the regular footer reveled in the powerful surf and his early exit was merely a result of poor heat strategy rather than a lack of talent. Sitting on a 9+ ride, Heremoana couldn't manage to find an average score to advance.

Expression session at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Imaikalani Devault - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Going left

The left at Basse-Pointe really doesn't offers much potential for scoring on a traditional day of competition. However, throw a few guys out on a lay day for an expression session and the short, wedge-like left peaks provide an excellent air-section as demonstrated here by Imaikalani Devault trying his luck with a back flip.

Expression Session Highlights
0:30
Surfers enjoy a lay day with waves and put on a little show for the spectators at Basse-Pointe.
Jihad Khodr (BRA) at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Jihad Khodr - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Mixing with the locas

Jihad Khodr poses with a crew of local students visiting the event for the first time.

Tanner Hendrickson/ Jorgann Couzinet (REU) at Martinique Surf Pro Jorgann Couzinet / Tanner Hendrickson - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Sportsmanship in defeat

There is nothing pleasant about getting eliminated when you're clearly regarded as a favorite in the event. Some will scream and smash their boards and even throw a little finger out there for one to see; others will put their head down and congratulate their opponent.

lifestyle at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Young fan - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Surf Love

There clearly is a fascination for the sport/act of surfing in the Caribbean, black or white, young or old, carrying a board or just wearing sunscreen will ignite a sparkle in any local's eye and be an instant conversation starter.

Santiago Muniz (ARG) Placed 3rd in Heat 4 of Round Four at Martinique Surf Pro Santiago Muniz - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Back to basics

One could easily overlook the functionality of a classic bottom turn, but the pointbreak setup of Basse-Pointe emphasizes the importance of the maneuver as the gateway to well-timed lip snaps and carves.

Timothee Bisso (GLP) Placed 2nd in Heat 10 of Round Three  at Martinique Surf Pro 2017 Tim Bisso - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

It also translates perfectly on your backhand, as demonstrated by Timothee Bisso, one of only two remaining Caribbean surfers in the event on the eve of a potential finals day.

whales at Martinque Surf Pro 2017 Whale sighting - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

Nature at its finest

Martinique is quick to remind you the ocean may be the finest playground, it's also much bigger than yourself and its true locals are watching.

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