An empty nugget rolls through the line-up at Watu Karung on Day 2 of competition. - WSL / Tim Hain
Solid swell has continued to batter the bay at Watu Karung in East Java for Day 2 of the Hello Pacitan Pro. The field has been narrowed as event directors completed Round Two in the fast hollow left hand waves on offer today.
With unfavorable winds battering the coast overnight, the event was put on hold for the morning while conditions cleaned up at Watu Karung. Once the tide was right, contest directors called competition on at the left-hander and went for broke completing the Round.
Hailing from the fast shallow reef break of Cloud 9 in the Philippines, John Mark Tokong feels right at home in the warm hollow waves of Indonesia. Having won a QS1,500 at his home break in the past, Tokong came into the Hello Pacitan Pro as a favourite. Things weren't going his way during Round Two as he found himself in third place in the dying minutes of the heat. Only needing a mid range score to progress Tokong took off on a set and surfed it flawlessly. Tokong posted an excellent 9.00-point ride (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave of the event so far. This put him into first spot as he progresses into Round 3.
John Mark Tokong is known for his prowess in righhand tubes. Turns out he ain't bad in left tubes either. - WSL / Tim Hain
"There are a few Filipino surfers here and we're all loving the waves at Watu Karung," Tokong said. "We all feel really comfortable in these hollow reef waves. It is a bit more powerful here and the waves are supposed to get bigger tomorrow which will be interesting. I'm pumped to see what happens."
Javanese charger Dede Suryana was another who left his run late to progress into Round Three. The stylish natural footer is no stranger to the waves at Watu Karung and it showed as he waited with a particular wave in mind. He eventually found a mid size wave to win the heat with total of 11.50. He will head into Round Three along with Bali's Rizal Tandjung, the ‘god father of Indonesian surfing.'
Dede Suryana showing that experience is key at Watu Karung. - WSL / Tim Hain
"That was a tough heat for me as I couldn't find the wave I was after," Suryana said. "Every wave I looked at shut down. Eventually I got a smaller one and it was enough to get through. I'm glad Rizal and I progressed and the waves will keep pumping this week."
With the forecast indicating an increase in swell heights overnight, competition is likely to recommence tomorrow in solid waves at Watu Karung. Check back as we draw nearer to the finals in pumping waves at the Hello Pacitan Pro.
Jose Gundesen on a bomb. - WSL / Tim Hain
More Perfect Pits at Watu Karung
WSL
Solid swell has continued to batter the bay at Watu Karung in East Java for Day 2 of the Hello Pacitan Pro. The field has been narrowed as event directors completed Round Two in the fast hollow left hand waves on offer today.
With unfavorable winds battering the coast overnight, the event was put on hold for the morning while conditions cleaned up at Watu Karung. Once the tide was right, contest directors called competition on at the left-hander and went for broke completing the Round.
Hailing from the fast shallow reef break of Cloud 9 in the Philippines, John Mark Tokong feels right at home in the warm hollow waves of Indonesia. Having won a QS1,500 at his home break in the past, Tokong came into the Hello Pacitan Pro as a favourite. Things weren't going his way during Round Two as he found himself in third place in the dying minutes of the heat. Only needing a mid range score to progress Tokong took off on a set and surfed it flawlessly. Tokong posted an excellent 9.00-point ride (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave of the event so far. This put him into first spot as he progresses into Round 3.
"There are a few Filipino surfers here and we're all loving the waves at Watu Karung," Tokong said. "We all feel really comfortable in these hollow reef waves. It is a bit more powerful here and the waves are supposed to get bigger tomorrow which will be interesting. I'm pumped to see what happens."
Javanese charger Dede Suryana was another who left his run late to progress into Round Three. The stylish natural footer is no stranger to the waves at Watu Karung and it showed as he waited with a particular wave in mind. He eventually found a mid size wave to win the heat with total of 11.50. He will head into Round Three along with Bali's Rizal Tandjung, the ‘god father of Indonesian surfing.'
"That was a tough heat for me as I couldn't find the wave I was after," Suryana said. "Every wave I looked at shut down. Eventually I got a smaller one and it was enough to get through. I'm glad Rizal and I progressed and the waves will keep pumping this week."
With the forecast indicating an increase in swell heights overnight, competition is likely to recommence tomorrow in solid waves at Watu Karung. Check back as we draw nearer to the finals in pumping waves at the Hello Pacitan Pro.
John Mark Tokong
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