Inaugural events can provide opportunities for the country's surfers to make a name for themselves and put their country on the map. The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House did just that and local wildcard, proven QS veteran, Manuel Selman kept the event title on home soil with a fairytale victory. Selman overcame fellow event standout Evan Geiselman after both competitors powered their way through a heavily-stacked field in pumping four-to-six foot, occasional plus sets, swell on finals day.
The local wildcard went from Round of 64 to atop the podium in storybook fashion to claim his maiden QS victory at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House.
Selman opened up the Final affair with Geiselman on a one-hit-wonder right as the starting horn sounded before a lull in action left competitors scrapping for scores. But, the ocean provided for local hero Selman to earn a 6.87 and extend his lead over the Floridian just outside the ten-minute mark.
Geiselman wasn't out of the heat just yet and found a running left to accrue a mid-range score before his fellow goofyfoot opponent dropped an excellent 8.00, leaving Geiselman in need of near-perfection with only minutes remaining. The crowd counted down the final seconds and erupted with elation as Selman's journey got its well-deserve fairytale ending. (Full interview in video)
"It's unreal," said Selman. "All the love and support I felt in every heat. (I've) been doing this for so long and first Final, first win. To do it at home is just unreal."
Manuel Selman claimed a massive win at the inaugural Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House at the lineup he learned how to surf.
This marks Selman's first-ever victory, as well as Final appearance. Though he currently surfs out of the South America region and won't accrue points, this win meant the world after taking down newly No. 1 North America Nolan Rapoza (USA) in the Semifinals with a tied heat total and the advantage going to Selman with a 7.25.
A big day for Dominican Republic ended with a runner-up finish for QS veteran and elite competitor Geiselman which moved him to No. 7 on the rankings.
For Geiselman, this notes his first Final appearance since the Florida Pro in 2019 and made it happen in phenomenal form. Prior to earning his runner-up finish, Geiselman was a part of one of the most highly-anticipated Quarterfinal heats with Barbados' star Josh Burke. Geiselman's 7.50 and 6.50 start got an excellent 8.00 response from Burke to get back in the heat, but Geiselman answered right back with a near-perfect 9.50 to all but secure his win. (Full interview in video)
"I'm really happy, I felt like I surfed well the whole event and the Final got a little bit away from me," said Geiselman. "And I couldn't be more happy losing, it's the weirdest feeling. I'm excited for Cocoa Beach next week and it'll be good to surf on home turf. I had a blast in Dominican, this place is really special."
The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor had to face fellow East Coast, decorated QS veteran, Michael Dunphy in a stout Semifinal and it wasn't to be for the Virginia Beach, Virginia-born surfer. Now, Geiselman heads back to his home state for a shot at more points and place among the Challenger Series ranks.
Notable Finishes For Finals Day Performers
Rapoza dropped right into this ledge of a wave that ended up consuming him, only for him to reemerge for an excellent 8.00. - WSL / Wolf Photographe
For the likes of Dunphy and Rapoza, this notes a crucial result to move up the rankings with Rapoza's Semifinal finish catapulting him to No. 1 alongside Quarterfinalist Kade Matson. With only two events left and 4,000 points on the line, crunch time is underway for these competitors and North America's finest to turn in their best results.
A career-best result for Dimitri Poulos ended with a Quarterfinal finish along with the likes of Burke and Brazil's David do Carmo.
The Cabarete Pro and Carambola Surf House staff teamed up with Pikibuelo Nogueras (far right) and Patrick Conklin to donate boards for the island. - WSL / Jo Cardona
A massive effort to collect boards for local Dominican Republic children came to fruition as Puerto Rico's Pikibuelo Nogueras of Eco Surf PR helped deliver over 40 boards just this week. Working with Event Producer Brian Mejia and Carambola Surf House's Jorge Mijares, their work helps enable the next generation of surfers to make their dreams a reality after watching Selman's inspirational victory.
"We are on a mission to help underprivileged kids in our surf community around the country," said Mejia. "There's an amazing group of groms who have the passion but not the resources. Pikibuelo and Patrick Conklin have donated more than 100 boards in the last few months. Those boards have motivated an entire community of people. I'm internally grateful for their dedication to our mission, we will continue to push the surf culture in the Dominican Republic!"
For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
The North America QS season continues with the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro alongside the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Junior Pro beginning March 9 - 13 at Shepard Beach Park, Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Day 3: Raging Seas Determine Finals Day Draw
A blustering storm swept through Encuentro Beach for a critical day of competition at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House. Quarterfinalists were determined after finishing the Round of 32 and 16, and an inaugural event victor awaits crowning for finals day in a stacked remaining draw.
The phrase "no easy heats" was on full display today as multiple QS superheats unfolded with a clash of veteran and emerging talents.
The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor lit up the victory-at-sea conditions as "The Left" gave way to bombing rights in storm swell.
Local wildcard Gian Marco Oliva found himself in a battle with some of North America's top-tier talents including multiple QS winners Evan Geiselman and Josh Burke, along with California's Central Coast standout Braden Jones. Geiselman's aerial assault was undeniable as he launched himself into the lead with a 6.65 to separate the lead share with Burke for a Round of 32 win.
Geiselman then went on to face Levi Slawson, fellow decorated QS veteran Michael Dunphy, and an explosive Eithan Osborne. But, the Floridian's love for the Caribbean was returned with a bomb set he was able to unleash his dynamic backhand attack on for a 7.40 (out of a possible 10) and earn another big heat win. (Interview in video above)
Manuel Selman continued to make elate his local crowd with a last-minute heat winner. - WSL / Alexico
A buzzer-beater for local wildcard Manuel Selman ended in exaltation with a massive Round of 16 victory following a stout Round of 32 battle over Kade Matson, also advancing into the Quarterfinals. The Chilean-born Olympian has called Dominican Republic home since the age of eight and kept his hometown crowd cheering with every maneuver he completed.
"It felt like a good wave and I kind of heard I needed a four-something, and it could've gone either way," said Selman. "But, it went my way and I'm stoked. There's no pressure, I'm home. Win or lose, the crowd is going to support us and I just have to carry it for them."
A force to be reckoned with, Dimitri Poulos hasn't dropped a heat in Dominican Republic. - WSL / Jo Cardona
Dimitri Poulos and Barbados' Josh Burke overcame Round of 32 standouts Taro Watanabe and Slawson after their superheat featuring rising star Crosby Colapinto alongside current North America No. 1 Kei Kobayashi.
Poulos' surge through this event is palpable as he continues to win heats, notching two more victories today, and heads into his first-ever QS Quarterfinals appearance.
"I'm so happy," said Poulos. "I've lost first round back-to-back and just felt like I needed to make more than one heat to really get the contest legs going. That was one of the first heats I've ever surfed like that and I just tried to guess what my scores were so just wanted to get two waves and see how it goes."
A stronge forehand led Nolan Rapoza through a hectic moving day. - WSL / Jo Cardona
Nolan Rapoza and Brazil's David do Carmo round out a stacked Quarterfinal draw with Long Beach's own taking a massive Round of 16 win after dealing with a hectic Round of 32 heat. Rapoza broke a board and still managed to
"When you're out there you don't know what anyone else is doing so you just have to focus on what you're supposed to do," said Rapoza. "Finals day is huge. I want to make it to finals day every single contest, but now I'm not satisfied just showing up. I need to make at least one heat tomorrow to consider this a good result, but I came here to win and that's what I'm going to try to do."
A 7:30 a.m. AST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House runs March 3 - 6 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Day 2: Levi Slawson, Local Wildcards Flourish at Cabarete Pro
Competition raised up a notch at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House as the top seeds made their debuts in dynamic fashion. A slight bump in swell provided moments of brilliance and also tested competitors' abilities to make scores out of what they were given in time of need.
The Encinitas, California competitor dropped a near-perfect 9.00 and 16.15 heat total to put the Cabarete Pro on notice.
Current North America No. 1 Kei Kobayashi debuted brilliantly to keep his winning form intact following a second-career QS victory just days ago at Morro Bay. But, it was No. 5 and SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach runner-up Levi Slawson who decimated the lineup with a ferocious backhand attack to post a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 16.15 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The Encinitas, California competitor continues to find his footing in a WSL jersey this season and has his eyes set on another finals day appearance. (Full interview in video)
Evan Geiselman is back in the jersey and ready for more, opening with a combination of aerial assault and forehand attacks. - WSL / Jo Cardona
QS veteran and elite threat Evan Geiselman came out firing in his debut with a brilliant 14.00 heat total. The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor currently sits on the bubble of Challenger Series qualification and is looking for a cushion result heading into the final two events of the season while utilizing his aggressive forehand.
"I took Morro Bay off, I did the Pismo Beach event, and I was pretty good on the cold water (laughs)," said Geiselman. "They're taking five results so I have to do good and I'm just licking my chops here. New event, new spot, "The Left" here is pretty epic and for a first surf out there I think it went pretty well."
Fellow East Coast talents Cam Richards, recent SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay runner-up, and No. 1 seeded surfer Michael Dunphy also accrued momentum building heat wins.
The pair of local wildcards put on a show for their hometown support at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House and are into the Round of 32.
The local crowd at Encuentro Beach had everything to cheer for with clutch performances from both Dominican wildcards Gian Marco Oliva and Manuel Selman advancing behind top-seeded competitors Michael Dunphy and Cam Richards, respectively. Both Oliva and Selman recognize the importance of this event and what it means to their compatriots as they look to dismantle the stacked field in attendance. (Full interviews in video)
Early Upsets Begin
Tao Rodriguez provided one of the day's bigger upsets and carries momentum into the Round of 32. - WSL / Alexico
An early upset from Tao Rodriguez helped eliminate Noah Schweizer as Crosby Colapinto narrowly escaped elimination with a last-minute effort to earn runner-up behind Rodriguez. Owen Moss added to the list with his elimination of seeded competitor Luke Gordon, Lucas Owston eliminated Max Beach, and Canada's Wheeler Hasburgh sent Brian Perez out of the event.
Also notching big heat wins, an in-form Dimitri Poulos continued to shine alongside top-seeded Californians Cole Houshmand, Jett Schilling, Sam Coffey, and John Mel, along with Mexico's Alan Cleland, Peru's Tomas Tudela, and Brazil's David do Carmo.
A 7:30 a.m. AST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House runs March 3 - 6 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Opening Day: Groundbreaking Day Unfolds in Dominican Republic
The first-ever WSL event in DR got underway at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House.
If Dominican Republic wasn't already on the map as a surfing destination, it certainly made a case for itself today to start the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House. Encuentro Beach's "The Left" provided opening day splendor for competitors to take advantage of throughout the Round of 96.
The Ventura, California competitor put on a backhand clinic at Encuentro Beach in his Cabarete Pro powered by Caramboloa Surf House debut.
Former ISA World Junior Championship Gold Medalist Dimitri Poulos found his rhythm right away, starting with a 7.75 (out of a possible 10) to take command over the heat before then turning in an excellent 8.00. Poulos' mindset is locked into staying in the moment and showed he's eager to rise to the challenge of finding results along the way. (Full interview in video above)
Fellow Californian Shaun Burns of Santa Cruz found gems of his own to earn a big heat win and will be joined into the Round of 64 by fellow West Coast competitors Nolan Rapoza, who survived a nail-biting debut, Luke Wyler, Rex Hennings, Dylan Hord, and a flourishing Sebastian Mendes who earned the historic, first-ever heat win of a WSL event in Dominican Republic.
Magno Pacheco soared into the Round of 64, utilizing his flair above the lip to earn an impressive 7.10. - WSL / Wolf Photographe
Brazil's presence made its way to the Dominican Republic courtesy of Magno Pacheco with a blistering performance above the lip and compatriot Rodrigo Saldanha earning a heat win later in the day. Pacheco's 2022 hasn't started the way he'd like with two equal 33rd finishes and looks to turn things around here at a new venue.
"I'm so happy to be here in this event," said Pachecho. "All I want is to surf my best in these waves. The wave is a very good long left with a lot of potential out there. I'm very happy to advance my heat with good score and it is a want to see from myself. DR is very good place, the people are very friendly and humble in the water, and it helps make the DR a special spot."
Pedro Fernandez's last-minute scoring opportunity gave him just enough to earn an advancing position into the next round. - WSL / Wolf Photographe
Local Dominican surfers Zion Balbuena, Cristian Padilla, and Pedro Fernandez secured their places into the top-seeded Round of 64 with clutch performances to earn advancing positions.
"I made my heat on the buzzer-beater and I'm so stoked," said Fernandez. "It's an honor to represent the island of Dominican Republic right here in Cabarete. I'm stoked for WSL to be here and I'm ready to keep it going."
Also earning big Round of 96 wins were an injury-free Che Allan, who made his long-awaited return to the QS, alongside Ryan Huckabee, Owen Moss, Braeden Kopec, Sean Foerster, Keoni Lasa, Greyson Grant, Darshan Antequera, and Derek Gomes.
A 7:30 a.m. AST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start for Round of 64 action.
The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House runs March 3 - 6 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Fairytale Ending For Manuel Selman With Maiden QS Win At Cabarete Pro
Andrew Nichols
Inaugural events can provide opportunities for the country's surfers to make a name for themselves and put their country on the map. The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House did just that and local wildcard, proven QS veteran, Manuel Selman kept the event title on home soil with a fairytale victory. Selman overcame fellow event standout Evan Geiselman after both competitors powered their way through a heavily-stacked field in pumping four-to-six foot, occasional plus sets, swell on finals day.
Selman opened up the Final affair with Geiselman on a one-hit-wonder right as the starting horn sounded before a lull in action left competitors scrapping for scores. But, the ocean provided for local hero Selman to earn a 6.87 and extend his lead over the Floridian just outside the ten-minute mark.
Geiselman wasn't out of the heat just yet and found a running left to accrue a mid-range score before his fellow goofyfoot opponent dropped an excellent 8.00, leaving Geiselman in need of near-perfection with only minutes remaining. The crowd counted down the final seconds and erupted with elation as Selman's journey got its well-deserve fairytale ending. (Full interview in video)
"It's unreal," said Selman. "All the love and support I felt in every heat. (I've) been doing this for so long and first Final, first win. To do it at home is just unreal."
This marks Selman's first-ever victory, as well as Final appearance. Though he currently surfs out of the South America region and won't accrue points, this win meant the world after taking down newly No. 1 North America Nolan Rapoza (USA) in the Semifinals with a tied heat total and the advantage going to Selman with a 7.25.
For Geiselman, this notes his first Final appearance since the Florida Pro in 2019 and made it happen in phenomenal form. Prior to earning his runner-up finish, Geiselman was a part of one of the most highly-anticipated Quarterfinal heats with Barbados' star Josh Burke. Geiselman's 7.50 and 6.50 start got an excellent 8.00 response from Burke to get back in the heat, but Geiselman answered right back with a near-perfect 9.50 to all but secure his win. (Full interview in video)
"I'm really happy, I felt like I surfed well the whole event and the Final got a little bit away from me," said Geiselman. "And I couldn't be more happy losing, it's the weirdest feeling. I'm excited for Cocoa Beach next week and it'll be good to surf on home turf. I had a blast in Dominican, this place is really special."
The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor had to face fellow East Coast, decorated QS veteran, Michael Dunphy in a stout Semifinal and it wasn't to be for the Virginia Beach, Virginia-born surfer. Now, Geiselman heads back to his home state for a shot at more points and place among the Challenger Series ranks.
Notable Finishes For Finals Day Performers
For the likes of Dunphy and Rapoza, this notes a crucial result to move up the rankings with Rapoza's Semifinal finish catapulting him to No. 1 alongside Quarterfinalist Kade Matson. With only two events left and 4,000 points on the line, crunch time is underway for these competitors and North America's finest to turn in their best results.
A career-best result for Dimitri Poulos ended with a Quarterfinal finish along with the likes of Burke and Brazil's David do Carmo.
A massive effort to collect boards for local Dominican Republic children came to fruition as Puerto Rico's Pikibuelo Nogueras of Eco Surf PR helped deliver over 40 boards just this week. Working with Event Producer Brian Mejia and Carambola Surf House's Jorge Mijares, their work helps enable the next generation of surfers to make their dreams a reality after watching Selman's inspirational victory.
"We are on a mission to help underprivileged kids in our surf community around the country," said Mejia. "There's an amazing group of groms who have the passion but not the resources. Pikibuelo and Patrick Conklin have donated more than 100 boards in the last few months. Those boards have motivated an entire community of people. I'm internally grateful for their dedication to our mission, we will continue to push the surf culture in the Dominican Republic!"
For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.
The North America QS season continues with the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Pro alongside the Ron Jon Quiksilver and Roxy Junior Pro beginning March 9 - 13 at Shepard Beach Park, Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Day 3: Raging Seas Determine Finals Day Draw
A blustering storm swept through Encuentro Beach for a critical day of competition at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House. Quarterfinalists were determined after finishing the Round of 32 and 16, and an inaugural event victor awaits crowning for finals day in a stacked remaining draw.
The phrase "no easy heats" was on full display today as multiple QS superheats unfolded with a clash of veteran and emerging talents.
Local wildcard Gian Marco Oliva found himself in a battle with some of North America's top-tier talents including multiple QS winners Evan Geiselman and Josh Burke, along with California's Central Coast standout Braden Jones. Geiselman's aerial assault was undeniable as he launched himself into the lead with a 6.65 to separate the lead share with Burke for a Round of 32 win.
Geiselman then went on to face Levi Slawson, fellow decorated QS veteran Michael Dunphy, and an explosive Eithan Osborne. But, the Floridian's love for the Caribbean was returned with a bomb set he was able to unleash his dynamic backhand attack on for a 7.40 (out of a possible 10) and earn another big heat win. (Interview in video above)
A buzzer-beater for local wildcard Manuel Selman ended in exaltation with a massive Round of 16 victory following a stout Round of 32 battle over Kade Matson, also advancing into the Quarterfinals. The Chilean-born Olympian has called Dominican Republic home since the age of eight and kept his hometown crowd cheering with every maneuver he completed.
"It felt like a good wave and I kind of heard I needed a four-something, and it could've gone either way," said Selman. "But, it went my way and I'm stoked. There's no pressure, I'm home. Win or lose, the crowd is going to support us and I just have to carry it for them."
Dimitri Poulos and Barbados' Josh Burke overcame Round of 32 standouts Taro Watanabe and Slawson after their superheat featuring rising star Crosby Colapinto alongside current North America No. 1 Kei Kobayashi.
Poulos' surge through this event is palpable as he continues to win heats, notching two more victories today, and heads into his first-ever QS Quarterfinals appearance.
"I'm so happy," said Poulos. "I've lost first round back-to-back and just felt like I needed to make more than one heat to really get the contest legs going. That was one of the first heats I've ever surfed like that and I just tried to guess what my scores were so just wanted to get two waves and see how it goes."
Nolan Rapoza and Brazil's David do Carmo round out a stacked Quarterfinal draw with Long Beach's own taking a massive Round of 16 win after dealing with a hectic Round of 32 heat. Rapoza broke a board and still managed to
"When you're out there you don't know what anyone else is doing so you just have to focus on what you're supposed to do," said Rapoza. "Finals day is huge. I want to make it to finals day every single contest, but now I'm not satisfied just showing up. I need to make at least one heat tomorrow to consider this a good result, but I came here to win and that's what I'm going to try to do."
A 7:30 a.m. AST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House runs March 3 - 6 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Day 2: Levi Slawson, Local Wildcards Flourish at Cabarete Pro
Competition raised up a notch at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House as the top seeds made their debuts in dynamic fashion. A slight bump in swell provided moments of brilliance and also tested competitors' abilities to make scores out of what they were given in time of need.
Current North America No. 1 Kei Kobayashi debuted brilliantly to keep his winning form intact following a second-career QS victory just days ago at Morro Bay. But, it was No. 5 and SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach runner-up Levi Slawson who decimated the lineup with a ferocious backhand attack to post a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) and 16.15 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The Encinitas, California competitor continues to find his footing in a WSL jersey this season and has his eyes set on another finals day appearance. (Full interview in video)
QS veteran and elite threat Evan Geiselman came out firing in his debut with a brilliant 14.00 heat total. The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor currently sits on the bubble of Challenger Series qualification and is looking for a cushion result heading into the final two events of the season while utilizing his aggressive forehand.
"I took Morro Bay off, I did the Pismo Beach event, and I was pretty good on the cold water (laughs)," said Geiselman. "They're taking five results so I have to do good and I'm just licking my chops here. New event, new spot, "The Left" here is pretty epic and for a first surf out there I think it went pretty well."
Fellow East Coast talents Cam Richards, recent SLO CAL Open at Morro Bay runner-up, and No. 1 seeded surfer Michael Dunphy also accrued momentum building heat wins.
The local crowd at Encuentro Beach had everything to cheer for with clutch performances from both Dominican wildcards Gian Marco Oliva and Manuel Selman advancing behind top-seeded competitors Michael Dunphy and Cam Richards, respectively. Both Oliva and Selman recognize the importance of this event and what it means to their compatriots as they look to dismantle the stacked field in attendance. (Full interviews in video)
Early Upsets Begin
An early upset from Tao Rodriguez helped eliminate Noah Schweizer as Crosby Colapinto narrowly escaped elimination with a last-minute effort to earn runner-up behind Rodriguez. Owen Moss added to the list with his elimination of seeded competitor Luke Gordon, Lucas Owston eliminated Max Beach, and Canada's Wheeler Hasburgh sent Brian Perez out of the event.
Also notching big heat wins, an in-form Dimitri Poulos continued to shine alongside top-seeded Californians Cole Houshmand, Jett Schilling, Sam Coffey, and John Mel, along with Mexico's Alan Cleland, Peru's Tomas Tudela, and Brazil's David do Carmo.
A 7:30 a.m. AST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start.
The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House runs March 3 - 6 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Opening Day: Groundbreaking Day Unfolds in Dominican Republic
If Dominican Republic wasn't already on the map as a surfing destination, it certainly made a case for itself today to start the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House. Encuentro Beach's "The Left" provided opening day splendor for competitors to take advantage of throughout the Round of 96.
Former ISA World Junior Championship Gold Medalist Dimitri Poulos found his rhythm right away, starting with a 7.75 (out of a possible 10) to take command over the heat before then turning in an excellent 8.00. Poulos' mindset is locked into staying in the moment and showed he's eager to rise to the challenge of finding results along the way. (Full interview in video above)
Fellow Californian Shaun Burns of Santa Cruz found gems of his own to earn a big heat win and will be joined into the Round of 64 by fellow West Coast competitors Nolan Rapoza, who survived a nail-biting debut, Luke Wyler, Rex Hennings, Dylan Hord, and a flourishing Sebastian Mendes who earned the historic, first-ever heat win of a WSL event in Dominican Republic.
Brazil's presence made its way to the Dominican Republic courtesy of Magno Pacheco with a blistering performance above the lip and compatriot Rodrigo Saldanha earning a heat win later in the day. Pacheco's 2022 hasn't started the way he'd like with two equal 33rd finishes and looks to turn things around here at a new venue.
"I'm so happy to be here in this event," said Pachecho. "All I want is to surf my best in these waves. The wave is a very good long left with a lot of potential out there. I'm very happy to advance my heat with good score and it is a want to see from myself. DR is very good place, the people are very friendly and humble in the water, and it helps make the DR a special spot."
Local Dominican surfers Zion Balbuena, Cristian Padilla, and Pedro Fernandez secured their places into the top-seeded Round of 64 with clutch performances to earn advancing positions.
"I made my heat on the buzzer-beater and I'm so stoked," said Fernandez. "It's an honor to represent the island of Dominican Republic right here in Cabarete. I'm stoked for WSL to be here and I'm ready to keep it going."
Also earning big Round of 96 wins were an injury-free Che Allan, who made his long-awaited return to the QS, alongside Ryan Huckabee, Owen Moss, Braeden Kopec, Sean Foerster, Keoni Lasa, Greyson Grant, Darshan Antequera, and Derek Gomes.
A 7:30 a.m. AST call will determine a likely 8:00 a.m. AST start for Round of 64 action.
The Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House runs March 3 - 6 at Encuentro Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Evan Geiselman
Kenworthy Notches Historic Double Double, Back-to-Back Wins, Moss Claims Maiden WSL Wins in Sweeping Fashion, Plus Slawson, McCaffray,
Florida's Evan Geiselman has some brilliant history in Huntington Beach's waters and added another heat win to that success in his debut at
Fields dwindled to head-to-head battles, Kenworthy, McGonagle surge, plus Geiselman, Poulos, Slawson put on a showcase in heavy Round of 16
The Floridian went next level with his forehand aerial assault to earn an 8.33 and 15.66 heat total in the Round of 16.
Moving day implications unfolded as the women made their big debuts and the men continued to overpower Huntington Beach.
Cabarete Pro
Manuel Selman claimed a massive win at the inaugural Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House at the lineup he learned how to surf.
A big day for Dominican Republic ended with a runner-up finish for QS veteran and elite competitor Geiselman which moved him to No. 7 on
The local wildcard went from Round of 64 to atop the podium in storybook fashion to claim his maiden QS victory at the Cabarete Pro powered
A hectic day of competition unfolded at the Cabarete Pro powered by Carambola Surf House with stormy conditions showing its teeth.
The New Smyrna Beach, Florida competitor lit up the victory-at-sea conditions as "The Left" gave way to bombing rights in storm swell.