Easing Swell but Exciting Action at Pantin Classic Galicia Pro

PLAYA DE PANTIN, Galicia - Spain - The ASP 3-Star Men's Pantin Classic Galicia Pro resumed in clean 3-to-4-foot surf at the 'wave factory' of Pantin. The morning clean fun conditions slowly decreased, eventually putting a halt to competition halfway through the third round.

Marc Lacomare (FRA) 24, continued to impress with incredible backhand surfing on the peeling righthanders, to net a near-perfect 19.20 out of 20 in his third round matchup. Big swooping carves and powerful vertical turns in the critical sections of the wave left his opponents, including former WCT competitor Marlon Lipke (PRT) 30, fighting for second place only.

Lacomare, attending to media duties post heat win. - WSL / Thomas Lodin

“I came here to try and find a good rhythm, try out new boards and build a little confidence,” Lacomare commented. “I've had a slow start this year, I've been too patient in heats, so now I'm trying to be more proactive, catch more waves and showcase my surfing. So far it seems to be working out well !”

Current World No.58 and fresh off an excellent equal-3rd place in Lacanau, Lacomare has set his sights on the upcoming Prime events, using the Pantin Classic Galicia Pro as a perfect opportunity to build momentum.

“I just try to be on the best waves, that's clearly the recipe,” he added. “I'm focused from start to finish on each and every wave, and I'm feeling great. I like this place a lot and I enjoy competing here.”

Duru getting some serious air time. - WSL / Thomas Lodin

Joan Duru (FRA) 25, picked up where Lacomare left off on the other side of the draw, unfolding his signature power-surfing and mixing things up with a couple of airs to net an excellent 8.83.

Santiago Muniz (ARG) 21, managed to adjust perfectly to the changing lineup, comfortable both surfing on the rail and throwing frontside aerials against the side-shore wind.

“The conditions were really good again today, I'm really happy” Muniz said. “I love those waves, you need to be powerful and do big turns, my board went great and with the help of God I made it through one more heat.”

A meticulous preparation pre-heat allowed the youg Argentinian to execute his plan of attack and rack up a good heat total of 14 points out of 20, enough to take the win.

“I've timed the sets to every three or four minutes, so I tried to be ready for when a bigger one came,” Muniz explained. “It's my third time here and three years ago I made the final with Aritz (Aranburu), I'm comfortable out here and hopefully I can keep making heats and go all the way.”

Defending Pantin Classic Galicia Pro Champion, Steven Pierson (PYF) 30, surfed a smart heat, only starting on four waves but carefully selecting the best scoring opportunities in a slow 25-minute bout.

Pierson, lethal on his forehand. - WSL / Thomas Lodin

“I'm happy to make the first one, the waves were small but ok,” Pierson said. “After a win it's always hard to come back and defend your title, especially here in cold water, but I like it here in Pantin and I'm stoked to be back.”

Coming from a successful event in France, Pierson showed no signs of weakness in Pantin, controlling the charge of younger Junior competitors Mateia Hiquily (PYF) and Andy Criere (FRA).

“I'm very confident in my surfing and in my equipment at the moment,” he added. “A lot of people are talking to me about winning again here but it's not even on my mind yet. I'm going to concentrate on doing my job correctly, pick up the right waves and surf them as well as I can. We have a good crew of younger Tahitians here this year, we're all pushing each other and I hope they can do well here and why not maybe one of them will take the win home !”

Tuesday's performer Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 24, kept the ball rolling, posting another solid heat win over fellow Brasilian Thiago Guimaraes (BRA) in the decreasing swell.

“Waves are a lot smaller now but I was able to find a good score on a long right in the last two minutes,” Ribeiro stated. “The wind is strong but it's still fun, I'm here with friends and excited for the next round.”

Competitors and surfers will reconvene Thursday morning at 8am to re-assess the conditions and decide wether they allow for competition to recommence.