With 52 competitors hailing from over 13 different countries, this year’s Skullcandy Surfing Hainan Open was the biggest and most thrilling to date.
 

With 52 competitors hailing from over 13 different countries, this year’s Skullcandy Surfing Hainan Open was the biggest and most thrilling to date.
 

The 6th annual Skullcandy Surfing Hainan Open, organized by local surf club Surfing Hainan, concluded Sunday with great success. With 52 competitors hailing from over 13 different countries, this year’s competition was the biggest and most thrilling to date.
 
A large international crowd gathered on the beach at Wanning’s Riyue Bay to cheer on the surfers, enjoy food prepared right on the beach by Sanya’s Dolphin Bar, and take in the beauty of China’s most popular surfing spot. The audience was captivated by the great waves and great surfing over the two days of competition.
 
For many, it was the first time they had the opportunity to visit Hainan. First place SUP competitor Yaraslov Klokov said ‘I have long heard about the great waves in Riyue Bay. This was my first time here, and I am so happy to have performed so well.’ Taylor Storey of California came down from Guangxi for the event and was impressed with the great beaches as well as the great people he met. “Hainan Rocks,” exclaimed Lacy Sibblies of Jamaica, who was visiting Hainan for the second time and plans to be back very soon. “I feel at peace here. It reminds me of home.”
 
Due to the approach of Typhoon Krosa, the surfing conditions were quite large on the first day of the competition, which saw the initial rounds and semifinals for five different divisions of Men’s Longboard, Women’s Longboard, Men’s Shortboard, Women’s Shortboard, and Under 16s. The final of SUP was also held on the initial day of competition.
 
Coen Mertens of Holland commented on the great mix of both Chinese and international competitors at this year’s evenr. “This is a great surfing spot,” he said, “and the waves today are spectacular.” Jun Chengming of Shenzhen agreed that Riyue Bay was the best place for surfing in China, and is excited to see the sport becoming more popular with the Chinese. “I hope there will be even more Chinese surfers competing next year, and that the level of competition can also keep improving.”
 
The second day of the Open also had great weather, with slightly smaller waves. All of the finals were held, and competition was intense as great performances were turned in by all finalists. There were some incredibly close heats, especially in the Women’s Longboard, with Zhou Wenling from Taiwan barely defeating Chloe Camon from Brazil. Wolf Weithmeyer, 13-years-old, from Hong Kong, impressed the crowd with his incredible surfing. Despite his young age, he was able to come in first place. Jon Lund, from California, USA, barely defeated Chen Dongming from Taiwan in the Men’s Longboard final. Zhou Wenling from Taiwan was able to defeat local favorite Darci Liu in the Women’s Shortboard Final. Riyue Bay Surf Club team member Dong Keyin came in third place. Joe Keough defeated fellow Taiwanese Rory MacDonald in the Under-16s, with Joe Keough defeated fellow Taiwanese Rory MacDonald in the Under-16s, with Riyue Bay Surf Club team member Huang Yunweng coming in fourth place. Wilcards for the ASP Women’s and Men’s Longboard Titles in November were awarded to Monica Guo and Chen Dongming. Two wildcards for the ASP Hainan Classic in January of next year were awarded to Wolf Weithmeyer and Rory MacDonald. Prizes were awarded on the beach immediately after the event, with the Wanning Mayor on hand to congratulate the winners.
 
SOURCE: Visit Hainan
 
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