CHELSEA TUACH continues to ride that wave of success.
Barbados’ top surfer gained another international podium finish after barely missing out on winning the ASP 2-Star Chain Resources Junior Pro at Fitzroy Beach, Taranaki, in New Zealand.
Competing in one segment of the New Zealand Home Loans Surf Festival, Tuach had her impressive tourney run cut just short when she had to settle for second place in Thursday’s final, losing to top Hawaiian wave rider Tatiana Weston-Webb.
Weston-Webb finished the final with scores of nine and seven while Tuach was forced to settle for a seven and a 6.65.
This was after the country’s reigning National Sports Personality continually put herself on the best waves by out-positioning her counterparts and then executing sharp and vertical snaps.
First, she took down top Australian juniors Holly Wawn, Cali McDonagh and Zoe Clarke before upending Sarah Baum – one of South Africa’s finest female surfers – in one tremendous semi-final showing.
“It was really tough with inconsistent conditions [but] I asked God to send me the waves and He did,” Tuach said.
“I am really happy at this result and want to thank my coach Jim Hogan, my sponsors ROXY, Dragon, Dakine, Futures, Surfergirl Suncare and Tona Surfboards for their continued support.”
The top Bajan wave rider has also progressed through to round five of the ASP 6-Star Port Taranki Women’s Pro with some explosive surfing, guaranteeing her a top 20 finish in a field comprising 76 of the world’s best professional women. (JM/PR)