Big Waves in Peru - the Billabong Pico Alto is ON!


Big swells on the way for Peru
When the ASP give the green light to an event like this, surfers have only hours to book flights, ship their boards and get themselves to the airport. But the mad scramble is usually worth it, because when this many of the worlds best big wave surfers get together, the results are spectacular.

It’s called the Billabong Pico Alto, and its in Peru (which is awesome regardless of the swell size). The event actually could have been a go ahead for either Peru or Chile, as both were on yellow alert based on last weeks weather patterns. But after a team of 30 analyzed the forecast, it was determined that Peru was a go, and the green light was issued for the first round of the Big Wave World Tour on July 3.

"The system has intensified off of Antarctica with ideal conditions projected for Peru," said BWWT Commissioner Peter Mel. "After closely monitoring the data and charts of the past couple of days, we have determined that Peru will have the ideal elements necessary for this particular swell. We’re excited. It’s on."

With waves up to 40ft forecasted, this event is going to be one of the best of the year, but only 24 surfers will get to test themselves in the conditions. Representing Australia are Jamie Mitchell, and Ben Wilkinson. Ben scored a wildcard entry after his performance in the ASP, and Jamie Mitchell was selected as one of the top 12 big wave surfers in the world, automatically ensuring his invite to the prestigious event.

Good luck to our Aussie paddlers, and for the full list of entrants, read below.

ASP BWWT Top 12:

1. Grant Baker (ZAF)
2. Ken Collins (USA)
3. Nic Lamb (USA)
4. Shawn Dollar (USA)
5. Kohl Christensen (HAW)
6. Alex Gray (USA)
7. Greg Long (USA)
8. Ryan Augestein (USA)
9. Anthony Tashnick (USA)
10. Ramon Navarro (CHL)
11. Jamie Mitchell (AUS)
12. Tyler Fox (USA)

ASP BWWT Peru Wildcards:
1 Kelly Slater (USA)
2 Ben Wilkinson (AUS)
3 Makua Rothman (HAW)
4 Jamie Sterling (HAW)
5 Carlos Burle (BRA)
6 Gabriel Villaran (PER)

Local Peru Wildcards
1 Miguel Tudela
2 Rafael Velarde
3 Kodiak Semsch
4 Tamil Martino
5 Alejo Loret Del Mola
6 Renzo Zazzali