Jared Hickel Wins First QS Title at Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge
ULUWATU, Bali, Indonesia (Sunday, July 16, 2015) - After four days of great waves and hard fought heats the 2015 Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge presented by Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia and the Australian Embassy Jakarta has come to an end with Australia’s Jared Hickel (Cronulla, NSW/AUS) defeating Jean De Silva (Brazil) in the Final.
Hickel’s powerful forehand attack saw him post solid scores seemly with ease. His 8.00 was the highest single wave score of the final and was the difference between the two surfers.
“This was my first final, let alone a QS final, so I’m so stoked to be here and to have had such fun,” Hickel said. “This is my fourth time to Bali, and have surfed here at Uluwatu a lot of times, as it’s one of my favourite waves in the world. When I paddled out, it was so shallow and I didn’t really know where to sit, but I sort of found a little peak and then Jean (De Silva) and I swapped waves, and I was stoked to get a couple. I didn’t know I had the Final won until the buzzer went off really, because I knew that if Jean if got the wave, he’s such an amazing surfer, he could have won it for sure.”
Jared Hickel's powerful hack on display in the Final. Photo: ASC / Tim Hain
Jean De Silva went into the Final as a red hot favourite after posting two excellent 9-point-rides in his semifinal win over Marco Giorgi (URY), but momentum swung away from Silva as he struggled to find the right waves to open up and unleash his big turns.
“I’m really happy to be competing here in Uluwatu, it’s been the best event of the year for me,” Silva said. “Hopefully Quiksilver can put on an even bigger event here next year, but I’m so happy they put it on for sure. I was happy with my performance during the contest, as I felt like I put up a lot of good scores. I was feeling good, and it was great to see the other guys surfing good as well. That’s the great thing about when the waves are good and everybody is ripping, we can all put on a good show. I was happy to make it into the final, and happy for Jared that he won it. I was looking for the win of course, but it was great to hear the cheers of the crowd.”
Jean De Silva scoring some tube time in the Final. Photo: ASC / Tim Hain
The Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge ran during a four day window from August 13-16 as part of the 8th annual Quiksilver and Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, Bali's Big Eco Weekend Event, which takes place this year during Indonesia’s Independence Day long weekend. Bali's Big Eco Weekend highlights the need to keep Bali's beaches clean and safe for everyone to enjoy as well as promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through the various surfing events and beach activities that take place through the course of the event.
Comments
It's a pity I wasn't in Bali last week, would have loved a trip down to Ulus as there are loads of great set-ups and thrusters down there at the best of times, let alone during a comp.
In any case, Gaz is having a grand ol' time in gay Paris, making sure he's doin' Australia proud with the Southern Cross ink clearly on display. All eyes on the indo forecast for the end of trip arrival of Cyclone Gary.
I believe you're after stab mag gaz
Whilst Gary is familiar with the mag that you refer to mibs, and loves a bit of a laugh. He's not comfortable with the aggressive and misogynistic/homophobic nature of much of the commentary.
Gaz seeks a more respectful place to share his insightful views on videography, working out, and whatever else takes his fancy. As Gaz is well versed in the International Language of Love, the peaceful community of Swellnet seemed to be a great place to meet some new friends and join in the conversation
Now, I'm off to enjoy a bit of a baguette session so that the Thunder from Down Under (that's me, in case you haven't worked out) is ready for the upcoming beach time in Biarritz and Bali.
Ta ta!
In Home Alone, a young rascal by the name of Kevin asked whether its true that French babes don't shave their pits? Got any insight on French pits, Gary G?
fark you had to ask Clivus
Apologies if I stole your question, Mick.
Oh Hai Clivus,
That question really takes me back, I remember that complex and edgy thriller 'Home Alone'. So many plot twists. You just never knew who was going to cop the next swinging paint can to their 'little gaz'.
I put 'Pits' into Google Translate and found that it translates in French to 'Pits', confirming my suspicion that you are a similarly worldly and refined man to me, asking questions in another language. Not that I think there's much difference between French and English. I can't speak a word of the stuff (French) and I'm having no problem communicating with the locals. Generally if people can't understand me I just ask the same question again, but I get closer to them and ask it much slow-er and LOUDER. Good practise for communicating in Indonesia too.
Can't answer your question conclusively as yet though, Clivus (or should I say 'Le Clivus'). I was in the hotel gym last night and there were a few fillies running around but I can't say I noticed, I mean the WHOLE GYM was surrounded by mirrors and I couldn't help but catch my own reflection everywhere I looked.