The howling of the wolves could be heard in all Chile.
Long, barreling 4-6 ft left walls greeted more than 60 competitors of all ages who gathered in Pichilemu, for the first annual Vissla Cosmic Lobos presented by Citroen. The goal of the global Cosmic Series is to re-create and celebrate the original roots of 1970’s surf culture. And what resulted last Saturday was an unforgettable surf festival in pumping surf at the birthplace of Chilean surfing.
Vissla provided the original single-fin and twin-fin boards from the 1970’s and 80’s that added bright colors to the cold water pointbreak lineup throughout the day. In true Cosmic Series tradition, every competitor had to “draw cards” for their choice of boards to surf in their heats. And surfers in five categories from all ages and walks of life had no trouble threading the vintage shapes across the Punta de Lobos walls. Groms (under 16), Free Amigos (17-34), Legends (35+), Shapers, and Pros all put on en epic display. Vissla prize packs were awarded to all finalists, with cash prizes going to the Pros.
The local talent pool runs deep in Chile, and they put on a strong showing in the Pro division at their local break, with standout performances from Hector Vargas, Guillermo Satt, Tristan Aicardi, Nicolas Vargas, Ramón Navarro, Diego Medina and Alejandro Fuenzalida. But the Vissla global ambassadors showed their natural ability to ride equipment of any size and shape, with Eric Geiselman taking the win, and Cam Richards and Derrick Disney taking 2nd and 3rd.
Meanwhile the Shapers division featured Chilean craftsmen riding their own hand-made creations. Matias Quinlan, Marcel Charrier, Mauricio Piolin, and Kris and Ryan Cabezas all put on a show.
Martin Fuenzalida showed his local knowledge in his backyard by taking out the Grom category. Corban Cambell, the visitor from California, showed his prior Cosmic Creek experience in winning the Free Amigos division. And Elvis Munoz, a true emblem of Chilean surf history took out the Legends division.
After the last heat of the day, the competitors and spectators relocated to the Hotal Alaia for a live performance by the Chilean rock band Doctor Nomade. Suffice it to say everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the first annual Cosmic Lobos…and we can’t wait to bring it back next year!
RESULTS
Pro
1st Place: Eric Geiselman (USA)
2nd Place: Cam Richards (USA)
3rd Place: Derrick Disney (USA)
4th Place: Hector Vargas
Shapers
1st Place: Kris Cabezas
2nd Place: Ryan Cabezas
3rd Place: Matias Quinlan
4th Place: Marcel Charrier
Legends (35+)
1st Place: Elvis Muñoz
2nd Place: Jesu Plaza
3rd Place: Bernardo Vincen Rodriguez
4th Place: Nacho Vargas
Free Amigos (17-34)
1st Place: Corban Campbell
2nd Place: Alejandro Fuenzalida
3rd Place: Mauro Aguirre
4th Place: Jorge Calderon
Groms (16 & Under)
1st Place: Martin Fuenzalida
2nd Place: Tomas Bock
3rd Place: Christopher Toto Rojas
4th Place: Arturo Rodriguez
Special thanks to Citroen, Hotel Alaia, El Ruco, and Waitara for their support.
Photos: Carlos Escobar, Alfredo Escobar, Cristian Salas, Cristian Saenz, Johannes Bock.
Text and photos provided by Vissla.
