Former World Junior Champion Vahine Fierro demonstrated the wealth of talent she brings to the Challenger Series with an impressive first heat at Ribeira d'Ilhas this morning. The Tahitian surfer, attacking the wave on her backhand, hit all the right sections with powerful turns and nice flow in between maneuvers, conquering the fans and judges hearts as her scorecard attested.
"It was so nice the waves were really good," she said. "The freesurfs have been gnarly so finally we've been able to catch some good ones out there. I love rights so Ericeira is just paradise for me, definitely my favorite wave here in Portugal so far. My little sister and my boyfriend came all the way from Tahiti to support me through the Europe leg and it's been super cool to have them with me."