TAGHAZOUT, Morocco (Saturday, February 22, 2025) - The World Surf League Pro Taghazout Bay Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 competition got underway today in pumping six-to-eight foot surf at Anchor Point to complete the Men's Opening Round and eight heats of the Round of 96.
It was an absolute dreamy start to the Pro Taghazout Bay, with mesmerizing waves peeling down the point from sunrise to sunset. With so much water moving around, it was still a challenging day for the surfers who had to battle a strong current to get back to the take-off zone after a leg-burner down the point.
The French contingent have previously performed really well at Taghazout Bay and Marc Lacomare (FRA) put on a clinic at Anchor Point today, scoring two heat wins with an excellent 9.43 (out of a possible 10) in both the Opening Round and the Round of 96. Lacomare committed to the bigger sets, drawing beautiful lines from the bottom to the top on his backhand, executing his turns in the critical part of the wave.
"There are so many good waves out there," Lacomare said. "It's a little bit hard today, because it's a bit big so it's hard to stay in position with the strong current. I just want my surfing to do the talking," Lacomare said.
Lanzarote's Conor Donegan Santos (ESP) secured the only other excellent score of the day for his commitment to the menacing end section on a meaty wave. Santos held his nerve to go upside down on a huge turn into the lip and emerging from the exploding whitewater to the roar of the crowd. The judges awarded him a 9.17 and Santos took the win over Francisco Ordonhas (POR).
Morocco's local up-and-coming stars represented with pride despite seeing most of their countrymen exit the competition early. Jade Azami (MAR) survived the tough Opening Round, but he was knocked out in the Round of 96. Teva Bouchgua (MAR) will hope to fly the flag successfully when competition resumes and join the likes of Championship Tour surfer Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and wildcard Soulaimane Khafi (MAR) in the Round of 64.
The South African crew made it known that they have arrived and are here to stay, booking their spots into the next round. Luke van Wyk, Shane Sykes, Slade Prestwich, Karl Steen and Justin Sykes all progressed to the Round of 64 with solid performances.
The next call will be on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 7:00 AM for a possible 7:30 AM GMT+1 start.
The 2025 Pro Taghazout Bay is scheduled from February 22 - March 1, at Anchor Point, Taghazout Bay / Morocco.
The PRO TAGHAZOUT BAY is supported by Taghazout Bay, VisitMorocco.com, CIH Bank, Seat, Afriquia Gaz, Marsa Maroc, Fairmont Taghazout Bay, Rip Curl, Ain Atlas, Arma, Butec, 2M, Radio Mars, Radio 2M.
Anchor Point Pumps for Opening Day at Pro Taghazout Bay
WSL
TAGHAZOUT, Morocco (Saturday, February 22, 2025) - The World Surf League Pro Taghazout Bay Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 competition got underway today in pumping six-to-eight foot surf at Anchor Point to complete the Men's Opening Round and eight heats of the Round of 96.
It was an absolute dreamy start to the Pro Taghazout Bay, with mesmerizing waves peeling down the point from sunrise to sunset. With so much water moving around, it was still a challenging day for the surfers who had to battle a strong current to get back to the take-off zone after a leg-burner down the point. The French contingent have previously performed really well at Taghazout Bay and Marc Lacomare (FRA) put on a clinic at Anchor Point today, scoring two heat wins with an excellent 9.43 (out of a possible 10) in both the Opening Round and the Round of 96. Lacomare committed to the bigger sets, drawing beautiful lines from the bottom to the top on his backhand, executing his turns in the critical part of the wave.
"There are so many good waves out there," Lacomare said. "It's a little bit hard today, because it's a bit big so it's hard to stay in position with the strong current. I just want my surfing to do the talking," Lacomare said.
Lanzarote's Conor Donegan Santos (ESP) secured the only other excellent score of the day for his commitment to the menacing end section on a meaty wave. Santos held his nerve to go upside down on a huge turn into the lip and emerging from the exploding whitewater to the roar of the crowd. The judges awarded him a 9.17 and Santos took the win over Francisco Ordonhas (POR).
Morocco's local up-and-coming stars represented with pride despite seeing most of their countrymen exit the competition early. Jade Azami (MAR) survived the tough Opening Round, but he was knocked out in the Round of 96. Teva Bouchgua (MAR) will hope to fly the flag successfully when competition resumes and join the likes of Championship Tour surfer Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and wildcard Soulaimane Khafi (MAR) in the Round of 64.
The South African crew made it known that they have arrived and are here to stay, booking their spots into the next round. Luke van Wyk, Shane Sykes, Slade Prestwich, Karl Steen and Justin Sykes all progressed to the Round of 64 with solid performances.
The next call will be on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 7:00 AM for a possible 7:30 AM GMT+1 start.
The 2025 Pro Taghazout Bay is scheduled from February 22 - March 1, at Anchor Point, Taghazout Bay / Morocco.
The PRO TAGHAZOUT BAY is supported by Taghazout Bay, VisitMorocco.com, CIH Bank, Seat, Afriquia Gaz, Marsa Maroc, Fairmont Taghazout Bay, Rip Curl, Ain Atlas, Arma, Butec, 2M, Radio Mars, Radio 2M.
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