Michel Bourez Wins Vans World Cup of Surfing

Friday, December 05, 2014. Sunset Beach, North Shore Oahu/Hawaii. Tahiti's Michel Bourez recorded a stunning victory in triple overhead waves at the Vans World Cup of Surfing in Hawaii today.

“I’m exhausted. Right after I lost at Haleiwa, I decided that my main goal in Hawaii this year was to do well here at Sunset, and especially Pipe. So I knew that I was going to make the Final, but to win it was amazing.”

Bourez, 28, turned the tables on Dusty Payne (HAW) and eclipsed the scores of Sebastian Zietz (HAW) and Ian Walsh (HAW) in the 35-minute final. Bourez is now at No. 2 on the Vans Triple Crown series ratings behind Payne, and their battle will come down to the Billabong Pipe Masters next week.

Bourez saved his best for last and then laid it all on the line, completely applying himself to every turn for maximum power, deep carves and even the best tube ride of the competition. His critical positioning and committed turns produced two top rides of 9.93 and 8.20 for a total of 18.13 points (out of a possible 20) that left the others in a combination situation.

“Sunset is a tricky wave, you have to surf it for a long time just to figure out the spot. And even then, you can get caught really easy out there. So you need to stay really focused, and stick to the game plan. And especially listen to the caddies, because they know what’s up. Now I need to win Pipe.”

Stay tuned for the Billabong Pipe Masters. 08 - 20 Dec, 2014.

Photo: ASP