The second day of these European Surfing Championships saw all the shortboard categories in action, with only the longboarders still having a rest.
The podium at Tullan Strand was officially inaugurated by hosting the 16- and 18-year-old boys’ categories.
The Main Peak was reserved for the girls.
With Round 1 of the girls’ competition now complete, Round 2 tomorrow will see the first repechages and, consequently, the first eliminations. The same applies to the boys’ competition if conditions on Podium 2 allow.
Indeed, the chosen spot is very exposed, so as soon as the wind picks up in the area where the wave is breaking, the conditions on the water change completely.
On Podium 2 (P2), it was the U16 boys who kicked off the first heats.
In this category, the Italians have got off to a flying start!
Michael Monteiro (ITA) and Francisco Anglani (ITA) are among the top three performers on this first day (13.5 and 15 points).
A Belgian completes the podium, slipping in between the two Italians.
Kamiel Deraeve (BEL) finished second in one of the few heats where the total score across two waves exceeded 10 points.
In the U18 category, it is the Portuguese who lead the way among the day’s top performers: Benjamin Magalhaes and Jaime Veselko (12.25 and 10.85 points). Alejo Valido (ESP), Joshua Barbus (IRL) and Jarko Kreuzeder (GER) are also among those to watch, as is Aaron Bacon (FRA).
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| Charly Legay - France |
In the U18 girls’ event, the competitors made the most of the day’s best conditions on the main stage.
The Peak is unique in that it changes character several times as the tide rises and falls. This takes the athletes several hundred metres further out depending on the time of day and, above all, provides a playing field that demands constant adaptation.
In the U18 category, the competition is fierce. With the day’s highest total score (15 points), Julieta Rodriguez Villamil (SPN) has cemented her status as a dark horse in this category. But watch out – many others have impressed this morning, such as Miriam Juliao (PRT), Marshanda Nikijuluw (SWI), Rose Calvez (FRA) and Chiarra Cupone (ITA).
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| Aneta Kucharska - Poland |
The competition promises some exciting clashes in the run-up to the finals, as we mustn’t forget Clémence Shorsch (FRA) (three medals at the ISA World Surfing Games in ’23, ’24 and 2025), Lara Pop (GER), three-time Welsh champion Josie Hawke (WAL) and Emma Van der Huls (NED).
Of note is the qualification of Poland’s Aneta Kucharska (POL) for the second round of the competition; she showed great composure by alternating between right-handers and left-handers and, above all, demonstrated technical potential that could see her remain in contention in the main draw.
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| Imari HEARN - England |
In the U16 category, the girls moved on to the ‘low tide’ conditions; the waves became shorter and faster, making adaptability and quick reflexes essential.
Emma Van der Huls (NED) (11 points) and France’s Charlie Legay (13.75 points) stood out, with the latter making a lasting impression with an 8-point score for a powerful frontside turn that showcased this young competitor’s talent.