Pantin Roars Back to Life as QS 6,000 Field Raises the Stakes

The ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro returned after two lay days, with Ryan Kainalo, Eden Hasson and leading women’s contenders raising the standard at the QS 6,000 event.

Pantin Roars Back to Life as QS 6,000 Field Raises the Stakes

After two weather-enforced lay days, the ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro delivered two major days of competition in Galicia, Spain. Improving from fun two-to-three-foot waves to windy three-to-five-foot surf, the World Surf League QS 6,000 event accelerated through multiple rounds as international contenders battled for valuable ranking points.

Key takeaways

  • Competition resumed Thursday after small conditions halted the opening two days.
  • Ryan Kainalo posted a 9.27, while Eden Hasson recorded the event’s highest heat total: 18.00.
  • Afonso Antunes, Ruben Vitoria and Jay Occhilupo advanced in the men’s draw.
  • Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri, Sol Aguirre, Arena Rodriguez and Sierra Kerr were among the women’s standout performers.
  • Organizers used both the north and south banks to complete a packed Friday schedule.

The event features 144 men and 80 women from 25 countries, making it the first QS 6,000 International stop of the season. The compressed schedule increased the pressure, with competitors required to adapt quickly as wind, swell and bank positioning changed throughout each day.

Antunes and Vitoria keep their campaigns alive

Former event winner Afonso Antunes produced a composed performance in the men’s opening rounds, combining powerful turns with aerial maneuvers for a winning total of 12.84. His result carries added significance after he spent several months working to finance his campaign and reach the first QS 6,000 events in Spain and Portugal.

Ruben Vitoria also delivered a late surge to defeat former Championship Tour surfer Jackson Bunch in a closely fought heat. Bunch earned the heat’s best wave, a 7.67, but Vitoria’s explosive finish lifted him into the lead. Jay Occhilupo advanced as well, overcoming jet lag to post a 13.80 heat total.

Kainalo and Hasson set the scoring standard

Friday brought stronger surf and a succession of excellent scores. Brazil’s Ryan Kainalo quickly found an ideal section for a massive frontside air, earning a 9.27 and building on it with another aerial combination to defeat Adin Masencamp.

On the north bank, Australia’s Eden Hasson delivered an even bigger statement. A critical frontside air earned him a near-perfect 9.83, followed by an 8.17 for an 18.00 total—the highest heat score of the event so far. Hawaii’s Shion Crawford also advanced in his first heat since ankle surgery in April.

Women’s contenders make their moves

Adriana Fernandez Hidalgo opened the women’s competition with a 12.17 total, using powerful forehand carves to win her heat. Australia’s Natalie Fensom advanced in second, while Peru’s Sofia Artieda impressed with the round’s top single-wave score, a 7.50.

As conditions became more demanding, Peruvians Sol Aguirre and Arena Rodriguez secured their places in the Round of 32. Rodriguez earned an excellent 8.83, while Aguirre used progressive surfing and a well-timed layback turn to gain the advantage.

The 2023 event winner, Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri, continued her strong recent form with a convincing backhand performance. Challenger Series surfers Alys Barton, Eden Walla and India Robinson also advanced, as did Sierra Kerr after her recent US Open victory.

Schedule tightens ahead of the weekend

By Friday, the event had completed the men’s Rounds of 128 and 96, along with the men’s and women’s Rounds of 64. Competition is scheduled to resume Saturday morning, with the remaining field facing another crucial step toward the finals.

With the surf offering both powerful sections and difficult wind conditions, adaptability will remain central as the Pantin Classic moves toward its August 30 conclusion.

Sources