Day 1
The Suzuki Caribbean Challenge Cup started off in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago at Beach Break from February 23-24. Regional competitors from Barbados, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and the host country Trinidad and Tobago all prepared to battle for USD $ 6,700.00 in prize money The Sans Souci Pro was presented by Suzuki with assistance from Lifestyle Motors, Coca Cola, Bombora Surf Shop, Carolina Swimwear, Rip Curl and the SATT.
There was a 4-5 ft swell rolling through the bay with thirty-two competitors starting out in round one. The sun was out with clear skies and round one saw some heavy battles for positioning to enusre placing either first or second and advanced into round three, regulating third and fourth into round two.
Most of the big names winning their heats were defending event champ Chris Dennis from Trinidad along with other local talents Jason Apparicio and Sean Moroff. Jamaican Insight rider Icah Wilmot and Thibault Breneol from Guadalupe, displayed incerdible surfing to advance to round three. Meeting them there were the Barbadians Mark Holder, Bruce Mackie and Christopher Clarke. In this round, high scores in the excellent range came from Bruce Mackie and Chris Dennis. The growing crowd excitedly watched as Luke Williams from Jamaica, Stefan Corbin, Christian Mark and Jonathan Reece from Barbados advanced into round three, thus concluding the first day’s activities. With evening drawing to a close, local hospitality and cuisine was received by the surfers in the form of shark fin soup and fresh sea moss, prepared by much loved local surfing matriarch Mrs. Bravo.
Day 2
After a restless night, the surfers entered into round three seeking to make the Quater Finals. The biggest shock elimination of the day was Alan Davis, the 2007 Tour Champion, with two more of his countrymen Jason Apparicio and Sean Moroff being shown the exit door.. Despite achieving competent scores, these surfers’ efforts were not enough to match the excellent display of surfing demonstrated by their rivals.
The Quarter Finals kicked off with Thibault Breneol (GLP) riding two good waves right through to the semi finals accompanied by Luke Williams (JAM). Other surfers advancing to semis were Barbadians Bruce Mackie, Jonathan Reece, Mark Holder, Lewis St. John and Stefan Corbin. Bringing up the rear was the lone Trinidadian Chris Dennis with one of his waves scoring an excellent 9.0
Taking a break from the men’s open, the MC announced the first ever pro Junior Caribbean Division. Some impressive surfing was shown by Jordan Heaselgrave (BDS) and newcomers Oneal Coa (TNT) and Jesse Jarvis (TNT). Doubling up in this division from the men’s open were Bruce Mackie (BDS) and Lewis St. John (BDS) . Showing surprising prominence at the age of ten was young Trinidadian Ross Cabral. The future is in good hands.
The junior semis showcased the only “tube” of the event was caught by Jesse Jarvis attracting the attention of the 3,000-large crowd with this thrilling maneuver. The strongest four to enter the finals included Lewis St. John (BDS), Bruce Mackie (BDS), Jesse Jarvis (TNT) and Oneal Coa (TNT).
Moving straight into the mens semi-finals, the action started to heat up even more, with Chris Dennis posting one of the highest heat totals of the event; 17.3. Joining him in the finals was 15 year old Rip Curl rider, Barbadian Lewis St. John, “The Boss” Mark Holder, and Frenchmen; Thibault Breneol. Bowing out of the event but still taking home CASH PRIZES were Luke Williams, Bruce Mackie, Stefan Corbin and Jonathan Reece.
There were light winds and smooth water with a 3-4 ft swell still running for the Ladies finals. 2007 Tour Champion Barbadian Jade Niccolls fought hard to keep up with the skills of Jamaican Danielle Ohayan and current ladies National Champion of Barbados, Ametza Nicholls. Good wave selection and high scoring rides took Ametza Nicholls (BDS) to the top spot in this final, placing Danielle Ohayan (JAM) in second and Jade Niccolls (BDS) in third position.
Following the ladies finals, the juniors took center stage with Jesse Jarvis (TNT) and Lewis St. John(BDS) taking an early lead with scores ranging from 6.5 to 8.5. Coming in fourth was Oneal Coa (TNT) who showed promise in his first Junior Pro event. In third place, Jesse Jarvis, whose surfing had been superb throughout the event, was overtaken by Bruce Mackie (BDS) in the dying moments of the final. Mackie’s final wave was full of top turns on his backside; however, this was not enough to beat the weekend’s double champion, Lewis St. John (BDS).
To the crowd and media's surprise, Barbadian Lewis St. John snatched his first title from a highly anticipated international surfing icon and previous winner Chris Dennis (TNT), who narrowly defended his second place spot from Thibault Breneol (GLP). In fourth place was Mark Holder (BDS) , who must now pay more attention to his younger rivals.
CSN would also like to thank photographer Tarik Brown, along with other media representatives; Trini Scene, the Trinidad Express, and cameraman Dirk Beal. A special thanks to Ryan Peyru of Lifestyle Motors and Peter Grannum of West Side Scuba Center. And gracious thanks to the Rostant Family for hosting us in Trinidad once again. See you guys next year.
