The world’s top pro kitesurfers are gathered in Le Morne, Mauritius for the second stop of the 2012 KSP World Tour. The One Eye Kite Surf Pro will run from 7 – 16 September 2012, as riders compete for the prestigious Kitesurfing World Championship Title.
We will be updating this article with the latest competition results and news from One Eye on a daily basis. As always, we won’t be sending out daily emails regarding the event, so remember to refer back to this page each day, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to keep up to date with this action packed kitesurfing event.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 1 (7 September)
One Eye Kite Surf Pro Update 1
As expected, day one of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro started off with a bang today in solid surf, blustery weather and strong winds in excess of thirty knots. Round one of the men’s and women’s elimination were completed during the full day of competition.
At the 10am riders meeting, the call was made to get the competition underway, which saw competitors nervously pumping their smallest kites in the near extreme wind and wave conditions. Intermittent rain, gusty wind and unpredictable set waves made for an exciting day of competition. During the live stream broadcast, Patri Mclaughlin (North, HI) said:
“It’s pretty crazy out there, but I had one of the best sessions I’ve ever had at One Eye”.
Standouts on day one included the winner of last year’s One Eye Pro, Ninja Bichler (North, GER) and Mitu Monteiro (F-One, CPV), both scoring the highest heat scores of the day for men and women respectively. Bichler, a Mauritian resident, used her local knowledge of the break at One Eye to secure a 16-point heat score total, the highest of the event so far, with committed turns on the biggest set waves. On the men’s side, Monteiro demonstrated why he is a favourite at this event with flowing turns and a stylish repertoire of manoeuvres earning him the second highest heat score total of 15.66 on day one in his opening heat.
Check out the Photos of the Day.
Contest directors expect similar conditions tomorrow with a slight decrease in wave height. The first call of the day will be made at 10AM local time and the competition will resume shortly thereafter, weather permitting. Organizers and riders are looking forward to an action packed weekend with stellar conditions.
Video: Day 1 Highlights
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Tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds, brought to you by Emtel.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 2 (8 September)
One Eye Kite Surf Pro Update 2
Solid 4 to 6 foot surf (8′ to 12′ faces), strong wind and clearing skies… this is what riders were treated to on day 2 of the One Eye Kitesurf Pro. A total of 20 heats were completed in another action packed day that saw some incredibly narrow victories.
The highlight heat of the day on the men’s side came in heat 2 of round four, which pitted Patri Mclaughlin (USA, North) against Mitu Monteiro (F-One, CPV) against each other. Both riders laid it all on the line, holding nothing back as they pulled into the cleanest barrels of the event. Monteiro emerged the victor with the best barrel of the event thus far, earning him the single highest wave score of the entire competition so far, a 9.8 out of a possible 10.
The women’s competition saw some of the closest scoring heats in KSP history. Milla Ferreira (BRA) narrowly defeated Kari Schibevaag (Ozone, NOR) in their tight scoring round two heat, 12.17 to 12.1. Another close women’s heat came in round four with Jalou Langeree (Naish, NED) defeating reigning KSP World Champion Ines Correia (POR) by a mere 0.01 of a point.
Video: Day 2 WrapUp
Check out the Photos from Day 2.
Wave conditions are expected to hold strong through most of the day tomorrow and slowly decrease into the afternoon. With around 6 hours of heats remaining in the competition and a stellar swell on the horizon for next weekend, KSP officials will make the official call at 10AM tomorrow to continue running heats or to hold off in anticipation of bigger surf for the final rounds.
Tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds, brought to you by Emtel.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 3 (9 September)
One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 3
We have our finalists!
The day got off to a rather uncertain start at the One Eye Pro, with overcast skies and all forecasts pointing towards a rapid decline in surf and failing winds. KSP officials assessed conditions and made the call to resume competition late in the morning, which resulted in an afternoon of unforgettable performances.
Round 5 of the men’s draw began with pumping overhead surf and cranking winds. On a day defined by upsets, the men’s bracket was shaken up in the quarterfinal when young gun Luke McGillewie (RSA) took out event favorite Mitu Montiero (F-One, CPV) in a hotly contested battle. In another quarter final matchup, Patri Mclaughlin (North, USA), pulling into seemingly un-makeable barrels, defeated Guilly Brandao (Best, BRA) to advance into the semi-finals and continue the upset trend.
Airton Cozzolino (North, ITA) took down Keahi De Aboittiz (AUS) and Sebastian Ribiero (Best, BRA) on his way to the men’s final and will face the white-hot Hawaiian rider Mclaughlin in the finals of the One Eye Kite Surf Pro World Championship Tour Event when competition resumes.
On the women’s side, round 5, the semi-finals, and the 3rd place final were all contested in some of the best conditions seen on tour this year. Though the men began the day’s heats charging, the women did not disappoint in some of the most committed riding of the day. The increasing swell and strong wind did not intimidate standouts Ninja Bichler (North, GER) and Jalou Langeree (Naish, NED) who soundly defeated Ines Correia (POR) and Kirsty Jones (North, GBR), respectively, in the women’s semi-finals. Bichler and Langeree will meet in the final as soon as conditions allow. Jones handily defeated Correia in the 3rd place final to secure her position on the podium.
Video: Day 3 Highlights
Check out the Photos from Day 3.
First call is at 10am tomorrow morning to continue the men’s and women’s finals to crown the champions of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro Mauritius, so tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 4 (10 September)
One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 4
The first lay day was called at the One Eye Kitesurf Pro today. However, the forecast is calling for increasing swell and winds later in the week.
“Today was projected to be declining surf and marginal wind during the waiting period and, as expected, the conditions are just not contestable,” Brad Price, KSP International Head Judge, said. “We still have 6 days remaining in the window, and the forecast calls for bigger surf and stronger winds during the week.”
When competition resumes, the men’s 3rd place final will get under way, featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) versus young gun Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA) for a coveted spot on the podium.
Next up will be the women’s final between Ninja Bichler (North, GER) and Jalou Langeree (Naish, NED) in a battle for first and second place.
The final heat of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro will feature upset king Patri McLaughlin (North, USA) against reigning KSP World Champion Airton Cozzolino (North, ITA) in the men’s final.
Check out the Photos from Day 4.
Event organizers will convene at 10am to assess conditions for a possible 10:30am start tomorrow. Tune in to the KSP Live Broadcast to watch all the action as it unfolds.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 5 (11 September)
One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 5
Due to small waves and inconsistent sets, the One Eye Kitesurf Pro in Mauritius has been called off for the day.
“The swell is still taking a bit of a break out here at One Eye and so are the riders and event officials.” says Kristin Boese, tour manager and president of the KSP world championship tour. “We are not worried though and forecasts promise great conditions for the final three heats of the event as well as a couple of supersession’s that we are planning for later this week.”
Up first will be the men’s 3rd place final featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA), when competition resumes again.
Video: Mauritian Livestyle
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00am to assess the conditions for a possible 10:30am start.
You’ll find video highlights from the One Eye Kite Surf Pro here.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 6 (12 September)
One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 6
Another lay day was called today, but that didn’t stop the KSP riders from having a good time….
“There was no swell this morning,” Bruno DeWannemaker, KSP Contest Director, said. “But with the forecast for the next day’s being what it is we are simply holding off for another day and come back tomorrow to assess conditions.”
Video: Sea Kart Action with Fun Adventure Mauritius
Check out the Photos from Today.
The event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00am to assess the conditions for a possible 10:30am start.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 7 (13 September)
One Eye Kitesurf Pro Update 7
Competition has been called off for the day primarily due to small waves and inconsistent sets at One Eye.
“The swell has yet to fill in today and we’ve called another lay day” Brad Price, KSP Head Judge, said. “Forecasts are showing a slight increase in size late today, which could see us resume the competition as early as tomorrow. We’ll be back tomorrow morning to assess the situation.”
When competition resumes, up first will be the men’s 3rd place final featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA).
Check out the Photos from Today.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10:00am to assess the conditions for a possible 10:30am start.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 8 (14 September)
One Eye Kite Surf Pro Update 8
Contest officials have called the 5th and final lay day at the One Eye Kite Surf Pro this morning and expect competition to continue tomorrow.
The first 3 days of second stop on the KSP World Championship Tour saw the world’s top 24 male and top 12 female riders battle it out in 51 heats. Big swell and strong winds provided the perfect contest conditions and riders delivered incredible action highlighted by deep barrels and powerful, committed surfing.
After 5 days with small to medium size waves, the swell is predicted to increase overnight and the wind will continue to be strong, virtually guaranteeing that the final three heats of competition will be finished tomorrow. The remaining finals will be followed by a “Supersession” that will see all KSP riders out at One Eye once again.
Check out the Photos from Today.
When competition resumes, up first will be the men’s 3rd place final featuring Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) and Luke McGillewie (RRD, RSA).
First call will be made tomorrow at 10:00am with a first possible start at 10:30am start.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 9 (15 September)
One Eye Kite Surf Pro Finals & Results
The finals of the second leg of the 2012 KSP World Championship Tour came to a close today. Congratulations to Patri McLaughlin (HI/North ) and Ninja Bichler (GER/North), the overall winners of the KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro 2012!
Epic conditions graced day 9 of the One Eye Pro. The women’s final saw a repeat victory from local ripper Ninja Bichler (GER, North), dominating her home break. The men’s side saw underdog Patri McLaughlin (HI, North) take down reigning world champion Airton Cozzolino (ITA, North) nailing the only perfect 10 of the competition in the dying moments of the final.
In the marquee matchup of the day, the men’s final promised to be the best heat of the event and it did not disappoint. The powerful Cozzolino was pitted against the barrel-hunting McLaughlin in a final that saw several lead changes and some of the best tube rides of the event. McLaughlin got off to a great start with an opening wave score of 6.83 to Cozzolino’s 4.5. However, Cozzolino answered back with an 8.5 to give him the lead at the midpoint of the final.
McLaughlin’s never-say-die attitude finally paid off in the final moments of the heat with the event title on the line. Pulling into a seemingly un-makeable barrel, McLaughlin emerged claiming the first 10-point ride of the competition. Cozzolino scored a 7.5 late in the heat, but was unable to overtake McLaughlin for the title of the One Eye Kite Surf Pro.
“I’m so stoked right now I don’t even know what to say”, said the overwhelmed McLaughlin. “I got the biggest closeout barrel of my life in that final, and I am just so happy to be here.”
The men’s 3rd place final featured Luke McGillewie (RSA, RRD) against Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA) in a battle that saw the momentum of the young McGillewie finally stopped by the powerful, flowing backside riding of the on-fire Brazilian.
Livestream Recording: One Eye Kite Surf Pro – Day 3 / Part 2
On the women’s side, the much-anticipated battle between the local knowledge of Bichler and the hotshot riding of Jalou Langeree (NED, Naish) was a nail biter right down to the wire. In the end, Bichler’s superior wave selection proved to be the difference in a final that highlighted her relationship with the intricacies of the break at One Eye.
“I felt more pressure this year trying to defend my title, but I was able to catch some good waves and felt in tune with the ocean today. I am just so happy to win the event again here at my home spot in front of my local crew,” said Bichler.
Men’s Results
- Patri McLaughlin (HI/North)
- Airton Cozzolino (ITA/North)
- Sebastian Ribeiro (BRA)
- Luke McGillewie (RSA/RRD)
Woman’s Results
- Ninja Bichler (GER/North)
- Jalou Langeree (NED/Naish)
- Kirsty Jones (GBR/North)
- Ines Correia (POR/RRD)
Following the completion of the main event, the 6-heat Expression Session began in exceptional conditions. Mauricio Pedreira (BRA), Milla Ferreira (BRA), and local rider Max Bonieux (MRU) won top honors for best barrel rides in their respective categories.
Video: Day 9 Highlights!
Check out the Photos from Today.
Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9: Finals & Results | Day 10
Day 10 (16 September)
KSP One Eye Kite Surf Pro WrapUp Video!
This brings us to the end of the ten day holding period at the 2012 KSP One Eye Kitesurf Pro in Mauritius, and our daily updates. If you missed any of the action, be sure to watch the highlight videos from each of the days above, and click on the player below to view the Live Broadcast archives on the KSP’s website.
If you have any feedback on the format of our coverage of the event, please leave a comment below.
One Eye Pro Live Web Broadcast
The KSP would like to thank the sponsors of the 2012 One Eye Kite Surf Pro; MTPA, St. Regis Hotel, Monster and North Kiteboarding as well as event partners Emtel, Ion, Adamas, Club Mistral, Le Gall, Enso, Afix, GoPro, Multibox, Habit, Silent Partners, Hydro Energy, St Aubin and media partners Radio One, L’ Express and Equipe.
If you are lucky enough to be in Mauritius at the One Eye Pro, or if you have been following the action via the live broadcast, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below… What do you think of the event so far and who do you think is going to win this second leg of the KSP world tour?
Image credits: John Bilderback
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I went to Le Morne this past Sat! And I can tell you that It was not easy for everyone out there. Specially for the Pro’s that was facing 3 to 4 meters waves that was rolling in like a speed-train. The wind was hitting at about 30knots and not mentioning the Gust which was some times 2x stronger. My self I was out there very close to One-Eye. I had a 6qm Rebel and my feet was scotched to my surfboard with my straps to avoid flying away! Some of the Pro’s was riding strapless and was doing some crazy stuff looking as if it’s so normal to them! Just wast to say that this is one of the best Events happening in Mauritius! cheers Toni
Hey Toni,
Thank you very much for for your input. It is great to hear from someone who was actually there.
The boys on the tour make it look so damn easy, but you are right, it must be tough out there, and pretty scary at the best of times…
Respect to all these guys for making it look so good under these tough conditions.
And as for the event, I am probably not qualified to make this statement, but I would almost go as far as to say this is the best event on the calendar! Especially if you are into wave riding as opposed to freestyle. One Eye is a very special place, and has delivered the goods two years in a row!
We hope to hear from you again mate! Cheers.
How about respecting copyrighted images and NOT CROPPING OUT THE PHOTO CREDIT? Since you haven’t paid anything to help produce the images, removing my name amounts to stealing from me. Free content isn’t enough? Damn poor style. – John Bilderback
Hi John,
Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. Please allow me to briefly explain what happened, as we have no intention of violating any copyrights or stealing from anyone, and always do our best to provide credit where credit is due.
The only reason we crop the images the way we do is to try and make them smaller and to remove the height of the image where possible so that they don’t take as much space in height on the page and to reduce the file size since we are including so many images on the page. We need to be conscious about page load time and the amount of scrolling people have to do when reading the articles in this format. I can assure you it is definitely not to remove your logo. This is just incidental unfortunately.
To compensate for having removed your name from the image, we had added captions to each of the photos that included “Photography by John Bilderback”, however with the new update to our site design, captions are no longer supported, so they were inevitably removed from these articles. To make up for this, I’ve now added the caption “Photography by John Bilderback” to the title tag of each image, which means your name will show up when you hover your cursor over each of the images.
On our newer articles, we’ve started adding an extra photo credit link to the end of the articles, and I’ve now added this credit, along with a link to your website to this article. This will hopefully be even more beneficial to you and your business in the long run.
I hope you will find this acceptable now, but if you still aren’t happy, please feel free to contact us via our contact page, and I’ll happily discuss the issue with you directly. We honestly had no ill intentions, so please forgive us for the mistake.
Brendon