2024 has been the year of the invitational contest. We’ve seen some of the best heavyweight lineups of surfers that come from all corners of our industry face off against each other in the most unique settings, featuring a number of different concepts. Examples include the Single Fin Uluwatu Classic, the Four Seasons Maldives trophy and Jeremy Flores’ Quiksilver Festival in France.
Last weekend the sand bottom banks of South West France played host to another unique contest, William Aliotti’s Twin Fin Invitational, which was won by Victor Bernardo and Ainara Aymat in pumping conditions in Seignosse.
“It was super different to any other event I’ve done in my life. I’m so stoked to win this,” said an emotional Bernardo after the winners were announced. “It was amazing to see so many talented surfers just having fun. Congratulations to everyone, especially to William for putting this event on.”
Unlike traditional contest formats, each surfer got to surf three heats a day in a mixed heat format featuring men and women, after which surfers and videographers voted for an overall winner based on a video recap of the day. There were no points, and competitors were encouraged to swap boards and try out different shapes. The only rules were that surfboards had to have a tail measuring 19.5 inches or wider to be eligible, and only twin-fins were allowed. The judging criteria was simple: riders were judged based on flow, style, and innovative moves – of which there were plenty.
Chippa Wilson and William Aliotti wowed the crowd with searing power carves and funky airs, while surfers like Jaleesa Vincent and Tosh Tudor put on a tube-riding clinic in the bowling lefts and rights. Local surfer Vincent Duvignac was the dark horse of the event, while Ozzie Wright and Asher Pacey cemented their icon status as OG twin-fin surfers with hallmark performances.
In the end it was Bernardo’s effortless steez combined with deep power carves and radical approach that saw him win the men’s division, while Ayinara Aymat styled her way to first place in the women’s. Both winners received an equal €5 000 prize purse.
The event was capped off with a screening of all the best rides, which turned into a frenzy of competitors hooting and cheering for each other as the winners were decided. “We’re like a family and I wanted to create something special with these surfers, because we all love the same thing,” said Aliotti. “No crazy hype – just good vibes, great waves, and the best free surfers in the world doing what they love.”
Mission accomplished Willy.
