Words courtesy Portuguese Waves Series
Kolohe Andino today claimed the Portuguese Waves Series – Cascais Trophy by moving through to round four of the Moche Rip Curl Pro as the remaining surfers in contention were all eliminated.
Celebrating the achievements of the best performed surfer over the three event Portuguese leg, the Portuguese Waves Series comprises the SATA Azores Pro QS 10,000, held on the island of San Miguel, as well as two mainland events, the Allianz Billabong Pro Cascais QS 10,000, which Andino won, and the Moche Rip Curl Pro CT, currently underway in Peniche.
Counting each surfer’s best two of three results, with all events equally weighted, Andino receives the Cascais Trophy and USD25,000 in prize money for his performances.
“I love Portugal!” said Andino, after being told of his victory. “Last year I got the wave of my life here, and I just had a win in Cascais. The way Peniche is set-up geographically with beaches facing every direction, there are always waves to be found somewhere, so it’s a fantastic place to come and surf and hang out too.”
Shortly after the elimation of Caio Ibelli in round three saw Andino declared the series winner, the Californian surfer paddled out in round four and scored a perfect 10 for an incredibly deep Supertubes barrel. “That was my first ever 10,” Andino said, “I’m stoked!”
Andino has been in the best form of his Championship Tour career during this year’s European events, and credits the Portuguese events for helping him get there. “I came into this leg ranked 14th on the Qualifying Series, and now I’m leading that as well as having jumped up a few spots on the CT. It’s not done yet though, hopefully I can make a few more heats here and celebrate in style in Peniche!”
As for his plans for the money? “I’m going to a Lakers game with all my friends!” he beamed.
Andino joins Jordy Smith (2014) and Adam Melling (2015) on the PWS honour roll.
