Smiles were everywhere. The atmosphere at the closing ceremony, without a doubt, conveyed how happy and thankful the participants were that the contest was such a resounding success. Everyone agreed that the quality of the waves coupled with the professionalism of the event organizers and staff made the contest one of the best. It was without surprise that everyone listened to Roberto Perdigao's (regional director of the ASP) promise that his organization would fully support the return of this contest in the coming years. Francisco Gana, general Organizer of the event and treasurer of the Surf Association of Arica, confirmed that they are going to continue to work towards world recognition of Arica's waves. "The surfers don't stop telling me this is the best contest they can remember," Gana said. "And such a feat pushes us to go forward for a long time."

After defeating Jay Davies in the quarterfinals and Manuel Selman in the semis, the Peruvian, Gabriel Villaran, beat out his fellow surfer from Peru, Alvaro Malpartida, for the championship. Governor Luis Rocafull Lopez, the highest authority in the regions of Arica and Parinacota, awarded Villaran the trophy and a check for $7,000. "I feel at home in Arica," a thankful Villaran said. "They've always received me and supported me with open arms. I feel sorry to not have been able to share this experience with my friend Ramon Navarro from Pichilemu." Villaran dedicated the win to his mom and all the Ariqueans. "We showed today that Chileans and Peruvians can be friends," Villaran said after the closing ceremony. Alvaro Malpartida (PER) turned in a second place performance and Manuel Selman (CHI) and Jason Torres (CRI) finished tied for third. Finally, Hawaiian Kyle Ramey walked away with $500 as winner of the Expression Session -- a 40-minute competition awarding the surfer with the best tube.

Article: Surfline.com