Day 4 highlights: intense competition and standout performances

Day 4 of the 2024 Saquarema Pro delivered some of the most intense surfing action we’ve seen so far, with 20 heats completed and surfers pushing their limits to secure a spot in the final rounds. The competition was fierce, with each heat showcasing a mix of tactical prowess and raw talent. The waves at Praia de Itaúna were pumping, providing the perfect canvas for surfers to demonstrate their skills.

One of the standout performances came from Joel Vaughan, who dominated his heat with a combination of powerful carves and aerial manoeuvres. Vaughan’s ability to read the waves and execute critical turns in the pocket earned him some of the highest scores of the day. His performance has solidified his position as one of the favourites heading into the final stages of the event.

Another surfer who made waves was Brazil’s own Samuel Pupo. Pupo, riding with the support of the local crowd, put on a clinic in wave selection and flow. His smooth transitions and explosive finishes on the lip had the beach erupting in cheers. Pupo’s heat win keeps him in the running for one of the coveted qualification spots, and his momentum could carry him all the way to the final.

On the women’s side, Isabella Nichols continued her strong run, posting solid scores with her aggressive yet stylish approach. Nichols’ ability to link critical sections of the wave with fluidity and power has made her a standout in the competition. She’s looking more and more like a serious contender for one of the remaining qualification spots.

As the day progressed, the level of surfing only intensified, with each heat becoming more crucial. The surfers know that every wave counts, and the pressure is mounting as the field narrows. With only three qualification spots left, the stakes have never been higher.

The race for qualification: who’s still in the running

With just three qualification spots remaining, the race is tighter than ever. Several surfers are still in the hunt, but only a select few will make the cut. Joel Vaughan, after his stellar performance on Day 4, is one of the frontrunners. His consistency throughout the event has put him in a strong position, but he’ll need to maintain that level of surfing to secure his spot. Vaughan’s ability to handle pressure will be tested in the final heats, where even the smallest mistake could be costly.

Samuel Pupo, riding high on the energy of the local crowd, is another surfer who remains in contention. Pupo’s tactical approach and ability to capitalise on the best waves have kept him in the mix. However, with the competition heating up, he’ll need to continue delivering near-flawless performances to stay ahead of the pack. The Brazilian fans will no doubt be behind him, but the pressure of performing on home soil can be a double-edged sword.

On the women’s side, Isabella Nichols is still very much in the running. Her aggressive yet controlled style has earned her solid scores throughout the event, and she’s shown no signs of slowing down. Nichols has been one of the most consistent surfers in the competition, but with only a few heats left, she’ll need to dig deep to secure her place in the final rounds. The competition in the women’s division is fierce, and Nichols will have to fend off some serious challengers if she wants to claim one of the remaining spots.

Other surfers still in the hunt include Australia’s Liam O’Brien, who has been quietly putting together a strong campaign. O’Brien’s smooth style and ability to adapt to changing conditions have kept him in the conversation, but he’ll need to step up his game in the final heats to ensure his qualification. Similarly, Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb is still in the mix, and her powerful backhand surfing could be the key to securing her spot in the final rounds.

As the competition narrows, the pressure is mounting on all the surfers still in contention. Every wave, every turn, and every decision will be scrutinised as they battle for those final qualification spots. With so much on the line, expect to see some of the most intense surfing of the event in the coming heats.

What to expect in the final heats

The final heats of the 2024 Saquarema Pro are shaping up to be nothing short of electrifying. With only three qualification spots left, the surfers will be leaving everything in the water as they fight for their chance to secure a spot on the Championship Tour. Expect the intensity to ramp up even further as the competition reaches its climax.

For the men, all eyes will be on Joel Vaughan and Samuel Pupo, both of whom have been in stellar form throughout the event. Vaughan’s ability to combine power and precision will be crucial in the final heats, especially as the pressure mounts. Pupo, buoyed by the home crowd, will be looking to capitalise on his local knowledge and wave selection to outmanoeuvre his competitors. The Brazilian fans will be in full voice, and that energy could give Pupo the extra push he needs to clinch one of the remaining spots.

On the women’s side, Isabella Nichols will be looking to continue her dominant run. Her aggressive approach has served her well so far, but the final heats will demand even more from her as she faces off against some of the best surfers in the world. Tatiana Weston-Webb, with her powerful backhand, will also be a major threat. If the conditions favour her style, she could easily find herself in one of the qualification spots.

Conditions at Praia de Itaúna are expected to remain solid, with consistent swell providing plenty of opportunities for high-performance surfing. The surfers who can best adapt to the changing tides and shifting peaks will have the upper hand. Wave selection will be critical, and those who can find the right balance between risk and reward will likely come out on top.

As the final heats approach, expect to see surfers pushing the limits with progressive manoeuvres and high-risk strategies. With so much on the line, there’s no room for hesitation. Every wave will count, and the smallest mistake could mean the difference between qualification and elimination. The stage is set for an epic conclusion to what has already been an unforgettable event.

Day 4 highlights: intense competition and standout performances

Day 4 of the 2024 Saquarema Pro was nothing short of electric. With 20 heats packed into the day, the competition was fierce, and the surfers were throwing everything they had at the waves. The Brazilian beach break was serving up some solid conditions, and the athletes didn’t hold back.

Joel Vaughan, the Aussie charger, was on fire. He found himself in rhythm with the ocean, threading through barrels and throwing down some massive turns. His heat win was a masterclass in power surfing, and he’s looking like a serious contender for one of those coveted qualification spots.

But it wasn’t just Vaughan lighting it up. The local Brazilian surfers were feeding off the energy of the crowd, with Thiago Camarão and Mateus Herdy both putting on standout performances. Camarão, in particular, was a crowd favourite, launching into the air with the kind of flair that only a Brazilian can pull off. His heat win had the beach erupting in cheers.

There were also a few upsets along the way. Some of the top seeds struggled to find their rhythm, with a couple of big names bowing out earlier than expected. It’s a reminder that in a competition like this, anything can happen, and no one’s safe until the final horn sounds.

With just three qualification spots left, the pressure is mounting, and the surfers know it. Every wave, every turn, every decision counts. Day 4 was a wild ride, and it’s only going to get more intense from here.

The race for the final three qualification spots

As we head into the final stretch of the 2024 Saquarema Pro, the race for the last three qualification spots is tighter than a wetsuit after a Christmas feast. With only a handful of heats left, the pressure is cranked up to 11, and the surfers are feeling it. You can see it in their eyes as they paddle out—this is make or break.

Joel Vaughan, who’s been in blistering form, is sitting pretty, but he’s not out of the woods yet. One slip-up, one mistimed turn, and it could all come undone. He’s got the talent, no doubt, but the ocean can be a fickle beast. And with the likes of Mateus Herdy and Thiago Camarão breathing down his neck, there’s no room for error.

Speaking of Herdy, the young Brazilian is surfing like a man possessed. He’s been throwing down some of the most progressive manoeuvres of the event, and the judges are loving it. If he keeps this up, one of those qualification spots could have his name on it. But he’s not the only one with his eyes on the prize.

Then there’s Camarão, who’s been feeding off the energy of the home crowd like a seagull on hot chips. Every time he takes off, the beach erupts, and you can tell it’s giving him that extra bit of fire. He’s been mixing power with precision, and if he can keep his cool under the mounting pressure, he’s a serious threat.

But let’s not forget the dark horses. There are a few lesser-known names still in the mix, and they’re hungry. These guys have nothing to lose and everything to gain, which makes them dangerous. They’re not here to play it safe—they’re here to shake things up and maybe steal a spot from one of the favourites.

With only three spots left, it’s anyone’s game. The next few heats are going to be a nail-biter, and you can bet the surfers know it. Every wave could be the difference between a ticket to the big leagues or packing up early. Buckle up, because it’s about to get wild.