NEWS: THE GONG TEAM TAKES TOP HONORS IN BRAZIL!

The GONG Team clinches 3 out of the top 4 spots in Surf-Freestyle including Malo Guénolé taking the event win!

The GONG Team showcased a remarkable display of skill in the Surf-Freestyle competition in Brazil, securing three out of the top four spots and establishing their dominance in the Wingfoil World Tour.

As the final day of the men’s Surf-Freestyle unfolded in Brazil, the GONG international team, with three athletes successfully advancing to the top 16, with the latest GONG production models, set their sights on the coveted top spots.

Pre-heat challenge

The first challenge throughout the day for all competitors was to make it through the nasty shorebreak. More than ever, perfect timing and experience was key to reach the competition area. We witnessed drama with riders failing to get through for their heat or destroying their kit in the process. Thankfully there was no such misfortune for our team riders, surfers at heart with tons of experience in the waves at their local break.

Action begins

In the intense round 5, Clement Hamon kicked off the day with a stellar performance, earning a total heat score of 24.96. His improved wave riding skills set him apart, securing a comfortable victory over his opponent Ancor Sosa. Malo Guénolé followed suit in the same round, surpassing the 30-point mark for the second time in the event by defeating Leo Suadiaz.

Bastien Escofet rounded out the GONG Team’s stellar performance in round 5, delivering an incredible heat with a second-highest score of 30.5 points against Vinnicius Martins. This secured the team’s presence in three out of the possible eight spots in the quarterfinals.

The GONG team clinches 3 spots out of 4 in the semis

Moving into the quarterfinals, Clement Hamon faced challenging conditions with high tide and difficult shorebreak. Despite a shakier start than usual, the 15-year-old displayed confidence in navigating the conditions, excelling over Aleksander Archerer and earning a spot in his first semifinal.

Malo Guénolé continued to dominate, achieving the highest heat score of the competition with 32.56 points in the quarterfinals, showcasing a perfect Back Mobe and a planing Rad 7. Bastien Escofet, though initially washed in the shorebreak, fought his way back to win against windsurf legend Kauli Seadi, securing the GONG Team’s presence in the top four spots.

The first semifinal featured an all-GONG battle between Clement Hamon and Malo Guénolé. Despite a fair fight from Clement, Malo’s dominance in the format prevailed, securing a spot in the final with a total heat score of 29.60.

In the second semifinal, Bastien Escofet faced off against World Champion Chris McDonald in a heated battle. Although Bastien put on an impressive performance, he couldn’t secure the scores needed to beat Chris for the last spot in the final.

The first 10-point move of the event

Before the champion crowning heat, a thrilling all-GONG showdown occurred between Bastien Escofet and Clement Hamon in the fight for 3rd place in the Mini Final. Bastien’s remarkable Back Mobe 360 earned him the first 10-point move of the event, securing the 3rd overall position and a final ranking of 4th for the season.

The final showdown

The final showdown between Chris McDonald and Malo Guénolé unfolded with heightened tension as both athletes faced challenges in the early moments of their heat. Malo, trailing in scores, showcased exceptional wave riding, scoring a 6.93 and a 7.5 on the waves, ultimately surpassing Chris’s wave score by just enough to claim the event win by 0.65 points.

Malo was greeted with cheers from teammates on the beach, underscoring the collective achievement of the GONG Team. Their outstanding performance not only capped off the 2023 Surf-Freestyle season in style but also etched a historic chapter in the sport’s young life. Congratulations to Malo for a third win in a row in Brasil, after winning in Taiba, Saquarema and Cauipe, and to the entire GONG team for their extraordinary performance and their place in the history books.