THE 3RD DAY OF THE MASTER OF THE OCEAN WAS A VERSATILE DAY WITH SMALL BUT GOOD CONDITIONS TOGETHER WITH COMMUNITY DAY!
CABARETE, Dominican Republic- 24th of February, 2024
The third day of the Master of the Ocean 2024 started with another fresh morning filled with tropical sunshine and glassy small but fun wave conditions. Several rounds of Expression Session Surf were carried out with an explosive display of surfing skills put on by Jeffrey Castillo, a local surfer from Boca Chica (Dominican Republic), and famous local big wave surfer Andres Flores (Dominican Republic). Benjamin Knudsen from Argentina, who grew up on Encuentro Beach, also showed powerful wave riding skills in his heat with smooth turns in the small conditions. Tom Maurice, a local surfing coach, (USA), Nicolas de la Cruz (Dominican Republic) and Kiki Torrealba (Venezuela) all came first in their respective heats. The surfing level of the locals from the Dominican Republic was exciting for the spectators to watch with solid maneuvers.
Afterwards, the SUP Expression Session was carried out in 2 to 3-foot waves with smooth surfing put on display by professional SUP, Aline Adisaka, (Brasil) coming in first place. The versatile Max Lhuillier (France) came in 1st place in the 2nd SUP Expression Heat of the morning with his powerful style. The multi-talented Daury Reynoso (Dominican Republic) came in 2nd place in this heat with an impressive domination of the waves on his SUP.
Crowds were still excited about the watersports action from the late afternoon the day before around 5 pm when the wind conditions permitted the Windsurf Overall Heats. At the end of February 23rd, Brian Talma, Action Man from Barbados and defending Master of the Ocean Champion 2023, was able to pull off a back loop in light conditions to the delight of the spectators. The local waterman from the Dominican Republic, Francis Gonzalez, put on a great show for the spectators with his wave riding skills and jumps coming in 2nd in the Windsurf Overall Heat. The amount of Dominican talent in water sports is amazing with Franklin Mieses coming in 3rd in this heat after catching some great waves on his windsurfer and entertaining the spectators.
After an intense morning on the 24th filled with action from two watersports, the competition part of the 3rd day of the Master of the Ocean 2024 wound down with tropical beats as the wind remained light for the rest of the afternoon. Again, despite the changing conditions and nature ruling, the 3rd day was very exciting with an impressive display of skill for the crowds in light conditions. We also had a colorful community day going on at the same time as the competition.
The Community Day at Master of the Ocean 2024 was a myriad of community and environmental activities in conjunction with Happy Dolphins DR that included a talk on ocean conservation and environmental concepts for children with specialist, Andrea Vogel Draiby from Beyond the Waves DR, a musical recycling activity with Renata Lordello and Fernando Ramirez from Heroes del Medio Ambiente, painting and activities with different community coordinators, lifesaving demonstrations with Happy Dolphins DR and a unique and colorful Carnival on the Beach for everyone with instruments, flags and other activities. This was in conjunction with the Beach Culture World Tour hosted by Brian Talma (Master of the Ocean 2023) from Barbados. There was a community market with recycled products, food, great arts and crafts and Larimar jewelry. It was a day of fun and community spirit!
The day ended with a lovely cocktail party put on by the German Embassy at the Beach Club at Sea Horse Ranch for the Master of the Ocean 2024 athletes, competition organizers, VIPS and press. Ms. Maike Friedrichsen, German Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, and Katrin Werdermann, deputy head of the German Embassy in Santo Domingo were present with other officials to greet the guests during a lovely tropical evening in Cabarete.
We want to thank our sponsors: Edelweiss Airlines, Copa Airlines, Ministerio de Turismo, Banreservas, Corona, Millennium Resorts and Spa, Natura Cabana, Eucerin, Casa Marina Beach & Reef, Kaoba Hotel, Encuentro Beach Cabarete, Lifestyle Holidays Hotels and Resorts, Natura Cabana, Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, Red Bull, Cable del Norte, Banreservas, Serviport, and Colonial Tours for helping us successfully carry out this 3rd day of the Master of the Ocean 2024.