1 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:12,074 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm 2 00:00:13,139 --> 00:00:15,099 [rock music playing] 3 00:00:15,808 --> 00:00:17,226 I love surfing. 4 00:00:17,893 --> 00:00:20,645 It's my life, and it's my favorite thing in the world. 5 00:00:20,646 --> 00:00:23,690 I am Ēwelei'ula Wong. I am 19 years old. 6 00:00:23,691 --> 00:00:26,359 I am native Hawaiian and a competitive professional surfer. 7 00:00:26,360 --> 00:00:27,652 [crowd cheers] 8 00:00:27,653 --> 00:00:29,988 [announcer] Ēwe Wong looking loose and radical. 9 00:00:29,989 --> 00:00:32,074 [all cheering] 10 00:00:33,200 --> 00:00:35,326 Ēwe Wong drills it again. 11 00:00:35,327 --> 00:00:37,495 [Ēwelei'ula] I learned a lot about what it means 12 00:00:37,496 --> 00:00:39,247 to be in the world of pro surfing. 13 00:00:39,248 --> 00:00:40,373 [girl] Ēwe! 14 00:00:40,374 --> 00:00:41,833 She got a pep in her step! 15 00:00:41,834 --> 00:00:43,168 [Ēwelei'ula] A ton of support. 16 00:00:43,169 --> 00:00:45,545 Ride. Ride! 17 00:00:45,546 --> 00:00:47,297 [Ēwelei'ula] Training. 18 00:00:47,298 --> 00:00:49,841 And oh an a in my corner has gotten me through many competitions. 19 00:00:49,842 --> 00:00:51,050 [announcer] Ēwe Wong. 20 00:00:51,051 --> 00:00:53,261 [cheers and applause] 21 00:00:53,262 --> 00:00:56,347 [Ēwelei'ula] Bringing me closer to my dream of becoming world champion. 22 00:00:56,348 --> 00:00:59,017 I think you're gonna, like, have the coolest trajectory to watch. 23 00:00:59,018 --> 00:01:01,395 -I'm stoked for you. -Thank you. 24 00:01:02,813 --> 00:01:03,981 Bye, oh an a. 25 00:01:04,565 --> 00:01:06,816 [Ēwelei'ula] And now, for the first time ever, 26 00:01:06,817 --> 00:01:08,651 I'll be taking on the international stage 27 00:01:08,652 --> 00:01:11,362 on the Challenger Series without my mom 28 00:01:11,363 --> 00:01:12,740 or my hoi crew with me. 29 00:01:14,116 --> 00:01:17,285 However, this season, I've gotten to know a group of women 30 00:01:17,286 --> 00:01:20,581 from all around the world, and we formed a strong support system. 31 00:01:23,918 --> 00:01:26,628 [Tasha] The Challenger Series is the battlefield. 32 00:01:26,629 --> 00:01:30,508 A lot of champions from around the world competing. 33 00:01:31,509 --> 00:01:33,803 And that's just what makes it so exciting. 34 00:01:34,220 --> 00:01:36,096 {\an8}Every heat is red-hot. 35 00:01:37,515 --> 00:01:40,141 [Ēwelei'ula] There's 48 women from around the world competing, 36 00:01:40,142 --> 00:01:43,187 and only top five get a chance at becoming the next world champion. 37 00:01:46,899 --> 00:01:48,274 {\an8}[Sophia] My brother Gabriel 38 00:01:48,275 --> 00:01:51,236 was the first Brazilian to become a world champ. 39 00:01:51,237 --> 00:01:53,279 But I want to be known as Sophia, 40 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:55,406 not just Gabriel's little sister. 41 00:01:55,407 --> 00:01:57,827 I just want to write my own history. 42 00:01:59,245 --> 00:02:02,748 {\an8}I see myself as an inspiration for my country. 43 00:02:03,791 --> 00:02:05,416 {\an8}[Jessie] My family feels strongly 44 00:02:05,417 --> 00:02:07,710 {\an8}that surfing is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. 45 00:02:07,711 --> 00:02:10,755 So, my parents are doing everything they can 46 00:02:10,756 --> 00:02:13,384 to support me financially to surf. 47 00:02:14,301 --> 00:02:17,220 {\an8}[Francisca] People joking, calling me "the bull." 48 00:02:17,221 --> 00:02:19,639 {\an8}They think that in the water I look like a bull. 49 00:02:19,640 --> 00:02:22,433 [Ēwelei'ula] In 2022, I felt the rush 50 00:02:22,434 --> 00:02:24,936 of being crowned the World Junior Champion. 51 00:02:24,937 --> 00:02:28,022 Now I want to ride that wave to become world champion 52 00:02:28,023 --> 00:02:29,358 at the highest level. 53 00:02:29,859 --> 00:02:34,195 {\an8}Being Hawaiian and ʻŌlelo, that's part of my identity. 54 00:02:34,196 --> 00:02:37,448 I am pursuing surfing as a cultural practice. 55 00:02:37,449 --> 00:02:41,495 My goal is to make the world tour and also represent Hawaii. 56 00:02:44,164 --> 00:02:46,416 [Jessie] There's six events on the Challenger Series. 57 00:02:46,417 --> 00:02:48,126 The Challenger Series is so stacked. 58 00:02:48,127 --> 00:02:51,921 {\an8}It's 48 of the top surfers from every region, 59 00:02:51,922 --> 00:02:54,007 {\an8}and every is a fight for everyone's lives. 60 00:02:54,008 --> 00:02:57,761 {\an8}The Challenger Series is a whole different beast to the qualification gate. 61 00:02:58,429 --> 00:03:00,931 The stakes are higher, the pressure's higher. 62 00:03:01,599 --> 00:03:04,351 You need to be top five to make the Championship Tour. 63 00:03:05,269 --> 00:03:08,479 [Jessie] Obviously, that factors into every surfer's mind 64 00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:11,232 because that is the highest level of achievement. 65 00:03:11,233 --> 00:03:13,443 [Ēwelei'ula] This season's competition is tougher than ever, 66 00:03:13,444 --> 00:03:15,862 and with only the top five spots up for grabs, 67 00:03:15,863 --> 00:03:16,905 it's truly anyone's game. 68 00:03:16,906 --> 00:03:20,325 I'm ready to do what I need to do to win a world title. 69 00:03:20,326 --> 00:03:24,871 {\an8}We had a dynasty with Steph Gilmore, Tyler Wright, and Carissa Moore. 70 00:03:24,872 --> 00:03:28,750 They've dominated world titles for over a decade. 71 00:03:28,751 --> 00:03:30,460 But I see change in the air 72 00:03:30,461 --> 00:03:33,047 with this new generation of women's professional surfing. 73 00:03:38,093 --> 00:03:40,095 {\an8}[funky beach music playing] 74 00:03:46,685 --> 00:03:48,394 [Travis] We're in Ballito. 75 00:03:48,395 --> 00:03:50,855 This is the third stop on the Challenger Series. 76 00:03:50,856 --> 00:03:52,441 This is a super important event. 77 00:03:53,901 --> 00:03:56,444 We only count the best four results out of six, 78 00:03:56,445 --> 00:03:58,529 and this is the halfway mark. 79 00:03:58,530 --> 00:04:01,950 A lot of surfers haven't had great results in the first two in Australia. 80 00:04:01,951 --> 00:04:05,162 So this is kind of it for them. They need to start climbing up the ranks. 81 00:04:07,039 --> 00:04:09,040 [Jessie] Ballito's a very high-quality wave. 82 00:04:09,041 --> 00:04:11,542 {\an8}It's very heavy and can be pretty dangerous. 83 00:04:11,543 --> 00:04:15,171 It breaks into a very shallow sandbank and then a few rocks. 84 00:04:15,172 --> 00:04:17,633 So there's a lot of risk, and injuries can happen. 85 00:04:18,384 --> 00:04:20,969 [Ēwelei'ula] Last year, the waves were definitely sizable 86 00:04:20,970 --> 00:04:23,554 {\an8}and we were breaking boards during free surf. 87 00:04:23,555 --> 00:04:26,767 Also, South Africa is known for having sharks. 88 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:33,022 [Jessie] I love the spirit in South Africa. So much love, so much life. 89 00:04:33,023 --> 00:04:35,525 The greatest food, the best of surf. 90 00:04:35,526 --> 00:04:37,861 You can do everything all in one place. 91 00:04:43,826 --> 00:04:45,494 {\an8}-Hi, babe. -Hi, Mom. 92 00:04:46,036 --> 00:04:47,537 How are you doing? 93 00:04:47,538 --> 00:04:48,913 I'm good. 94 00:04:48,914 --> 00:04:51,750 How's it been traveling without Mommy? 95 00:04:52,751 --> 00:04:54,795 Especially on the really long plane. 96 00:04:55,546 --> 00:04:58,006 Yeah, I know. I, like, barely slept that flight 97 00:04:58,007 --> 00:05:00,926 because I was, like, stressed about... 98 00:05:01,802 --> 00:05:03,803 getting around 99 00:05:03,804 --> 00:05:06,305 'cause I didn't have to worry about anything last year 100 00:05:06,306 --> 00:05:08,224 because you were here. 101 00:05:08,225 --> 00:05:11,561 {\an8}It's a good growing, learning experience, 102 00:05:11,562 --> 00:05:13,688 and I feel confident you can handle it. 103 00:05:13,689 --> 00:05:14,981 Yeah, me too. 104 00:05:14,982 --> 00:05:18,401 How about the time difference? Are you getting used to it? 105 00:05:18,402 --> 00:05:19,986 Yeah, slowly. 106 00:05:19,987 --> 00:05:21,487 It's pretty hard. 107 00:05:21,488 --> 00:05:24,241 -[tap water running] -I mean, yeah, 12 hours is... 108 00:05:25,367 --> 00:05:26,784 as bad as it gets. 109 00:05:26,785 --> 00:05:28,912 No, for sure, that's a long time. 110 00:05:29,621 --> 00:05:32,457 So how are you feeling about the contest coming up? 111 00:05:32,458 --> 00:05:34,625 Ēwe, his is stop three. 112 00:05:34,626 --> 00:05:37,837 You definitely are doing better than you were last season. 113 00:05:37,838 --> 00:05:41,382 You look much more comfortable on heats than you did before. 114 00:05:41,383 --> 00:05:43,009 You seem more confident. 115 00:05:43,010 --> 00:05:45,178 Yeah, I mean, I'm excited. 116 00:05:45,179 --> 00:05:48,431 The last two events went a lot better than they did last year, 117 00:05:48,432 --> 00:05:52,852 so I feel a lot better about that. 118 00:05:52,853 --> 00:05:55,480 The goal is to get a good result at this one, right? 119 00:05:55,481 --> 00:05:59,984 Yeah, I really want to drop one of my Australia events. 120 00:05:59,985 --> 00:06:02,779 First stop on the Challenger was Australia 121 00:06:02,780 --> 00:06:04,781 at Snapper and Narrabeen. 122 00:06:04,782 --> 00:06:06,741 In both events I ended up making a heat. 123 00:06:06,742 --> 00:06:10,078 I think you've made a lot of improvements since last season. 124 00:06:10,079 --> 00:06:12,914 [Ēwelei'ula] Although I felt really good about my surfing, 125 00:06:12,915 --> 00:06:14,624 results-wise it wasn't the best. 126 00:06:14,625 --> 00:06:16,959 And you can only drop two events. 127 00:06:16,960 --> 00:06:21,172 If you can get a good result at this contest, 128 00:06:21,173 --> 00:06:23,926 it'll be a good setup for the rest of the events. 129 00:06:25,469 --> 00:06:27,804 [in Hawaiian] My name is Ēwelei'ula Wong. 130 00:06:27,805 --> 00:06:30,389 I am 19 years old. 131 00:06:30,390 --> 00:06:33,226 [in English] I'm from Hawaii, and this is my second year 132 00:06:33,227 --> 00:06:34,852 on the Challenger Series. 133 00:06:34,853 --> 00:06:37,897 My first year was definitely very challenging. 134 00:06:37,898 --> 00:06:39,816 {\an8}[announcer 1] We're at the Ballito Pro. 135 00:06:39,817 --> 00:06:42,443 {\an8}Ēwe Wong looking to advance. 136 00:06:42,444 --> 00:06:44,363 {\an8}[suspenseful music playing] 137 00:06:45,197 --> 00:06:47,782 [announcer 2] Not the strongest turn of the heat so far. 138 00:06:47,783 --> 00:06:50,744 Kept losing first round, and I kind of got stuck in that. 139 00:06:51,453 --> 00:06:53,830 -[announcer 2] Oh! -[announcer 1] Another little error. 140 00:06:53,831 --> 00:06:55,915 [Ēwe] It was very discouraging, 141 00:06:55,916 --> 00:06:58,501 and I had a really hard time getting out of that. 142 00:06:58,502 --> 00:07:01,838 I wasn't really happy with myself 143 00:07:01,839 --> 00:07:03,256 and my surfing. 144 00:07:03,257 --> 00:07:06,718 My mindset was the biggest challenge to overcome. 145 00:07:10,931 --> 00:07:15,685 {\an8}So far this year, I already feel so much better and stronger mentally. 146 00:07:15,686 --> 00:07:19,105 This is my first year traveling by myself without my mom. 147 00:07:19,106 --> 00:07:21,983 I really like my mom being by my side, 148 00:07:21,984 --> 00:07:24,611 but I also like having the independence. 149 00:07:26,280 --> 00:07:29,323 I do want to work on my competition surfing. 150 00:07:29,324 --> 00:07:31,993 I feel a lot more confident just free surfing, 151 00:07:31,994 --> 00:07:35,872 but I want to start surfing, like, myself in competition. 152 00:07:35,873 --> 00:07:39,000 I get performance anxiety when I'm chasing scores 153 00:07:39,001 --> 00:07:41,043 Surfing is such an individual sport 154 00:07:41,044 --> 00:07:44,005 that every decision you make comes with a lot of pressure. 155 00:07:44,006 --> 00:07:46,591 If I'm gonna have a future in professional surfing, 156 00:07:46,592 --> 00:07:48,886 I need to learn how to overcome that anxiety. 157 00:07:50,304 --> 00:07:52,722 [Lu'ukia on phone] Stay focused and keep progressing, 158 00:07:52,723 --> 00:07:54,807 and make sure your head is in the right place. 159 00:07:54,808 --> 00:07:57,269 -Yeah. -You know, just keep... Keep that up. 160 00:07:58,395 --> 00:08:00,188 Yeah, I feel a lot more confident, 161 00:08:00,189 --> 00:08:03,316 so probably go for another surf later on today. 162 00:08:03,317 --> 00:08:04,442 Good. 163 00:08:04,443 --> 00:08:05,651 We miss you. 164 00:08:05,652 --> 00:08:06,736 I miss you too. 165 00:08:06,737 --> 00:08:08,321 I'll be watching. 166 00:08:08,322 --> 00:08:09,238 Bye. 167 00:08:09,239 --> 00:08:12,451 [upbeat pop music playing] 168 00:08:17,414 --> 00:08:21,125 {\an8}[Ēwelei'ula] Wow. This is so hard. Like, I don't even know where to start. 169 00:08:21,126 --> 00:08:22,418 [Sophia] I say salad. 170 00:08:22,419 --> 00:08:24,171 [all laugh] 171 00:08:26,006 --> 00:08:27,673 Thank you. 172 00:08:27,674 --> 00:08:29,926 [Sophia] Do you guys usually have these, like, for lunch 173 00:08:29,927 --> 00:08:31,469 before you guys leave? 174 00:08:31,470 --> 00:08:32,929 -Yeah. -[Sophia] Yeah? 175 00:08:32,930 --> 00:08:36,140 {\an8}In Brazil, we also have, like, some beans, too. 176 00:08:36,141 --> 00:08:38,184 {\an8}We eat beans at lunch. 177 00:08:38,185 --> 00:08:40,519 The food in Brazil is really good. Would you like some? 178 00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:41,938 Yes, thank you. 179 00:08:41,939 --> 00:08:43,231 [Sophia] Oh! 180 00:08:43,232 --> 00:08:44,482 Pumpkin. 181 00:08:44,483 --> 00:08:46,692 [all laugh] 182 00:08:46,693 --> 00:08:48,361 [Jessie] This is so fun. 183 00:08:48,362 --> 00:08:50,154 I don't know if it's for you guys too, 184 00:08:50,155 --> 00:08:53,241 but surfing used to be super social at that young age. 185 00:08:53,242 --> 00:08:55,785 {\an8}And then as you get older, like your friend group, 186 00:08:55,786 --> 00:08:58,412 {\an8}some of them stop surfing, and then you have to, like, 187 00:08:58,413 --> 00:09:00,623 {\an8}find new friends that live internationally. 188 00:09:00,624 --> 00:09:03,918 {\an8}We see each other six times a year. We don't see each other that often. 189 00:09:03,919 --> 00:09:05,920 And then it's kind of pretty lonely. 190 00:09:05,921 --> 00:09:06,922 It is. 191 00:09:07,506 --> 00:09:09,799 So how old were you when you learned to surf? 192 00:09:09,800 --> 00:09:12,301 -Seven years old when I started surfing. -Me too. 193 00:09:12,302 --> 00:09:14,887 Really? Yeah, my parents surf. 194 00:09:14,888 --> 00:09:16,847 It's so sick. Like, surfing with my mom. 195 00:09:16,848 --> 00:09:18,266 Wait, your mom surfed? 196 00:09:18,267 --> 00:09:22,062 {\an8}Yeah, my mom was one of the first Portuguese women surfing... 197 00:09:22,729 --> 00:09:24,146 -Wow. -...in Portugal. 198 00:09:24,147 --> 00:09:26,107 That's special. 199 00:09:26,108 --> 00:09:28,567 [Jessie] How long have each of you been on the challenges? 200 00:09:28,568 --> 00:09:31,070 [Ēwelei'ula] This is my second year. 201 00:09:31,071 --> 00:09:32,446 This is my third year. 202 00:09:32,447 --> 00:09:34,198 -My third. -[Jessie] Okay. 203 00:09:34,199 --> 00:09:37,243 So, yeah, we're all still newish to the challenges, 204 00:09:37,244 --> 00:09:39,787 compared to some of those girls that, like, you... 205 00:09:39,788 --> 00:09:41,956 -[Ēwelei'ula] Been doing it for a while. -Yeah. 206 00:09:41,957 --> 00:09:45,251 You've all seen for years and years on the challenges. 207 00:09:45,252 --> 00:09:48,504 I remember when I was younger, watching heats with them in them. 208 00:09:48,505 --> 00:09:51,090 Yeah, and now you're, like, competing against them. 209 00:09:51,091 --> 00:09:52,174 Yeah. 210 00:09:52,175 --> 00:09:54,135 {\an8}My name's Jessie Van Niekerk. 211 00:09:54,136 --> 00:09:55,428 {\an8}I'm 22 years old. 212 00:09:55,429 --> 00:09:57,305 {\an8}I'm from Cape Town, South Africa. 213 00:09:57,306 --> 00:10:01,225 I was raised on the beach from a very young age 214 00:10:01,226 --> 00:10:03,185 and started surfing around the age of five, 215 00:10:03,186 --> 00:10:06,981 and did my first competition when I was about six years old. 216 00:10:06,982 --> 00:10:10,234 My parents saw that my brother and I just clicked straightaway 217 00:10:10,235 --> 00:10:12,153 into the ocean and into surfing, 218 00:10:12,154 --> 00:10:14,739 and that we loved it and we were super competitive. 219 00:10:14,740 --> 00:10:17,993 So they just kept feeding us what we were loving. 220 00:10:25,250 --> 00:10:28,002 The girls who surf in South Africa, they are usually very gnarly, 221 00:10:28,003 --> 00:10:30,087 very hardcore and tough people. 222 00:10:30,088 --> 00:10:32,381 So it produces very good surfers. 223 00:10:32,382 --> 00:10:35,718 I think what sets me apart from other competitors 224 00:10:35,719 --> 00:10:38,596 is the support that I have from my parents. 225 00:10:38,597 --> 00:10:39,805 My dad is my coach. 226 00:10:39,806 --> 00:10:42,475 He has been my coach the last, like, 15 years. 227 00:10:42,476 --> 00:10:45,394 We are so close, and it just makes things so good 228 00:10:45,395 --> 00:10:47,563 having him because he knows me so well. 229 00:10:47,564 --> 00:10:51,776 I do take it seriously as like a job because it's always been our lifestyle, 230 00:10:51,777 --> 00:10:55,029 and my parents had a vision of: if it's what you love, 231 00:10:55,030 --> 00:10:58,115 then why would you go any other way? 232 00:10:58,116 --> 00:11:02,244 I'm currently right at the bottom of the rankings on the Challenger Series 233 00:11:02,245 --> 00:11:04,872 because I've had two first-round knockouts so far 234 00:11:04,873 --> 00:11:06,707 in the first two events of the year. 235 00:11:06,708 --> 00:11:10,336 So there's no more throwaway results. I can't lose another first round. 236 00:11:10,337 --> 00:11:13,006 I need to make every first year and beyond. 237 00:11:19,346 --> 00:11:20,930 Testing, one, two. 238 00:11:20,931 --> 00:11:22,766 [upbeat pop music playing] 239 00:11:39,533 --> 00:11:42,910 [announcer] The Challenger Series touches down in Africa. 240 00:11:42,911 --> 00:11:44,578 Welcome to the Ballito Pro, 241 00:11:44,579 --> 00:11:47,123 where the best aspirant surfers from across the planet 242 00:11:47,124 --> 00:11:49,500 will be looking to put in big performances. 243 00:11:49,501 --> 00:11:51,877 {\an8}Tide's coming in, so you're gonna have to move. 244 00:11:51,878 --> 00:11:55,047 {\an8}You're gonna have to be mobile. And you've been sitting deep. 245 00:11:55,048 --> 00:11:57,299 {\an8}The shallower you sit, the better you can see what's going on 246 00:11:57,300 --> 00:11:59,468 {\an8}and then you can move deeper, but it's not a problem. 247 00:11:59,469 --> 00:12:00,970 Kay. 248 00:12:00,971 --> 00:12:04,890 [woman] Each contest on the Challenger Series starts with 48 women 249 00:12:04,891 --> 00:12:10,605 progressing through rounds of 48, 32, 16, and finals. 250 00:12:11,356 --> 00:12:15,151 Advancing improves your chances of finishing in the top five, 251 00:12:15,152 --> 00:12:17,987 and securing a spot on the Championship Tour. 252 00:12:17,988 --> 00:12:20,990 This event last year, I made three heats, 253 00:12:20,991 --> 00:12:23,367 which is what I hope to get to this year. 254 00:12:23,368 --> 00:12:24,743 Have fun. 255 00:12:24,744 --> 00:12:28,038 Everyone's pushing to make rounds here, so everyone's very focused. 256 00:12:28,039 --> 00:12:30,040 I haven't even made a heat this year, 257 00:12:30,041 --> 00:12:33,919 so to make a heat at Ballito would be definitely a good breakthrough. 258 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,714 It's gonna be a very "heated" event. 259 00:12:36,715 --> 00:12:39,467 But the focus right now is Ballito, 260 00:12:39,468 --> 00:12:41,970 {\an8}stop number three on the Challenger Series. 261 00:12:44,139 --> 00:12:46,348 [announcer 1] Looks like we got our first wave of the event. 262 00:12:46,349 --> 00:12:47,601 We're up and going. 263 00:12:48,310 --> 00:12:49,768 {\an8}It is Ēwe Wong. 264 00:12:49,769 --> 00:12:51,271 {\an8}Turns beautifully. 265 00:12:52,772 --> 00:12:54,106 Good job, babe. 266 00:12:54,107 --> 00:12:56,901 [announcer 1] It's Jessie Van Niekerk. Still no ride from her. 267 00:12:56,902 --> 00:12:59,112 What's she thinking? She's being too selective? 268 00:13:02,532 --> 00:13:05,159 {\an8}I think she's identified, Greg, that sitting out there 269 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:07,745 and waiting for the perfect little triangle to come through, 270 00:13:07,746 --> 00:13:09,039 that's not gonna happen. 271 00:13:14,169 --> 00:13:16,629 At the moment, Ēwe Wong with the lead. 272 00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:19,006 Look at this. Open left-hander. 273 00:13:19,007 --> 00:13:20,509 And a combo of moves. 274 00:13:21,092 --> 00:13:24,261 [announcer 2] Opening up with that first score, 3.2. 275 00:13:24,262 --> 00:13:26,722 -She's in the game. -[announcer 1] She's in the heat. 276 00:13:26,723 --> 00:13:28,141 It's so tight out there. 277 00:13:34,022 --> 00:13:35,523 [horn blows] 278 00:13:35,524 --> 00:13:39,944 [Tasha] We are still waiting for a last score to drop in for white. 279 00:13:39,945 --> 00:13:43,572 We saw last of green come in at a 5.93, 280 00:13:43,573 --> 00:13:46,825 but last of white is 6.07. 281 00:13:46,826 --> 00:13:49,371 {\an8}Jessie Van Niekerk moving up to first place. 282 00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:53,250 You made it. 283 00:13:54,876 --> 00:13:56,002 What a relief. 284 00:13:56,753 --> 00:13:58,087 Sign up again. 285 00:13:58,088 --> 00:14:01,507 I managed to jump up to first right, like, after the buzzer went. 286 00:14:01,508 --> 00:14:04,260 [Ian] That was a game for one. 287 00:14:04,261 --> 00:14:05,594 Unbelievable. 288 00:14:05,595 --> 00:14:07,846 Mom's freaking out right now. 289 00:14:07,847 --> 00:14:09,181 -Yeah! -[Ian laughs] 290 00:14:09,182 --> 00:14:11,225 This is actually my first win on the challenges. 291 00:14:11,226 --> 00:14:12,935 -What's your name? -Oscar. 292 00:14:12,936 --> 00:14:15,813 Oscar. Nice to meet you. I'm Jessie. 293 00:14:15,814 --> 00:14:19,191 Hopefully, I can get some more heats going. 294 00:14:19,192 --> 00:14:22,152 [Tasha] Ēwe Wong in blue, the Hawaiian in second. 295 00:14:22,153 --> 00:14:23,779 {\an8}[Ēwelei'ula] I made my heat. 296 00:14:23,780 --> 00:14:28,867 {\an8}Really happy about that because the waves are really grimy and small. 297 00:14:28,868 --> 00:14:31,412 I'm really excited for round two. 298 00:14:31,413 --> 00:14:34,958 Winning my first heat helps calm my nerves and makes me less stressed. 299 00:14:37,794 --> 00:14:39,629 [upbeat pop music playing] 300 00:14:45,802 --> 00:14:48,013 It was a short one for Sophia Medina. 301 00:14:51,308 --> 00:14:52,683 [announcer 1] Medina again. 302 00:14:52,684 --> 00:14:54,644 That was nice, using the rail. 303 00:14:55,270 --> 00:14:58,480 Giving it some back-foot welly and get some nice release as well. 304 00:14:58,481 --> 00:15:01,400 [announcer 2] Really cool to see. She's coming into her own, 305 00:15:01,401 --> 00:15:04,028 and she doesn't really draw any comparisons to her brother. 306 00:15:04,029 --> 00:15:05,321 It's her own unique style. 307 00:15:05,322 --> 00:15:07,823 [announcer 3] Yeah, they surf really different, don't they? 308 00:15:07,824 --> 00:15:10,410 {\an8}[announcer 1] Sophia Medina with the lead right now. 309 00:15:11,286 --> 00:15:12,995 Oh! Beautiful turn there. 310 00:15:12,996 --> 00:15:15,581 Flaring the tail out for Sophia Medina. 311 00:15:15,582 --> 00:15:17,584 [horn blows] 312 00:15:19,044 --> 00:15:22,421 {\an8}She never really looked to have her feathers ruffled at all in that heat. 313 00:15:22,422 --> 00:15:25,966 {\an8}She just looked confident pretty much throughout. 314 00:15:25,967 --> 00:15:30,095 {\an8}[Sophia] I could see that the judges really like powerful maneuvers. 315 00:15:30,096 --> 00:15:33,599 I got a set, and I only did one turn, and it was a good score. 316 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:35,809 So now I'm going to the second round, 317 00:15:35,810 --> 00:15:38,604 just like trying to keep the momentum going. 318 00:15:38,605 --> 00:15:41,566 And I'm just feeling confident for my heat. 319 00:15:45,487 --> 00:15:48,322 I'm gonna FaceTime Mom. I'm sure they were watching. 320 00:15:48,323 --> 00:15:50,949 It's nice to know my mom's always watching my heats 321 00:15:50,950 --> 00:15:52,743 on the WSL live broadcast. 322 00:15:52,744 --> 00:15:54,495 She makes me feel confident 323 00:15:54,496 --> 00:15:57,165 and she keeps me on track. 324 00:15:57,749 --> 00:15:59,209 Hi, Mom. 325 00:16:00,043 --> 00:16:01,251 Oh, I like your sweater. 326 00:16:01,252 --> 00:16:02,920 Thanks. It's freezing. 327 00:16:02,921 --> 00:16:05,005 Good job. That was just tough. 328 00:16:05,006 --> 00:16:08,050 {\an8}You stayed busy, you got a ready start, caught plenty of waves. 329 00:16:08,051 --> 00:16:09,593 Caught a lot of waves 330 00:16:09,594 --> 00:16:13,223 What's your thinking based upon this heat or the next heat? 331 00:16:14,015 --> 00:16:17,226 Staying busy paid off, so I'll probably keep doing that 332 00:16:17,227 --> 00:16:18,895 if the conditions stay the same. 333 00:16:20,063 --> 00:16:21,689 I mean, this heat, 334 00:16:21,690 --> 00:16:24,775 the girl who's staying the most busy is getting the best scores. 335 00:16:24,776 --> 00:16:25,859 -So... -Okay. 336 00:16:25,860 --> 00:16:28,404 Well, just wanted to give you a call after my heat. 337 00:16:28,405 --> 00:16:29,780 [muffled speech over phone] 338 00:16:29,781 --> 00:16:32,491 {\an8}-Daddy says, "Good job." -Thanks, Dad. 339 00:16:32,492 --> 00:16:35,285 {\an8}-Okay, love you, sweetheart. -Okay, love you too. 340 00:16:35,286 --> 00:16:36,621 -Bye. -Bye. 341 00:16:38,665 --> 00:16:41,000 [upbeat pop music playing] 342 00:16:47,257 --> 00:16:48,882 [food sizzling] 343 00:16:48,883 --> 00:16:52,553 [Charles, in Portuguese] When the meat is defrosted quickly, it's more tender. 344 00:16:52,554 --> 00:16:53,721 [laughs] 345 00:16:53,722 --> 00:16:55,347 -Really? -Yeah. 346 00:16:55,348 --> 00:16:56,849 [sizzling] 347 00:16:56,850 --> 00:17:00,769 [in English] He always cooks chicken every competition. 348 00:17:00,770 --> 00:17:03,188 He's known... Like, on the tour, 349 00:17:03,189 --> 00:17:05,525 he's known for cooking chicken and rice. 350 00:17:08,862 --> 00:17:11,280 [in Portuguese] It's always nice to travel with you. 351 00:17:11,281 --> 00:17:13,365 It's great to be on the road with you. 352 00:17:13,366 --> 00:17:15,159 Not every dad gets that privilege. 353 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:17,161 [Sophia, in Portuguese] I feel like you're more of a dad 354 00:17:17,162 --> 00:17:18,996 than a coach most of the time. 355 00:17:18,997 --> 00:17:20,581 You balance it well. 356 00:17:20,582 --> 00:17:22,375 [both laugh] 357 00:17:23,710 --> 00:17:25,043 [in Portuguese] I am Sophia Medina. 358 00:17:25,044 --> 00:17:27,671 I am 19 years old and I'm from Brazil. 359 00:17:27,672 --> 00:17:30,007 [in English] This is my third year on the Challenger. 360 00:17:30,008 --> 00:17:32,801 Growing up, most of the people in the water... 361 00:17:32,802 --> 00:17:33,802 weren't girls. 362 00:17:33,803 --> 00:17:36,430 It would just be me. And even, like, my wet suit, 363 00:17:36,431 --> 00:17:38,682 was, like, a boy's wet suit. 364 00:17:38,683 --> 00:17:42,144 The moment I knew I wanted to a professional surfer 365 00:17:42,145 --> 00:17:45,440 was when I was ten and I did my first competition 366 00:17:46,149 --> 00:17:47,816 And then I lost. 367 00:17:47,817 --> 00:17:49,985 So that was kind of like, 368 00:17:49,986 --> 00:17:51,695 I don't like losing this. 369 00:17:51,696 --> 00:17:53,405 Like, I want to win a contest. 370 00:17:53,406 --> 00:17:55,032 Since that time, 371 00:17:55,033 --> 00:17:56,992 something changed in my mind. 372 00:17:56,993 --> 00:17:59,244 I was like, I really want to, like, 373 00:17:59,245 --> 00:18:01,205 put everything I have in this. 374 00:18:01,206 --> 00:18:02,290 Hello! 375 00:18:05,835 --> 00:18:09,171 I want to be the first Brazilian female world champion. 376 00:18:09,172 --> 00:18:11,423 My dad now is my coach. 377 00:18:11,424 --> 00:18:15,177 He's an amazing dad and, like, he really supports me. 378 00:18:15,178 --> 00:18:16,929 He's like a best friend, really. 379 00:18:16,930 --> 00:18:18,514 The oldest brother, Gabriel, 380 00:18:18,515 --> 00:18:20,641 is a professional surfer as well. 381 00:18:20,642 --> 00:18:25,729 Since I was little, I used to watch him surfing and winning contests. 382 00:18:25,730 --> 00:18:29,691 He was the first Brazilian to become a world champion. 383 00:18:29,692 --> 00:18:32,778 I always wanted to just not be in his shadow. 384 00:18:32,779 --> 00:18:34,696 I want to write my own history. 385 00:18:34,697 --> 00:18:36,281 Sophia's a real athlete. 386 00:18:36,282 --> 00:18:39,284 She's got the genes. She's got this raw talent. 387 00:18:39,285 --> 00:18:42,287 If Sophia doesn't qualify for the CT this year, it's gonna come soon. 388 00:18:42,288 --> 00:18:43,747 I can see it. 389 00:18:43,748 --> 00:18:47,125 [Sophia] This year, I decided to not compete the QS regionals events. 390 00:18:47,126 --> 00:18:50,128 For me, it's a big risk because on the Challenger Series, 391 00:18:50,129 --> 00:18:52,506 if I don't make it to the top rankings, 392 00:18:52,507 --> 00:18:54,842 if you're not on the top ten, 393 00:18:54,843 --> 00:18:56,468 I will have to do it all again. 394 00:18:56,469 --> 00:18:58,971 And I've never been on the top rankings, 395 00:18:58,972 --> 00:19:00,722 so that's a big risk. 396 00:19:00,723 --> 00:19:02,349 But I feel like I belong here. 397 00:19:02,350 --> 00:19:05,395 I really have faith if I work hard, I will get there. 398 00:19:11,860 --> 00:19:13,193 [Jessie] Let's call Mom. 399 00:19:13,194 --> 00:19:15,571 She's been waiting to hear from us. 400 00:19:15,572 --> 00:19:17,031 [exhales] 401 00:19:18,491 --> 00:19:20,367 -Hi, Mom. -Hello. 402 00:19:20,368 --> 00:19:21,952 -So... -I have to tell you, 403 00:19:21,953 --> 00:19:24,371 your sunshine and palm tree... 404 00:19:24,372 --> 00:19:26,498 -In the backyard. -Ballito's pretty good. 405 00:19:26,499 --> 00:19:28,918 This is the best place for an event in winter. 406 00:19:29,627 --> 00:19:31,503 [Ian] So, number one, we are well. 407 00:19:31,504 --> 00:19:33,589 Um, Jess... 408 00:19:33,590 --> 00:19:35,425 Sorry, we need money. We need cash. 409 00:19:36,384 --> 00:19:37,802 [both laugh] 410 00:19:38,595 --> 00:19:40,345 -Flying on fumes. -Yes. 411 00:19:40,346 --> 00:19:43,974 Fortunately, there's breakfast at the accommodation in the mornings. 412 00:19:43,975 --> 00:19:46,143 That's actually our main meal. 413 00:19:46,144 --> 00:19:48,729 And we have the biggest breakfast they can cook us. 414 00:19:48,730 --> 00:19:52,441 Yeah, well, don't stress. Listen, I will send $200 tonight. 415 00:19:52,442 --> 00:19:54,818 -[Ian] Two hundred dollars? -[Jessie] Thank you. 416 00:19:54,819 --> 00:19:55,777 [Ian] Yeah. 417 00:19:55,778 --> 00:19:58,113 Everyone has obviously got major expenses. 418 00:19:58,114 --> 00:19:59,990 Traveling on tour is expensive. 419 00:19:59,991 --> 00:20:02,075 When you qualify for the Challenger events, 420 00:20:02,076 --> 00:20:04,578 you do earn prize money per round. 421 00:20:04,579 --> 00:20:07,080 And each round it probably doubles, roughly. 422 00:20:07,081 --> 00:20:10,000 So I put pressure on myself to get good results. 423 00:20:10,001 --> 00:20:12,336 I need the prize money to continue to do this. 424 00:20:12,337 --> 00:20:17,925 Some of my QS prize money came through for the local camp, 425 00:20:17,926 --> 00:20:19,177 so I'll book some... 426 00:20:19,719 --> 00:20:22,346 South African local flights to get us to the airport. 427 00:20:22,347 --> 00:20:24,473 And we've already booked our flights onto the US. 428 00:20:24,474 --> 00:20:28,685 Yes, just don't book the flight back to France and then Portugal. 429 00:20:28,686 --> 00:20:30,771 Jess, will that come out of your Ballito money? 430 00:20:30,772 --> 00:20:33,231 [Jessie] Yes. I wish we could fly you out, 431 00:20:33,232 --> 00:20:34,858 I wish we could buy you your... 432 00:20:34,859 --> 00:20:37,527 So, that's the whole deal, is we need to try and get you out here 433 00:20:37,528 --> 00:20:39,613 on tour with Jess. 434 00:20:39,614 --> 00:20:42,240 And sooner rather than later, because... 435 00:20:42,241 --> 00:20:45,327 [Jessie] We are but incomplete. We're struggling without you. 436 00:20:45,328 --> 00:20:46,995 -[Ian] Severely. -You're missed. 437 00:20:46,996 --> 00:20:49,247 You're very missed by everyone. 438 00:20:49,248 --> 00:20:52,417 It would be amazing if you can come back between the US. 439 00:20:52,418 --> 00:20:54,878 Otherwise, you know, 12 months a long time. 440 00:20:54,879 --> 00:20:57,130 -[Ian] Yeah. -So, love you. 441 00:20:57,131 --> 00:20:59,132 -I'll send you that money. -[Jessie] Awesome. 442 00:20:59,133 --> 00:21:00,842 I love you very much. 443 00:21:00,843 --> 00:21:02,552 Speak to you. Speak to you soon. 444 00:21:02,553 --> 00:21:03,553 -Bye. -Bye. 445 00:21:03,554 --> 00:21:04,806 [Jessie] Bye. 446 00:21:07,266 --> 00:21:10,478 {\an8}[announcer] It's on. Women's round of 32 surfing. 447 00:21:11,020 --> 00:21:12,020 {\an8}[horn blows] 448 00:21:12,021 --> 00:21:13,313 {\an8}[Tasha] It's game on. 449 00:21:13,314 --> 00:21:15,649 {\an8}[announcer] There goes the South African Jessie Van Niekerk. 450 00:21:15,650 --> 00:21:17,860 [Tasha] Yeah, nice turn from Jessie. 451 00:21:19,112 --> 00:21:22,531 [announcer] Lovely pace to the combination for Isabella Nichols. 452 00:21:22,532 --> 00:21:24,826 She's just surfing to the conditions on hand. 453 00:21:25,535 --> 00:21:28,704 South African Jessie Van Niekerk, maybe a little bit of urgency. 454 00:21:28,705 --> 00:21:30,831 Now needs to get the heat moving forward. 455 00:21:30,832 --> 00:21:34,585 They all seem to be struggling a little with the line up this morning. 456 00:21:35,169 --> 00:21:37,547 It's very important for Jess to make her round. 457 00:21:38,131 --> 00:21:40,048 It will do her very, very good to know 458 00:21:40,049 --> 00:21:42,467 that she can actually beat some of the big names. 459 00:21:42,468 --> 00:21:45,137 [announcer] Jessie Van Niekerk will have to find 460 00:21:45,138 --> 00:21:46,972 close to the best wave of the heat, 461 00:21:46,973 --> 00:21:48,975 reaching her requirements of 5.97. 462 00:21:53,229 --> 00:21:56,314 Oh, the South African will not find the number on that. 463 00:21:56,315 --> 00:21:58,109 Back to the drawing board. 464 00:21:59,736 --> 00:22:01,445 [horn blows] 465 00:22:01,446 --> 00:22:06,116 {\an8}Perhaps not the answer to her requirements of the 5.97. 466 00:22:06,117 --> 00:22:08,119 [dramatic music playing] 467 00:22:11,414 --> 00:22:14,458 I think I got a bit too selective in the second half. 468 00:22:14,459 --> 00:22:16,543 Just turn around and look at that wave. 469 00:22:16,544 --> 00:22:19,797 That wave there is giving the two or three turns. 470 00:22:20,590 --> 00:22:22,174 You were just missing them. 471 00:22:22,175 --> 00:22:26,220 The smaller waves you need to try and go, but go hard. 472 00:22:26,888 --> 00:22:28,388 Yeah. 473 00:22:28,389 --> 00:22:30,516 [waves crashing] 474 00:22:37,065 --> 00:22:39,357 {\an8}[Francisca] I skipped the round of 48 this time 475 00:22:39,358 --> 00:22:42,444 {\an8}because I finished 12th in the Challenger Series last year, 476 00:22:42,445 --> 00:22:45,906 {\an8}and if you're ranked high enough, you get to skip the first round. 477 00:22:45,907 --> 00:22:49,067 [in Portuguese] They were all breaking that way, but they have moved back again. 478 00:22:49,911 --> 00:22:52,663 [in Portuguese] What about the intermediate waves in this set? 479 00:22:53,331 --> 00:22:57,167 You like staying active, so let's keep it active. 480 00:22:57,168 --> 00:22:58,919 [Francisca, in English] I have a surfing coach. 481 00:22:58,920 --> 00:23:00,337 His name is Rodrigo Sousa. 482 00:23:00,338 --> 00:23:03,465 We've known each other since I started surfing, 483 00:23:03,466 --> 00:23:05,092 when I was seven years old. 484 00:23:05,093 --> 00:23:09,387 As a coach, he always kind of did the father part too, in a way, 485 00:23:09,388 --> 00:23:12,891 because when I was nine years old, my parents divorced 486 00:23:12,892 --> 00:23:14,810 and my dad went back to the US, 487 00:23:14,811 --> 00:23:17,187 and I stayed in Portugal with my mom. 488 00:23:17,188 --> 00:23:18,730 He's more than a coach for me. 489 00:23:18,731 --> 00:23:21,108 I want to win the event. I need good results. 490 00:23:21,109 --> 00:23:25,779 And if I want to be on tour, these four events are really important, 491 00:23:25,780 --> 00:23:27,364 {\an8}and I need the points. 492 00:23:27,365 --> 00:23:29,491 {\an8}[announcer 1] And a big heat coming your way. 493 00:23:29,492 --> 00:23:30,408 {\an8}Let's go. 494 00:23:30,409 --> 00:23:32,577 {\an8}[announcer 2] There goes the World Junior Champion, 495 00:23:32,578 --> 00:23:34,996 {\an8}Lisbon's Francisca Veselko. 496 00:23:34,997 --> 00:23:37,415 Nice two-ten combo from her. 497 00:23:37,416 --> 00:23:38,875 It's a good start. 498 00:23:38,876 --> 00:23:42,130 You want to start strong, and, you know, the last turn was really strong. 499 00:23:45,341 --> 00:23:48,844 [announcer 1] Nice tight pivot on the first turn for Leilani McGonagle. 500 00:23:48,845 --> 00:23:51,138 She sets the pace for the heat now, 501 00:23:51,139 --> 00:23:52,848 with quite a bit of time still left. 502 00:23:52,849 --> 00:23:56,434 Young Portuguese surfer. Nice, strong surfing. 503 00:23:56,435 --> 00:23:59,437 [announcer 2] Unfortunately, she'll go down. 504 00:23:59,438 --> 00:24:01,022 Let's go. Come on. 505 00:24:01,023 --> 00:24:04,442 [announcer 1] This is an important wave for young Francisca Veselko. 506 00:24:04,443 --> 00:24:06,028 [announcer 2] What's she got here? 507 00:24:09,699 --> 00:24:13,160 [announcer 1] Sweet turn combo for the young Portuguese surfer. 508 00:24:13,161 --> 00:24:15,413 It's game on with 3:20 on the clock. 509 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:18,456 [man on loudspeaker] Okay, so Francisca Veselko, 510 00:24:18,457 --> 00:24:20,126 there is a score dropping in. 511 00:24:22,253 --> 00:24:23,671 [Rodrigo] Taking so long. 512 00:24:24,797 --> 00:24:26,047 It's bad for the heart. 513 00:24:26,048 --> 00:24:29,259 {\an8}[man] The loss of blue dropping in at a 7.83 514 00:24:29,260 --> 00:24:30,760 Yeah! 515 00:24:30,761 --> 00:24:32,095 A 7.83. 516 00:24:32,096 --> 00:24:34,890 So, surfers, we have a situation change. 517 00:24:34,891 --> 00:24:36,308 Blue now in the lead. 518 00:24:36,309 --> 00:24:37,893 Red, you are in second. 519 00:24:37,894 --> 00:24:41,731 Red to go, looking for a 6.74. 520 00:24:42,940 --> 00:24:45,650 [announcer 1] Just one snap opportunity there 521 00:24:45,651 --> 00:24:49,237 [man on loudspeaker] We're counting down, in four, three, two... 522 00:24:49,238 --> 00:24:50,363 [in Portuguese] Let's go! 523 00:24:50,364 --> 00:24:51,782 [horn blows] 524 00:24:52,867 --> 00:24:55,160 {\an8}Yeah! Needed this. 525 00:24:55,161 --> 00:24:57,662 {\an8}[announcer 1] Quite a performance from the young surfer 526 00:24:57,663 --> 00:24:59,122 {\an8}from Lisbon, Portugal. 527 00:24:59,123 --> 00:25:02,167 {\an8}Francisca Veselko, watch for the future for this young lady. 528 00:25:02,168 --> 00:25:03,460 [in Portuguese] I was really nervous. 529 00:25:03,461 --> 00:25:05,713 [in Portuguese] We're here, we accomplished so much! 530 00:25:06,839 --> 00:25:08,132 Good one. 531 00:25:08,883 --> 00:25:11,092 [Tasha, in English] Wow. So, exciting heat. 532 00:25:11,093 --> 00:25:14,930 {\an8}It was surfer in blue taking the win. 533 00:25:14,931 --> 00:25:17,557 {\an8}[Francisca] On the first year of the Challenger Series, 534 00:25:17,558 --> 00:25:19,226 I don't even think I made one heat. 535 00:25:19,227 --> 00:25:22,479 I just felt nervous and just getting it a lot in my head. 536 00:25:22,480 --> 00:25:24,481 I've improved a lot since then. 537 00:25:24,482 --> 00:25:27,902 Mentally, I feel strong, so bring it on. 538 00:25:29,278 --> 00:25:31,239 [rock music playing] 539 00:25:49,632 --> 00:25:53,218 This event is really important because although I felt really good 540 00:25:53,219 --> 00:25:56,513 about my first events, the results weren't great. 541 00:25:56,514 --> 00:25:59,099 So if I do want to move up in the rankings, 542 00:25:59,100 --> 00:26:01,393 like, I have to start doing well now. 543 00:26:01,394 --> 00:26:02,728 {\an8}[horn blows] 544 00:26:04,563 --> 00:26:06,232 {\an8}[announcer 1] Here goes Wong. 545 00:26:06,899 --> 00:26:08,733 Nice turn. 546 00:26:08,734 --> 00:26:11,946 Ēwe exchanges. Sort of quick wave. A decent one, cut the turns. 547 00:26:13,823 --> 00:26:18,744 Fierro is in rhythm from her nice wall in front of her. 548 00:26:20,288 --> 00:26:21,998 [announcer 2] Ēwe's second wave. 549 00:26:23,416 --> 00:26:26,376 Medium-sized wave. Two nice turns. Good control. 550 00:26:26,377 --> 00:26:29,212 [announcer 1] Riding under the second one. Got some foam on. 551 00:26:29,213 --> 00:26:31,589 She does pretty well just to add a little extra to that. 552 00:26:31,590 --> 00:26:34,135 Well, a little spicy there, huh? 553 00:26:36,304 --> 00:26:38,097 [announcer 1] Meanwhile, Etxabarri. 554 00:26:38,889 --> 00:26:40,391 And that's a bit better from her. 555 00:26:41,267 --> 00:26:43,101 5.93, and jumps up to second. 556 00:26:43,102 --> 00:26:44,978 Wong now in a little bit of trouble. 557 00:26:44,979 --> 00:26:46,688 They're chasing the number, 5.81. 558 00:26:46,689 --> 00:26:49,107 She just needs a little more of an improvement. 559 00:26:49,108 --> 00:26:50,650 This will be Etxabarri here. 560 00:26:50,651 --> 00:26:53,737 She got under control the lineup now. 561 00:26:53,738 --> 00:26:58,117 Particularly control Ēwe Wong. They'll be chasing her down on the 5.81. 562 00:26:58,784 --> 00:27:00,661 As we get to the end of the clock. 563 00:27:02,246 --> 00:27:04,040 [horn blows] 564 00:27:05,541 --> 00:27:06,875 {\an8}Ugh! Damn. 565 00:27:06,876 --> 00:27:09,836 {\an8}[Ēwelei'ula] I'm hard on myself when I lose. 566 00:27:09,837 --> 00:27:12,715 {\an8}I haven't really met any of my expectations. 567 00:27:13,674 --> 00:27:16,301 The biggest challenge that I've faced this year 568 00:27:16,302 --> 00:27:18,012 is just getting out of my own head. 569 00:27:22,266 --> 00:27:24,684 [announcer 1] Here in beautiful Ballito. 570 00:27:24,685 --> 00:27:26,186 It's the round of 32, heat 4. 571 00:27:26,187 --> 00:27:28,563 And here comes Erin Brooks, Zoe Benedetto, 572 00:27:28,564 --> 00:27:31,733 {\an8}Sophia Medina and Minami Nonaka. 573 00:27:31,734 --> 00:27:32,943 {\an8}[horn blows] 574 00:27:34,236 --> 00:27:36,322 {\an8}Sophia Medina off to a quick start. 575 00:27:42,036 --> 00:27:43,620 Zoe Benedetto. 576 00:27:43,621 --> 00:27:45,414 Nice snap for her. 577 00:27:46,791 --> 00:27:48,541 Sophia Medina is in the lead. 578 00:27:48,542 --> 00:27:50,503 Nice big open turn. 579 00:27:52,213 --> 00:27:56,174 She has showed remarkable steps in improving over the last 18 months. 580 00:27:56,175 --> 00:27:58,301 [Tasha] Sophia has been working on her "A" game, 581 00:27:58,302 --> 00:27:59,928 like going to the wave systems 582 00:27:59,929 --> 00:28:02,972 and really trying to figure out that element of her surfing. 583 00:28:02,973 --> 00:28:05,308 [announcer 1] Two-ten combo for Sophia Medina. 584 00:28:05,309 --> 00:28:06,309 Ten minutes to go. 585 00:28:08,104 --> 00:28:12,108 Nonaka, nice and sound fundamentals to that lip line. 586 00:28:12,775 --> 00:28:14,234 We see a new heat leader now. 587 00:28:14,235 --> 00:28:15,653 Slipping under five minutes. 588 00:28:17,988 --> 00:28:20,698 Sophia Medina will just climb up into the lip. 589 00:28:20,699 --> 00:28:23,411 Just keeping that scorecard turning over. 590 00:28:24,745 --> 00:28:27,163 -[horn blowing] -Two surfers advance. 591 00:28:27,164 --> 00:28:29,374 Medina, second place position. 592 00:28:29,375 --> 00:28:31,501 Onto the round of 16. 593 00:28:31,502 --> 00:28:33,254 {\an8}[uplifting pop music playing] 594 00:28:37,007 --> 00:28:39,884 -[in Portuguese] I didn't think I'd do it! -[in Portuguese] You were in first place. 595 00:28:39,885 --> 00:28:41,594 I hit the water and I thought, "Damn it!" 596 00:28:41,595 --> 00:28:43,012 No, you passed! 597 00:28:43,013 --> 00:28:43,930 Ah! 598 00:28:43,931 --> 00:28:46,224 [Sophia, in English] I'm just glad to make it through. 599 00:28:46,225 --> 00:28:48,393 It was a tough heat, but we made it. 600 00:28:48,394 --> 00:28:50,271 So on to the next round. 601 00:28:54,108 --> 00:28:56,026 [chirping] 602 00:28:59,447 --> 00:29:01,364 -Daughter. -Mother. 603 00:29:01,365 --> 00:29:02,574 Is it going to be fun? 604 00:29:02,575 --> 00:29:04,576 [Ēwelei'ula] My mom is really helpful. 605 00:29:04,577 --> 00:29:07,620 I call my mom every day, and she talks me through things. 606 00:29:07,621 --> 00:29:09,372 So. [sighs] 607 00:29:09,373 --> 00:29:10,832 Thoughts? 608 00:29:10,833 --> 00:29:12,625 What are your thoughts? 609 00:29:12,626 --> 00:29:14,586 You got the first wave. Excellent. 610 00:29:14,587 --> 00:29:18,756 You need to carry that early start momentum through the whole heat. 611 00:29:18,757 --> 00:29:22,552 But you handled yourself with composure. 612 00:29:22,553 --> 00:29:25,473 You didn't seem particularly nervous. 613 00:29:26,265 --> 00:29:29,934 All the things that kind of were in the hang-ups of last year. 614 00:29:29,935 --> 00:29:33,188 -Yeah. -And I think that's, like, a positive 615 00:29:33,189 --> 00:29:35,858 move in a good direction. 616 00:29:37,234 --> 00:29:38,568 It's a learning process. 617 00:29:38,569 --> 00:29:41,738 It's not any kind of indication on your talent. 618 00:29:41,739 --> 00:29:44,574 But you definitely have things that you have to work on, 619 00:29:44,575 --> 00:29:48,328 and you have to decide whether or not you're willing to work on them. 620 00:29:48,329 --> 00:29:50,121 I mean, what are your takeaways? 621 00:29:50,122 --> 00:29:51,998 My surfing felt good. 622 00:29:51,999 --> 00:29:54,167 Like, I didn't feel disconnected. 623 00:29:54,168 --> 00:29:56,169 But I definitely was playing it safe. 624 00:29:56,170 --> 00:29:58,214 I do have a fear of failure. 625 00:29:58,797 --> 00:30:02,258 Um, I feel like I even go into heats, 626 00:30:02,259 --> 00:30:05,345 like, hoping to not lose and just wanting to make it through. 627 00:30:05,346 --> 00:30:07,597 And I'm not thinking about actually winning, 628 00:30:07,598 --> 00:30:10,308 which is part of the mental game 629 00:30:10,309 --> 00:30:13,938 that comes with being a competitive athlete. 630 00:30:14,438 --> 00:30:18,400 Literally, everybody who watches you surf knows what your talent level is. 631 00:30:19,151 --> 00:30:21,319 It's whether or not you're willing to commit 632 00:30:21,320 --> 00:30:24,447 {\an8}to what it takes to be a competitive surfer. 633 00:30:24,448 --> 00:30:25,908 {\an8}That is in question. 634 00:30:28,577 --> 00:30:30,995 And it's fine if that's not what you want. 635 00:30:30,996 --> 00:30:33,957 Like, if you want to be a free surfer, 636 00:30:33,958 --> 00:30:35,459 I'll back you 100%. 637 00:30:36,252 --> 00:30:40,296 Like, I think you do all the things for the most part necessary 638 00:30:40,297 --> 00:30:42,298 to be the best surfer that you can be. 639 00:30:42,299 --> 00:30:45,051 I don't think you do all the things that are necessary 640 00:30:45,052 --> 00:30:47,220 to be the best competitor that you can be. 641 00:30:47,221 --> 00:30:49,639 Does that seem like a reasonable sort of assessment? 642 00:30:49,640 --> 00:30:51,600 [Ēwelei'ula] Yeah, that is very reasonable. 643 00:30:53,060 --> 00:30:56,646 I see the other competitors and what they're doing 644 00:30:56,647 --> 00:30:59,315 to be the best competitive surfer that they can be, 645 00:30:59,316 --> 00:31:01,025 and I definitely don't do that. 646 00:31:01,026 --> 00:31:04,153 Like, working out, working with a coach, 647 00:31:04,154 --> 00:31:08,491 all that stuff that typically athletes do. 648 00:31:08,492 --> 00:31:12,203 I guess I do fear that if I do put in all the work 649 00:31:12,204 --> 00:31:15,123 that everyone else does, get a coach, 650 00:31:15,124 --> 00:31:17,250 all that stuff and I still don't do well, 651 00:31:17,251 --> 00:31:20,878 I just feel like I would feel even more not great about myself. 652 00:31:20,879 --> 00:31:24,382 You've got three more contests to go. 653 00:31:24,383 --> 00:31:26,926 That's lots of opportunity 654 00:31:26,927 --> 00:31:28,511 if you want to grasp it. 655 00:31:28,512 --> 00:31:29,637 Yes. 656 00:31:29,638 --> 00:31:31,974 I'm excited for those events. 657 00:31:32,850 --> 00:31:35,393 Okay, well, I will talk to you later. 658 00:31:35,394 --> 00:31:38,313 Have fun. Support your friends if they're still in the contest. 659 00:31:38,314 --> 00:31:40,565 -I love you so much. -Love you too. 660 00:31:40,566 --> 00:31:41,816 Bye, Mom. 661 00:31:41,817 --> 00:31:44,486 [dramatic music playing] 662 00:31:46,572 --> 00:31:48,699 [upbeat pop music playing] 663 00:31:52,536 --> 00:31:54,913 -[Sol] It's firing. -[Francisca] Getting bigger. 664 00:31:55,956 --> 00:31:57,540 You guys want to go surf? 665 00:31:57,541 --> 00:31:59,627 -Maybe after this coffee. -Same. 666 00:32:01,754 --> 00:32:05,632 So are you guys really competitive, like even outside the competition? 667 00:32:05,633 --> 00:32:07,217 {\an8}[Francisca] Always. 668 00:32:07,885 --> 00:32:10,637 {\an8}Like, when I was small and I used to play... 669 00:32:10,638 --> 00:32:12,847 Before I started, like, actually surfing, 670 00:32:12,848 --> 00:32:14,849 like, I used to play tennis 671 00:32:14,850 --> 00:32:16,934 {\an8}-Really? -[Francisca] And before tennis, 672 00:32:16,935 --> 00:32:18,770 I was also, like, in karate. 673 00:32:18,771 --> 00:32:20,605 And I was so competitive. 674 00:32:20,606 --> 00:32:23,316 Like, I have videos of me, like in the karate. 675 00:32:23,317 --> 00:32:25,902 We were just warming up and I was running 676 00:32:25,903 --> 00:32:27,570 trying to be the fastest one. 677 00:32:27,571 --> 00:32:30,073 I'm very competitive, but now I managed 678 00:32:30,074 --> 00:32:32,367 to be a less out of the water 679 00:32:32,368 --> 00:32:33,785 -[Sophia] Yes. -You know? 680 00:32:33,786 --> 00:32:35,953 -[Sophia] You're managing that well. -Yeah. 681 00:32:35,954 --> 00:32:39,165 I never was very competitive, like... 682 00:32:39,166 --> 00:32:42,001 But now I see that I really need to be competitive. 683 00:32:42,002 --> 00:32:43,961 I think it's important to just, like, 684 00:32:43,962 --> 00:32:46,882 now bring that out of the water as well. 685 00:32:47,466 --> 00:32:49,842 Sometimes we surf so much and we compete so much 686 00:32:49,843 --> 00:32:51,636 that you kind of forget, like... 687 00:32:51,637 --> 00:32:53,805 -Why you really want it. -...why you really surf. 688 00:32:53,806 --> 00:32:56,683 Sometimes I'm, like, in the water, like, frustrated. 689 00:32:56,684 --> 00:33:00,311 Or I'm like, I don't want to even be in the water sometimes. 690 00:33:00,312 --> 00:33:03,398 But I'm like, just tired. I'm like, "Ugh, I don't want to..." 691 00:33:03,399 --> 00:33:05,109 I don't want to even surf. 692 00:33:05,776 --> 00:33:09,404 And then I think, like, why am I... Why am I not happy about it 693 00:33:09,405 --> 00:33:12,115 if this is like what I actually love the most? 694 00:33:12,116 --> 00:33:14,617 But then if I go free-surf with my brother, like, 695 00:33:14,618 --> 00:33:16,661 all those feelings, like, come back 696 00:33:16,662 --> 00:33:18,496 like, "Ah, I love surfing." 697 00:33:18,497 --> 00:33:21,082 [Sophia] I think surfing's very much like that 698 00:33:21,083 --> 00:33:25,795 because, like, everyone has doubts and everyone has days that is just, like... 699 00:33:25,796 --> 00:33:30,133 It's not made for me, or, like, those deep thoughts comes. 700 00:33:30,134 --> 00:33:32,009 [Sophia] When you need to do well, 701 00:33:32,010 --> 00:33:34,637 you automatically put pressure on yourself. 702 00:33:34,638 --> 00:33:37,724 And the mental part is very important. 703 00:33:37,725 --> 00:33:40,351 It's the thing that we all struggle with. 704 00:33:40,352 --> 00:33:43,646 -You lose more than you win. -For sure, 100%. 705 00:33:43,647 --> 00:33:46,149 And all the hard work, you're like... You lost and you're like, 706 00:33:46,150 --> 00:33:47,984 "Wow, but I'm doing everything right." 707 00:33:47,985 --> 00:33:50,319 I'm doing... I'm surfing so many hours. 708 00:33:50,320 --> 00:33:51,612 Like, I'm going to the gym. 709 00:33:51,613 --> 00:33:54,949 I'm doing all the things I need to do to be a professional surfer. 710 00:33:54,950 --> 00:33:56,784 And when you lose, it's so painful. 711 00:33:56,785 --> 00:34:00,037 [Sophia] There are a lot of mental obstacles in surfing. 712 00:34:00,038 --> 00:34:03,291 We are all fighting the same battles. 713 00:34:03,292 --> 00:34:05,209 We're all losing or winning. 714 00:34:05,210 --> 00:34:07,296 We're all trying to improve. 715 00:34:07,921 --> 00:34:12,091 I just try to do everything I can to be in a good mindset. 716 00:34:12,092 --> 00:34:14,720 When you win, it's like it's all worth it. 717 00:34:19,850 --> 00:34:24,187 Introducing heat number one, round of 16 for the Women's Division. 718 00:34:24,188 --> 00:34:26,522 [announcer 1] The World Surf League's Challenger Series 719 00:34:26,523 --> 00:34:28,941 gearing up for a day of competition. 720 00:34:28,942 --> 00:34:32,321 This is the round before the quarterfinals. 721 00:34:34,990 --> 00:34:38,868 [Sophia] In this contest, you got to be careful about your choices. 722 00:34:38,869 --> 00:34:40,661 You need also to get waves. 723 00:34:40,662 --> 00:34:44,040 And some people really, like, just wait for so long. 724 00:34:44,041 --> 00:34:46,667 And maybe you won't get that wave you're waiting for 725 00:34:46,668 --> 00:34:48,544 because here is very inconsistent, 726 00:34:48,545 --> 00:34:51,005 and you've got to take any opportunity you have. 727 00:34:51,006 --> 00:34:53,424 [announcer 1] Our first round of 16 heat. 728 00:34:53,425 --> 00:34:55,593 [announcer 2] You've got to have different strategies 729 00:34:55,594 --> 00:34:57,094 {\an8}once you are person on person. 730 00:34:57,095 --> 00:34:59,764 {\an8}You're only focusing on one other athlete. 731 00:34:59,765 --> 00:35:03,309 {\an8}[announcer 1] It's time to get this contest underway for the day. 732 00:35:03,310 --> 00:35:05,853 [announcer 2] It's gonna be a very exciting heat. 733 00:35:05,854 --> 00:35:09,023 Let's have a look at Sierra Kerr, if she could belt anything of her own. 734 00:35:09,024 --> 00:35:10,691 There she goes into the lip. 735 00:35:10,692 --> 00:35:12,736 [suspenseful music playing] 736 00:35:15,989 --> 00:35:18,074 {\an8}Straight back, Sophia Medina. 737 00:35:18,075 --> 00:35:20,410 So both surfers just striking the lip. 738 00:35:25,874 --> 00:35:27,458 Front-foot surfing from her, 739 00:35:27,459 --> 00:35:30,545 and she gets into another quick two-ten combo. 740 00:35:30,546 --> 00:35:33,340 Big smile on her face as well. She's liking that. 741 00:35:34,424 --> 00:35:37,051 [Ēwelei'ula] I think Sophia's a very powerful surfer. 742 00:35:37,052 --> 00:35:39,930 She's getting better at surfing, skill-wise. 743 00:35:40,973 --> 00:35:44,308 I really admire her work ethic and dedication. 744 00:35:44,309 --> 00:35:45,893 [announcer 1] And under priority. 745 00:35:45,894 --> 00:35:48,605 She's just gonna keep that scorecard moving. 746 00:35:49,439 --> 00:35:51,899 And, again, nice, clean combination she's surfing. 747 00:35:51,900 --> 00:35:53,067 Nice and fluid. 748 00:35:53,068 --> 00:35:54,736 Fifteen seconds. 749 00:35:57,823 --> 00:36:01,200 [announcer 1] Young Sierra Kerr will just pack the bags 750 00:36:01,201 --> 00:36:02,743 and just think it's been a... 751 00:36:02,744 --> 00:36:04,954 You can see the visual frustration there. 752 00:36:04,955 --> 00:36:06,748 {\an8}[horn blowing] 753 00:36:07,416 --> 00:36:10,335 {\an8}Sophia Medina on her way to the quarterfinals. 754 00:36:13,297 --> 00:36:15,617 [in Portuguese] I thought she might throw an air, you know? 755 00:36:15,966 --> 00:36:18,301 I was like, "She's going for an air, I gotta stop that!" 756 00:36:18,302 --> 00:36:20,470 [in English] Can they take a photo with you? 757 00:36:21,930 --> 00:36:23,514 You're welcome. 758 00:36:23,515 --> 00:36:25,016 [Sophia] Feels so good. 759 00:36:25,017 --> 00:36:28,686 I just can't believe I've been here, like, for the past three years, 760 00:36:28,687 --> 00:36:32,023 just trying to make the round two, and now I'm in the quarterfinals. 761 00:36:32,024 --> 00:36:33,399 That's an amazing feeling. 762 00:36:33,400 --> 00:36:34,901 I'm going for everything. 763 00:36:34,902 --> 00:36:37,153 Like, you know, it's nothing or everything. 764 00:36:37,154 --> 00:36:39,906 Feels so good to be in the quarterfinals for the first time. 765 00:36:39,907 --> 00:36:41,158 Woo! 766 00:36:46,580 --> 00:36:51,375 [announcer 1] Welcome you to the last heat to decide the quarterfinal, 767 00:36:51,376 --> 00:36:53,419 as we greet you with Francisca Veselko, 768 00:36:53,420 --> 00:36:56,923 the young Portuguese surfer, current World Junior Champion, 769 00:36:56,924 --> 00:36:59,551 taking on rising star Bella Kenworthy. 770 00:37:00,385 --> 00:37:02,105 [in Portuguese] You've been surfing nonstop. 771 00:37:03,013 --> 00:37:05,264 Find your spots, be proactive. 772 00:37:05,265 --> 00:37:09,603 You can't control the rest. Control yourself and let it be. 773 00:37:11,271 --> 00:37:12,688 Be proactive, right? 774 00:37:12,689 --> 00:37:14,358 Let's do this. 775 00:37:16,068 --> 00:37:17,526 {\an8}[horn blows] 776 00:37:17,527 --> 00:37:20,279 {\an8}[announcer 1] This is the final heat of the round of 16, 777 00:37:20,280 --> 00:37:22,198 {\an8}as we cut the field in half. 778 00:37:22,199 --> 00:37:25,493 {\an8}One more surfer to add to the quarterfinals, 779 00:37:25,494 --> 00:37:28,746 {\an8}and the field at the Ballito Pro will be down to eight. 780 00:37:28,747 --> 00:37:32,750 Big section here for Francisca Veselko. 781 00:37:32,751 --> 00:37:34,877 She is leading this one at the moment. 782 00:37:34,878 --> 00:37:36,128 Come on, Kika. 783 00:37:36,129 --> 00:37:38,340 [announcer 1] That's Bella Kenworthy. 784 00:37:39,007 --> 00:37:41,426 And stick to that, nice and strong. 785 00:37:43,804 --> 00:37:45,012 Softer section, 786 00:37:45,013 --> 00:37:48,808 and incomplete for the young Portuguese surfer Francisca Veselko. 787 00:37:48,809 --> 00:37:50,267 It's not a great run. 788 00:37:50,268 --> 00:37:54,815 She just needs to find one section to hit hard and get the seven points. 789 00:37:55,440 --> 00:37:58,442 [announcer 1] Nothing really standing out at us yet in the final heat 790 00:37:58,443 --> 00:38:00,319 before the quarterfinals get underway. 791 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:03,322 [announcer 2] Getting scores is not... because you've got a lot 792 00:38:03,323 --> 00:38:04,825 of these one-maneuver waves. 793 00:38:05,951 --> 00:38:09,121 But that's a little bit of an opportunity lost. 794 00:38:10,038 --> 00:38:12,456 [announcer 1] Number in favor of Bella Kenworthy, 795 00:38:12,457 --> 00:38:14,458 and that exchange brings her into the lead. 796 00:38:14,459 --> 00:38:16,043 Ten and a half on the clock. 797 00:38:16,044 --> 00:38:18,088 Ah, this might be a good one. 798 00:38:20,257 --> 00:38:22,925 [announcer 2] This first... lots of spray off that. 799 00:38:22,926 --> 00:38:24,593 And then a little sniff there, 800 00:38:24,594 --> 00:38:27,805 but a bit indecisive with that oncoming section and what to do. 801 00:38:27,806 --> 00:38:31,225 [announcer 2] Bella Kenworthy looking to hold on to this lead here. 802 00:38:31,226 --> 00:38:34,895 She's certainly trying to nudge her scorecard ahead of herself. 803 00:38:34,896 --> 00:38:36,647 Under 90 seconds remaining. 804 00:38:36,648 --> 00:38:39,066 [announcer 1] Can the young Portuguese surfer 805 00:38:39,067 --> 00:38:41,027 find the opportunity for the number? 806 00:38:41,028 --> 00:38:43,946 A bump approaches, but the clock is on the countdown. 807 00:38:43,947 --> 00:38:47,241 It looks like the clock may just beat the opportunity 808 00:38:47,242 --> 00:38:50,036 for Francesca Veselko to find another ride. 809 00:38:50,037 --> 00:38:52,581 -[horn blows] -And that is gonna be the story. 810 00:38:53,415 --> 00:38:54,707 [sighs] 811 00:38:54,708 --> 00:38:57,711 So... so unfortunate. 812 00:39:00,839 --> 00:39:03,466 [in Portuguese] I tried to pick up speed with the closeout wave. 813 00:39:03,467 --> 00:39:04,801 Be proud. 814 00:39:07,054 --> 00:39:09,389 It wasn't there. 815 00:39:10,182 --> 00:39:11,808 Look ahead. 816 00:39:13,518 --> 00:39:17,229 [Francisca, in English] It's tough. This is my third year on the Challenger. 817 00:39:17,230 --> 00:39:20,608 It's a learning process, but maybe I'm just getting ahead of myself 818 00:39:20,609 --> 00:39:22,526 and I just want to qualify so bad. 819 00:39:22,527 --> 00:39:24,612 And it's hard like... 820 00:39:24,613 --> 00:39:26,865 not having the results. 821 00:39:27,532 --> 00:39:29,159 I don't know how to explain it. 822 00:39:32,954 --> 00:39:34,998 [upbeat pop music playing] 823 00:39:41,254 --> 00:39:43,590 Let's call big brother. 824 00:39:44,633 --> 00:39:45,833 [in Portuguese] Let's call Bi. 825 00:39:47,928 --> 00:39:50,514 -Hey, Bi! -What's up, little one? 826 00:39:51,389 --> 00:39:52,598 [laughs] 827 00:39:52,599 --> 00:39:54,433 {\an8}Were you sleeping? 828 00:39:54,434 --> 00:39:55,768 {\an8}Uh, no. 829 00:39:55,769 --> 00:39:57,186 [both laugh] 830 00:39:57,187 --> 00:39:58,687 [Gabriel chuckles] 831 00:39:58,688 --> 00:40:00,564 [in English] Good job. You made a heat. 832 00:40:00,565 --> 00:40:03,943 -Thank you. -Tomorrow, you're gonna make again. 833 00:40:03,944 --> 00:40:05,736 Hopefully, the waves are better. 834 00:40:05,737 --> 00:40:07,196 [Sophia] Yes, hopefully. 835 00:40:07,197 --> 00:40:11,993 It was so nice because, this heat, I waited for the right wave. 836 00:40:14,037 --> 00:40:16,038 That's... That's a good sign. 837 00:40:16,039 --> 00:40:18,165 -[Charles laughs] -Yeah. 838 00:40:18,166 --> 00:40:20,709 -Let's try to improve. -[Sophia] Yes. 839 00:40:20,710 --> 00:40:24,255 If I could ask you one advice 840 00:40:24,256 --> 00:40:26,675 you would give me here for my next heat. 841 00:40:27,759 --> 00:40:29,343 Yeah, follow your heart 842 00:40:29,344 --> 00:40:31,929 and enjoy your time in the water. 843 00:40:31,930 --> 00:40:33,640 Surf is so fun, and you love it. 844 00:40:34,683 --> 00:40:38,894 Uh, you know Dad is there on the beach. 845 00:40:38,895 --> 00:40:40,312 -Yes. -Go surf for him. 846 00:40:40,313 --> 00:40:43,065 [Sophia] Yes. I'll do that. 847 00:40:43,066 --> 00:40:46,402 Tomorrow, I'm gonna be rooting for you here. 848 00:40:46,403 --> 00:40:48,362 Thank you, my brother. 849 00:40:48,363 --> 00:40:49,738 [Charles, in Portuguese] Kisses Bi, I love you! 850 00:40:49,739 --> 00:40:51,031 I'll sleep some more. 851 00:40:51,032 --> 00:40:53,493 -[Sophia] Always sleeping. -Love you guys! Smash it, okay? 852 00:40:53,618 --> 00:40:55,202 [Sophia] Love you so much, Bi! 853 00:40:55,203 --> 00:40:56,829 [Gabriel] I love you too. Take care. 854 00:40:56,830 --> 00:40:58,415 -[Sophia] Love you too. -I love you! 855 00:41:01,001 --> 00:41:02,586 [Sophia, in English] Oh, I miss him. 856 00:41:03,587 --> 00:41:07,506 [in Portuguese] Talking to Mom and Bi is hard because now I miss them even more. 857 00:41:07,507 --> 00:41:09,926 [in English] You miss more when you speak more. 858 00:41:10,802 --> 00:41:12,845 -It's real, yeah. -But we have each other. 859 00:41:12,846 --> 00:41:13,929 Yeah. 860 00:41:13,930 --> 00:41:15,807 Sacrifices we make. 861 00:41:16,558 --> 00:41:18,518 -Very good. -Yeah, we're here. 862 00:41:19,936 --> 00:41:21,938 -Let's make it worth it. -Yeah. 863 00:41:27,360 --> 00:41:30,654 [announcer 1] Welcome to quarterfinals stage of competition. 864 00:41:30,655 --> 00:41:34,451 Eight ladies remain in these surfer-on-surfer heats. 865 00:41:35,118 --> 00:41:36,493 [Sophia] Today's a big day. 866 00:41:36,494 --> 00:41:38,787 I haven't been to quarterfinals yet. 867 00:41:38,788 --> 00:41:40,331 I've come this far. 868 00:41:40,332 --> 00:41:43,334 Quarterfinals, it's a really good spot to be. 869 00:41:43,335 --> 00:41:46,712 My strategy is just focusing and believing 870 00:41:46,713 --> 00:41:48,339 that I can adapt 871 00:41:48,340 --> 00:41:50,717 and really improvise out there. 872 00:41:53,261 --> 00:41:56,013 {\an8}[announcer 1] Sophia Medina taking on Ellie Harrison. 873 00:41:56,014 --> 00:41:57,389 {\an8}[horn blows] 874 00:41:57,390 --> 00:41:58,600 {\an8}Here it goes. 875 00:41:59,684 --> 00:42:01,352 {\an8}Yeah, look at this quick start there, Medina. 876 00:42:01,353 --> 00:42:03,647 So, clear statement from her. 877 00:42:04,314 --> 00:42:05,481 Harrison... 878 00:42:05,482 --> 00:42:08,359 [announcer 2] Ellie really utilizing a good bottom turn there. 879 00:42:08,360 --> 00:42:10,611 Putting a lot of board on the rail. 880 00:42:10,612 --> 00:42:13,072 [announcer 1] Medina again off the bottom. 881 00:42:13,073 --> 00:42:14,198 Snaps one. 882 00:42:14,199 --> 00:42:15,532 And pushing hard here. 883 00:42:15,533 --> 00:42:17,159 Another hit off the rail. 884 00:42:17,160 --> 00:42:19,620 Try to get the third turn in and it wasn't really there. 885 00:42:19,621 --> 00:42:21,121 Time check, eight minutes. 886 00:42:21,122 --> 00:42:24,041 [announcer 2] Ellie also this wave, a little bit bigger now. 887 00:42:24,042 --> 00:42:25,751 What's gonna happen on the inside? 888 00:42:25,752 --> 00:42:27,795 Very similar to her last wave. 889 00:42:27,796 --> 00:42:30,381 But that one she just goes up a little bit late. 890 00:42:30,382 --> 00:42:32,174 [announcer 1] Four on the clock. 891 00:42:32,175 --> 00:42:34,344 Medina, nice turn. 892 00:42:35,345 --> 00:42:37,597 Still a tight heat, though. A tight contest. 893 00:42:39,224 --> 00:42:41,642 Harrison having a look at that. 894 00:42:41,643 --> 00:42:43,103 Here she goes. 895 00:42:44,479 --> 00:42:45,939 Nice first turn. 896 00:42:47,148 --> 00:42:50,068 She'll still be chasing Medina now with priority. 897 00:42:51,111 --> 00:42:52,945 Final minute here. Crucial wave. 898 00:42:52,946 --> 00:42:55,072 This one, Medina will take this, and bang. 899 00:42:55,073 --> 00:42:57,075 Drifts a nice turn off the top. 900 00:42:57,742 --> 00:42:59,368 And a smile from her. 901 00:42:59,369 --> 00:43:01,955 I think she's just kind of saying, "What else can I do?" 902 00:43:03,081 --> 00:43:04,916 [horn blows] 903 00:43:05,875 --> 00:43:07,377 {\an8}[upbeat music playing] 904 00:43:09,337 --> 00:43:11,005 {\an8}[indistinct chatter] 905 00:43:11,006 --> 00:43:13,716 Just can't believe I'm in the semifinals of the Challenger Series. 906 00:43:13,717 --> 00:43:16,885 And I take every advice my brother and my Dad give to me. 907 00:43:16,886 --> 00:43:19,013 I tell him, "We're going to do this." 908 00:43:19,014 --> 00:43:22,641 And he's like, "Yes, we are. I know that already. We're doing it." 909 00:43:22,642 --> 00:43:25,436 It's quarterfinals and then semifinals. 910 00:43:25,437 --> 00:43:27,564 And then let's hope for the final. 911 00:43:28,481 --> 00:43:29,816 Whoo! 912 00:43:31,109 --> 00:43:33,278 [upbeat music swelling] 913 00:43:41,911 --> 00:43:44,621 Last year, I came here every single day with my mom. 914 00:43:44,622 --> 00:43:46,707 -Wow. You came with your mom? -Yeah. 915 00:43:46,708 --> 00:43:48,500 Here? You guys had that? 916 00:43:48,501 --> 00:43:50,377 -I had that. -Oh. 917 00:43:50,378 --> 00:43:51,420 So good. 918 00:43:51,421 --> 00:43:53,380 [Ēwelei'ula] I needed this. 919 00:43:53,381 --> 00:43:56,300 I met Sophia, like, six or seven years ago. 920 00:43:56,301 --> 00:43:58,510 She's always been super cool and sweet. 921 00:43:58,511 --> 00:44:00,554 We're very supportive of each other. 922 00:44:00,555 --> 00:44:02,973 It's nice to talk to someone about the struggles 923 00:44:02,974 --> 00:44:05,059 of competing and being on the Challenger. 924 00:44:05,060 --> 00:44:07,311 -So you surfed yesterday? -Yeah. 925 00:44:07,312 --> 00:44:09,480 [Ēwelei'ula] The first heats are the hardest. 926 00:44:09,481 --> 00:44:11,273 After I, like, made it past the... 927 00:44:11,274 --> 00:44:12,900 -Then you're just like... -Yeah. 928 00:44:12,901 --> 00:44:14,610 -I'm like, okay, I'm happy. -Yes. 929 00:44:14,611 --> 00:44:16,362 That is true. You're already satisfied. 930 00:44:16,363 --> 00:44:17,404 -Yeah. -Yes. 931 00:44:17,405 --> 00:44:20,074 Do you have, like, sometimes you have a bad surf 932 00:44:20,075 --> 00:44:21,617 -and you're just like... -Yes. 933 00:44:21,618 --> 00:44:24,954 And it dictates my mood for the rest of the day. 934 00:44:25,747 --> 00:44:27,664 I used to do well with the loss. 935 00:44:27,665 --> 00:44:30,334 Like, I lost. Okay, I'll get better and better. 936 00:44:30,335 --> 00:44:34,838 But then, like, the last couple events that I lost at home, 937 00:44:34,839 --> 00:44:36,507 it was really hard to deal. 938 00:44:36,508 --> 00:44:37,925 Like, I don't know. 939 00:44:37,926 --> 00:44:42,012 Sometimes you're even more experienced, but somehow, the losses are just... 940 00:44:42,013 --> 00:44:43,138 -Really hard. -Yes. 941 00:44:43,139 --> 00:44:45,307 -Especially the regional ones too. -Mm-hmm. 942 00:44:45,308 --> 00:44:46,934 Those 30-minutes heat, 943 00:44:46,935 --> 00:44:49,978 sometimes we think it means that we're like... It means everything. 944 00:44:49,979 --> 00:44:51,605 -Like life or death. -Yes, exactly. 945 00:44:51,606 --> 00:44:55,692 But I think it's good to be a little hard on yourself sometimes, 946 00:44:55,693 --> 00:44:58,570 -because that's when you get better. -Right, for sure. 947 00:44:58,571 --> 00:45:01,156 So, like, if you're always like, "Oh, that's okay." 948 00:45:01,157 --> 00:45:03,283 -It won't go... -You can't be complacent. 949 00:45:03,284 --> 00:45:05,911 -You have to push yourself. -Yes. Yes, exactly. 950 00:45:05,912 --> 00:45:09,081 Surfing and competing really teaches you how to be resilient... 951 00:45:09,082 --> 00:45:10,040 True. 952 00:45:10,041 --> 00:45:12,584 ...and overcome adversity. 953 00:45:12,585 --> 00:45:17,172 Yes. And I think, like, the ones that are most strong and stay 954 00:45:17,173 --> 00:45:20,926 and is very, like, resilient are the ones that are gonna get there. 955 00:45:20,927 --> 00:45:21,969 I agree. 956 00:45:21,970 --> 00:45:24,597 This year, I'm really trying to... 957 00:45:25,181 --> 00:45:29,101 if I do have a bad result, try to push it aside 958 00:45:29,102 --> 00:45:31,645 and just enjoy where I am. 959 00:45:31,646 --> 00:45:33,689 Yes. I really get that that. 960 00:45:33,690 --> 00:45:35,566 -That's like... -Power of the mind. 961 00:45:35,567 --> 00:45:37,151 Power of the mind, yeah. 962 00:45:37,152 --> 00:45:38,569 [both laughing] 963 00:45:38,570 --> 00:45:40,822 [suspenseful music playing] 964 00:45:43,324 --> 00:45:45,951 [Tasha] So we have under ten minutes to start, surfers. 965 00:45:45,952 --> 00:45:47,244 Under ten minutes to start. 966 00:45:47,245 --> 00:45:51,915 It is finals day here at the 2024 Ballito Pro. 967 00:45:51,916 --> 00:45:54,042 It's a big semifinal to start. 968 00:45:54,043 --> 00:45:57,629 Vahiné Fierro against Sophia Medina. 969 00:45:57,630 --> 00:45:59,882 So find your seats in the sand 970 00:45:59,883 --> 00:46:02,593 and let's watch some exciting surfing here. 971 00:46:02,594 --> 00:46:04,262 [rock music playing] 972 00:46:10,310 --> 00:46:11,310 {\an8}[horn blowing] 973 00:46:11,311 --> 00:46:13,270 {\an8}[announcer 1] Let's check out semifinal number one. 974 00:46:13,271 --> 00:46:18,234 {\an8}Vahiné Fierro of France taking on Sophia Medina from Brazil. 975 00:46:19,235 --> 00:46:23,114 [announcer 2] Oh, gets this lay back. Very quick start here for Sophia. 976 00:46:25,116 --> 00:46:26,992 [announcer 1] Fierro off the bottom. Bang. 977 00:46:26,993 --> 00:46:28,911 There's that radical approach. 978 00:46:28,912 --> 00:46:32,123 Medina has got a lead early on in this. 979 00:46:32,749 --> 00:46:35,793 There's a slightly safe finish. 980 00:46:36,586 --> 00:46:38,962 Oh, she gets washed over the rock. 981 00:46:38,963 --> 00:46:40,423 That isn't safe. 982 00:46:43,927 --> 00:46:45,053 Wow. 983 00:46:46,346 --> 00:46:49,474 [announcer 2] She has been smashed on those rocks. 984 00:46:50,600 --> 00:46:52,017 [announcer 1] Sophia Medina. 985 00:46:52,018 --> 00:46:54,479 [announcer 2] Definitely pain on the back there. 986 00:46:55,980 --> 00:46:58,483 [announcer 1] Oh no. This is not good. 987 00:47:05,573 --> 00:47:07,741 [Ēwelei'ula] I want to be a world champion surfer, 988 00:47:07,742 --> 00:47:10,285 and the only way to do that is to win. 989 00:47:10,286 --> 00:47:14,456 [woman] You draw so much from your oh an a, from your family, from the ocean. 990 00:47:14,457 --> 00:47:16,166 Take that power and be like, "Ah!" 991 00:47:16,167 --> 00:47:17,376 [laughs] 992 00:47:17,377 --> 00:47:18,710 [announcer] Kika. 993 00:47:18,711 --> 00:47:20,504 [Ēwelei'ula] Three stops left on the Challenger tour. 994 00:47:20,505 --> 00:47:21,880 [announcer] Hits it off the lip. 995 00:47:21,881 --> 00:47:23,674 -[cheering] -[man] Love it, love it. 996 00:47:23,675 --> 00:47:26,885 [Ēwelei'ula] That's three chances that could make or break 997 00:47:26,886 --> 00:47:29,221 -my surfing career... -[announcer] This heat's fired up. 998 00:47:29,222 --> 00:47:31,014 [Ēwelei'ula] ...and my championship dreams. 999 00:47:31,015 --> 00:47:32,767 [announcer] That's a great combo. 1000 00:47:33,476 --> 00:47:34,810 Oh, that was nice! 1001 00:47:34,811 --> 00:47:35,895 [exclaiming] 1002 00:47:36,729 --> 00:47:40,232 [Jessie] I'm here to collect some prize money. Also... 1003 00:47:40,233 --> 00:47:41,900 {\an8}[announcer] Okay, so now we're on. 1004 00:47:41,901 --> 00:47:44,236 {\an8}Everything matters. I'm not here just for fun. 1005 00:47:44,237 --> 00:47:45,612 [speaking in foreign language] 1006 00:47:45,613 --> 00:47:48,156 You guys are awesome people to hang out with. 1007 00:47:48,157 --> 00:47:50,534 [girl 1] Despite the incredible highs... 1008 00:47:50,535 --> 00:47:51,868 I'm happy. [laughs] 1009 00:47:51,869 --> 00:47:53,453 [announcer] Oh, no. 1010 00:47:53,454 --> 00:47:55,831 [girl 2] ...and the devastating lows. 1011 00:47:55,832 --> 00:47:56,999 [man] ...just made a mistake. 1012 00:47:57,000 --> 00:48:00,128 [Sophia] ...I've got to stay focused and keep my head in the game. 1013 00:48:01,796 --> 00:48:04,798 Obviously, I have a lot of things to work on. 1014 00:48:04,799 --> 00:48:07,926 Challenger isn't just something you breeze through. 1015 00:48:07,927 --> 00:48:09,720 Everything in surfing is such a fine line. 1016 00:48:09,721 --> 00:48:12,264 -Don't overthink it, be instinctive. -Yeah. 1017 00:48:12,265 --> 00:48:14,683 But then also, like, you want to be focused 1018 00:48:14,684 --> 00:48:15,893 and use your brain. 1019 00:48:16,728 --> 00:48:18,604 [Ēwe] This isn't just about a trophy. 1020 00:48:18,605 --> 00:48:21,315 I really want to qualify for the tour. 1021 00:48:21,316 --> 00:48:22,566 This is my life. 1022 00:48:22,567 --> 00:48:25,612 We're just fighting for a spot on the world tour. 1023 00:48:26,279 --> 00:48:28,531 -See you in the heat. -See you in the heat. 1024 00:48:29,324 --> 00:48:30,700 [upbeat pop music playing] 1025 00:48:49,886 --> 00:48:51,888 [percussive music playing] 1025 00:48:52,305 --> 00:49:52,787