The IWT 2020 Topocalma Infernal is going full steam ahead. The IWT is very excited to be returning to one of the best left hand rides in the world.
This year the event is bigger and better than ever with a stunning new ocean front camping position and full amped up glamping with big warm Mongolian tents, full bathrooms, Hotel Surazo catering, beach bonfires under the stars, good wine and cold beer. This is the Topocalma Rider Experience Camp and it is going to be a dream come true for the wave riding fanatics who travel the world and don’t want to miss a moment of the best wind and waves. Entry fee for the event is US $200 and the entire 12 nights inclusive Rider Experience Camp is only an extra US $280!!! It does not get better or cheaper than that for the world’s wave riding fanatics and the IWT Family. Book now and save. March 21 – April 4.
International riders have already begun arriving with Federico Morisio (ITA) and Takara Ishii (JPN) flying in today to get a jump on the competition. The Pro Men’s field will once again be hotly contested with some of the biggest names in the world of wave riding with all the recent Aloha Classic Champions confirmed: Antoine Martin (the reigning Aloha Champion), Morgan Noireaux (3 x Aloha Champion), and Camille Juban (2 x Aloha Champion). The women’s, Youth, Masters, Grand Masters and Open divisions will all have the top competitors there to do battle in the fast and steep left hander.
The Masters, Grand Masters and Open divisions will now have only TWO EVENTS TO COUNT TO THE OVERALL WAVE TITLES this year – with Japan cancelled, there are only Chile, Oregon, and Peru events for these divisions and with one event drop that means riders in these divisions only need to compete at two events to have a full shot at the 2020 titles. This means the title race will be a LOT more competitive this year with MANY riders planning to attend at least 2 events. These divisions have suddenly become extremely accessible, affordable, manageable and therefore competitive. We will see more riders compete and that means more fun for all.
The Pro Men, Women and Youth now have only 4 events to count with Japan cancelled. These are: Chile, Oregon, Peru and Hawaii. With one drop allowed, that means only 3 event results are needed to have a full set of results in these ultra competitive fleets. (Please note that access to the 2020 Aloha Classic will once again require a solid ranking that can only be earned through competing on the IWT and or the PWA Wave Tour events leading up to the Aloha Classic in late October).
Hotel Surazo is once again the primary sponsor and is once again supported by big names RedBull, Mitsubishi, Mall Sport, Kaya Unite, among a host of others.
In short, the event this year will be HUGE!!!!
IWT 2020 WAVE TOUR – RULE ADJUSTMENTS:
With Japan cancelled there are now adjustments to the overall IWT Wave Ranking calculation method:
4 major events on the IWT Wave tour for Pro Men, Women and Youth – these divisions are permitted one drop and that means 3 event results will count for the IWT 2020 Wave Tour Title for Pro Men, Women and Youth.
3 major events on the IWT Wave tour for Masters, Grand Masters and Open divisions – these divisions are permitted one drop and that means 2 event results will count for the IWT 2020 Wave Tour Title for Masters, Grand Masters and Open divisions.
COVID-19 VIRUS CAUTION:
The first virus case in Chile was confirmed on March 3rd. The event will proceed unless government officials say otherwise. Travel advisory from the US Department of Sate is unchanged as a consequence of any viral activity.
FINAL NOTE:
More detail on camping, travel coordination between Matanzas and Topocalma, and general event info will be provided tomorrow.
