With a clean swell and 17 world-class surfers there to greet it, the 2016 Fiji Women's Pro was bound to be memorable, and it didn't disappoint. But you may have missed a few of the milestone moments from our broadcast, not to mention some behind-the-scenes stories that never made it to air. So enjoy another look at these incredible ladies who are still savoring their trip to paradise.
Bethany Hamilton broke the internet after her stunning performance at Cloudbreak. Her journey to the semifinal finish was the top trending story on Facebook the day after the contest wrapped up, and netted her prime-time coverage on morning and evening news shows all over the world. Bethany, as usual, is using her platform to spread her empowering message to never give up on your dreams.
Among the dozens of stories on her Fiji success was this segment from ABC News' Good Morning America.
Fiji's renowned reef break is stunning from any angle, but the view from up high is breathtaking.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari
Every trip to Tavarua begins with the traditional opening ceremony. This year's version was extra emotional with surfers, officials, and dignitaries paying tribute to Chief Druku Lalabalavu, the late local legend. Druku became an ambassador to the outside world after helping transform Tavarua into one of the world's most celebrated surfing destinations more than 30 years ago. He passed away in November of 2015, with his wife, five children, and 14 grandchildren by his side.
Every heat of the Fiji Women's Pro ran at Cloudbreak, which was picture-perfect for three days straight. But it's not always an easy decision once some Restaurants starts working. Ultimately, you're in paradise. But if you had to choose? We asked.
- WSL / Kelly Cestari
When you're in Fiji, you're on boats, and you're on them all day. So it's nice to find like-minded boat buddies for the two-mile trip to Cloudbreak and back. Alessa Quizon, Bianca Buitendag, Bronte Macaulay and Bethany Hamilton prefer the early shifts.
Carissa Moore cracked the Final for the first time this season, which propelled her to No. 3 on the Jeep Leaderboard. Along the way, she delivered some of the most remarkable performances of the season. She earned a perfect 10 and four 9-point rides on the final day alone, and while she came up short in the Final against Johanne Defay, she's right back on World Title trail, looking for number four.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
Sally Fitzgibbons enjoyed a lot of success in Fiji, with back-to-back wins in 2014 and '15. Not surprisingly she's made a few friends along the way, including her good-luck caddy.
We've been anticipating a breakout moment for Laura Enever this season, and she picked a fantastic moment to shine -- this 10-point ride was blinding. Not surprisingly, as the panel put the event in context, they couldn't help but hit on the Laura's run. Ronnie, Strider and Ross had plenty to say.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
C.J. Hobgood's initial burst onto the surf scene came as a 16-year-old charger at Cloudbreak, so it wasn't surprising that he became one of the most feared competitors there during his 15-plus years on the CT. The former world champ was recruited by Carissa Moore to pass on some Cloudbreak knowledge, and he looked pretty darn happy at his favorite stop. The support helped, too, with Moore hooking into several of the best waves of the event. Good call, Carissa.
Tatiana Weston-Webb suffered a shocker in Round Two, but in Fiji, the recovery process is a bit easier. Webb got going in the Fiji GoPro Challenge, which she'd won before as a wildcard. And she's not done. Keep your eyes out for more clips like this.
- WSL / Ed Sloane
After a victory ride on the ski, Johanne Defay was pulled into the water by Tour bestie Bianca Buitendag for a big hug. Bianca was still dripping wet, anyway, after surfing in the semifinals.
Inside Johanne's Incredible Jump to World No. 4
After the dinghies were pulled ashore, the party really began.
Need more Tavi? Up next is the men's Fiji Pro. Watch live each day starting June 5 and get instant updates on your phone with the WSL app.
Not Bad, Fiji. Not Bad.
WSL
With a clean swell and 17 world-class surfers there to greet it, the 2016 Fiji Women's Pro was bound to be memorable, and it didn't disappoint. But you may have missed a few of the milestone moments from our broadcast, not to mention some behind-the-scenes stories that never made it to air. So enjoy another look at these incredible ladies who are still savoring their trip to paradise.
Bethany Hamilton broke the internet after her stunning performance at Cloudbreak. Her journey to the semifinal finish was the top trending story on Facebook the day after the contest wrapped up, and netted her prime-time coverage on morning and evening news shows all over the world. Bethany, as usual, is using her platform to spread her empowering message to never give up on your dreams.
Among the dozens of stories on her Fiji success was this segment from ABC News' Good Morning America.
Fiji's renowned reef break is stunning from any angle, but the view from up high is breathtaking.
- WSL / Kelly CestariEvery trip to Tavarua begins with the traditional opening ceremony. This year's version was extra emotional with surfers, officials, and dignitaries paying tribute to Chief Druku Lalabalavu, the late local legend. Druku became an ambassador to the outside world after helping transform Tavarua into one of the world's most celebrated surfing destinations more than 30 years ago. He passed away in November of 2015, with his wife, five children, and 14 grandchildren by his side.
Every heat of the Fiji Women's Pro ran at Cloudbreak, which was picture-perfect for three days straight. But it's not always an easy decision once some Restaurants starts working. Ultimately, you're in paradise. But if you had to choose? We asked.
- WSL / Kelly CestariWhen you're in Fiji, you're on boats, and you're on them all day. So it's nice to find like-minded boat buddies for the two-mile trip to Cloudbreak and back. Alessa Quizon, Bianca Buitendag, Bronte Macaulay and Bethany Hamilton prefer the early shifts.
Carissa Moore cracked the Final for the first time this season, which propelled her to No. 3 on the Jeep Leaderboard. Along the way, she delivered some of the most remarkable performances of the season. She earned a perfect 10 and four 9-point rides on the final day alone, and while she came up short in the Final against Johanne Defay, she's right back on World Title trail, looking for number four.
- WSL / Ed SloaneSally Fitzgibbons enjoyed a lot of success in Fiji, with back-to-back wins in 2014 and '15. Not surprisingly she's made a few friends along the way, including her good-luck caddy.
We've been anticipating a breakout moment for Laura Enever this season, and she picked a fantastic moment to shine -- this 10-point ride was blinding. Not surprisingly, as the panel put the event in context, they couldn't help but hit on the Laura's run. Ronnie, Strider and Ross had plenty to say.
- WSL / Ed SloaneC.J. Hobgood's initial burst onto the surf scene came as a 16-year-old charger at Cloudbreak, so it wasn't surprising that he became one of the most feared competitors there during his 15-plus years on the CT. The former world champ was recruited by Carissa Moore to pass on some Cloudbreak knowledge, and he looked pretty darn happy at his favorite stop. The support helped, too, with Moore hooking into several of the best waves of the event. Good call, Carissa.
Tatiana Weston-Webb suffered a shocker in Round Two, but in Fiji, the recovery process is a bit easier. Webb got going in the Fiji GoPro Challenge, which she'd won before as a wildcard. And she's not done. Keep your eyes out for more clips like this.
- WSL / Ed SloaneAfter a victory ride on the ski, Johanne Defay was pulled into the water by Tour bestie Bianca Buitendag for a big hug. Bianca was still dripping wet, anyway, after surfing in the semifinals.
Inside Johanne's Incredible Jump to World No. 4
After the dinghies were pulled ashore, the party really began.
Need more Tavi? Up next is the men's Fiji Pro. Watch live each day starting June 5 and get instant updates on your phone with the WSL app.
Fiji Women's Pro
Mid-season, and the world's best face off against the mythic wave known at Cloudbreak.
Her career-best CT performance was another reminder of her super-human spirit.
Sage Erickson captures a smooth ride as the sun sets over the sea in her first Fiji GoPro Challenge entry.
Sage Erickson turns amateur videographer when she grabs a clip of Tavarua boatman Lucas Dirkse in her second entry into the Fiji GoPro
It's time you knew more about the Réunion Island native who just cracked the Top 5.
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