Yallingup’s Claire Bevilacqua was victorious in the Barbados Surf Pro which is part of the Qualifying Series Event for the Women’s World Tour.
Bevilacqua beat fellow former world tour competitor, Alessa Quizon for a historical win, as the event was the first ever held in Barbados which was part of the Qualifying Tour.
Bevilacqua needed an 8.10 going into the final exchange and emerged victorious with an 8.40 with only seconds left.
The natural footer battled through sickness and discomfort to claim the ultimate prize of 3000 points.
She now sits in the top five ratings, leaving the island of Barbados on track to qualify for the 2018 World Championship Tour.
Seven years ago, the Yallingup surfer had a taste of the World Tour for a two-year stint and at 34 years old, still retains the drive to compete.
"Getting those waves in the last few seconds never happens to me," she said.
“I kept telling myself it is not over and it is incredible to come out of that with a win.
“I am just happy to be here and pushing myself against the younger generation. They make me want to be better everyday and I'm just going to keep doing that until my back gives out or I'm back on tour."
The WA Pro Am event will ferry across to Rottnest Island this weekend for the second event of the series and conditions are looking perfect.
They either don't come or I choke on them, but just breathing and pulling everything together really helped.
- Claire Bevilacqua
The island is a swell magnet with plenty of quality reef breaks surrounding the west and south shores.
There will be a total of nine divisions over the three days which will most probably be held at Strickland Bay.
Forecast
Clean conditions are coming with ESE winds on Thursday and Friday with a fun 1.5 metre swell which will rise on Friday afternoon.
Saturday looks perfect with ENE winds and a solid 2.1m swell. Sunday looks fun but smaller with ESE winds and 1.6m swell. Hotspot: Bears on Saturday.
