Chilean surfer Guillermo Satt shone in the first round of the Arica Pro Tour 2025, achieving the top score combination at the El Gringo wave. The event signals the World Surf League's return to Chile after years away, with ideal conditions in Arica. International competitors like Brazilian Valentin Neves also stood out.
The competition started at 8 a.m. on the former Isla Alacrán, at the foot of the Morro de Arica, with solid seas and consistent sets enabling aerial maneuvers and perfect tubes. Northern Chilean surfer Guillermo Satt mastered the feared El Gringo wave, known for its powerful wall and deep tubes, tallying 14 points to top the leaderboard.
Trailing him were Brazilian Valentin Neves with 12.83 points, Peruvian Alonso Correa with 11.43, and Brazilian Rodrigo Saldanha with 11.17. Neves said: “I’m very happy with my performance, the sea was incredible and I had many good waves. We come from Brazil, where we don’t have waves with these qualities; it’s a dream to be here representing my country and being part of this great surf show”.
Satt shared his excitement: “Today was my first day of competition here at El Gringo. I connected well with the wave and advanced. I’m happy that this championship continues to be held at home. I invite everyone to come to the former Isla Alacrán, where we’ll be competing until Sunday. I know this wave very well, it’s a fast heat and you have to be very attentive to take advantage of every tube and section”.
In the Under 18 category, Brazilian Kailani Renno scored a perfect 10, advancing to the final with 18.83 points. Historically, women competed at El Gringo for the first time: 14-year-old Peruvian Brianna Barthelmes won with 7.43 points, followed by Chilean Isidora Bultó with 6.67.
The Arica Pro Tour will run all week, with the circuit moving on November 28 to Iquique for the Pro at Cavancha beach on the La Punta wave.