Barbados’ run at the 2025 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games in El Salvador is almost at an end, as national representatives Chelsea Tuach, Tommaso Layson, and Rafe Gooding were all eliminated after finishing third in their repechage heats.
Only the experienced and gifted Joshua Burke remains in the hunt after booking his spot in the men’s repechage four. Securing third place in Heat 12 of the main draw with 9.27, Burke lost out to Peru’s Lucca Mesinas, advancing with 9.46, while Germany’s Tim Elter secured the win on 11.44.
Despite the constant pressure to deliver, Burke is expected to give it his best shot when he competes in the men’s repechage.
Tuach, a seasoned campaigner and Barbados’ most accomplished female surfer, gave a spirited performance in Heat Eight but fell just short of progressing. Her 12.00 total left her behind Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot (12.27) and Costa Rica’s standout Leilani McGonagle, who dominated with a commanding 16.50.
Despite the disappointment, Tuach had earlier showcased her class on Tuesday with a convincing victory in Heat 16 of repechage two. She tallied 12.50 to outscore Costa Rican Rachel Agüero (12.40) and New Zealand’s Lola Groube (5.40).
For the talented Tommaso Layson, Wednesday’s action ended his journey in Round Two of the men’s repechage. He recorded 6.93 in Heat 19, but that score fell short against Japan’s Reo Inaba (9.67) and Angola’s Julio Joaquim (7.51). The teenager, however, continues to build valuable experience at this level.
Gooding delivered one of Barbados’ high points earlier in the week, claiming first place in Heat Six of the men’s repechage two with a combined 9.40 from wave scores of 5.33 and 4.07. Gooding’s progress was halted in Round Three yesterday, where he managed 7.00 for third and missed out on qualification.
Tuach finished 49th out of 129 girls with 240 points, and Rafe ended 73rd with 133 points out of 193 competitors. Layson ended 97th with 96 points.
(AS)
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