After a full day of heats, I paddled out to the point to catch a couple waves last night. It was the peak of the swell, the conditions were good, and the point was nearly vacant. Among the few bodies in the water, USA team surfers Nat Young and Chase Williams were slicing and dicing La FAE's left apart.

Eager to get back in the water, I made it out this morning for a dawn patrol session at Playas; a little beach community south of La FAE. The waves were about head high and it was firing with only three other guys in the lineup.

Back at the contest zone, both reperchargers and qualifying athletes were in full effect today as the point and beach break cleaned up a little with waves in the 4-6 foot zone.

The crowd on the beach was going off once again as local hero Jonathan Zambrano fought hard to place first in his heat. Its been quite an experience here this week to witness the pride and honor the Ecuadorians have towards their athletes.

Later on into the night, the president of the Ecuadorian Surf Federation, Manolo Lozana hosted a dinner party at his father's house on the beach. It was quite the treat to take a break and celebrate at the halfway mark.

Until tomorrow!

JimJims