Californian Andy Nieblas was the grand champion of a historic edition of the  Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational that took place last Friday in Zarautz and concluded on a Sunday of lots of action with fun waves of 3 to 5 feet.

According to the legendary longboarder, organizer and spirit of the tournament, Joel Tudor, who spoke on the podium, the final was so close between the top three that it was decided by the third wave of three surfers.

Nieblas had the better of the tie break and celebrated. Alex Knost came in second, Tyler Warren in third and Ryan Burch in fourth; all the finalists were Californians.

According to reports, Nieblas' approach in the final was more relaxed, as if he were in an expression session, combining in several stylish nose rides and changing fronts several times in his 9'9 single finish.

As for the festival, there was music, there was skateboarding, there was a longboarding session on Saturday, music and the boards shaped by Dane Reynolds, Lee-Ann Curren, Tanner Gudauskas and Alex Knost were left at Pukas for the local community to use.

“I think this was the best Duct Tape ever,” that, in 15 years of the event, remains for Zarautz as a very important compliment from one of the most legendary longboarders in history, Joel Tudor.

Final result
1st: Andy Nieblas
2nd: Alex Knost
3rd: Tyler Warren
4th: Ryan Burch