Special coverage presented by Surf City - El Salvador Travel 

Costa Rican Brisa Hennessy managed to break the curse that haunted her all year, during which she had not managed to advance past a single series in four stages.

She needed to return to Central America, where she was born, to reverse this trend and finally win a series: She did so against the same Alyssa Spencer who had beaten her in New Zealand.

To achieve his first victory of the year, he scored the best score of the round and the day: 15 points, which included an 8,5 on a right-hand bomb that he filled with maneuvers and backed up with another one worth 6,5.

Now Hennessy will face the champion of the previous stage: Carissa Moore.

When asked if feeling at home made a difference, Hennessy nodded: “Pura vida is my reason and being in Central America the support is incredible, it’s special.”

The waves at Punta Roca reminded him of those at Matapalo, where he grew up.

Regarding the 8,5, he said he didn't remember much and just let things flow. He said the wave was perfect and that was going to be the score anyway.

“It’s all in the mind. It’s a very intense and difficult place, and now I think I’m freer, I feel more at peace, and the work isn’t over,” the Costa Rican concluded.