Presents Crown Uruguay 

In the year he won the Pan American Surf Championship, Uruguayan Nacho Pignataro earned a wildcard, once again, for the world's top A division of longboarding, the WSL CT.

He was given the first alternate spot and was at the first stage in Huntington, hoping someone would drop out, but that didn't happen. He then received the good news that he was a fixture in Bells and Abu Dhabi, leaving him with an intact chance of qualifying for the finals in El Salvador. After three stages, he's made it to two.

Below is a tune-up with Nacho as he prepares to compete at the legendary Bells Beach for the second year in a row.

The event runs from September 17th to 21st.

What's Bells like for you? Do you feel comfortable on the wave?
Bells Beach is an amazing spot. It has the magic of being a historic spot and at the same time very challenging. The waves can be giant, medium, or even small, both in the Rincón and the Bowl, and each section has its own tricks. It's tricky to position yourself, but I've been spending a lot of time here, getting used to that "big court," and I'm honestly feeling more and more comfortable. Plus, the surroundings are beautiful; they have a special energy.

The truth is, it's very good, very comfortable. I love the competitive environment, I love being able to travel the world doing what I love, and doing it at this level is truly rewarding.

How about another year at the longboard CT?
For me, this is where I want to be and where I want to do well. I come here to seek results, in the most important league there is. This is the ultimate stage, where the level is truly at its highest and where every point is worth much more. And it's precisely there where I feel results have true value.

How is the camaraderie between the competitors?
The atmosphere is truly spectacular. Of course, we all come to compete and seek results, but at the same time, it creates something very special, almost like a family traveling the world together. We meet at every stop, share days, chats, and surf sessions, and a really good energy is generated. There are new faces, the same old role models, and living in that mix makes it very enriching. It's an enjoyable environment and a good place to be.

"We meet at every stop, we share days, chats, and surf sessions, and it creates a really good energy. There are new faces, the same old favorites, and living in that mix is ​​very enriching. It's an enjoyable environment and a good place to be."

Have you set a goal?
We always come here to look for the best, knowing how difficult each heat is and how demanding this level is. Personally, I want to show my best surfing, but there's no getting around it: We come to compete, and it's about getting results.

You're up against Ellice Flint and Packham in the first one, how do you see it?
A heat with three-colored lycra.

What adjustments have you made compared to last year?
Yes, I fine-tuned the boards quite a bit. I spent a year exploring different options and finding the ones that best suited the conditions here, which can change from day to day, from small waves to big ones. I also worked on my mindset: Being present, as cliché as it sounds, enjoying the place and focusing on the now, without getting too carried away thinking about what comes next. And then, as always, the daily training and discipline… It never changes.

 

 

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