A resident of Huatulco, near Barra de la Cruz, Regina Pioli used local knowledge to advance in the CT trials but was just shy of securing a place; she placed second behind her friend Shelby Detmers.

“As competitors we gave it our all in the sea and when I found out that I came second, there were a lot of emotions; one of my best friends was the one who came first. So, of course I congratulated her and was happy for her but I felt a little sad because that opportunity had slipped through my fingers,” she told DUKE.

But the story took an unexpected turn the following night when she barely made it out of the historic Mexican CT: “The next night I received a message from Jessi (Miley Dyer) who I think is one of the WSL coordinators, asking me if I was Regina and if I had come second in the trials and when I said yes… I didn't know who she was, I asked my friend and she said: 'Of course I was, answer her'. I did and she said: 'We are very happy to tell you that we have a place for you in the event, one of the competitors was injured and we would love for you to participate in the event'”.

“I honestly couldn’t believe it! It was like, ‘I’m dreaming! ’ It’s something we’ve all dreamed of, and it’s happening for me too! It was very exciting and emotional, I was super happy and at the time I couldn’t believe it, and now I’m actually standing on my feet and seeing it all,” she added.

Regarding how she takes this opportunity, she said: “I feel very happy, it is an incredible opportunity, I am enjoying everything because, yes, I am very focused on the competition but I also think that it is a lot of learning, enjoying the opportunity, giving everything out there but also a great coexistence in which you learn from the best, seeing them in the water, surfing with them, living with them. They are very nice people, very cool.”

Finally, regarding the fact that she will face Carissa Moore and Bronte Macaulay in her debut, she explained: “Man, the heat I got was a little… Not a little, but pretty difficult, but I feel very happy and I’m going to give it my all out there, I’m going to pick some good waves and I’m very proud to represent my town, Huatulco, and my state and my country. So, long live Huatulco, Mexico, and let’s go all out!”

 

 

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