2011 ASP Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro: Aritz Aranburu Claims Title

The wind and waves at the 2011 ASP 5-Star Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro were enough to tire out the two finalists, Aritz Aranburu and Santiago Muniz. In the end, only Aranburu can say that the win was worth the struggle.

Aritz Aranburu claimed the 2011 ASP 5-Star Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro taking down Santiago Muniz in a low scoring tactical final where wave selection proved crucial, 13.67 to 8.93, in tough wind affected 5-6ft waves.

Both finalists changed peak on various occasions, positioning for the best waves during the 40-minute final. Aranburu gained the advantage halfway through the matchup with a series of critical backhand turns to claim a solid 7.17 out of 10.

“At the end of the final I was dead with no strength left in my arms but it is great right now," said Aritz Aranburu. "It was a difficult day for waves and you had to paddle back to the peak many times so the last heat was really tough but it was worth it and I am stoked.”

Aritz Aranburu went ballistic in his semi-final against Glen Hall with two savage rights to claim the highest combined heat total of the event, 16.84 out of 20.

“At the beginning I went over to the right again but I saw that it had a lot of current running through it and it looked a bit strange so I went over to the other side and the decision worked out well for sure. In the end I couldn’t do anything more. I was so tired and when I had to paddle back out my arms had no strength at all.”

Santiago Muniz, younger brother of elite ASP World Tour member Alejo Muniz and surfing under the Argentinean flag, claimed his best career result with his runner-up finish at the 2011 ASP 5-Star Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro.

Muniz was on fire throughout the morning, advancing through Round Five and proceeding through the man-on-man format to the final where he struggled to find any decent scoring rides.

“I am really pleased with this result," said Muniz. "It is really good for me. I would have liked to have won like any other competitor would want but really I am happy right now. I am happy for Aritz, he is a great competitor and I love Pantin and I want to return here always.”