Opening Statements Made at BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro presented by Diamonds International
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented by Diamonds International, got underway in solid, two-to-four foot conditions with high-performance showcases on offer from the men’s QS Round of 112, women’s Pro Junior Round of 32, and men’s Pro Junior Round of 48 contenders. Impressive showings from defending event winners Carlos Munoz and Talia Swindal helped set the scale alongside Eden Walla and Teo Grani.
Event organizers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. AST for a possible 8:00 a.m start.
Munoz Begins Event Title Defense
The defending event champ and former Championship Tour (CT) contender, Carlos Munoz picked up right where he left off in 2025 with a Round of 112 heat victory. A late entry put Munoz into the opening round as he looks to storm through the field toward another major result and catapult up the rankings toward Challenger Series requalification. Costa Rica’s own, Munoz, opened with the round’s best performance of a 13.86 (out of a possible 20), including a 6.83 (out of a possible 10) alongside fellow compatriot Tomas Pathenay, earning a 7.10 to advance.
“Pura Vida. I’m so stoked to be here in Barbados. The vibe is always amazing, and I’m just thankful to God for being back,” said Munoz. “The waves are really fun. Every time I come here the wind is out of the east, so you respect that always. Yesterday I surfed for about six hours, and I’m stoked to make that first heat. My friend from Costa Rica made it too, so I’m stoked. Thank you, everyone who supports me, my sponsors, my family, and God, and bless everyone in Barbados.”
The Costa Rican made a major statement in 2025 with his victory here and now, after a late entry, starts in the Round of 112 looking to go all the way once more.
Lewis St. John Leads Barbadian Charge Into Round of 96
Barbados’ own put on a showcase for their home island support system, with Lewis St John taking charge and posting a 12.50 heat total. St. John has provided showcases in the past, marching into the Round of 32 in 2025, and now looks to push harder in the coming heats with more swell inbound.
“It was pretty challenging, and you had to be patient. Luckily, I found some good ones and didn’t fall,” said St. John. “I’m on a Sharp Eye, and it’s a good all-around board. I’m stoked it got me through, and I’m stoked to keep things going here at home.”
Plus, big heat wins from fellow Barbadians Caleb Rapson, Warren Povey, and Rafe Gooding join St. John into the Round of 96.
One of the island’s premier goofy footers, Lewis St. John, showcased his power right away with a 6.50 to surge toward the Round of 96.
Walla, Swindal, and Grani Kick Off Live Like Zander Junior Pro Brilliantly
The women’s Pro Junior top seeds took over the lineup following men’s QS action and delivered jaw-dropping performances from start to finish. Current North America QS No. 1 Eden Walla unleashed her forehand precision on a Soup Bowl gem to post one of the day’s highest single-wave score an excellent 8.50 in the dying moments. The San Clemente competitor also earned the day’s best overall performance with a 15.50 heat total to make her statement.
“I’ve been having a lot of confidence lately and getting results, so I’m happy to be here and compete in warm water,” said Walla. “I was stoked to get that last wave. I thought the heat was over and then it came so I was happy. Now I’ll rest, watch a couple more heats and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
Plus, Reid Van Wagoner added her name to the excellent tally with an 8.33 in a dominant debut.
The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach Pro Junior Semifinalist and current QS No. 1 Eden Walla debuted in brilliant form to post an excellent 8.50 and 15.50 heat total at Soup Bowl.
Defending BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro victor Talia Swindal found her form right away with a 14.50 heat total. Swindal’s timing and power pushed her to a 7.50 as she made her return injury free this year and looking to add to her historic feat from 2025.
“I’m so excited to be back here in Barbados, I love this place. The waves are fun and just great vibes, so I’m grateful to be here,” said Swindal. “If you pick the right wave, there’s so much opportunity. I’m stoked to be surfing and having so much fun. Normally we don’t surf the first day so I was excited to surf that first heat and get things going.”
A heroic 2025 performance at Soup Bowl for Talia Swindal was matched in her debut, posting a 14.50 heat total in her Live Like Zander Junior Pro debut.
Men’s Pro Junior debuts pushed the scale with the Round of 48 unfolding in continued, consistent conditions.
Current No. 1 Teo Grani continued his in-form presence after a SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach Pro Junior win with an excellent 8.17 at Soup Bowl. Grani, 20, enters his last year as a Pro Junior and looks to earn a spot into the World Junior Championships with pivotal points on the line, as he joins top seeds in the Round of 32 once more in 2026.
“I’m stoked to be in Barbados. Warm water, the waves are fun, and looks like there is more swell on the way so that’s super exciting,” said Grani. “I’m happy to be here with my friends and family, enjoying it all. I had a great time in Pismo and had some moments I’ll never forget. I was a little nervous in that heat. You never want to lose first round after a win and being on such a high, and I’m just looking at this event as a surf trip with the waves being so good.”
Fresh off his first-ever WSL win in Pismo Beach, Teo Grani found his form straight away in the Live Like Zander Junior Pro with an excellent 8.17.
Joining Grani in the Round of 32 with heat wins, Laird Lavik, Cole Saffell, Gabriel Griffin, Enzo Ackermann, Beckham McCart, Baylor White, and Ryan Parkinson all found early success.
Watch Live
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro hold a competition window beginning February 23 through March 1 at Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, Barbados. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast on www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.
This event is proudly sponsored by BTMI, Diamonds International, Chickmont Foods Ltd., Infra Rentals, Insync Pros, Surf Promotions Ltd., and the Zander Venezia Trust.
