The the Onbongo Pro, ASP 6-Star WQS Mens Event, took place in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil from 24-29th October 2006.

Brazilian Renan Rocha hadn’t even considered competing in the Onbongo Pro Surfing 2006, but some friends gave him the incentive he needed and everything turned out great as he kept beating his opponents until finally taking away the gold with a fantastic performance.

Since this ASP WQS event came to Brazil five years ago, this is the second title going to a Brazilian athlete. The crowd was greater than the days before at Itamambuca and when Brazilian Renan Rocha finally won the final against aussie Troy Brooks, people on the sand went crazy, cheering and screaming. Other Brazilian Marcondes Rocha also celebrated the ASP South american title and Bernardo Pigmeu was very stoked with his 2007 WCT slot.

Renan Rocha had to abandon some international contests lately and didn´t even get to win a single heat during the Brazilian National Tour this year. But his knowledge about Itamambuca waves definitely decided the heat, with sets around 3 feet. His last WQS winning was in 1993, in Maresias beach, São Sebastião, São Paulo State.

“Awesome, I’m so stoked!! I hadn´t even thought about going that far. My friends made me believe that I could do it, so I entered the event and did what I´ve been doing lately, surfing without pressure and kept advancing through my heats and everything turned out for the best”, said Renan Rocha.

Rocha just had competed the latest three WQS events in Brazil, and jumped from the 346th to the 132nd position in the WQS ratings, earning US$15,000 with the Onbongo Pro Surfing 2006 title. “I retired in the best way. I’m not gonna compete any more, only free surfing from now on; stay home catching my waves and having fun. But I´ll be here next year to defend this title. I won´t miss an event like that at home, you know? I dedicate this title to my whole family and friends that supported me all the time.”

Renan Rocha in action

Aussie Troy Brooks was also very glad getting the 2nd, which puts him in the 2007 WCT: “It was a long period here in Brazil and it was very good for me. I got my goal taking the 2nd and Renan deserved the win; congratulations to him”, said Brooks.

Results:

• 01: Renan Rocha (BRA) – US$ 15.000
• 02: Troy Brooks (AUS) – US$ 7.500
• 03: Rhys Bombaci (AUS) – US$ 3.750
• 03: Simão Romão (BRA) – US$ 3.750

RANKING ASP WQS 2006

• 01: Jeremy Flores (FRA) – 11.255 points
• 02: Michael Campbell (AUS) – 11.190
• 03: Ricky Basnett (AFR) – 10.210
• 04: Royden Bryson (AFR) – 9.755
• 05: Dayyan Neve (AUS) – 9.535
• 06: Josh Kerr (AUS) – 9.320
• 07: Troy Brooks (AUS) – 9.190
• 08: Ben Dunn (AUS) – 9.175
• 09: Bernardo Pigmeu (PE) – 9.058
• 10: Gabe Kling (EUA) – 9.045