Devastating effects of world’s longest surf contest continue as runner-up Isabella Nichols forced to miss twin sister’s wedding

"This one was probably the biggest sacrifice I’ve had to make."

The Surf City El Salvador Pro concluded, yesterday, after cutting a devastating swath through the surfing community. While most sympathy fell upon the surf fan who was forced to endure eight days of Mitchell Salazar pronouncing “Punta Roca,” there were much greater victims.

Namely, Australia’s Isabella Nichols. The 27-year-old lost in the finals to Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan by a score of 11.74 to 14.33, a fine result, but the torturous length of the contest forced her to miss her twin sister Helena’s wedding. Trying to put a brave face on emotional hell, Nichols told The Guardian, “I love coming back here (to El Salvador). The people are amazing, and the waves are beautiful. It’s just an incredible part of the world, and I just have so many people to thank. Especially my family for understanding that this is part of the job, and I was there (at the wedding) in spirit.”

Continuing, she explained, “As athletes and anyone really working on the road, there’s sacrifices that you have to make. This one was probably the biggest sacrifice I’ve had to make. My parents, my sister, George, and everyone at home, I just wanted to say I hope you have the most wonderful day today. I’m dedicating this one to you, Helena.”

But imagine the deep well of sadness that will be there for every Nichols family gathering from here on out. Mother starting story, “But then when Helena came down the aisle…” before casting a glance as Isabella then trailing off. Father starting story, “And once the DJ started spinning ‘The Way You Look Tonight’…” before casting a glance at Isabella then trailing off.

Devastating.

Punta Rrrrrrrroca.

But over to you, dear reader. What is the most important thing you’ve ever missed because you were watching a surf contest? Please share.