Emily Currie, GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol — Photo: WSL
Emily Currie: Runner-Up at the GADIS Longboard Pro, Ferrol
GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol, Spain, Pantin. Emily Currie came runner-up. Words by Joel Gray & Emily Currie.
Emily Currie just put in the result of her career so far, finishing runner-up at the GADIS Longboard Pro in Pantin. The event had everyone waiting around for swell that barely showed, then crammed an entire competition into a couple of frantic days once it did. Emily came through it with her strongest WSL LQS finish to date, climbing from fifth in the rankings going in to second by the time the contest wrapped up.
We caught up with Emily to talk through how the event unfolded, what she took from a tough first year on the World Tour, and what's next for her this season.
Well done on another massive result in Pantin. Looks like the event punched through a lot of competition in a tight window with conditions. Can you give us a run down of the event from your perspective?
EC: Thanks! I am so stoked with the result. There was a lot of waiting around, followed by a lot rammed into a couple of days. It was all or nothing vibes, but it was the right decision without a doubt.
The waves during the competition window were variable and unfortunately it ended up being really quite small. Wednesday and most of Thursday it was pretty much flat. They put it on hold and did a call nearly every hour throughout the day on Thursday, and fortunately a little swell came in that evening. The event started at 6pm and my first heat was past 8pm, the latest I've ever had a heat.
Thankfully Friday was pumping, and they prioritised the longboard event because of the implications for World Tour qualification, so they ran it through to a finish on the Friday morning.
What does this result mean for end of year tour rankings and qualifying for main tour again?
EC: Coming into this event I was sitting fifth, and with this result I climbed numerous places to finish second overall. I am truly stoked about that, it's my best career finish on the WSL LQS. Unfortunately I haven't qualified for the WLT this time around, as only one person qualifies from each region.
When I qualified for the WLT in 2024, I finished third on the European rankings. The two women above me had already requalified via the main tour, so the Euro qualification spot went to me. This time around, Ginger, who won the European Tour, clinched the qualification spot.
"It just means I'll have to work even harder for it next year."
Did you take away any big lessons from this event?
EC: Only positive ones. I am proud of my performance in this event, it kind of felt like everything came together. My performance built every round. In the quarter final I had a combined heat total of 11.23, the semi was 12.50 and the final was 13.36, which was reflective of how I felt. I felt like I got stronger each round.
I posted several seven-point rides throughout the competition, and in the semi-final and final I didn't score less than a 4.10 for any wave that I took. These are all areas of my surfing that I've been working on: consistency, confidence, and being intentional with the waves I take.
Longboard podium, GADIS Longboard Pro Ferrol — Photo: WSL
What were your big takeaways from your year on the World Tour?
EC: I don't think I was prepared for the step up that it was, and that really took me by surprise. I remember the goal being qualification, and then it all happened so fast. I qualified in Spain, only had three weeks to get myself home, packed and to Australia for the start of the tour, which was quickly followed by the second event in California. It was very fast paced, and I don't think I was quite ready for it.
From qualifying to the last event on tour, there didn't feel like any decompression time, it was just go go go. Since then I went away, worked hard and have improved a lot. I now know what to expect and I feel ready to have a second shot at it.
What was the British presence like down there in Spain? Who's been in your support crew?
EC: So sick! My support crew is my main gal Beth Leighfield, and our token Brit pal Lucy Small, who's actually an Aussie living in France. We group together, travel and stay together during these events, which is always super fun and good vibes. It was extra special having all the juniors and their parents there too for the JQS, one of which being Ben Skinner, who's played a massive part in my surfing journey. It was super cool to share the second place podium with him, although we'd both have loved to share the first place podium instead.
Emily Currie — Photo: WSL
What's up next on your competitive calendar?
EC: Heading back to Spain for the first event of the ESF European Longboard Tour in Salinas, followed by one of my favourite events of the year, Boardmasters. Then I've got quite a hectic autumn calendar of competitions all over the place, which I'm really excited about.
You've been getting into some coaching this year again. Sounds super exciting, how can people get involved?
EC: Myself, Beth and Sophie Williamson have founded Zest. We are focusing on performance longboard coaching, something that's been widely missed for the longboard community. It's founded on the support and coaching we wish had been available to us. We pride ourselves in offering coaching for anyone of any ability, whether you're at the start of your longboarding journey or you're a seasoned pro.
If anyone wants to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. DM us on Instagram @zestsurf or email [email protected].
Emily Currie — Photo: WSL
Anything else you want to add?
EC: A little sponsorship plug if you don't mind. I've got a sponsorship opening available, so if anyone or any companies would be interested in partnering, please get in touch. Support and sponsorship are so crucial in this industry and it's becoming harder.
"I'd love to keep the dream alive for a bit longer."
