Kelly Slater surfing in Medewi point break and beach break, West Coast Bali - Indonesia. The GOAT, the greatest surfer of all time, that's a helluva title to carry around with you, but once it's all stripped back to the basics, just like every surfer, even Mr Slater just want's to have fun. Hit play to roll with Kelly for a cheeky free surf.
Click into Reubyn and Joss Ash surfing a local spot in North Cornwall, then roll through to the point, Croyde featuring some of the local crew including Ashley Braunton, Jamie Banks, Tristan James-Bransby and Simon Nicholson.
European Junior Tour Culminates at Quiksilver and ROXY Junior Pro 40
• Top 64 Men and 32 Women Battle for European Junior Title
• Competition Held at Quiksilver & ROXY Pro France CS Venue
• Day 1 Underway, Big Day of Competition Ahead
• More at WorldSurfLeague.com
The European Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) will culminate this week at Stop No.3, the Quiksilver and ROXY Junior Pro 40 held in Les Landes from October 13-15, 2021.
Competition will unfold at Culs Nus beach in Hossegor, chosen for the quality of the sandbanks currently, a site that will welcome some of the world’s best surfers in the upcoming Challenger Series event, the Quiksilver and ROXY Pro France. For the first time on European soil, Junior athletes (under 18 years old) will have a chance to compete and be judged by the same panel of international judges and on the very same wave as some of their idols.
The 2021 European JQS has been another transitional year due to COVID19 with only three events held this season. It started in June at the E.Leclerc Pont L’Abbé Junior Pro La Torche where Adur Amatriain (EUK) and Lucia Machado (CNY) took top honors.
Amatriain’s first-ever WSL victory would set him on an upward trajectory as the 17 year-old went on to win a QS1,000 event in Galicia, before winning again at the next junior event, the GADIS Junior Pro Ferrol, once again in Galicia.
The rising Basque star leads the Junior rankings with back-to-back wins and the regional title is his to lose as he enters the final week of Junior competition this season.
Machado, who placed equal third in Galicia, faces a different challenge. She’s tied in the lead with Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (ESP), another rising talent who recently had her first taste of the Challenger Series in Portugal. The Spanish pair has a decent lead in the European junior title race but in the hunt are Portugal’s Gabriela Dinis and Francisca Veselko with a realistic shot at the top spot in the ever-changing and challenging conditions of the French beachbreaks.
These future stars will be joined by fresh new faces in the names of Tim Ehrhard (FRA) and Heimiti Fierro (PYF), who have received the Quiksilver and ROXY wildcards respectively.
Junior Divisions to Open for Challenger Series Show
The pathway designed by the World Surf League to take surfers from a young age all the way to the highest level of professional surfing will be clearer than ever this week, as surfers compete on the same stage, with the same judges, the same crowds, as some of the world’s best surfers the following days for the Quiksilver and ROXY Pro France.
ROXY will award their highest ranked athlete by the end of the junior, a wildcard into the main event. Gonzalez Etxabarri currently holds the position and will look to secure the invitation over the upcoming three days.
The competition is now underway in France as surfers launch their final campaign in clean two-to-three foot surf at Culs Nus. Conditions are expected to remain small and rippable over the next three days and the event winners should be decided over the next few days.
Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Joel Tudor (USA) claimed respective World Titles at the Jeep® Malibu Classic presented by Havaianas in iconic fashion as Alice Lemoigne (FRA) earned a brilliant event win alongside Tudor. Malibu, California’s renowned lineup delivered pristine conditions throughout the day as Blomfield and Tudor stood apart from the field to claim their piece of history.
Blomfield Earns History at Malibu
Blomfield, 22, became the youngest 3x WSL Longboard Champion in history with an impeccable year culminating with her finals performance today where she finished runner-up to Lemoigne. The Oahu, Hawaii, competitor had to overcome Longboard Tour veteran Lindsay Steinriede (USA) in a tight Quarterfinal bout to claim the Title with a solid 7.00 (out of a possible 10) and 13.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Blomfield was welcomed to shore by friends and family as they hoisted her up.
“I really didn’t expect this to happen, but I’m so grateful and thankful that it did,” expressed Blomfield. “It feels amazing to be the youngest, three-time World Longboard Champion. I didn’t really do that good in Noosa but I got fifth which is good considering and then I won the Surf Ranch. That’s when I realized I have a real shot at winning this Title.”
The work wasn’t done for Blomfield, however, as she then went on to showcase her calm under pressure and earn an excellent 8.83 over event threat Zoe Grospiron (FRA) after she dropped a 7.67 early in the Semifinals. Having secured her 3rd WSL Longboard World Title before having to surf the final, Blomfield would have to settle for a runner-up placing at this event as Longboard Tour veteran Lemoigne dominated the final with two excellent wave scores and impeccable wave selection to take her biggest ever career victory.
“I just love surfing and I’m super stoked my dad was here with me, he’s my good luck charm, “ added Blomfield. “It’s really extra special to be standing here with Joel (Tudor). I’ve looked up to him my whole life and I’m just so excited.”
The Oahu, Hawaii, competitor started the 2020 season off with an equal fifth in Noosa, Australia, before waiting over a year and a half to resume her ambitions for a third World Title. After her victory at the Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic, Blomfield entered Malibu No. 1 and maintained her composure throughout the event to emerge World Champion.
Over two decades since capturing his first Longboard World Title, the 45-year-old clinched his third World Title after making his return from hiatus in 2019 - earning him the title of eldest WSL World Title holder. Tudor had to muster his very best to power through a marathon day of world-class competition, matching up against 3x WSL Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) in Round 3, future World Title contender Kaniela Stewart (HAW) in the Quarterfinals, and a Semifinal clash with Longboard Tour veteran Tony Silvagni (USA) to earn his place at the top.
“I didn’t really have expectations of winning coming here,” admitted Tudor. “I just wanted to do well and finish. There were all sorts of elements that came to play. My dad hasn’t come here to watch me compete in 27 years, both he and my mom were here so I had an emotional second there. This was for Donald Takayama who mentored my whole existence, I wouldn’t be here where I am today without him.”
An incredible season started with a victory at the Noosa Longboard Classic before competitions were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tudor’s equal fifth at the WSL Surf Ranch kept him at No. 3 heading into Malibu and capped off his immaculate season with one last victory.
“It’s cool to have your kids watch you,” Tudor added. “The last time I competed here neither Judah nor Tosh were born yet. When you’re a dad you don’t really talk about your accomplishments, especially prior to their existence. So it’s nice they actually got to see that and now I can say I finally beat Kelly (Slater) at something.”
Lemoigne Caps Off Season with Jeep Malibu Classic Victory
Reunion Island’s Lemoigne couldn’t be stopped on finals day, opening with an amazing 16.00 heat total over event threat Natsumi Taoka (JPN) in the Quarterfinals before taking down former World Title runner-up Chloe Calmon (BRA) by the narrowest of margins during their Semifinal dual. The 25-year-old saved her best for last, garnering an excellent 8.57 for her flawless style and footwork on the nose, to leave Blomfield needing a near-perfect 9.90 as time ran out.
“It’s a dream to win here at Malibu, it’s a perfect wave and I love it so much,” said Lemoigne. “It was slow so at the start so I waited for the bomb set waves and they came so I couldn’t be more stoked. I’m so happy to win and to share a Final with Hono (Blomfield) was really special. Congratulations to her and to all the other girls, and thanks to everyone here for supporting me and letting us surf this amazing place.”
Career-Best Finish for Longboard Tour Veteran Skinner
A dream run for Great Britain’s Skinner earned him a career-best runner-up result behind Tudor. The Longboard Tour veteran let his emotions take over following every heat win after learning he re-qualified to remain among the world’s best. Skinner overcame the odds starting with former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (ZAF) in Round 3, fellow Tour veteran and Title contender Kai Sallas (HAW) in the Quarterfinals, and a Semifinal bout with the 2021 Title frontrunner Harrison Roach (AUS).
“What an event,” proclaimed Skinner. “Amazing waves the whole day, little slow in that Final but this man (Joel Tudor), the new champ, it’s just amazing. It was a pleasure to surf with him in that Final. I didn’t do well at the Ranch so I had to perform here and to do it at one of the most iconic waves in the world, it’s unbelievable. I’ve been doing this since I was 15-years-old and to finally make a Final, I’m beyond words.”
The WSL Longboard Tour is proudly supported by partners Jeep, Havaianas, Hydro Flask, Expedia, Athletic Brewing, US Army, Aviator Nation, and Firewire.
COVID-19 Updates
The health and safety of athletes, staff, and the local community are of the utmost importance and the WSL has a robust set of COVID safety plans in place to keep everyone safe. These plans are unique to each event.
Women's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Final Results:
1 - Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 16.50
2 - Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 12.60
Men's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Final Results:
1 - Joel Tudor (USA) 14.00
2 - Ben Skinner (GBR) 12.97
Women's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 8.90 DEF. Chloe Calmon (BRA) 8.83
SF 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 16.26 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 14.50
Men's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 15.84 DEF. Harrison Roach (AUS) 14.33
SF 2: Joel Tudor (USA) 11.67 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 10.27
Women's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 16.00 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 12.04
QF 2: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 13.73 DEF. Kirra Seale (HAW) 10.27
QF 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.00 DEF. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) 10.60
QF 4: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 12.50 DEF. Kelia Moniz (HAW) 11.70
Men's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Harrison Roach (AUS) 15.20 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 13.66
QF 2: Ben Skinner (GBR) 12.53 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 7.63
QF 3: Tony Silvagni (USA) 13.66 DEF. Justin Quintal (USA) 11.16
QF 4: Joel Tudor (USA) 15.76 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 13.94
Men's Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Harrison Roach (USA) 12.00 DEF. Jefson Silva (BRA) 10.40
Heat 2: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 11.53 DEF. Rodrigo Sphaier (BRA) 9.87
Heat 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) 14.53 DEF. Taka Inoue (JPN) 12.00
Heat 4: Ben Skinner (GBR) 14.36 DEF.Steven Sawyer (ZAF) 11.56
Heat 5: Justin Quintal (USA) 9.23 DEF. Augusto Olinto (BRA) 8.13
Heat 6: Tony Silvagni (USA) 11.77 DEF. Lucas Garrido Lecca (PER) 10.83
Heat 7: Joel Tudor (USA) 12.70 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 10.03
Heat 8: Kaniela Stewart (USA) 15.26 DEF. Cole Robbins (USA) 12.00
A dramatic day of surfing and rescues in Cornwall. Beginner surfers get sucked out and pushed into the dangerous rocks at Fistral Beach. Lifeguards and surfers race to the rescue, and thankfully no one was hurt. Knowledge is power people, understand rips and your capabilities, anyone can get caught out depending on the conditions. I had a good skint getting pummelled into the rocks in Morocco, it's no fun whatever your abilities.
Langland Surf Lifesaving Coach and Trainer and fanatical surfer Andy Parkinson has put together a series of videos you can use to save the lives of your mates, or randoms in trouble, hit the button below.
A Crowdfunder has been launched to build a skate bowl, cafe, surfboard shaping bays, community garden and a proper grass roots meeting place for the Bantham area.
It is being run by my local Paddy Wellens with backing from Ben Howard, local musician and shredder, and a great bunch of locals trying to build something real for the surf and wider community.
They’ve just launched a Crowdfunder for the skate bowl and they could really do with some support from ou making surf community to hit the target for the bowl, and maybe inspire other communities to launch similar projects..
Outside will be home to a community hub and cafe, with a pottery studio, surfboard building workshop space, kids play areas, small scale growing space and concrete skate bowl opening it’s doors Spring 2022.
With the pressure on diminishing coastal communities from second home ownership it is great to see someone trying to put back into the local area.
“The project has been designed and built with community at the centre, Outside will provide a space for sport, wellbeing and social interaction, many facilities of which are not available locally and we believe are crucial to physical and mental wellbeing.
“The set up of the Outside Cafe building, workshop spaces and farm are self funded however the bowl is special and central to our project, this fundraiser is to raise the money to build it, Betong Park have designed us a destination bowl that will cater to all levels and it will be built by the best in the country, Ryan and his team at Opus Skateparks, there will be nothing like it within a 20 mile radius.”
Get involved here > https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-outside-skate-bowl-devon
