SWATCH GIRLS PRO FRANCE 2012

SWATCH GIRLS PRO FRANCE 2012
ASP WORLD TOUR 6-STAR RATED EVENT
COURTNEY CONLOGUE MOVES INTO NO.1 SPOT

Swatch Proteam rider Courtney Conlogue rocketed to the top of the ASP Women’s World Ranking after winning the SWATCH GIRLS PRO FRANCE 2012 at Plage des Bourdaines, Seignosse in emphatic style. Dominant throughout pre-event freesurfing as well as the rounds, the 19-year-old World Title hopeful famed for her rigorous training regime consistently posted excellent scores throughout the three days of competition, culminating in a perfect 10 point ride awarded in her quarterfinal heat. “I had my sights set on taking out a win here this year and I’m so stoked that I pulled it off,” admitted Conlogue. “I’d like to thank Swatch on behalf of all the girls who competed here, they’ve put on another amazing event for us and we’re all really grateful for what they’re doing for women’s surfing.”

The American vanquished Kiwi goofyfoot Paige Hareb in a final held in 2-3ft peaks in brisk onshore winds at the famous French beachbreak. Also on the podium with equal 3rd results were America’s Sage Erickson and Hawaii’s Leila Hurst, while Bianca Buitendag of South Africa took out the Pro Junior event.


WOMEN WHO RIP WE SALUTE YOU

As well as the headline-grabbing perfomances of Courtney Conlogue and fellow podium finishers, there were several other girls in the field who demanded the attention of beach spectators and webcast followers alike. Hawaii’s Alessa Quizon showed why she is regarded as one of the top emerging junior talents in women’s surfing for some crowd-pleasing aerial surfing, local favourite and Swatch Proteam rider Pauline Ado laid down some typically stylish lines, whilst Malia Manuel and Alana Blanchard from Hawaii and Reunion Isle’s Canelle Bulard all put in impressive performances. But girls who impressed on the water weren’t confined to the ASP competition! Lay day activities including an epic outrigger canoe team challenge won by team Black Mamba (Ornella Pellizzari, Sarah Baum, Philippa Anderson and Laura Crane). The quartet won 400 euros and infinite street cred for their diverse and lightening fast oceanskills.


GROOVERS AND SHAKERS

With the SWATCH GIRLS PRO FRANCE week having established itself as so much more than just a surf contest, the après surf entertainment came bigger and better than ever this year. Live performances from The Tatianas and Please Call Me Madame, Pirates of the Capbreton themed fancy dress, iPod battle at the beach, Lee-Anne Curren and the Shinkickers live and the fluo fiesta were all part of the fun. French Celebrity chef and event VIP Gregory Cuilleron even rode some Bourdaines rollers when he wasn’t handing out cooking lessons to the world’s top women surfers, while Swatch Proteam riders from other sports like Xavier De le Rue, Richard Permin and Anne Flore Marxer were around and spread the aloha.
Thanks to everyone who came to spectate, surf, party and share good times!


For results, photos, videos: www.swatchgirlspro.com