Williams Wins In China, Steinriede On Top Of The World, Local Surf Community Shares The Stoke
A timely overnight pulse in swell and offshore winds groomed shoulder to head high wave faces at Riyuewan Beach for finals day of the SWATCH GIRLS PRO CHINA hosted by Wanning. Today, beachgoers were treated to another display of cutting edge longboard riding from the very finest female talents. A healthy crowd lining the beach on the southeast coast of Hainan Island watched Chelsea Williams win the event, whilst Lindsay Steinriede was crowned 2011 ASP Women’s Longboard World Champion. “I can’t believe how amazing this event has been,” said Chelsea on the podium, “being part of history in the first international pro contest here has been so cool, and to come out with a win against such a strong group of girls, wow, I’m so stoked right now.” Meanwhile, Lindsay was overjoyed at claiming her maiden world title. “It feels so good to be crowned world champ,” reckoned the Californian, “The level of surfing is so good and it’s such an honor to finish on top.”
“I’m so stoked to see Kelia (Moniz) make the final,” reckoned Swatch ProTeam rider Kassia Meador, who finished 3rd overall after numerous heats entertaining spectators with her trademark smooth style and classic, polished technique. “She’s like family to me, she’s the future of girls longboarding.” As for the reception the girls have enjoyed from the locals throughout, Kassi added, “I don’t think the people could have been any more cool, they’ve been awesome. We’re so lucky to be invited here and to share their coast, I want to thank them all for being such great hosts.”
While the action in the contest occupied the southernmost break against the rocky point at Riyuewan, just a few metres up the sand north in beachbreak peaks, Chinese surfing was taking giant strides as local surfers shared waves with some of the finest longboarders in the world. With each coming set of South China Sea swells in the tropical, sand-bottomed peaks, local wave riders male and female, young and old, traded hoots, took tips and admired the footwork of the visiting pros, and it was impossible not to notice the inspired, organic buzz amongst Hainan’s local surf community. “Being a traveling surfer isn’t just about contests,” added Kassi, who spent as much time freesurfing up the beach as competing here in Riyuewan, “It’s also about meeting people, sharing their culture and of course sharing waves. The local surfers here have been so stoked, it’s infectious. They’re getting really into surfing, it’s not gonna be long before there’s all kinds of local rippers out here, and that’s really exciting. If kids get inspired by seeing us here, and then get into being out in the ocean and surfing, then that’s all the reward I’ll ever need.”
RESULTS
infos: www.swatchgirlspro.com
