Vicente Romero (ESP) took it to the air to score the highest single wave of the day !

La Cicer, Gran Canaria (Wednesday, May 16, 2012) – Organizers have called a halt to action at the ASP 3-Star Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior at Playa de la Cicer, after the completion of Round 1. Conditions in the 1-2Ft range were on offer this morning and Vicente Romero (ESP) proved progressive surfing to be the key to scoring high in wind affected small waves.

Romero (ESP) 19, was the stand-out in today’s first round of competition at La Cicer. The Brazilian born Spanish resident, impressed for his first time in Gran Canaria, by posting both the highest single wave of the day, an impressive 7.50 out of 10, and the highest heat total of the event so far.

“It wasn’t easy this morning, but I’ve been training a lot for this event and with a good board under my feet I felt great out there”, Romero said. “I’m pretty confident and I’m looking for a big result here this week. I know most of the guys and have a couple friends competing too, so it’s good to be here. I had three good waves in my heat. My 7.50 was a cool wave on which I did a good first turn, followed by a reverse air and another turn to finish. I definitely had a lot of fun out there and today the jellyfishes didn’t bother too much so even better !”

Vicente Romero chose to come back from Brazil this year to live with his family and has established home in the Basque Country. He will be following the whole European Tour hoping for a break through towards the end of his Junior career.

“I came to Tenerife four years ago, but this is my first time competing here in Gran Canaria. I was born in Brazil but have double nationality I’m spanish too. I’ve been competing in Brazil on the Junior tour before, and this year I’m living in Spain near Sopelana with my family and I’ll surf on the European Tour.”

In the last heat of Round 1, Mateia Hiquily (PYF) 16 had a close-fought match-up and had to step-up his game to eventually post a 6.00 point ride and get the heat win over Lucas Jannier (REU). The young French Polynesian who recently was highlighted in the Surfer Mag “Hot 100″ list, didn’t disappoint this morning despite the difficult conditions.

“I started the heat thinking I’d get a couple small waves but they were just too fat and when I saw the other guys getting the sets I figured I needed to move to their peak and get the best ones too”, Hiquily said. “I ended up having a couple of fun waves scoring a 6.00 and a 4.50. It’s my first time competing in Europe and I’ve never been in the Canary Islands before. I arrived a couple days ago, and there are definitely a few fun waves around here, I think Gran Canaria has potential. It’s nothing like home though, we pretty much have only reefs in Tahiti.”

The talented goofy footer adapted to the beachbreak conditions and managed to overtake his opponents in the dying minutes of his Heat. With a strong newschool repertoire and abilities for barrel rides coming from Tahiti, we will see more of Mateia Hiquily during this 2012 European Junior season.

“I’m going to try to do the full European Tour, unfortunately I have to go back to Tahiti in between events as I’m taking the BAC (high-school exams) this year so I can’t stay in Europe for now. I have high expectations for this season, I know there’s a lot of competition with Vasco (Ribeiro) and Frederico (Morais) for example but I’m aiming for the top spot for sure !”

In Heat 7 of the Round of 80 this morning, it’s Saul Torres (CNY) 16, who made the crowds proud, representing well his Canarian fellow residents. Coming over from the East side of the Island, Torres had full local support and a homespot advantage. The local surfer had a better understanding of the conditions, which showed as he navigated through the best waves of his heat.

“It turned out really well for me and I caught some nice waves” Torres said. “The waves were a little soft but in the end I managed to get a few which was good because I got the good ones. I am motivated about being in the next round with the top seeds. Tomorrow I will do what I can and give it my all for sure.”

A first call will be made tomorrow Thursday 17th May at 9.30am for the start of Round Two. The 2012 Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior will run from May 16-20 at La Cicer, Gran Canaria / Canary Islands. For more information, and all results, photos, video highlights, and press releases log-on to www.grancanaria.aspeurope.com

For any other media related information, contact us via www.aspeurope.com

The Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior is made possible with the support of the following event partners: La Santa Surf, the Consejería de Turismo del Gobierno de Canarias, the Patronato de Turismo del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Concejalía de Turismo del Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Hotel Best Western Cantur. Also an extended thanks to Halcón Viajes, Armas, InterSport, Café Central y Oceanside, Cajasiete amongst others.

UPCOMING GRAN CANARIA SANTA PRO JUNIOR RD OF 64 MATCHUPS:
Heat 1: William Aliotti (FRA), Charly Termeau (FRA), Tom Good (GBR), George Picking (GBR)
Heat 2: Toby Donachie (GBR), Gaspard Larsonneur (FRA), Luis Diaz (CNY), Javier Ascanio  Fernandez (CNY)
Heat 3: Ugo Robin (FRA), Remi Petersen (NLD), Pedro Correia (PRT), Harry Timson (GBR)
Heat 4: Ian Fontaine (FRA), Ethan Egiguren (EUK), Titouan Deffarges (FRA), Luke Dillon (GBR)
Heat 5: Dimitri Ouvre (GLP), Kosme Fernandez (EUK), Nomme Mignot (FRA), Tomas Fernandes (PRT)
Heat 6: Miguel Blanco (PRT), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), Andy Criere (FRA), Josh Piper (GBR)
Heat 7: Tom Cloarec (FRA), Roberto Letemendia (EUK), Will Davey (GBR), Vicente Romero (ESP)
Heat 8: Nelson Cloarec (FRA), Imanol Yeregi (EUK), Marcelino Botin (ESP), Simon Sew-Heng (REU)
Heat 9: Vasco Ribeiro (PRT), Ander Mendiguren (EUK), Charly Quivront (FRA), Arthur Lasse (FRA)
Heat 10: Borja Agote (EUK), Pierre Rollet (FRA), Luca Dioguardi (CNY), Maxime Bobet (FRA)
Heat 11: Ramzi Boukhiam (MOR), Aldric God (FRA), Jorgann Couzinet (REU), Roberto D’Amico (ITA)
Heat 12: Kieran Bulard (REU), Diogo Appleton (PRT), Julen Egiguren (EUK), Derek Gomes (VEN)
Heat 13: Frederico Morais (PRT), Manex Bikuna (EUK), Alex Iriondo (EUK), Saul Torres (CNY)
Heat 14: Alex Girioni (EUK), Luis Eyre (GBR), Andrew Petrelluzzi (GLP), Guilherme Fonseca (PRT)
Heat 15: José Ferreira (PRT), Natxo Gonzalez (EUK), Maurice Meyerwestphal (REU), Mateia Hiquily (PYF)
Heat 16: Fransisco Alves (PRT), Diego Mignot (FRA), Pablo Goncalves (REU), Lucas Jannier (REU)

GRAN CANARIA SANTA PRO JUNIOR RD OF 80 RESULTS:
Heat 1: George Picking (GBR) 9.06, Javier Ascanio Ferna (CNY) 8.20, Marcos Carmona (ESP) 5.54
Heat 2: Harry Timson (GBR) 9.93, Luke Dillon (GBR) 9.50, Pedro Coelho (PRT) 5.87, Juan Ignacio Sebastia (CNY) 5.06
Heat 3: Tomas Fernandes (PRT) 9.27, Josh Piper (GBR) 8.50, Paul Monborne (FRA) 6.57, Kai Garcia (CNY) 4.66
Heat 4: Vicente Romero (ESP) 13.60, Simon Sew-Heng (REU) 6.10, Woody Bujon (FRA) 3.45, Vincent Vandeputte (BEL) 2.47
Heat 5: Arthur Lasse (FRA) 5.94, Maxime Bobet (FRA) 5.13, Jono Moreira (PRT) 3.60
Heat 6: Roberto D’Amico (ITA) 8.93, Derek Gomes (VEN) 7.14, Alexandre Baudin (ESP) 6.10, Miguel Villalba (ESP) 5.03
Heat 7: Saul Torres Ruano (CNY) 7.53, Guilherme Fonseca (PRT) 6.96, Timothee Bisso (GLP) 5.77
Heat 8: Mateia Hiquily (PYF) 10.33, Lucas Jannier (REU) 8.57, Juan Fernandez (ESP) 5.93, Francisco Duarte (PRT) 5.36

Harry Timson (GBR) won his first heat at La Cicer

La Cicer, Gran Canaria (Wednesday, May 16, 2012) – Organizers and event officials have called for a 9:30am start at the ASP 3-Star Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior at Playa de la Cicer. Conditions in the 1-2Ft range are on offer this morning and surfers in the Round of 80 will begin their road towards qualification through the early rounds of competition.

Mikel Zalakain, ASP Europe’s Head Judge on this event, gathered his judges panel this morning  and briefed them on conditions and scoring scale before the first heat at La Cicer. He gives us the estimated plan for this first day in Gran Canaria.

“Today we have tricky conditions for the surfers and it’s probably going to be quite hard, but it is what it is and it’s competition” Mikel said. “We are waiting for a new swell coming in and it’s our best option to start and run the first round here today, with only 8 heats and no top seeds in this round.”

Miguel Tavio, co-organizer of the event, is happy to see his event start this morning:  “Everything is ready, it’s a little stressing at the beginning like always but we’re good to go” Miguel said. “This morning the conditions are not bad, and it’s going to get better so we’re happy to be able to start on the first day ! The LIVE webcast is already ON this morning so everybody can follow us through grancanaria.aspeurope.com !”

The 2012 Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior will run from May 16-20 at La Cicer, Gran Canaria / Canary Islands. For more information, and all results, photos, video highlights, and press releases log-on to www.grancanaria.aspeurope.com

For any other media related information, contact us via www.aspeurope.com

The Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior is made possible with the support of the following event partners: La Santa Surf, the Consejería de Turismo del Gobierno de Canarias, the Patronato de Turismo del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Concejalía de Turismo del Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Hotel Best Western Cantur. Also an extended thanks to Halcón Viajes, Armas, InterSport, Café Central y Oceanside, Cajasiete amongst others.

Rob Gunning, ASP Europe’s Tour Manager, will return to the beautiful island of Gran Canaria for this classic event on the European Junior Tour. As an ASP 3-Star rated event this season, the Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior will be on the forefront of the European Title race with the most rankings points on offer and an impressive $15,000 prize-money up-for-grabs.

“The ASP is thrilled to go back to Gran Canaria again this year”, Rob said. “This event is definitely becoming a classic on the European Junior Tour and all surfers, teams and officials are delighted to travel to the warm Canary Islands once again. This year it will be a decisive event for sure as it will offer the most rankings points and give the winner a great advantage towards the end of the year’s European Title hunt.”

With already close to 80 competitors entered in the heatdraw, the Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior will once again host the “creme de la creme” of European surfers including last year’s frontrunners in the Title race, as well as a field of hungry local Canarian ambassadors who will try to match the competition and represent well their island’s surfing talent pool.

“Everyone is always eager to go to the Canary Islands. It’s warm, it’s beautiful and we always get good waves, it’s our dream destination in Europe ! This year I’m sure it will be no different and we will see some great battles between the seasoned competitors on Tour and all the uprising kids who want to prove their talent by beating older competitors.”

Efforts were made by the event organizers to facilitate the travel to and from the Canary Islands this year and the number of entries have already been rewarding their work. Jesus Aguayo, CEO of La Santa Surf will be at task all week to make sure the surfers feel welcomed in Gran Canaria and to host another quality event. Jesus has been developing a strong relationship with local authorities without whom any event would be impossible.

“Apart from being a huge responsibility it is an honour to be staging the most important Pro Junior event of the 2012 ASP Europe season”, Jesus said. “Without the support from the local and regional departments of the Canary Islands it would be impossible to organize this type of event. More and more they are realising the potential that the Canaries has and that is important because they hold the key for these projects to become a reality.”

The 2012 Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior will run from May 16-20 at La Ciccer, Gran Canaria / Canary Islands. To find out more, please visit www.grancanaria.aspeurope.com

The Gran Canaria Santa Pro Junior is made possible with the support of the following event partners: La Santa Surf, the Consejería de Turismo del Gobierno de Canarias, the Patronato de Turismo del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Concejalía de Turismo del Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Hotel Best Western Cantur. Also an extended thanks to Halcón Viajes, Armas, InterSport, Café Central y Oceanside, Cajasiete amongst others.

Pauline Ado (FRA) placed 5th at the Billabong Pro Rio. © ASP / Dunbar

CAPBRETON, France (Sunday, May 13, 2012) - Pauline Ado (FRA) 21, just placed fifth at the Billabong Pro Rio, losing in a low scoring quarter-final matchup against current World N°2 Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). Extremely difficult conditions in the 1-2Ft range were on offer at Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) yesterday with tricky A-frame peaks.

Pauline managed to eliminate Paige Hareb (NLZ) in her Round 2 confrontation and Rebecca Woods (AUS) in Round 4, two experienced surfers on the World Tour by raising her game and put a lot of efforts into turning small waves into good scoring rides. Pauline was kind enough to take a moment to answer our questions right after the end of yesterday’s action.

- Congratulations Pauline ! I’m sure all your fans are stoked to see you finally get to those final heats !
Me too ! I’m really relieved to finally get a good result on the World Tour after a pretty hard start to the year.

-How was your week in Brazil ?
I arrived a few days early with Justine (Dupont), my dad and Judith (who edits videos for Swatch). We got to test the conditions and get a good rythmn going before the event. Then it started and unfortunately we didn’t get the best waves but it’s what competition is sometimes..

-Did you change anything in your preparation from the previous events ?
I think I had more of a mindset change. After a hard start in the first four events I started to feel like I had nothing to lose anymore and that I needed to just start enjoying surfing and competing again !

- Conditions were pretty hard for you gals in Rio, do you think that actually helped you ?
Maybe, I’m not sure.. It’s tough because despite a great result I feel like I didn’t showcase my best surfing in those conditions, like all the other girls I suppose..

- What do you think of your lost quarter-final against Sally Fitzgibbons ?
I think I needed a 4.80 to win. It’s a pretty low score but actually very hard to get in those extreme conditions. There weren’t any waves in this heat and Sally and I just kept paddling towards the inside hoping we can catch a little something with potential.

- I imagine it’s a confidence boost right before heading home to France for the Swatch Pro and later the Roxy Pro ?
Yes it feels really good and I hope it’s only the start of a better run in the next events. I’m going to spend a few weeks in France and I’m so looking forward to it ! I’ve been away for so long now I’m sure it’s going to be amazing to be home !

- What are your objectives for the end of the year ?
I just want to end well and have a couple excellent results on the Star Tour.

- Anything else you want to add ?
Thank’s to everyone who’s been following and supporting me in Rio ! I had a lot of messages and it’s always amazing to feel supported.

- Congratulations again Pauline and thank’s for your time !

Pauline Ado will be competing next in the Swatch Girls Pro France from May 30 – June 3 in les Bourdaines, Seignosse – France. For more information on Pauline, visit her ASP Europe Profile. You can also visit her blog http://paulineado.fr.

Watch yesterday’s highlights of the Billabong Pro Rio here: http://youtu.be/BqV4aFF52oE

The Billabong Rio Pro is scheduled from May 9-20. Competition for the Women’s will be over today. In the Men’s event, Jeremy Flores (FRA), Michel Bourez (PYF) and Tiago Pires (PRT) will surf when competition resumes.

Bundoran will host the Sea Sessions Music and Surf Festival again this year ! ©SeaSessions

CAPBRETON, France (Wednesday, May 9, 2012) - Barefoot Wines in association with Billabong will host ASP Europe’s first specialty event in 2012: an expression session with a 3,000€ prize-purse in Bundoran, Ireland during the Sea Sessions festival next summer from June 29 to July 1. The invitational event will host some of the UK and Europe’s best free surfers as well as well-known ASP competitors.

The Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival will once again be in the spotlight this summer with an incredible lineup of musical artists including the likes of Happy Mondays, Kaiser Chiefs, The Coronas or Rev Run from Run DMC. The Musical event will be completed by multiple sporting activities and entertainment ! The Beach Sports and Beach Olympics side of the festival will give you a unique occasion to come play various beach sports like soccer, rugby, volley-ball and hand-ball in a fun environment and with lots of prizes to win !

This dynamic event also gets its reputation from the action-sports entertainment side where the public can attend skateboard and BMX shows like the Adrenaline State High Octane BMX  and Stunt Bike Display. And off course this full weekend of action sports and music wouldn’t be just quite as fun if it wasn’t for the ASP Europe Specialty Event: the Barefoot Expression Session in association with Billabong.

For the second time, ASP Europe is proud to be associated to this exciting Specialty Event where the format of competition allows for all the surfers to go Big and put on a great show for the crowds. With a three-days waiting period and an event that could run in as little as two hours, it gives an opportunity to the organizers to select the best possible option of tides and break to run their event and get the best waves on-offer around. Pete Craig, organizer of the event tells us a little more about the Expression Session.

“We are pleased to be teaming up with Barefoot wine and Billabong”, Pete said. “Billabong are super excited by the expression session format and the licence, it allows their free surfers to go as hard as possible. The expression session will see Europe’s top free surfers fight it out for a 3,000€ prize pot and bragging rights. The expression session format means the surfers only need one scoring ride so they can go all out.”

Surfers from all over the UK and Ireland will try to battle it out with some of Europe’s best in a different format from a typical competition, where only progressive surfing will matter, for the pleasure of the public attending this event. The selection for this invite-only event has started and big names have already dropped from previous editions and local areas.

“Already confirmed are last year’s winner Alan Stokes along with top UK rippers Oli Adams and Ruben Ash who will not only take on the local crew but the best of main land Europe up and coming rippers. The expression session is only open to surfers at the highest level but if you want to make a name for yourself in front of the ASP and thousands of music fans and compete for 3k send us an email to seasessionssurf@gmail.com.”

The 2012 Barefoot Expression Session in assoc. with Billabong will run from June 29 – July 1 in Bundoran, Ireland. To find out more, please visit www.aspeurope.com and discover the full lineup of SeaSessions at www.seasessions.com.

Pierre-Valentin Laborde - SeventyOne Percent Team Rider © Eric Chauché

CAPBRETON, France (Wednesday, May 2, 2012) - ASP Europe welcomes SeventyOne Percent as a partner for the 2012 European Season. The French solar creme and healthcare products manufacturer brings a fresh touch to an existing market dominated by industry giants and delivers tailor-made products for surfers.

SeventyOne Percent will accompany ASP Europe all along the European Season by providing ASP officials necessary solar protection and offer ASP Europe Champions a special package to be revealed later this year. Raphael Vannier co-founder of SeventyOne Percent tells us a little bit more about his company.

«SeventyOne Percent is a French company based in Hossegor which has designed and produced an innovative technical concept, created by and for the riders, before, during and after their sessions. 3 steps and 3 ranges of products to answer all surfers specific needs: Natural Energy, Extreme SUN Protection, Care & Recovery

All Manufactured in France, Technical and environmental protection are the core values of SeventyOne Percent and 1% of their profits go to Surf Rider Foundation.

After a year building the “La Crème de la crème” team with creative french rippers such as Vincent Duvignac, PV Laborde, Tristan Guilbaut and Maud Le Car, the 3 friends are now extending the crew to Europe. It started this winter with promising Spanish girl Lucia Martino and their will be some more good news to come very soon…»

Discover below the SeventyOne Percent Team in a creative ad realized by Riot House Production. Find out more about SeventyOne Percent on their Facebook Fan Page, their brand new website will be online next month !

Aritz Aranburu (EUK) on his way to Win the event last year

CAPBRETON, France (Tuesday, April 30, 2012) - One of the most prestigious events of the ASP European Tour, the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro, will return in 2012 and celebrate its 25th anniversary at the iconic ‘Playa de Pantin’ Galicia with an ASP 6-Star Women and 3-Star Men’s event. Miguel Galeiras and Marcos Rodriguez co-organizers of the event have confirmed both events will be held this season with their continuing support of men’s as well as women’s professional surfing in Europe.

«The Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro for many years has supported women’s surfing because we consider that it is put to one side by the surfing industry and what we need to support is equality in sport», stated Galeiras. «Especially when dealing with an event or a World circuit where the entire world is watching the image we are giving of ourselves. The Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro will continue in it’s venture in the future and we hope it is an example to everyone.»

There has been a lot of changes made since the inaugural edition of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro in 1987 but the goal has remained to showcase the best of surfing and the incredible potential the region of Galicia has to offer. 2012 will come to confirm that Playa de Pantin deserves its spot on the ASP World Tour European leg and organizers have been working hard to make this year count.

«To tell you the truth we feel a little nervous because it is a great responsibility organising this edition but at the same time it has filled us with a sense of pride and we hope the original founders of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro see in this edition their dream arrive to a consolidated future and that we are up to the standards they originally imagined for the event», Rodriguez said. «The Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro is the surfing event that represents Galicia to the rest of the world. Each year the people from Galicia host a world tour event through this emblematic event which shows us as a people, committed, consistent and lovers of the sea each year no matter what happens.»

As part of the European Tour, Pantin will once again host some of the World’s best surfers male and female, and an ASP event is always a great occasion for the local surfing community to learn from the best. In all events, Wildcards are allocated to potential future stars of the sport, and Pantin will be no exception.

«In all editions of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro we invite to both categories young up-and-coming surfers from Galicia. This year we can announce that Yolanda Rodriguez in the women’s event  will repeat her presence and for the men’s event we are yet to decide. We will let you know.»

Miguel Galeiras and Marcos Rodriguez will once again put all efforts in making the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro a public-friendly event with entertainment aside the main ASP surfing event. They have been pushing towards a great week of fun and sports in Galicia for all the September tourists and regional enthusiasts, with free surfing lessons by the local surfing school, beach football & rugby tournaments as well as concerts and food on-site.

«It is well known that this event has always been very family orientated and we want to thank the efforts of all the people, sponsors and Government bodies who colaborate with the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro. Without their help and support it would be impossible to get the event up and running. And finally this edition of the Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro is dedicated to Javier Porta who sadly has left us forever but who has left a path that many of us will follow.»

The 2012 Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro will run from September 12-16 in Playa de Pantin, Galicia. To find out more, please visit www.aspeurope.com

Alana Blanchard (HAW) and Bethany Hamilton (HAW) enjoying a pre-event surf last year.

CAPBRETON, France (Friday, April 27, 2012) - Registrations for the 2012 edition of the ASP 6-Star Swatch Girls Pro France and 2-Star Women’s Pro Junior event will close next Monday, May 1st – 2012. Competitors who have not entered this already classic event on the Women’s Tour still have a few days to do so via our online Memberpro system.

More than half of the ASP Women’s World Championship Tour athletes will return to Hossegor / Seignosse joined by a growing field of young up-and-coming surfers and will enjoy the powerful beachbreaks of the Landes region in South-West France. Julie Audibert, former ASP Europe director turned event organizer, sees the event approach and is about to make important decisions.

«After the storm we’ve had all week the swell finally cleaned up and waves are looking amazing all along the coast this morning», Julie said. «Tides are approximately the same as they will be during our event so we’ve decided that today we’ll choose our definite competition site.»

So far about 75 competitors from all continents already have their ticket for this year’s Swatch Girls Pro France and once again organizers have planned for an entertaining week of surfing with one of the best event structures the Women’s World Tour has to offer.

«We’ll once again try to offer our girls one of the best event for sure, with even a few surprises   to make their week stay in Hossegor a fun women’s surfing experience !» stated Julie Audibert.

With three Women 6-Star events in 2012, the race for the ASP Women’s European Title will be intense right from the opening event of the season in Hossegor, and all of Europe’s best will be surfing this event including our two Women’s World Championship Tour ambassadors Pauline Ado and Justine Dupont from France.

The 2012 Swatch Girls Pro France will run from May 30 to June 3 in Hossegor / Seignosse, France. To find out more, please visit www.aspeurope.com

Tristan Guilbaud (FRA) at the recent Protest Vendee Pro

CAPBRETON, France (Thursday, April 26, 2012) - Fresh off a first event at home in Vendee for the 2012 ASP 3-Star Protest Vendee Pro, Ocean Surf Report caught up with Tristan Guilbaud (FRA) 21, about his young career, surf trips and competitions, and what it means to be a young professional surfer on Tour. Tristan has recently been seen highlighted in video clips from the farthest land of Indonesia and appears to be in great form at the start of the 2012 European season.

Read the full interview in french on surf-report.com

Océan Surf Report : Hi Tristan. Can you introduce yourself ?
Tristan Guilbaud : Hi. My name is Tristan Guilbaud, 21 years old. I’m originally from Vendee where I grew up and started surfing, but I eventually moved to Bayonne to train at a federal training center for 3 years.

OSR : What do you like about surfing ?
TG : Basically I just love being in the water. Surfing allows me to free my mind, have fun and push my boundaries. It became a proper need to me, just like a drug.

OSR : What are your goals for 2012  ? 
TG : 2012 will be challenging for me. It’s the first time I’ll be fully committed to the Star Tour, with my main goal being to climb a few spots on the rankings to be able to enter 6-Star and Prime events next year.

OSR : What do you do when you’re not out surfing ?
TG : I like to just spend time with my girlfriend, my family and friends, get out of the surfing bubble to just take a breath..

OSR : You spent your winter between Australian and the Reunion Island. Why there, and which do you prefer ?
TG : I do have a slight preference for Reunion Island cause my girlfriend lives there, many of my friends do too. Despite the shark situation, conditions are idyllic. Australia is an amazing training ground too. I spend a few months there every year, and with all the great surfers in the water it just pushes your surfing !

OSR : Did you get to watch the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach while in Australia ?
TG : Yes I also go there for that reason, to watch the competition and surf with the pros when the event is off. Bells I had to watch online.

OSR : How do you see your future on Tour ?
TG : Honestly I don’t have a clue. We’ll see how it goes, all I know is that I train hard to be able to keep that way of living. I know I have a lot to learn, but I really want to succeed and I work hard towards it.

OSR : Do you often surf the net, and do you know Océan Surf Report ?
TG : I am kind of a geek indeed, and yeah I do often read news on surf report.

OSR : Quick questions:
Slater or Machado ?  
Slater

St Leu or Byron Bay ?
St Leu

Chocolate Mint or Coco ?
Chocolate Mint

Gad Elmaleh or Jamel Debbouze ?  
Tough one..

Football or Rugby ? 
Rugby

Brown-hair or Blondy ? 
My girlfriend Victoria ;)

Twitter or Facebook ? 
Facebook

OSR : Anything else you want to say to your fans ?
TG : Thank’s to my family who’s always been there for me, Protest my sponsor for their support as well as my other sponsors SeventyOne Percent and Creatures of Leisure.

Thank’s Tristan for taking the time to answer our questions and to Hervé from Initial Seven for his help putting together this interview.

Tristan Guilbaud will be competing in the ASP Europe Star Events in 2012. For more information check ASP Europe’s News via aspeurope.com

Benoit Naulin (FRA) at La Côte Sauvage in Royan

Royan is situated just over the Gironde estuary, right in the middle of the french Atlantic coast, and enjoys an extremely beautiful and natural area. The 20km long beach trimmed with forest, has mutliple accesses that lead to a handful of A-Frames beachbreak peaks.

The ‘Côte Sauvage’, literraly the ‘Wild Coast’, has already hosted surfing and bodyboarding events in the past but it will be a first on the ASP Tours. Isabelle Peyvel, president of the local surf club and organizer of the event, welcomes all surfers to her event.

«It will be a first for the Surf Club Royan Atlantique, the department of Charente Maritime and our little town of Royan and surroundings», Isabelle said. «We are really looking forward to a busy week, Royan sees a lot of tourists this time of year and it should be exciting ! We worked on the French National Championships in 2004, an ETB stop and also multiple French Cup competitions, this will be our biggest event and the first of its kind.»

Sooruz, a seasoned event sponsor in Europe, will bring its expertise along and help organize the best set-up for surfers, the public and the medias. With lots of experience in the organizing team, we are in for a great experience in Royan next July.

«The beach is so long, we’ve decided that the main site will be at entry n°46 (parking du vieux phare) where we’ll build the site with all the usual competitors area etc, but we also have a totally mobile structure that can move anywhere along this stretch of beachbreaks. We will also have a dedicated website and a live webcast available on the internet.»

The Sooruz Royan Atlantique Pro Junior, an ASP Europe 1-Star Men and Women Pro Junior event will offer a $5,000 prize-purse for the Men and $2,000 for the Women, along with precious ranking points for this year’s European Junior rankings. Running mid-July, this event will be the first of the Summer-leg for all our Junior athletes.
Registrations are already opened via our Online Membership and Registration system. You will find valuable travel information about this event as well. For any other questions contact us directly.

The 2012 Sooruz Royan Atlantique Pro Junior will run from July 12-15 at la Côte Sauvage, Entry 46 (parking du vieux phare), Royan / France. To find out more, please visit www.aspeurope.com