Big Swell Hits Sooruz Lacanau Pro for Round Three

Massive messy waves and on shore winds made the frame a bit different from yesterday’s perfect morning. From clouds to sun, all was set to make this second day of action a tough one for round 3 surfers.

With the glare coming down on the ocean, organisers were forced to call the event off after heat 16, calling the rest of round 3 tomorrow at 8 AM. A few unexpected losses occured, including Foster’s ASP World Tour member Troy Brooks, WQS top 20 surfer Miky Picon and Newquay’s runner-up Heitor Alves.

Opening the day in good form, former ASP World Champion C.J Hobgood was the first winner of this day, using his Foster’s ASP World Tour experience to take off on the right waves.

“When I got here this morning I knew it wouldn’t be easy, so I just wanted to get out there and have it done for the day,” started Hobgood. “It’s so difficult to get the good waves, the peaks are changing and once you get one you better surf it to the max before the long paddle back.”

About his presence in France for two WQS events, “I had a couple of good results on the WQS this year so there was no reason not to come. I love coming to France anyway so I hope it’s all gonna be good in the end,” finished Hobgood.

After two quarterfinal results in a row, Aussie Dayyan Neve seemed again on fire for his start in the Sooruz Lacanau Pro; scoring a 9 out of possible 10 to win the heat after taming a nasty 6 ft wave, Neve was just all smiles out. “I’m just feeling good right now. Those two good results since Japan make me happy and relaxed for the rest of the European leg so I’ll enjoy every heat and keep this good feeling rolling,” confessed Dayyan.

Surfing in heat 3, European Pro Surf Tour defending champion and power surfer Michel Bourez won his battle to advance to round 4. “It doesn’t seem that hard from here but it was such a struggle... I was paddling so hard to find the good ones...”

“Actually I really prefer that kind of conditions and it’s always easier for me to get through some heats in bigger waves. So I’m glad I made this one.” Talking about his European title and international ratings’ race, “I’m really focused on the possible qualification, but I know the guys in front are starting to make the difference now. For the European Pro surf Tour, I’ll just make my best at every event and why not go for the double!” finished 23-year-old Michel Bourez.

World famous free surfer and on tour this year, currently 8th on the WQS ratings, Dane Reynolds was one of the standouts of this morning’s action. With his impressive new school style and technique, Reynolds brought some very good quality surf in the tricky waves, stringing an 8.5 and an 8.17 to get through.

“There’s a lot of luck today as you never know where the waves are going to break. You just have to keep paddling against the currents and try to read the next set as best as you can.”

Sitting 8th in the middle of a very tight race in the WQS jungle, Reynolds made the trip to Europe with a clear goal. “I need one big result and I’ll feel better after that. I came here to get this one, and I just really want to get it before we get to the end of the year, because I know it’s going to be so much pressure if I have to wait for the last events to get my spot in the Foster’s ASP World Tour.

Much awaited for his return in France after 8 months on the Foster’s ASP World Tour, 19-year-old wonder kid Jeremy Flores surfed in heat 9, attracting crowds to the beach and big attention from the contest site. Qualifying with a second place result, Flores started his Sooruz Lacanau Pro new campaign confidently today, ready to repeat runner-up result of last year.

“I wasn’t feeling that comfortable in the heat, the waves were moving, and I’m riding new boards so I had to get change mine in the middle of the heat to secure my result.”

Talking about his european leadership on the international level, “Tiago Pires and Miky Picon are really close and have the level to get on the World Tour. I really hope I won’t be alone next year if I remain in the top 45 and I think we are getting better and better every year.”

With the glare coming down on the ocean, organisers were forced to call the event off after heat 16, calling the rest of round 3 tomorrow at 8 AM. A few unexpected losses occured, including Foster’s ASP World Tour member Troy Brooks, WQS top 20 surfer Miky Picon and Newquay’s runner-up Heitor Alves.

--Press Release