Quiksilver 2007 World Junior Surf Championships

Seasoned competitor Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa, NSW, Australia) did not let the hassles of international travel stop her from tearing apart the waves of Costa de Caparica on day 2 of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. Fitzgibbons, silver medalist at this event in Brazil last year, endured a 42 hour trip from Australia to Portugal and arrived in Lisbon without her luggage. “I still haven’t gotten my clothes,” said Fitzgibbons. “But I had fun in my heat. I found a couple of good lefthand runners.”

The surf improved markedly today from yesterday’s generally small and windy conditions. Clean 2-3 feet (.5-1 meter) waves were on offer in the morning and the breeze stayed light most of the day. Fitzgibbons surfed aggressively yet smoothly and her total heat score of (17.67 out of 20) was higher than any other competitor – male or female.

Fitzgibbons teammate, Laura Enever (North Narrabean, NSW Australia), also had a great heat. “The waves were a lot better today so it was a good start to the competition for us in the girls division.”

On the Aussie boys side, Teale Vanner (Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia) and Garret Parkes earned impressive wins in their respective divisions. “Our team is feeling good, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Vanner.

France was also represented well again today by its surfers. Marc Lacomare (Hossegor, France) posted the highest single wave 9.0 (out of 10) and total heat score (16.67 out of 20) in Round 2 of the Under 18 Boys. “I arrived here four days before the contest and I surfed all day everyday to feel my board and understand the wave,” said Lacomare.

The preparation has paid off so far and Lacomare is confident that he will lead his team to improve upon the silver medal it won in Brazil. “We have a solid team so we hope to do well here,” he said.

France was dealt a setback, however, when another of its stars, current European Junior Champion, Joan Duru (Capbreton, France) was relegated to the repechage round by Manuel Selman (Vina del Mar, Chile) and Francisco Bellorin (Caracas, Venezuela.) “That was a very close heat,” said Selman. “Duru is a great surfer and I was happy to beat him.

The South African team is another squad to look out for. Matthew Bromley, 15, (Capetown, South Africa) looked strong in Round 2 of the Under 16 Boys. “I’m super stoked that I won my heat and I’m and amped for the next one, said Bromley.

“The waves are starting to get more consistent and there are so many good surfers here. It’s amazing to see everyone from around the world coming together to surf against each other.”

The waves are forecasted to improve even more tomorrow and the contest will get underway at 8am (GMT)

Watch This Event Live

Go to www.isasurf.org or www.quiksilver.com/isa and watch the event and scores live, while listening to commentary by former World Champion Martin Potter.

Source: International Surfing Association

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