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2006 Biarritz Babes

words and photos
by Kirsty Webster

 

Well, a safe and sound return after a couple of fabulous, life (or surf) changing weeks in Biarritz. I was blown away by the level of surfing and totally inspired by some of the awesome surfers. In particular, Simone Robb (South Africa) who pulled off two 360's on one wave. The nose riding of the winner Schuyler McFerran was made so easy looking it was ridiculous, and then there was a myriad of reos, floaters and noserides that just made you feel proud to be a woman longboarder. Another standout for me was Bianca Valenti who took on the highly established surfers with great gusto and success.

I was initially disappointed by the crap waves and less than perfect lead up to my 3rd place heat, however I am feeling very proud now to be rated 25th in the World (and that ain't in the mature ladies division). Other placings for the record of all the Aussies were Jenny McCarthy 61st, Kath Robinson and Annie Watts (Granier) 37th, Tegan Riddle, Carmel McGrath, and me 25th, Lisa Nicholson, Selby Riddle, Gretchen Jorgenson 19th, Chelsea Williams 9th, Belinda Baggs and Deanne Ashmore 5th.

So Roxy  have laid down the challenge to other companies as this event was totally on par with the pro shortboard events. What a very refreshing change. We were treated as professionals and I was continually blown away by one thing after another. There were many free lunches to say the least. We had many days of surfing great longboard waves while live music played on the beach. At times the Roxy yacht would be sailing behind you. There were always cameras going off as you entered and left the surf, only to make your way to the awaiting spa in the VIP area. So much Media it was unbelievable. I could go on but I imagine you are already packing your bags to come as our team manager next year?? I do hope this leads some of the other major surf companies to think about sponsoring longboarders also. I will feel almost embarrassed to wear anything but Roxy after the greatness they provided in Biarritz. 

I also wanted to mention that I was wrapped to be part of a group of exceptional Australian surfers that, fortunately, I get to surf with quite often - so I was not surprised at how well they all surfed. The Aussie girls were there in force throughout the competition and to prove that, the Australian Team won the Teams Challenge in a very gruelling paddle race. The contest director was hoping to send the paddle boats out as part of the challenge but the waves were too big at the time. Chelsea Williams won the Expression Session, and she took home a very special Gibson Fender for the effort.
And so the story goes that on the World Cup Finals Weekend of 2006 us girls set our eyes on a different Silver Cup.. No, we did not bring it home this time but I have no doubt that the Aussie talent and spirit will make sure that the Women's World Longboard Champion's Cup will come home with us before long at all.  

For now, I must get back to Aussie reality. I will never regret backing myself to enter what will continue to be THE most prestigious event in Women's longboarding.

PS By finals days it seemed clear that a nose-rider (rather than power surfer) was going to win. It seemed that style (making it look easy), nose rides and clean finishes were the way to go. A bit different than here as 'going for it ' has been rewarded big time.


Cheers - Kirsty.