Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship
29 May 2008
Plage du Penon, Seignosse, Francia

It is already the end for certain nations. From the 28 countries that are competing at the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships, 4 were eliminated today. Half of the competitors of this Quiksilver ISAWorld JuniorChampionships will definitely be out of the competition this evening.
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The major surf nations like Australia, Brazil, USA, New Zealand, Hawaii and South Africa continue with their teams intact. The high level of surfing at this World Championships illustrates the unbelievable quality and depth of this generation all aged under 18.Easy victories went to Alejo Muniz (Bra) and Owen Wright (Aus) who scored the highest heat score of his U18 round, 18,6 out of a possible 20. Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the girls also scored 17 points, a record for her round. These scores confirm domination by the major surfing nations in these Championships.

According to the day’s results we can definitely count on the French Team to be a member of this elite club. Marc Lacomare (U18) signed his 3rd victory in these Championships. Maxime Huscenot finished first in his heat. Although Alizee Arnaud totally eclipsed the American duo of Nicholl and Erickson, however amazing she was yesterday. The highly motivated local from the Landes has been convincing. Like the strong captain Lacomare, she’s surfing round after round, with golden ambitions.

At the opposite end of the surfing spectrum, Jamaica was knocked out of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships this evening. The only Jamaican competitor Ackeam Phillips was knocked out of the 2nd round of the repercharge. His manager Luke Williams was impressed by his performance “I’m really proud of him, Ackeam learnt surfing even before he could swim. Being the only surfer representing Jamaica shows that he has got a lot of spirit.” Alone he has worked hard to represent his team and raise it’s level. Due to lack of money not all of the team could make it to France. To start with, two juniors were selected but only one could obtain his passport in time.

Despite the elimination of Ackeam, the Jamaican team are staying in France to enjoy the good conditions and this enriching experience. “We love it here. These new countries like Senegal prove that this is amongst the best competitions in the world,” finished Luke Williams.

The Canadians also retire from the competition this evening. The country is so large that the some members of the team didn’t know each other before the Championships. Some surf the cold waters of the North Atlantic whilst others evolve thousands of kilometres away in the warmer Pacific Ocean.

The team from Senegal who competed for their first time ever at these World Championships are also no longer in contest this evening. The surfers of N’Gor (Dakar) Babou Gueye and Johan Boyer are not disappointed. Coach Francois Kirie appreciates what it’s taken just to get here. “It’s necessary for the young surfers to come to these international competitions to make a point of reference for future generations to aspire too.” He was grateful that the young surfers were able to travel to France. Support from a range of sponsors helped overcome the difficulties in getting here. Babou said that as much as he likes being here, he misses Senegal a lot. It’s obvious however that just by making the journey here and taking part they are already winners.

The contest will re start tomorrow at 7:30 am.

Live feeds will run from
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Or via www.isasurf.org or www.isaworldchamp.com