Quiksilver Junior Pro 2019 France

The WSL Quiksilver Junior Pro will take place from July 17-21, 2019 in Capbreton / Hossegor / Seignosse, Landes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Press Release: Europe’s Best Juniors Back in Les Landes this Summer for Quiksilver & Roxy Junior Pro 40 in Capbreton – A fresh new addition to the 2019 European Junior QS, the Quiksilver and Roxy Junior Pro 40 will soon welcome the region’s best under-18 surfers to compete at Stop No. 4 of this season’s series.

Surfers will be back competing at an iconic location on the French southwest coast, the Santocha in Capbreton. Some of the best surfers in the world have surfed here in various junior events over the years, including the likes of John John Florence (HAW), Taj Burrow (AUS) or Gabriel Medina (BRA). But more importantly it’s the spot that revealed Jeremy Flores (FRA)’s talent to the world. “This is the event that first put me on the map,” the former event winner said. “It’s a legendary contest, all the best kids in the world have surfed here.”

This world-famous beach break with its iconic war-built blockhouses in the sand can pump massive barrels on a big winter swell but usually morphs into a super fun playground in summer. Surfers will find punchy little A-frames and the occasional right peeler off the break wall at low tide, a picture-perfect canvas for young professional surfers to showcase their skills.

“Junior events here have been some of the most prestigious in the world for years,” Miky Picon, head of Quiksilver’s Global Sports Marketing added. “All the best surfers have competed here. Waves are world class and they really allow athletes to show their full potential and surf repertoire.”

A unique new format will see each of the three cities of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse host the event in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Strong supporters of professional surfing for decades, Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse not only host the world’s best athletes during the Championship Tour stop in October but they now pave the way for future generations of pro surfers with this junior event.

European Junior Title Races Off to a Flying Start

In the men’s field, Kauli Vaast (FRA) and Justin Becret (FRA) hold the first and second spots respectively after an extremely consistent start to their 2019 season. Both surfers have won an event and placed high in the remaining two, and they’re separated by a mere 200 points on the rankings. Vaast may have the advantage right now, but Becret is a Hossegor local and knows the waves around here probably better than anyone on tour.

Tiago Carrique (FRA), Selyann Zouhir (MAR) and a few others still have an outside chance at first place but will most likely fight for the third qualifying spot for the World Junior Championship when the dust settles on the European junior title race.

Portugal up-and-comer Mafalda Lopes has a slightly bigger head start on Ellie Turner (GBR) in the women’s but with 2,000 more ranking points up for grabs until the season is over, there is room for drastic changes still.

Roxy girl Juliette Lacome (FRA) will have a unique chance to bounce back from a deceiving start in 2019 and with two massive results in the remaining events could even throw her name in the mix for a potential world juniors ticket.

Activations Complement Fun Summer Week in Capbreton

Besides the main action in the lineup, summer crowds in Capbreton will be treated to a full range of activations: board testing will be set up all-week by the Santocha Capbreton Surf Club and By the Wave and the Department des Landes will host fun activities on the beach as well.

Wednesday, Quiksilver, Roxy and Ocean 52 have organized a beach cleaning which will be followed by a sunset LIVE gig at the Terramar with artist Renan. On Thursday, an afterwork party will be held at the Boardriders shop in Capbreton with musical guests Standart. And to wrap up the musical acts, Tömtom will perform Friday night at the Terramar as well.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine : many beautiful waves on the 900 km long coastline
With a coastline of about 900 km and a lot of different wave types, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region is one of the most appropriate places for surfing in the world and has always groomed the best European riders. For many years, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional Council, aware of its coastline potential, has been supporting both the development of recreational surfing as well as world renowned competitions, such as four WSL contests (Junior Pro 40, Lacanau Pro, Pro Anglet and Pro France). With the recent IOC decision to approve the inclusion of surfing on the sports programme for the Paris 2024 Olympic games, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional Council hopes its waves will host the olympic surfing events.

Paris 2024 Generation Hopes Start in Les Landes

The Landes territory has always been a talent-pool of emerging surfers with the likes of Miky Picon and Jeremy Flores making it all the way to the top and showing the way. This tradition is well and truly alive with a solid group of grommets coming through the ranks like Justin Becret, Noa Dupouy, Kylian Guerin, Jade Magnien among many others, Les Landes are well represented.

These young surfers already showcase the talent « Made in Les Landes » all around the world. They are also along with all previous generations, the foundation of a strong surfing identity in the territory. The Junior Pro is a way to look at the future. Surf can grow and shine for the world, thanks to that generation, born in Les Landes. It’s one of the main purpose of #WESURF2024, olympic bid of Capbreton, Hossegor, Seignosse with Les Landes and MACS support.

The event will unfold from July 17-21, 2019 in Capbreton / Hossegor / Seignosse, Landes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. For all photos, videos, news releases about the Quiksilver and Roxy Junior Pro 40, visit worldsurfleague.com and the WSL app.

The Quiksilver and Roxy Junior Pro 40 is supported by Quiksilver, Roxy, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Council, the Département des Landes, the Communauté de Communes Maremne Adour Côte-Sud, the councils of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse, and Virgin Radio.