Swatch Girls Pro France to See Big Names in Lineup

CAPBRETON, France - The Swatch Girls Pro France, stop number one of a double-header on the old continent quickly approaches. Together, the two consecutive women's Qualification Series (QS) 6-Star rated events constitute a major leg of the 2014 season. The surfers competing are striving to qualify for the World Championship Tour (WCT) or maintain their position on it.

Courtney Conlogue, 2x winner on a clean Seignosse wall. - WSL / Laurent Masurel

On-time entries into the event have been processed and the list of participants include 11 surfers from the Samsung Galaxy ASP Women's WCT as well as most of the top-ranked QS surfers. Current World No.5 Malia Manuel will lead an impressive Hawaiian charge alongside Swatch Proteam rider Coco Ho and Top17 rookie Alessa Quizon. Australia will also be a strong nation represented by Laura Enever, Dimity Stoyle and Nikki Van Dijk to name just a few. Finally the likes of Pauline Ado, Johanne Defay and Justine Dupont will be trying to capitalize on home-turf advantage to keep the event trophy in France.

Les Bourdaines, the iconic punchy beachbreaks of Seignosse has been selected as the official location for this year's Swatch Girls Pro France.

“Choosing the surf location for this year's contest has not been easy,” said event organizer Brodie Carr. “The storms of the last winter really chewed into the beach and it has taken a long time for the sand banks to settle. Les Bourdaines looks to be the most consistent and reliable.”

“I think it's a great call,” confirmed Justine Dupont, one of the local favorites competing. “What I love about the banks is that they offer real variety. There can be rip bowls, big outside peaks and fast shorebreaks, sometimes all in the one day!”

Dupont, who lives within walking distance of the break, has had the last month at home training in preparation for the Pro France. “I have been surfing the banks at Les Bourdaines for the last few weeks and there's been some fantastic waves,” she said. “We are looking good for some great conditions for when the world's best women surfers come to town.”

While the main focus will remain on world-class action in the water, the Swatch Girls Pro France is also a music and art festival and draws huge crowds for myriad post-heat activities. The main musical act, the Swatch Sounds of Summer presented by Skullcandy will host an all-star lineup of DJs including Riton, Para One, DVNO amongst others, at the infamous 'La Centrale' in Hossegor, Friday August 22, from 8pm.