Conlogue takes the 2012 Swatch Pro France Title

ASP World No.1 Courtney Conlogue, 19, (USA) was crowned champion of the SWATCH GIRLS PRO FRANCE at Les Bourdaines, Seignosse, France this afternoon after a string of commanding performances in 3ft (head high) surf at the famous French beachbreak.

Surfing with all the confidence of a surfer already with two major tour victories under her belt this year, Conlogue posted a series of excellent scores including a perfect 10 in her quarterfinal for three lethal backside hits, before edging past the dangerous Sage Erickson, 21, (USA) in the semis. That set up a relatively one-sided final with Paige Hareb, 21 (NZL) held in tricky strong onshore conditions favouring the righthanders. The American opened up with an 8.83, and backed up with a 7.0 to secure her maiden tour win in Europe.

"It feels amazing to come out with a win here, I've always loved coming to France and I had my sights set on taking out a win this year," said Conlogue. "The waves were really fun this morning when it was glassy and I felt like I got into a good rhythm. I had some tough heats with girls like Alessa (Quizon) and Sage surfing super well, and I managed to snag a couple of decent rights in the final. The waves were really good this morning, but even with the onshores it the final there were still fun ones out there."

Conlogue picks up $US8000 and 3500 points for her efforts.

This morning's early call saw a strong increase in swell overnight, sending the last twelve women out in glassy lefthanders. With the tide filling in over the contest bank giving an extra kick to the swell, the biggest and best surf of the entire week witnessed some excellent surfing.

"If I was going to lose to anyone, I'm glad it was Courtney, she's surfing really well, " said 3rd placed Sage Erickson. "But I'm stoked with a semi anyway, it's been a great contest. We've always been taken care of really well at this event, and this year we've had amazing weather as well. This has been the funnest event in France for me for sure. Big thanks to Swatch for putting on such a great contest for us."

Runner up Hareb was similarly gracious in losing out to the form surfer of the event,

"I would have preferred a 1st for sure," said the Kiwi goofyfoot, "but making the final is still a great result for me. I guess Courtney has been pretty unstoppable here, she's on such a roll right now and this is really her kind of surf, it looks like Huntington Beach."

Hareb collects $US4000 and 2640 points.

Leila Hurst, 17 (HAW) was one of several rising stars of the women's tour competing in both junior and open divisions, earning an equal 3rd place for an impressive showing that ended in her semi with Hareb.

"I'm stoked to get a 3rd place here. France is a rad place and this event has been really cool. The waves have been small but really fun, I've had a blast."
 
 

The grade 3 Pro Junior event was wrapped up shortly after the final of the main event, where Bianca Buitendag, (ZAF) continued her strong showing by beating Canelle Bulard, (REU), with Leila Hurst and Philippa Anderson (AUS) placing equal third.

For results, photos, videos visit www.swatchgirlspro.com

Final Day Highlights - Swatch Girls Pro France 2012