SEIGNOSSE / HOSSEGOR / CAPBRETON, Landes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (Thursday, October 4, 2018) - The World Surf League (WSL) has announced a three-year renewal of the partnership with Quiksilver and ROXY as Title Partner of Stop No. 9 on the WSL Championship Tour (CT). The deal will see the legendary beachbreaks of the Landes region host the Quiksilver and ROXY Pro France for the next three years, through 2021.
"Quiksilver and ROXY are long-standing, important WSL partners and we are thrilled to announce a three-year renewal of their support of the French CT," said WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. "The Quiksilver and ROXY Pro France is a true highlight of the season and a favorite for both our fans and surfers and we are very excited about the future of this event and the extended commitment of our partners."
2018 marks the 17th consecutive year that the brand has supported the event, which sees the iconic surf towns of Seignosse, Hossegor and Capbreton welcome the world's best surfers for the sole French stop on the tour. Held from the 3rd to the 14th of October, 2018 the Quiksilver and ROXY Pro France will see 18 female and 36 male elite athletes vie for the coveted event titles. The event also plays a key role in deciding the WSL Men's and Women's World Champion each season. This year ROXY-sponsored athlete Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has the chance to clinch a record seventh world title, while the event will prove to be crucial in setting the stage for the men's title race.
"Quiksilver and ROXY are very excited to continue our long-standing support of this very special event and of the WSL as we showcase the full range of amazing athletes, especially the athletes we are lucky enough to sponsor under our banner", said Quiksilver Global General Manager Garry Wall. "Securing this long-term partnership this week is especially meaningful as we kick off this year's event in memory of our former leader and industry visionary, Pierre Agnes, who's passion for this event and region was unparalleled", said ROXY Global General Manager Emilie Souvras.
The brand's commitment to hosting the event surfing in October, outside the peak season, during the prime time for the best conditions has generated a positive effect on the local economy by extending the tourist season through the event window. Tens of thousands of spectators flock to the beaches during the event for the chance to see the high-performance showdown from the world's surfing elite.
The holding period for Quiksilver and ROXY Pro France opened on Wednesday, October 3 and will run through Sunday, October 14, 2018. The event is broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the WSL's Facebook page. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners.
As always, local fans will be able to follow the event LIVE on a big screen on the Central place in Hossegor, and enjoy movie screenings and music acts in various places during the event's waiting period. Quiksilver and ROXY host an onsite merchandising area where they sell event branded apparel, beachwear, headwear, and footwear.
Roxy Pro France Round 2 Matchups:
Heat 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) vs. Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 3: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (PYF)
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 5: Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
Heat 6: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Sage Erickson (USA)
Quiksilver Pro France Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Ezekiel Lau (HAW), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 2: Owen Wright (AUS), Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Yago Dora (BRA), Keanu Asing (HAW)
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS), Frederico Morais (PRT), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA), Tomas Hermes (BRA), Ryan Callinan (AUS)
Heat 6: Filipe Toledo (BRA), Connor O'Leary (AUS), Jorgann Couzinet (REU)
Heat 7: Wade Carmichael (AUS), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 8: Kolohe Andino (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Ian Gouveia (BRA)
Heat 9: Kanoa Igarashi (USA), Michael Rodrigues (BRA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Griffin Colapinto (USA), Jesse Mendes (BRA)
Heat 11: Mikey Wright (AUS), Conner Coffin (USA), Michael February (ZAF)
Heat 12: Willian Cardoso (BRA), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Joel Parkinson (AUS)