TAGHAZOUT, Morocco (Monday, February 24, 2025) - The World Surf League (WSL) Pro Taghazout Bay Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 completed the Men's Round of 64 and the Women's Round of 32 in rippable three-to-four foot surf at Anchor Point. After five heats of action, the competition went on hold mid-morning to wait out the high tide, before wrapping up the day.
Olympian Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri scored the first excellent ride of the women's draw when she put together a combination of big backhand turns for an 8.30 (out of a possible 10) to jump into first and take the win over Alys Barton.
Nahia Milhau showed her affinity for Anchor Point, taking out the win ahead of top ranked Nadia Erostarbe and eliminating Ariane Ochoa and veteran Pauline Ado in the Round of 32. Milhau finished equal 5th in 2023 and is excited to be back competing in Taghazout.
"I know there are a lot of big names here, so I know I have to do my best to get a result and I was really happy to get those two scores in the beginning," said Milhau. "It's such a good wave and I'm so happy to surf out here with just four people in the water!"
Moroccan wildcard Lilias Tebbai advanced after a nail-biting heat against Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri. Etxabarri held the lead from the start, with the real battle for second place between Tebbaï and top ranked Noah Klapp. Klapp found a wave right at the end, but she didn't get the required score and Tebbaï will get to surf another day.
Wave selection was critical, and Sean Gunning found a long runner and showed the scoring potential that's out there in the early morning. Gunning's backhand sliced through the face of the wave, smooth like butter, but with serious power to earn an excellent 8.30 from the judges. Patrick Langdon-Dark had to work for it, but managed to secure second place in the final minutes and advance alongside Gunning.
After his runner-up finish in 2023 in Taghazout, Jorgann Couzinet showed his experience when he waited patiently for a set wave, opening up with a combination of big carves and spicy turns for an 8.43 to take the win ahead of Morocco's Teva Bouchgua who also had a great heat.
"It's amazing to be back, the last time I was here I was in the final," Couzinet reflected. "It's a really special event for me and I hope I can qualify for the Challenger Series with a good result here."
When competition resumed after the hold, South African chargers Jordy Maree andLuke Thompson got the one-two finish with a clutch performance from both surfers as time ran out on the clock. Maree and Thompson found the best waves of the heat to snatch the two advancing spots away from Lukas Skinner and Luis Diaz.
The 2025 Pro Taghazout Bay is scheduled from February 22 - March 1, at Anchor Point, Taghazout Bay / Morocco.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Moving Day Claims Big Names at Pro Taghazout Bay QS 3,000
WSL
TAGHAZOUT, Morocco (Monday, February 24, 2025) - The World Surf League (WSL) Pro Taghazout Bay Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 completed the Men's Round of 64 and the Women's Round of 32 in rippable three-to-four foot surf at Anchor Point. After five heats of action, the competition went on hold mid-morning to wait out the high tide, before wrapping up the day.
Olympian Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri scored the first excellent ride of the women's draw when she put together a combination of big backhand turns for an 8.30 (out of a possible 10) to jump into first and take the win over Alys Barton.
Nahia Milhau showed her affinity for Anchor Point, taking out the win ahead of top ranked Nadia Erostarbe and eliminating Ariane Ochoa and veteran Pauline Ado in the Round of 32. Milhau finished equal 5th in 2023 and is excited to be back competing in Taghazout.
"I know there are a lot of big names here, so I know I have to do my best to get a result and I was really happy to get those two scores in the beginning," said Milhau. "It's such a good wave and I'm so happy to surf out here with just four people in the water!"
Moroccan wildcard Lilias Tebbai advanced after a nail-biting heat against Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri. Etxabarri held the lead from the start, with the real battle for second place between Tebbaï and top ranked Noah Klapp. Klapp found a wave right at the end, but she didn't get the required score and Tebbaï will get to surf another day.
Wave selection was critical, and Sean Gunning found a long runner and showed the scoring potential that's out there in the early morning. Gunning's backhand sliced through the face of the wave, smooth like butter, but with serious power to earn an excellent 8.30 from the judges. Patrick Langdon-Dark had to work for it, but managed to secure second place in the final minutes and advance alongside Gunning.
After his runner-up finish in 2023 in Taghazout, Jorgann Couzinet showed his experience when he waited patiently for a set wave, opening up with a combination of big carves and spicy turns for an 8.43 to take the win ahead of Morocco's Teva Bouchgua who also had a great heat.
"It's amazing to be back, the last time I was here I was in the final," Couzinet reflected. "It's a really special event for me and I hope I can qualify for the Challenger Series with a good result here."
When competition resumed after the hold, South African chargers Jordy Maree andLuke Thompson got the one-two finish with a clutch performance from both surfers as time ran out on the clock. Maree and Thompson found the best waves of the heat to snatch the two advancing spots away from Lukas Skinner and Luis Diaz.
The 2025 Pro Taghazout Bay is scheduled from February 22 - March 1, at Anchor Point, Taghazout Bay / Morocco.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
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