Stand Up World Tour Update: France event
Friday 8 April
Naish La Torche Pro, presented by O’Neill: 04/30 – 05/8
With a record number of entries already received for the event and all the major names confirmed, the Naish La Torche Pro presented by O’Neill promises to be spectacular in every respect. Building on the success of our partnership with the French based distribution company, Enbata in 2010, (importer for Ron House, Gerry Lopez and Quikblade), the 2011 edition of the Stand Up World Tour will be the best yet and will also showcase a new region for the Tour in France: Brittany is known for its beautful coastline and countryside, but amongst the surfing community, it is a popular destination, with a wealth of good quality waves and having hosted a number of World Championship events, across all the ocean sports.
With the support of local hero, Ronan Chatain and his Twenty Nine Surf school, camp and shop (www.twenty-nine.com), the region of Brittany have opened their arms to us and invited us to hold this prestigious European leg of the Stand Up World Tour on their shores. With just 3 weeks to go until the event gets underway, the world’s best are brushing up their beach break skills in preparation for the next chapter of the Stand Up World Tour’s colorful story.
Trials to start on the 30th April
The event will start on the 30th April with the Trials event, that will allow contenders from all over the world the chance to make it into the Top 4 to earn their place alongside the World’s best in the Main Event. Among those already registered are World Champ and current rankings leader Kai Lenny from Hawaii, Robin Johnston (current # 2 in the rankings), also from Hawaii, big wave legend Garrett MacNamara, current number 4 in the rankings Zane Schweitzer, US stand out Sean Poynter and Tahitian ripper, Guillaume Bourligueux. Also coming are last year’s Event Champion and World #3, Antoine Delpero, last year’s second place finisher Colin McPhilips from the US and Brazil’s shining light, Leco Salazar, looking to make a statement in the beach break conditions he loves. Although we haven’t received final confirmation as yet, Last year’s number 2, the Basque Country’s Peyo Lizarazu will be back to stake his claim to the 2011 Title Race and once again show that he is a force to be reckoned with, as will his cousin, Xabi Lafitte.
By way of embracing the youth and future of the sport and in line with the organization’s founder and Waterman League Advisory Board Member Duane DeSoto’s vision, the Na Kama Kai Youth Challenge will be run between the Final heats of the Main event, showcasing the depth of U16 talent all over the world. Early entries include youth stand out and brother of the current World Champion 12 year old Ridge Lenny, Leo-Paul Etienne from Guadeloupe and Aaron Rowe from Guernsey. The event in its entirety will run until the 8th May.
The Waterman League and Enbata
The Waterman League is proud to continue its partnership with Enbata for the production of the French leg of the Stand Up World Tour following the extremely successful first edition last year in Anglet. Enbata is one of the driving forces for Stand Up Paddling in France, led by its principals, Alexandre Ponot and Alain Seveillac.
In 2011, this collaboration has been further strengthened by XXIX (www.twenty-nine.com), led by its passionate principals, Ronan Chatain and Didier Tirilly. Between their surf school, surf hostel and shops, XXIX and its ambassadors have laid out the red carpet for the Stand Up World Tour in Brittany, ensuring that La Torche and the surrounding area remains a World Class venue capable of hosting the world’s very best ocean sports athletes: with 12 Nations descending on its shores from the 30th April to the 8th May, I think you can safely say that this has been achieved.
The final piece to the organization for 2011, is the introduction of Philippe Bru, legendary event organizer who has joined the team to further enhance the vital production elements of the event. The Naish La Torche Pro presented by O’Neill is now just 3 weeks away – keep an eye on www.standupworldtour.com for the latest information and news
About the Waterman League
The Waterman League is dedicated to the development and promotion of Ocean Sports as a collective by working closely with athletes, governing bodies, sponsors, media agencies, television networks, event organizers, regulatory agencies, environmental initiatives, host countries and locations, to build a communal platform for both enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike.
The Waterman League is a stamp of authenticity and credibility: our goal is to personalize the delivery of professional sporting coverage, to entertain both mainstream and core audiences alike. We steer away from the generic cliché to leverage innovative events, world class athletes and their stories and endeavors in the delivery of unique and tangible experiences across all media platforms.
For more information about the Waterman League, its management and production team and its advisory board, please email: info@watermanleague.com
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