What: Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships (WWLC)
Where: Cote des Basques – Biarritz – France
When: 11-16 July, 2008

Joy Monahan (HAW), 22, became the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s World Longboard Champion today after winning the Roxy Jam event at La Cote des Basques in Biarritz. Monahan, who defeated runner-up Chelsea Williams (AUS) in an exciting 30-minute final, posted a solid 14.10 out of 20 to secure her first world crown in front of a cheering crowd.

Monahan, who placed 9th in 2006 and 5th in 2007, stepped up this week to seize the prestigious Roxy ASP Women’s World Championships and become the first Hawaiian female World Longboard Champion. “I am super stoked, I cannot believe I won the championship,” said a stoked Monahan. “Chelsea is one of the best surfers in the world and it was one of the most difficult heats to win. I got good waves and was very focused for the win.”

Monahan, who defeated reigning ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion Jennifer Smith (USA) in the semis, was unstoppable in the last heat of the event, putting together strong combinations of classic turns and stylish re-entries in the two-foot waves. “I was very surprised to defeat Jennifer in the semi-finals,” Monahan said. “I had a great week in Biarritz and it ends up perfectly. It is like a dream coming true and it is great to bring this world title home. So stoked.”

Chelsea Williams (AUS), 22, who was a favourite for the title, finished runner-up. “I won most of the heat, but Joy got two good ones in the dying seconds,” Williams said. “I tried to take the bigger waves at the very end but it was not enough. I am still happy with my result and hope I can do better next year.”

Jennifer Smith, reigning ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion, was stopped in the semifinals by Monahan: “I guess I cannot win everything but I definitely enjoyed this contest,” Smith said. “I will come back next year and try again. I was here for a repeat but Joy is an amazing surfer. She really deserves to be crowned champion.”

With Carissa Moore (HAW) winning the ASP Grade-2 Pro Junior and Joy Monahan the Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships, Hawaiians dominated the 2008 Roxy Jam and will no doubt be back next year to defend their respective titles…