Hawaii’s Kelia Moniz Wins Second Consecutive Asp Women’s World Longboard Title!

In a repeat of last year’s final, the biggest beach crowd of the week assembled to watch the Kelia Moniz and Chelsea Wiliams go head-to-head in the long lefthand walls of Riyue Bay for the final of the SWATCH GIRLS PRO CHINA 2013 hosted by Wanning.

Kelia Moniz drew first blood with a beautifully-surfed wave in the opening mo-ments of the final, and while the two goofyfoots, ranked 1 and 2 in the world, went blow-for-blow throughout the encounter exchanging waves, it was always the Hawaiian on the front foot. “I can’t believe it, to win another title here just feels so awesome. Earlier in this event I felt like I hadn’t really surfed at my best, so to get past Chelsea, who’s been absolutely ripping in every heat feels really good. I’m thrilled to take the title back to Hawaii and really proud. I’ve had great support here once again and want to thank the local people and Swatch for putting this great contest on.”

“I’m disappointed to have come second again,” admitted Chelsea, “It’s four times now that I’ve come second. I felt like this year I had the measure of her but it didn’t happen for me. But hey, it’s a beautiful place, so we’ll all enjoy ourselves tonight after another fun event.”

Earlier in the semi-finals, Williams narrowly beat France’s Justine Dupont in last-minute exchange, catching a long wave all the way to the shorebreak to earn the win by a mere 0.05 of a point. Dupont’s equal third is her best show-ing at the event. Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw, Kelia Moniz’ route to the final saw her overcome 17-year-old American Karina Rozunko, whose equal 3rd place finish matched her showing from last year.