Winning the Roxy Jam

Roxy team rider and native Californian Jennifer Smith (USA), 23, won the Roxy Jam in Biarritz, France today to claim the second ASP Women’s World Longboard title of her brilliant career after defeating Coline Menard (FRA), 21, in the finals. Smith, who raised her world title trophy in front of a cheering crowd at La Côtes des Basques, dominated the final day of competition from beginning to end, with a 9.25 ride in the semifinals, the highest scoring wave of the competition, confirming her status as the world’s best female longboarder.

“To win a second world title is just unbelievable,” Smith said. “I had no expectations this year, I came over here to give it my best and see what happened, and I made the final and won it. It’s just so good to get a second one. I am going to celebrate with all my best friends that are here tonight.”

The 2009 Roxy Jam was held in consistent three-foot surf under sunny skies in Biarritz, France and witnessed spectacular levels of surfing throughout the four-day waiting period, with a mix of nose-rides and well executed maneuvers from all the female competitors. The event introduced a new 32-woman format, down from 48 last year, with direct elimination from Round One bringing more intensity into the ASP Women’s World Longboard title race.

“The level of surfing has gotten so high these days,” Smith said. “Every time I see Coline (Menard) at an event, she has improved since the last time and it shows that the talent in Europe and worldwide is huge and growing.”

Almost winning

At 21-years-old, Reunion Island resident Coline Menard became the second French representative to reach the final of the international event after Justine Dupont in 2007, who lost to Smith as well. Menard’s performance today confirmed her as one of best up and coming competitors on tour.

Placing 3rd after a dominating run from Round 1 up to the semi-finals was event favorite and last year’s ASP Women’s World Longboard No. 2 Chelsea Williams (AUS), 23. The renowned power surfer lost to Smith in the semi-finals despite a solid performance and a 13.25-point heat score. Justine Dupont (FRA), 17, was not able to advance to her second Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships’ final going down to fellow French surfer Menard in the first semi-final. Dupont’s equal 3rd place finish makes her one of the most consistent female longboarders in the world after a runner-up position in 2007 at only 15-years-old and an equal 5th at last year’s event.

What was it

Celebrating its fourth year as the premiere all women’s longboarding event, the Roxy Jam Biarritz brings together a diverse crowd to celebrate surf, art and music. In addition to the world class surf competition, the event included a photography exhibit displaying works by big names who have captured the most beautiful waves, a free concert with a performance by Santigold, fitness classes, demos and prizes for all that attended.

ROXY JAM 2009 FINAL STANDINGS:

1st Jennifer Smith (USA)

2nd Coline Menard (REU)

3rd Chelsea Williams (AUS), Justine Dupont (FRA)

Check out the photos below! Photo Credit: Aquashot/ASP and Roxy