The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Nikita Pro Junior Sopelana today crowned both men’s and women’s champions during another long day of competitive surfing which saw Charles Martin (GLP) take the men’s title over Filipe Jervis (PRT), William Aliotti (FRA) and Ramizi Boukiam (MAR). While Alizee Arnaud (FRA) left her opponents battling for the minor placings in an overwhelming display of dominance.

Peaky 3ft (1m) waves were on offer during the day with event officials halting the event during the lower tide to allow the best conditions possible for the finals late this afternoon. Clear skies and perfect beach weather assured a huge crowd lining the shore. With the swell decreasing and a poor prediction for the following days organisers were forced to finish two days ahead of schedule.

Alizee Arnaud dominant from round one

Alizee Arnaud (FRA) 20, claimed the Nikita Girls Pro Junior Sopelana with a complete display of dominance from round one to the final where she left her opponents in a combination situation with a two wave total of 17.27 out of a possible 20. As evidence Arnaud claimed 8 of the 10 highest single scoring rides in the Nikita Girls Pro Junior Sopelana. Smashing a series of forehand cracks to obtain a near perfect 9.77 out of a possible 10 the quietly spoken natural-footer entered the water with her strategy of attack which ran to perfection.

“I knew with the tide that things could change so I took two waves at the beginning to try and take the lead and get started because after it was a little smaller. I want to be as high as I can on the ratings heading into Lacanau to be in the top two is great and it has given me confidence to try and win the European Junior title like two years ago.”

Maud Lecar (FRA) 18, finished runner up in her first ever ASP Pro Junior final ahead of current European Junior title holder Joanne Defay (FRA) and Marie Dejean (FRA) who placed fourth.

“It’s my first time in a pro junior final and I am very happy to get second place and to try and stay in the top 5 in Europe. Alizee is surfing so good and in the final she got that 9 point ride and she is surfing very strong so I was left fighting for second place against Joanne and we had a good fight for the second place.”

Medi Vemenardi (REU) and Alizee Arnaud (FRA) shared the added bonus of 1000 Euros for being overall best performers at the ASP sanctioned San Sebastian and Sopelana Pro Juniors proudly sponsored by Surfing Euskadi.

“It is a great surprise to receive this prize,” said Alizee Arnaud. “It was great to come to these two events in Euskadi and I will come back next time for sure and see all the people here and do my best to win again.”

Charles Martin wins guys title

Surfing from round one and focused on this his last year on the ASP Pro Junior Tour Martin has decided to concentrate on the remaining two ASP sanctioned Pro Junior events being held over the next two weeks to run for the ASP European Junior title and to secure his place on this year’s inaugural ASP World Junior Series to be held in Bali and Australia.

Focused on the development of Euskadi as a premiere surf destination for the world's best surfers, Surfing Euskadi works closely with the surfing industry to promote the sport and support the improvement of its most promising talented athletes.

Photo Credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com