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World Surf League

Taylor Jensen and Chloe Calmon Win Historic Kumul PNG World Longboard Championships

vendredi 24 mars 2017Information World Surf League

A historical day came to a close with Jensen earning his third WLC chair-up the beach after Calmon claimed her maiden WLC victory just moments before. The biggest crowd this event has seen since the start came in masses, some walking through the night to arrive just in time for the day’s action, to witness history be made.

“This is crazy, I’ve never experienced anything like that and to get a win here with all my friends around me makes it that much more special,” Jensen said. “This has been an amazing experience from start to finish and today was unlike anything I’ve ever seen — it’s almost enough to leave someone speechless. I was a little worried coming here just because you hear things, but witnessing it in person was just proof you can’t believe everything you hear. The people here are amazing and this is something I’ll never forget.”

Jensen clashed with fellow event standout Kai Sallas (HAW) in an incredible Final that demanded their best efforts — and it was Jensen who rose to that challenge. Sallas jumped to an early lead and looked to be on his way to his first-ever WLC win, but Jensen’s patience paid off and earned an 8.93 (out of a possible 10) to put himself back in the heat. Sallas wasn’t done yet and displayed his phenomenal hang-ten capability to earn an 8.37.

In the dying minutes, Jensen was granted a Tupira gem and did not let it go to waste with his signature power turns after impressive footwork to begin the wave. The score came through at a 9.53, totaling an 18.46 (out of a possible 20), and left Sallas needing a 9.69 with less than a minute on the clock.

“I just knew I needed to find the best set wave I could, that was my plan the whole time — that’s how it was all day,” Jensen said. “Luckily that last wave came through and I was able to be in first priority to get it, and just did my best to perform on it. Now it’s time to enjoy this moment and then I’ll get ready for Taiwan. I’ve put myself in the best position possible for a third World Title and that would be an incredible honor.”

Just before Jensen’s massive performance, Calmon showed pure emotion when the final horn sounded after she earned her first WLC win in front of the massive crowd — nearly in disbelief.

“I’ve always dreamed about winning an event, but this is completely different from anything I’ve ever thought it would be like,” Calmon said. “This was the first contest where I put aside my competitiveness and just went to have fun, so it was great to find that balance finally. Since the first heat I was so amazed by the energy of this place and just so happy about myself. I’m so thankful to be here in this amazing place with these great people and if I had gotten 1st or 2nd I would’ve been happy no matter what.”



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