Longboard Champs 2021
Wednesday 13 October 2021 At the tender age of 22, Honolua Blomfield won the WSL World Longboard Title with ballie Joel Tudor, 45, while Jeep Malibu Classic runner-up Ben Skinner took out SA hope Steve Sawyer.
BLOOMING NICE: Tudor, 45, and Blomfield, 22. Quite a contrast really. Photo WSL / Lodin
It was a dream run for Great Britain’s Skinner that culminated in a career-best result in the final against the oldest longboard world champion, while although Blomfield lost to a rampant Alice Lemoigne (FRA), she had already earned a piece of history when she overcame Longboard Tour veteran Lindsay Steinriede (USA) in a tight quarterfinal.
“It feels amazing to be the youngest, three-time World Longboard Champion. I didn’t really do that good in Noosa but I got fifth which is good considering and then I won the Surf Ranch. That’s when I realized I have a real shot at winning this Title.”
As is often the case after the emotional high of winning a world title, Blomfield was off the pace against Longboard Tour veteran Lemoigne, who dominated the final against with two excellent wave scores and impeccable wave selection to take her biggest career victory.
TRADEMARK STEEZY: Steve Sawyer was knocked out of Round 3 by Skinner. Photo WSL / Lodin
Tudor had to wait more than two decades since capturing his first Longboard World Title, the 45-year-old clinched his third after making a return in 2019. Tudor had to muster his very best to power through a marathon day of world-class competition, matching up against 3x WSL Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) in Round 3, future World Title contender Kaniela Stewart (HAW) in the Quarterfinals, and a Semifinal clash with Longboard Tour veteran Tony Silvagni (USA).
“I didn’t really have expectations of winning coming here,” admitted Tudor. “I just wanted to do well and finish. There were all sorts of elements that came to play. My dad hasn’t come here to watch me compete in 27 years, both he and my mom were here so I had an emotional second there. This was for Donald Takayama who mentored my whole existence, I wouldn’t be here where I am today without him.”
An incredible season started with a victory at the Noosa Longboard Classic before competitions were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tudor’s equal fifth at the WSL Surf Ranch kept him at No. 3 heading into Malibu and capped off his immaculate season with one last victory.
TUDOR HAD A SKINNER: Ben Skinner and Joel Tudor, the two finalists. Photo WSL / Lodin
Reunion Island’s Lemoigne couldn’t be stopped on finals day, opening with an amazing 16.00 heat total over event threat Natsumi Taoka (JPN) in the Quarterfinals before taking down former World Title runner-up Chloe Calmon (BRA) by the narrowest of margins during their Semifinal dual. The 25-year-old saved her best for last, garnering an excellent 8.57 for her flawless style and footwork on the nose, to leave Blomfield needing a near-perfect 9.90 as time ran out.
“It’s a dream to win here at Malibu, it’s a perfect wave and I love it so much,” said Lemoigne. “It was slow so at the start so I waited for the bomb set waves and they came so I couldn’t be more stoked. I’m so happy to win and to share a Final with Hono (Blomfield) was really special. Congratulations to her and to all the other girls, and thanks to everyone here for supporting me and letting us surf this amazing place.”
For Skinner, it was an emotional roller coast ride after learning he re-qualified on the tour. He overcame the odds starting with former WSL Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (ZAF) in Round 3, fellow Tour veteran and Title contender Kai Sallas (HAW) in the Quarterfinals, and a Semifinal bout with the 2021 Title frontrunner Harrison Roach (AUS).
HANGING IN: Joel Tudor wins his first world title in a couple of decades. Photo WSL / Lodin
“What an event,” proclaimed Skinner. “Amazing waves the whole day, little slow in that Final but this man (Joel Tudor), the new champ, it’s just amazing. It was a pleasure to surf with him in that Final. I didn’t do well at the Ranch so I had to perform here and to do it at one of the most iconic waves in the world, it’s unbelievable. I’ve been doing this since I was 15-years-old and to finally make a Final, I’m beyond words.”
The Jeep Malibu Classic presented by Havaianas delivered pristine 2-3ft conditions throughout the day
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