With his performances this year on the Qualifying Series, Jorgann Couzinet will receive a wildcard into the upcoming Quiksilver Pro France as the highest French surfer on the QS. He will join compatriots Jeremy Flores, Joan Duru and Michel Bourez and strengthen the Blue, White and Red crew.
"I've been watching this event basically since I started surfing," he said. "It's always been my dream to surf in this event and get barreled! I'm on the beach every year or watching online, and I actually have goose bumps just thinking I'm going to be in the event."
This couldn't come at a better time for the Reunion Island surfer who is on the verge of qualifying for the elite Championship Tour for the first time. Sitting in 7th position on the QS before the QS10,000 EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira this week in Portugal, Couzinet has a shot at finishing in the qualifying Top 10 by the end of the season.
Jorgann Couzinet's raw power surfing fits well on the solid swell of Hawaii. - WSL / Tony Heff
Eliminated in Round Four in Ericeira, the powerful regular foot failed to seal the deal in Portugal but will have a strong shot in Hawaii in the remaining two major events of the season.
"Unfortunately I'll have to put the Champagne on ice for now," he continued. "I would have loved to make a couple more heats here in Portugal and make it official but I'll fight my way into it in Hawaii. I just had my first heat against Medina here and I was a little bit nervous, but I can't wait to have more opportunities to surf against those guys, the World Champs and in general the best surfers in the world."
Although it wasn't enough to overthrow Griffin Colapinto, the Frenchman earns the second highest single wave score of the event.
Couzinet will join the long list of French surfers outside of the Top 34 who were invited to perform in front of home crowds at the Quiksilver Pro France. Marc Lacomare got a wildcard from his long time sponsor Quiksilver in 2017 and made the most of it, reaching the Quarterfinals as a giant killer who eliminated Julian Wilson in Round Two and Jordy Smith in Round Three.
"Marc's run last year was truly inspiring," he added. "I virtually have no experience competing in Hossegor, but I know the waves and the changing conditions really well so I'm hoping this experience can balance that."
Marc Lacomare's effort last year in Hossegor was remarkable. - WSL / Damien Poullenot
Maxime Huscenot put on a good effort in 2015 as well, defeating the current World No. 1 Filipe Toledo before falling just short in an amazing battle with the 3x World Champion Mick Fanning.
Back in 2009, local pro Patrick Beven reached the Semifinals as a wildcard, which is to this day the furthest a French surfer has progressed at the Quiksilver Pro France.
Tune in to find out how Jorgann Couzinet performs from October 3-14 and follow the LIVE webcast, results, photos and video highlights right Here!
Jorgann Couzinet: "I Hope It's Just The First Taste"
Nicolas Leroy
With his performances this year on the Qualifying Series, Jorgann Couzinet will receive a wildcard into the upcoming Quiksilver Pro France as the highest French surfer on the QS. He will join compatriots Jeremy Flores, Joan Duru and Michel Bourez and strengthen the Blue, White and Red crew.
"I've been watching this event basically since I started surfing," he said. "It's always been my dream to surf in this event and get barreled! I'm on the beach every year or watching online, and I actually have goose bumps just thinking I'm going to be in the event."
This couldn't come at a better time for the Reunion Island surfer who is on the verge of qualifying for the elite Championship Tour for the first time. Sitting in 7th position on the QS before the QS10,000 EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira this week in Portugal, Couzinet has a shot at finishing in the qualifying Top 10 by the end of the season.
Eliminated in Round Four in Ericeira, the powerful regular foot failed to seal the deal in Portugal but will have a strong shot in Hawaii in the remaining two major events of the season.
"Unfortunately I'll have to put the Champagne on ice for now," he continued. "I would have loved to make a couple more heats here in Portugal and make it official but I'll fight my way into it in Hawaii. I just had my first heat against Medina here and I was a little bit nervous, but I can't wait to have more opportunities to surf against those guys, the World Champs and in general the best surfers in the world."
Couzinet will join the long list of French surfers outside of the Top 34 who were invited to perform in front of home crowds at the Quiksilver Pro France. Marc Lacomare got a wildcard from his long time sponsor Quiksilver in 2017 and made the most of it, reaching the Quarterfinals as a giant killer who eliminated Julian Wilson in Round Two and Jordy Smith in Round Three.
"Marc's run last year was truly inspiring," he added. "I virtually have no experience competing in Hossegor, but I know the waves and the changing conditions really well so I'm hoping this experience can balance that."
Maxime Huscenot put on a good effort in 2015 as well, defeating the current World No. 1 Filipe Toledo before falling just short in an amazing battle with the 3x World Champion Mick Fanning.
Back in 2009, local pro Patrick Beven reached the Semifinals as a wildcard, which is to this day the furthest a French surfer has progressed at the Quiksilver Pro France.
Tune in to find out how Jorgann Couzinet performs from October 3-14 and follow the LIVE webcast, results, photos and video highlights right Here!
Jorgann Couzinet
Mignot comes out on top in a stacked final day at the Pro Santa Cruz pres. by Noah Surf House.
Delahaye Places Runner-Up; Carrique and Couzinet Grab Equal-Third Finishes, Carrique Retains Rankings Lead
The QS3,000 Pro Santa Cruz pres. by Noah Surf House continues in Portugal and Frederico Morais leads a talented field into the
The QS3,000 Pro Santa Cruz pres. by Noah Surf House continues in great waves and Europe's best tears apart the lineup with a flurry of
Take a quick look at the first four events of the European QS summer leg that took surfers across Cornwall, France and Galicia before
Quiksilver Pro France
Held in the memory of Pierre Agnes and with World Titles on the line, this was an event that had plenty of emotional baggage.
Six weeks in Europe that ultimately changed the Australian's life.
What goes up, must come down. Europe is the last stop for surfers to improve their situation before the final event at Pipeline.
The half-hours of competitive surfing that really made a difference in 2018.
There was no shortage of drama at this year's Quiksilver/Roxy Pro.