- WSL / Steinmetz / ASA Productions
- WSL / Steinmetz / ASA Productions
Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro Defending champion Tatiana Weston Webb (HAW) is back to claim back-to-back titles at Oceanside. - WSL / Kurt Steinmetz

The World Surf League (WSL) is pleased to announce that the Women's Qualifying Series (QS) Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro QS6000 will return to the southside of Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, Calif., July 22 through 24. Since its start in 2012 as part of the Women's QS season hosting a Round of 78, this event has grown to the largest field of women surfers that now includes 112 competitors. With a proud history that has crowned some of the sport's household names, all the past champions are back once again to vie for the 2016 title.

Claiming her first QS6000 win at last year's Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro, Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) began competing at this event four years ago and has seen it transform into the spectacle it is today. A known voice on the Samsung Galaxy Women's Championship Tour (CT) ranks, the Hawaiian has been one of the standouts in helping push women's surfing to bigger and better things. This event is one Weston-Webb looks forward to each year and what it provides for women's surfing.

"I think that the Supergirl is always exciting because of how many girls they let compete," Weston-Webb said. "This event is really different from all the other WQS events because it has the pier to accompany the venue. I think that makes it more of an arena type venue, which makes it more exciting for the spectators and competitors. I'm happy to have been a part of this competition for so long. The experiences that stand out for me are my win last year in 2015, and when I finished runner up in 2014."

Defending champion Sage Erickson makes her intentions clear at the Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro. Photo: Steinmetz / ASA Productions Weston-Webb will have to take on an impressive field of competitors, including two-time Supergirl Pro champion Sage Erickson (USA). - WSL / Kurt Steinmfetz

Deputy Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer has watched the Women's QS grow in terrific fashion since hanging up the jersey and continuing her role with the WSL. Just from last year alone, the amount of events for women has more than doubled - now offering 30 competitions compared to 14 last year. It is something Miley-Dyer continues to strive for with the help of surrounding regions and will look for more of the same in coming years.

It's remarkable to see where we're at now and progressing further than we could've hoped. It can only grow from there into something like the Supergirl Pro is today.

"It's remarkable to see where we're at now with the women's side of things and progressing further than we could've hoped," Miley-Dyer said. "Each region has stepped up and continues to build events from the ground up that embody what we're trying to accomplish on the international scale. Though many of them are QS1000 events, that's where we start, and it can only grow from there into something like the Supergirl Pro is today - offering competitors 6,000 points and $10,000."

This event helped pave the way for the Women's QS, which now has six 6,000-point contests directed toward their respective season, to gain ground in the world of competitive surfing. Rick Bratman, CEO of ASA Entertainment, the event's management company and one of the leading producers in action sports, is excited to be back in partnership with John Paul Mitchell Systems to bring this event once more.

"We are really pleased about the expansion of the Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro in 2016, both in and out of the water," Bratman said. "Each year we look to add elements that will not only be additive to the entire event experience, but will also further the event's mission of providing opportunities for young women. It is incredibly gratifying to have watched the event become the largest female surf contest in WSL history. We are proud to have provided a platform for important causes such as sustainability, bullying prevention, breast cancer awareness and female empowerment."

Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro This event offers the biggest field of competition in women's surfing, giving up-and-coming surfers like Maddie Peterson (USA) a chance to showcase their talents and gain vital experience. - WSL / C. Nelson

Joining select pros, a Celebrity Surf Invitational will be held to help raise money and awareness for event charities. In addition to the world-class talent of surfing in the water, nine musical artists are scheduled to perform including Cody Simpson and Daya. The festival also includes art, yoga, fitness, dance, seminars, autographs from pros, skateboard competition, hair styling by Paul Mitchell, and much more.

For more information go to www.worldsurfleague.com , or download the WSL App to get event updates on your mobile device. Also, go to http://supergirlpro.com/ for any additional information on the surrounding festivities and events.

World Surf League
Download it for free on the App store. Download it for free on Google Play.