- WSL
- WSL

The GoPro World Longboard Championships, China presented by Wanning for Men and Women will begin on the 5th of December at Hainan Island off the far south coast of China.

The event will run at Riyue Bay, a consistent reef/point break lying on Hainan Island's east coast approximately 20 kilometres from the major town of Wanning.

Kelia Moniz in perfect position Kelia Moniz dominating the Riyue Bay point. - WSL / Will Hayden- Smith

Set in the surrounds of lush tropical forests, the warm waters and quality performance waves have proved well worthy of hosting the world's best longboard surfers for the past three years and across Men and Women a lucrative $US100 000 prize money and the chance to take the prestigious ASP World Longboard Title for 2014.

Reigning two-time ASP Women's Longboard World Champion Kelia Moniz from Hawaii takes a casual approach to the upcoming event which could see her take a hat-trick of titles.

"I've been spending this month in Hawaii getting as much time in the water as I can when the waves are fun and playful,” said Moniz. "This is the only contest I surf each year! I don't even think I know how to get into competitive mode. I also don't surf well under pressure, so when the contest does come around I just try to just think about having fun and surf like it's just another day to keep the jitters away.”

Ingleby is through to the Quarters Harley Ingleby on his way to an equal 3rd place finish at last year's event. - WSL

Australia's Harley Ingleby won the ASP World Longboard Title in 2009 and has consistently reached the finals and semifinals each year placing 3rd here in China last year.

"I think if we have good consistent waves I'm a good chance of doing well again.” said Ingleby. "I'm definitely hoping to go a couple of places better than last year!”

Defending world champions Piccolo Clemente from Peru and Kelia Moniz are the number one seeds.

There is a positive swell outlook for the event to begin on Friday as strong trade winds are generating good swell in the South China Sea.

2013 ASP World Longboard Champion Piccolo Clemente claiming his maiden ASP World Longboard Title in China last year. - WSL

A Press Conference is to be held at the Four Points Resort at Shenzhou Peninsular on Thursday afternoon at 4:30pm and will be followed by an official opening ceremony.

Surfers from 12 surfing regions will compete here in China, USA, Hawaii, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britian, France, Chinese Taipei and Japan.

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