- WSL / Laurent Masurel
- WSL / Laurent Masurel
Highlights from the ASP 1-Star Men & Women Vieux Boucau Longboard Festival held at Plage Nord in fun 3-to-4-foot waves.

CAPBRETON, France - The GoPro World Longboard Championship, China pres. by Wanning is a mere two days away now from starting a week-long waiting period that will eventually crown the next longboard World Champion. Amongst the many hopefuls in the title race is recently crowned European Champion, Edouard Delpero (FRA) 24.

Delpero will lead a team of eleven Europeans into the third edition of the Chinese event and try to win a maiden World Title for the Old Continent.

Edouard Delpero (FRA) Delpero on his way to the regional title. - WSL / Laurent Masurel

“It's a great opportunity again to compete in China this year,” Delpero said. “Up until recently we weren't sure there would be an event in 2014 so all the surfers are really thankful. Initially the dates were in early November and I couldn't have participated because I suffered a minor car accident recently so I'm also a little bit lucky that it was pushed back to December.”

The young Frenchman, who was recently spotted training in the man-made facility of Wavegarden in the Basque Country, has spent a fair share of time in the water recently and will be ready to do battle when the event commences.

“A week prior now, I'm just fine-tuning my equipment,” Delpero continued. “This comp is definitely the major goal this season but I'm not really stressing about it. With the qualifier, I'll only surf two events this season so it's just a bonus to make the trip with all the team. Of course I'll do everything I can to go far and everyone's support will be crucial. My best result was a 5th in 2012 so I'd love to better that.”

The full European team is composed of: Antoine and Edouard Delpero (FRA), Timothee Creignou (FRA), Ben Skinner (GBR), Emilien Fleury (FRA), Rémi Arauzo (FRA) and Adam Griffiths (GBR) for the men; Alice Lemoigne (REU), Coline Menard (FRA), Victoria Vergara (FRA) and Justine Mauvin (REU) for the women.

The 2014 GoPro World Longboard Championship, China pres. by Wanning is scheduled from December 05-12, 2014 in Wanning, Hainan Island, CHINA.

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