Five days after their success in the Indian Ocean and Francophonie Cup, the two New Aquitains, Aelan Vaast and Pierre Lamothe, won the final of the International Cup, a competition bringing together all the participants, this Sunday, on the waves of Trois-Bassins, in Reunion Island.
The South African team fared well, with two surfers making it to their respective finals.
Powerful goofy-footer Zoe Steyn (East London) surfed a strong event but was unlucky in the final, needing another score and was defeated by Vaast.
Similarly, Dan Emslie (East London) had been on fire all week, winning the Indien Ocean event, but failed to find the waves with high-scoring potential at the shifting peaks of Trois-Bassins and had to settle for third place in this final.
Dan Emslie © Surfing France
“It has been an absolute pleasure to coach such a talented South African team at the Coupe de Surf Francophonie et Ocean Indien,” said team coach Liam Wood.
Standard Of Surfing
“Reunion and the French federation opened their arms to South Africa. The standard of surfing was truly high, and the future of surfing from the Pacific and Indian Ocean countries will be forced to reckon with in the future.”
“Zoe, Dan, Anastasia and Lorenzo stood out throughout the competition. I am genuinely proud of their professionalism and standard of surfing. They flew the SA flag high. Thank you, Surfing South Africa, The French Surfing Federation and the Reunion Surf League for a genuinely unforgettable competition. We can’t wait to be part of more series like this in the future.”
The South African team comprised Anastasia Venter (JBay), Zoe Steyn (EL), Lorenzo Perels (JBay) and Daniel Emslie (EL). Liam Wood is the coach, and Danielle Powis is the team manager.
Team manager Danielle Powis. © Surfing France
About forty competitors under 21 from South Africa, India, Mauritius, Senegal, Tahiti, New Aquitaine and Reunion Island took part in this unique sporting and cultural event, organised from November 16 to 24 in Reunion Island by the Reunion Surf League, and supported by the Reunion Region and the French Surfing Federation.
Women’s Final
1 – Aelan Vaast (New Aquitaine) 11.33
2 – Zoë Steyn (South Africa) 7.50
3 – Kahili Simon (Tahiti) 6.63
4 – Miliani Simon (Tahiti) 6.60
Men’s Final
1 – Pierre Lamothe (New Aquitaine) 12.70
2 – Elijah Chort (New Aquitaine) 9.97
3 – Daniel Emslie (South Africa) 9.66
4 – Anbarasu Kishore (India) 7.74
ends./
See more: Dan Emslie (EL) Wins Indian Ocean Cup Surfing Event On Réunion Island