Americans take over Bells with Longboard Classic wins

AMERICANS Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen have secured ultimate glory at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic this afternoon (Sunday, July 21), winning their respective finals at the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour event.

Errico, a three-time world longboarding champion, claimed her second-straight longboard title at Bells Beach, posting among the highest scores during the entire event, including a 17.40 heat total and near-perfect 9.50 single ride in her semi-final.

“It feels really good to get the win again,” Errico said.

“Today is a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I felt so calm all day.

“The waves were reminding me so much of home; that’s how Malibu gets when the winds are calm, and the tide is high. I’m just really glad it all worked out.”

Errico overcame Japan’s Natsumi Taoka in the event final. The pair traded blows, with Errico obtaining the advantage with an 8.00-point ride.

Errico earned a 9.33 at the end of the heat which was the second-highest single wave of the event, putting Taoka into a combination situation, which proved too much for Taoka.

“I’m so lucky to have the support crew that I have around me,” Errico said.

“CJ Nelson is just the best, and my dad and mum are great, and then all my friends and family at home. I’d like to thank everyone who has come on this journey with me.

“It’s a crazy journey but days like this make it all worth it. I’m really excited to keep surfing and keep it going.”

In the Men’s field, Jensen won perhaps his most memorable title of his career.

By earning the victory at Bells Beach, he joins his father-in-law and fellow World Champion Nat Young on the winner’s list at the iconic Surf Coast location.

“I’ve been looking at all of the Bells trophies at the house over the last few weeks and wondering if I’ll get my own Bells Bowl to bring home,” Jensen said.

“And I guess I do now, so I’m really happy. It’s such an amazing location with so much history, so to come here and compete is really special, but to win is amazing.

“I lost in the semi-finals last year and have had a bit of a chip on my shoulder since then so to get this win is really special. It’s pretty cool to win here.”

Jensen came up against Hawaiian youngster John Michael Van Hohensein in a down-to-the-wire contest.

Van Hohensein took the early lead before Jensen posted an 8.33, but Van Hohensein battled to retake the lead with a 9.33 with only two minutes left.

Jensen used priority on a medium set to post another excellent score and end the heat with a two-wave total of 16.40, enough to get the heat win.

“They are the heats you want that go down to the wire and put on a show for everyone.” Jensen said.

“To go back and forth with Johnny is amazing; he is so talented and will be winning world titles in no time. So to win against him here at Bells, in perfect surf, is a dream come true.”

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic final results

Men’s Final Results:
1. Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.40
2. John Michael Van Hohensein (HAW) 15.96

Women’s Final Results:
1: Soleil Errico (USA) 17.33
2: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 12.50

Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 16.16 DEF. Ben Skinner (GBR) 15.10
HEAT 2: Taylor Jensen (USA) 14.83 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 13.00

Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 16.00 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 11.16
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) 17.40 DEF. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 11.93

To see highlights from the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, head to WorldSurfLeague.com