Team rider Rip Curl Girls, Justine Dupont Crowned 2008 ASP European Women’s Champion at Pantin

PANTIN, Spain (Sunday, September 7, 2008) - Justine Dupont (Lacanau, FRA), 17, clinched the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) European Women’s title after placing second in the ASP WQS 3-Star Pantin Classic in Spain. Dupont, who had to place third or better in the final to clinch the prestigious title ahead of Pauline Ado (FRA), came up with solid surfing posting an average of 15.00 points (out of a possible 20) per heat during the 3-day event.

“I am so happy to get that title,” Dupont said. “I was not really thinking of any ratings but I figured out that I could grab the regional crown when I made the final and it is just so good to make it. It is my best result on a WQS event and we had good waves so it is even better to win the regional championship in these waves.”

Dupont, currently No. 4 on the ASP European Women’s Junior tour, will lead female surfing for a year in Europe and confirms her status as one of France’s most promissing surfers.

“I am definitely starting to think of a career now but I will still keep my studies going,” Dupont said. “Things have been going good for me and I am really enjoying my time competing.”

Dupont, who competes in both longboard and shortboard categories, placed second in the ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships in 2007, and now rises as Europe’s best female surfer following Lee Ann Curren (FRA) in ASP Europe’s history. At 17 years of age, Dupont already stands with a prestigious career and should keep rising among surfing’s elite.

2008 ASP European Women’s Final ratings
1. Justine Dupont (FRA)
2. Pauline Ado (FRA)
3. Marie Dejean (FRA)
4. Amandine Sanchez (FRA)
5. Caroline Sarran (FRA)
6. Lee-Ann Curren (FRA)
7. Anne-Cecile Le Tallec (FRA)
8. Fransisca de Santos (PRT)
9. Joana Rocha (PRT)
10. Filipa Prudencio (PRT)

ASP Europe Media contact – Greg PUGET
Rip Curl Europe – Julie POLLET