Reigning ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion Joy Monahan (Oahu, HAW), 23, will defend her title at the upcoming fourth edition of the Roxy ASP Women’s World Longboard Championships (WWLC), from July 10 to 14, 2009, at La Côte des Basques in Biarritz, France.
Monahan, whose first crown came with a surprise after she defeated several favorites including 2007 ASP Women’s World Longboard champion Jennifer Smith (California, USA) en route to winning her first ASP World title, will wear the favorite’s suit when she takes on the world’s best longboarding female surfers in Biarritz for a try at a second consecutive crown.
“I am very excited coming back to Biarritz as the defending champion,” Monahan said. “I feel a little pressure but only from myself as I want to surf at my very best.”
Monahan, whose quest will be tougher than ever as women’s longboarding is improving year after year towards excellency, knows how much her opponents and other favorites will be eager to grab their peace of glory when they paddle out in the expected good conditions in less than two weeks, knowing the Roxy Jam is the only chance of the year to take the prestigious trophy home.
“Every girl who qualifies for this event is a threat,” Monahan said. “The caliber of women’s longboarding is just phenomenal. Each year I have participated in the event, the talent level has increased! I think each region has their favorite but I look forward to surfing with everyone, because I know each person I surf against will help me push my own surfing.”