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> News > Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay Completes

surfing News

Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay Completes

The winners of this year’s competition. Image credit: / WSL / Poullenot

26 February 2023

- Yolanda Hopkins and Kauli Vaast Claim 2023 QS 3,000 Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay - Hopkins Continues Dominant Season with Third Win - Vaast Claims Career-First QS Win on His Birthday

Yolanda Hopkins (POR) and Kauli Vaast (FRA) have won the QS 3,000 Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay today, claiming victory in the Finals against Pauline Ado (FRA) and Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) held in three-to-four surf at Anza.

Stop No. 5 of 6 on the 2022-23 World Surf League (WSL) European Qualifying Series (QS), the Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay has been juggling with an extremely complicated forecast for both the main venue of Anchor Point and the backup of Anza.

Despite being in the heart of the best season for swell and weather, the event was unlucky with very little energy in the ocean for the entire waiting period and inclement weather at times. The event eventually culminated with excellent finals in clean surf, giving everyone a very good reason to come back next year.

Men’s Final: Vaast Claims Career-First QS Win on his Birthday

“I’m super focused this year,” Vaast said. “I really want to give it my all and qualify. Winning this QS is just extra motivation for me, and to do it on my birthday is just special.

The all-French affair did not disappoint as Reunion Island’s Jorgann Couzinet took on Tahiti’s Kauli Vaast in a battle of epic proportions. Both surfers went blow for blow in the running little rights and laid down massive turns and airs to rack up a collection of excellent scores.

Vaast’s best number of 8.90 was eventually the deciding factor in his first-ever win on the Qualifying Series, despite Couzinet posting two scores above 8 points, coming up just short on his final efforts.

“I have really good friends from Morocco and they’ve been telling me to come here for a while,” he added. “I’m stoked with my first experience, we had some good waves at the start, and I think I’m actually going to stay a few extra days to score this next swell.”

Turning 21 years old today, the Tahitian has already received many distinctions, among which his runner-up finish as a wildcard in last year’s Championship Tour (CT) event at Teahupoo shines brightest. Today he adds a QS win to an impressive resume, set to continue to grow over the coming years.

Couzinet has been a standout in Morocco, posting big numbers in all his previous heats, but eventually had to settle down for runner-up. The 3-time European Champion comes back in full form after a deceiving season on the Challenger Series last year as he continues to fight for the ultimate dream of a CT qualification.

“I felt really good coming here and this result is great for my confidence,” Couzinet stated. “I had various issues these past couple of years but I’ve worked hard to come back stronger and I’m really happy to see it pay off. I feel like I can beat anyone and I can’t wait for the next events.”

Couzinet and Vaast had previously eliminated Tiago Carrique (FRA) and Luke Thompson (RSA) respectively in their Semifinal matchups.

Women’s Final: Olympians Battle Goes Hopkins’ Way

“It feels amazing to win again,” Hopkins said. “It brings back joyful memories of Anglet as well. The Final was a battle but I tried to keep my head straight, keep catching waves and stay calm.”

Pauline Ado (FRA) and Yolanda Hopkins (POR), both regular foot, powerful surfers with loads of experience, including at the inaugural surfing Olympics in Tokyo, took on the rights of Anza with a similar approach. The French surfer got a quick head start and the better of the opening exchange, but Hopkins came back in the fight midway through the heat and claimed back the lead.

A battle of margins, both surfers with scores in the 6-7 range (out of a possible 10), eventually went Hopkins’ way as the Portuguese walked away with the win.

“I think this could be my year,” she added. “Let’s just keep this streak going into the Challengers and hopefully we have another European on the CT next year! I absolutely loved my time here, I found an amazing secret wave and got some proper Moroccan rights, I’ll definitely be back!”

Already in the regional rankings lead, courtesy of two wins last summer, Hopkins solidified her pole position with today’s victory and will be hard to dethrone with only one event remaining. Her career-fourth win in Taghazout is very likely to transform into a first regional QS title down the line.

Pauline Ado adds another strong result to a solid season with the runner-up finish today. A winner on tour almost every season, her current winless streak is poised to end before the season wraps.

“It came down to very small details so it’s always a bit frustrating to get to the final and not go all the way but overall it’s a very positive week for me,” Ado reflected. “I’m taking a leap in the rankings so my main objective is reached. I always find things to work on, be it technique, or mental game and heat management, this is what keeps the flame burning, and why I’m still as passionate about surfing and competition as ever.”

Ado and Hopkins had previously eliminated Carolina Mendes (POR) and Francisca Veselko (POR) respectively in their Semifinal matchups.

With the completion of the Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay, the race to the European QS title continues, here are the current rankings:

European Men’s QS Top 5:

1 - Tiago Carrique (FRA)

2 - Kauli Vaast (FRA)

3 - Gatien Delahaye (FRA)

4 - Jorgann Couzinet (FRA)

5 - Joan Duru (FRA)

European Women’s QS Top 5:

1 - Yolanda Hopkins (POR)

2 - Pauline Ado (FRA)

3 - Francisca Veselko (POR)

4 - Carolina Mendes (POR)

5 - Ariane Ochoa (EUK)

The final stop on the 2022-23 European Qualifying Series will take surfers to Caparica, Portugal from April 3-8, 2023.

The 2023 Rip Curl Pro Pro Search Taghazout Bay is scheduled from February 18-26, 2023, at Anchor Point, Taghazout Bay / Morocco. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to worldsurfleague.com.

The Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay is supported by Rip Curl, Taghazout Bay, CIH Bank, Maroc Telecom, Afriquia Gaz, Aïn Atlas, Marsa Maroc, Fairmont Taghazout Bay, Wilaya of Region Souss Massa, Region Souss Massa, Taghazout Municipality, SDRT, Morocco Kingdom of light, Arma Environnement, 2M, U Radio, Radio Mars and Surf Report Maroc among others.

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH TAGHAZOUT BAY WOMEN’S FINAL RESULTS:

1 - Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 13.40

2 - Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.33

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH TAGHAZOUT BAY MEN’S FINAL RESULTS:

1 - Kauli Vaast (FRA) 16.57

2 - Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 16.16

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH TAGHAZOUT BAY WOMEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF1: Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.90 def. Carolina Mendes (POR) 9.50

SF 2: Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 13.06 def. Francisca Veselko (POR) 11.57

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH TAGHAZOUT BAY MEN’S SEMIFINAL RESULTS:

SF1: Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 10.00 def. Tiago Carrique (FRA) 8.17

SF 2: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 13.03 def. Luke Thompson (RSA) 6.17

About Rip Curl

Rip Curl is a world-leading brand of surfing sportswear as well as a major athletic sponsor, with manufacturing and sales facilities around the globe. Since launching in 1969, this hugely popular global brand has been committed to providing surfers with all the equipment they need, no matter where their travels lead them. Its dynamic line of products ranges from wetsuits and surfboards to apparel, accessories, watches, mountain wear and footwear. The Search is the driving force behind the brand's progress and vision. When crew members are chasing uncharted reefs or untracked powder, Rip Curl will arm them with the best equipment they’ll need.

For more information, please visit ripcurl.com

About ‘The Search’

The 2005 Rip Curl Pro Search Reunion Island was the first Search event, marking the start of an iconic series of competitive destinations that took pro surfers to new stops each year. Some noteworthy locations include San Francisco, New York, Bali, Chile, and Mexico and more recently the Rip Curl Rottnest Search in 2021 in Australia.

When Rip Curl started in 1969, the founders were most inspired by the endless pursuit to surf the world's best waves, an all too familiar feeling we get as surfers. This principal stuck with them, and eventually Rip Curl decided to base their entire company off of The Search.

Rip Curl was the first company to sponsor a professional surfing event - the 1973 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

About Taghazout Bay

A new eco-responsible seaside destination, Taghazout Bay aims to be trendy, bohemian and authentic. It harmoniously meets the expectations of plural audiences: families, lovers of nature and the great outdoors, sports enthusiasts, sunbathing and bella vita enthusiasts, well-being enthusiasts or even adventurers.

With its new promise "Meet, Live, Enjoy", it combines everything that makes, for each of these audiences, an exceptional trip, a most memorable sensory journey: flavors of the land, emotions to abundance, an idyllic setting to regenerate and leisure and entertainment to experience passionately.

Spread over 615 hectares in one of the most beautiful bays in southern Morocco, Taghazout Bay is located 15 km north of Agadir and offers 9 hotel units, residences, 2 golf courses with clubhouse, Golf academies and Tennis, a beach club, a shopping area 'Tawenza Square' as well as a center dedicated to Argan. It is also a starting point for discovering a rich and welcoming hinterland.

With around twenty spots known worldwide for the quality and variety of their waves, the region enjoys a surf season that lasts from October to April with ideal conditions and consistent swell.

For more information, visit taghazoutbay.ma

About CIH Bank

A major player in the development of Morocco’s economy, CIH Bank is widely regarded as a global company offering all banking services. It has become an online banking pioneer in Morocco. Digital, yet close to its clients, CIH Bank is a modern institution using all available channels to manage its client relations: agencies, websites, mobile apps, ATMs and its client relations center.

About Maroc Telecom

A renowned operator in Africa, leader in Morocco and other countries, Maroc Telecom Group is actively participating in the development of the telecoms sector on the continent. With a presence in 11 countries (Morocco, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Central African Republic, Chad and Togo), Maroc Telecom serves nearly 76 million mobile, fixed-line and Internet customers. Through its commitment to reducing the digital divide, the Group makes a significant contribution to economic and social development, access to NICTs and the well-being of populations both in Morocco and in all the countries in which its subsidiaries are located, under the commercial brand “Moov Africa”.

About Afriquia Gaz

As a responsible partner, Afriquia Gaz delivers innovative energy solutions to Moroccan companies and helps boost competitiveness as well as creates new opportunities for development. Our integrated management system puts quality, hygiene, safety and the environment at the heart of our business model, following three international norms: ISO 9001, ISO 45001 et ISO 14001.

About Aïn Atlas

Aïn Atlas is a natural mineral water rich in minerals and trace elements, drawing its qualities from the heart of the Middle Atlas mountains. Its strength and naturalness make it the hydration partner of choice throughout the day to preserve the strength within you. The Aïn Atlas brand promotes strong values, and encourages people to tap into their inner strength. It is the ideal water for all those who seek self-transcendence.

# Reveal your inner strength

About Marsa Maroc

The Marsa Maroc Group is the national leader in port terminal management, with a significant presence in all 10 commercial ports in Morocco. As a multi-traffic operator, Marsa Maroc actively participates in the development of Morocco's logistics competitiveness by offering a wide range of port services to importers, exporters and shipping companies.

The company offers port services both to goods (handling on board and at quay, warehousing, pointing, weighing, stuffing and stripping, etc.) and to ships (piloting, towing, mooring, etc.).

About Fairmont Taghazout Bay

Nestled in the heart of Taghazout Bay, Fairmont Taghazout Bay is the finest beach resort in Morocco and an idyllic location for travelers looking for wellness and new discoveries. Known as a sunny destination all year long, the region is the perfect place to catch waves and enjoy the easy-going lifestyle of Taghazout. Fairmont Taghazout Bay, prime luxuriant and Wellness Resort, invites guests to combine wellness and nature to relax and unwind.

Fairmont Taghazout Bay, as official sponsor and partner for the second edition of the Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay, will be welcoming top guests in its VIP Lounge “Fairmont Hospitality Suite” at Anchor Point during the event.

About Morocco Kingdom of Light

The Moroccan National Tourism Office aims to adopt an expert marketing approach. By ensuring Morocco's strong positioning as a destination, our operations have positive results for society, the preservation of our cultural and environmental heritage and our country's economy. We

aspire to promote authenticity, hospitality and diversity of experiences. As part of its marketing strategies, the MNTO plans and executes an integrated program of international promotional activities.

The role of the Moroccan National Tourism Office is to promote cultural and coastal resources, as well as developing select niche themes which place Morocco among the sought-after tourist destinations. Our aim is to stimulate internal tourism and attract foreign tourists to Morocco through a new policy based on sustainable management of the range of destinations, with a focus on anticipation and demand’s monitoring. It is also a question of encouraging tourists to prolong their trip, visit several destinations and return to the country.

For more information visit worldsurfleague.com.