Louise Lepront has won the Seal Point Pro presented by RYD and Arakawa Performance Surfboards World Surf League (WSL) 1,000 today in challenging waves and windswept conditions at Seal Point, Cape St Francis, South Africa, on Monday, October 9, 2023
It was a cold and gloomy day in Cape St Francis, with rain squalls and strong onshore winds making everything a bit trickier for competitors and organisers alike. Despite the challenging conditions, the surfers made the most of it and managed to produce some great surfing.
“I’m super stoked to take out my first win in the JQS,” Lepront reacted. “I can’t wait to go to the World Junior Championships next year in January.
Seal Point Pro WSL Champion, Louise Lepront
“A big thank you to my mom and brother for all their help,” Lepront continued, “And to all my sponsors and the organisers for putting up this event.”
15-year-old Louise Lepront was one of the youngest competitors in the heat, but it didn’t hold her back from claiming her first-ever JQS win.
Lepront made the first move when she locked in a 6.17 (out of a possible 10) and this set the tone for the rest of the heat, putting the pressure on her fellow competitors.
The wild and unruly conditions made wave selection critical, and Lepront improved her position when she dropped into a big wave.
She executed a beautiful, deep bottom turn on her backhand to set her up for two manoeuvres, earning a 5.23 to seal the deal with a total of 11.40 (out of a possible 20).
Gemma Hanafey secured second with two small scores, while Anastasia Venter couldn’t find a decent backup score for her 6.50 and had to settle for third with wildcard Zia Hendricks in fourth.
With the third and final event of the 2022/2023 season wrapped up, the WSL Africa Junior Champions were determined.
Louise Lepront’s win at the Seal Point Pro Junior launched her into the top position on the rankings, and she wins the WSL Africa Women’s Junior Champion title.
Lepront was also rewarded with a Yyelo watch for her achievement. Gemma Hanafey defended her second place on the rankings with her runner-up finish at the Seal Point Pro Junior, and will join Lepront at the World Junior Championships.
WSL Africa Women’s Junior Rankings
1. Louise Lepront
2. Gemma Hanafey
3. Kira Hofmeyr
4. Anastasia Venter
5. Zoe Steyn
6. Adriel Wolmarans
7. Zia Hendricks
8. Sarah Scott
9. Senna-Micvale Dos Santos
10. Ziphozonke Mseleku
Photo Caption: Louise Lepront has won the Seal Point Pro presented by RYD and Arakawa Performance Surfboards World Surf League (WSL) 1,000 today in challenging waves and windswept conditions at Seal Point, Cape St Francis, South Africa, on Monday, October 9, 2023. Photo: Kody McGregor/World Surf League
Photo 2 Caption: Louise Lepront’s Seal Point Pro World Surf League 1,000 win propelled the 15-year old to the top of the season’s rankings, leading her to claim the season’s WSL Africa Women’s Junior Champion title, and a berth at the World Junior Championships next year in January. Photo: Kody McGregor/World Surf League
Photo 3 Caption: Gemma Hanafey defended her second place on the rankings with her runner-up finish at the Seal Point Pro Junior, and will join Lepront at the World Junior Championships. Kody McGregor/World Surf League
Photo 4 Caption: Women’s finalists (from left) Anastasia Venter, Gemma Hanafey, winner Louise Lepront and Zia Hendricks, at the Seal Point Pro Junior presented by RYD and Arakawa Performance Surfboards at Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on October 9, 2023. Photo: Kody McGregor/World Surf League
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