Honolua Blomfield (HAW) claimed a World Title at the Jeep® Malibu Classic presented by Havaianas in iconic fashion as Alice Lemoigne (FRA) earned a brilliant event win.
Malibu, California’s renowned lineup delivered pristine conditions throughout the day as Blomfield stood apart from the field to claim her piece of history.
Blomfield Earns History at Malibu
Blomfield, 22, became the youngest 3x WSL Longboard Champion in history with an impeccable year culminating with her finals performance today where she finished runner-up to Lemoigne. The Oahu, Hawaii, competitor had to overcome Longboard Tour veteran Lindsay Steinriede (USA) in a tight Quarterfinal bout to claim the Title with a solid 7.00 (out of a possible 10) and 13.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Blomfield was welcomed to shore by friends and family as they hoisted her up.
“I really didn’t expect this to happen, but I’m so grateful and thankful that it did,” expressed Blomfield. “It feels amazing to be the youngest, three-time World Longboard Champion. I didn’t really do that good in Noosa but I got fifth which is good considering and then I won the Surf Ranch. That’s when I realized I have a real shot at winning this Title.”
The work wasn’t done for Blomfield, however, as she then went on to showcase her calm under pressure and earn an excellent 8.83 over event threat Zoe Grospiron (FRA) after she dropped a 7.67 early in the Semifinals. Having secured her 3rd WSL Longboard World Title before having to surf the final, Blomfield would have to settle for a runner-up placing at this event as Longboard Tour veteran Lemoigne dominated the final with two excellent wave scores and impeccable wave selection to take her biggest ever career victory.
“I just love surfing and I’m super stoked my dad was here with me, he’s my good luck charm, “ added Blomfield. “It’s really extra special to be standing here with Joel (Tudor). I’ve looked up to him my whole life and I’m just so excited.”
The Oahu, Hawaii, competitor started the 2020 season off with an equal fifth in Noosa, Australia, before waiting over a year and a half to resume her ambitions for a third World Title. After her victory at the Cuervo Surf Ranch Classic, Blomfield entered Malibu No. 1 and maintained her composure throughout the event to emerge World Champion.
Lemoigne Caps Off Season with Jeep Malibu Classic Victory
Reunion Island’s Lemoigne couldn’t be stopped on finals day, opening with an amazing 16.00 heat total over event threat Natsumi Taoka (JPN) in the Quarterfinals before taking down former World Title runner-up Chloe Calmon(BRA) by the narrowest of margins during their Semifinal dual. The 25-year-old saved her best for last, garnering an excellent 8.57 for her flawless style and footwork on the nose, to leave Blomfield needing a near-perfect 9.90 as time ran out.
“It’s a dream to win here at Malibu, it’s a perfect wave and I love it so much,” said Lemoigne. “It was slow so at the start so I waited for the bomb set waves and they came so I couldn’t be more stoked. I’m so happy to win and to share a Final with Hono (Blomfield) was really special. Congratulations to her and to all the other girls, and thanks to everyone here for supporting me and letting us surf this amazing place.”
Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Final Results:
1 – Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 16.50
2 – Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 12.60
Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Semifinal Results:
SF 1: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 8.90 DEF. Chloe Calmon (BRA) 8.83
SF 2: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 16.26 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 14.50
Jeep Malibu Classic pres. Havaianas Quarterfinal Results:
QF 1: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 16.00 DEF. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 12.04
QF 2: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 13.73 DEF. Kirra Seale (HAW) 10.27
QF 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.00 DEF. Lindsay Steinriede (USA) 10.60
QF 4: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 12.50 DEF. Kelia Moniz (HAW) 11.70
