Battleground Set for Day 2 at Oceanside Pier as Rising Talent Faces the Top Names in Surfing

The Free Event Continues with Jam-Packed Weekend Also Features Nissan Concert Series –Including The Vamps– Supergirl Gamer Pro women’s esports Tournament, Festival Village, an All-Female DJ Contest, and More

Oceanside CA— Paul Mitchell Neon Supergirl Pro, one of the largest female surfing competition in the world, kicked off its 12th anniversary with outstanding early rounds of surfing in three-to-four foot waves that streamed south of the Oceanside Pier. Some of the best up-and-coming threats in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) sent off warning shots with big performances throughout opening day and now prepare for heavyweight bouts against some of the world’s best Championship Tour (CT) women, beginning Saturday morning.
One of last year’s Supergirl Pro top performers, Kobie Enright (AUS), who finished the 2017 competition with a Quarterfinal result, is back looking for more of the same. The Australian started off brilliantly in her Round 2 debut, posting a 15.23 (out of a possible 20) heat total, with powerful forehand surfing despite a wave-starved heat to begin. But, Enright’s patience was key and she capitalized on both opportunities that came her way.
“It turned out to be beautiful day and it’s great to get a start like that,” Enright said. “This is one of my favorite events because I feel like it’s one where all the girls come together and get behind each other. It’s always nice to get a bit of momentum and I just want to keep it going. Of course you always want to do better than previous years, but to take it all is the goal and I am just hoping to do my best.”
Meah Collins (USA) put an end to the international dominance with a superb showing in Round 2 heat win over Isabella Nichols (AUS), Felicity Palmateer (AUS), and Hinoko Kurokawa (JPN). The Newport Beach, CA native added that performance on top of a Round 1 victory to start the day and now carries serious steam into the weekend. It’s been a tough start to the 18-year-old’s first full year on the QS, but Collins knows what it takes to overcome those adversities.
“I came into this contest just hoping for the best after I did really well here last year and now just want to do even better,” Collins said. “This event feels like home and I’m just trying to enjoy myself, and keep the competitive face on. I’m just going to give it my best and keep a smile on my face at the end of the day.”
Another California native, San Clemente’s Samantha Sibley (USA) earned an impressive Round 2 victory of her own with a 14.07 heat total over an in-form Dominic Barona (ECU), who also advanced. The 16-year-old continues a busy summer of competing after a handful of amateur events between the Los Cabos Open of Surf and here in Oceanside, but all the time spent in a jersey is only helping the young competitor. Now, Sibley’s hopes of taking on the world’s best are in action as she will face Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) in her Round 3 heat.
“I’m really excited and just hope to get a heat against one of the CT girls since they’re my idols,” Sibley said. “The stacked list of girls in this event is insane and I’m just excited to try and keep going through more heats. We need more events like this that empower women and make us feel strong, and it’s super inspiring.”
Other notable Round 2 heat victors include former CT competitors Alessa Quizon (HAW) and Dimity Stoyle (AUS), last year’s Vans US Open of Surfing wildcard Maud Le Car (FRA), and Big Wave Tour competitor Justine Dupont (FRA), and QS veteran Ella Williams (NZL). The competition returns to the waves tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m.
WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP: FREE NISSAN CONCERT SERIES, DJ CONTEST & MORE
The free event runs through the weekend and is packed with entertainment, including a pro skateboarding competition, the Supergirl Gamer Pro esports tournaments, and live music as part of the Nissan Concert Series featuring The Vamps, Drake Bell, Madison Beer, Josie Dunne, and more. Plus, fans can explore the Festival Village with complimentary hair styling at the onsite Paul Mitchell Neon style salon, meet-and-greets with the pros, vendors and more.
For more detailed information on the Paul Mitchell Neon Supergirl Pro, please visit www.supergirlpro.com
SATURDAY CONTEST AND EVENT SCHEDULE
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Round of 48 Surf Heats
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Supergirl Gamer Pro League of Legends and Smash 4 Tournaments
1 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. Round of 24 Surf Heats
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Curb Queens Skate Pro
2:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Sound Session Female DJ Competition
5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Supergirl Concert Series: Josie Dunn
5:35 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Supergirl Concert Series: The Vamps
SUNDAY CONTEST AND EVENT SCHEDULE
8 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Round of 16 Surf Heats
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Supergirl Gamer Pro Hearthstone and CS:GO Tournaments
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Female Empowerment Panel Discussion
11:20 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. Surfing Quarterfinals
1:20 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. Surfing Semifinals
1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Supergirl Concert Series: Drake Bell
2:20 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Celebrity Surf Competition
2:45 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Surfing Finals
3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Supergirl Concert Series: Elle Winter
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Supergirl Pro Surf Awards Ceremony
4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Supergirl Concert Series: Madison Beer
4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Supergirl Concert Series: Cody Simpson