The World Surf League (WSL) Europe Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) concluded its 2025 season with the high-stakes Junior Pro Taghazout Bay in Morocco. The event saw Europe’s top junior surfers battle for crucial points, aiming to secure regional titles and qualify for the WSL World Junior Championships. Anza beach delivered excellent conditions throughout the competition, providing a fitting stage for the emerging talent.
Key Takeaways
- The Junior Pro Taghazout Bay served as the final stop of the 2025 WSL Europe Junior Tour.
- The event determined the WSL Europe Junior Champions and regional qualifiers for the WSL World Junior Championships.
- Top contenders like Alfonso Suarez and Carla Morera De La Vall vied for the regional titles.
- Excellent surf conditions at Anza beach characterized the competition days.
Event Kicks Off with Strong Performances
The Junior Pro Taghazout Bay commenced with contestable two-to-three foot surf. Early standout performances included 15-year-old Achille Clerc, who posted the highest total of the opening day with 14.67, and Antoine Habashi, who secured the highest single wave score of 8.33. Local Moroccan surfers Lahcen Ourchim and Driss Makoua also advanced, gaining valuable experience against international peers. Sarah Leiceaga and Teresa Pereira showcased strong performances in the women’s division, setting the tone for the competitive week ahead.
Pumping Surf and Emerging Contenders
Day two of the competition saw pumping four-to-six foot surf at Anza, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Green March in Morocco. Spain’s Conor Donegan Dos Santos, ranked No. 4, made a strong start with an impressive heat total of 15.27. Other notable surfers like Rivan Rosskopf, João Mendonça, and Miguel Lages also progressed, demonstrating their skill in the challenging conditions. The men’s Round of 96 saw heat wins from Alberto Barzan, Mateo Vazquez, and Bruno Amado, setting the stage for tougher matchups.
Upsets and Title Aspirations
As the competition progressed, the field narrowed, and top contenders emerged, alongside significant upsets. In the men’s Round of 32, Conor Donegan Dos Santos continued his dominant run with the event’s highest heat total of 16.03. However, the rankings leader Alfonso Suarez was eliminated, as was No. 2 Dylan Donegan Dos Santos, creating opportunities for others. Oxel Oregi Cortes and João Mendonça secured Quarterfinal berths. In the women’s division, rankings leader Carla Morera De La Vall battled back to win her heat, while Sarah Leiceaga and Teresa Pereira also advanced to a competitive Quarterfinals. Moroccan surfers Maria Elouedrhiri and Ranya Squalli were unfortunately eliminated.
Sources
- Anza Pumps For Day 2 At Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
- Field Narrowed Down As Top Contenders Emerge at Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
- Europe’s Junior Tour Season Finale Kicks Off at Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
- Europe’s Best Juniors Prepared for High-Stakes Week at Junior Pro Taghazout Bay, World Surf League.
