Jensen takes surf title

Sports

THE World Surf League (WSL) Kumul PNG World Longboard Championships crowned Taylor Jensen of the United States and Brazilian Chloe Calmon its first-ever champions on the shores of Tupira in Madang.
A historical day came to a close with Jensen earning his third WLC chair-up the beach after Calmon claimed her maiden WLC victory just moments before.
The biggest crowd this event has seen since the start came in masses, some walking through the night to arrive just in time for the day’s action, to witness history being made.
“This is crazy, I’ve never experienced anything like that and to get a win here with all my friends around me makes it that much more special,” Jensen said.
“This has been an amazing experience from start to finish and today was unlike anything I’ve ever seen — it’s almost enough to leave someone speechless.
“I was a little worried coming here just because you hear things, but witnessing it in person was just proof you can’t believe everything you hear.
“The people here are amazing and this is something I’ll never forget.”
Jensen clashed with fellow event standout Kai Sallas (Hawaii) in an incredible final that demanded their best efforts — and it was Jensen who rose to that challenge.
Sallas jumped to an early lead and looked to be on his way to his first ever WLC win  but Jensen’s patience paid off and earned an 8.93 to put him back in the heat.
Sallas wasn’t done yet and displayed his phenomenal hang-ten capability to earn an 8.37.
In the dying minutes, Jensen was granted a Tupira gem and did not let it go to waste with his signature power turns after impressive footwork to begin the wave.
The score came through at a 9.53, totalling 18.46, and left Sallas needing a 9.69, with less than a minute on the clock. “I just knew I needed to find the best set wave I could, that was my plan the whole time.  “That’s how it was all day,” Jensen said.  “Luckily that last wave came through.” Kumul PNG WLC final results: Men’s:1 Taylor Jensen (USA) 18.46, 10,000 pts; 2  Kai Sallas (Haw) 17.14; Women’s: 1 Chloe Calmon (Bra) 15.77 10,000; 2 Crystal Walsh (Haw) 15.36, 8000 pts