Justine Dupont pakt reusachtige golf in Belharra

Justine Dupont, afkomstig uit Lacanau, heeft gisteren een enorme golf gepakt op de wereldberoemde surfspot Belharra. De golf, die zo’n 13.7 meter hoog was, wordt beschouwd als de grootste golf die ooit door een vrouwelijke surfer is gepakt in Europa.

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Billabong had nog een exclusief interview met Justine Dupont die gedeeltelijk hieronder terug te lezen is. Voor het volledige interview met de 23-jarige Dupont verwijzen we je door naar de website van Billabong.

Were you nervous traveling out to Belharra in the dark this morning?

Not really, I felt confident and just really wanted to catch and make a few waves.

Had you surfed Belharra before?

No, we had been out to check it out last winter, but I didn’t actually catch any, so I was just really happy to catch a few waves.

Did you fall on any waves out there?

Yes on my first wave I fell. The straps were a bit loose for my feet, so I was a bit unsteady, and it was bumpy, so I came off.

What’s that like?

Well I had an inflatable vest on, so I felt safe, plus with Francois Liets driving the ski I knew I was okay. I didn’t panic or anything.

What were you thinking when you looked up and saw that massive wall on your last one?

When I looked over my shoulder and saw how big it was, I just thought about making the drop. I wasn’t really sure if I would have the muscle strength in my legs to make it. We aren’t as strong as the men, so once I made it, I felt more confident that I had the strength to ride waves as big as these.

Have you been training specifically for big waves?

Not really, I am keeping fit and working in the pool, but as I am competing in shortboards and longboards, you just can’t focus on one aspect.

Did you see the massive waves ridden in Nazare today as well? Is that something you would consider?

I did, but I have complete faith in Francois and where he thinks the best waves are for me. I am still learning and have to make sure I don’t take things to fast. There is maybe time for that later if I am ready and prepared. But hopefully I’d love to ride some waves that big.

What now?

I am staying in France and waiting for more swells with the Billabong Adventure Division. Hopefully we get the chance for Belharra again. Then later next month I have a week in Hawaii before traveling to compete in China.