A year after becoming World Longboard Champion, Australian Chelsea Williams is looking to make it back-to-back wins the 2015 Jeep World Longboard Championship presented by Wanning
Having finished number two in the world for three years in a row, taking the number one spot last year was a huge relief for William's who will arrive in China for this years event feeling far more relaxed than years previous.
"It feels different this year," Williams said. "I feel like this massive weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I've always put so much pressure on myself to win but its gone now, I feel so much more relaxed and can't wait to surf my heats without that pressure and just have fun."
Another huge difference Williams will notice at this years event is that her main rival and opponent in the final for four years running, Kelia Moniz (HAW) has had to withdraw from this years event injured.
"Kelia is a great surfer and it's a shame she won't be competing this year. The last four years we've had a great rivalry going with us being in the final every year. Kelia has always pushed me to surf better."
Chelsea Williams finally gets her crown - WSL / Will H-S
This isn't to say she will have an easy run in 2015; there are still 35 other hungry competitors Williams will have to beat before she can claim her second Championship.
"I guess this year it will be a bit different, there are so many girls that are capable of winning, it will be awesome to see how everything unfolds this year."
One thing is for sure; the goofy-footer can't wait to get back on the long lefts of Riyue Bay.
"I love the fact that we get to surf a left hander. Coming from the Gold Coast lefts are kind of a rare thing so just getting to go left is pretty exciting. Last year we had such good waves I'm hoping that this year will be just as good."
The Jeep World Longboard Championships hosted by Wanning will run from December 5-12. Watch live at the World Surf League website and WSL app.
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Chelsea Williams nose rides her way to victory in 2014
- WSL / Will H-S
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Chelsea Williams celebrates her win with 2014 event runner-up Kelia Moniz
- WSL / Will H-S
Williams Eyes Back-to-Back World Longboard Titles
WSL
A year after becoming World Longboard Champion, Australian Chelsea Williams is looking to make it back-to-back wins the 2015 Jeep World Longboard Championship presented by Wanning
Having finished number two in the world for three years in a row, taking the number one spot last year was a huge relief for William's who will arrive in China for this years event feeling far more relaxed than years previous.
"It feels different this year," Williams said. "I feel like this massive weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I've always put so much pressure on myself to win but its gone now, I feel so much more relaxed and can't wait to surf my heats without that pressure and just have fun."
Another huge difference Williams will notice at this years event is that her main rival and opponent in the final for four years running, Kelia Moniz (HAW) has had to withdraw from this years event injured.
"Kelia is a great surfer and it's a shame she won't be competing this year. The last four years we've had a great rivalry going with us being in the final every year. Kelia has always pushed me to surf better."
This isn't to say she will have an easy run in 2015; there are still 35 other hungry competitors Williams will have to beat before she can claim her second Championship.
"I guess this year it will be a bit different, there are so many girls that are capable of winning, it will be awesome to see how everything unfolds this year."
One thing is for sure; the goofy-footer can't wait to get back on the long lefts of Riyue Bay.
"I love the fact that we get to surf a left hander. Coming from the Gold Coast lefts are kind of a rare thing so just getting to go left is pretty exciting. Last year we had such good waves I'm hoping that this year will be just as good."
The Jeep World Longboard Championships hosted by Wanning will run from December 5-12. Watch live at the World Surf League website and WSL app.
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