China Set to Host First Women's QS of 2015

A strong field of 72 of the world's best female surfers have arrived in China for the first women's Qualifying Series (QS) event of 2015, the Samsung Galaxy Hainan Pro presented by Wanning. The lefthand point break at Riyue Bay was the host of the men's and women's Longboard Tour (LT) Championships held last month. It will once again be on the world stage as the athletes fight for the first QS6000 win of the season and the lead in the 2015 Championship Tour (CT) qualification race.

Malia Ward, Frankie Harrer, Laura Enever and Dimity Stoyle hanging in China. - WSL / Will H-S

Pauline Ado (FRA) is looking to start 2015 with a solid showing at the Hainan Pro in the hopes of reclaiming a spot among the elite Top 17 on the women's CT for next season. Ado narrowly missed out on requalification at the end of 2014 and is fired up for a solid campaign this year.

“I'm very excited to be here for a new event in China, surfing is so new here,” Ado said. “I've been here before and I know the waves get really good so I'm looking forward to getting started. It's such a different place and culture, I know everyone is excited to be here and the surf should get really good in the next few days so it will be a great start to the year.”

Tatiana Weston-Webb (HAW) will be using the Samsung Galaxy Hainan Pro to prepare for her rookie season as a full-time member of the CT. As a goofyfooter Weston-Webb is excited to tackle China's long left-handers to showcase her full repertoire.

“2015 feels like it's going to be a good year and I'm excited to start my campaign in China,” Weston-Webb said. “I decided I was going to do this event because I love to compete and when I heard there was a contest in China I knew I had to come. If I get a good start to the year it will be good for my confidence and I'm really excited to see this wave fire up.”

Laura Enever, Dimity Stoyle, Frankie Harrer and Malia Ward enjoying Wanning. - WSL / Will H-S

Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) is one of the few competitors to have surfed Riyue Bay in the past and will be looking to use the experience to her advantage.

“I've actually been to Hainan Island once before for an event a few years ago — it's a beautiful little area and definitely a different kind of country to visit especially for surfing,” Van Dijk said.

“I remember it being a fun little left point so hopefully we get some swell this year. The Samsung Galaxy Hainan Pro is a super important event being the first one of the year, everyone wants a positive start to their year and are hungry for the win.”