World Interclub Championships from 13 to 15 February at Snapper Rocks, Australia
Representing France at the world interclub championships for a Breton club is a bit like when Stade Brestois defied logic and predictions by reaching the Champions League playoffs. 29 Hood Penmarc’h first made headlines on May 25, winning the title of French interclub champion in Mimizan, Landes, against Aquitaine clubs.
Their second feat will involve covering the 17,000 kilometers distance between Penmarc’h and the Australian Gold Coast to compete from February 13 to 15 in the world interclub championships at Snapper Rocks in Coolangatta, among 40 other qualified teams, the majority of which are Australian.
In surfing, an interclub competition involves four surfers: a master (over 40 years old), two open surfers (including one substitute), a young surfer (U20), and a female surfer.
“Representing Penmarc’h, Brittany, and France”
The five surfers from 29 Hood Penmarc’h participating will be Thomas Joncour (43 years old, founding member of 29Hood, also serving as a coach), Ian Fontaine (32 years old), Vianney Tshiula Lubanga (21 years old), Montaine Taconet (19 years old), and Gabriel Abiven (18 years old).
“Our goal is to represent Penmarc’h, Brittany, and France, and to face the best surfers and clubs on one of the sacred lands of surfing. It will also allow us to highlight our values, our athletes, and bring back the experience to the club,” said Ian Fontaine, a respected figure in Breton surfing.
29Hood Penmarc’h has even launched an online fundraiser to finance their trip and live their dream.
Legian Boardriders Club (Indonesia), Omi Wan Boardriders (Japan), Bay Boardriders (New Zealand), Associao Surf Costa de Caparica (Portugal), Club De Tabla San Bartolo (Peru), Newquay Boardriders (UK), North Shore Oahu & Kauai Boardriders (Hawaii), Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz, San Clemente, San Diego Encinitas, South Bay, Space Coast, Wrightsville Beach (USA), and the Tahitian Surf Federation, along with 23 Australian clubs, are part of the 40 participants with 29Hood Penmarc’h.
Fundraiser link: www.helloasso.com/associations/29hood-surf-club/collectes/aidez-le-29-hood-surf-club-a-representer-le-pays-aux-mondiaux-interclubs
