Pictured: Harrisson Roach (Noosa, AUS) posted an impressive 18.40 point heat score today to advance to Round 3 of the Oxbow WLT

The Oxbow WLT pres. by Orange, first stop of 2 on the 2008 ASP World Longboard Tour, ran at Les Dunes South to the main venue of Les Cavaliers today. Some glassy three foot (one meter) waves offered Round 2 surfers some great potential and it was another day of big scores and exceptional action at Anglet.

Harrisson Roach (AUS), 17, put on a show in Heat 8 when he defeated Eugene Teal (JPN) with the highest score of the event so far, an impressive 18.40 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) including a near perfect 9.65 out of a possible 10. Roach, who tamed the southern peak of Les Dunes with power and speed, left opponent Teal needing a combination of two waves to catch up.

“It was a really fun heat today and I was excited to paddle back out,” Roach said. “We have been sitting around for a few days waiting and I was excited to surf my Round 2 heat. Eugene (Teal) stayed to the North peak and I surfed alone the whole time and got all the waves I wanted.”

Roach, who lives in Noosa, is a complete surfer who rides longboards as well as shortboards and is looking to better his equal 9th place he got last year in the Oxbow WLT.

“I love surfing whatever boards I ride but where I come from we have perfect longboard waves and I am super stoked to be in this event,” Roach said. “it was definitely a very good call to move South to Les Dunes and I am looking forward to surfing next round.”

Michel Demont (PYF), reigning ASP Eurorpean Longboard Champion and former ASP World Longboard Tour No. 3, defeated Jonas Lima (BRA) and advanced through to Round 3. Demont, who left the tour six years ago, is back in good form and will attend both ASP World Longboard Tour event this year.

“I had a bit of pressure as I did not know my opponent in this heat,” Demont said. “The waves were good and it was a pleasure to surf the long clean faces just the two of us. I am stoked to be back among the world’s top longboarders and it is a great feeling to be at Anglet.”

Demont, 38, who lives on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, was among Europe’s best chances towards a possible crown here but had to pull out from the event after his win due to personal reasons.

“I wanted to surf this heat but I knew I would not be competing in Round 3 as I have to return to Tahiti,” Demont said. “I want to thank Oxbow and ASP for all they do to put longboarding back in the spotlights.”

Eduardo Bage (BRA), who now lives in Biarritz and knows the waves of Anglet very well, got through Round 2 against World Longboard Tour newcomer Tyrone Jensen (ZAF). Bage, who posted an average 12.15 point heat score, was under pressure facing the sudden-death format of Round 2.

“I was not prepared to surf this round as I trained very hard all year to avoid this tough round,” Bage said. “I missed my start yesterday and had to face Round 2 and it is a big relief to make it. I feel like from now on I will more and more focused out there so I am ready.”

Bage, who practiced a lot at Les Cavaliers prior to the event, needed time to adapt to the peak of Les Dunes but ended up winning and will now surf against Tom Lloy (USA) in Round 3.

“The head judge and contest director did a good call by taking the contest here at Les Dunes,” Bage said. “I usually don’t surf here but the waves are definitely longer and offer more potential so I am stoked with the call.”

Duane De Soto (HAW), longtime ASP WLT competitor and a favorite at any event he attends, was a winner as well today, posting an excellent 16.00 point heat tally (out of possible 20) to secure his Round 3 ticket at Anglet and will face Ned Snow (HAW) when competition resumes.