Day three of the Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro – the largest all-women’s surf contest in the world and the only WSL Women’s QS6000 event in North America – came down to a battle between two Hawaiian Supergirl podium vets, Coco Ho and Malia Manuel. Sunday saw fierce competition at the iconic Oceanside Pier as the Round of 16 was whittled down to Hawaiians versus Australians in the semifinals. After head-to-head heats in front of a packed beach, the top three spots went to Ho (HAW) taking first and jumping from No. 21 to No. 4 on the QS rankings, Manuel (HAW) at runner up, and Laura Enever (AUS) and Carissa Moore (HAW) tying for third.
The finals came down to a fight of former Supergirl titans when Manuel, the 2013 champion, faced Ho, who took first in 2008 and 2010. Ho captured the coveted pink Supergirl cape by posting two of the top scores in the final day of competition, earning a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) in the Final and matching the highest-single wave score of this year’s event.
The North Shore, Oahu native topped fellow Oahu islander Moore with an equally impressive 8.50 in the Semifinals, and Nikk Van Dijk (AUS) in the Quarterfinals.
“It’s all a whirlwind!” said Ho, whose win earned her a third iconic Supergirl cape, and her first since the contest became a QS6000. “I’ve never really been labeled as consistent and to be able to prove that wrong with a third win is my biggest milestone.”
Manuel did not go down without a fight – posting a 7.10 and 6.17, to earn runner up. By making it in to the Final, Manuel now sits at the No. 1 position on the Women’s QS rankings after a great run at this year’s Supergirl Pro. The Kauai, Maui native showcased her powerful surfing and smooth style that progressed her through each round, topping Australians Macy Callaghan in the Quarterfinals and Enever in the Semis.
“For years now Coco and I have wanted to be on opposite sides of the heat draw at Supergirl Pro so we could compete together in the finals. Finally being able to compete with each other in the finals is a dream come true for me and Coco,” said Manuel. “I’m so grateful to sponsors like Paul Mitchell who continue to support this event. It’s huge for us to have such a big company supporting women’s surfing like this.”
The event will be broadcast on FOX Sports this fall.
