Courtney Conlogue wins the women’s Drug Aware Pro

For most of the event, Carissa Moore looked certain to win the Drug Aware Pro, Margaret River. But it’s often the case that the form surfer for the majority of rounds doesn’t do so well in the biz end. And it’s at that point that another competitor, who’s been working their way through the contest in more subtle fashion, hits their stride and swings in hard. That surfer, today, was Courtney Conlogue.

Carissa’s recent winning streak (Snapper and Bells!) didn’t seem to be slowing any time soon, until she hit the water for the final against your favourite rock-hopper, Courtney. Miss Conlogue took control early on which, as we all know as armchair experts, can be make or break. But with the swell growing by the minute, Carissa took the lead back briefly before Courtney shut it down – and all it took was a 4.63.

“It’s just phenomenal,” said Courtney. “Carissa’s been on such a stellar run and I was thinking, maybe I can end it. I had a bit of a tricky start to this event and was feeling out of rhythm. On the off days I just went surfing a lot and had a bunch of fun and I think that it got me all psyched and happy for the end of the event.”

Miss Conlogue now takes the number two spot on tour, with Riss gripping the yellow jersey. The Women’s tour has never been more interesting, or better to watch, than it has been in 2015. If the webcast gods bless us with swell for Rio (like they have in the West)… there’s far worse ways you could torch your data.