Record-Breaking Crowds Packed Oceanside Pier to Watch as Ho Edged out Fellow Hawaiian Malia Manuel, whose Finish Today Earned her #1 in the World Qualifying Series; Carissa Moore and Laura Enever Tie For Third

Oceanside CA— 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 (AUS) 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 Carissa Moore (HAW) 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 Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro. The Kauai, Maui native showcased her powerful surfing and smooth style that progressed her through each round, topping Australians Macy Callaghan (AUS) in the Quarterfinals and Laura Enever (AUS) 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 Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro is the only WSL QS6000 female competition in North America. The event will be broadcast on FOX Sports this fall.
“We’re excited to create an event that grows exponentially each year, thanks to the support of the surfers and the fans who came out in massive numbers this year,” said Rick Bratman, CEO of ASA Entertainment, the event’s producer. “In addition to the record field of 114 world-class surfers for fans to watch, the expanded the Festival Village offered so many activities for people to enjoy, including eleven free concerts.”
Beyond the surf competition, the event also featured live performances on the Supergirl Music Stage with concerts by superstar artists Daya, Olivia Holt, Alexi Blue, Symon and Ellise plus the new Supergirl Leadership Summit with panelists that included Janice Dickinson and Lindsay Jacobellis, meet-and-greets with top pros, the Supergirl Skate Pro skateboarding presented by Active Ride Shop, a Celebrity Surf Contest, a beer garden, and complimentary hair styling by Paul Mitchell in their on-site style salon.
For more detailed information on the Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro, visit www.supergirlpro.com.