Mateia Hiquily Strikes Twice at Home in Tahiti

Caption: An in-form Mateia Hiquily took full advantage of his local knowledge in Papara, Tahiti.
Image: ASP/Will Hayden-Smith

CAPBRETON – France (Monday, April 17, 2014) - French polynesian surfer and 2013 European Junior runner-up Mateia Hiquily (PYF) 18, has won both the 1-Star ASP Qualifying Series division, and the Tahiti Nui Pro Junior just a few days ago at Papara in Tahiti. 

The powerful goofy-footer posted near-perfect scores all day, unloading powerful snaps and carves right in the power pocket of the waves, stamping his authority on the events as he became a hero to the local surf fans on the beach. We just caught up with Mateia about his recent succesful results and his goals coming into the busy European Junior season.

ASP Europe: “Hey Mateia, you must be over the moon ??”

Mateia Hiquily: “Yes, it’s been four days already but I still can’t believe I won the two events at Papara. I don’t really realize just yet, I’m so happy, especially cause I’ve trained so hard lately ! I guess it all paid off then.”

ASPE: “Last year you were runner-up in the European junior series, do you feel some sort of added pressure coming in to this leg of events ?”

MH: “No not at all actually, I’m just one of the guys.. I’ll keep on putting in the hours training, and give it my best shot. I hope to equal or better last year’s performance, but if I try my best there’ll be no place for regrets.”

ASPE: “What are you up to in the coming weeks ?”

MH: “Surfing and training I guess for the coming two weeks, then I’m off to New Zealand for the last Australasian Pro Junior.”

ASPE: “Excellent, well thank’s a lot for your time and good luck in the coming events !”

MH: “Thanks.”

Mateia Hiquily will be surfing in the upcoming ASP 2-Star Chain Resources Men's Pro Junior NZ Home Loans Surf Festival in Taranaki, New-Zealand from April 29 - May 4, 2014.