Chelsea Hedges Returns to Surfing
September 28, 2008 – 10:54 pm PT by GregTags: ASP, Chelsea Hedges —
Former ASP World Champ Chelsea Hedges has missed several months of surfing this season, but there’s a good reason. The 25 year-old Aussie gave birth to her first child, daughter Mieka, four months ago and took a much-needed break from competition.
Hedges finished seventh on the Women’s World Tour in ‘07 and will likely gain a wildcard entry back onto the tour next season. However, she’s looking at the Oakley Trials, whose winner gains wildcard entry to the 2008 Beachley Classic, as a first step.
Part of her interest in returning is that the wildcard will go up against her good friend, Stephanie Gilmore, in the first round. Gilmore is a two-time winner of the Beachley Classic and the current #1 ranked women surfer.
“The wildcard drawing Steph is incentive alone just to make it through the trials,” Hedges said. “That would put me straight back into full-on competition, at the top level and that’s exciting.”
The Oakley Trials will take place on Oct. 9, the first day of the waiting period for the Beachley Classic. For more about the contest, visit the ASP World Tour’s website.
Hedges after winning the 2006 Rip Curl Pro Mademoiselle.
