Tessa Thyssen remains focused on the Challenger Series

"The conditions were miserable," says Tessa Thyssen. The surfer doesn't mince her words. From September 17 to 20, the Basque coast of Anglet hosted the traditional Rip Curl Pro Anglet, a qualifying stage of the Qualifying Series (European circuit). But the waves just weren't there. "It was really survival, we didn't have anything to express ourselves, it was at the limit of what was surfable", says the surfer from Ajoe Reefer Surf Club. And yet, this spot is usually one of her favorites. "Anglet is my pied à terre in France, so it's always close to my heart to take part in this competition," adds Tessa Thyssen. But faced with the weather forecast, the surfer considered withdrawing her entry. This decision was contested by her coach, who nevertheless encouraged her to take part. Tessa reached the semi-finals, where she was eliminated and finished in 5th place. But this result was of little importance to the sportswoman. "This competition wasn't really useful for me, my objective is the last two competitions of the year", says Tessa Thyssen. From September 29 to October 6 in Ericeira, Portugal, and from October 12 to 20 in Saquarema, Brazil, the surfer will take part in the final stages of the Challenger Series. The Challenger Series is the second world division of professional surfing. The circuit is made up of six stages, and the top 5 in the overall ranking qualifies for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT). It's a big challenge, but I like it," smiles Tessa Thyssen. I'm going to give it 1000%. "Currently in 11th place in the rankings, the surfer is obviously aiming for the Top 5 in the best-case scenario, or even the Top 10 to go straight onto the Challenger Series circuit next season, without having to go through the European circuit again. To reach the Top 5, Tessa needs to secure a place in the final and another in the quarter-finals for at least the next two competitions. The first year I went there, I came second in the final. There's an energy over there that I really like, and I manage to perform well."After this "final sprint", Tessa Thyssen already has her sights set on returning to Saint-Barth at the end of November: "I'm really looking forward to going home and spending my off-season there. "