HAINAN ISLAND/CHINA - Oct. 26, a cosmopolitan field of 32 of the finest female longboarders in the world treated a thrilled local Chinese crowd to a display of high-performance longboarding in the first day of the SWATCH GIRLS PRO CHINA hosted by Wanning in fun, shoulder-high surf.

As the bath water-warm, turquoise South China Sea waves continued to build throughout the day under the palm-fringed, mountain-backed point at Riyuewan ('Sun and Moon') Bay, the theme from the girls was a mix of classic lines and modern progression, performed with trademark feminine grace.

"It's been a really awesome first day," reckoned Kassia Meador, Swatch ProTeam rider, Southern Californian style queen and one of the favorites for the event. "The waves are picking up, the water is super warm and I'm really stoked to have made it through my heat. It's my first trip in China and I'm having such a good time here. The people are amazing, the scenery is so beautiful and the waves are picking up all the time, what more could you want out of a surf trip, let alone a contest?"

Other stand-outs from the day were Australia's Chelsea Williams, Hawaii's Kelia Moniz and Lindsay Steinriede of the USA, all awarded scores in the 'excellent' range from the judges for their performances.

Aside from the vibe among the girls of just being thoroughly stoked to be competing in the first ever international surf competition in China, at a secluded tropical locale few in the surfing world have until now heard of, there is also the serious business of an ASP Longboard World Title to contend for.

After today's first round action, the field has been halfed to 16 surfers, meaning the event could conclude tomorrow and crown a champion in what are forecast to be the best surf conditions of the week.

Stay tuned to www.swatchgirlspro.com