Tweed World Champion guns for back to back titles
A YEAR after becoming longboard surfing's world champion, Kingscliff surfer Chelsea Williams is confident she can defend her title at this year's championships.
Williams, who finished runner-up in the title four times, says she will head into this year's championship relaxed and full of confidence after last year's breakout win.
"It feels different this year (and) I feel like this massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders," she said.
"I've always put so much pressure on myself to win, but I feel so much more relaxed and can't wait to surf my heats without that pressure and just have fun."
The championships begin on December 5 at Hainan Island in the South China Sea and will pit Williams against 23 of the world's best female longboarders.
In a boost to her title aspirations, Williams won't have to face her Hawaiian arch-rival Kelia Moniz, after Moniz was forced to withdraw with an injury.
Williams says while she won't be going head-to-head with Moniz in 2015, competition for the title will still be fierce.
"There are so many girls capable of winning, it will be awesome to see how everything unfolds this year," she said.
