Pro Surfing: January 2007

MARTINEZ AND MILEY-DYER NAMED 2006 ROOKIES OF THE YEAR

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Jan. 18, 2007) – While the major focus of the upcoming ASP World Champions’ Banquet to be held on the Gold Coast of Australia on February 24, 2007 will be the official crowning of 2006 World Champions Kelly Slater (USA) and Layne Beachley (AUS), two surfers who will also be savouring their moment in the spotlight will be 2006 ASP Rookies of the Year Bobby Martinez (USA) and Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS).

Martinez and Miley-Dyer spent 2005 battling through the ASP’s second tier tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS), then unleashed on surfing’s elite Foster’s ASP World Tour and ASP Women’s World Tour in 2006 notching up three top tour wins between them.

Martinez who finished the year in fifth place on the final ratings blew minds when he began his stellar season with an astonishing third place at the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast.

He was ousted from that event by eventual winner and good friend Slater but the experience was enough for him to gain the confidence to claim two top tour events – the first at the infamous Billabong Pro Teahupoo in Tahiti and the second when he returned a blow to Slater by defeating him in the final of the Billabong Pro Mundaka in Spain.

“It’s still quite hard to believe, 2006 just moved so fast with the tour, traveling and all the new events that I went to,” said the ever-humble Martinez of his Rookie of the Year status. “As it is for every guy who makes it on the Foster’s ASP World Tour, it’s a dream come true to be here competing with the best surfers in the world.”

And while the wins were sweet Martinez did encounter a few low points when things didn’t go his way… So how will his 2006 learnings affect his 2007 campaign?

“I think I learnt a lot as a person and a competitor last year and hopefully I’ve matured with all the experience I gained from the ups and downs of traveling and competing on the tour,” said Martinez. “Gold Coast, Tahiti, Fiji and Mexico were awesome events and I was lucky to get some good results. But from South Africa to France I kind of hit a slump, which can easily take away any competitors’ confidence.

“Luckily I was with good friends on the road,” he continued. “I traveled with the Hobgood brothers, my Reef team manager and a great buddy from home. Those guys really helped me out and helped me to stay confident and to just have a good time with it.

“I had fun year in 2006 but I still feel I made some little mistakes here and there and I am looking forward to trying a couple of different things in ’07 and hopefully the results will come.”

For ASP Women’s World Tour rookie Miley-Dyer, her first year was equally as satisfying with her list of achievements beginning back in January ’06 when she claimed the inaugural women’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championship crown.

From there she excelled by taking the ASP Women’s World Qualifying Series title plus the final event of the ASP Women’s World Tour – the Billabong Pro Maui in Honolua Bay.

“I’m really happy. All I’ve ever wanted was to do well on the ASP Women’s World Tour and to get rookie of the year is a prestigious honour,” said Miley Dyer. “If you look at the list of names who have won it it’s such a great thing. Plus to have won the Billabong ASP World Juniors, the ASP World Qualifying Series then the last event of the year and now Rookie… you can’t ask for much better than that!”

As to taking on her childhood heroes and winning…

“To have looked up to girls like Megan, Layne and Rochelle for so long then to be able to compete against them is a privilege,” said Miley-Dyer. “And then to do well is just a bonus! It’s something that I’m really grateful for… to be on tour and have such an amazing life… I can’t believe that I’ve done so well.”

Going into 2007 Miley-Dyer indicated that she has shed the nerves associated with being a fresh face on tour and is hopeful that more success is only a few weeks away when the Roxy Pro on the Gold Coast kicks off this year’s ASP Women’s World Tour.

“I learnt a lot [in 2006]… When you are the rookie on tour you make a lot of mistakes and I think I’ve ironed out a lot of them,” said Miley-Dyer. “I just hope to do well again in 2007 but most importantly have fun and appreciate what I’ve been given. What I’m doing is traveling around the globe with a massive group of mates chasing waves! I’ll be a lot more comfortable this year… especially after winning the last event, gaining confidence in yourself that you can win. I’m just going to relax and not put so much pressure on myself.”

See the world’s best surfers tackle the world’s best waves on this year’s Foster’s ASP World Tour and ASP Women’s World Tour beginning on February 27 on Australia’s Gold Coast.

ASP INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES STELLAR 2007 PREMIUM TOUR EVENTS SCHEDULE

COOLANGATTA, AUSTRALIA: (January 11, 2007) – The Association Of Surfing Professionals International (ASP) has confirmed the locations and dates for its premium world championship deciding tours – the Foster’s ASP World Tour and the ASP Women’s World Tour – and are proud that in 2007 the world’s best surfers will again be competing in the world’s best waves.
Once again spectators will be privy to watching the sport’s ultimate athletes as they travel to only the most exotic surf destinations on the planet with both premium tours serving up similar event lineups to 2006 with only the Fijian events in doubt due to political instability in the region.
“It looks like it’s going to be another killer year for pro surfing,” said ASP International CEO Brodie Carr. “It’s great to see that once again we are able to have such esteemed events slotted in on the 2007 calendar and I’m sure that one and all will be blown away by watching our athletes tackle the best waves this planet can offer.”
Regarding the situation in Fiji, Carr indicated that ASP, Roxy (women’s) and Globe (men’s) are on standby and all parties are monitoring the political situation daily before committing to hosting their events on the island of Tavarua.
“We will continue to monitor the political situation in Fiji daily,” said Carr. “At present insurance issues due to the unrest in late 2006 have forced us into the unlikely position of having the Roxy Pro Fiji and Globe Pro on standby, but a confirmation of the outcomes of both will be forthcoming soon.”

The 2007 cast for both tours has also been confirmed with many of both tours’ old guard being replaced by a swag of exciting up and coming youngsters.

The new faces on the Foster’s ASP World Tour will include Jeremy Flores (FRA), Ricky Basnett (ZAF), Roydon Bryson (ZAF), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Gabe Kling (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS) and Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA).

Making a return to surfing’s elite men’s tour after a hiatus will be former world number two Mick Campbell (AUS), plus Neco Padaratz (BRA) and Bernardo Miranda (BRA).
On the women’s front, 2007 will see Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) Caroline Sarran(FRA) and Roseanne Hodge (ZAF) make their tour debuts with Melanie Bartels (HAW) and Amee Donohoe (AUS) enjoying a welcome return to the fold.

Foster’s ASP World Tour Schedule
ASP Banquet Gold Coast, Australia Feb 24
Quiksilver Pro Snapper Rocks Qld, Australia Feb 27-Mar 10
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Vic, Australia Apr 3-13
Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Tahiti May 4-14
Globe Pro Fiji TBC May 20-21
Rip Curl Pro Search Somewhere in Chile June 20-July1
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, South Africa July 11-22
Boost Mobile Pro Trestles, California Sep 11-15
Quiksilver Pro France Hossegor, France Sep 22-Oct 1
Billabong Pro Mundaka, Basque Region, Spain Oct 2-14
Nova Schin Festival Imbituba, Brazil Oct 29-Nov 7
Billabong Pipe Masters Pipeline Hawaii Dec 8-20

ASP Women’s World Tour Schedule
Roxy Pro Snapper Rocks, Australia Feb 27-Mar 10
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia Apr 3-8
Roxy Pro TBC Apr 21-26
Billabong Girls Praia da Tiririca, Itacare, Brazil Aug 20-27
Rip Curl Girls Festival Santander, Liencres-Spain Sep 4-9
Havaiianas Beachley Classic Manly Beach, Australia Oct 8-14
Roxy Pro Sunset Beach, Hawaii Nov 23-Dec 6
Billabong Pro Honalua Bay, Hawaii Dec 8-20

The 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour Lineup
Kelly Slater (USA)
Andy Irons (HAW)
Mick Fanning (AUS)
Taj Burrow (AUS)
Bobby Martinez (USA)
Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Damien Hobgood (USA)
Tom Whitaker (AUS)
Taylor Knox (USA)
Dean Morrison (AUS)
Tim Reyes (USA)
Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Cory Lopez (USA)
Bruce Irons (HAW)
Bede Durbidge (AUS)
C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Daniel Wills (AUS)
Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Chris Ward (USA)
Shaun Cansdell (AUS)
Travis Logie (ZAF)
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Luke Stedman (AUS)
Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Michael Campbell (AUS)
Ricky Basnett (ZAF)
Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Troy Brooks (AUS)
Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Josh Kerr (AUS)
Ben Dunn (AUS)
Bernado Miranda (BRA)
Gabe Kling (USA)
Victor Ribas (BRA)
Leonardo Neves (BRA)
Kai Otton (AUS)
Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA)
Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Luke Munro (AUS)

Replacements:
Trent Munro (AUS)
David Weare (ZAF)
Peterson Rosa (BRA)

2007 ASP Women’s World Tour Lineup

Layne Beachley (AUS)
Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS)
Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
Rebecca Woods (AUS)
Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Silvana Lima (BRA)
Megan Abubo (HAW)
Rochelle Ballard (HAW) *
Samantha Cornish (AUS)
Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Amee Donohoe (AUS)
Caroline Sarran (FRA)
Roseanne Hodge (ZAF)

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JORDY SMITH WINS THE BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sun. Jan 7, 2007) – A jubilant Jordy Smith from South Africa has emerged from the water at Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia a world champion today after claiming a win in junior surfing's most prestigious event – the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

Smith, a lanky naturalfooter from Durban made the most of everything that came his way throughout the day, and in the end held off a solid charge from 2003 winner and current Foster's ASP World Tour number 20, Adriano de Souza in the 30-minute final.

Starting off slow with few quality set waves pushing into the Narrabeen arena, both surfers had only minor scores locked in, but as the final progressed both opened up with some big moves and in the end it was a nail biting finish as Smith hung on to the lead till the final hooter with de Souza snapping at his heels.

"It's amazing. I've never really done well in this event so it was great to be able to pull off a win for my family and friends back home in South Africa," said Smith. "It all feels amazing right now but when it sinks in… I'll let you know tomorrow!"

Smith admitted that he really had to lift to get past de Souza who only needed just over a 6.0 to get past him. Smith also believed he was also helped when the wind swung offshore which prevented de Souza from launching his typically radical aerial turns.

"Adriano is a terrific surfer and I had to really step it up to go up against him," said Smith. "Luckily in some ways the wind changed so he couldn't get the big ramps to launch airs, so yeah I'm happy to come out on top against him."

Traditionally Smith has struggled here at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships but this year was showing a lot of confidence, which may have stemmed from his third place against the best in the world at Jeffreys Bay in 2006.

He will now focus on getting on top of the ASP World Qualifying Series so he can match it with the big boys in 2008.

"I've definitely got more confidence this year and I just went out there to free surf and luckily I came home with the win," said Smith. "To get on the Foster's ASP World Tour is my goal for sure and I'd like to be on there next year so that's going to be my focus… but right now I'm going to enjoy this moment. To be alongside your heroes like Andy Irons and Joel Parkinson is a dream come true."

For de Souza the second place was a solid start to 2007 and he indicated that it will give him motivation when his Foster's ASP World Tour campaign resumes in just over a month's time.

Interestingly de Souza still has one year remaining in the juniors and can come back to claim a second title in 2008.

"It was a good final and I'm stoked for Jordy right now," said de Souza. "It was good to start the year with a second so I'm happy. I still have another year left so hopefully I'll get to come back to Narrabeen next year and do it for Brazil and win it for the second time. It's great to get going and hopefully I can go further than last year on the first Foster's ASP World Tour event on the Gold Coast where I finished in third last year."

Finishing in equal third place was Australian hopeful Matt Wilkinson.

The goofyfooter put on some of the event's best performances in early rounds – in fact claiming the highest total of the event in his round four heat, an 18.37 out of 20.

But by his own admission he felt he might have peaked too early.

"Yeah I think I may have used up all my 9.0s yesterday unfortunately," said Wilkinson. "I just couldn't find a steep wave through the whole semi out there this morning. I felt even with a minute to go I could have scored the 9.0 that was needed, because if you do one air and link together some decent turns the judges are throwing some big scores. I just couldn't find the waves out there in the end."

He was however pleased with his overall result.

"The third place is definitely a confidence boost going into the ASP World Qualifying Series this year. The guys here have been surfing amazingly... I really wanted to win the event but I'm still happy to get third."

On being beaten by de Souza, Wilkinson took his hat off and tipped it for his foe.

"There was no one tougher to surf against than Adriano de Souza," said Wilkinson. "He's an amazing competitor and an amazing surfer… he has a full arsenal of turns."

Also finishing third was young Hawaiian Mason Ho who was elated to have ended up near the pointy end of the draw… Mainly because he can trump the bragging rights that his sister scored yesterday after also finishing equal third in the women's.

"I'm just super stoked with the result," said Ho "I tied with my sister who got third in the girls so she can't brag too much when we get home [laughs]."

While Smith ran away with the semifinal Ho watched on in awe and joked that Smith surfed to his own strategy.

"I was talking to Jordy out there after I was watching him and I was saying to him, 'that was what I wanted to do!'" laughed Ho. "You either go super-on like him or super-off like me but hey I'm stoked with the result."

The new Billabong ASP World Junior Champions will now stand alongside Layne Beachley (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA) at the ASP World Champions Banquet to be held in late February.

Full results, audio downloads, athlete quotes and video highlights are all available on www.billabongpro.com

Final Results:

Quarterfinals:

Heat 1: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.67 def Hank Gaskell (HAW) 14.50
Heat 2: Adrian de Souza (BRA) 11.16 def Thiago Camarao (BRA) 5.33
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (AUS) 12.00 def Pierre-Valentin Lombard (FRA) 8.27
Heat 4: Mason Ho (HAW) 12.84 def Torrey Meister (HAW) 11.50

Semifinals:

Semi 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.40 def Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 10.50
Semi 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.80 def Mason Ho (HAW) 4.20

Final: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.84 def Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.83

Final Team Results:

1st South America 2774
2nd Australasia 2486
3rd Hawaii 2474
4th Africa 2432
5th Europe 1967
6th Japan 1460
7th USA 1270

(Based on best 4 scores from each regional team not including international or wild card invites. Top 4 teams get 6 invites to next year's events while other 3 only 5.)

FINAL DAY FOR BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sun. Jan 7, 2007) – Come lunchtime today yet another world champion will be crowned on the main stage at Narrabeen Beach Australia.

And with the swell kicking up again overnight to be around one to 1.5 metres (three to four foot) it's going to be a tremendous finish to the world's most prestigious junior surfing event – the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

The event, which has only seven heats in total to run will begin at 8am sharp this morning and will consist of four quarterfinals, two semifinals and the final which will hit the water around mid-morning local time.

The hotly contested field includes three Hawaiians, two Brazilians, one Frenchman, one South African and one Australian.

This morning's men's heat draw includes.

Quarterfinals:

Heat 1: Hank Gaskell (HAW) vs Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 2: Thiago Camarao (BRA) vs Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs Pierre Valentin Lombard (FRA)
Heat 4: Torrey Meister (HAW) vs Mason Ho (HAW)

Click on www.billabongpro.com now to see all the action LIVE!

NICOLA ATHERTON CLAIMS BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR WOMEN’S CROWN

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sat. Jan 6, 2007) – After a putting a on a tremendous performance in the one metre (three foot) Narrabeen beach-breaks Nicola Atherton (AUS) has taken out the girls division of the most prestigious junior professional surfing event on the planet – the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

It was red letter day for the future of women's surfing as the performance bar was raised dramatically as the two finalists went blow for blow, displaying that with their complete range of new school tricks and old school power carves they are in fact the real deal and will go on to conquer great heights.

For Atherton, who finished runner up to Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) in the inaugural event last year it was a well deserved win as she notched up an 8.17 for throwing down some major turns.

>From there she never looked in doubt as her foe Anali Gomez of Peru struggled to find a wave that would allow her to let loose.

"I'm just feeling relief at the moment! I can't describe how good it feels," said a jubilant Atherton. "I don't think it's hit me yet. I'm just glad that it's over and I did it and have got that thing off my back! I'm a world champion [laughs]… I set out to do this and have been thinking about it for six months. It is my last junior event and what a way to cap it off!"

By taking the win Atherton follows in the footsteps of her good friend and current world number four Jessi Miley-Dyer who claimed victory here last year.

Both hail from the small Sydney beach of Bronte and Atherton claims that their upbringing and their rivalry has been the driving force behind their success.

"Bronte is a tiny beach yet we tend to breed a lot of good surfers," said Atherton. "It's a small environment which in turn develops some good rivalries. Plus we're surrounded by all the guys who always talk to us about our surfing, which amps us up. Jessi has always been an inspiration for me so to follow her in taking out this title feels amazing."

Of her fellow finalist Atherton was fully aware that she had to be on her toes right throughout the 30-minute affair.

Having surfed against Gomez in other events she expected the going to be tough despite Gomez's relative anonymity.

"Anali is an amazing surfer," said Atherton. "Not many people know about her, yet she is capable of throwing down some 9.0 rides… I've seen her go mental on her backhand before… she's a fantastic surfer and a great friend."

As for her being on stage at the ASP World Champions Banquet in just over a month's time…

"I didn't know I had to do that!" squealed Atherton. "I'm going to be a mumbling mess when I have to stand on stage with Layne Beachley and Kelly Slater!"

For Gomez, the runner-up finish is a career highlight and despite going so close but yet so far to getting a win she was overwhelmed with her result.

"I'm so happy," said Gomez who speaks little English. "I would like to say congratulations to Nicola… she did so well. Thank you very much Australia… I love it here."

Finishing in equal third was event favourite Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Hawaiian up and comer Coco Ho.

Both surfed exceptionally well throughout the early rounds and at the end of the day showed that if the waves had gone their way they were definitely title contenders.

Gilmore in particular was emotional about the semifinal defeat but was philosophical that in the end it would only make her hungrier for success.

"I was just floating around out there," said Gilmore. "I was undecided about whether to sit on the left or the rights so I sat in the middle like an idiot. But at the end of the day this will just me hungrier."

Ho meanwhile enjoyed her experience and with a few more years left in junior competition will no doubt gain confidence and in future go all the way.

"I really enjoyed coming here," said Ho. "And hopefully next time I'll be a little stronger and will do a little better."

Of the men's today Matt Wilkinson (AUS) stood the event on its ear with his demolition of fellow Aussie Mitch Coleborn.

Locking in three scores over 9.0 after launching some huge aerial turns he put on the standout performance of the event to date scoring a total of 18.37 out of 20.

"I was watching for a while before the heat and saw that the rights were better," said Wilkinson. "I picked off a 9.0 to start with and gained plenty of confidence from it and just went on from there. I just hope I haven't peaked too early!"

The men's division round four will be completed today and tomorrow it is expected that the quarterfinals will hit the water at around 8am.

FLAT CONDITIONS PREVAIL AT BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Thurs. Jan 4, 2007) – After testing the conditions at North Narrabeen Beach personally first thing this morning, Billabong ASP World Junior Championships Contest Director Luke Egan has decided to call the event off for the day and will make the next call tomorrow morning (Fri Jan 5) at 7.30am.

After waves deteriorated yesterday evening to nothing more than a dribble and appearing pretty much the same today, coming in at under the one metre (three foot) mark, it has been decided that waiting for a swell increase due to arrive by tomorrow is the best option.

When competition resumes expect the sparks to fly, as there are numerous exciting matchups amongst the round three draw.

Those to watch include heat eight between Foster's ASP World Tour number 20 Adriano de Souza from Brazil and the pint sized Tamaroa McComb from Tahiti.

In yesterday's draw the 14-year-old McComb caused a major upset in defeating fourth seed Ola Eleogram (HAW).

The youngster, who forever plays in the warm waters off his tropical island home, found the biggest challenge avoiding the "cold" of Australia's summer.

"I just want to do well here," said McComb. "But it is cold, which makes it hard."

Others to watch include the all-Aussie showdown between Julian Wilson and Sam Page in heat 13.

Both are potential future world-beaters who, with a full arsenal of new school aerials will be attacking the North Narrabeen lips with plenty of flair.

Page, who lives not far from Narrabeen at Manly is confident he do the job but he is hoping that there is an increase in swell so he can show his wares.

"I only live down the road at Manly so I know the place well," said Page. "In fact Manly is a lot worse that this on most days so I really enjoy surfing out there and hopefully we'll get some bigger waves as the event unfolds. I'm a bit taller than most guys so a bit of size would be good."

Stay tuned to www.billabongpro.com or www.aspworldtour.com for all updates on the event.

Round Three Heat Draw:

Heat 1: Hank Gaskell (HAW) vs (Rory Beach (ZAF)
Heat 2: Hideyoshi Tanaka (JPN) vs Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN)
Heat 3: Mitch Coleborn (AUS) vs Luke Cheadle (AUS)
Heat 4: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs Angelo Lozano (MEX)
Heat 5: Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) vs Thiago Camaroa (BRA)
Heat 6: Heitor Pereira (BRA) vs Granger Larson (HAW)
Heat 7: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs Marc Lacomare (FRA)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs Tamaroa McComb (PYF)
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs Bernardo Martins (BRA)
Heat 10: Jean Sebastien Estienne (FRA) vs Eric Geiselman (USA)
Heat 11: Dion Atkinson (AUS) vs Brandon Jackson (ZAF)
Heat 12: Dylan Graves (PRI) vs Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA)
Heat 13: Sam Page (AUS) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 14: Gavin Gillette (HAW) vs Torrey Meister (HAW)
Heat 15: TJ Barron (HAW) vs Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 16: Mason Ho (HAW) vs Casey Brown (HAW)

Round Three Women's Heat Draw:

Heat 1: Nikita Robb (ZAF) vs Alize Arnaud (FRA)
Heat 2: Anali Gomez (PER) vs Nao Omura (JPN)
Heat 3: Arini Mason (NZK) vs Pauline Ado (FRA)
Heat 4: Steph Gilmore (AUS) vs Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN)
Heat 5:Nicola Atherton (AUS) vs Kirstie Jones (AUS)
Heat 6: Marina Werneck (BRA) vs Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Heat 7: Sage Ericson (USA) vs Coco Ho (HAW)
Heat 8: Erica Hosseini (USA) vs Leila Hurst (HAW)

BILLABONG SECURES SPONSORSHIP OF THE PIPELINE MASTERS

Irvine, CA (January 3, 2007) – Vans and Billabong today announced that Billabong has signed on as lead partner and title sponsor of the Pipeline Masters, the legendary 37-year-old event regarded as the world's most prestigious surfing contest.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters will be the finale to the Foster's Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour and will sit alongside Billabong's portfolio of events held in some of finest venues around the globe – including Teahupoo, Tahiti; Jeffreys Bay, South Africa; Mundaka, Spain; and the women's final event at Honolua Bay, Maui.

"Hawaii has been and still remains the true testing ground for any professional surfer," said Graham Stapelberg VP of Marketing at Billabong USA. "The greatest world title showdowns have all taken place at Pipeline and Billabong is proud to be part of this rich heritage.

"Billabong will now have both the final Men's and Women's World Tour events on the ASP World Tour."

The 2007 Billabong Pipeline Masters caps off the 25th edition of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and as the final event on the Foster's ASP World Tour it is possible that the eventual world champion will be decided at the event.

Billabong has had a longstanding impact on professional surfing on Hawaii's North Shore. During the 1980's when the pro tour was struggling, the surf company launched the Billabong Pro to set several new benchmarks. Prize money was lifted to previously unheard of levels, a mobile venue was utilized between Sunset and Waimea Bay which eventuated in the largest surf ever seen in ASP competition history.

"The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing couldn't be prouder than to have a partner such as Billabong, a true leader in the sport and culture," said Doug Palladini, Vans' Vice President of Marketing. "As we celebrate 25 years of history and surfing tradition on the North Shore, cementing our partnership with Billabong only builds on the legacy of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing."

ASP President and 1978 world champion Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew echoed the sentiments.

"Pipe is the ultimate arena and the Pipeline Masters is the most prestigious title on tour," said Bartholomew. "Billabong bring their wealth of event skills to this North Shore icon and this partnership personifies the dream tour concept."

ACTION APLENTY AT BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND TWO

North Narrabeen, Australia (Wed. Jan 3, 2007) – Despite small and windy conditions challenging competitors throughout the bulk of proceedings, there was plenty of fantastic surfing action from the 20-year-old and under competitors in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships held at Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia.

With one metre (three foot) waves pulsing into the arena the "grommets" (the nickname for young surfers) went hell for leather on everything that moved as they battled through the sudden death heats of round two of both the women's and men's.

Grabbing one of the top scores of the day was Australian Julian Wilson, who after faltering in round one yesterday, managed to put his Billabong ASP World Junior Championship aspirations back on track with a sterling performance today.

Whipping and weaving over the fairly powerless swells, Wilson showed true determination when he defeated fellow Australian James Wood 15.00 to 9.67.

"It felt good to get a few waves under my belt today," said Wilson. "Yesterday I was in the first heat of the day and it was stormy and windy and I found myself a bit lost at sea. But today it had cleaned up a bit and I found a good bank to sit on."

Wilson did well to hold off Wood who excelled a few days earlier when he won the Von Zipper Trials to advance into the main draw. Wood is renowned for big performances and Wilson was relieved that he ended up in front today.

"I knew it was going to be a tough heat as I watched him come through the trials," said Wilson. "It sucks to take out a fellow countryman but in the end it had to be one of us getting through and I'm glad it was me."

In the truly international field that contains surfers from all corners of the surfing universe, other heat winners came from Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, USA, France, Tahiti and Hawaii.

And of the internationals Dusty Payne (HAW) was a standout as he easily accounted for his rival in Great Britain's Reubyn Ash.

"I was shattered after losing that first heat yesterday so I'm wrapped to be back on the right path to success," said Payne. "We're all just dong our best. It's a bit difficult to surf out here so it's a heat-by-heat situation. I'll just take it as it comes."

Making possibly the biggest stir in the event today was Noboyuki Osawa from Japan who ousted one of the biggest names of Australian junior surfing in Laurie Towner.

Towner, who has a reputation for taking on monster waves, couldn't find any momentum and left the door open for the talented Osawa to steal the show.

Osawa, who speaks little English was very pleased with himself, sporting an ear-to-ear grin on leaving the water.

"I am very happy right now," said Osawa. "To win any heat here is a big feat and I am even more happy to beat Towner."

Also claiming a win today was the youngest competitor in the event, 14-year-old
Tamaroa McComb (PYF) who defeated number four seed Ola Eleogram (HAW).

McComb stole the show with a high scoring ride on the opener – a 9.17 – and from there held on to take down the proceedings.

The youngster, who has the world class Teahupoo in his backyard at home in Tahiti, looked strong all the way and will be happy to grab his round three berth given the difficult conditions that he had to face today.

"The conditions were hard out there again," said McComb. "They were really mushy and difficult. It's also very cold here compared to where I come from. I am happy to get through. There is a lot of pressure. Everybody is good in this event."

The round three heat draw promises to deliver more of the same excitement when competition resumes with numerous anticipated matchups on the cards (see draw below).

Contest Director Luke Egan will again view the swell at first light and will make a decision by 7.30 as to the day's proceedings.

WOMEN’S WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION TO BE DECIDED TODAY

North Narrabeen, Australia (Sat. Jan 6, 2007) – With the swell finally coming to the party that is the esteemed Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, Contest Director Luke Egan had no hesitation in sending out the Quarterfinals of the women's division and will aim to have the division completed by around lunchtime/early afternoon today.

The schedule will run with the women's quarters in the water first followed by two heats of the four remaining round three heats of the guys (heats 13 and 14), then the women's semifinals, followed by the two more guys heats (15 and 16 of round three) then the final of the ladies will hit the water.

With the Narrabeen left winding right across the sandbank at around the one to 1.5 metre mark we can expect to witness some red hot action as the ladies battle it out for junior surfing supremacy.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.billabongpro.com for all the action LIVE.

Today's schedule:

Women's quarterfinals:

Quarterfinal 1: Alize Arnaud (FRA vs Anali Gomez (PER)
Quarterfinal 2: Pauline Ado (FRA) vs Stephanie Gilmore
Quarterfinal 3: Nicola Atherton (AUS) vs Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Quarterfinal 4: Coco Ho (HAW) vs Leila Hurst (HAW)

Men's Round Three:
Heat 13: Sam Page (AUS) vs Julian Wilson (HAW)
Heat 14: Gavin Gillette (HAW) vs Torrey Meister (HAW)

Women's Semifinals:

TBC

Men's Round Three:

Heat 15: TJ Barron (HAW) vs Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 16: Mason Ho (HAW) vs Casey Brown (HAW)

Women's Final:

TBC

GILMORE STAKES A VICTORY CLAIM AT BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Fri. Jan 5, 2007) – Budding women's surfing super star Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) stole the show at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships as she put on a phenomenal display in impish one metre (three foot) waves at North Narrabeen today.

Locking in the highest wave score of the day for both men's and women's – a 9.17 – Gilmore romped home in front of her counterpart from Japan, Sayuri Hashimoto, to book a berth in the women's quarterfinals and looks to be in devastating form and on target for an event win.

On her "killer" wave Gilmore linked together a series of hard-edged turns and had the crowd hooting with appreciation.

"I managed to get a nice little wave that allowed to link together more turns that I expected," said Gilmore. "And the judges obviously liked what I did!"

Yet despite the victory looking like it came to her easily, Gilmore indicated that she had to be on her toes right throughout the heat.

"Sayuri wasn't to be underestimated at all," said Gilmore. "If she had better waves she could have won for sure. I was just stoked I managed to grab a few little waves and come home with a win."

Gilmore, who has qualified for the ASP Women's World Tour in 2007, returned to the junior ranks for this event in the hope of winning so she could lay claim to world title status and stand alongside Layne Beachley (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA) at the ASP World Champions Banquet coming up in just over a month's time.

Plus she indicated that a victory here would be a great way to start off what she hopes will be a stellar 2007.

"You can't turn down an invitation for a world title," said Gilmore. "Especially since the event is only in its second year. I'd really love to be up there at the ASP Banquet alongside Layne Beachley and Kelly Slater. That would be a real honour. Plus it would be a huge confidence boost and a great start to the year to claim a win here."

Gilmore also gained praise from her fellow competitors with last year's runner-up Nicola Atherton (AUS), who also won through to round four today, claiming that she will be the one to beat.

"Steph was amazing today," said Atherton. "To get the score that she did today was incredible. She is definitely the one to watch."

In the men's division Mitch Coleborn (AUS) and Matt Wilkinson (AUS) headed the list of standouts with both executing some incredible aerial and tail sliding turns on their way to their respective heat wins.

Coleborn, who had to fight his way through the trials to make the main event, looked dangerous and indicated that he is confident he can go all the way.

"There's still a lot of big names in the event," said Coleborn. "And the next couple of days will be solid. But I'm feeling confident and hopefully I'll get to the final and then look to taking it out."

Wilkinson however will have other ideas as the two are now scheduled to meet in the next round.

The man they call "Wilko" was all over everything today and came home with a resounding win over Mexican surfer Angelo Lozano.

He did indicate though that at times throughout the heat he felt worried that the waves were not going to cooperate.

"The waves stopped breaking for a while and I got a bit worried," said Wilkinson. But luckily I managed to get a few away and make it through."

Wilkinson realises now that he has his work cut out for him in the next round against Coleborn but he was philosophical, pitching that whatever the result at least one Australian will make the event's quarterfinals.

"Having Mitch Coleborn next will be hard," said Wilkinson. "But every heat here is hard so it doesn't matter who you draw. It sucks that I'm surfing against another Aussie but by the same token at least one Aussie will make the quarters."

Of the internationals the number one seed Adriano de Souza (BRA) stood tall as he held off a spirited challenge from a 14-year-old Tahitian Tamaroa McComb.

Staying in the race right until the final hooter McComb showed he has plenty of potential and de Souza was full of praise.

"Yeah he did really well," said de Souza. "I was lucky to get those waves and come home with a win."

Hank Gaskell from Hawaii was also one to impress as he smoothly tore apart numerous righthand-breaking waves to inch through to the next round.

"It's small and inconsistent but every now and again there are a few that line up where you can get some turns in, said Gaskell. "I don't surf the lefts very well here as they tend to run away from you but I love the little rights with the wedges along the way – it's a lot like home."

Competition will be called off at the end of men's heat 12 and will resume tomorrow after contest director Luke Egan assesses the early morning conditions.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.billabongpro.com for all the updated information.

Today's results at time of going to press:

Women's Round Three Heat Results:

Heat 1: Alize Arnaud (FRA) 12.16 def Nikita Robb (ZAF) 11.84</b>

Heat 2: Anali Gomez (PER) 11.00 def Nao Omura (JPN) 5.33
Heat 3:Pauline Ado (FRA) 9.50 def Airini Mason (NZL) 8.97
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.20 def Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN) 9.17
Heat 5: Nicola Atherton (AUS) 10.47 def Kirstie Jones (AUS) 9.76
Heat 6: 1. Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 11.66 def Marina Werneck (BRA) 7.57
Heat 7: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.50 def Sage Ericson (USA) 7.10
Heat 8: 1. Leila Hurst (HAW) 11.67 def Erica Hosseini (USA) 8.03

Men's Round Three Heat Results:

Heat 1: Hank Gaskell (HAW) 15.66 def Rory Beach (ZAF) 9.47
Heat 2: Hideyoshi Tanaka (JPN) 15.00 def Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN) 9.36
Heat 3: Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 15.16 def Luke Cheadle (AUS) 6.13
Heat 4: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.33 def Angelo Lozano (MEX) 8.33
Heat 6: Heitor Pereira (BRA) 16.44 def Granger Larson (HAW) 10.50
Heat 7: Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.90 def Marc Lacomare (FRA) 8.77
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) def Tamarao McComb (PYF)
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.67 def Bernado Martins (BRA) 9,84
Heat 10: Jean Sebastien (FRA) 10.66 def Eric Geiselman (USA) 10.43

Remaining heats:

Heat 11: Dion Atkinson (AUS) vs Brandon Jackson (ZAF)
Heat 12: Dylan Graves (PRI) vs Pierre Valentin (FRA)
Heat 13: Sam Page (AUS) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 14: Gavin Gillette (HAW) vs Torrey Meister (HAW)
Heat 15: TJ Barron (HAW) vs Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 16: Mason Ho (HAW) vs Casey Brown (HAW)

Women's Quarterfinals:

Heat 1: Alize Arnaud (FRA) vs Anali Gomez (PER)
Heat 2: Pauline Ado (FRA) vs Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
Heat 3: Nicola Atherton (AUS) vs Lee Ann Curren (FRA)
Heat 4: Coco Ho (HAW) vs Leila Hurst (HAW)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS TO CONTINUE TODAY

North Narrabeen, Australia (Fri. Jan 5, 2007) – The excitement will continue at Narrabeen Beach today with the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships restarting at 8am (local time) in clean and fun one metre (three foot) swell.

The bank at the location is showing plenty of potential today and Contest Director Luke Egan had no hesitation in sending out round three of the ladies.

And while the ladies are strutting their stuff the guys will be on standby with Luke Egan hinting that the aim of the day will be to run as many heats as possible.

"We'll aim to get through as many heats as possible," said Egan. "If we can knock over this round we will be in a strong position to take advantage of the best conditions over the next few days."

The draw for round three will be as follows:

Round Three Women's Heat Draw:

Round Three Heat Draw:

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND TWO UNDERWAY NOW

North Narrabeen, Australia (Wed. Jan 3, 2007) –With the swell at Narrabeen Beach still pulsing in at around one metre (three feet) at first light this morning Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, Contest Director Luke Egan had no hesitation in sending out surfers competing in round two.

First up this morning will be the women's division with two heats making up the draw, and that will be closely followed by round two of the men's.

Stay tuned to www.billabongpro.com or www.aspworldtour.com for all the updates.

Today's draw will include:

Men's Round Two Heat Draw:

Heat 1: Sam Page (AUS) vs Klee Strachan (ZAF)
Heat 2: Ola Eleogram (HAW) vs Tamaroa McComb (PYF)
Heat 3: Nick Rozsa (USA) vs Bernado Martins (BRA)
Heat 4: Gavin Gillette (HAW) vs Halley Batista (BRA)
Heat 5: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs Reubyn Ash (GBR)
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) vs Heath Joske (AUS)
Heat 7: Eric Geiselman (USA) vs Vincent Duvignac (FRA)
Heat 8: James Wood (AUS) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 9: Luke Cheadle (AUS) vs Matias Mulanovich (PER)
Heat 10: Shota Nakamura (JPN) vs Angelo Lozano (MEX)
Heat 11: Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN) vs Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 12: Romain Cloitre (FRA) vs Rory Beach (ZAF)
Heat 13: Sterling Spencer (USA) vs Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 14: Casey Brown (HAW) vs Adrien Toyon (REU)
Heat 15: Kento Takahashi (JPN) vs Brandon Jackson (ZAF)
Heat 16: Shu Hagiwara (JPN) vs Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA)

Women's Round Two Heat Draw:

Heat 1: Tammy Lee Smith (ZAF); Lee Ann Curren (FRA); Alize Arnaud (FRA)
Heat 2: Anali Gomez (PER); Jessica Hickson (AUS); Nao Omura (JPN)

TOP SEEDS LEAD THE WAY IN BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

North Narrabeen, Australia (Tues. Jan 2, 2007) – Living up to expectations, the top seeds in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships put on stellar performances to claim heat wins in round one today.

Held in messy one metre (three foot) conditions at North Narrabeen Beach in Sydney, Australia, number one seed Adriano de Souza (BRA) and number two seed Jordy Smith (ZAF) made the most of what was on offer to lock in large total scores to overcome their foes and in turn had the crowd in awe.

Smith in particular was in devastating form as he wound through some lumpy sections executing turn after turn, even landing a nice aerial in the process.

In his post heat interview Smith indicated that he doesn't feel confident in the famed Narrabeen lineup but that certainly didn't look the case today as he pushed the performance bar up high.

"I don't think the waves suit me that well here," said Smith. "But I managed to pick off some rights and I just tried to make the best of them. I just knew that the two guys I had in the heat are great surfers so I had to pull out something big."

Smith, who in July 2006 made it all the way to the semifinals of the Foster's ASP World Tour, Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay event as a wildcard, has grown as a surfer and a competitor of late, but despite his experience he is still very wary of his rivals here in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.

"There are a lot of good guys here," said Smith. "Guys like Adriano de Souza and Matt Wilkinson are flipping ripping! And then there are all the guys like Laurie Towner and a host of others. I'm just going to take it heat by heat and hopefully get through to the final."

De Souza, who quite the opposite to Smith feels very confident in the choppy conditions due to them being like his home in Brazil, was relaxed and he cruised through for a win in heat eight over Luke Cheadle (AUS) and Dusty Payne (HAW).

The pint sized powerhouse, a former winner in 2003 and who is now ranked number 20 in the world, used every bit of his top tour experience to ensure that he was in exactly the right spot whenever a ripple came his way.

"It's great to be back at Narrabeen as I've had some good results here," said de Souza. "It's just good to be back surfing with all the guys from my generation. I'm very excited as I have one more year to win and I'd like to match Joel Parkinson and win it twice."

De Souza, like Smith, knows he has to pull out all the stops in order to beat the hungry field who, by no means, are intimidated by the fact that he regularly spars with the best surfers in the world.

"There are a lot of good guys here, Matt Wilkinson, Smith… anyone can do well here," said de Souza. "I just have to be on my toes the whole way through."

The youngster was also hoping that like when he claimed his 2003 victory the mass of Brazilians who reside or holiday in nearby suburbs will come out in support for him.

"When I won in 2003 there were a lot of my people here to cheer me on," said de Souza. "I hope they all come to Narrabeen to do it again. That would be special."

Also excelling in the testing conditions was Australian Wilkinson, who stood tall on everything he could grapple. The goofyfooter claimed that by getting down to Narrabeen early in the week and surfing every day he was feeling extra confident.

"I've been surfing here the past few days as I've been staying close by," said Wilkinson. "I went out and knew that the rights were going to be better scorers and luckily I opened with two good ones straight away."

Wilkinson was also confident that the Australian team could wrestle a win here in this year's event, given that the trophy has gone to a host of Brazilians and a Hawaiian in previous years.

"We haven't done so well over the past few years," said Wilkinson. "But looking at the team this year it's really strong and if there are a few waves then I think we'll do well."

Heading up the star performers in the women's division was world beater Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), who despite qualifying for the ASP Women's World Tour in 2007 was eager to come back to add another junior notch to her belt before moving on.

On her performance Gilmore was happy that she finished the job in front today.

"There were a few waves here and there as luckily it was consistent," said Gilmore. "I was just floating around grabbing what I could and I managed to do the job. I couldn't hear the announcers and I was a bit worried… At the end of the day you always want the win."

Organisers will return tomorrow morning at 7.30am with the aim of getting underway at 8am.

The conditions are expected to be similar with a slight increase in swell size.

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com or www.billabongpro.com for all the updates.

Round 1 Men's Results: (1st to round 3 2nd and 3rd to round 2)

Heat 1: 1. Heitor Pereira (BRA) 10.90; 2. Casey Brown (HAW) 8.83; Julian Wilson (AUS) 7.14
Heat 2: 1. Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 11.10; 2. Vincent Duvignac (FRA) 9.83; 3. Sterling Spencer (USA) 8.57
Heat 3: 1.Dion Atkinson (AUS) 12.07; Romain Cloitre (FRA); Heath Joske (AUS) 8.93
Heat 4: 1. TJ Barron (HAW) 13.17; 2. Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN) 9.00; Reubyn Ash (GBR) 6.46
Heat 5: 1. Hank Gaskell (HAW) 13.17; Halley Batista (BRA) 9.06; Shota Nakamura (JPN) 8.43
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.83; 2. Bernardo Martins (BRA); 12.00; 3. Klee Strachan (ZAF) 10.77
Heat 7: 1. Torrey Meister (HAW) 12.66; 2. Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 10.70; 3. Ola Eleogram (HAW) 10.56Heat 7: 1. Torrey Meister (HAW) 12.66; 2. Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 10.70; 3. Ola Eleogram (HAW) 10.56
Heat 8: 1. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.67; 2. Luke Cheadle (AUS) 9.77; Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.33
Heat 9: 1. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.67; 2. Marc Lacomare (FRA)11.56; 3. James Wood (AUS) 7.43
Heat 10: 1. Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 15.17; 2. Sam Page (AUS) 8.17; 3. Eric Geiselman (USA) 8.13
Heat 11: 1. Dylan Graves (PRI) 11.06; 2. Kento Takahashi (JPN) 10.37; 3. Matias Mulanovich (PER) 8.36
Heat 12: 1. Mason Ho (HAW) 11.84; 2. Shu Hagiwara (JPN) 9.50; Angelo Lozano (MEX) 7.94
Heat 13: 1. Hideyoshi Tanaka (JPN) 13.67; 2. Laurie Towner (AUS) 11.20 (AUS); Pierre Valentin (FRA) 9.40
Heat 14: 1. Granger Larsen (HAW) 12.43; 2. Rory Beach (ZAF) 10.10; 3. Nick Rozsa (USA) 5.94
Heat 15: 1. Thiago Camarao (BRA) 13.83; 2. Gavin Gillette (HAW) 12.37; Wade Goodall (AUS) 9.57
Heat 16: 1. Jean Sebastien (FRA) 11.40; 2. Brandon Jackson (ZAF) 9.36; Adrien Toyon (REU)

Round One Women's Results: (1st to round three 2nd and 3rd to round two)

Heat 1: 1. Nikita Robb (ZAF) 12.37; Marina Werneck (BRA) 9.70; Nao Omura (JPN) 4.47
Heat 2: 1. Arini Mason (NZL) 10.50; 2. Erica Hosseini (USA) 8.83; 3. Alize Arnaud (FRA) 6.96
Heat 3: 1. Steph Gilmore (AUS) 12.73; 2. Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN) 6.93; 3. Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 6.57
Heat 4: 1. Nicola Atherton (AUS) 10.50; 2. Kirstie Jones (AUS) 9.17; Jessica Hickson (AUS) 7.33
Heat 5: 1. Leila Hurst (HAW) 10.50; 2. Pauline Ado (FRA) 7.80; Tammy Lee Smith (ZAF) 7.10
Heat 6: Coco Ho (HAW) 12.10; 2. Sage Ericson (USA) 10.40; 3. Anali Gomez (PER) 8.84

Men's Round Two Heat Draw:

Women's Round Two Heat Draw:

Heat 1: Tammy Lee Smith (ZAF); Lee Ann Curren (FRA); Alize Arnaud (FRA)
Heat 2: Anali Gomez (PER); Jessica Hickson (AUS); Nao Omura (JPN)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND TO BEGIN AT 8am LOCAL TIME

North Narrabeen, Australia (Tues. Jan 2, 2007) – Starting guns are at the ready for the first round of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships as the swell at Narrabeen Beach Australia has jumped over night and competitors are excited about surfing some really fun waves.

Despite the rain making things look a little ugly, the swell is forecast to continue to rise throughout the day and will provide a great platform for the best under 21-year-old surfers in the world to strut their new-school surfing wares.

Contest Director Luke Egan had no qualms about sending out the first round of the men's division, which will consist of 16 three-man heats.

He will then look at the potential for running the first round of the women's division.

"It's increased over night and the guys will have some fun walls out there," said Egan. "We'll get the guys out first thing and aim to run the whole first round. The girls are on standby also."

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com for all the updates.

Men's Round One Heat Draw

Heat 1: Heitor Pereira (BRA); Casey Brown (HAW); Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 2: Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF); Sterling Spencer (USA); Vincent Duvignac (FRA)
Heat 3: Dion Atkinson (AUS); Romain Cloitre (FRA); Heath Joske (AUS)
Heat 4: TJ Barron (HAW); Nobuyuki Osawa (JAP); Reubyn Ash (GBR)
Heat 5: Hank Gaskell (HAW); Shota Nakamura (JPN); Halley Batista (BRA)
Heat 6: Matt Wilkinson (AUS); Klee Strachan (ZAF); Bernardo Martins (BRA)
Heat 7: Ola Eleogram (HAW); Torrey Meister (HAW); Tamarao McComb (PYF)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA); Dusty Payne (HAW); Luke Cheadle (AUS)
Heat 9: Jordy Smith (ZAF); Marc Lacomare (FRA); James Wood (AUS)
Heat 10: Sam Page (AUS); Eric Geiselman (USA); Mitch Coleborn (AUS)
Heat 11: Dylan Graves (PRI); Kento Takahashi (JPN); Matias Mulanovich (PER)
Heat 12: Mason Ho (HAW); Shu Hagiwara (JPN); Angelo Lozano (MEX)
Heat 13: Hideyoshi Tanaka (JAP); Pierre-Valentin Laborde (FRA); Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 14: Nick Rozsa (USA); Granger Larsen (HAW); Rory Beach (ZAF)
Heat 15: Gavin Gillette (HAW); Thiago Camarao (BRA); Wade Goodall (AUS)
Heat 16: Jean Sebastien Estienne (FRA); Brandon Jackson (ZAF); Adrien Toyon (REU)

Women's Round One Heat Draw

Heat 1: Nikita Robb (ZAF); Marina Werneck (BRA); Nao Amura (JPN)
Heat 2: Erica Hosseini (USA); Arini Mason (NZL); Alize Arnaud (FRA)
Heat 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS); Lee Ann Curren (FRA); Sayuri Hashimoto (JPN)
Heat 4: Nicola Atherton (AUS); Jessica Hickson (AUS); Kristie Jones (AUS)
Heat 5: Tammy Lee Smith (ZAF); Pauline Ado (FRA); Leile Hurst (HAW)
Heat 6: Anali Gornez (PER); Sage Erickson (USA); Coco Ho (HAW)

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