Nazare was 'working' on Christmas 2013 with giant waves but too much wind. Still I made some amazing photos...
Showing posts with label surfing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surfing. Show all posts
Surfboard Bags And Packing For A Trip
To protect your surfboard you will need a board bag.
NOTE: For a longer boardbag guide with all the packing tips and tricks go to http://360guide.info/surfing/ultimate-surfboard-bag-guide-and-packing-instructions.html
Here is whats available on the market:
Sock or Stretch Cover - protects from wax, scratches, dust and UV light, not for traveling!
A thin everyday surfboard bag - has 5mm or less protection, can be used for everyday trips to the beach. Not for long travel / airlines.
A thick everyday surfboard bag - has 10mm of protective foam, good for travel and airlines.
then you have bags that hold more than one surfboard. They are all thick and good for travel. Here a re a few features too look for:
- how many surfboards does it fit
- with or without fins
- durable, heat-reflective reflective, and waterproof material
- extra pockets for the fins and wax
- comfortable carrying straps
- good zipper
- internal sheets for separating your boards
- internal straps that fix the boards together
- optional softracks included (or tie down straps).
Bag Size
Length
Some extra space is already calculated into the board bag size. Get a bag that is the same length as your surfboard.
Width
Check the width and the nose shape of the bag. A wide fish surfboard won't fit into a shortboard bag. That is why you will have different models for same length board bag: shortboard model, fish/funboard/hybrid model, longboard model.
Packing instructions
1. Fins - remove them, if they are glass-on put a finbox on them.
2. Protect the rails with insulation foam tube cut in half. Duct tape!
3. Bubble Wrap the board using the one with large bubbles.
4. Board Bag - put it in a board bag that just fits.
5. If you are packing more boards protect each one of them separately. Stack them so that the longest is at the bottom. Fix them together. Fill empty space with wetsuits and towels. No hard and sharp objects in thebag.
Types of surfboards for beginners
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This is list and a short explanation of all surfboard types and other wave riding vehicles that you can find out there. It is meant for beginners, but not all these boards are beginner boards. Also surfboard types evolve, change and blend from one into another so sometimes it is hard to pinpoint what a certain surfboard is. But this guide will give you a general idea.
NOTE: For more in depth look at surfboard types together with typical dimensions and intended use check this ultimate guide.
BEGINNERS: From the below mentioned surfboard types the best board for beginners is a mini malibu, second choice would be a hybrid. (If you go to surf school you will get a surfboard, but I wouldn't buy it as my first board.)
Shortboard - generally meant for performance surfing, not for beginners.
- Thruster - a surfboard with three fin setup is called a thruster
- Quad - a surfboard with four fin setup without a center fin is called a thruster
- Bonzer - a surfboard with 5 fin setup is called a thruster
Step Up Board - a board that you use when waves get bigger/stronger/hollower and your everyday shortboard is not enough.
Step Down Board - a board that you use when waves get smaller/weaker/mushier and your everyday shortboard is not enough. This can be a beginner board, but not for complete beginners.
Mini Gun / Semi Gun - a surfboard designed for bigger waves.
Gun - for seriously big waves.
Rhino Chaser - for the biggest of the seriously big waves.
Tow Board - when waves get to big surfers use a jet ski and a tow board to tow into waves.
Hybrid - a board that is between a shortboard and a longboard. Good for beginners and for any type of waves.
Egg - surfboard that looks an egg, a really short longboard. Good for small waves.
Fish - a split tail surfboard that looks like a fish. Good for small waves.
- Hybrid Fish - a modern type of fish.
- Lis Fish - the original fish design invented and shaped by Steve Lis.
Longboard (Mal) - long, wide and thick surfboard with round nose and lots of volume. Good for beginners but a bit clumsy because it's heavy.
Mini malibu -a shorter longboard, best surfboard for beginners.
Log - another name for a longboardboard.
Funboard - a common name for all hybrids, eggs, mini-mals... for boards that are wide and stable, have a rounder nose, wider tail, more thickness. Good for beginners.
Aerial Board - a light shortboard for busting airs. Usually people don't special boards for this...
Alaia - a thin, straight, round-nosed, square-tailed surfboard inspired by boards from ancient Hawaii.
Planing Hull and Mini Simmons - boards inspired by Robert Wilson “Bob” Simmons. Fast surfboards.
Softboard (Foamboard) and Softtop - 100% beginner boards, surf schools use them since they are soft an safe.
Surfmat - an inflatable mattress designed for riding waves.
Kneeboard - a board intended for riding on your knees.
Paipo Board - looks like a thin, lightweight boogie-board.
Bodyboard (Boogieboard) - soft short board that is ridden lying down or on one knee.
Skimboard - a wooden (fiberglass) board intended for skimming over the water surface.
Video: Philippines Surfing
These days my mind wanders back to the Philippines we visited last year. Places we visited were not harmed by the typhoon but it's still hard to see all the damage and horror. We had a really good time in Philippines and they are really nice people.
This is a video that I made from our trip. Hope you like it.
Surfboard designs
The last time I counted there were like..hm..30-40 different design ideas on http://360guide.info/surfing/surfboard-designs-and-art-ideas.html so if you are looking for inspiration or even for instructions on how to spray paint your board and on other painting and drawing tecniques check it out.
Bobby Martinez Claims Billabong Pro Tahiti Over Taj Burrow
TEAHUPOO, Tahiti (Tuesday, May 19, 2009) - Bobby Martinez (USA), 26, has taken out the Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui, defeating fellow Finalist Taj Burrow (AUS), 30, in clean three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) waves at Teahupoo.
Event No. 3 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti survived a marathon waiting period, culminating on the second-to-last available day in improving conditions that peaked for a climactic Final.
Martinez surfed a near-flawless heat, opening up with an impressive 8.73 out of a possible 10 before putting his opponent in a combination situation with a Houdini-esque 9.73 out of a possible 10. Netting the highest heat total of the event, an 18.46 out of a possible 20, Martinez claimed his second Billabong Pro Tahiti and fourth elite tour win, establishing himself as one of the premier tube-riders in the world.
�I feel great and a bit emotional,� Martinez said. �I feel wonderful. I waited for the good ones out there and just got lucky. There weren�t too many waves and I was lucky enough to get a couple of good ones and not fall. Things just seemed to work out for me today. I really don�t know what to say. It feels really special.�
The form surfer of the event, Martinez surfed the majority of his heats on borrowed equipment, having broken most of his surfboards early in the waiting period.
�I actually borrowed a board from Alain Riou (local Tahitian surfer),� Martinez said. �He rides Darren Handley shapes and the board was the same dimensions and pretty much the same board I ride. It was great to find that as yesterday, I was a bit skeptical about today in terms of the conditions and my equipment, but everything worked out perfectly.�
Martinez, who is without a major sponsor at the moment, has rocketed himself from 19th to 7th on the ASP World Tour ratings with today�s win, putting him in excellent position for the remainder of the year.
�I�m not thinking about money right now, but rather I�m thinking about the feelings I have,� Martinez said. �I didn�t start surfing to make money. I started for me, and to win today, you cannot put a price on the feelings I have. I�m really going to let it sink it and enjoy it. It�s a great result, but it�s a long year and anything can happen. Joel (Parkinson) has a great lead, and now that this event is over, my focus goes to the next one.�
Burrow�s efforts in the Final were nothing short of spectacular, collecting an 8.17, a 7.93 and a 7.33, but they were not enough to overtake the Martinez stranglehold on the event.
�I definitely had fun but it was tricky against Bobby (Martinez),� Burrow said. �He had a dream heat. The conditions looked pretty good for your forehand because the judges like seeing you pump on your forehand in the barrel. On your backhand, you just have to park it in the pit and you can�t do much, but Bobby did everything he had to out there and deserved the win. I still had a fun Final, but hard to enjoy out there because I was in a combination situation the whole time.�
Burrow now moves into the No. 2 position on the ASP World Tour ratings, setting the Western Australian up well as he eyes up the next events.
�I�ve had two keepers in terms of results and I�m hungry,� Burrow said. �I�m still kicking and I�m looking to win. The next few events, I feel really strong at and I�m going to do whatever it takes to win. I�m stoked to get a result at Teahupoo, I haven�t done well here in a few years so it sets me up really well for the rest of the year.�
Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 23, former ASP World No. 39, was the �Cinderella Story� at the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Having failed to advance through a heat in the opening two events of the season, the Basque Country�s first ever ASP World Tour competitor stormed past Californian sensation Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, former event winner Damien Hobgood (USA), 29, Australian veteran Tom Whitaker, 29, and reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, en route to a Semifinals berth.
"I�ve had a tough draw throughout the event, but that�s what has kept me motivated,� Aranburu said. �Coming up against the best guys out there, you need to lift your ability. Beating Kelly (Slater) for me is one of the biggest achievements I�ve ever had. I�ve been looking up to him for so long, and just being on tour with him is an honor. To beat him is a major achievement for me."
The career-best result was halted at the hands of eventual winner Martinez during one of the most exciting heats of the event. Despite coming up short to Martinez (15.23 to the Californian�s 17.17), Aranburu�s equal 3rd place finish boosts the European to 19th on the ASP World Tour ratings.
�Bobby (Martinez) is one of the best out there,� Aranburu said. �I had one good one, but he got two good ones, and that was it. It�s my best result ever and I am stoked. I have lots of confidence going into the next events. I just want to go home and train and try new boards for Brazil and J-Bay. The biggest thing for me is to know that if I can do it once, I can do it twice.�
Michael Campbell (AUS), 35, opened his final day affair with a close win over fellow ASP Dream Tour veteran Taylor Knox (USA), 38, in the Quarterfinals, but the goofy-footer�s precision forehand approach wasn�t enough to overtake a rampaging Burrow in the Semifinals.
�It felt like I was a bit out of rhythm in the Semifinal,� Campbell said. �I wasn�t able to capitalize on the waves I got and Taj (Burrow) posted a couple of really strong scores mid-heat that left me wanting.�
Although falling short of a Finals berth, the journeyman competitor�s equal 3rd place finish boosts him from 29th to 16th on the ASP World Tour ratings.
"This is going to do a lot for my cause,� Campbell said. �I�ve had average results this year and last year too, so a third is pretty special for me. All of the heats have been hard and sometimes the luck goes your way. I�ve had a bit of luck this time around, but I�ve also spent some time here and I know it pretty well. Stoked to get a result and looking forward to the next one."
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, suffered an unfortunate Round 3 loss at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, but after two event wins to open the season up, the Gold Coaster remains the frontrunner on this year�s ASP World Tour ratings.
The next stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour will be the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil from June 27 to July 5, 2009.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui will be available via www.billabongpro.com
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI FINAL RESULTS:
1 � Bobby Martinez (USA) 18.46
2 � Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.10
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.86 def. Michael Campbell (AUS) 10.00
SF 2: Bobby Martinez (USA) 17.17 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 15.23
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.33 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 14.06
QF 2: Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.84 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 10.17
QF 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) 15.93 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.67
QF 4: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.66 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.66
REMAINING BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) 13.17 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 10.16
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.57 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.67
Heat 7: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 12.56 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 9.16
Heat 8: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.43 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.40
CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10:
1 � Joel Parkinson (AUS) 3000 points
2 � Taj Burrow (AUS) 2318 points
3 � Mick Fanning (AUS) 2208 points
4 � C.J. Hobgood (USA) 2196 points
5 � Adriano de Souza (BRA) 2174 points
6 � Jordy Smith (ZAF) 2076 points
7 � Bobby Martinez (USA) 2025 points
8 � Tom Whitaker (AUS) 1932 points
9 � Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 1886 points
10 � Kieren Perrow (AUS) 1742 points
10 � Taylor Knox (USA) 1742 points
10 � Damien Hobgood (USA) 1742 points
Event No. 3 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti survived a marathon waiting period, culminating on the second-to-last available day in improving conditions that peaked for a climactic Final.
Martinez surfed a near-flawless heat, opening up with an impressive 8.73 out of a possible 10 before putting his opponent in a combination situation with a Houdini-esque 9.73 out of a possible 10. Netting the highest heat total of the event, an 18.46 out of a possible 20, Martinez claimed his second Billabong Pro Tahiti and fourth elite tour win, establishing himself as one of the premier tube-riders in the world.
�I feel great and a bit emotional,� Martinez said. �I feel wonderful. I waited for the good ones out there and just got lucky. There weren�t too many waves and I was lucky enough to get a couple of good ones and not fall. Things just seemed to work out for me today. I really don�t know what to say. It feels really special.�
The form surfer of the event, Martinez surfed the majority of his heats on borrowed equipment, having broken most of his surfboards early in the waiting period.
�I actually borrowed a board from Alain Riou (local Tahitian surfer),� Martinez said. �He rides Darren Handley shapes and the board was the same dimensions and pretty much the same board I ride. It was great to find that as yesterday, I was a bit skeptical about today in terms of the conditions and my equipment, but everything worked out perfectly.�
Martinez, who is without a major sponsor at the moment, has rocketed himself from 19th to 7th on the ASP World Tour ratings with today�s win, putting him in excellent position for the remainder of the year.
�I�m not thinking about money right now, but rather I�m thinking about the feelings I have,� Martinez said. �I didn�t start surfing to make money. I started for me, and to win today, you cannot put a price on the feelings I have. I�m really going to let it sink it and enjoy it. It�s a great result, but it�s a long year and anything can happen. Joel (Parkinson) has a great lead, and now that this event is over, my focus goes to the next one.�
Burrow�s efforts in the Final were nothing short of spectacular, collecting an 8.17, a 7.93 and a 7.33, but they were not enough to overtake the Martinez stranglehold on the event.
�I definitely had fun but it was tricky against Bobby (Martinez),� Burrow said. �He had a dream heat. The conditions looked pretty good for your forehand because the judges like seeing you pump on your forehand in the barrel. On your backhand, you just have to park it in the pit and you can�t do much, but Bobby did everything he had to out there and deserved the win. I still had a fun Final, but hard to enjoy out there because I was in a combination situation the whole time.�
Burrow now moves into the No. 2 position on the ASP World Tour ratings, setting the Western Australian up well as he eyes up the next events.
�I�ve had two keepers in terms of results and I�m hungry,� Burrow said. �I�m still kicking and I�m looking to win. The next few events, I feel really strong at and I�m going to do whatever it takes to win. I�m stoked to get a result at Teahupoo, I haven�t done well here in a few years so it sets me up really well for the rest of the year.�
Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 23, former ASP World No. 39, was the �Cinderella Story� at the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Having failed to advance through a heat in the opening two events of the season, the Basque Country�s first ever ASP World Tour competitor stormed past Californian sensation Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, former event winner Damien Hobgood (USA), 29, Australian veteran Tom Whitaker, 29, and reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, en route to a Semifinals berth.
"I�ve had a tough draw throughout the event, but that�s what has kept me motivated,� Aranburu said. �Coming up against the best guys out there, you need to lift your ability. Beating Kelly (Slater) for me is one of the biggest achievements I�ve ever had. I�ve been looking up to him for so long, and just being on tour with him is an honor. To beat him is a major achievement for me."
The career-best result was halted at the hands of eventual winner Martinez during one of the most exciting heats of the event. Despite coming up short to Martinez (15.23 to the Californian�s 17.17), Aranburu�s equal 3rd place finish boosts the European to 19th on the ASP World Tour ratings.
�Bobby (Martinez) is one of the best out there,� Aranburu said. �I had one good one, but he got two good ones, and that was it. It�s my best result ever and I am stoked. I have lots of confidence going into the next events. I just want to go home and train and try new boards for Brazil and J-Bay. The biggest thing for me is to know that if I can do it once, I can do it twice.�
Michael Campbell (AUS), 35, opened his final day affair with a close win over fellow ASP Dream Tour veteran Taylor Knox (USA), 38, in the Quarterfinals, but the goofy-footer�s precision forehand approach wasn�t enough to overtake a rampaging Burrow in the Semifinals.
�It felt like I was a bit out of rhythm in the Semifinal,� Campbell said. �I wasn�t able to capitalize on the waves I got and Taj (Burrow) posted a couple of really strong scores mid-heat that left me wanting.�
Although falling short of a Finals berth, the journeyman competitor�s equal 3rd place finish boosts him from 29th to 16th on the ASP World Tour ratings.
"This is going to do a lot for my cause,� Campbell said. �I�ve had average results this year and last year too, so a third is pretty special for me. All of the heats have been hard and sometimes the luck goes your way. I�ve had a bit of luck this time around, but I�ve also spent some time here and I know it pretty well. Stoked to get a result and looking forward to the next one."
Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, suffered an unfortunate Round 3 loss at the Billabong Pro Tahiti, but after two event wins to open the season up, the Gold Coaster remains the frontrunner on this year�s ASP World Tour ratings.
The next stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour will be the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil from June 27 to July 5, 2009.
Highlights from the Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui will be available via www.billabongpro.com
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI FINAL RESULTS:
1 � Bobby Martinez (USA) 18.46
2 � Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.10
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.86 def. Michael Campbell (AUS) 10.00
SF 2: Bobby Martinez (USA) 17.17 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 15.23
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.33 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 14.06
QF 2: Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.84 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 10.17
QF 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) 15.93 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.67
QF 4: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.66 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.66
REMAINING BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) 13.17 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 10.16
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.57 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.67
Heat 7: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 12.56 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 9.16
Heat 8: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.43 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.40
CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10:
1 � Joel Parkinson (AUS) 3000 points
2 � Taj Burrow (AUS) 2318 points
3 � Mick Fanning (AUS) 2208 points
4 � C.J. Hobgood (USA) 2196 points
5 � Adriano de Souza (BRA) 2174 points
6 � Jordy Smith (ZAF) 2076 points
7 � Bobby Martinez (USA) 2025 points
8 � Tom Whitaker (AUS) 1932 points
9 � Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 1886 points
10 � Kieren Perrow (AUS) 1742 points
10 � Taylor Knox (USA) 1742 points
10 � Damien Hobgood (USA) 1742 points
2009 ASP World Tour of Surfing Schedule
2009 ASP World Tour Schedule:
Stop No. 1: Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (Feb. 28 � Mar. 11, 2009)
Stop No. 2: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (Apr. 7 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 3: Billabong Pro Teahupoo (May 9 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 4: Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro (Jun. 27 � Jly. 5, 2009)
Stop No. 5: Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (Jly. 9 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 6: Hurley Pro Lower Trestles (Sept. 11 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 7: Quiksilver Pro France (Sept. 23 � Oct. 4, 2009)
Stop No. 8: Billabong Pro Mundaka (Oct. 5 � 17, 2009)
Stop No. 9: Rip Curl Pro Search �Somewhere� (Oct. 19 � 28, 2009)
Stop No. 10: Billabong Pipeline Masters (Dec. 8 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 1: Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (Feb. 28 � Mar. 11, 2009)
Stop No. 2: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (Apr. 7 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 3: Billabong Pro Teahupoo (May 9 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 4: Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro (Jun. 27 � Jly. 5, 2009)
Stop No. 5: Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (Jly. 9 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 6: Hurley Pro Lower Trestles (Sept. 11 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 7: Quiksilver Pro France (Sept. 23 � Oct. 4, 2009)
Stop No. 8: Billabong Pro Mundaka (Oct. 5 � 17, 2009)
Stop No. 9: Rip Curl Pro Search �Somewhere� (Oct. 19 � 28, 2009)
Stop No. 10: Billabong Pipeline Masters (Dec. 8 � 20, 2009)
2009 ASP World Tour wil start in one month
The 2009 ASP World Tour is set to commence in just over a month, and the ASP Top 45 is looking set and shaping up to be one of the most explosive the world has ever seen.
Nine-times ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 36, will be back to hunt down ASP World Title No. 10, but standing in his way will be the best of the best.
Bede Durbidge (AUS), 25, and fellow top seeds Taj Burrow (AUS), 30, Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, and C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, will lead the rest of the ASP Top 45 in their respective bids to put a stop to the Slater juggernaut.
The official withdrawals of the Irons brothers and the acceptance of replacement surfers are in place, and the 2009 ASP Top 45 are finally locked in.
Roy Powers (HAW), 27, will be replacing Bruce Irons (HAW), 29, who finished No. 20 on last season�s ASP World Tour but will be retiring from full-time competition in 2009. Despite the withdrawal from the Dream Tour, Irons will pursue wildcard entries into events.
Michael Campbell (AUS), 34, former ASP World No. 2, will replace former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 30, on the 2009 ASP World Tour. Irons the elder will be taking 2009 to recuperate and has been awarded the ASP Wildcard for the 2010 ASP World Tour.
�Andy Irons requested and was granted an ASP Tour wildcard for 2010,� Wayne �Rabbit� Bartholomew, ASP President, said. �Andy cited personal reasons for not participating in the full tour in 2009, however he may participate in certain pet events as an event wildcard. All stakeholders, being the surfers, the Events Council and ASP Management, were supportive of Andy�s request, and the ASP Board of Directors ratified this arrangement officially.�
�Andy will be sorely missed in 2009 and we look forward to him contending again from 2010,� Bartholomew said. �Each year, three tour wildcards are issued, they are for injury, they are sometimes granted to next in line WQS and they are also granted to former ASP World Champions or someone held in high esteem.�
This year�s ASP Top 45 will see the addition of eight new faces in rookies Nathaniel Curran (USA), 24, Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, Nic Muscroft (AUS), 26, Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23, Tim Boal (FRA), 25, Dustin Barca (HAW), 26, Drew Courtney (AUS), 29, and Marlon Lipke (DEU), 24. Over 10 separate surfing nations will be represented in 2009, making this season�s ASP World Tour one of the most diverse on record
Replacements for the 2009 ASP World Tour will be Jay Thompson (AUS), 25, Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 23, Ben Bourgeois (USA), 28, and Yadin Nicol (AUS), 23, respectively.
Comprehensive athlete profiles for the ASP Top 45 are now available via www.aspworldtour.com
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will kickstart the 2009 ASP World Tour at Snapper Rocks on Australia�s Gold Coast. The waiting period for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast runs from February 28 through March 11, 2009.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
2009 ASP World Tour Schedule:
Stop No. 1: Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (Feb. 28 � Mar. 11, 2009)
Stop No. 2: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (Apr. 7 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 3: Billabong Pro Teahupoo (May 9 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 4: Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro (Jun. 27 � Jly. 5, 2009)
Stop No. 5: Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (Jly. 9 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 6: Hurley Pro Lower Trestles (Sept. 11 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 7: Quiksilver Pro France (Sept. 23 � Oct. 4, 2009)
Stop No. 8: Billabong Pro Mundaka (Oct. 5 � 17, 2009)
Stop No. 9: Rip Curl Pro Search �Somewhere� (Oct. 19 � 28, 2009)
Stop No. 10: Billabong Pipeline Masters (Dec. 8 � 20, 2009)
Nine-times ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 36, will be back to hunt down ASP World Title No. 10, but standing in his way will be the best of the best.
Bede Durbidge (AUS), 25, and fellow top seeds Taj Burrow (AUS), 30, Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, and C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, will lead the rest of the ASP Top 45 in their respective bids to put a stop to the Slater juggernaut.
The official withdrawals of the Irons brothers and the acceptance of replacement surfers are in place, and the 2009 ASP Top 45 are finally locked in.
Roy Powers (HAW), 27, will be replacing Bruce Irons (HAW), 29, who finished No. 20 on last season�s ASP World Tour but will be retiring from full-time competition in 2009. Despite the withdrawal from the Dream Tour, Irons will pursue wildcard entries into events.
Michael Campbell (AUS), 34, former ASP World No. 2, will replace former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 30, on the 2009 ASP World Tour. Irons the elder will be taking 2009 to recuperate and has been awarded the ASP Wildcard for the 2010 ASP World Tour.
�Andy Irons requested and was granted an ASP Tour wildcard for 2010,� Wayne �Rabbit� Bartholomew, ASP President, said. �Andy cited personal reasons for not participating in the full tour in 2009, however he may participate in certain pet events as an event wildcard. All stakeholders, being the surfers, the Events Council and ASP Management, were supportive of Andy�s request, and the ASP Board of Directors ratified this arrangement officially.�
�Andy will be sorely missed in 2009 and we look forward to him contending again from 2010,� Bartholomew said. �Each year, three tour wildcards are issued, they are for injury, they are sometimes granted to next in line WQS and they are also granted to former ASP World Champions or someone held in high esteem.�
This year�s ASP Top 45 will see the addition of eight new faces in rookies Nathaniel Curran (USA), 24, Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, Nic Muscroft (AUS), 26, Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23, Tim Boal (FRA), 25, Dustin Barca (HAW), 26, Drew Courtney (AUS), 29, and Marlon Lipke (DEU), 24. Over 10 separate surfing nations will be represented in 2009, making this season�s ASP World Tour one of the most diverse on record
Replacements for the 2009 ASP World Tour will be Jay Thompson (AUS), 25, Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 23, Ben Bourgeois (USA), 28, and Yadin Nicol (AUS), 23, respectively.
Comprehensive athlete profiles for the ASP Top 45 are now available via www.aspworldtour.com
The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will kickstart the 2009 ASP World Tour at Snapper Rocks on Australia�s Gold Coast. The waiting period for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast runs from February 28 through March 11, 2009.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
2009 ASP World Tour Schedule:
Stop No. 1: Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (Feb. 28 � Mar. 11, 2009)
Stop No. 2: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (Apr. 7 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 3: Billabong Pro Teahupoo (May 9 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 4: Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro (Jun. 27 � Jly. 5, 2009)
Stop No. 5: Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (Jly. 9 � 19, 2009)
Stop No. 6: Hurley Pro Lower Trestles (Sept. 11 � 20, 2009)
Stop No. 7: Quiksilver Pro France (Sept. 23 � Oct. 4, 2009)
Stop No. 8: Billabong Pro Mundaka (Oct. 5 � 17, 2009)
Stop No. 9: Rip Curl Pro Search �Somewhere� (Oct. 19 � 28, 2009)
Stop No. 10: Billabong Pipeline Masters (Dec. 8 � 20, 2009)
2009 ASP Women's World Tour
The best female surfers in the world are locked in and the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour looks to be one for the record books.
Eleven ASP Women�s World Titles will be represented over four competitors in reigning two-time ASP Women�s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 20, former seven-time ASP Women�s World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS), 36, 2004 ASP Women�s World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 25, and returning 2005 ASP Women�s World Champion and 2009 ASP Dream Tour wildcard Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 25.
�After a three-tier process including surfer, ASP technical committee and ASP Board votes, Chelsea Hedges has been ed as the 2009 ASP Wildcard,� Brooke Farris, ASP Women�s World Tour Manager, said. �The former ASP Women�s World Champion will bring experience, a solid backhand attack and a baby to the 2009 ASP Dream Tour. After finishing 8th in 2007, Chelsea took a year off to give birth to her daughter Mieka. With her undeniable talent and past results, Hedges was a strong ion.�
Despite announcing 2008 as her last season as a full-time member of the ASP Women�s World Tour, Beachley will also return to competition for events.
�Announcing her retirement from full-time ASP World Tour competition last October, Layne Beachley will be using her ASP World No. 4 seed to surf at some of her favorite Dream Tour locations,� Farris said. �Hunting her 30th career win, I suspect we will see Layne surfing at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and her own event the Beachley Classic at Manly.�
In addition to the slew of returning champions, the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour will also boast the arrival of a new guard in women�s surfing, led by 2008 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) Winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 18.
�With five fresh new faces onboard, the line-up for the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour is incredibly exciting,� Farris said. �It will be interesting to see how quickly the rookies adapt to life on the ASP Dream Tour and who will really try to shake two-time ASP Women�s World Champion Steph Gilmore off the podium.�
Fitzgibbons will be joined by fellow newcomers Bruna Schmitz (BRA), 18, Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, Alana Blanchard (HAW), 18, and Coco Ho (HAW), 17.
Next season�s ASP Women�s World Tour will be comprised of eight Australians, three Hawaiians, three Brazilians, one Peruvian, one South African and one New Zealander, and will take the ASP Top 17 to Australia, Brazil, Peru, �Somewhere� and Hawaii over eight events.
The Roxy Pro Gold Coast will kickstart the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour at Snapper Rocks on Australia�s Gold Coast. The waiting period for the Roxy Pro Gold Coast runs from February 28 through March 11, 2009.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
2009 ASP Women�s World Tour Surfers:
1 � Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 � Silvana Lima (BRA)
3 � Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
4 � Layne Beachley (AUS)
5 � Amee Donohoe (AUS)
6 � Samantha Cornish (AUS)
7 � Melanie Bartels (HAW)
8 � Rebecca Woods (AUS)
9 � Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
10 � Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
11 � Chelsea Hedges (AUS)*
12 � Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
13 � Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
14 � Bruna Schmitz (BRA)
15 � Paige Hareb (NZL)
16 � Alana Blanchard (HAW)
17 � Coco Ho (HAW)
* ASP Wildcard
2009 ASP Women�s World Tour Replacements:
1 � Megan Abubo (HAW)
2 � Laurina McGrath (AUS)
3 � Nicola Atherton (AUS)
2009 ASP Women�s World Tour Schedule:
Stop No. 1: Roxy Pro Gold Coast (Feb. 28 � Mar. 11, 2008)
Stop No. 2: Rip Curl Women�s Pro pres. by Ford New Fiesta (Apr. 8 � 13, 2008)
Stop No. 3: Billabong Girls Pro Rio (Dates to be Confirmed)
Stop No. 4: Beachley Classic (Dates to be Confirmed)
Stop No. 5: Movistar Mancora Peru Classic pres. by Rip Curl (Dates to be Confirmed)
Stop No. 6: Rip Curl Search Somewhere (Oct. 26 � 30, 2008)
Stop No. 7: Roxy Pro Sunset Beach (Nov. 25 � Dec. 6, 2008)*
Stop No. 8: Billabong Pro Maui (Dec. 8 � 20, 2008)
* Tentative
Eleven ASP Women�s World Titles will be represented over four competitors in reigning two-time ASP Women�s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 20, former seven-time ASP Women�s World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS), 36, 2004 ASP Women�s World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 25, and returning 2005 ASP Women�s World Champion and 2009 ASP Dream Tour wildcard Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 25.
�After a three-tier process including surfer, ASP technical committee and ASP Board votes, Chelsea Hedges has been ed as the 2009 ASP Wildcard,� Brooke Farris, ASP Women�s World Tour Manager, said. �The former ASP Women�s World Champion will bring experience, a solid backhand attack and a baby to the 2009 ASP Dream Tour. After finishing 8th in 2007, Chelsea took a year off to give birth to her daughter Mieka. With her undeniable talent and past results, Hedges was a strong ion.�
Despite announcing 2008 as her last season as a full-time member of the ASP Women�s World Tour, Beachley will also return to competition for events.
�Announcing her retirement from full-time ASP World Tour competition last October, Layne Beachley will be using her ASP World No. 4 seed to surf at some of her favorite Dream Tour locations,� Farris said. �Hunting her 30th career win, I suspect we will see Layne surfing at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and her own event the Beachley Classic at Manly.�
In addition to the slew of returning champions, the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour will also boast the arrival of a new guard in women�s surfing, led by 2008 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) Winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 18.
�With five fresh new faces onboard, the line-up for the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour is incredibly exciting,� Farris said. �It will be interesting to see how quickly the rookies adapt to life on the ASP Dream Tour and who will really try to shake two-time ASP Women�s World Champion Steph Gilmore off the podium.�
Fitzgibbons will be joined by fellow newcomers Bruna Schmitz (BRA), 18, Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, Alana Blanchard (HAW), 18, and Coco Ho (HAW), 17.
Next season�s ASP Women�s World Tour will be comprised of eight Australians, three Hawaiians, three Brazilians, one Peruvian, one South African and one New Zealander, and will take the ASP Top 17 to Australia, Brazil, Peru, �Somewhere� and Hawaii over eight events.
The Roxy Pro Gold Coast will kickstart the 2009 ASP Women�s World Tour at Snapper Rocks on Australia�s Gold Coast. The waiting period for the Roxy Pro Gold Coast runs from February 28 through March 11, 2009.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
2009 ASP Women�s World Tour Surfers:
1 � Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 � Silvana Lima (BRA)
3 � Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
4 � Layne Beachley (AUS)
5 � Amee Donohoe (AUS)
6 � Samantha Cornish (AUS)
7 � Melanie Bartels (HAW)
8 � Rebecca Woods (AUS)
9 � Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
10 � Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
11 � Chelsea Hedges (AUS)*
12 � Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
13 � Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
14 � Bruna Schmitz (BRA)
15 � Paige Hareb (NZL)
16 � Alana Blanchard (HAW)
17 � Coco Ho (HAW)
* ASP Wildcard
2009 ASP Women�s World Tour Replacements:
1 � Megan Abubo (HAW)
2 � Laurina McGrath (AUS)
3 � Nicola Atherton (AUS)
2009 ASP Women�s World Tour Schedule:
Stop No. 1: Roxy Pro Gold Coast (Feb. 28 � Mar. 11, 2008)
Stop No. 2: Rip Curl Women�s Pro pres. by Ford New Fiesta (Apr. 8 � 13, 2008)
Stop No. 3: Billabong Girls Pro Rio (Dates to be Confirmed)
Stop No. 4: Beachley Classic (Dates to be Confirmed)
Stop No. 5: Movistar Mancora Peru Classic pres. by Rip Curl (Dates to be Confirmed)
Stop No. 6: Rip Curl Search Somewhere (Oct. 26 � 30, 2008)
Stop No. 7: Roxy Pro Sunset Beach (Nov. 25 � Dec. 6, 2008)*
Stop No. 8: Billabong Pro Maui (Dec. 8 � 20, 2008)
* Tentative
2009 ASP World Tour
Below is the current top 45 seed list and the ASP replacements for the 2009 ASP World Tour.
3 Taj Burrow (AUS)
4 Joel Parkinson (AUS)
5 C.J. Hobgood (USA)
6 Adrian Buchan (AUS)
7 Adriano de Souza (BRA)
8 Mick Fanning (AUS)
9 Bobby Martinez (USA)
10 Jeremy Flores (FRA)
11 Luke Stedman (AUS)
12 Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
13 Chris Ward (USA)
14 Kai Otton (AUS)
15 Tim Reyes (USA)
16 Tom Whitaker (AUS)
17 Kieren Perrow (AUS)
18 Dayyan Neve (AUS)
19 Mikael Picon (FRA)
20 Dane Reynolds (USA)
21 Taylor Knox (USA)
22 Damien Hobgood (USA)
23 Heitor Alves (BRA)
24 Jordy Smith (ZAF)
25 Ben Dunn (AUS)
26 Roy Powers (HAW)
27 Dean Morrison (AUS)
28 Mick Campbell (AUS)
29 Nathaniel Curran (USA)
30 Chris Davidson (AUS)
31 Michel Bourez (PYF)
32 Gabe Kling (USA)
33 Jihad Khodr (BRA)
34 David Weare (ZAF)
35 Josh Kerr (AUS)
36 Nic Muscroft (HAW)
37 Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
38 Greg Emslie (ZAF)
39 Tim Boal (FRA)
40 Dustin Barca (HAW)
41 Tiago Pires (POR)
42 Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
43 Drew Courtney (AUS)
44 Marlon Lipke (GER)
45 Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
2009 ASP World Tour Top 45 Seed List
1 Kelly Slater (USA)
2 Bede Durbidge (AUS)3 Taj Burrow (AUS)
4 Joel Parkinson (AUS)
5 C.J. Hobgood (USA)
6 Adrian Buchan (AUS)
7 Adriano de Souza (BRA)
8 Mick Fanning (AUS)
9 Bobby Martinez (USA)
10 Jeremy Flores (FRA)
11 Luke Stedman (AUS)
12 Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
13 Chris Ward (USA)
14 Kai Otton (AUS)
15 Tim Reyes (USA)
16 Tom Whitaker (AUS)
17 Kieren Perrow (AUS)
18 Dayyan Neve (AUS)
19 Mikael Picon (FRA)
20 Dane Reynolds (USA)
21 Taylor Knox (USA)
22 Damien Hobgood (USA)
23 Heitor Alves (BRA)
24 Jordy Smith (ZAF)
25 Ben Dunn (AUS)
26 Roy Powers (HAW)
27 Dean Morrison (AUS)
28 Mick Campbell (AUS)
29 Nathaniel Curran (USA)
30 Chris Davidson (AUS)
31 Michel Bourez (PYF)
32 Gabe Kling (USA)
33 Jihad Khodr (BRA)
34 David Weare (ZAF)
35 Josh Kerr (AUS)
36 Nic Muscroft (HAW)
37 Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
38 Greg Emslie (ZAF)
39 Tim Boal (FRA)
40 Dustin Barca (HAW)
41 Tiago Pires (POR)
42 Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
43 Drew Courtney (AUS)
44 Marlon Lipke (GER)
45 Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Lay Day on Day 1 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti Waiting Period
TEAHUPOO, Tahiti (Thursday, May 8, 2008) Today is the first of an 11-day waiting period for the Billabong Pro Tahiti but the ASP Top 45 and event wildcards will not paddle out for their Round 1 heats today. Contest Director Luke Egan eyed conditions all morning before opting to call things off for the day.
"We had a good look at it and we are opting not to run today, Egan said. I watched it for an hour last night and if it looked like that this morning then I was definitely going to run. Time is on our side with the waiting period so we are going to utilize it fully."
Conditions are forecasted to stay small over the next few days which is good news for at least one surfer defending champion Damien Hobgood (USA). Hobgood suffered an injury freesurfing at Teahupoo a few weeks ago and is still nursing a sore shoulder. The more time he has to heal increases the likelihood he will be able to compete.
Remarkably, its been years since each and every member of the Top 45 have been slated to surf an event injury, personal lives and travel issues often intervene. At this juncture, all elite tour surfers are seeded into the draw. Among them, after spending much of the past two years on the injury list himself, is Timmy Reyes (USA).
"Im definitely back at 100%, Reyes said. I just found my good surfing rhythm within Australia. I felt like I was surfing pretty good over there, I just had a couple of tough breaks but that is what happens when you surf against the worlds top surfers. Im just stoked to be back to 100%, if not better, and I cant wait for the contest to start. Im stoked to be here."
Reyes will meet 2007 ASP Rookie of the Year Jeremy Flores (FRA) and South Africas Travis Logie in Heat 4 of Round 1.
The surfers and event staff enjoyed a traditional Tahitian welcome complete with belly dancing and fire twirling last night. Todays activities will likely include kayaking, fishing, hiking and napping.
Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow, Friday, May 9, at 7am.
The Billabong Pro Tahiti will be webcast LIVE on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.
Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Dean Morrison (AUS), Luke Munro (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 2: Kai Otton (AUS), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Ricky Basnett (ZAF)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Roy Powers (HAW), Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Tim Reyes (USA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW), Ben Dunn (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Manoa Drollet (PYF)
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Jamie OBrien (HAW)
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS), Tom Whitaker (AUS), Bruno Santos (BRA)
Heat 11: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Jordy Smith (ZAF), Mikael Picon (FRA)
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Jay Thompson (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 13: Taylor Knox (USA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 14: Luke Stedman (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Michael Campbell (AUS)
Heat 15: Dane Reynolds (USA), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Ben Bourgeois (USA)
Heat 16: Neco Padaratz (BRA), Bruce Irons (HAW), Daniel Wills (AUS)
"We had a good look at it and we are opting not to run today, Egan said. I watched it for an hour last night and if it looked like that this morning then I was definitely going to run. Time is on our side with the waiting period so we are going to utilize it fully."
Conditions are forecasted to stay small over the next few days which is good news for at least one surfer defending champion Damien Hobgood (USA). Hobgood suffered an injury freesurfing at Teahupoo a few weeks ago and is still nursing a sore shoulder. The more time he has to heal increases the likelihood he will be able to compete.
Remarkably, its been years since each and every member of the Top 45 have been slated to surf an event injury, personal lives and travel issues often intervene. At this juncture, all elite tour surfers are seeded into the draw. Among them, after spending much of the past two years on the injury list himself, is Timmy Reyes (USA).
"Im definitely back at 100%, Reyes said. I just found my good surfing rhythm within Australia. I felt like I was surfing pretty good over there, I just had a couple of tough breaks but that is what happens when you surf against the worlds top surfers. Im just stoked to be back to 100%, if not better, and I cant wait for the contest to start. Im stoked to be here."
Reyes will meet 2007 ASP Rookie of the Year Jeremy Flores (FRA) and South Africas Travis Logie in Heat 4 of Round 1.
The surfers and event staff enjoyed a traditional Tahitian welcome complete with belly dancing and fire twirling last night. Todays activities will likely include kayaking, fishing, hiking and napping.
Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow, Friday, May 9, at 7am.
The Billabong Pro Tahiti will be webcast LIVE on www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com.
Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 1 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Dean Morrison (AUS), Luke Munro (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 2: Kai Otton (AUS), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Ricky Basnett (ZAF)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Roy Powers (HAW), Royden Bryson (ZAF)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Tim Reyes (USA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW), Ben Dunn (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Damien Hobgood (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Chris Ward (USA)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Manoa Drollet (PYF)
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Jamie OBrien (HAW)
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS), Tom Whitaker (AUS), Bruno Santos (BRA)
Heat 11: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Jordy Smith (ZAF), Mikael Picon (FRA)
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Jay Thompson (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 13: Taylor Knox (USA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 14: Luke Stedman (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Michael Campbell (AUS)
Heat 15: Dane Reynolds (USA), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Ben Bourgeois (USA)
Heat 16: Neco Padaratz (BRA), Bruce Irons (HAW), Daniel Wills (AUS)
ROXY WOMENS SURFING FESTIVAL UNDERWAY AT PHILLIP ISLAND
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA (Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008) – The 2008 ASP Womens World Qualifying Series tour kicks off with a bang at Woolamai Beach, Phillip Island, in Southern Australia this morning, with the 6-Star ASP World Qualifying Series Roxy Pro Women's Surfing Festival.
Seventy-two surfers representing nine countries will take part in the highest rated event on the ASP Womens World Qualifying Series tour, which holds a prize money purse of US$ 35, 000 as well as valuable ASP ratings points.
Top seed for the event is ASP World No. 4 Samantha Cornish (AUS) who heads an esteemed line-up of top rated surfers, including World No. 6 Amee Donohoe (AUS), World No. 8 Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and World No. 9 Rebecca Woods (AUS).
Great 1-meter waves are on offer at Woolamai Beach, which will see all six heats of Round 1 completed. Another call will be made at approximately 10.40 (local time) when organisers decide whether to continue through into Round 2 or send out one of the other divisions.
The Roxy Pro Womens Surfing Festival is the biggest surfing festivals of its kind, showcasing the world's finest boardriders across its seven divisions. The event includes a Pro Junior, Pro Longboard, 20-years-and-under Amateur Longboard and Amateur U18, U16 and U13 divisions.
The event runs from Jan. 21- 27, 2008 and has a 'mobile option' meaning surfers will compete in the best possible surf on offer at any of the surfing beaches around Phillip Island.
/ends
Roxy Pro Women's Surfing Festival 6-Star WQS Round 1 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Kirstie Jones (AUS) vs Jesica Dobson (AUS)
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW); Gabi Cope (HAW); Carly Bruce (AUS)
Heat 3: Bijou Busse (AUS); Charlotte Hand (AUS); Tarryn Chudleigh (ZAF)
Heat 4: Alana Blanchard (HAW); Dara Penfold (AUS); Jenny Boggis (AUS)
Heat 5: Wini Paul (NZL); Chelsea Williams (AUS); Faye Zoetmulder (ZAF)
Heat 6: Sayuri Hashimoto (JAP); Ashley Smith (AUS); Lyndsay Noyes (AUS)
FITZGIBBONS WINS 2007 ASP WORLD JUNIOR TITLE CROWN
SYDNEY, Australia (Monday, Jan. 7, 2008) – ASP Australasian Champion Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) may have been one of the smallest competitors in the Billabong World Junior Championships but her performances were by far the biggest; the diminutive was surfer crowned the 2007 ASP World Junior Champion, at Sydney's North Narrabeen Beach today.
Netting the four highest scoring waves and two highest scoring heat totals of the event; Fitzgibbons sunk her teeth into the Final, defeating New Zealand's Page Hareb with a 16.77 (out of a possible 20.00) total heat score to Hareb's 7.84.
"I just can't believe it," Fitzgibbons said sporting an enormous grin and holding a cheque for US$6500. "Everything worked out for me today, I guess it was supposed to happen but it hasn't sunk in yet."
Surfing through four rounds of competition, Fitzgibbons posted over a nine-point ride in every heat, including a 'perfect ten' against Laura Enever (AUS) in the Semifinals; making her the most deserved winner of the event.
"I had a tough 'Semi' against Laura, she put me in a pretty good situation and I needed a good score," Fitzgibbons said. "I thought if the wave comes, it comes but if not, she deserves a good win and I was just stoked to get through that one and was on a high for Final."
Fitzgibbons became the third straight Australian to win the Girls event, following in the footsteps of Jessi Miley-Dyer (2005) and Nicola Atherton (2006). She will now stand shoulder to shoulder with the 2007 elite Women's ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS).
"I'd hoped the Aussies would stay on a good roll at this event," Fitzgibbons said. "Once I'd made the Final it was down to me; I was doing it for the Aussies and I ended up winning."
Hareb's performance marked the best of a Kiwi surfer in the history of this event, her runner-up result earning her US$3400.
"Sally and I had a bit of a paddle battle even before the heat started," Hareb explained. "We went real deep and that wasted a bit of time. Sally just got the waves and I couldn't get in rhythm with the ocean. It just wasn't my day."
Reaching the Semifinals, to finish equal third and take home US$750, were ASP International wildcard Laura Enever (AUS) and Courtney Conlogue (USA).
Pitted as a favourite to win the event, Enever, who hails from North Narrabeen, looked like she had Fitzgibbons beat; posting a near perfect 9.17 in their Semifinal match-up. But, a late drop and some superbly critical surfing from the new World Junior Champion, quickly dissolved Enever's hopes, Fitzgibbons scoring a 'perfect-10' to advance into the Final.
"Sally's such an awesome surfer, I had no doubt that she would be able to get a score like that because she'd been getting nines the whole contest," Enever said. "Even once I'd got my nine, I knew my work wasn't done. It ended up being pretty close so it's not like she smashed me or anything."
Conlogue found herself at the disposal of Hareb in their Semifinal match-up, the New Zealander racking up scores faster than Conologue could position herself, which ultimately cost her heat.
"I'm feeling pretty horrible." Conlogue said. "I really wanted to make the Finals, that was one of my goals but I slipped it and waited a little too long. Whoever wins out here today deserves it, everyone put on a great show."
The girls waited six long days to compete in the business end of competition, Sydney's North Narrabeen beach producing contestable one- to-two meter waves for the final day.
Fitzgibbons will join yesterday's Boy's World Junior champion Pablo Paulino (BRA) at the ASP Awards Banquet on the Gold Coast in February, where they will be awarded their 2007 ASP World Title trophies.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions, featured in this year's Billabong ASP World
Junior Championships which saw excellent surf at North Narrabeen for all six days of the event.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
Billabong World Junior Championships Girls Final Results:
Heat: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.77 def Page Hareb (NZL) 7.84
Billabong World Junior Championships Girls Semifinal Results
Heat 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) 14.17 def Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.74
Heat 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.83 def Laura Enever (AUS) 14.00
Billabong World Junior Championships Girls Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.50 def Kirby Wright (AUS) 10.74
Heat 2: Paige Hareb (NZL) 13.53 def Nikita Robb (ZAF) 12.67
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.60 def Sage Erickson (USA) 13.34
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 15.50 def Coco Ho (HAW) 12.66
Billabong World Junior Championships Girls Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 10.50 def Leila Hurst (HAW) 5.67
Heat 2: Kirby Wright (AUS) 11.07 def Pauline Ado (FRA) 9.16
Heat 3: Paige Hareb (NZL) 11.00 def Marina Werneck 6.77
Heat 4: Nikita Robb (ZAF) 13.84 def Alessa Cuizon (HAW) 13.34
Heat 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.60 def Nao Oumaro (JPN) 8.00
Heat 6: Sage Erickson (USA) 14.83 def Lee Ann Curren (FRA) 6.23
Heat 7: Laura Enever (AUS) 15.40 def Airini Mason (NZL) 10.16
Heat 8: Coco Ho (HAW) 16.23 def Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 13.50
GIRLS ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION TO BE DECIDED TODAY
SYDNEY, Australia (Monday, Jan. 7, 2008) – It's been a long wait for the girls competing in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships but today, the remaining sixteen surfers will have their time to shine, at Sydney's North Narrabeen beach.
The just four rounds of competition remain which will see the 2007 ASP Girls World Junior Champion crowned at approximately 15h30.
Today's competition kicks off with Round 3 and will be followed by the Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals.
The winner of the 2007 Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will received US$3500 and will stand shoulder to shoulder with yesterday's Boy's winner Pablo Paulino (BRA) as the 2007 Billabong ASP World Junior Champions.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions, featured in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships which saw excellent surf at North Narrabeen for all six days of the event.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
Billabong World Junior Championships Girls Round 3 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs Leila Hurst (HAW)
Heat 2: Pauline Ado (FRA) vs Kirby Wright (AUS)
Heat 3: Marina Werneck vs Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 4: Nikita Robb (ZAF) vs Alessa Cuizon (HAW)
Heat 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs Nao Oumaro (JPN)
Heat 6: Lee Ann Curren (FRA) vs Sage Erickson (USA)
Heat 7: Airini Mason (NZL) vs Laura Enever (AUS)
Heat 8: Bruna Schmitz (BRA) vs Coco Ho (HAW)
PABLO PAULINO WINS SECOND ASP WORLD JUNIOR TITLE
SYDNEY, Australia (Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008) – It's been three years since Pablo Paulino (BRA) has called himself World Junior Champion but at Sydney's North Narrabeen beach today, the 20-year-old surfer made sure he could again shoulder the honour, winning the 2007 edition of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
Earning his spot into the main event as an ASP International wildcard, the 2004 ASP World Junior Champion blasted through the last of four rounds of competition, to defeat fellow ASP International Wildcard Hawaii's Tonino Benson; with a 15.00 total heat score (out of a possible 20.00) to Benson's 9.93.
"It's a dream come true to win at Narrabeen again," Paulino said equalling World No. 4 Joel Parkinson's two ASP World Junior Title record. "It was my dream to win it twice and this year was my last shot. I am so happy."
A standout from start to finish, Paulino revealed all the fire and flair of a Brazilian sportsman, putting on show-stopping performances right from the very first round.
"The new school style of surfing is where I feel most comfortable," Paulino explained. "I was doing aerial manoeuvres early in the event but I started to feel the pressure in the Final. I knew I would need the scores against Tonino, so I focussed on power carves instead and it was enough to see me through."
Paulino's achievement not only earned him US$6500 but also a top seed placement into every ASP World Qualifying Series event in 2008, where he hopes to qualify for the elite ASP Men's World Tour.
Runner-up Tonino Benson earned US$3400 and will join Paulino in the Round of 96 on the WQS this year.
Arguably the day's top performer, Benson posted the only perfect 10.00 point ride of the event, tucking into a deep barrel against Australian wildcard Owen Wright in the Quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the young Hawaii could not repeat this performance in the Final.
"I'm happy for Pablo, he's my friend and he deserved the win," Benson said. "I got out of rhythm in the Final and everything seemed to be going his way. I am happy to reach the Finals and just grateful to compete in these amazing waves."
The ocean certainly delivered for the final day of the Boys competition, serving up flawless 1.5- 2-meter waves at North Narrabeen beach today.
Finishing equal third and earning US$ 2,850 were Tanner Gudauskas (USA) and Chris Martin (GLP), both surfers unanimous standouts throughout the event but unlucky not to put it together in the Semifinals.
Semifinal Heat 1 saw a 'see-saw' battle between Benson and 19-year-old Gudauskas (USA), the two surfers raising the stakes on each exchanging ride. Benson ultimately earning him golden ticket into the Final.
"It's a bittersweet feeling," Gudauskas lamented. "You're super bummed that you lost on the one hand and on the other, you're stoked to make the Semi's. It's a good result for me, I learnt so much in every heat and I'll be back for a spot in the Final next year, for sure."
Semifinal Heat 2 just didn't go Chris Martins way. While Paulino pounced on each wave like a brazen predator would its prey, the Caribbean surfer couldn't seem to keep his feet on his board.
"It was a hard heat, I didn't choose the good ones, I lost my priority on bad waves and I kept falling,' Martin said, "but I'm pretty proud to represent my country and place high in this contest."
The Australian surfers suffered a disappointing finish, toppling at the hands of their international rivals with five equal fifth place finishes. Their consistency was however rewarded, the team emerging as the overall ratings leaders, ahead of Europe who finished in second and South America who took third on the point standings.
South African surfer Klee Strachan won the Panasonic Expression Session.
Round two of the Girls division was completed in the late afternoon, Leila Hurst (HAW), Nao Omura (JPN), Coco Ho (HAW) and Alessa Cuizon (HAW) advancing into Round 3.
The Girls division will be completed tomorrow.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions feature in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
RESULTS:
Boys Final Results:
Pablo Paulino (BRA) 15.00 def Tonino Benson (HAW) 9.93
Boys Semifinal Results
Heat 1: Tonino Benson (HAW) 14.50 def Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 13.66
Heat 2: Pablo Paulino (BRA) 16.67 def Charles Martin (GLP) 8.67
Boys Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1:Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.44 def Nicolau Van Rupp (DEU) 8.17
Heat 2: Tonino Benson (HAW) 14.17 def Owen Wright (AUS) 13.06
Heat 3: Pablo Paulino (BRA) 13.17 def Mitchell Coleborn (AUS) 13.00
Heat 4: Charles Martin (GLP) 15.83 def Beau Atchison (AUS) 6.54
Boys Round 4 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 12.50 def Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 8.00
Heat 2: Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU) 15.17 def Tatsuya Fukagawa (JPN) 5.00
Heat 3: Tonino Benson (HAW) 17.67 def Romain Cloitre (FRA) 7.37
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS) 12.57 def Brandon Jackson (ZAF) 9.00
Heat 5: Pablo Paulino (BRA) 12.24 def Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.67
Heat 6: Mitchel Coleborn (AUS) 11.60 def Jayke Sharpe (AUS) 11.16
Heat 7: Beau Atchison (AUS) 8.66 def Josh Redman (ZAF) 6.90
Heat 8: Charles Martin (GLP) 15.77 def Chris Waring (USA) 9.17
Girls Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Leila Hurst (HAW) 10.33; Nao Omura (JPN) 9.07; Asako Mizuno (JPN) 3.50
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 16.50; Alessa Cuizon (HAW) 11.80; Tarryn Chudleigh (ZAF) 11.56
CORRECTION: AN ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED TODAY
CORRECTION: South Africa has three surfers left in contention. Josh Redman (ZAF) is the third South African surfer, the press release below is the correct version. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
SYDNEY, Australia (Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008) – The Boys division of the 2007 edition of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will reach completion today with a new ASP World Junior Boys Champion, crowned by sundown.
Excellent 1.5 to 2-meter waves are on offer at Sydney's North Narrabeen beach this morning; the day's action kicking off with the two remaining heats of the Round 1 of the Girls division, before Round 4 of the Boys division gets underway at 08h30 (local time).
Heats 1- 8 of Round 4 of the Boys division will be completed, with the Girls Round 2 and Boys Quarterfinals on standby thereafter.
Statistically the Australians have the strongest chance of capturing the 2007 ASP World Junior title with a total of five surfers still remaining in the competition. South Africa weigh in with three, the USA two, Europe two, Japan one, Hawaii one and Brazil just one surfer still left in contention.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions feature in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
Billabong World Junior Championship Girls Remaining Round 2 Match-ups:
Heat 5: Bruna Schitz (BRA); Sage Erickson (USA); Nao Omura (JPN)
Heat 6: Airini Mason (NZL); Lee Ann Curren (FRA); Leila Hurst (HAW)
Billabong World Junior Championships Boys Round 4 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs Rudy Palmboom (ZAF)
Heat 2: Tatsuya Fukagawa (JPN) vs Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU)
Heat 3: Tonino Benson (HAW) vs Romain Cloitre (FRA)
Heat 4: Brandon Jackson (ZAF) vs Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 5: Pablo Paulino (BRA) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 6: Jayke Sharpe (AUS) vs Mitchel Coleborn (AUS)
Heat 7: Beau Atchison (AUS) vs Josh Redman (ZAF)
Heat 8: Charles Martin (GLP) vs Chris Waring (USA)
AN ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED TODAY
SYDNEY, Australia (Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008) – The Boys division of the 2007 edition of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will reach completion today with a new ASP World Junior Boys Champion, crowned by sundown.
Excellent 1.5 to 2-meter waves are on offer at Sydney's North Narrabeen beach this morning; the day's action kicking off with the two remaining heats of the Round 1 of the Girls division, before Round 4 of the Boys division gets underway at 08h30 (local time).
Heats 1- 8 of Round 4 of the Boys division will be completed, with the Girls Round 2 and Boys Quarterfinals on standby thereafter.
Statistically the Australians have the strongest chance of capturing the 2007 ASP World Junior title with a total of six surfers still remaining in the competition. The USA weighs in with two, South Africa two, Europe two, Japan one, Hawaii one and Brazil just one surfer still left in contention.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions feature in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
Billabong World Junior Championship Girls Remaining Round 2 Match-ups:
Heat 5: Bruna Schitz (BRA); Sage Erickson (USA); Nao Omura (JPN)
Heat 6: Airini Mason (NZL); Lee Ann Curren (FRA); Leila Hurst (HAW)
Billabong World Junior Championships Boys Round 4 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs Rudy Palmboom (ZAF)
Heat 2: Tatsuya Fukagawa (JPN) vs Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU)
Heat 3: Tonino Benson (HAW) vs Romain Cloitre (FRA)
Heat 4: Brandon Jackson (ZAF) vs Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 5: Pablo Paulino (BRA) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 6: Jayke Sharpe (AUS) vs Mitchel Coleborn (AUS)
Heat 7: Beau Atchison (AUS) vs Josh Redman (AUS)
Heat 8: Charles Martin (GLP) vs Chris Waring (USA)
AUSSIE WILDCARD UNLEASHES THE WRIGHT STUFF TO DEFEAT TOP SEED DE SOUZA
SYDNEY, Australia (Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008) – Australian wildcard Owen Wright obliterated all hopes of a second ASP World Junior title for 2003 World Junior champion Adriano De Souza (BRA), with his sensational Round 3 victory at Sydney's North Narrabeen beach, today.
Competing in monstrous three-meter waves at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships Wright, who earned his spot into the main event by winning the wildcard trials on Wednesday, posted the highest scoring wave of the day, a 9.67 (out of a possible 10.00) for a series of critical turns and a clean barrel ride.
"Adriano was scoring 7.00's and 8.00's and was up on me straight away," Wright said, alluding to de Souza's early heat lead. "I was getting pretty tense but I knew I had nothing to lose. I waited to pick my wave and was lucky to get a high score and advanced through to Round 4."
Wright's performance earned him a 16.50 heat total (out of a possible 20.00) to de Souza's 15.50, in undoubtedly the most exciting heat of the day.
Fellow Australian Beau Atchison produced a dazzling performance five heats later, the fifth Australian seed securing the highest heat total of the entire event, a 17.40 to defeat fellow Aussie Matt Wilkinson (AUS).
"I felt really bad eliminating another Aussie, especially someone I've been surfing with all my life but someone's got to take it out for Australia," Atchison said.
Pablo Paulino (BRA) made up for his fellow countryman's Round 3 elimination; the 2004 ASP World Junior Champion unleashing his usual repertoire of high risk, performance driven surfing, to defeat Tamaroa McComb (PYF) with a 15.83 total heat score.
"I was very disappointed when Adriano lost out," Paulino lamented. "I'd hoped for an all Brazilian Final but I will try to achieve our collective dream of winning a second World Junior title, to match Joel Parkinson (two time winner of the event)."
Nineteen-year-old Julian Wilson (AUS) played a tactically smart heat, his rock solid performance and 15. 55 total heat score, resulting in a thrashing for American surfer Nick Rosza (USA), who was eliminated with just 7.17 points.
"It was really tricky out there," Wilson explained. "It was just a matter of who was going to get the better waves and I guess I was just a little more selective."
The Hawaiian surfers suffered an uncharacteristically poor showing in the double overhead surf; Tonino Benson (Haw) the only advancing surfer of the six competing.
"I think there's a big difference between big reef breaks and big sand bars and that's why the Hawaiians had a bit of trouble today," Benson said. "There are a few waves similar to this where I live; I think that gave me an advantage today."
The South African surfers revealed their proficiency in bigger surf and were responsible for two of the five Hawaiian casualties.
Rudy Palmboom disposed of Clay Marzo (HAW) while Brandon Jackson took down Hawaii's top seed Casey Brown (HAW).
Other surprise upsets included Europe's Romain Cloitire (FRA) who defeated top American surfer Adam Wickwire (USA) and Germany's Nicolau Von Rupp eliminating Mason Ho (HAW).
The large surf saw jet ski assistance in the line-up for the first time in the event's history, towing surfers back out to the back after each ride.
The event was also highlighted by the presence of current World No. 4 Joel Parkinson (AUS) and 1999 ASP World Champion Mark Occhilupo (AUS) who came down to support the juniors.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions feature in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
Transcribed interviews are available at http://www.aspworldtour.com/2007/notes.asp?rEvent=wjcg07
and audio clips at http://www.aspworldtour.com/2007/audiograb.asp?rEvent=wjca07.
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
Billabong World Junior Championships Boys Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 11.67 def Madison Williams (AUS) 7.80
Heat 2: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 11.67 def Clay Marzo (HAW) 3.70
Heat 3: Tatsuya Fukagawa (JPN) 8.17 def Grager Larsen (HAW) 6.74
Heat 4: Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU) 8.67 def Mason Ho (HAW) 8.04
Heat 5: Tonino Benson (HAW) 8.00 def Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN) 6.67
Heat 6: Romain Cloitire (FRA) 9.50 def Adam Wickwire (USA) 8.77
Heat 7: Brandon Jackson (ZAF) 11.17 def Casey Brown (HAW) 10.50
Heat 8: Owen Wright (AUS) 16.50 def Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.50
Heat 9: Pablo Paulino (BRA) 15.83 def Tamarao McComb (PYF) 10.50
Heat 10: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.33 def Nick Rosza (USA) 7.17
Heat 11: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 11.67 def Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 6.33
Heat 12: Mitchel Coleborn (AUS) 13.00 def Adrien Valero (FRA) 10.83
Heat 13: Beau Atchison (AUS) def 17.40 def Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.34
Heat 14: Josh Redman (AUS) 8.93 def Charlie Brown (BRA) 7.74
Heat 15: Charles Martin (GLP) 14.83 def Shu Hagiwara (JPN) 5.20
Heat 16: Chris Waring (USA) 13.33 def Kyle Ramey (HAW) 8.43
Billabong World Junior Championships Boys Round 4 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs Rudy Palmboom (ZAF)
Heat 2: Tatsuya Fukagawa (JPN) vs Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU)
Heat 3: Tonino Benson (HAW) vs Romain Cloitre (FRA)
Heat 4: Brandon Jackson (ZAF) vs Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 5: Pablo Paulino (BRA) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 6: Jayke Sharpe (AUS) vs Mitchel Coleborn (AUS)
Heat 7: Beau Atchison (AUS) vs Josh Redman (AUS)
Heat 8: Charles Martin (GLP) vs Chris Waring (USA)
NO REST FOR WORLD’S TOP JUNIORS AT NARRABEEN
SYDNEY, Australia (Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008) – There will be no rest for the world's top juniors competing in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships today, with Round 3 scheduled to hit the water at 08h00 (local time).
All 16 heats of Round 3, of the Boys division, will be completed and will see Round 1 standouts clash with the Round 2 survivors, in a man-on-man format.
The large two-meter surf that has pummelled the east coast over the last week continues to roll into Sydney's North Narrabeen beach today; proving a test of both courage and skill for surfers aged 20 years and younger.
A total field of 48 junior men, 18 junior women plus four wildcards from eight surfing regions feature in this year's Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
The event will be broadcast live via the internet on www.billabongpro.com.
For more information log-on to www.aspworldtour.com
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships are supported by Panasonic, The Association of Surfing Professionals, Von Zipper, The Warringah Shire Council and Surfing NSW.
Billabong World Junior Championships Boys Round 3 Match-ups:
Heat 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) vs Madison Williams (AUS)
Heat 2: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) vs Clay Marzo (HAW)
Heat 3: Grager Larsen (HAW) vs Tatsuya Fukagawa (JPN)
Heat 4: Mason Ho (HAW) vs Nicolau Von Rupp
Heat 5: Tonino Benson (HAW) vs Nobuyuki Osawa (JPN)
Heat 6: Romain Cloitire (FRA) vs Adam Wickwire (USA)
Heat 7: Casey Brown (HAW) vs Brandon Jackson (ZAF)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 9: Pablo Paulino (BRA) vs Tamarao McComb (PYF)
Heat 10: Nick Rosza (USA) vs Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 11: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) vs Jayke Sharp (AUS)
Heat 12: Mitchel Coleborn (AUS) vs Adrien Valero (FRA)
Heat 13: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs Beau Atchison (AUS)
Heat 14: Josh Redman (AUS) vs Charlie Brown (BRA)
Heat 15: Charles Martin (GLP) vs Shu Hagiwara (JPN)
Heat 16: Chris Waring (USA) vs Kyle Ramey (HAW)
BEDE DURBIDGE WINS BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS & VANS TRIPLE CROWN TITLES
BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 17, 2007) –Australian Bede Durbidge secured his second Foster's ASP World Tour win and the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing Series title with a victory at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour, today.
Durbidge posted 16.67 points out of 20.00 to finish first in the four-man final over Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) respectively. The new ASP 'Dual Heats' format was used from Round 2 through the Quarterfinals and conditions at Pipeline, Backdoor and Off the Wall – the breaks within the contest zone today –were small and in the three-foot (one metre) range.
"I'm absolutely over the moon right now," Durbidge said. "Obviously the conditions weren't classic Pipeline, but the competition was still pretty intense. We had the new dual heat format and a lot of guys were on the bubble for qualification so there were a lot of hungry guys out there in this event. I've just tried to keep a cool head all season whether it be with sponsors or freesurfing or heats and that was really my approach out there today. I'm absolutely stoked. It's a great way for me to finish the season and I'm looking to go even better in 2008."
Durbidge, who started the season unsponsored and financing his own way around the world, won US$40,000 in cash, a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch today. He is the first Australian to win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Title since Mike Rommesle did so in 1997. With the exception of American Kelly Slater who claimed the Triple Crown Title in 1998, a Hawaiian has taken top honors ever since.
"Winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine for a long, long time and I've always felt like proving yourself in Hawaii is right up there with winning the World Title," Durbidge said. "It's a great thing for surfing that the locals let us come here and enjoy these waves and that the sponsors put up the prize money for us to really come away well here."
Durbidge's year end rating is World No. 5. He scored one of the highest single wave scores of the event, 9.50 out of 10.00, to run away with an unassailable lead in the Final.
"Yeah, there weren't too many waves coming through during the final and all four of us were pretty clumped together," Durbdige said. "The other three kind of paddled each other out of position and I ended up being in the spot. The wave had a really good wall on it and I was able to get a few pretty good turns in. I guess the judges liked it and I got the score. It really put everyone else on the ropes out there."
Morrison finished inside the Top 10 at World No. 9 with his 2nd place result at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.
"I don't think any of us expected that Pipe would go down like this when we packed our bags for Hawaii," Morrison said. "It really did end up being more of a maneuver event rather than a barrel-riding event, and I was stoked to make it through to my first final of the year. Congratulations to Bede - he was absolutely ripping all day."
Also making his first final of the year was Parkinson who finished the year World No. 4 with his 3rd place result today.
"I haven't made a final all year, so it's good to finish up with one even in waves like this," Parkinson said. "We all wanted it to be eight foot perfect Pipe, but you can't get that every year."
Sullivan, the only Hawaiian in the final four was pleased to cap off his season with a result. He finished his 2007 season with a personal best World No. 7 finish today – a far cry from his narrow requalification last year.
"Everyone wants to win Pipe, and I'm pretty happy that I made the final," Sullivan said. "Last year, I had a bit of a shocker and didn't do as well as I thought I could have. I was super focused today and I'm really pleased that I made it through."
Taj Burrow's (AUS) equal 5th result today secured him the third ASP World Title runner-up finish of his nine year elite tour career. He was beat by Durbidge in the Quarterfinals.
"Yea, it's an okay result, but I'm really bummed I didn't make the final," Burrow said. "Bede (Durbidge) was just on fire though. I'm stoked to finish the year strong and I'm excited to get home and re-focus for 2008."
Earning their spots on the 2008 ASP World Tour with their performances today were Bruce Irons (HAW) and Fred Patacchia. Both sat outside the Top 27 surfers who automatically requalify for the following year before making their heats today.
"To make the cut with the waves being below average, it's just a treat," Patacchia said. "I really didn't want to be on the WQS so I'm really stoked right now knowing I've just qualified for the tour next year. It's really stressful waking up at 6am each morning, not knowing if it's going to be your last day surfing on the tour. I was ready to swallow my pride and compete on the WQS, because I feel like my career has at least a couple more good years on it but I really feel like I'm World Tour material."
Full-time 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour sufers who failed to qualify for the 2008 ASP World Tour are Greg Emslie (ZAF), Cory Lopez (USA), Phil Macdonald (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA), Shaun Cansdell (AUS), Victor Ribas (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and retirees Mark Occhilupo (AUS) and Mick Lowe (AUS).
Ben Dunn (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA) and Travis Logie (ZAF) also finished outside of the Top 27, but citing injuries, have applied for wildcard berths onto the 2008 ASP World Tour – their spots are not yet confirmed.
Qualifying for the 2008 ASP World Tour via the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) are Adriano de Souza (BRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS) and Luke Munro (AUS).
The ASP World Tour will now break until February TK when the 2008 tour kicks off on the Gold Coast of Australia. For more details visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com.
Billabong Pipeline Masters Final Results:
Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.67, Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.00, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.60, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 7.43
Billabong Pipeline Masters Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.50 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.73
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.00 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50
Heat 3: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.10 def. Chris Ward (USA) 8.70
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.90 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.34
Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: CJ Hobgood (USA) 12.26 def. TJ Barron (HAW) 10.50
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.00 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 9.00
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.83 Ian Walsh (HAW) 7.40
Heat 4: Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.10 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.44
Heat 5: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 14.93 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 6.26
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) 12.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.50
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.90 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 12.17
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) def. Fred Patacchia (HAW)
Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: TJ Barron (HAW) 10.87 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 9.67
Heat 2: CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.00 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 11.17
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.40 def. Laurie Towner (AUS) 1.33
Heat 4: Luke Stedman (AUS) 13.00 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 9.43
Heat 5: Ian Walsh (HAW) 11.67 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.30
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.50 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 8.87
Heat 7: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.10 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.00
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.34 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 6.46
Heat 9: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 12.67 def. Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 11.17
Heat 10: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 10.73 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.17
Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) 12.90 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.67
Heat 12: Kelly Slater (USA) 10.50 def. Mikala Jones (HAW) 5.80
Heat 13: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 11.33 def. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 10.20
Heat 14: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.00 def. Gavin Beschen (USA) 4.70
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 8.27
Heat 16: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.67 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.16
Foster's ASP World Tour Final Top 27
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8136 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 7104 points
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 6516 points
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6432 points
5. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 5774 points
6. Andy Irons (HAW) 5151 points
7. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 4938 points
8. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 4770 points
9. Dean Morrison (AUS) 4690 points
10.Bobby Martinez (USA) 4582 points
11. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4580 points
12. Kai Otton (AUS) 4563 points
13. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 4493 points
14. Taylor Knox (USA) 4309 points
15. Damien Hobgood (USA) 4274 points
16. Luke Stedman (AUS) 4177 points
17. Michael Campbell (AUS) 3987 points
17. Chris Ward (USA) 3987 points
19. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 3982 points
19. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 3982 points
21. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 3934 points
22. Leonardo Neves (BRA) 3797 points
23. Frederick Patacchia (HAW) 3675 points
24. Bruce Irons (HAW) 3660 points
24. Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 3660 points
26. Daniel Wills (AUS) 3617 points
27. Royden Bryson (ZAF) 3612 points
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