LONG BEACH, Long Island/New York (Tuesday, September 6, 2011) – The opening day of the inaugural Quiksilver Pro New York saw the world's best surfers dig into building two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves, compliments of Hurricane Katia, today, completing Round 1 at Long Beach on Long Island, New York.
Stop No. 6 of 11 on the ASP World Title Series, the Quiksilver Pro New York is a historic event that not only represents the first ever elite contest on America's East Coast, but also boasts the richest prize-purse in surfing history of US$1,000,000.
Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, reveled in the New York ramps and garnered both of the round's highest single-wave scores of 9.50 and 9.07 (both out of 10) for monster no-grab air-reverses, scalping a commanding victory over Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, and Kai Otton (AUS), 32.
“It was like an expression session out there,” Kerr said. “I started getting scores and was enjoying myself out there with those little rip bowl rights. We all had 15 waves and I think we all had fun out there. I went for a free surf and the wind came up and I knew I was going to hunt the rights. It was perfect and I found a couple of those ramps so I'm stoked.”
Kerr advances directly into Round 3 of competition.
C.J. Hobgood (USA), 32, current No. 36 on the ASP World Rankings, is in need of a result at the Quiksilver Pro New York to keep his ASP Dream Tour campaign alive. The former ASP World Champion (2001) earned a Round 1 victory with amazing last-second heroics over an in-form Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, when he belted an 8.37 (out of 10) with commanding rail-work in the dying moments of the heat.
“I guess I've had one or two dramatic finishes in my career, but there's a lot on the line for me in this contest and I was feeling pretty frustrated out there for most of the heat,” Hobgood said. “It had been lefts all day, but there were a lot of rights in my heat and Bede (Durbidge) got some big scores off the bat. I needed a big score at the end and when that wave came through, I pretty much threw everything I had at it.”
Hobgood, a veteran campaigner among the world's best surfers, admitted that the ability to adjust to the ever-changing conditions expected through the event window will be crucial in earning a successful result at Long Beach.
“Local knowledge can be an advantage out here, but everyone on tour can surf in every condition,” Hobgood said. “With the storm moving through this week, the conditions are going to change day-to-day so the surfers who adapt the fastest will be the most successful.”
Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, capitalized on today's building swell and displayed a series of powerful rail-gouges on his forehand and critical backhand turns to earn a hard-fought victory over Australian goofy-footer Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, and Floridian standout Cory Lopez (USA), 34.
“It's pretty fun,” Muniz said. “It's not that big, but there are still a couple bigger waves and I have a good board for small waves. I just tried to have fun. I started a little slow and my strategy was to go left, but my best wave was on the right and I improved throughout the heat. I always try to do big turns even though it's small.”
Muniz was joined by fellow 2011 ASP Top 34 rookie Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, in posting big Round 1 wins today. Wilson surgically dismantled the playful afternoon peaks, posting an impressive 17.00 out of a possible 20, en route to a victory over Taylor Knox (USA), 40, and Kieren Perrow (AUS), 34.
“I tried not to watch Kersey (Josh Kerr) because I knew I'd try to over-surf,” Wilson said. “I started the heat how I wanted to, got a 5 and kind of built house on that. I made some silly mistakes, but I was pretty lucky to get some scores at the end. I knew if I got some sort of finner or reverse I'd get a good score. I was pretty jittery in the beginning of the heat, but as soon as I got the good one I felt confident.”
Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, opened his Quiksilver Pro New York campaign in lethal form with a solid Round 1 victory.
“New York has been good,” Slater said. “Everyone is super cool and I'm excited to be here. The waves are a little small, so it's tough, but it's the first round and no one loses and the swell should be building. My board felt good, it's an epoxy, but pretty much same thing I've been riding. Hopefully we'll find some peaky barrels and we'll see what happens. I know that Hurricane swell is out there, so we'll just see what happens.”
Slater, who regained the lead for the 2011 ASP World Title with his win at Teahupo'o last week, easily made the adjustment from the massive barrels of last week's competition to today's tricky beachbreak waves on offer in New York.
“After last week, it's a little different in these waves,” Slater said. “You've got to find the sweet spot out there. Last week, you're just trying to stay with it at spots like Teahupo'o, but on days like today there isn't much energy so you've got to find it.”
Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, current No. 33 on the ASP World Ranking, is also in need of a big result at the Quiksilver Pro New York in order to maintain his position among the elite ASP Top 34, and advanced directly through to Round 3 after heat-leader Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 23, suffered an interference on Damien Hobgood (USA), 32.
“I've just been feeling good and not thinking too much about points,” Pires said. “I just try to think about waves and just surf. I wasn't nervous until Wilko (Matt Wilkinson) got the interference and I got the lead. Wilko kind of gave the heat to me, it was unlucky for him.”
Dane Reynolds (USA), 25, who has yet to compete in an ASP World Title event this season, was scheduled to surf in the Quiksilver Pro New York but withdrew today due to an injury sustained last week to his ribs on a free-surf trip in Japan.
“I came to New York with every intention to surf, but I knew it would be a challenge with my rib injury,” Reynolds said. “I tried surfing yesterday and it was painful to even stand up. I've never dealt with bruised ribs before so hopefully some more rest will get me ready for the next contest.”
Reynolds has been replaced by Keanu Asing (HAW), 18, in Round 2 of competition. Asing will face Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, in Round 2 when competition resumes.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Monday, 5 September 2011
Kelly Slater Takes Out Billabong Pro Tahiti, Leads ASP World Title Race
TEAHUPO’O, Taiarapu/French Polynesia (Monday, August 29, 2011) – Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, has claimed the Billabong Pro Tahiti presented by Air Tahiti Nui over Owen Wright (AUS), 21, in clean four-to-six foot (1.5 – 2 metre) waves at Teahupo’o.
Event No. 5 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Tahiti culminated a historic incarnation of the event today, with the world’s best surfers pushing the performance envelope in incredible conditions.
Slater began to really pick up steam in today’s conditions, dispatching of an in-form Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, in the Semifinals before meeting lethal goofy-footer Wright in the Finals. The iconic American utilized his superior backhand tube-riding technique to post an 18.43 heat total out of a possible 20, which would prove too much for his younger opponent to overcome.
“I felt like I finally hit my stride in the Semifinals this morning,” Slater said. “In the Final, I fell on a couple of waves that were maybe better than what I ended up getting scored on. It put the pressure on me, and took the pressure off him (Wright). He got that really big one at the end that could have gotten pretty close to the score. These are the best conditions this event has ever run in. It’s been a phenomenal week.”
Coming into Tahiti rated No. 6 on the ASP World Title rankings, Slater’s win today rockets the Floridian to the No. 1 spot after a number of top seeds suffered early eliminations at the hands of an unmerciful Teahupo’o.
“It’s one of those weird events where you have to scramble through the early rounds,” Slater said. “Every year at this event, there are few of the top guys that lose in the early rounds and you have to scramble if you want a result here. You have to be in tune with the tides, swell direction and everything to make sure you get those waves that get you the score.”
Event No. 5 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Billabong Pro Tahiti culminated a historic incarnation of the event today, with the world’s best surfers pushing the performance envelope in incredible conditions.
Slater began to really pick up steam in today’s conditions, dispatching of an in-form Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, in the Semifinals before meeting lethal goofy-footer Wright in the Finals. The iconic American utilized his superior backhand tube-riding technique to post an 18.43 heat total out of a possible 20, which would prove too much for his younger opponent to overcome.
“I felt like I finally hit my stride in the Semifinals this morning,” Slater said. “In the Final, I fell on a couple of waves that were maybe better than what I ended up getting scored on. It put the pressure on me, and took the pressure off him (Wright). He got that really big one at the end that could have gotten pretty close to the score. These are the best conditions this event has ever run in. It’s been a phenomenal week.”
Coming into Tahiti rated No. 6 on the ASP World Title rankings, Slater’s win today rockets the Floridian to the No. 1 spot after a number of top seeds suffered early eliminations at the hands of an unmerciful Teahupo’o.
“It’s one of those weird events where you have to scramble through the early rounds,” Slater said. “Every year at this event, there are few of the top guys that lose in the early rounds and you have to scramble if you want a result here. You have to be in tune with the tides, swell direction and everything to make sure you get those waves that get you the score.”
Friday, 12 August 2011
High Performances in Round 1 of Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans
FISTRAL BEACH, Newquay/England (Tuesday, August 9, 2011) – Round 1 of the ASP 6-Star Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans was held in tricky 3ft shifting peaks at Fistral beach on a day which saw the strongest international field of athletes in many years at the Boardmasters put on an outstanding display of performance surfing in front of a highly appreciative public. Deteriorating conditions and sun glare forced a halt to proceeding late in the afternoon following heat nº20.
Mitch Crews (Currumbin Gold Coast, AUS) 21, nailed the highest single-wave score of the event, an 8.33 out of 10, with an electric series of backhand snaps on a bowling left-hander which opened up and allowed the promising Australian to show off his explosive surfing in the tricky conditions. Kiron Jabour (Haleiwa, HAW) 20, also lead the charge with Crews through to Round Two where they will take on the event’s top seeds.
“I couldn’t hear anything out there,” began Crews. “I thought I might have been in first because of the waves I had and what I had seen everyone else get. I knew I needed an excellent score to solidify my first place so I kept busy out there because you can’t pick them. You just have to go and hope it walls up and you get a score. I got that one and I went through the motions. The wave was an 8-point wave and I just did what it gave me so it was good fun.”
Jorge Spanner (Rio de Janeiro, BRA) 25, along with Crews and Jabour, enjoyed the benefit of the slightly better early morning conditions to tally the highest two-wave heat total of the day, 15.44 out of 20 in his 25-minute matchup.
“The conditions are a little bit difficult today but I tried to stay relaxed in the water. I went looking for a wave and move around a lot. It was then that I managed to find a good right which allowed me to do some good manoeuvres. After that I returned to the same peak and as soon as I arrived I got another great right with some good carves.”
Spanner, ranked 271 on the ASP World rankings, suffered a broken leg while competing in 2009 and is on the long come-back road to competitive surfing where he has to build on his ranking to gain access to the major ASP Star events.
“I had a very serious injury and could not compete for a whole year so I lost all my points so I have had to start from zero all over again. It is difficult but I am very motivated to come back and compete in the Prime events too. I am feeling good this year and I am preparing to return again next year with renewed energy.”
Halley Batista (Pernambucu, BRA) 25, who is competing for the first time in Newquay, struggled early on to overtake a rampaging Beyrick De Vries (Umhlanga Rocks, ZAF) 18, to advance through to the second round. Tearing apart a short explosive right with a mix of power turns and modern aerial punts, Batista then backed up in quick succession with an equally impressive backhand attack to leap frog the rookie Brazilian into first place.
“The most difficult thing for me in the heat was finding the waves,” explained Batista. “The heat started and I didn’t find anything but at last I caught two good waves. On the first one I got in a pretty strong turn and an aerial. Then a left came through and I got in two backside turns to make it through to the next round.”
De Vries, who last year was forced out of the Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans due to an ankle injury halfway through the event, showed signs of the scintillating form he displayed twelve months ago. Despite a last minute lapse of concentration which shunted him into second place, the highly progressive natural footer still managed to secure his pass into the next round.
“I made a couple of stupid mistakes in that heat I think but I just managed to come back and find a couple of double up nugs so it is good. The waves are similar to where I am from in the summer time. It is on-shore and really peaky so I feel comfortable with the place and hopefully next heat I can win it.” (laughs)
De Vries, ranked 169 on the ASP World rankings, is at home in the waters of Newquay which remind him of his home breaks in South Africa. The shifting peaks which caused havoc with many surfers unable to adapt, proved no problem to the ever smiling De Vries.
“I really enjoy coming to this event and I can’t find a bad thing with the place. The waves are onshore so it is really good for airs and the sun is out and there are girls on the beach, everyone is having fun so it is an just the ultimate week.”
A first call will be made at 07h30 tomorrow for heat nº21 of Round One with officials monitoring swell predictions for the remainder of the week which look promising for the later stage of the waiting period.
Surfers competing in the Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans are out to gain valuable ranking points in their bid to climb the ASP World rankings and enter the elite Top 32 before the mid-year points cut off. European athletes are also building on their ASP European Men’s ranking as the main summer leg of events commences.
The ASP 3-Star Tuaca Longboard Pro and the ASP 6-Star Tuaca Ladies Longboard Pro were postponed for today as the action focused on the short board competitors. Semi finalists have been decided and the crowning of the longboard champions will take place later in the week.
The Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans is scheduled from August 9-14, 2011. For more information, and all upcoming results, photos, video highlights, press releases log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans Round 1 Results
Heat 1: Chris Friend (AUS) 10.33, Mark Harris (GBR) 9.77, Nick Riley (AUS) 9.47, Romain Laulhe (FRA) 8.83
Heat 2: Mitch Crews (AUS) 13.03, Joao Guedes (PRT) 10.60, Brad Ettinger (USA) 6.47, Alex Chacon (AUS) 6.44
Heat 3: Flavio Nakagima (BRA) 13.67, Marco Polo (BRA) 9.20, Yannick de Jager (NDL) 8.74, Tom Buttler (GBR) 7.40
Heat 4: Jorge Spanner (BRA) 15.44, Derrick Disney (USA) 11.10, Gordan Fontaine (FRA) 8.47, Robertson Goncalves (PRT) 6.60
Heat 5: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 14.77, Leandro Usuna (ARG) 9.80, Jonny Fryer (GBR) 8.16, Steve Ratzisberger (DEU) 3.37
Heat 6: Jack Freestone (AUS) 11.40, Luke Cheadle (AUS) 11.03, Alan Stokes (GBR) 10.37
Heat 7: Evan Geiselman (USA) 11.77, Micah Lester (GBR) 9.40, Thiago De Souza (BRA) 8.00, Sam Lamiroy (GBR) 5.90
Heat 8: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 9.46, Taylor Brothers (USA) 8.34, Jared Thorne (USA) 7.56, Christophe Allary (REU) 0.00
Heat 9: Eneko Acero (EUK) 11.33, Andre Teixeira (BRA) 9.07, Ruben Gonzalez (PRT) 8.70, Lars Musschoot (BEL) 7.86
Heat 10: Adrien Valero (FRA) 11.30, Alessandro Piu (ITA) 7.50, Dale Staples (ZAF) 7.10, Britton Galland (USA) 5.50
Heat 11: Justin Mujica (PRT) 12.10, Ian Crane (USA) 11.67, Chris Salisbury (AUS) 9.23, Hunter Lysaught (USA) 6.97
Heat 12: Gabriel Villaran (PER) 12.00, Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 10.17, Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 10.04, Luke Dillon (GBR) 7.50
Heat 13: Adrien Toyon (REU) 13.34, Filipe Jervis (PRT) 9.77, Joshua Braddock (GBR) 4.94, Alexander El Naib (DEU) 1.90
Heat 14: Halley Batista (BRA) 13.60, Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) 12.27, David Vlug (AUS) 9.63, Tim Wrench (AUS) 5.67
Heat 15: Nic von Rupp (DEU) 9.25, Nathan Webster (AUS) 7.13, Norman Landa (EUK) 6.03, Cheyne Willis (HAW) 3.27
Heat 16: Ruda Carvalho (BRA) 12.37, Russel Winter (GBR) 9.43, Beto Mariano (BRA) 9.27, Sam Wrench (AUS) 9.13
Heat 17: Ty Watson (AUS) 12.77, Perth Standlick (AUS) 10.26, Mickey Picon (FRA) 9.40, Dale Staples (ZAF) 4.27
Heat 18: Brent Savage (AUS) 10.57, Edouard Delpero (FRA) 10.20, Killian Garland (USA) 8.07, Brendon Gibbens (ZAF) 7.80
Heat 19: Klee Strachan (ZAF) 13.10, James Woods (AUS) 8.57, Patrick Beven (FRA) 3.00, Reubin Pearce (GBR) 1.97
Heat 20: Granger Larsen (HAW) 11.00, Taylor Thorne (USA) 8.97, Rowan Aish (NZL) 6.93, Freddie Meadows (SWE) 6.42
Remaining Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 21: Diego Rosa (BRA), Alan Donato (BRA), Dane Anderson (USA), Koa Smith (HAW)
Heat 22: Kevin Sullivan (HAW), Matt Pagan (USA), Nicholas Squires (AUS), Jaymes Triglone (AUS)
Heat 23: Renato Galvao (BRA), Luke Davis (USA), Dillon Perillo (USA), Garret Parkes (AUS)
Heat 24: Shaun Cansdell (AUS), Oli Adams (GBR), James Wood (AUS), George Picking (GBR)
Mitch Crews (Currumbin Gold Coast, AUS) 21, nailed the highest single-wave score of the event, an 8.33 out of 10, with an electric series of backhand snaps on a bowling left-hander which opened up and allowed the promising Australian to show off his explosive surfing in the tricky conditions. Kiron Jabour (Haleiwa, HAW) 20, also lead the charge with Crews through to Round Two where they will take on the event’s top seeds.
“I couldn’t hear anything out there,” began Crews. “I thought I might have been in first because of the waves I had and what I had seen everyone else get. I knew I needed an excellent score to solidify my first place so I kept busy out there because you can’t pick them. You just have to go and hope it walls up and you get a score. I got that one and I went through the motions. The wave was an 8-point wave and I just did what it gave me so it was good fun.”
Jorge Spanner (Rio de Janeiro, BRA) 25, along with Crews and Jabour, enjoyed the benefit of the slightly better early morning conditions to tally the highest two-wave heat total of the day, 15.44 out of 20 in his 25-minute matchup.
“The conditions are a little bit difficult today but I tried to stay relaxed in the water. I went looking for a wave and move around a lot. It was then that I managed to find a good right which allowed me to do some good manoeuvres. After that I returned to the same peak and as soon as I arrived I got another great right with some good carves.”
Spanner, ranked 271 on the ASP World rankings, suffered a broken leg while competing in 2009 and is on the long come-back road to competitive surfing where he has to build on his ranking to gain access to the major ASP Star events.
“I had a very serious injury and could not compete for a whole year so I lost all my points so I have had to start from zero all over again. It is difficult but I am very motivated to come back and compete in the Prime events too. I am feeling good this year and I am preparing to return again next year with renewed energy.”
Halley Batista (Pernambucu, BRA) 25, who is competing for the first time in Newquay, struggled early on to overtake a rampaging Beyrick De Vries (Umhlanga Rocks, ZAF) 18, to advance through to the second round. Tearing apart a short explosive right with a mix of power turns and modern aerial punts, Batista then backed up in quick succession with an equally impressive backhand attack to leap frog the rookie Brazilian into first place.
“The most difficult thing for me in the heat was finding the waves,” explained Batista. “The heat started and I didn’t find anything but at last I caught two good waves. On the first one I got in a pretty strong turn and an aerial. Then a left came through and I got in two backside turns to make it through to the next round.”
De Vries, who last year was forced out of the Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans due to an ankle injury halfway through the event, showed signs of the scintillating form he displayed twelve months ago. Despite a last minute lapse of concentration which shunted him into second place, the highly progressive natural footer still managed to secure his pass into the next round.
“I made a couple of stupid mistakes in that heat I think but I just managed to come back and find a couple of double up nugs so it is good. The waves are similar to where I am from in the summer time. It is on-shore and really peaky so I feel comfortable with the place and hopefully next heat I can win it.” (laughs)
De Vries, ranked 169 on the ASP World rankings, is at home in the waters of Newquay which remind him of his home breaks in South Africa. The shifting peaks which caused havoc with many surfers unable to adapt, proved no problem to the ever smiling De Vries.
“I really enjoy coming to this event and I can’t find a bad thing with the place. The waves are onshore so it is really good for airs and the sun is out and there are girls on the beach, everyone is having fun so it is an just the ultimate week.”
A first call will be made at 07h30 tomorrow for heat nº21 of Round One with officials monitoring swell predictions for the remainder of the week which look promising for the later stage of the waiting period.
Surfers competing in the Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans are out to gain valuable ranking points in their bid to climb the ASP World rankings and enter the elite Top 32 before the mid-year points cut off. European athletes are also building on their ASP European Men’s ranking as the main summer leg of events commences.
The ASP 3-Star Tuaca Longboard Pro and the ASP 6-Star Tuaca Ladies Longboard Pro were postponed for today as the action focused on the short board competitors. Semi finalists have been decided and the crowning of the longboard champions will take place later in the week.
The Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans is scheduled from August 9-14, 2011. For more information, and all upcoming results, photos, video highlights, press releases log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans Round 1 Results
Heat 1: Chris Friend (AUS) 10.33, Mark Harris (GBR) 9.77, Nick Riley (AUS) 9.47, Romain Laulhe (FRA) 8.83
Heat 2: Mitch Crews (AUS) 13.03, Joao Guedes (PRT) 10.60, Brad Ettinger (USA) 6.47, Alex Chacon (AUS) 6.44
Heat 3: Flavio Nakagima (BRA) 13.67, Marco Polo (BRA) 9.20, Yannick de Jager (NDL) 8.74, Tom Buttler (GBR) 7.40
Heat 4: Jorge Spanner (BRA) 15.44, Derrick Disney (USA) 11.10, Gordan Fontaine (FRA) 8.47, Robertson Goncalves (PRT) 6.60
Heat 5: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 14.77, Leandro Usuna (ARG) 9.80, Jonny Fryer (GBR) 8.16, Steve Ratzisberger (DEU) 3.37
Heat 6: Jack Freestone (AUS) 11.40, Luke Cheadle (AUS) 11.03, Alan Stokes (GBR) 10.37
Heat 7: Evan Geiselman (USA) 11.77, Micah Lester (GBR) 9.40, Thiago De Souza (BRA) 8.00, Sam Lamiroy (GBR) 5.90
Heat 8: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 9.46, Taylor Brothers (USA) 8.34, Jared Thorne (USA) 7.56, Christophe Allary (REU) 0.00
Heat 9: Eneko Acero (EUK) 11.33, Andre Teixeira (BRA) 9.07, Ruben Gonzalez (PRT) 8.70, Lars Musschoot (BEL) 7.86
Heat 10: Adrien Valero (FRA) 11.30, Alessandro Piu (ITA) 7.50, Dale Staples (ZAF) 7.10, Britton Galland (USA) 5.50
Heat 11: Justin Mujica (PRT) 12.10, Ian Crane (USA) 11.67, Chris Salisbury (AUS) 9.23, Hunter Lysaught (USA) 6.97
Heat 12: Gabriel Villaran (PER) 12.00, Mitch Coleborn (AUS) 10.17, Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 10.04, Luke Dillon (GBR) 7.50
Heat 13: Adrien Toyon (REU) 13.34, Filipe Jervis (PRT) 9.77, Joshua Braddock (GBR) 4.94, Alexander El Naib (DEU) 1.90
Heat 14: Halley Batista (BRA) 13.60, Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) 12.27, David Vlug (AUS) 9.63, Tim Wrench (AUS) 5.67
Heat 15: Nic von Rupp (DEU) 9.25, Nathan Webster (AUS) 7.13, Norman Landa (EUK) 6.03, Cheyne Willis (HAW) 3.27
Heat 16: Ruda Carvalho (BRA) 12.37, Russel Winter (GBR) 9.43, Beto Mariano (BRA) 9.27, Sam Wrench (AUS) 9.13
Heat 17: Ty Watson (AUS) 12.77, Perth Standlick (AUS) 10.26, Mickey Picon (FRA) 9.40, Dale Staples (ZAF) 4.27
Heat 18: Brent Savage (AUS) 10.57, Edouard Delpero (FRA) 10.20, Killian Garland (USA) 8.07, Brendon Gibbens (ZAF) 7.80
Heat 19: Klee Strachan (ZAF) 13.10, James Woods (AUS) 8.57, Patrick Beven (FRA) 3.00, Reubin Pearce (GBR) 1.97
Heat 20: Granger Larsen (HAW) 11.00, Taylor Thorne (USA) 8.97, Rowan Aish (NZL) 6.93, Freddie Meadows (SWE) 6.42
Remaining Relentless Boardmasters in assoc. with Vans Round 1 Matchups:
Heat 21: Diego Rosa (BRA), Alan Donato (BRA), Dane Anderson (USA), Koa Smith (HAW)
Heat 22: Kevin Sullivan (HAW), Matt Pagan (USA), Nicholas Squires (AUS), Jaymes Triglone (AUS)
Heat 23: Renato Galvao (BRA), Luke Davis (USA), Dillon Perillo (USA), Garret Parkes (AUS)
Heat 24: Shaun Cansdell (AUS), Oli Adams (GBR), James Wood (AUS), George Picking (GBR)
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Padang Awakes from her Slumber
A day late, a few feet short, and a difficult tide made the contest directors not run the main event. It’s a hard call to make. Sure the photos here make it look like it was pretty damn good. But hey, all these photos are from a 2 hour session in the morning and a 2 hour session in the afternoon. The rest of the day there were just a few boogie boarders out.
Also there was talk of another super swell next week. “The 8th is gonna be huge,” I heard one person say, while looking at his phone in the morning. So the call was made. Contest off. All the boys then grabbed their boards and some sets started rolling in. That made contest organizers call a trials heat and expression session for the afternoon, once the tide dropped out. They all caught some waves. I’m not sure of the scores and what not, no one really cares who won the trials. We just want to know when the main event will be on. That swell on the 8th? Not sure if it’s gonna do it. And right now I don’t think anyone can predict anything. The last swell was a hoax. Will this next one be??? Stay tuned to asia.ripcurl.com for more details on the next call.
Also there was talk of another super swell next week. “The 8th is gonna be huge,” I heard one person say, while looking at his phone in the morning. So the call was made. Contest off. All the boys then grabbed their boards and some sets started rolling in. That made contest organizers call a trials heat and expression session for the afternoon, once the tide dropped out. They all caught some waves. I’m not sure of the scores and what not, no one really cares who won the trials. We just want to know when the main event will be on. That swell on the 8th? Not sure if it’s gonna do it. And right now I don’t think anyone can predict anything. The last swell was a hoax. Will this next one be??? Stay tuned to asia.ripcurl.com for more details on the next call.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Mr Price Pro
The ASP PRIME Mr Price Pro Ballito is set for an epic start with a three-meter swell expected to greet 23 of the World’s top 34 surfers who will take on the finest up-and-coming campaigners at Ballito’s Surfers Beach from July 4 – 10, 2011.
The event, Stop No. 7 of 11 on the ASP Prime tour offers crucial points for surfers’ ASP World Ratings and a prize purse of R1.7 Million.
Speaking at the official press conference at Surfers Beach on Friday, ASP Africa Operations Manager Colin Fitch said, “This event is the single most important Prime event of the year as it determines who will be on the world tour for the next six months.”
Defending Champion Jordy Smith (Llandudno, Cape Town), 23, heads this year’s field as the event’s top seed and is looking forward to defending his crown against the world’s best.
“Winning the event last year was definitely a great feeling,” Smith said. “This event has so much history and being in my hometown it’s one I want to keep on winning.”
Although Smith grew up surfing the waves along the Durban beachfront, he was complimentary of the event’s new home in KwaDukuza.
“I really like this town, it has a great set up and the swell really comes in here,” Smith said. “It’s a heavy wave and has a lot of power. The first year the event moved here it had some of the best waves the Prime Tour has ever seen, so I think that says it all.”
ASP Wildcard Greg Emslie (East London), 34, is looking forward to returning to international competition. Enjoying nine years at elite level, Emslie retired at the end of 2009 and welcomes the opportunity to take on many of surfing’s top up-and-comers this week.
“The young guys will be tough to beat with their new tricks, but it keeps you young,” Emslie said. “You’ve just got to get the right waves and do your best surfing.”
Casey Grant (Scottburgh), 21, thoroughly impressed the judges in 2010. Finishing runner-up behind Smith, Grant is a firm favourite to take down some big names at this year’s event.
“I never thought I would make the final last year so to finish second to Jordy was a huge confidence boost,” Grant said. “I don’t have any specific strategy this year but I’ll be watching the conditions closely and taking that confidence into my heats.”
South Africa’s only World Champion Shaun Tomson (1977), 55, flew in from California this week to perform live commentary as well as present this year’s winner with the trophy. An avid supporter of South African surfing, Tomson is hoping to see a breakthrough’ performance from a South African surfer this year.
“Last year was a breakthrough year for Jordy because he won this event and went on to win in Jeffreys Bay so this is very much a springboard event for young surfers,” Tomson said. “It was definitely a breakthrough event for me when I won my first Gunston 500 (1973) and it would be great to see a young South African come through the woodwork and win here this year.”
Tomson will be in Ballito throughout the week where he will throw himself into professional surfing at every level at the Mr Price Pro Ballito.
“I love to see young guys reach their full potential,” Tomson said. “I’ve watched so many pro surfers make the same mistakes over and over again and so I’ve decided to hold a workshop for pro surfers. I’ll be giving going through simple steps on how to surf to your full potential and build on things like confidence and character.”
Tomson will present a free C.O.R.E Performance Workshop on the evening of July 5 at 18.30 at La Montagne hotel. On Thursday evening he will be screening his documentary film Bustin Down the Door at Willards Beach.
The Mr Price Pro Ballito will kick off on Monday at 8am. The Mr Price Pro Ballito will feature and exciting Beach Festival with loads of action sports, kids activities and more. The music concerts will take place at Salt Rock on July 8 and 9 from 16.30 pm.
Thursday, 23 June 2011
FCS JW-1 product of Julian's research and developement
23 June, 2011 : - - FCS Team rider Julian Wilson recently gave his new signature fin the FCS JW-1 the official tick of approval by winning the ASP Prime Quiksilver Pro Portugal. Julian was a clear standout during the event and put on a near perfect display in the final against Gabriel Medina.
"This would have to be the biggest win of my career to date, and it feels amazing. It's nice to have all the hard work pay off and everything come together”.
The release of the JW-1 comes after a long development period which saw Julian testing his fin at a variety of different locations around the world. Having only been on the market a short time, the FCS JW-1 is already being adopted by many top ASP professionals.
Julian further commented on his equipment, and how it played a role in the victory. "My boards felt great for the entire week and my new signature FCS fin performed really well in all the different conditions, it did the job perfectly!”.
The FCS JW-1 is a medium size fin geared towards fast, aggressive surfing. The side fin template lends elements of Kelly Slater’s K2.1 and the FCS G-5, delivering fast pivotal surfing in critical sections. A slightly smaller centre fin template also triggers quick tail release.
"This would have to be the biggest win of my career to date, and it feels amazing. It's nice to have all the hard work pay off and everything come together”.
The release of the JW-1 comes after a long development period which saw Julian testing his fin at a variety of different locations around the world. Having only been on the market a short time, the FCS JW-1 is already being adopted by many top ASP professionals.
Julian further commented on his equipment, and how it played a role in the victory. "My boards felt great for the entire week and my new signature FCS fin performed really well in all the different conditions, it did the job perfectly!”.
The FCS JW-1 is a medium size fin geared towards fast, aggressive surfing. The side fin template lends elements of Kelly Slater’s K2.1 and the FCS G-5, delivering fast pivotal surfing in critical sections. A slightly smaller centre fin template also triggers quick tail release.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Jordy Smith Set to Defend Crown at Mr. Price Pro Ballito
BALLITO, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa (Tuesday, June 14, 2011) – International surfing sensation Jordy Smith (Durban) returns to Ballito this July to defend his Mr Price Pro Ballito crown in front of a supporting home crowd.
Last year saw the Durban-born surfer become the fourth South African ever to capture the prestigious title, an honor he shares with 1969 Gunston 500 winner Gavin Rudolph (PE), six times Gunston 500 winner Shaun Thomson (Dbn) 1973 – 1978 and 2006 Mr Price Pro Champion Ricky Basnett (Bluff, Dbn).
“The Mr Price Pro was an event I’d always wanted to win ever since I was a little kid and it was great to do so in front of my friends and family,” Smith said. “It had been several years since I’d last surfed a contest in Ballito, the waves are very different from those in Durban and there is a lot of history with the event as well, so it was very special.”
Smith’s victory in Ballito was significant in that it marked the start to a winning streak that saw him secure a historic victory at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, putting him in contention for the 2010 ASP World Title.
Winning 34 of his 47 heats, totaling a 72% heat win average, Jordy made every quarterfinal on the ASP World Title Tour but one, finishing second to none other than professional surfing icon 10X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater, at the end of the year.
This year sees Smith face a new challenge in defending his 2010 Mr Price Pro Ballito crown. Twenty-four of the world’s top 35 ASP World Title Tour surfers have entered to compete for a slice of the R1.7 Million prize purse and 6500 ASP ratings points offered by the event’s new Prime status.
Currently rated World No. 5 on the ASP Elite World Title rankings, Smith is the highest ranked surfer in the event but with former winners such as Tanner Guduaskas (USA) 2009, Chris Davidson (AUS) 2008 and Jihad Khodr (BRA) 2007 in the draw, not to mention World No. 12’s Jadson Andre (BRA) and Josh Kerr (AUS), No. 17’s Adrian Buchan (AUS) and 2001 ASP World Champion CJ Hobgood (USA), there are guaranteed to be no easy heats.
“I can’t wait to compete in Ballito again,” Smith said. “All the top guys will be giving it their best shot and it’s not going to be easy against the local guys either. There have been some really good waves in Ballito since the event was moved there and I am looking forward to it.”
With two back-to-back events on home soil – the Mr Price Pro Ballito followed by the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay – Smith’s local knowledge at both breaks will give him added advantage against the worlds best as he looks to gain ground in the 2011 ASP World Title race.
“It’s a big bonus to have these contests at home,” Smiith said. “The Mr Price Pro Ballito is always a great event to take part in before J-Bay to try build some momentum, so I’ll be looking to make the most of it. Both are massive contests, so winning either would be incredibly special.”
With just over one month’s break in competition since the Billabong Pro Rio, Smith has invested all of his time and energy into preparing for this all-important African leg.
“The preparation has been great so far, I’ve been in the gym and surfing, and I’m going to go on a surf trip towards the end of the month before getting straight back into action with the Mr Price Pro Ballito. It’s been a good break, but I’m excited about the upcoming events.
With the support of South Africa behind him on Smith is set to emulate his 2010 success on home soil.
The Mr Price Pro Ballito 2011 will include an action packed Beach Festival running in conjunction with the main event. Beach entertainment, extreme sports, dedicated children’s programmes and a lifestyle and retail area, provide plenty of daytime fun. The ever-popular Mr Price Pro Music concerts will take place on the evening of 8 and 9 July at no cost to festivalgoers.
For additional information on the ASP PRIME Mr Price Pro Ballito log on to
Last year saw the Durban-born surfer become the fourth South African ever to capture the prestigious title, an honor he shares with 1969 Gunston 500 winner Gavin Rudolph (PE), six times Gunston 500 winner Shaun Thomson (Dbn) 1973 – 1978 and 2006 Mr Price Pro Champion Ricky Basnett (Bluff, Dbn).
“The Mr Price Pro was an event I’d always wanted to win ever since I was a little kid and it was great to do so in front of my friends and family,” Smith said. “It had been several years since I’d last surfed a contest in Ballito, the waves are very different from those in Durban and there is a lot of history with the event as well, so it was very special.”
Smith’s victory in Ballito was significant in that it marked the start to a winning streak that saw him secure a historic victory at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, putting him in contention for the 2010 ASP World Title.
Winning 34 of his 47 heats, totaling a 72% heat win average, Jordy made every quarterfinal on the ASP World Title Tour but one, finishing second to none other than professional surfing icon 10X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater, at the end of the year.
This year sees Smith face a new challenge in defending his 2010 Mr Price Pro Ballito crown. Twenty-four of the world’s top 35 ASP World Title Tour surfers have entered to compete for a slice of the R1.7 Million prize purse and 6500 ASP ratings points offered by the event’s new Prime status.
Currently rated World No. 5 on the ASP Elite World Title rankings, Smith is the highest ranked surfer in the event but with former winners such as Tanner Guduaskas (USA) 2009, Chris Davidson (AUS) 2008 and Jihad Khodr (BRA) 2007 in the draw, not to mention World No. 12’s Jadson Andre (BRA) and Josh Kerr (AUS), No. 17’s Adrian Buchan (AUS) and 2001 ASP World Champion CJ Hobgood (USA), there are guaranteed to be no easy heats.
“I can’t wait to compete in Ballito again,” Smith said. “All the top guys will be giving it their best shot and it’s not going to be easy against the local guys either. There have been some really good waves in Ballito since the event was moved there and I am looking forward to it.”
With two back-to-back events on home soil – the Mr Price Pro Ballito followed by the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay – Smith’s local knowledge at both breaks will give him added advantage against the worlds best as he looks to gain ground in the 2011 ASP World Title race.
“It’s a big bonus to have these contests at home,” Smiith said. “The Mr Price Pro Ballito is always a great event to take part in before J-Bay to try build some momentum, so I’ll be looking to make the most of it. Both are massive contests, so winning either would be incredibly special.”
With just over one month’s break in competition since the Billabong Pro Rio, Smith has invested all of his time and energy into preparing for this all-important African leg.
“The preparation has been great so far, I’ve been in the gym and surfing, and I’m going to go on a surf trip towards the end of the month before getting straight back into action with the Mr Price Pro Ballito. It’s been a good break, but I’m excited about the upcoming events.
With the support of South Africa behind him on Smith is set to emulate his 2010 success on home soil.
The Mr Price Pro Ballito 2011 will include an action packed Beach Festival running in conjunction with the main event. Beach entertainment, extreme sports, dedicated children’s programmes and a lifestyle and retail area, provide plenty of daytime fun. The ever-popular Mr Price Pro Music concerts will take place on the evening of 8 and 9 July at no cost to festivalgoers.
For additional information on the ASP PRIME Mr Price Pro Ballito log on to
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