Miércoles 3 de Agosto 2005

Newsletter FFS

   Des Championnats de France 2005 reussis
Une grande fête du surf vient de fermer ses portes dimanche dernier sur le spot de Cavaliers, voyant le jeune surfeur de 14 ans Johan Duru remporter la finale open en surf.
Des Championnats de France 2005 ont été une vraie réussite. 360 compétiteurs, plus d’une dizaine de régions, 9 journées entières, 6 disciplines. Voilà quelques chiffres qui résument l’ampleur de cet événement de glisse.
Ces championnats ont attribué de très jolis titres, tels que celui de Johan Duru un des espoirs du surf français. Lors d’une finale de surf open très disputée, ce jeune rider de 14 ans a brillamment remporté la couronne aux nez et aux barbe du régional du local Romain Laulhé,  de l’hendayais Simon Marchand et du réunionnais Hugo Savalli.

A noter également la magnifique finale que nous ont offert les longboarders opens, encore jamais vue en championnats de France et qui restera gravée dans les annales. Un résultat quasi parfait de Jonathan Larcher noté à 19,5 sur 20, après une lutte terrible mais familiale contre son frère Timothée Creignou!!
Il ne faut pas non plus passé à côté de la très forte présence des Dom-Tom lors de cette compétition, et plus particulièrement celle de l’Île de la Réunion.

   Le WCT Pro Anglet du 8 au 14 Août
Pour la 11ème fois consécutive, cette épreuve, en partenariat avec la Fédération Française de Surf, marque l'arrivée des pros surfeurs en Europe et le début des contests français et européens.
Cette année, le WCT Pro est une épreuve WQS 5 étoiles dotée de 100 000$ de prize money.
Plus de 200 compétiteurs vont se disputer les précieux points de cette épreuve, qui au fur et à mesure est devenue majeure en Europe. Elle attire même certains des surfeurs pros du circuit WCT qui viennent se préparer avant la grosse étape d’Hossegor.
Des surfeurs comme Troy Brooks, Nathan Webster, Greg Emslie, Darren O'Rafferty, Chris Davidson, Nathan Edge, tous sur le WCT seront présents. Nous retrouverons aussi beaucoup de surfeurs français avec les français Eric Rebière, Frédéric Robin, Romain Lauhlé, Patrick Beven,
Nous croisons tous les doigts pour que le spectacle soit au rendez-vous. Par contre il n’ y a aucun doute que l'ambiance sera bien présente, dans l'eau, sur la plage et en ville le soir.

   Picon au septieme ciel a l’US Open

Parcours exceptionnel de Micky Picon à l’US Open, l'un des WQS les plus relevés au monde.

Après avoir sorti plusieurs têtes de série il se retrouve en demi-finales face au Champion du Monde en titre l’Hawaïen prodige Andy Irons, qui a été poussé dans ses derniers retranchements !
Un parcours quasi parfait synonyme de points précieux dans la course à la qualification pour le WCT.

Ces très bons résultats le propulse donc logiquement dans le top 10 du WQS.

Lui qui en 2001 était dans la même position en connaissant un dur coup du sort en se blessant au cœur de la saison, a aujourd'hui l'occasion de prendre sa revanche sur le destin.
Miky part ensuite au Japon pour enfoncer le clou, armé d'une confiance retrouvée et d'un objectif clair : le sommet.

D'ores et déjà ce résultat le met dans de bonnes dispositions avant d'attaquer les épreuves françaises du WQS.

Dans des conditions minimales et aléatoires à Huntington Beach, Emmanuelle Joly s'est qualifiée pour les 1/6 de finales de l'US OPEN. La glisseuse d'Anglet a su tirer son épingle du jeu avec un surf réaliste et juste pour ces conditions. Abgrall et Sarran quant à elles ont échoué dès le premier tour.

   Le 26ème Lacanau Pro du 11 au 21 Août

Pour la 26ème année consécutive, en partenariat avec la Fédération Française Surf, les plages de Lacanau accueillent du 11 au 21 août l’élite des surfeurs mondiaux. Un Prize Money de 130000 $ est réparti sur les 2 compétitions :
Le Pro Junior se déroule du 11 au 13 août, réunissant les meilleurs riders de moins de 21 ans. Du 15 au 21 août, elle passe le relais à la compétition homme, le LACANAU PRO, étape incontournable du championnat du Monde de Surf Professionnel (WQS).
Cette année encore, les Riders français ont l’occasion de montrer l’étendue de leur talent lors du Lacanau Pro du 11 au 21 août. Face aux internationaux, notamment l’hawaïen Andy Irons, triple champion du Monde et les australiens Joel Parkison ou Trent Munro.

    Finale du King of the Groms a Capbreton du 2 au 7 Aout

De passage à Anglet sur le spot du club en juillet dernier pour l’ultime étape avant la finale, la caravane du king of the groms tour 2005 finit son trajet à Capbreton pour une méchante phase finale, qui permettra de décerner le Roi du surf espoir.
Le plus vaste circuit international jamais réalisé et dédié aux jeunes surfeurs, permettra de mettre sur un pied d’estale le numéro 1 du surf mondial des moins de 16 ans et ainsi lui faire profiter des avantages dont dispose un surfeur professionnel de très haut niveau.
Un tremplin exceptionnel pour ces petits prodiges du surf.

La première journée a déjà commencé avec les séries de qualification…

    La commission handisurf FFS encore et toujours presente

Le stand Handisurf était de nouveau présent lors des Championnats de France de Surf 2005 à Anglet, dans le but de mettre en avant une exposition photos et matériels de la Commission Handisurf FFS.

La permanence a été assurée sur le stand par Loïc DEVAUTOUR, notre représentant des surfeurs handicapés à la Commission Handisurf FFS.

Dans le prolongement de l’exposition du 64BSF 2005, ils ont eu l’occasion de recevoir de nouveaux visiteurs et certaines personnes qui envisagent sérieusement de mener des actions concrètes. Ces correspondants sont issus de milieux professionnels, associatifs ou particuliers.
   Plusieurs interviews télévision et radio ont été faites sur le site de l’exposition, avec notamment Canal+, RFO, France Bleu Pays Basque …

   Coupe de France de Bodysurf a Anglet du 6 au 7 Aout

A près l’étape des Championnats de France qui a couronné l’expérimenté David Dubes (à noter également la seconde place du président de la commission bodysurf FFS, Patrice Grieumard), le bodysurf continue sa route et repasse de nouveau par Anglet pour la première étape de la Coupe de France.
Seront réunis les 30 meilleurs bodysurfeurs français, qui tenteront de remporter le maximum de points pour espérer accrocher un titre de plus à leur palmarès.
Le leader actuel du classement fédéral (que vous pouvez découvrir ci-dessous en cliquant sur le lien) Matias Hegoas, aura fort à faire face au vice Champion de France Patrice Grieumard, à Stéphane Clément actuel numéro du classement, ou encore Matthieu Sanchez numéro quatre.
Une lutte acharnée en perspective entre les leaders locaux angloyes. Ne pas oublier quand même la présence des réunionnais également présents dans cette discipline.

   Championnats d’Europe de Skimboard a Seignosse du 6 au 7
Le skimboard revient en force lors d u week-end du 6 et 7 août 2005 à Seignosse pour les Championnats d’Europe.
Sur le spot des Bourdaines, se retrouveront les meilleurs skimboardeurs d’Europe qui se batailleront pour remporter le titre tant convoité de Champion d’Europe.
Nos petits français ont déjà pu s’échauffer un peu  durant les étapes de la Coupe de France, pour arriver ici aux Bourdaines en pleine forme.
   FFS

Domingo 31 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005
L'Angloye Thomas Bady champion
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Aujourd’hui dimanche 31 juillet, 9ème et ultime jour des Championnats de France 05 sur le célèbre sport des Cavaliers à Anglet. Une grosse semaine de surf, bodyboard, longboard, bodysurf, kneeboard, tandem de folie, qui aura vu de nombreux titres se décerner, va s’achever sur cette demi-journée dédiée aux jeunes surfers et aux bodysurfers.
Ce matin, un grand soleil se présentait à nous en arrivant sur le site. Les vagues propres déferlaient à au hauteur de 50 à 70 ; de quoi satisfaire pleinement les derniers participants des épreuves de bodysurf open, de surf longboard espoir, et de surf minimes, cadets et juniors.

En bodysurf:

1'7 DUBES david Ang 1
2'8 HEGOAS Matias Ang 3
1'8 GRIEUMARD Patrice Ang 2
2'7 ARTOLA Bernard Ang 4

En longboard jeunes:

1'7 MARECHAL Mathieu Kang 1
2'8 DELPERRO Edouard BASCs 4
1'8 ARAUZO Rémi VB 2
2'7 DELAPLACE Vincent Aloha 3

En surf minimes:

1'7 VEMINARDI Medi StLeu 1
2'8 LABORDE Pierre Valentin Hoss 2
1'8 POLA Pablo Bid 3
2'7 WALTER Benjamin RNoir 4

En surf cadets:

1'7 CHAUDOY Damien StLeu 3
2'8 DELANNE Justin Madin 1
1'8 DURU Johan Hoss 2
2'7 SIMON Thomas StLeu 4

Sábado 30 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005
De tres belles victoires basco-landaises en Surf
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Aujourd'hui les épreuves surf ont continué leur bonhomme de chemin, pour se terminer sur des finales très relevées. Ajoutons à cela le surf tandem, le kneeboard et le bodysurf et nous obtenons une très belle journée 8ème journée de glisse.

En surf open victoire de Johan Duru.

En surf ondines jeunes, victoire d'Alysée Arnaud.

En Kneeboard Norbert Senescat devient Champion de France.

En tandem, Alban et Marie remportent leur finale.

Demain dès 8hOO sur le spot des Cavaliers retrouvez les dernières séries et les finales des épreuves surf minimes, cades, juniors et espoirs longboard.
Retrouvez également la finale de bodysurf. .
   FFS

Jueves 28 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005
The flat day
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Et oui, des journées pareilles ça arrive même dans le Pays Basque ou sur le North Shore, sans vagues à se mettre sous la planche.

Des vagues de 20 cm déferlaient sur le spot des Cavaliers pour le premier tour et la session de repêchage. Cela n’a pas empêché Mathieu Maréchal du Finistère de remporter sa finale devant le réunionnais Alexandre Lombordo et de passer au prochain tour. Idem pour Vincent Delaplace de l’Aloha Surf Club, Gilian Larsonneur du Madéo, l’aquitain Rémi Arauzo et le réunionnais Valentin Menard. Malheureusement le seul local Quentin Delion s’est fait sortir en terminant troisième. Le petit frère Edouard Delperro suit les traces du grand et accède lui aussi au prochain tour en gagnant sa série. Le Biarrot Marlon Clemp le suit également.

La suite dès demain dans de meilleures conditions, nous espérons…, avec l’arrivée des surfers espoirs et open qui vont démarrés leurs premier s tours.

Rendez-vous dès demain matin 8h30 (pour les lèves-tôt) sur le site des Cavaliers à Anglet.
   FFS

Miércoles 27 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005 
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Jonathan Larcher en longboard open a atomisé la finale avec un score quasi-parfait de 19,5!!!
   Un niveau de surf encore jamais vue lors des précédents championnats de france.

En bodyboard trois titres ont été attribués:
En ondines jeunes victoire de la guadeloupéenne Alice Gironella (Arawak Surf Club).
En minimes, le titre revient au guadeloupéen Mathieu Maroudian (Karukera Surf Club).
En cadets, Quentin Androuet de l'Ile de La Réunion l'emporte (Radical Surf Club).

Demain jeudi 28 juillet aux Cavaliers à Anglet :

Arrivée des épreuves de Surf, avec les minimes, les ondines espoir, ainsi que les épreuves de longboard ondines espoir, et encore plein d’autres à découvrir.
   FFS

Martes 26 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005 
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Lors de cette quatrième journée, avec une petite  houle en baisse se sont déroulées les épreuves bodyboard des jeunes.
   En bodyboard open l’hendayais Yvon Martinez est devenu champion de france.
   En bodyboard junior, Manuel Lohado reste en première position jusqu’à la fin de la finale, pour l’emporter et devenir également Champion de France.
   En surf tag team, l'équipe du club Bascs l'emporte pour monter sur la première marche du podium.
   FFS

Sábado 23 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005 
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Les Championnats de France de Surf ont débutés ce matin, samedi 23 Juillet sur la plage des Cavaliers à Anglet.
   Samedi 23 juillet 2005, il est 9 heure du matin environ sur la plage des Cavaliers à Anglet, le ciel est un peu couvert, la houle est petite, les vagues sont belles n’atteignant pas le mètre, le site est prêt et les drapeaux flottent, tout le monde est paré: les Championnats de France de Surf 2005 sont officiellement ouverts pour une période de 9 jours.
   Premier titre décerné en Ondines Open Surf, avec la victoire surprise de Pauline Ado.
   FFS

Viernes 22 de Julio 2005

WCT Pro Jeffreys Bay
Slater defeats Irons in epic showdown at WCT pro Jeffreys Bay
J.Bay-South Africa, July 12-22

   After an extraordinary day of surfing in building two metre (6 foot) plus conditions, six-time ASP Men’s World Tour champ, Kelly Slater (USA) emerged from the chilly waters of Jeffreys Bay South Africa to claim the top gong in the 2005 WCT Pro defeating Andy Irons (HAW) 16.83 to 16.56 out of 20.
   This now throws an interesting spin on the ratings as Slater, on 5342 points, has lengthened his lead while Irons, on 4596 points, has leapt past Trent Munro (AUS) who now sits in third on 4286 points and Mick Fanning (AUS) who sits in fourth on 4230 points.
   It was an unprecedented occasion as it was the first time the two champs had met in a man on man final and all on hand to witness the event, either live online or at the beach, were treated to some of the most phenomenal surfing ever seen with both surfers pulling no punches in the 30 minute battle.
   Irons began strongly when he linked together some hideously powerful rail turns on a sizable wall to score an 8.33 for his opening ride. This in turn forced Slater, who stumbled on his first couple of rides into “playing catchups” for the rest of final.
   Slater was by far the standout surfer of the event notching up an astonishing 19.30 to take down Jake Paterson (AUS) in round four and an even better 19.50, (which included a perfect 10 point ride) against Bede Durbidge (AUS) in his quarter final. Yet it looked as though Irons had his measure in the final right up until 35 seconds remained.
   With the eager crowd roaring, a 1.5 metre wave miraculously appeared for Slater and he took to it with gusto, aggressively attacking the critical section of the wave, executing five tightly rounded turns.
   Needing a 9.23 to overtake Irons all waited anxiously after the final bell for the scores to be announced. Irons believed he had victory, but Slater’s arms quickly went skyward when a 9.50 was shouted over the PA and the crowd instantly went into a deafening cheer.
   “I don’t think I’ve ever had my back to the wall like that in a final,” said Slater proudly clutching the winner’s trophy. “To get one up against Andy is a real feat, he’s just been on it for so many years now and we’ve had a number of heats but I don’t think I’ve beaten him yet. It’s a little bit of redemption to get back at him!”
   Speaking on the wave that he rode to victory Slater was awestruck by the occasion.
   “I’m taking off and I’m hearing everyone scream, I knew that was the wave and it wasn’t going to be the one behind it,” he said. “It had the right timing and the right look to it and it was all a bit blurred at this point. I remember my last floater, I landed it, kind of came off, laid back and stood back up in the white water but I don’t know if the judges could see me or not. It was a special wave at a special time and to get that one right at the end made it even better.”
   Going into the second half of the year Slater’s focus on grabbing another ASP Men’s World Tour crown is highly evident.
   “I want to win five or six events this year,” he continued. I’m pushing for that and if I can win one more event I think I’ll put myself in a really good position.”
   Irons who left it to the final to show his wares today was obviously disappointed with the last minute loss but was gracious in defeat taking pride in the fact that at the half-way mark of the season he still has a solid chance of retaining his world crown.
   “It hurts,” he said. “I was on the beach at the end doing the countdown myself and I was thinking, oh my god here comes a wave. It’s one thing to blow a final but to have it so close leaves a pretty sour feeling.”
   Irons took a wave just minutes before the end of the final which scored an 8.23 and he was hopeful that he had driven the stake right into Slater – but it wasn’t to be.
   “On my last wave if I wasn’t gonna go, he was gonna go and who knows he might have got a better score so it’s a tough call,” said Irons. “I went, I bettered my score but he just waited patiently. Kelly’s won six world titles and he hasn’t done that by fluke. He’s a really good competitor and he’s definitely the guy to beat.
   “There’s a lot of events left, I’ve had a good year with two seconds, a fifth and a bunch of ninths. I think if Kelly wasn’t on the tour I’d be right up there so all I can say is darn him and I look forward to the next event and hopefully I’ll get on a roll from there.”
   In the best result of his career to date tour rookie Tim Reyes (USA) was over the moon with his third placing giving all recognition to Slater for such a commanding performance.
   Showing heart all the way through the event, Reyes’s fluid surfing turned many heads and no doubt his fellow competitors will be looking over their shoulders when the tour shifts to Japan for the next event.
   “This is the best result in my career so I’m really stoked,” said a beaming Reyes. “I’m also really happy to have come here and surfed the waves that I’ve always dreamed about since I was a kid and I also broke the curse I had on me that made me go out of events in the early rounds. I had so much fun and since Kelly beat me I hope he goes on to win the contest. Kelly is my favourite surfer and I know I nearly could’ve had him if he didn’t catch that last wave. But I’ll gracefully lose to him.”
   Equal third place getter and local South African hero Greg Emslie also achieved a career best and right throughout the final day had full crowd support as he knocked over big guns Taylor Knox (USA) and Joel Parkinson (AUS).
   “I stuck to my game plan the whole way through which was to be relaxed, have fun out there and take it to the guys,” he said. “I drew some tough competitors and I’m really happy with some of my heats. It felt like an iron man event due to the conditions. You have a good wave, you surf your heart out, kick out and then there’s like four massive sets washing through behind and you’ve got a long paddle back out.
   “I’m very happy with the result, I think I learnt a lot in this event just about surfing heats the way I want to surf heats so I’m definitely going to take the knowledge into the next event.”
   Earlier in the day, as the contest progressed from round four onwards, their were numerous sterling performances with Joel Parkinson (AUS) being one of the standouts.
   Parkinson defeated Dean Morrison (AUS) in round four executing an incredibly difficult carving 360 degree turn. Falling to Emslie in the quarter finals Parkinson is now ranked fifth and is still in touch with the front runners.

   Final day results:
   Round four:
Heat 1: Luke Stedman(AUS) 14.00, def Luke Egan (AUS) 10.84
Heat 2: Tim Reyes ((USA) 15.33, def Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 6.20
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge(AUS) 16.17, def Lee Winkler (AUS) 9.60
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.30, def Jake Paterson (AUS) 15.50
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW) 16.50, def Bruce Irons (HAW) 13.50
Heat 6: Raoni Monteiro (BRZ) 15.13, def Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 13.16
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.17, def Dean Morrison (AUS) 9.50
Heat 8: Greg Emslie (ZAF)16.00, def Taylor Knox (USA) 15.73
   Quarter finals:
Heat 1: Tim Reyes ((USA) 17.50, def Luke Stedman(AUS)14.34
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.50, def Bede Durbidge(AUS)14.33
Heat 3: Andy Irons (HAW)15.67, def Raoni Monteiro (BRZ)9.16
Heat 4: Greg Emslie (ZAF)14.83, def Joel Parkinson (AUS)9.67
   Semi finals:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA)17.33, def Tim Reyes ((USA) 13.83
Heat 2: Andy Irons (HAW) 15.67, def Greg Emslie (ZAF)11.00
   Final:
Kelly Slater (USA)16.83, def Andy Irons (HAW)16,56

   Top 10 ASP Men’s World Tour ratings:
1. Kelly Slater (USA)           5342
2. Andy Irons (HAW)           4596
3. Trent Munro (AUS)   4286
4. Mick Fanning (AUS) 4230
5. Joel Parkinson (AUS)       3732
6. Fred Patacchia (HAW)      3628
7. Phil MacDonald (AUS)      3599
8. Cory Lopez (USA)            3575
9. CJ Hobgood (USA)   3546
10. Nathan Hedge (AUS)      3443
   ASP

Miércoles 20 de Julio 2005

Championnats de France 2005, de nouveau a Anglet  
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, du 23 au 31 Juillet

   Pour la 6ème fois depuis sa naissance, l'Anglet Surf Club, la Ville d’Anglet et son Office de Tourisme sont heureux d’organiser et de vous présenter les Championnats de France de Surf Open et Espoir, qui se dérouleront du 23 au 31 Juillet prochains sur la célèbre plage des Cavaliers à Anglet.
Cette compétition nationale va réunir les 360 meilleurs compétiteurs françai s de métropole et des Dom-Tom.
   Une semaine de glisse forte en émotions, qui offrira plus de 21 titres individuels et par équipes à travers 4 grandes disciplines: le surf , le surf longboard, le bodyboard et le bodysurf.
   FFS

Miércoles 20 de Julio 2005

XIII Biarritz Surf Festival
Les français ont brille au BSF
Côte des Basques-Biarritz, 9 au17 de Juillet

   En partenariat avec la Fédération Française de Surf, le 64 Biarritz Surf Festival unique événement européen dédié à la culture du surf, vient de fermer ses portes dimanche dernier, avec les dernières phases finales remportées par nos petits français.
   Pour la troisième fois consécutive notre championne d’Europe en titre Claire Karabatsos, remporte l'épreuve internationale.
   Du bleu blanc rouge également pour l’épreuve européenne masculine, remportée par Timothée Creignou devant le britannique Eliot Dudley et les deux autres français Thibaud Dussarat et Jonathan Larcher.
   Pour la finale internationale nous avons eu droit à un très joli tableau franco-brésilien. Antoine Delperro l’emporte avec 1 petit point d’avance sur le brésilien Eduardo Bagé.
   L’épreuve de surf tandem a également été remportée par un couple français Marie et Alban.
   Une fois de plus, le public et les surfeurs ont été ravis de profiter de cet esprit unique du surf au cœur de la capitale européenne de la glisse.
   FFS

Martes 19 de Julio 2005

XI WQS Anglet Pro
Les Cavaliers-Anglet, 8-14 August

   Back to Basque For The 11th WQS Anglet Pro.
   For the 11th year in a row the WQS Pro, 5-star ASP surf event will once again kick off the French leg of the World tour. Between the 8th and the 14th August, 196 of the world’s most outstanding surfers will converge on Les Plage des Cavaliers, Anglet, in the Basque region of France, eager to bank a solid result and kick start their French WQS campaign. Is the only WQS surf event to take place in the Basque region and marks the midway stage of the 2005 tour.
   New additions to this year Anglet Pro include the new ASP rules for 5 star WQS contests. The new criterion both minimizes the amount of surfers that can enter the competition to 196, and introduces World Championship Tour (WCT) style man-on-man heats from the round of 16. The reduced numbers increases the lower seeded surfers chances of progressing up through the ranks, while the man-on-man heats, during the closing stages of competition, adds to the intensity of the already explosive finish.
   The drama will once again unfold at the break of Les Cavaliers. This swell magnet, situated at the northern tip of the Basque country, is famed for its speedy cavernous barrels that are know to rival that of neighboring Hossegor to the North. Combine this world-class wave with the unique and breathtaking backdrop of the Pyrenees, the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Basque people and the 2005 Anglet Pro formula promises to deliver a contest to remember.
   In addition to the action on the water, the WQS Pro will be taking over the whole of Anglet with a loaded program of side events including on-site DJs, live bands and an open-air cinema.
Notes:
The Basque Country:
The Basque country stretches east from Bilbao in Spain all the way around to
Bayonne in France. The Basque people are a bit of a mystery, they seem to have been around for ever, having, as they do, their own language that predates and has no relation to any other of the European tongues. Their homeland may sit across two modern countries, but national pride is still very much alive. It’s a unique place where community, camaraderie, family and friends are the most important thing. A maverick spirit also pervades, which is why surfing took off here in the 1st place, that and the Basque peoples natural affinity with the ocean.

Lunes 18 de Julio 2005

Comunicado de la ASP 
El WCT Pro Mundaka Cancelado para el 2005
Mundaka, 4 al 15 de Octubre

   Después de muchas reuniones, la Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), World Professional Surfers (WPS) y el Club de Surf de Mundaka se ha llegado a la decisión, que debido al deterioro de las condiciones de la ola de Mundaka, el Mundaka Pro World Championship Tour (WCT), no se celebrará este año.
   A pesar de llevar un seguimiento minucioso del banco de arena, esperando una posible regeneración de la misma, se ha llegado a la conclusión de que dicha localidad no cumple la calidad exigida para un evento de alto nivel como es el circuito WCT.
   "Esta ha sido una de las decisiones más difíciles que he tomado", Dijo Derek O´Neill. "Hemos estado en constante comunicación durante varios meses, con el Club de Surf de Mundaka y el Ayuntamiento de esta localidad y teníamos que tomar una rápida decisión.
Tenemos muy buena relación con Mundaka y estamos dispuestos a trabajar con ellos con todo lo que concierne a la ola. Esperamos que las condiciones mejoren y  nos permitan volver en el año 2006."
   El equipo de Men's World Tour, y el ASP, están también tristes por la cancelación del evento, sin embargo esperan que sólo sea un parón momentáneo, pudiendo así continuar con el WCT Pro Mundaka  en años venideros.
   "Actualmente el Men's World Tour se celebra en 12 de las mejores localidades del mundo." Dijo Wayne Bartholomew, Presidente del ASP." El ASP tiene mucho cariño a la gente de Mundaka y a su ola, pero de momento no tenemos certeza de que la barra produzca la calidad exigida, es más sensato pararlo de momento este año, y esperar que la ola vuelva a la normalidad en el 2006."
   El máximo representante de los surfistas del ASP Men's World Tour, Jake Paterson se sintió muy desanimado, por ser Mundaka una parada donde los surfistas esperan con mucha emoción.
   "Ha sido una desilusión para todos nosotros el no poder participar en Mundaka este año- es una de las paradas preferidas del tour WCT. Siempre hemos sido muy bien recibidos en esta localidad, la gente de Mundaka es maravillosa y todos los años nos acogen con los brazos abiertos. Esperamos que todo se arregle para el 2006."
   El Club de Surf de Mundaka, la organización local que apoya al evento, siente que la decisión tomada ha sido la mejor, no solo para el Tour WCT, sino también para no manchar el nombre de unos de los mejores spots del mundo "Celebrar una competición con las condiciones del momento sería dañar la imagen del País Vasco, Mundaka, sus playas cercanas y la comunidad del Surf en general- Comentaron- Nos gustaría agradecer al principal sponsor de la competición por su buen hacer y compromiso hacia el pueblo de
Mundaka, el País Vasco y  sus surfistas. Mientras tanto, esperamos que las condiciones de la ola vuelvan a nosotros y sean las necesarias para celebrar un evento de gran calidad."
   Mundakako Surf Taldea

Lunes 18 de Julio 2005

Sofia Mulanovich wins ESPY Award 

   Peruvian, 2005 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s World Tour Champ, Sofia Mulanovich, has picked up a prestigious ESPY Award for Best Female Action Sports Athlete.
   The pint-sized regular-foot (left foot forward) surfer, who was also the first South American to claim an ASP World Crown, beat a host of well fancied action sports ladies to the title including skier Karin Huttery and pro snowboarders Janna Meyen, and Hannah Teter.
   The ESPY Awards were created by USA based cable TV sports giant, ESPN in 1993 and are presented for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly.
   The awards include numerous categories covering a variety of sports with the actual ceremony being attended by top international athletes and major Hollywood celebs alike.
   The award is huge not only for Mulanovich but for women’s surfing as a whole as she sits along side top “mainstream” athletes of the likes of Lance Armstrong (cycling) and Roger Federer (tennis) who also picked up “gongs” for their efforts in their respective sports.
   "I'm very happy to win the ESPY Award, and I want to congratulate all the other women who were nominated," Sofia Mulanovich said. "I give a lot of credit to my friends and family who have supported me and, of course, everyone at Roxy. It's been a really amazing year, and the most important thing for me is to keep working hard and try to defend my title."
   Mulanovich's phenomenal 2004 season included a first place finish at the ISA World Championship Title competition in Salinas, Ecuador; first at the WCT Pro in Tavarua, Fiji; first at the WCT competition in Teahupoo, Tahiti; first at the WCT Pro in Anglet, France; and second at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California. She placed second at the Pro Hawaii, where she was named ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Champion. Among her other honors, Mulanovich has also received the Laurel's Sport Award bestowed upon her by Peruvian President Toledo, and a monument with her name has been placed outside of Peru's National Stadium in Lima.
   Mulanovich's 2004 world championship title is the latest in a long string of accomplishments she has garnered during her career. She was voted "ASP Rookie of the Year" on the World Championship Tour in 2003, was voted as 2003's Number 5 "Favorite Female Surfer" in the Surfer Magazine Poll Awards, won Surfer Magazine Video Awards' "Best Wipeout" category the same year, and was the Peruvian National Champion four years in a row.
   ASP

Viernes 15 de Julio 2005

Cancelado el WCT Pro Mundaka 2005
La décima prueba del circuito mundial de surf WCT, queda suspendida
Mundaka, 4 al 15 de Octubre

   Ante la situación de la ola de Mundaka, y tras sucesivas reuniones, los patrocinadores, organizadores y colaboradores del campeonato mundial que cada año acude a Euskadi, hemos decidido suspender el evento este año. Y es que la ola no cumple la calidad exigida para un evento de alto nivel como es el circuito WCT. Es una dura decisión que nos afecta a todos, pues Mundaka ha sido elegida como uno de los 12 mejores escenarios del mundo para llevar a cabo este prestigioso evento, que ha colocado a Euskadi en el punto de mira del surf mundial, una ola única en Europa cuyas características se semejan tan solo a otras 10 de todo el mundo.
   Tanto los 48 surfistas de élite que acuden a Mundaka cada año, y ASP (Asociación de Surfistas Profesionales) se han mostrado tristes ante la noticia, una decisión difícil de tomar, pues subrayan no solo el indiscutible valor de la ola, sino el recibimiento que han tenido siempre aquí. El club de Mundaka y la Federación Vasca de Surf, añaden además, que realizar el campeonato en las condiciones actuales, dañaría la imagen de una de las mejores olas del mundo y de todo Euskal Herria. Por ello, las entidades implicadas, creemos que es mejor esperar a que se recupere una ola en condiciones, y esperamos, Euskadi vuelva a acoger muy pronto el evento de surf más importante del mundo.  Quizás se pueda recuperar para la edición del 2006, así lo esperamos todos.
   Desde la federación tenemos muy claro que la cancelación de este campeonato tendrá duras consecuencias no solo para el surf mundial, sino en la repercusión mediática, económica y turística que supone la celebración del mundial en Euskadi.
   Desde la Federación insistimos en subrayar la gravedad de este asunto y señalamos que estamos ya trabajando para conseguir que la ola de Mundaka forme parte definitivamente del espacio protegido de la Biosfera de Urdaibai y así, se tenga en cuenta a la hora de realizar actuaciones sobre la ría.
   EHSF

Viernes 15 de Julio 2005

WCT Pro Mundaka off for 2005
Mundaka, 4-15 de October

   Following much discussion, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), World Professional Surfers (WPS) and the Mundaka Surf Club, it has been decided that due to recent deterioration of wave conditions at Mundaka, the 2005 Billabong Pro World Championship Tour (WCT) event will not take place.
   After closely monitoring the sandbar that generates the wave and months of waiting for a possible regeneration it was decided that the location could not guarantee the high quality conditions required for an event of WCT standard.
   “This has been one of the most difficult decisions to make,” said Derek O’Neill. “We’ve been in constant communication with the Mundaka Surf Club and the Town Hall for many months and a decision had to be made. We have had a long association with Mundaka and we intend to work closely with all concerned in the hope that the conditions will allow us to return in 2006.”
   The governing body of the Men’s World Tour, the ASP, was equally disappointed that the event was not taking place but like WCT was confident that the cancellation of this year’s event was only a “one-off”.
   “Currently we have the Men’s World Tour running in 12 of the best locations around the world,” said Wayne Bartholomew, President of the ASP. “ASP have a great affection for the Mundaka people and the wave, but without the guarantee that Mundaka would produce a quality platform for the athletes to perform we felt it best to look forward to 2006 and hope that the wave will return.”
   Representing the ASP Men’s World Tour surfers, Jake Paterson felt that it was big blow as the annual visit to the region was one that was always well looked forward to.
   “It’s a great disappointment that we can’t compete at Mundaka this year – it is a favoured stop on the WCT. We’ve always been welcomed into the area with open arms and the warmth and friendship from the Mundaka people is always amazing. Let’s hope that wave returns and we can get down to business there in 2006.”
   The Mundaka Surf Club, the local surfing organization which strongly supports the event, felt that the decision was best not only for the WCT but also so as not to tarnish the region’s reputation for staging world class surfing events.
   “To celebrate a competition with the current situation would damage the image of the Basque country, Mundaka and the surrounding areas and the surfing community,” they said. “We would like to thank to the principle sponsor of the competition for its actions and commitment to the town on Mundaka, the Basque Country and the surfers as we wait for the return of the necessary conditions to celebrate such a prestigious international event.”
   ASP

Lunes 11 de Julio 2005

WCT Pro Jeffreys Bay
J.Bay-South Africa, July 12-22

   The Jeffrey´s Pro is the only ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) event to be staged in South Africa annually, is the sixth of 12 events on the 2005 Fosters Men's ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) – “the dream tour”. The circuit determines the annual world surfing champion.
   The waiting period officially begins on Tuesday 12 July and runs to Friday 22 July, 2005.
   The contest requires 33 hours of competition (four full days) and will be staged in the best available conditions during the 11-day waiting period.
   The event is held at the famed right hand wave of Jeffreys Bay, South Africa – the contest is staged at “Supertubes”, acknowledged as one of the top 10 surfing venues on the planet.
   The event features the top 45 surfers from 2004 ASP Men’s World Tour world ratings plus three wildcards.
   The field includes reigning three-time world champion and defending event winner Andy Irons (HAW), six-time world champ and two-time (1997 and 2003) J-Bay event champ Kelly Slater (USA), former winners Mick Fanning (2002), Jake Paterson (2000 and 2001), Joel Parkinson (1999) and Mark Occhilupo (1984), all from Australia.
   The wildcards are allocated to the winners of the three Wildcard Trials heats held on the opening day of competition.
   The WCT Pro will prove crucial in the race for this year’s ASP world title after the ratings opened up when the top five seeded surfers tumbled out early in the previous event at Reunion Island.
   With the swell rising at the world famous break, organisers are hopeful of a round one start tomorrow morning (Tuesday July 12).
   A solid swell is predicted to arrive for the commencement of the Billabong Pro but some concerns are held over wind direction and strength on Tuesday, the first day of the 11-day waiting period from July 12 to 22. However the overall forecast is positive and only a total of four full days of competition is required to finalise the event. Organizers will assess conditions at 7am local time Tuesday for a decision.
   ASP

Jueves 7 de Julio 2005

Con casi total seguridad, Mundaka no acogerá este año el Campeonato del Mundo de Surf
El estado actual de la ola desaparecida, desaconseja su celebración
Mundaka, 4 al 15 de Octubre

   Tras un profundo análisis de la situación de la barra de arena que genera la ola y meses de espera confiando en una ansiada regeneración que no acaba de producirse, Mundakako Surf Taldea ha transmitido al sponsor de la prueba la recomendación de que no se celebre la 10ª competición del circuito mundial de surf que esta fijada en el calendario de la ASP (Asociación de Surfing Profesional) para Mundaka del 4 al 15 de Octubre de este año.
   La ASP tiene previsto reunirse entre los días 12 y 15 de Julio en la localidad sudafricana de Jeffreys Bay para tomar una decisión definitiva al respecto.
   El principal motivo para esta decisión radica en el hecho de que la grave desfiguración y deterioro que presenta la barra de Mundaka así como su entorno a día de hoy y la falta de garantías de recuperación para las fechas establecidas por parte de los investigadores dedicados al estudio de esta situación anómala, no permiten asegurar un medio de calidad mínima suficiente para que los mejores surfistas del mundo demuestren sus habilidades sobre la hasta fechas recientes mejor izquierda de Europa.
   La cobertura mediática de este evento (recogido por medios de comunicación de todo el mundo) pondría en evidencia que la ola no tiene la calidad suficiente desde que se produjo el dragado intensivo de la Ría en forma y cantidad nunca antes realizadas.
   Celebrar la prueba en las actuales circunstancias, además de suponer un fraude para las expectativas de los surfistas y el publico, afectaría negativamente a la imagen de Euskadi, Mundaka y su entorno entre la comunidad surfista internacional y haría muy difícil, si no imposible, recuperarla a posteriori.
   Emplazamos a todas las partes implicadas a realizar un esfuerzo que permita la pronta y total recuperación del estuario y, sobre todo, que impida futuras acciones que comprometan gravemente un entorno natural, la Reserva de la Biosfera de Urdaibai, cuya protección debería ser máxima.
   En el fondo la suspensión de una prueba deportiva, aunque sea del nivel y trascendencia mundial de la que se celebra en Mundaka, no es sino el síntoma de algo que como amantes de la Mar y la Naturaleza consideramos mas grave: algo no funciona como debe en la protección de nuestro litoral.
   Aprovechamos para agradecer al spónsor principal de la prueba su actitud y compromiso con el pueblo de Mundaka, Euskadi, y los surfistas, en espera de que se vuelvan a dar las condiciones adecuadas para la celebración de un evento de este prestigio internacional.
   Gracias a todos y buenas olas.
   Eider Ormaetxea

Miércoles 6 de Julio 2005

XIII Biarritz Surf Festival
Côte des Basques-Biarritz, 9 au17 de Juillet

   La FFS partenaire du 13eme Biarritz Surf Festival du 9 au 17 Juillet
   Le Biarritz Surf Festival en partenariat avec la Fédération F rançaise de Surf accueilleront les meilleurs longboarders européens et mondiaux sur la côte des basques à Biarritz.
   La France présentera une brochette de riders particulièrement alléchante, avec notamment, du coté des mâles dominants, Jonathan Larcher, Romain Morin, Antoine Delpéro, Antoine Cardonnet, (il en manque.....).
   Du coté de nos ondines, Claire Karabatsos, Extixu ESTREMO tenteront de garder respectivement leur première et seconde place. Notons également la présence de l’actuelle numéro un française, la vendéenne Caroline Angibaud accompagnée de ses trois dauphines, Claire Dereux, Nathalie Destandau et Anne Laure Chiron.
   FFS

Miércoles 6 de Julio 2005

King of the Groms
Anglet-Plage du Club, 14 Juillet

   Anglet recoit le King of the Groms le 14 Juillet – Plage du Club
   Toute une bande de gamins de 15 ans et moins super motivés vont se retrouver jeudi 14 juillet, pour participer aux qualifications du King of the Groms avec une finale à Capbreton.
   "King of the Groms", une nouvelle compétition internationale dédiée aux jeunes surfeurs de moins de 16 ans, dont la finalité est d'offrir aux meilleurs une expérience unique du surf de haut niveau et un tremplin sans précédent pour leur future carrière.
   88 grommets venus de 9 régions emblématiques du monde du surf: l'Australie, les USA, l'Europe, Bali, l'Afrique du Sud, Tahiti, le Japon, l'Ile de la Réunion et l'Amérique du Sud, auront l'opportunité de participer à la grande finale du King of the Groms. Cet événement international est programmé du 2 au 7 août 2005 sur le célébrissime beach break landais de Capbreton, haut lieu du surf junior depuis 1990 et camp de base des compétitions de surf junior.
   FFS

Miércoles 6 de Julio 2005

Coupe de France de Surf
Hourtin, 9 et 10 de Juillet

   2NDE etape de la Coupe de France de Surf: revanche a Hourtin
   Après une première étape réussie à Mimizan, la caravane du tour poursuit sa route et s’arrête pour ce week-end du 9 et 10 Juillet à Hourtin. Cette deuxième étape de la Coupe de France de Surf 2005 est organisée cette fois-ci par le surf club Girondin d’Hourtin. Du haut niveau en perspective sur les vagues girondines, avec de belles revanches après les victoires de Thomas Bady en open et d’ Aurélie Jonot en ondine. Une étape à ne pas rater!
   Fidèle à sa réputation, le surf club d’Hourtin organisera pour le bonheur de tous un apéro géant le samedi soir.  
   FFS

Viernes 1 de Julio 2005

WCT Reunion Islands
Fanning claims victory in Reunion Island 
Reunion Islands, June 23- July 4

   Saving his best form till last, 8th seeded Australian Mick Fanning blitzed fellow finalist, 14th seeded Australian Phil Macdonald to take victory in the WCT Search event in St Leu, Reunion Island.
   After finishing the action packed final – held in 1.5 metre (4 foot) waves – with an 8.0 and a 9.10 out of 10 for a total of 17.10, Fanning’s form indicates that he is in a fantastic position to give the ASP Men’s World Tour title one hefty shake.
   His victory now places him in 3rd position on the rankings – 56 points behind fellow Aussie Trent Munro, who’s ranked 2nd, and 322 points behind current tour ratings leader and former six time world champ, Kelly Slater (USA).
   Fanning’s form had wavered throughout the event and by his own admission he was lucky to scrape through some of the heats in the early rounds. But peaking at exactly the right time in the final, Fanning completely trounced Macdonald who fell on some key waves that could have given him the winning edge.
   Getting off to a slow start but really driving it home with his patented ultra fast top to bottom carving, Fanning was over the moon with his win especially after having most of 2004 off after having a nasty hamstring injury.
   “I’m stoked,” said Fanning, frothing with excitement. “Before I came here I said I wanted to have a good time and now… I’ve had an awesome time! I’m ecstatic! I was a bit nervous on my first couple of waves but after that I just restarted the heat in my head and scored an 8.0 and I knew if I could get another really good one it would be hard for Phil to come back. I haven’t been worried about the ratings but I wanted to get another solid result before the next event in South Africa, and well this is as good as you can get! I’m having such a great time being back on tour after seriously injuring myself last year. To have two wins under my belt at this time of the year is unreal.”
   Macdonald, showing true sportsmanship paddled up to Fanning, with one minute remaining in the final, to shake hands and congratulate him on his win.
   “It’s always great surfing with a friend in the final,” said Macdonald. “Even though I didn’t win I’m glad it was a mate who did. He’s going well in the run down to the world title so good luck to him.” 
   Macdonald was confident going into the final after surfing strongly on his backhand all week. He stated earlier in the day with unrelenting confidence that he was in Reunion Island to do a job – and that job was to win. This was reflected in his surfing from day one of the event right up until the final. Unfortunately “Macca”, as he is affectionately known, couldn’t replicate his earlier performances in the final.
   “I just didn’t have the rhythm when I got out there,” Macdonald continued. “I was sitting a bit far out. I caught a couple of waves and fell and then I pretty much had to sit there to get a good wave but none came my way. I was really confident going into the final and I knew I was surfing good enough to win but I just didn’t get the waves to pull it off.”
   Fanning and Macdonald were then treated to traditional dancing by some of the stunning local ladies upon the presentation stage.
   Finishing in equal third was Australian Jake Paterson and Brazilian Peterson Rosa.
   Despite his loss in the semi-final, Jake Paterson was gracious in defeat, giving full credit to the in-form Fanning, but he was also disappointed that an early mistake, where he let Fanning take a wave from him, cost him the semi.
   “It was my mistake and Mick grabbed a good wave,” said Paterson. “I had priority and was sitting too deep and I thought it was Nathan Hedge [from the previous quarter final] on the shoulder trying to get a wave to return to the beach. I took off and couldn’t make it around the section and then I pulled off not realising Mick was in a good position for it. It was my mistake and sometimes mistakes like that cost you heats.”
   Paterson was still able to put a positive spin on his loss.
   “At the end of the day this result is my best of the year and it’ll give me a better seed for the next event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa . This result has given me a bit of confidence to take it on.”
   Paterson has won at Jefferys Bay twice in 2000 and 2001.
   Rosa was equally looking forward to heading off to South Africa to take on one of the world’s great waves in Jeffreys Bay. The “pocket rocket” Brazilian had a dream run beating reigning world champ Andy Irons along the way.
   “This has been a really great contest for me,” said Rosa with his thick Portuguese accent. “Everyone in the event is a great surfer. I made a few mistakes in the semi-final. I’m a little disappointed, but I’m happy because it will be good for my ranking and it gives me confidence going into South Africa. I love going there although it is cold. There are some nice waves and I look forward to it.” 
   The WCT Search event holds a first-of-its kind “ASP Floating License”, to run the event in a different location every year if it sees fit. A company built on search philosophy has developed this event so it can travel the planet, delivering the world’s best waves to the world’s best surfers.
   This means the event is now on the hunt for another prime location to host next year’s event.
   The Expression Session, a most popular component of each WCT event, was taken out by the one of the globe’s most entertaining surfers in Taj Burrow with the best aerial manoeuvre being won by Jean da Silva.
   Burrow received $US2,000 for his performance in the “no rules” session while de Silva scored $US1,000 for his crowd pleasing attack.
   The surfers now head to Jeffreys Bay in South Africa for the sixth ASP Men’s World Tour event.
   Results:
   Quarter finals:
1. Jake Paterson (AUS) 11.00 def Danny Wills (AUS) 9.83
2.  Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.16 def Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 8.23
3. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 13.67 def Corey Lopez (USA) 9.17
4. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 16.33 def Nathan Hedge (AUS) 12.84
   Semifinals
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.00 def Jake Paterson (AUS) 12.27
2. Phil Macdonald (AUS) 14.16 def Peterson Rosa (BRA) 13.67
   Final
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.10 def Phil Macdonald (AUS) 5.30
   ASP

Lunes 13 de Junio 2005

Women WQS in Anglet cancelled
Anglet, August 8-14

   Women WQS in Anglet (August 8-14) is cancelled.

Sábado 11 de Junio 2005

Cancelado el Biarritz Surf Festival
Biarritz, 10-17 de Julio

   El ASP WLC (World Longboard Championship) y el evento del Biarritz Surf Festival ha sido cancelado debido a la retirada de su principal patrocinador.

Sábado 11 de Junio 2005

WCT Reunion Islands
Reunion Islands, June 23- July 4

   Saturday, June 11, 2005 (St. Leu, Reunion Island): The ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) has been absent from Reunion Island since 1996, but on June 23 the WCT will re-introduce professional surfing to the island's world-famous left hand reef break of Saint Leu.
   The WCT Search event holds a first-of-its-kind "ASP Floating License", that allows to schedule the event in a different location every year, if it sees fit. A company built on the true surfing Search philosophy, has developed this event so it can travel the planet, delivering the world's best waves to the world's best surfers.
   Reunion Island, a French territory situated in the Indian Ocean off the south-east coast of South Africa, has been selected for Year 1. For a surfer there is no better Search destination. Often called "the intense island", Reunion is a small volcanic island with an excitingly active coastline.
   Through the swell months of May to October, Reunion's surf breaks hold long swells that deliver fortunate surfers with some of the highest quality waves in the world.
   The last WCT event in 1996 was won by Kelly Slater (Florida, USA), who this year goes into the event as favourite, courtesy of two dominating WCT wins in Tahiti and Fiji. The current WCT ratings leader is vying for his seventh World Title and hoping to break the three-year stranglehold Andy Irons (Kauai, Haw) has had on the trophy.
   The Search WCT also provides 33-year-old Slater with an opportunity to achieve a unique milestone. In the ASP World Tour's 30-year history, only four surfers have previously won three or more consecutive WCT events.
   Australia's Tom Carroll won four consecutively in his 1984 World Title winning season, the United Kingdom's Martin Potter won three in his 1989 World Title winning season, American Tom Curren won three in his 1990 World Title winning season and Slater won three in a row in his 1996 World Title winning season (the first win of the triple being his victory at Saint Leu).
   A win at this year's Search WCT will give Slater the honour of being the only man ever to win three consecutive events twice in his career and will put him in a strong position atop the 2005 World Title race.
   The Search WCT Live Webcast will give surfing fans around the world "on the beach"™ access during competition hours. Live webcast commentary will support live scoring and video streaming, with guest announcers, promotions and replays heightening the experience.
   The time zone for Reunion Island is GMT + 4 hours, meaning it will be an akward time for many in different parts of the world. To cater for these surfing fans, will be posting exclusive Full-Screen Video Highlight packages powered by Vividas online.
   The Video Highlights will feature the action in and out of the water at St. Leu, headlined of course by the WCT competition.
   To allow users to familiarise themselves with the Vividas technology, is featuring five exclusive video clips on the Video section during the lead-up to the Search WCT. Jamie O'Brien's Freakshow, Inner Visions from the Search, Tom Curren's Red Search Part 1 & 2 and a special Reunion Island teaser are the clips currently being offered.
   ASP

Martes 7 de Junio 2005

Women Venus Festival
Georgeson wins in France and closes ratings gap
Hosegor, June 4-12

   Tuesday, June 7, 2005 (Seignosse, France): Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), beyond elated to narrowly triumph over Rochelle Ballard at the Venus Festival in Seignosse today, has bridged the gap between her and current WCT ratings leader, Sofia Mulanovich (PER).
   A mere 228 points now separate the best friends – both making it abundantly clear that they’re in contention for a world title and eager to engage in friendly fire to win one. Winning an event garners a girl 1200 points.
   “It’s been a great year so far – the best in my career,” Georgeson said.  “I’m really happy to be right up there on the rankings next to Sof, making her work for that second world title and really want it.”
   Mulanovich lost to Keala Kennelly (HAW) in the quarterfinals – not once gaining a heat lead over the Hawaiian whom she beat in the final in France last year.
   “I’m pretty bummed… I’m really bummed, but it’s not in my control. Sometimes the waves just don’t come and that’s how it is. I’m fine with it, sometimes you lose, sometimes you win and I guess it was just my time to lose,” Mulanovich said. “It’s okay, everything happens for a reason and whatever happens this year was meant to be, so all I can do is surf and try to do my best.”
   Mulanovich, who cheered on her Aussie pal from the beach during the final, was at the water’s edge to hug Georgeson after her heat.
   “It would actually be good to see her win, it would make everything more interesting,” Mulanovich said after her quarterfinal bow out. “I really want a world title this year, really bad, but I know she does too. It would be better to win it by just a little bit and have a really good race.”
   The 22-year-old Australian sat patiently on the outside for most of the heat, overcoming 14-year tour veteran Ballard, with less than four minutes left on the clock.
   “I just tried to be really patient. I knew I needed at least a high five or a six to take the lead, and I was pretty confident I could get that, I just needed a wave,” said Georgeson. “I felt good and really just put everything I could into it when it came. It wasn’t that great a wave and I fell on my last turn but I guess it was just good enough.”
   The extremely close heat was led by Ballard for most of those 35-minutes, but the skills and savvy Georgeson’s displayed of late, discounts any critic who might call the win last-minute luck.
   “I was a little bit impatient in my last couple of heats – taking waves I really didn’t need and a lot of small ones. So this heat I really just wanted to catch the good waves and I knew I had 35-minutes to do it.”
   Ballard had time to answer back, but her last wave score of 4.50 fell short of the 6.26 she needed.
   “I thought I had it. I knew it wasn’t going to take much if Chelsea had an opportunity because she’s been surfing really well and getting some great scores,” Ballard said. “It was just a matter of getting a pump up in my score and I thought I could get it in that last wave that I had but it just shut down and didn’t let me get a third move in when I really needed that third move.”
   Ballard finished second in the world last year; making three finals along the way but failing to win one. This is her best result this season.
   “I’m just happy to have been in the final. I needed that because I’ve been working hard all year and I finally just let it flow and forgot about the heats and the scores and all that other stuff and just had a good time out there,” said Ballard. “I’m kind of bummed that I didn’t win because I haven’t won in a while, but I’m still very, very stoked to have been in the final because the competition now is so stiff.”
   Ballard defeated fellow Hawaiian Keala Kennelly in the semis.
   “I waited for a long time for a good wave and it just never came,” Kennelly said. “It was a really close heat, the scores were just a half a point apart so it’s hard when it’s like that.  I’m just really stoked I got third.”
   Laurina McGrath (AUS) made her first semifinal of the year, her third in her two-year career, but has yet to make a final. She approached her semifinal against Georgeson confidently, but couldn’t derail her fellow Aussie’s train.
   “Everyone’s got a chance but the way she’s been surfing, I always knew it was going to be pretty hard but I just paddled out the same I would any other heat because I knew if I got two good waves I had a chance,” said McGrath. Chels got the good waves and she surfed on them really well.”
   Perhaps a bigger upset that Kennelly’s ousting of Mulanovich, was that of Maria Tita Tavares (BRA), who currently sits in last place on the ratings, defeating former six times world champion Layne Beachley (AUS) in the last heat of round three.
   “The timing of the ocean was completely against me, and there was absolutely nothing I could have done,” Beachley said after losing to the petite Tavares in two foot waves.
   “She’s a midget, it’s all in her ankles and knees. The rest of us try and go on rail and we don’t get rewarded for it, so of course I’m apprehensive about surfing against Tita in small waves. I know I can beat her in small waves but without actually catching a wave, there’s nothing I can do.  I’m bitterly disappointed, extremely frustrated and hating my life right now.”
   The girls have a four month break from WCT competition, the next stop taking place in Malibu in October.  Many will compete in World Qualifying Series (WQS) events and go on boat trips during the break.
   Mulanovich and Georgeson will celebrate tonight but hit the waves hard between now and the final leg of the tour. “I’m amped now,” Georgeson said. “I’m just going to go home, surf, focus, and get prepared for it.”
   Womens WCT ratings after event #6: Venus Festival Hossegor/Seignosse, France
1. Sofia Mulanovich   5268 points
2. Chelsea Georgeson   5040 points
3. Layne Beachley      3765 points
4. Rochelle Ballard        3744 points
5. Megan Abubo         3564 points
6. Melanie Redman-Carr  3156 points
7. Keala Kennelly      3744 points
8. Rebecca Woods        2952 points
9. Jacqueline Silva   2736 points
9. Samantha Cornish        2736 points
   ASP

Sábado 4 de Junio 2005

Women Venus Festival
Hosegor, June 4-12

   WCT FestivaL Hits Hossegor
   Saturday, June 4, 2005 (Hossegor, France): Hossegor Beach, a stretch of sand boasting a series of world class beach breaks in Southwest France, will host the world’s best female surfers from June 4 to June 12, 2005. The  Festival Trials commenced this morning with the waiting period for the main event, the Venus Festival WCT, beginning on Monday, June 6th.
   The sixth event of nine on the 2005 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) calendar, a good result in France is crucial for any surfer hoping to contend for this year’s crown. Reigning world champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER), who has won three of the previous four events, holds down a sizeable lead, but Chelsea Georgeson (AUS), who placed second in England last week and won the previous World Championship Tour (WCT) event in Tahiti, is still within striking distance.
   “I’ve surfed Hossegor a bunch and it’s one of my favorite places on tour to go to. It’s got some of the best beach breaks in the world and I love surfing beachies,” Georgeson, who is currently rated No. 2 in the world, said.
   “I’m feeling pretty confident. I’ve got a really good board right now which I’m stoked on, so it’s going to be a tough one again, but hopefully I can just keep on the roll I’m on and get a good result here.”
   Layne Beachley (AUS), Megan Abubo (HAW), and Melanie Redmann Carr, who sit 3rd, 4th and 5th on the ratings respectively, will also be eager to fare well in France. With just three events remaining after the Venus Festival WCT, not to mention a four month break until the next competition, the girls will want to capitalize on the opportunity to surf the world renowned breaks of La Nord and La Graviere.
   The women’s WCT event held in France last year took place in Anglet and was won by Mulanovich. Currently ranked No. 1 in the world, the change in venue doesn’t seem to be a deterrent for the Peruvian.
   “I’m feeling confident going into France. It’s going to be a good event for sure and the wildcards are always strong here, so I just need to keep doing what I’ve been doing and just go out there and have fun,” Mulanovich said.
   Mulanovich has clearly turned her campaign around since making an early exit courtesy of  event wildcard Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) on the Gold Coast in the first event of the year. Gilmore went on to win the entire event and is a trialist here at the Venus Festival WCT.
   The Festival Trials took to the water at 8:30am local time. Sixteen hopefuls will vie for entry into the main event via a two-day, round-robin trails, held today and tomorrow. Only one wildcard will be awarded, but with former WCT surfers Julia Christian (USA) and Marie Pierre Abgrall (FRA) and previous 2005 WCT wildcard winners, Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and Gilmore among the contenders, it’s likely the pre-event surfing will prove as competitive as the main event.
   In addition to the trails and WCT event, female fashioned art exhibitions, all-girl music performances, free surf lessons and surfing demonstrations will also be offered to surf fans visiting Hossegor Beach this week.
   VENUS FESTIVAL TRIALS SURFERS
Marie Pierre Abgrall (France)
Charlotte Caton (France)
Claire Karabatsos (France)
Aurelie Magnen (France)
Caroline Sarran (France)
Marie Dejean (France)
Emmanuelle Joly (France)
Pauline Ado (France)
Lee Anne Curren (France)
Amandine Sanchez (Reunion Island)
Miriam Imaz (Spain)
Estitxu Estremo (Spain)
Adelina Taylor (Canary Islands)
Julia Christian (USA)
Stephanie Gilmore (Australia)
Jessi Miley-Dyer (Australia)
   ASP

Miércoles 1 de Junio 2005

Kelly Slater wins WCT Fiji in perfect Surf, moves to number one in the World
Fiji, May 22-3 June

   Six-time world champion Kelly Slater today claimed the inaugural WCT Fiji title in six-to-eight foot lefthand waves at Restaurants, Tavarua, that were described as some of the most perfect ever surfed in the Men’s World Tour.
   In the process, the 33-year-old Floridian moved into the number one ranking on the ASP World Tour, reinvigorating his campaign for a seventh world title.
   It is the first time Slater has held the lead in the world ratings since he famously jousted with Andy Irons for the 2003 world title, and comes on the back of his win two weeks ago at the Pro at Tahiti’s infamous Teahupoo.
   Slater, surfing on his backhand, comfortably defeated Florida’s CJ Hobgood in the final, posting three nine point rides to leave his opponent needing a combination score to catch him.
   Slater dominated the final from the bell, surfing fearlessly over the near-dry reef, posting a 9.0 and a 9.63 in succession to claim the title.
   The win was Slater’s first ever in Fiji, one of the only venues on the world tour that the Floridian – who has now amassed a record 28 WCT career victories – had yet to claim victory at.
   “It’s the one place I’ve never been able to win before, and to finally do it was something pretty special,” said a jubilant Slater afterwards. "I wanted to move to this place last year and I almost did!"
   Prior to Tahiti, a seventh world title had not even appeared on the radar for Slater, and he had toyed with the idea of skipping events and competing selectively. But the back-to-back wins have not only rocketed him to the top of the ratings, but also lit the fire of a seventh world title campaign.
   "Before Tahiti I was thinking about not going to Africa and foregoing this year and not chasing another title, because I wasn’t feeling into it," said Slater.
   "But these last couple of weeks I’m enjoying competition more and, y’know, I didn't think that would happen. It’s a long year and you can't get caught up thinking too far ahead, but I really would really like another (world title).
   "These last couple of weeks have been amazing, the last 10 days have been unbelievable for me. Two wins in a row, I didn’t even win an event last year. I could feel the fire sitting there smouldering and just did not do much with it. I feel I can surf better than I ever have and just enjoy it at the moment."
   Slater now heads into the next event on the Men’s World Tour in two weeks time – at Reunion Island where the waves are similar to the past two events he has won – as the tour leader.
   Slater’s win over CJ Hobgood in Fiji was his second win in succession over a Hobgood – he defeated CJ’s twin brother Damien in the final in Tahiti, posting an ASP record two perfect tens in the process.
   And while his final tally in Fiji today of 19.33 (from 20) didn’t quite match his perfect score in Tahiti, Slater’s dominance was obvious in the perfect conditions, easily trumping Hobgood’s heat total of 15.16.
   “There wasn’t much I could do out there against him, it was just his day out there,” said CJ Hobgood later.
   Slater earlier in the day had defeated Hawaiian rookie Fredrick Patacchia Jr in the semi-finals. His third-place finish was Patacchia's best result in his debut WCT year and catapults him up to number six in the world.
   CJ Hobgood, meanwhile, defeated Hawaiian Bruce Irons – brother of reigning world champion Andy Irons – in the other semi.
   “The waves were pretty perfect out there,” said Irons, “but they were still tricky to ride. I just couldn’t find my way out of a good one. I’m definitely doing a lot better than last year so I hope I can just keep it going.”
   South African Rookie Travis Logie also posted his highest career finish, making the quarter-finals before succumbing to a nagging shoulder injury. The young South African has been spending so much time in the tube that his left shoulder – the one that drags in the face of a wave when he rides in the barrel – had become painful, and he was forced to retire in the dying stages of his heat with Fred Pattachia.
   "I'm pretty stoked with this result, just bummed I had such a shocker heat though," said Logie. "I hurt myself and snapped my board so it was pretty much the worst heat I could of had. But I got there and that is the main thing so I am stoked to get this result so early in my first year on the tour.
   Slater leads the ASP tour ratings on 3542 points, just in front of Australia's Trent Munro on 3276, CJ Hobgood (USA) 3096, Andy Irons (HAW) 2964 and Mick Fanning (AUS) on 2620.
   In the Expression Session – held in the lead up to the final – Hawaiians Bruce Irons and Ian Walsh pocketed $US2,000 and $US1,000 respectively for the longest tube rides.
   QUARTER FINAL RESULTS
H3:   Kelly Slater (USA) 17.74 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.93
H4:        Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 18.10 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 7.60
   SEMI FINAL RESULTS
H1:   CJ Hobgood (USA) 17.67 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 15.23
H2:   Kelly Slater (USA) 19.57 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 16.86
   FINAL
H1:   Kelly Slater (USA) 19.33 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 15.16
   World Championship Tour ratings (after four of 13 events)
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 3542 points, 2. Trent Munro (AUS) 3276, 3. CJ Hobgood (USA) 3096, 4. Andy Irons (HAW) 2964, 5. Mick Fanning (AUS) 2620, 6. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 2618, 7. Damien Hobgood (USA) 2589, 8. Dean Morrison (AUS) 2474, 9. Cory Lopez (USA) 2433, 10. Taj Burrow (AUS) 2428.
   ASP

Lunes 25 de Abril 2005

Premios XXL Award
(Anaheim-California)

   DAN MOORE SE REEMBOLSA $68,000 EN EL XXL AWARD CON UNA OLA DE  22 METROS Y MEDIO EN JAWS, MAUI
   El hawaiano Dan Moore fue proclamado ganador de los XXL 2005 Awards al surfear una  ola de 22 metros y medio en Jaws, al norte de la isla hawaiana de Maui.
   Moore de 48 años, y  uno de los pioneros del Tow-in surfing, surfeó dicha ola el 15 de Diciembre del 2004, durante una de las marejadas más fuertes y consistentes de los últimos años. Este veterano de Sunset Beach recibió por ello un cheque de $68.000 ($ 3.000 por cada metro de ola aproximadamente)
   Unos 2000 surfistas de elite vieron a Moore recibir su Award en el Grove Eater en Anaheim, California.
   “Fue un día increíble, enorme”, dijo Moore refiriéndose al 15 de Diciembre. “Observamos que la serie se formaba mar adentro y mi compañero Mark Anderson se encargo de que yo la cogiera. Me empujo hacia ella profundamente y esta empezó a hacerse enorme a la altura del arrecife hasta alcanzar un gran tamaño. Iba más rápido de lo que nunca he ido en una ola en toda mi vida, pasando por esos locos bumps y chops. Trataba de mantener el control cuando ya vi venir el labio de la ola sobre mi cabeza. Fue como un gran  y largo centrifugado. Ahora ya se lo que siente una hormiga cuando pasa una persona por al lado!”.
   El fotógrafo Robert Brown de San Clemente, California, recibió un cheque de $5.000 por haber captado esta imagen de Moore en su cámara.
   El Award para la mayor ola surfeada sin ayuda de los jet ski, fue entregado a Shane Desmond de Santa Cruz, por un increíble backside en Half Moon Bay, (California), durante el Mavericks Surf Contest, celebrado 9 de Marzo de este año. Desmond recibió una cantidad de $10.000.
   El australiano Dylan Longbottom de Bendalong (NSW) consiguió el Award del Monster Tube (Tubo más monstruoso) por una ola surfeada al sur de Tasmania. Desmond se embolso $5.000.
   El premio al surfista de mayor rendimiento fue para Shane Dorian, Kona, Hawai.
   Dorian, ahora retirado del tour profesional, ha estado concentrándose en olas grandes y se le puede ver en gran numero de conocidos lugares de grandes olas como, Teahupoo (Tahiti) o Waimea (Oahu). El hawaiano recibio un cheque de $5.000.
   El Award femenino por la mayor ola conseguida fue para la local de Santa Cruz Jamiliah Star. Star ha demostrado gran valentía en olas gigantes en el North Shore de Hawai en Sunset Beach y en Waimea Bay. Star recibió un cheque de  $5.000.
   Carmen Sainz

Viernes 8 de Abril 2005

WCT Pro Tahití
Teahupoo-Tahití, 5-17 de Mayo

   El  WCT Pro Tahiti: El campeonato en el que todos quieren ganar!
   Del 5 al 17 de Mayo, se celebra la cuarta edición del WCT Pro Tahiti, un evento de primera calidad, donde participan los mejores surfistas del planeta: hombres y mujeres surfistas del Tour WCT  (World Championship Tour of Surfing) en el peligroso y ya conocidísimo arrecife Teahupoo.
   Este campeonato esta considerado como un reto físico y mental para todos los surfistas que componen el WCT por la gran satisfacción que se adquiere al ganarlo.
   Previo a la prueba, se realizaran los Trials, un evento clasificatorio para poder acceder al evento principal. En estos Trials se conceden 2 invitaciones. Una de ellas será para el surfista local de Tahiti Hira Terinatoofa quien repetirá este año, tal y como lo hizo en el 2004. El año pasado, Terinatoofa pasó mangas sin cesar desde el comienzo de los Trials llegando hasta ¼ de final del evento principal del WCT Pro Tahiti.
   El campeón del WCT Pro Tahiti 2002 y tres veces campeón del mundo Andy Irons, competirá junto a sus compañeros de equipo y a su vez tops del tour Joel Parkinson, Luke Egan, Taj Burrow y Mark Occhilupo.
   El evento de las chicas se celebrara del 5 al 15 de Mayo, y surfistas como Keala Kennelly o Rebecca Woods formaran parte de él. Keala “KK” Kennelly ha ganado este prestigioso evento tres veces y Bec Woods esta muy entusiasmada por volver a probar esta ola después del horroroso susto que tuvo el año pasado con una ola de Teahupoo
   El campeonato Pro Tahiti tiene una bolsa de premios en metálico de $270.000 para los hombres y de $65.000 para las chicas. Con estos eventos, los surfistas van recaudando puntos los cuales determinan al final del la temporada, quién se lleva el título de campeón del mundo.
   Carmen Sainz

Martes 1 de Febrero 2005

Mick Fanning Returns to Competitive Surfing

      MICK FANNING RETURNS TO COMPETITIVE SURFING

 Former world no.4 surfer Mick Fanning (Tweed Heads, Aus) will return to competitive surfing in the opening 2005 Men's World Championship Tour (WCT) event on the Gold Coast this March - after an horrific surfing accident left him on the sidelines for most of 2004. Still at only eighty per cent of his former strength but improving daily, the 24 year-old was recently seen turning heads surfing at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast in the Cyclone Kerry swell. 
  Fanning who has been awarded the 2005 WCT injury wildcard burst onto the international arena in 2001 after winning the World Qualifying Series (WQS) by the biggest point's margin in the sports history.  His inaugural WCT 2002 campaign saw him claim the "ASP Rookie of the Year" title and also the no.5 spot in the world. He then upped the ante in 2003 where he was steadfastly in the hunt for a world title, finishing fourth on the end of year rankings. 
   After over a decade of constant touring Fanning's life was turned upside down last June in the Indonesian Hinako Islands where a floater went horribly wrong causing him to do the splits on his board tearing muscle off bone and pulling his hamstring.  He was forced to endure 48 hours of pain, sailing for ten hours and then catching three flights home to Australia with just a couple of valiums for relief before seeking medical help.
   "I was pretty immobile for three months of the year, for the first six weeks I wasn't allowed to do anything, I was on crutches. I couldn't drive for about six weeks, couldn't sit properly.  I had to sit on an angle so the joint could mend," said Fanning. "It was pretty radical just sitting there doing nothing all day. My mum was hating me.
   "It's a really rare injury.  The doctors who operated on me have done the most in the world and last I heard they were up to number 35. It's a radical injury.  They said if I didn't have surgery I may never run again so that's means I would never surf again."
   A formidably fit looking Fanning is confident of further improvement by the time the WCT commences on March 1st and right now is just super stoked to be back in the water.
   "I'm feeling pretty good, just learning how to surf again," said the always understated Fanning.  "At the moment I am about eighty per cent. That's what I feel anyway, pretty close, just a little bit more strength work and I should be ok."
   Former six times world champion Kelly Slater (Florida, USA) is looking forward to the return of Fanning in the WCT and is not underestimating him as a major contender on this years WCT.
   "I think everyone is going to be excited to see Mick Fanning start his year, to see when he hits the water and see if he is at one hundred per cent," said Slater. "Mick is such a talented surfer that it's a shame that he ended up spending most of last year off the tour because there are places where you really want to see him surf.  Obviously the Gold Coast is one. But you also want to see him at J-Bay and on some of the big open face waves because that's where he really shines.  He is probably the quickest surfer in the world in small conditions. He is going to be a threat not just on the Goldy (Gold Coast) but in most every wave on the tour this year."
   Despite the down side Fanning made the most of his time at home and the WCT will see a much more relaxed and keen competitor return to the line-up.  He enjoyed the longest period away from touring and the spotlight since his meteoric rise as a young teenager, taking time to re-ignite old friendships and examine other aspects of his life.
   "Last year I took it way to seriously and I wasn't really enjoying my surfing. I was taking it as a job and I was exhausted. I didn't want to paddle out half the time. With the break even though it was bad, it was a blessing really to figure out what I had to do and how to do it and stuff like that.  It was great. I never really had time to think about what was happening it (surfing career) just happened so fast. The break showed me what I really wanted in surfing and in life as well."
   "It was pretty hard being out of the water, I was sort of lucky because the waves were crap all year and I didn't have my mates going surfing and telling me how good it was. I didn't go near the ocean for three months.  It was gnarly but I pushed on through."
   "I've been frothing just to surf.  I've been enjoying it a lot and hopefully that keeps continuing and by the end of the year I'm still enjoying it."
   Bar last years equal 33rd placing Fanning has been a stand-out since the inaugural WCT event in 2001 at his home break of Snapper Rocks. As a 19-year-old he finished second to West Australia's Taj Burrow in 2001.  In 2002 he placed equal seventeenth.  In 2003 he finished equal 3rd and surfed the heat of the tournament by defeating Burrow in a nuclear quarter final with a perfect 10 and a 9.6 to his opponents 9.3 and 9.17.
   The Men´s annd Womenn´s  competition will turn Australia's Gold Coast into Surfing's Mecca with the worlds, top 45 male and top 17 female surfers commencing their 2005 WCT campaigns in the famous point break waves of South-East Queensland. Throw in the nation's top four aerial surfers in the Airshow World Series final and then some of the industry's best surfing talent in the  Core Store Surf Challenge final and you know you are in for some serious surfing action. 
   Adding to the already explosive mix are the sport's rising stars who will be battling it out in the  Trials for the remaining wildcard into either the men's and women's main event draw.  
   One of many features of the WCT Pro webcast will be the panel style 'Live at 5' show broadcast over the web at the completion of each day of competition. The show commentators John Shimooka and former world champions Martin Potter and Barton Lynch will wrap up the days event with special guests, hi-lights, antics, forecasts, interviews, insights and lots of laughs.  On competition lay days a down sized version of the 'Live at 5' show will be broadcast at 8am local time with competition hi-lights and updated forecast.
   ASP

Martes 9 de Noviembre 2004

Andy Irons Campeón del Mundo 2004
Mundaka, Basque Country, 5 al 16 de Octubre

   El kawaiano Andy Irons consigue su tercer titulo mundial consecutivo del ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) 2004
   Lunes 8 de Noviembre- Florianopolis, Brasil.
   Andy Irons encabeza la lista del ranking mundial del WCT sin que nadie pueda ya superar la alta puntuación conseguida hasta el momento convirtiéndose automáticamente en el nuevo campeón del mundo 2004, a pesar de estar a una prueba por finalizar el tour WCT.
   El único del los 44 restantes surfistas del WCT que tenía posibilidades de arrebatarle el título, después de la finalización del WCT Pro Mundaka, era el australiano, Joel Parkinson.
   Para hacerse con el título mundial,“Parko”necesitaba ganar las dos últimas pruebas de las 11 en las que consiste el WCT tour, (Brasil y Hawai), mientras que Andy, sólo necesitaba situarse una manga por delante de su contrincante para alcanzar su tercera corona.
   Hoy, durante la celebración del WCT de Florianópolis, “Parko” ha caído eliminado en la tercera ronda, por lo que Andy Irons se ha convertido automáticamente en el Campeón del WCT Tour 2004.
   Enhorabuena Andy!
   Carmen Sainz

Miércoles 6 de Octubre 2004

Brazilian Armando Daltro Eliminates Occy
Mundaka, Basque Country, 5 al 16 de Octubre

Brazilian Armando Daltro Eliminates Occy

  Wednesday, October 6, 2004 (Mundaka, Euskadi, Spain) Brazilian Armando Daltro today created a major upset at Mundaka, eliminating 1999 world champion Mark Occhilupo (AUS). Round one of the Mundaka's men's ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) was completed, as well as all 16 second round elimination heats.
   Solid 5-6 ft (1.5-2m) waves were breaking this morning. As Guernika River began to drain out around midday, long lefthanders graced the Basque region's mythical surf venue, though crumbling sections made conditions difficult to ride. Light rain continued to fall throughout the day, with onshore winds increasing this afternoon.
   Daltro, who is currently rated 46th, won the low-scoring exchange with just an 11.17-total. Nonetheless, the natural footer was able to hold 'Occy' off any substantial rides toward the end of their clash, with the Australian only requiring a wave worth 5.68-points. Having won the 1999 event at as part of his successful world title campaign, the current ratings #8 is always considered a favorite at the epic lefthander. Currently rated #8, the loss signifies the 38-year-old's second consecutive 33rd place finish.
   "I'm so happy," began Daltro. "It wasn't a great heat and I didn't have a lot of opportunities to show good surfing, but it's a great win. I used my priority at the end to hold him off any high scoring waves, and this worked well. I'm sure my next heat will be really hard too, but I'll try my best to beat the top seeded guys. I've got nothing to lose and just want to surf well. I haven't competed many times at Mundaka, so I'm still learning how to ride it best."
   World #4 Joel Parkinson survived the closest of battles against wildcard Pete Mendia (FL, USA). Neither found any great waves or big scores, but 'Parko' managed to maintain a slender lead over his goofy foot opponent.
   "I won on two four-point rides," said a disbelieving Parkinson. "A win's a win, but I was struggling. The waves looked good, but were really bumpy and fast, making it hard to find a place to do a turn. I'm glad I won, but it was tight. I was really nervous going up against him cause he's a wildcard with nothing to lose. This wave really suits his surfing too, since it's fast and powerful, but thankfully I got it."
   Fellow Australian top seeds Taj Burrow (West AUS) and Luke Egan (Gold Coast) also progressed, eliminating wildcard opponents Hodei Collazo (ESP) and Shaun Cansdell (AUS), respectively. Egan, in particular, put on a fantastic display with two eight plus scores in his tally, though never underestimated Cansdell's ability in the lineup.
   "Shaun's been surfing unbelievably," offered Egan, of his rival. "I knew I'd have to perform, as he's been competing so well on the Junior series and World Qualifying Series (WQS). The conditions were pretty tricky, but I managed to read them well."
   Current ratings #7 Damien Hobgood (FL, USA) accounted for local Basque replacement surfer Eneko Acero in round two. The Floridian began with a strong 7.33 ride, but despite a low backup score, amassed enough points compared to his opponents' tally. Acero was only granted a spot in the Billabong Pro this morning - following the late withdraw of Chris Davidson (AUS) due to personal matters - but was unable to survive either of the rounds he contested.
   "I was trying to get amped up for the heat, but my mind's kind of been all over the place," admitted Hobgood. "I caught one decent wave at the beginning, and ended up making it with just another three. Eneko's a great surfer, but it was a slow heat. I'm getting married right after this event, and the European leg is a tough part of the tour, so my mind's been elsewhere. I'm just stoked to be able to surf here."
   Californians Taylor Knox and Shane Beschen secured big wins today, eliminating Luke Hitchings (AUS) and 2000 world champ Sunny Garcia (HAW), respectively. Knox produced a stellar performance with the highest combined total of the tournament so far on 18.03-points. The current ratings #17 executed a series of long floaters and a big closeout re-entry for his best 9.53 score.
   "I had a lot of fun then," said Knox. "I thought my best wave might have been a closeout, but at Mundaka you never know and just have to take a chance. My board feels really fast and made the floaters, and then I got a good section at the end to kind of go upside down on. Mundaka is such an amazing place. The church overlooking the beach, the wave itself. just a really cool village."
   WCT replacement Troy Brooks (AUS) eliminated Bruce Irons (Kauai, HAW). The Kauaian, who only days ago secured his best result of the season with a runner-up placing in France, failed to lock in any high scores and suffered his fifth 33rd placing of the year.
   "Bruce surfed really well last contest and it's always scary going out against a finalist from the week before," acknowledged Brooks. "I just played my own game plan and the waves got a bit funky as well, but luckily I got some at the end of the heat."
   Raoni Monteiro (BRA) continued his great run of late, eliminating world #7 Kieren Perrow (AUS). The Brazilian reached the quarterfinals last week in France for his best result to date, and with a good surfboard and happy home life, the 22-year-old reasoned all the usual distractions are absent, allowing him to simply focus on his surfing.
   "This is a real good moment in my life," said Monteiro. "I got ninth in California, fifth in France, and I'm still going here, past Kieren Perrow. It was a hard heat, but my first wave was good. I've got a good sponsor, a daughter, I got married, am on the WCT. feel relaxed and just want to put on a good show for everyone. I'm trying my best in every contest, really focused and surfing powerfully. My surfboard is great, so everything is perfect in my life now."
   Guilherme Herdy (BRA) was actually winning his heat against Nathan Webster (AUS) this afternoon, but stood up after the heat was over on a wave his opponent was still being scored for, and there incurred a penalty. Despite holding priority seconds earlier, as soon as the siren sounded, the Brazilian was no longer entitled to interfere. Subsequently, his final 7.17 ride was dropped from his two-wave tally, handing the match to Webster.
   Australia's Trent Munro (Scott's Head) posted the day's best single score for a near-perfect 9.6 ride to advance directly from round one to three.
   A minute's silence was witnessed today between the first and second rounds, in honor of Australian photographer Kevin 'Twiggy' Sharland who passed away two days ago in France. A friend to all on tour, the father of two will be missed dearly.

Remaining Round One Heats (1st>Rnd3; 2nd&3rd>Rnd2)
H11: Michael Lowe (AUS) 9.23; Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.1; Nathan Webster (AUS) 8.73
H12: Trent Munro (AUS) 16.93; Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.87; Daniel Wills (AUS) 6.84
H13: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.74; Darren O'Rafferty (AUS) 9.56; Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 9.2
H14: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 15.67; Michael Campbell (AUS) 9.87; Sunny Garcia (HAW) 3.3
H15: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 12.8; Taylor Knox (USA) 12.16; Kieren Perrow (AUS) 10.7
H16: Lee Winkler (AUS) 13.17; Troy Brooks (AUS) 9.47; Eneko Acero (ESP) 6.9
H5: Richard Lovett (AUS) 11.17; Beau Emerton (AUS) 10.0; Taj Burrow (AUS) 8.93

Round Two (1st>Rnd3; 2nd=33rd receives US$3,400)
H1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.83 def. Peter Mendia (USA) 8.34
H2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.23 def. Hodei Collazo (ESP) 5.83
H3: Luke Egan (AUS) 16.67 def. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 10.67
H4: Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.66 def. Eneko Acero (ESP) 9.5
H5: Jake Paterson (AUS) 10.77 def. Eric Rebiere (FRA) 8.8
H6: Armando Daltro (BRA) 11.17 def. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 10.17
H7: Daniel Wills (AUS) 13.27 def. Beau Emerton (AUS) 9.73
H8: Shane Beschen (USA) 13.5 def. Sunny Garcia (HAW) 6.33
H9: Taylor Knox (USA) 18.03 def. Luke Hitchings (AUS) 13.17
H10: Peterson Rosa (BRA) 13. 27 def. Toby Martin (AUS) 9.83
H11: Paulo Moura (BRA) 14.67 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 10.7
H12: Nathan Webster (AUS) 13.5 def. Guilherme Herdy (BRA) 7.67
H13: Pat O'Connell (USA) 14.17 def. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 14.17 (wins on best wave - 8.5)
H14: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.67 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 12.5
H15: Troy Brooks (AUS) 12.77 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 8.0
H16: Darren O'Rafferty (AUS) 10.73 def. Michael Campbell (AUS) 10.0

Martes 5 de Octubre 2004

Comienza el WCT de Mundaka
Mundaka, Basque Country, 5 al 16 de Octubre

   Irons Continues Top Form At Mundaka

Tuesday, October 5, 2004 (Mundaka, Euskadi, Spain) Reigning world champion Andy Irons (HAW) today continued his winning form in Mundaka. Round one of the men's ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) began first day of the waiting period, with nine non-elimination heats decided.

No waves were present this morning on the higher tide, but as Guernika River began to drain out around midday, long 3-4 ft (1m) lefthanders began to appear at the Basque region's mythical surf venue. Conditions continued to improve this afternoon, with occasional 5ft (1.5m) waves running the length of the sandbar.

Irons, who two days ago won the WCT in France and extended his already healthy ratings lead, dominated round one action this afternoon at Mundaka. The Kauaian opened his 2004 campaign with a brilliant 9.5 score, and then supported this with another 8.0 to control both Peterson Rosa (BRA) and wildcard Pete Mendia (USA). After suffering a rare 33rd place result during last year's Mundaka Pro, today's win provided added satisfaction.

"I was so nervous," admitted Irons, of competing at Mundaka again. "There were big lulls without waves, so I thought the tide may have gotten too high again. Thankfully that set came out of nowhere and I was able to do some long floaters and got rewarded with a 9.5. Anything can happen out at Mundaka, so I wasn't taking that heat lightly at all.

"I went from such a high, to a real low the next morning as I got food poisoning," he continued, of being sick following his recent victory. "It was only the other day, so I actually didn't know how my body was going to react. I still felt pretty achy, so glad I can relax for at least a day while I get it out of my system."

Defending event and six-time world champ Kelly Slater (FL, USA) posted the day's best single score for a near-perfect 9.73. The Floridian landed a series of three incredible floating maneuvers down the line, leaving Paulo Moura (BRA) and local wildcard Hodei Collazo (ESP) playing catch-up for the remainder of the exchange.

"I just got a bomb, and the sections were perfectly timed to get speed off of each floater," explained Slater of his best ride. "It was a good, long wave, so I knew it would be a score. I probably did something like eight turns on it."

Kalani Robb (HAW) won this year's opening heat over Greg Emslie (ZAF) 1999 event and world champ Mark Occhilupo (AUS). The Hawaiian commenced his campaign with a series of super crisp snaps in the pocket and big carves, locking in an 8.67 score for the narrow victory over Emslie. 'Occy' meanwhile, required a combination of rides to match his opponents. Robb - the current ratings #26 - was happy just to be given another opportunity to compete out at Mundaka.

"The waves were really good, though there wasn't that many of them," explained Robb. "Whoever gets a heat out here is pretty lucky, since we hardly ever run at Mundaka. That was only my second heat out there in four years. I'm really stoked to have a frontside, rippable wave on tour. I just got a 33rd (placing) in the last contest in France, so I'm real happy to be past that round already. I want a good result here."

Brazilian Victor Ribas defeated Australians Toby Martin and Jake Paterson. The goofy footer executed some strong forehand snaps to create a solid lead. Coming off his equal best result of the season last week in France (quarterfinals), Ribas is eager to use the added momentum on Mundaka's unique wave.

"It was pretty inconsistent, so I just tried to compete at my best as get as many waves as I could," said Ribas. "Mundaka is such a beautiful place. I feel good here, and it's one of the best waves in the world for sure."

Current ratings #3 CJ Hobgood (FL, USA) bounced back from an early loss in France to win his opening heat at Mundaka. The 2001 world champion even boosted an aerial for advantage over Guilherme Herdy (BRA) and Europe's sole representative on the WCT, Eric Rebiere. Nonetheless, the Floridian reasoned anything less than an event win isn't going to help his pursuit for this year's world title.

"I just tried to make the most of my waves and ended up with a couple of scores," said Hobgood. "We're all just a bunch of numbers right now though. Until we win some events it really doesn't matter, since Andy's so far ahead on the ratings. I don't get excited unless I'm winning, cause I'm going to stay in the same place. Second, third and fourth, we're all pretty close, so it's all about getting wins to catch him."

Australian Phil MacDonald belted some big backhand turns for an 8.23 score and lead over Shane Beschen (USA) and fellow Aussie Luke Egan. The current ratings #24 picked off a couple of bigger sets waves and maximized his opportunity to advance.

"I was lucky to get a couple of bigger sets," said MacDonald. "It was tricky out there, as if you tried to hit the lip too hard, the wave would run away from you. It's good to be through."

Cory Lopez (FL, USA) won the day's final heat, defeating world #4 Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, AUS) and Billabong wildcard Shaun Cansdell (AUS). The Floridian led from the outset, before 'Parko' locked in an 8.33 midway through, but Lopez sealed his round three berth with a final 8.4 ride.

ASP President Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew had the following to say this morning, during the traditional Basque opening ceremony; "On behalf of ASP International, I'd like to thank the people of Mundaka for welcoming everybody. We all love coming here as it's a very special place. I'd like to thank the Mundaka and Bakio councils for allowing this event to happen. And especially, big thanks to Billabong for their tremendous support of ASP and professional surfing."

Round One (1st>Rnd3; 2nd&3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Kalani Robb (HAW) 15.84; Greg Emslie (ZAF) 15.26; Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.66
H2: Victor Ribas (BRA) 12.33; Toby Martin (AUS) 7.93; Jake Paterson (AUS) 7.6
H3: Tim Curran (USA) 15.0; Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.04; Luke Hitchings (AUS) 12.67
H4: Phil MacDonald (AUS) 15.9; Shane Beschen (USA) 14.23; Luke Egan (AUS) 12.87
H6: Nathan Hedge (AUS) 14.1; Armando Daltro (BRA) 13.86; Pat O'Connell (USA) 10.63
H7: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.34; Guilherme Herdy (BRA) 13.83; Eric Rebiere (FRA) 9.97
H8: Andy Irons (HAW) 17.5; Peterson Rosa (BRA) 15.1; Peter Mendia (USA) 12.9
H9: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.63; Paulo Moura (BRA) 12.6; Hodei Collazo (ESP) 11.6
H10: Cory Lopez (USA) 15.73; Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.33; Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 10.77

Remaining Round One Heats (1st>Rnd3; 2nd&3rd>Rnd2)
H11: Michael Lowe (AUS); Raoni Monteiro (BRA); Nathan Webster (AUS)
H12: Daniel Wills (AUS); Bruce Irons (HAW); Trent Munro (AUS)
H13: Dean Morrison (AUS); Darren O'Rafferty (AUS); Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
H14: Sunny Garcia (HAW) Michael Campbell (AUS); Tom Whitaker (AUS)
H15: Taylor Knox (USA); Neco Padaratz (BRA); Kieren Perrow (AUS)
H16: Lee Winkler (AUS); Troy Brooks (AUS); Chris Davidson (AUS)
H5: Taj Burrow (AUS); Richard Lovett (AUS); Beau Emerton (AUS) - rescheduled

Domingo 3 de Octubre 2004

Hawaiian Megan Abubo Wins Inaugural Malibu WCT Pro World Championship Surfing Contest.
Malibu Beach, California

   Hawaii's Megan Abubo convincingly beat Brazilian Maria ‘Tita’ Tavares in today's final of the inaugural WCT Pro women's professional World Championship Tour surfing competition at California's legendary Malibu Beach.
   Abubo, a 26-year-old seeded 15th in this event, dominated the final woman-on-woman match to claim the US$10,000 first prize on offer in the first stand-alone women's World Championship competition on the US mainland.
   Scores in the final reflected the tricky conditions, with Abubo posting a total of 11.50 points (out of a possible 20) for her best two rides, and the best single ride of the day, an 8.50 out of a possible 10 on her last ride. Tavares led Abubo after a six point ride early in the 30-minute decider, but the South American did not find another wave.
   Today's triumph marked Abubo's best WCT event result in two years, and in the process she jumped from 15th before this event to 9th on the latest world rankings. It was her eighth WCT victory in 10 years as a professional.
   "I'm so excited and happy that things went my way today. It was really hard out there because everyone here surfs really good, and it came down to being able to catch the best waves. The final was really tough because I hit a batch of seaweed on my first wave and went flying. It messed with me for a second, but I've been doing a lot of work with my mental state and I got past that," Abubo said.
   Later at the presentation, she added "I want to dedicate this win to my mum up in heaven, I'm so happy right now. I also want to thank Rip Curl for investing in women's surfing and bringing us to a wonderful wave like Malibu. We weren't blessed with wonderful surf, but that can happen anywhere in the world and we were lucky to get what we got."
   For Tavares, a 28-year-old seeded 8th here, today's runner-up placing was her best result in WCT competition in 11 years on tour and earned her US$6,000. She also leapt up four places (from 8th) to now hold 4th on the latest world ratings, and has put herself in contention for this year's world title.
   Tavares, whose English is very limited, said "I am very happy to make the final, and I'm happy for Megan to win. Thank you Rip Curl and Malibu."
   Inconsistent one to two foot (half metre) surf provided extremely challenging conditions for the final 8 competitors today, but with absolutely no swell forecast for the rest of the event's 10-day waiting period, organisers simply had to take what was on offer at the beach that was home to the original surfer girl, Gidget.
   Tavares beat top seed, 21-year-old Peruvian Sofia Mulanovich, in this morning's quarter-finals, and then toppled 14th seeded Australian veteran Pauline Menczer in the semi-finals, while Abubo beat good friends and fellow Hawaiians Keala Kennelly (7th seed) and Rochelle Ballard (2nd seed) in the quarters and semi respectively to reach the final.
   Today's other losing quarter-finalists were Australians Chelsea Georgeson, the 5th seed beaten by Menczer, and Laurina McGrath, the 6th seed eliminated by Ballard.
   Ballard's semi-final berth helped narrow the ratings points gap between herself and Mulanovich, but the South American is still the firm favourite for the 2004 world title after a sensational year.
   Mulanovich had the chance at Malibu to become the first woman surfer in 26 years of professional surfing to claim four successive WCT event wins, but while that wasn't to be, her victories in the previous three WCT events this year mean she has joined an elite group populated only by former world champions Margo Oberg, Freida Zamba, Wendy Botha, Pauline Menczer and Layne Beachley.
   Australia's six-time world champion Layne Beachley remains a mathematical chance to win a record 7th world title, though her loss in yesterday's third round at Malibu makes another world crown extremely difficult to achieve. Simply, Beachley would have to win the final two WCT events of the year in Hawaii in November and December, and the five surfers ahead of her on the world ratings would all have to suffer early round losses in both the final events.
   The WCT Malibu Pro is the fifth of seven Association of Surfing
Professionals (ASP) world championship competitions in 2004, with each
surfer's best six results to determine the final 2004 rankings.)
   An entertaining sideshow after the women's final at Malibu today was the Celebrity Surfbout. A fun surfing competition pitting a team of actors against a lineup of high-profile musicians, it was won by the actors, who were led by Dean Cain, a former TV “Superman”, and Australian Simon Baker, star of the hit TV series “The Guardian” and the soon to be released movie “The Ring 2”. Run to highlight the ongoing efforts of local anti-ocean pollution group “Heal The Bay”, the Celebrity Surfbout also saw the woman who inspired the original “Gidget” movies, Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, make a special appearance. Official patron of the Rip Curl Malibu Pro, Zuckerman's surfing exploits at Malibu in the 1950s inspired a series of Hollywood movies that helped popularise surfing worldwide.
   A Hollywood nightclub, “1650”, also hosted the Rip Curl Sand'n'Glam party on Saturday night to raise funds for “Heal the Bay”, the group largely responsible for restoring the Santa Monica Bay (which is home to Malibu) from the world's most polluted surf spot in 1969, to an area with beautiful clear waters and home to an enormous range of wildlife today.

Domingo 3 de Octubre 2004

ANDY GANA UNA FINAL HISTÓRICA ENTRE LOS HERMANOS IRONS
Hossegor-Francia, 24 Septiembre-3 Octubre

   El campeón mundial Andy Irons (Kauai, HAW) venció a su hermano pequeño en una final histórica. Con unas de las mejores olas no esperadas en Francia, el ASP WCT comenzó con las mangas de la ronda 4 hasta la final en La Nord. La Expression Session también se celebró a la tarde.
   Con olas de 2,5 a 4 metros de altura, La Nord se parecía al Hawaiano Sunset Beach. Gracias a las motos de agua los surfistas pudieron remontar al pico con más facilidad y también ser vigilados constantemente por los expertos pilotos.
   En su primera final mano a mano, Andy y Bruce surfearon durante 35 minutos dando un gran espectáculo. El actual campeón del mundo y también líder en el ranking fue mejorando sus puntuaciones cada manga que pasaba, y contra su hermano, se destacó realizando un buen tubo que le dió 9.00 puntos. Después Andy cogió una ola de 8.0 puntos que le marcó la diferencia. Después de perder en una manga mano a mano el año pasado en California contra Bruce, Andy dice que es una revancha. con 26 años está actualmente a 1,044 puntos de su rival más cercano.
   Para el surfista de 23 años como es Bruce, el resultado ha sido como una luz. Después de perder en la ronda 3 consecutivamente en eventos anteriores, estaba en la posición 41 del ranking con mucho riesgo de salir de los Top 44. Tras ganar a Kelly en la semi y meterse en la final ha ascendido a la posición 28, donde está más tranquilo para surfear los últimos campeonatos.
   En tercera posición quedaron el campeón mundial en el 2000 Sunny Garcia (HAW) y Kelly Slater ambos recibieron US$10,000.
   Garcia que había recibido la plaza de wildcard (invitado) tras una lesión en su rodilla en el 2003, demostró su surf con fuerza hasta la semi que perdió contra su amigo Andy. con 34 años está en buena forma y es un rival nada fácil de batir.
  Slater abrió su manga del día con una ola 9.63 puntos y era uno de los favoritos al título. Pero en la semifinal fue Bruce quien sacó el único 10 del campeonato y eliminó a Kelly necesitando una combinación de 2 olas.
   En quinta posición fueron: los Brasileños Peterson Rosa (mejor resultado), Raoni Monteiro y Victor Ribas, junto con el australiano Michael Lowe. Monteiro celebra su mejor resultado hasta la fecha y se sitúa en la posición 27 del ranking.
   El número 4 mundial Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, AUS) - vencedor de la última prueba en California, fue eliminado por Victor Ribas en la Ronda 4. El Australiano mantiene su posición cuarta.
   La Expression Session se celebró después de la final con olas épicas. Cory Lopez ganó el premio principal de US$5,000 con un gran aéreo. El Californiano Tim Curran ganó US$3,000 , y el francés wildcard Fred Robin acabó tercero ganando US$2,000 de bonus.
   Quiksilver Pro France Resultados
1st Andy Irons (HAW) 17.0 - US$30,000
2nd Bruce Irons (HAW) 12.0 - US$16,000

Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd receives US$10,000)
SF1: Andy Irons (HAW) 18.03 def. Sunny Garcia (HAW) 13.26
SF2: Bruce Irons (HAW) 19.63 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 5.34

Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th receives US$8,000)
QF1: Sunny Garcia (HAW) 17.06 def. Peterson Rosa (BRA) 13.6
QF2: Andy Irons (HAW) 15.77 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.27
QF3: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.0 def. Michael Lowe (AUS) 7.83
QF4: Bruce Irons (HAW) 14.66 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 10.7

Round Four (1st>Quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$5,000)
H1: Sunny Garcia (HAW) 14.83 def. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 7.4
H2: Peterson Rosa (BRA) 10.33 def. Shane Beschen (USA) 0.0 (lost surfboard)
H3: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.5 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 6.8
H4: Andy Irons (HAW) 14.83 def. Tim Curran (USA) 11.84
H5: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.8 def. Phil MacDonald (AUS) 15.9
H6: Michael Lowe (AUS) 12.34 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 10.8
H7: Victor Ribas (BRA) 11.1 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.94
H8: Bruce Irons (HAW) 16.34 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 12.6

   Official ASP Ratings after WCT#8/11
1. Andy Irons (HAW) 7,236-points
2. Kelly Slater (USA) 6,192
3. CJ Hobgood (USA) 5,856
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5,808
5. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 5,244
6. Luke Egan (AUS) 4,788
7. Damien Hobgood (USA) 4,680
8. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 4,644
=9. Jake Paterson (AUS), Danny Wills (AUS) 4,584