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Alana Balanchard Takes the Reef Hawaiian Pro

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:43:38 PST

Put one on the board for the cute girls.

Alana Blanchard won the Reef Hawaiian Pro yesterday, giving editors around the world good reason to plaster shots of her all over their print and web pages.

By now I'm sure most of you are shocked--SHOCKED! to learn that sexier athletes in sports get far more attention than their butt-ugly counterparts. Yes, sexy athletes earn far more in endorsements than those who actually get better competitive results but are, y'know, harder to look at.

Is this fair?
No.
Will it change?
Absolutely not.

It ain't easy being ugly. Trust me. But being sexy has its own pitfalls. The issue catches fire every time somebody like Pamela Anderson wants to be considered a "serious actress" or Anna Kournikova wants to be known as a serious "pro athlete." That was a tough line to tow for Kournikova when she couldn't win a tournament. She did, however, help the television ratings of tennis. Is that a bad thing?

Women like Anna are often vilified as if they've done something wrong. But have they? Should we hate people because they're beautiful?

Well, until yesterday, pro surfer Alana Blanchard got a lot of heat for being hot. Many quietly expressed doubt whether or not she was, herself, benefiting from Kournikova syndrome. But to her credit, Blanchard buried the issue on the back of some solid backside surfing. Now she's the Maria Sharapova of surfing. After all, Sharapova, who actually wins tournaments and is herself pretty damn hot, rendered Kournikova pretty mute a couple years ago. We don't hear a whole lot about her anymore.

So it all evens out, you see, because whether it's looks or talent, eventually, there's always somebody hotter coming along.

Kolohe Andino Adds the Rip Curl Grom Search Title to His List...

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:12:33 PST

Dana Point, Calif. -- San Clemente's Kolohe Andino added another gem to his mantle Saturday by winning the U16 division of the Rip Curl Grom Search National Final at Salt Creek. As expected "Brother" tapped his full arsenal of progressive moves, including a rash of aerial reverses and a text book shove-it to revert that won him the H20 Maneuver of the Day Award, en route to his victory over Hawaii's Nathan Carvalho.

Andino pocketed $500 for the win, plus a new Nintendo Wii and and extra Benjamin for the maneuver award, but the biggest payoff comes next spring, when he will be sent to Australia to represent the USA in the International Grom Search Finals at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

"That's like being put on Center Court at Wimbledon," says Dylan Slater, Rip Curl's Director of Marketing. "The Rip Curl Pro at Bells is the longest running contest in professional surfing, and the International Grom Search Final is likely to take place on the final day of competition in front of the typical crowd of 30,000 people."

"I'm so pshyched to be going to Bells," said Andino. "I've been to Australia a bunch of times, but never down to Torquay. It'll be fun to surf against the hottest guys from everywhere else in front of that kind of crowd." While Andino nabbed a lot of the spot light at Salt Creek there were a number of big standouts.

In the girls division Kauai's Nage Melamed came from behind in the closing moments of the final to overtake the nimble-footed Lakey Peterson of Santa Barbara for the win. Melamed's powerful brand of backhand surfing was the perfect match for the punchy lefthanders on tap at the Creek. Her turns were much more mature than her age.

In the U14 division La Jolla's Jacob Halstead was the one who yielded most of the power. Halstead's impressive rail work led to a healthy supply of rooster tails that, according to Doppler radar, might have actually ended the Southern California drought. While beating out Colin Moran for the win, he presented a strong argument for being the best surfer to come out of La Jolla in a generation.

Finally, in the hotly contested U12 division, it was Jacob Davis who nabbed the win over Nick Hdez, Kanoa Igarashi and Colin Deveze. The mini-groms were their usual cool selves, throwing warning shots over the bow of the older kids all day with their penchant for the progressive stuff.

Final Results of the Rip Curl Grom Search National Final

U16 Boys
1. Kolohe Andino
2. Nathan Carvalho
3. Taylor Thorne
4. Koa Smith

U16 Girls
1. Nage Melamed
2. Lakey Peterson
3. Chelsea Roett
4. Frankie Hararr

U14 Boys
1. Jacob Halstead
2. Colin Moran
3. Koa Smith
4. Taylor Clarke

U12 Boys
1. Jacob Davis
2. Nic Hdez
3. Kanoa Igarashi
4. Colin Deveze

The Ankle, Parko, and Pipeline

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:04:19 PST

If you were to take a step back and closely examine the current state of the World Tour title race, you'd see all of the elements necessary for drama ripe enough to warrant itself a slot on daytime television. Joel Parkinson, who opened the year in an unstoppable form, laying waist to his World Tour counterparts with reckless abandon, has fallen by the wayside on the 99-yard line, a lame ankle biting into his title hopes with every top turn and rail laid. When news of Parko's injury first made its way into the media, his handlers attempted to assuage the hype, stating it was only a calf sprain.... We bought in.

The ensuing months bore witness to a softening of Parko's kung-fu grip on the World Tour. At Trestles, he didn't look quite right, and then at France, it was clear that something was amiss. That injury that was supposedly nothing more than a mild calf sprain had proven itself a nagging and somewhat severe ankle injury. Despite a strong showing in Portugal, Parko recently reported in his blog that the possibility of going under the knife and having pins put in his ankle is not outside of the realm of possibility.

"The last few weeks it’s felt really good. Really good. I kind of got over that stiff injury phase, now I’m getting flexibility back in it, so it allows me to do a lot more on it," said Parko in an interview on his website. "When I get home from Hawaii I’m going to have another round of MRIs to find out if it’s 100 percent. I’ve got one little test to do to find out how much movement I have between my tib and my fib, and if it has a lot of movement I’ll probably have to get a screw in it, but if it doesn’t then I should be right."

Parko went on to say that he's currently geared up to compete in all three events of the Triple Crown, despite a doctor's recommendations.

"The doctor the other day recommended I should probably pull out of Haleiwa, but I’m still surfing fine and surfing without pain. I’m fit and healthy so I said to him, 'I’m doing it, mate.' I love the Triple Crown, I love Hawaii. It’s surfing."

If Parko were to secure his first world title while nursing an injury at Pipeline, it would undoubtedly be the stuff of legends. It also wouldn't be the first time an injured surfer proved his worth at Pipe come crunch time. In 1982, Michael Ho historically won the Pipe Masters with a cast on his wrist, pioneering the pig dog in the process.

Can Parko comeback and pull off a miracle? Stay logged on to GrindTV to see how the 2009 Triple Crown unfolds.

Girls Ride Day at the Projects

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:56:44 PST

Girls shredding? bikinis? Hot dogs? Drinks? Floats? System 2.0 Sounds like good place to pick up some chicks

Nathan Gibbs

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:31:48 PST

Nathan Paul Gibbs paints pretty pictures. So pretty, in fact, that they have been shown all over the country, including Washington, where he was originally born; Florida, where he lived in his teens (and learned to surf); and Southern California, where he has lived since 1999. So very pretty that he has published two books of his work, The Betrayal of Man and Define Art and Surf, and has frequent shows featuring his pieces, including one at San Clemente's Gallery 104 on November 20th. Artists such as Vincent Van Gough, Jackson Pollock, and Paul Cezanne have all influenced the way Nathan puts paint to canvas. As a surfer and artist, his paintbrush has taken him to some of the worlds finest surf destinations, Fiji, Tahiti, Costa Rica, Australia, Mexico, and Hawaii to name a few. His paintings are incredibly vibrant and colorful, yet abstract enough to blur reality. Check out the gallery above, or check out his website for even more.
http://nathangibbsart.com/

Groveling on Day One of the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:51:31 PST

There's more swell on the North Shore right now than most of us know what do with. Trouble is, barely a lick of it is hitting Alii Beach Park, the home of the frontrunner of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Reef Hawaiian Pro. Aroused by a bit of west and some sweet talk, Haleiwa lay strangely dormant for the opening day of the million-dollar series today, with some meager 2- to 3-foot lumps showing themselves from time to time while triple-overhead sets donated themselves out to the east. Truth be told, it looked more like a South American beachbreak than one of the North Shore's most menacing haunts. But that's Hawaii and despite all of the preconceived notions you may have, it aint always perfect.

Finding gems amid the garbage today, the Brazilian contingency fared best with 44 percent (or four of nine) surfers surviving their heats. In contrast, the Hawaiian surfers didn't bode quite so well with 39 percent (or nine of 23) surfers gaining births into their next round. Blame it on the piss-poor conditions, pensions for groveling, or them being more talented than we all would like to believe, but the Brazilians looked to be the most dangerous group of surfers in the lineup, consistently finding the best peaks of the heat.

That is, if you don't count...wait for it...Granger Larsen.

In fashion, Maui's pumping out phenoms like it's going out of style. Hot damn that Granger kid can surf. In conditions that offered up a less-than-ideal canvas, Larsen posted the day's highest score, a 9.33 and would back it up with a 6.

“I was in second place and Damien Fahrenfort was in first. That wave came and I was like, ‘which way do you want to go?’ I’m not going to battle, but I’m not really a (paddle) battler," said Larsen post heat. "He went left and the right
looked so much better. It had a little, nice wall, and I did a few turns and got a nine so I’m happy with that.”

Other heats saw last year's event winner and World Tour surfer Michel Bourez take an early fall. Last year, in some of the most idylic conditions on record at Haleiwa, Bourez took the win and a seat in the Big Leagues in the process. Unfortunately, it won't be a repeat for the Tahitian as he bowed out in the round of 128 to local boy Joel Centeio and Aussie James Wood.

We're looking at some squirrelly weather and swell in the coming days, so don't expect a "go" call tomorrow at Haleiwa. But in the meantime, stay posted to Grind TV.

Major Grom Assault on Salt Creek Set for Saturday

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:10:24 PST

Salt Creek has always been ruled by grommets. The lineup maintains one of the youngest demographics in the entire state. In fact, studies have shown that Creek legends like Pat O'Connell, Kevin Billy have Creek-Geeks Disease, which sounds pretty bad, but isn't, because it's really just a permanent bout of adolescence. Symptoms include being routinely still mistaken for 8th graders. So apparently, something in the water there keeps you fresh. Good thing, too, because it's not easy to be enthusiastic about a dumpy closeout. Don't get me wrong, Salt Creek has its magic moments, in fact, this Saturday could be one of them as the nation's hottest gremlins come to battle for the National Titles of the Rip Curl Grom Search.

The Rip Curl Grom Search, if you've never been to one, is 20 times better than opening day of Little League. That's becasue these kids are All Stars. Matter of fact, you should go get some autographs now because they'll be worth millions of pesos in 10 or 15 years (the dollar will be long gone as a currency but more on that later.)

At the Grom Search, the microscopes are truly busted out because 12, 14 and 16 years of age are the cutoff points for each division, which makes things highly competitive all the way across the spectrum. But the fun part is watching some of the tiny little circus freaks beat up on their older peers, which happens routinely. That's because these groms don't know what barriers are. They're pulling moves even guys on tour can't do. And in a few short years some of them will be out there on tour. And if you're not down there placing bets on who it's going to be, Well you're missing half the fun. But you will be able to tune in online. So stay tuned...

Oceanside's Huge Surf Festival to Celebrate 50 Years of Surfer Magazine

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:55:36 PST

Some of the most unique cultural experiences in surfing are those rare uniting of our various tribes. For a tiny sliver of the surfing population surf contests actually facilitate this mixing of cultures, but for the vast majority of surfers, it's the surf movie that pulls us together best...and these days, surfing festivals, like next week's California Surf Festival in Oceanside, do the best job of getting all of our tribes in one place.

California's surfing community has always been a fragmented one. In a State as big as ours that's to be expected. Most of us settle into our familiar patterns and rarely roam beyond our favorite go-to surf spots. Ask yourself this, did you surf more than five spots last month? If you did, chances are you just got your drivers license or you were recently handed a pink slip. Regardless of the reason, you're hardcore, so congrats. And you deserve an even bigger pat on the back one if you drove more than 80 miles to one of those spots.

Sadly, we usually forget what we're missing until we go mingle. There's much to be said for touching, smelling and wandering a new horizon. And in California there is certainly no shortage of those. We also have a diverse surf culture. More diverse, surprisingly, than almost anywhere else in the world. Case in point: Newport Beach is a far cry from Oxnard, which is a light years away from Malibu, which is nothing like Morro Bay, and don't get me started on Encinitas vs. Huntington.

Next week, from the 19th through the 22nd, the California Surf Museum, a beautiful 5600 square foot space in Oceanside that houses much of our rich history, will be honoring all of them with their huge four-day celebration of our heritage. The festival will feature a healthy dose of surf music, surf movies, and surf culture, all the while raising money for a very worthy cause, the museum itself.

There are 12 feature length films on tap, along with 12 short films, including the first sneak peek at Kelly Slater's IMAX project. The flicks will be showing at one of three venues over the four-day event. But that's just the tip of the spear. Nat Young, who changed surfing back in 1966 at Oceanside during the World Contest, will be on hand to talk story on the opening night. Renowned ukulele strummer Jake Shimabukuro will be delighting the acoustic senses on Friday and Clark Little will be showcasing his groundbreaking photography over the weekend. Some of the "must see" films being shown include Sea of Darkness, HighWater, Still Filthy and Dear & Yonder. There's also a Hot Groms Shorts Film contest.

Of course, one of the biggest celenrations will take place on Saturday night, when Surfer Magazine will be celebrating its first 50 years. Festival organizers are paying tribute to the sport's longest running print publication. As part of the celebration, almost all of the past editors and several of the past photo editors, including John Severson, Jeff Divine, Drew Kampion, Art Brewer and editor-turned-historian Matt Warshaw will be there in attendance talking story and answering questions about the magazine's rich history.

So if you've been looking for an excuse to escape your home town for a day or so, next weekend might be a good one to try Oceanside. Hey, for what it's worth, there's always a fun wave to be had there.

A schedule of events for the California Surf Festival is listed below. For more information and ticket purchases, go to the California Surf Museum website at www.surfmuseum.org or call 760-721-6876. Films and schedule subject to change.

The Three downtown Oceanside screening venues:
CSM = CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM
GRACE = Grace Theater (at the Grace Chapel), 102 N. Freeman St.
BROOKS = Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N. Coast Highway

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19
BROOKS
7:00 to 8:30 An Evening With Nat Young

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009
CSM
6:00 – 7:00 Jake Shimabukuro VIP reception.
GRACE
5:00 – 6:30 Short film: Madera. Feature film: Shaped.
8:00 – 10:00 Jake Shimabukuro in Concert
BROOKS
6:00 – 7:30 Short film: Verve. Feature: Dear & Yonder.
8:00 – 9:30 Short film: Gum For My Boat. Feature film: Still Filthy

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009
CSM
The Museum is open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
6:00 – 7:00 Surfer Magazine 50th Anniversary tribute VIP reception.
GRACE
12:00 to 1:00 = to be determined
1:00 to 3:00 Short film: All Points South. Feature film: Waveriders
3:00 to 4:30 Feature film: Sea of Darkness
5:00 to 6:30 Feature film: HighWater
8:00 to 10:00 Surfer Magazine 50 Year Anniversary Tribute

BROOKS
12:00 – 1:00 Hot Grom Shorts
1:00 to 2:30 Clark Little champagne reception.
2:30 to 4:30 Short film: Tom’s Creation and Plantation. Feature film: Hanging Five
5:00 to 6:00 Feature film: Echo Beach
6:00 to 7:30 Feature film: The Drifter
8:00 to 9:00 Short film: Inundation. Feature film: Lost Prophets

NOVEMBER 22, 2009
BROOKS
12:00 to 1:00: Hot Grom Shorts
1:00 to 2:30 Feature film: BS!
3:00 to 4:30 Short film: El Día Despues. Short film: Shaping A Life. First “Silver Surfer Award” presented to Gary Linden
4:00 to 5:30 Awards ceremony.

Funds raised from the California Surf Festival will assist the California Surf Museum in its growth and outreach to the community. The California Surf Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, Calif. 92054; (760) 721-6876; www.surfmuseum.org. Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission.

CONTACT:
MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP: Lou Niles, (760) 579-3826, lounbr@pacbell.net
FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING: Keiko Beatie, (949) 395-0879, keikobeatie@gmail.com
TICKETS AND EVENTS: California Surf Museum, (760) 721-6876, CSM@surfmuseum.org

Nature is Coming... Hippy Tree Fall-Winter 2009 collection is here.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:17:07 PST

The Boys over at Hippy Tree have released their Fall-Winter 2009 Collection, and as usual they aren’t messing around.

With the attention to detail and new additions for winter essentials Hippy Tree is really branching out to into a full fledged head to toe apparel line. This seasons new pieces include Corduroy pants and the always classic essential, the Flannel button up. Hippy Tree is a brand you will love to have strewn across your room. With killer graphic designs on tees, hats and hoodies you will always have someone asking where you got your threads. Check out the full line here http://hippytree.com/product/blog/index.php?categry=winter09

South Bay surfer, artist and photographer Andrew Sarnecki formally founded Hippy Tree in ’03. Its creative beginnings began with Sarnecki designing, printing and distributing a free mini surf magazine titled “South Bay” a photo infused surf tide book.

Upon local demand he then moved to calendars and t-shirts and now well on their way to becoming a full head to toe apparel movement. Hippy Tree prides itself on its green origins and continue to remain eco-conscious with their Organic cotton lines as well as their many different projects.

Even their tags are envelopes that contain seeds to plant.

The iconic Hippy tree logo and sticker can be spotted not only up and down the California coast but making its way across the country and ...the world.

To get your own sticker pack click here http://hippytree.com/stickerpacks/

Adrian Siebert sportin Hippy Tree at the Quiksilver German longboard championships. He Won.

Some more samples of their Fall/Winter '09 collection:

To learn more about your new favorite company Check em out here: http://www.hippytree.com/

The Vans Triple Crown and the Million Dollar Purse

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:16:28 PST

With the dow breaking 10,000, there's been a lot of talk about the country's frozen economy showing signs of a thaw. Although not quite as telling as the numbers on Wall Street, the numbers in the surf industry seem to dictate that there's money to burn. On the heels of the ASP's more lucrative restructuring and Hurley's $100,000 back-to-back purses, the Vans Triple Crown has just announced that they're dropping a cool million on their trifecta this year. According to the Triple Crown, it is the most prize money ever awarded for a contest. We spoke with the marketing director for the Triple Crown, Sean Wingate, to get the details.

Hasn't anyone told you guys that there's been bit of...uhm...downturn in the economy?
[Laughs.] Yeah, we're calling it the Triple Threat this year and we're really trying to step it up for the surfers. It's been a great year on the tour and with the race for the title coming down to Hawaii, we really wanted to go big and give back to the surfers.

Did the idea to up the prize money have anything to do with Hurley stepping it up at the U.S. Open and again at Lowers?
No, not necessarily. We had the funds to do it this year and, like I said, we wanted to give back to the surfers. It'll be the most prize money ever for a professional contest.

So how's it work. What do you have to do to win the million?
Normally, the winner of the Triple Crown gets $10,000. This year, it's $50,000. We're also giving away $50,000 to the winner of the Pipe Masters and another $50,000 to the winner of the ASP title. So let's say that either Joel or Mick or someone wins at Pipeline, wins the Triple Crown, and wins the title. When it's all said and done, they're looking at $230,000. And the winner for the women's Triple Crown also gets $25,000.

So all that adds up to a million?
The normal prize purse is $825,000, but with the additional money we're putting into it this year, it'll be a million.

Eddie Guilbeau Wins the 2009 King of the Peak

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:09:49 PST

Eddie Guilbeau took this year's King of the Peak at Sebastian Inlet, which was held over the weekend. His name is now added to the long list of past rulers. Conditions were challenging, with 30mph winds ripping through the peak which was dropping fast on a fading swell. As a result, it was the typical fight for one good wave.

The King of the Peak contest runs using a skins format, comprised of 4 surfers + 1 previous skin winner. Each heat the winner moves on and can continue to move on through out the day as long as he wins the current heat. The surfer with the most skins at the end of the day is deemed the King. Kyle Garson had no problem winning his first heat of the day but then wasn't too lucky in the next. Asher Nolan was also present but just couldn't get a solid wave to get through his first heat. Surfers were stuck fighting for whatever would push them.

There was a huge turn out with some of the best talent on the East Coast in attendance. These guys are used to these conditions and had no problem going huge.

Disecting Hank: Maui's Hank Gaskell on losing a sponsor and winning an event

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:57:02 PST

Hank Gaskell is nothing like his peers. He doesn't much care for claiming, shit-talking, and general arrogance and has defined himself over the years by saying very little and letting his surfing do most of the talking. And up until a few months ago, it seemed to work. Hank's been a bit of a media darling for years. But when the economy went sour, companies got lean. And like many of his counterparts, Hank was cut from long-time sponsor Hurley and was left with a dwindling bank account and a fire in his eyes; he was yearning to prove his worth in the surf world. And that's exactly what he did recently when he won the Xcel Pro Sunset Beach. We sat down with Hank to get his take on proving the surf world wrong.

I'm sure this is probably the 20th call from the media that you've fielded since you won at Sunset, but let's hear it: How's it feel?

I'm just really stoked. I didn't even think I won the event until the end when they announced it. It's never an easy place to win at, but I would say that I feel pretty comfortable out there. It's a place that I've spent some time surfing. It's definitely not an easy place to surf, but it helps when you put your time in out there.

Have you gotten any calls from sponsors since winning the event?

Well, not as many as I would like. I got one recently, but we'll see how that turns out. With the recession, everyone's pretty tight right now. But you know what, I don't think I would have won that event if I had a sponsor. It helped push me that much more and train harder. Before I won this event, I was getting pretty low in my bank account. I spent most of my money on my winter quiver. So that pushes you.

That must have been some redemption for you. So what's next?

Yeah, it definitely felt really good. That's for sure...but in the future I'm just gonna try and keep it up on the North Shore, have a good season. I basically live back home on Maui, and when the swell is good or there's an event on, I'll fly over for that. I haven't been traveling too much lately...I went to Chile earlier in the year, but I'm liking staying at home and hanging out with my girlfriend.

Nate Yeomans and Nat Young Take Top Honors at Steamer Lane

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:34:17 PST

San Clemente's Nate Yeomans may have just made a reservation for next year's ASP World Tour. By winning the 6-Star Prime O'Neill Cold Water Classic in huge surf at Steamer Lane the dynamic goofyfooter has jumped all the way up to 8th in the WQS rankings from the No. 27 slot. He now stands a great chance of jumping up into the major leagues along with fellow Californians Patrick Gudauskas and Brett Simpson in 2010.

Lord knows Yeomans was due to cash in on some of the good karma he'd racked up over the years. The 27-year-old has been battling on the WQS for what seems like forever. He's won several smaller events at home in California, but none that have carried much weight. "I’ve been winning 2-Stars for too long and it was time for a big 6-Star win," he said. "To have my name up there with all of the great surfers who have won this event over the years is amazing. This is the biggest result of my career and I’m speechless. ”

Thanks to brands like Nike, Hurley and O'Neill, all of whom have stepped up their support of the WQS in North America this year, there has been far more points and prize money available to American surfers. The added opportunity has proven to be a productive launching pad guys like Yeomans, the Gudauskas brothers and Brett Simpson who are taking advantage of the added opportunities. Yeomans earned $20,000 for his win.

The Cold Water Classic in Santa Cruz was only a 4-Star last year when 17-year-old local boy Nat Young took the victory. While Young wasn't able to defend his title in the WQS event this week, he managed to redeem his early exit with another win in the Oakley Pro Junior division (a title he took back in 2007). He thrilled his home town crowd in the final where he edged Hawaiian Tonino Benson, who was also very impressive all week.

“I was the only kid from Santa Cruz in the junior, so I’m stoked,” Young said. “It’s great to build momentum up for Worlds, even though it’s far away, it’s good to win this event at home with so many good guys in the draw.”

The completion of the Santa Cruz event marks the end of the historic Cold Water Classic Series that was comprised of five events this year, including the first ever WQS event in Canada just last week. A very stoked Aussie Blake Thornton is taking home an extra $50,000 for taking the Series title.

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Final:
1 - Nathan Yeomans (USA) 15.33
2 – Heath Joske (AUS) 8.60

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Semifinals Results:
Heat 1: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 12.50 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.00
Heat 2: Heath Joske (AUS) 11.43 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 8.86

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Quarterfinals Results:
Heat 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.50 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 8.00
Heat 2: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 15.00 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 12.53
Heat 3:
Heath Joske (AUS) 13.17 def. Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 9.10
Heat 4: Luke Munro (AUS) 9.67 def. Kieran Horn (USA) 8.46

Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships Final Results:
1 - Nat Young (USA) 15.07
2 – Tonino Benson (HAW) 7.76
3 – Cody Thompson (USA) 7.73
4 – Dylan Goodale (HAW) 7.10

Drifting Into Rob Machado's Purification

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:28:21 PST

All heroes are tested. But rarely are the feats that made them famous their hardest one. For most, the harrowing challenge comes well after they've conquered man, beast or nature. The day of reckoning arrives when they realize trophies and titles don't reveal the answers to what it is to be man. After returning to a world they've outgrown all that they chased contains little of value next to what they've learned along the way. The result is the toughest of all their tests because it involves turning inward.

Surf stars aren't immune to these issues. They, too, have a tough time coming off the mountain top. Our sport is littered with former greats who've fallen from grace. Rob Machado, however, is not one of them. He's been a class act since day one. Yet in recent years, even Machado has had to shed the ego of his former life in order to make way for a spiritual rebirth---yet all births involve pain.

The annihilation of Rob's former self is the inspiration behind The Drifter, director Taylor Steele's most ambitious project yet. The two friends have known each other since childhood, and their partnership has resulted in tremendous success for both. But five years ago Steele and his wife relocated to Bali where they've settled into a beautiful existence. Machado, meanwhile, remained in California, a place he arguably has outgrown. As a result, his public and private struggles became new challeges.

Rob was due for a soul-searching journey, and it was only natural that Taylor should be the one to capture it.

The Drifter, however, is not a documentary. It strives to be in some parts, and certainly could have been, which is really my only issue with this film. Knowing a bit of the back story here, it's easy to see where Hollywood players got involved, injecting more money, crew, and, well, chiefs into the mix. As the scope of the project grew somewhere along the way an acting role got thrown into the mix. But not the harmless comedic skit stuff we've seen from Rob in the past. The Drifter is supposed to be a heart-tugging drama. The problem here is drama isn't Rob thing, and as a result many of the key moments---moments that we know are based in reality---fall flat as a result. Because Rob plays a fictional character we're shielded from the deeper journey we know he was on.

Luckily, surfing is Rob's thing. And Steele does his best job yet of gathering the kind of stunning imagery that evokes our deep-seeded escapist's fantasies. Rob's refreshing adventures throughout Bali and Sumba are likely to launch a thousand trips. The surfing is much more timeless poetry than high-octane heavily edited climaxing. It's not shot in overcast crumbly beachbreak, but in pure surfing heaven. Machado's elegant form is the perfect fit for the breathtaking dreamscapes on screen. Story issues aside, the whole package adds up to a film I believe has a serious shelf life. If you're a Machado fan (and if you're not shame on you) you're gonna need to see this.

.

England's First Artificial Reef Opens in Bascombe

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:34:41 PST

The town of Bascombe in Dorset County England has wagered a hefty sum of pounds in the hopes that a new artificial reef will deliver it a much-needed economic boost. The reef is serving as a centerpiece of a new seafront promenade that the town is hoping will improve its gritty image. But construction on the reef took a year longer than expected, and cost the city three million British pounds, twice as much as originally anticipated.

Now that he reef has been completed the question isn't just whether or not it will work, but what kind of customer it will attract if it does. Will it help or hurt its image problems? Needless to say there are some nervous city council members praying for surf. It's been flat since it officially opened, but there is a tiny little wedge folding out there that's attracted a few boogers. Yet the final verdict isn't likely to be known for at least a year, when sand buildup around the 55 giant submerged "geotextile bags" is expected to maximize its potential.

Dorset sits in the English Channel along the South West coast of England.The construction was completed by the New Zealand based company called ASR, who built the Mount Reef project in the city of Tauranga. By most accounts, the Mount Reef project has been labeled a failure, even though the region is home to million dollar homes on the cliffs above. Surfers there say the waves on either side of the reef are actually better.

The notion of perfectly sculptend waves peeling off of artificial reefs has been talked about for decades, yet with surfers gaining political clout and some social status, they're actually getting the green light. Yet the panacea surfers have been hoping for hasn't come to fruition, which is why the surfing world will be keeping a close eye on Bascombe this winter.

Malibu Crap Tanks Given Death Sentence

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:07:29 PST

After years of battling, The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board voted 5-2 to ban new septic systems in central and eastern Malibu, and more importantly, force existing ones to halt waste water discharges by the year 2020. The decision is a huge milestone in the effort to improve water quality in the lower Malibu Creek watershed and Surfrider Beach.

The decision translates into a huge win for The Surfrider Foundation's West Los Angeles/Malibu Chapter along with a coalition of environmental groups including Heal the Bay, Santa Monica Baykeeper and the Malibu Surfing Association. Each of them were out in full-force at the hearing.

"The issue of poor water quality at Malibu was one of the reasons that the Surfrider Foundation came into existence," said Chad Nelsen, Environmental Director of the Surfrider Foundation. "So this is a huge achievement for the surfing community."

Emboldened by the victory, many locals are now vowing to rid the lineup of all the crappy actors stinking the place up, but given how entrenched they are that could be quite a shit storm.

King Of The Peak is on! 6-8ft NE Swell

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:02:07 PST

With a solid NE swell rocking the buoys on the coast of Florida, The king of the peak is on! Choppy Wedges are a normal condition for the King of the peak and the boys will be ready. With some big names of the sport fighting for the title and the unknowns trying to become the known this weekend. With over a 100 entries battling it out for the overall king of the peak title. The king of the peak title is one of most coveted titles on the east coast. Former Title holders include Kelly Slater, CJ Hobgood and many more east coast locals.

Winning the king of the peak wont come easy to anyone though. With a large NE swell forecasted for this weekend conditions will not be favorable. Large wedges will bounce off the jetty creating the famous peak but with 20-25mph winds the uncontrollable chop will make it hard for surfers to line up for the perfect spot. A constant fight against the current and wind will leave most surfers fighting for air. There is no better place to be this weekend on the east coast with over 10,000 dollars in prize and one of the most prestigious titles on the east coast. All eyes will be on the Peak this weekend to see which local boys can defend their break and take home the title.

Make sure you check back next week for Video Highlights.

The famous 1st peak wedge.

Victory at Sea conditions for this weekend.

Photos Courtesy of: Quiksilver http://events.quiksilver.com/event_detail.aspx?evntid=210

Modern Collective's Kai Neville Weighs In on the Hype

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:45:01 PST

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m getting pretty damn sick of hearing about the Modern Collective. Said to be the surf movie to end all surf movies, the film marks the directorial debut of Kai Neville, a protégé to Taylor Steele, and has garnered just about as much press as Michael Jackson’s death. In the beginning, I was just as psyched as everyone, perhaps more so, on the upcoming release. The world’s best surfers, a new filmmaker set on the avante garde…what’s not to like? But a few months in, I’d heard all I wanted to about the film. It was like eating at a buffet, two hours stuffing your face and you just can’t seem to take anymore in. And I could only imagine how the director felt, fending off a six-month blitzkrieg of media interviews. With that in mind, I decided to give old Kai one final strafe before the film releases later this month to see what gives.

It seems like I can't pick up a surf mag or go to a website without there being something on the Modern Collective lately. As your major debut, does the flood of media attention ever make you wonder if the film is being over-hyped and setting an unrealistic, golden standard for you?

The coverage has been wicked, I started the little blog on our first trip to France and we have generated a unique following. I assume the film will be very different from people’s expectations. The movie is session based so what you see is what you get. No two-minute bang of keepers. It showcases a more candid approach to the way these guys surf. I know people are expecting a lot out of this movie, the pressure is on for me to bring the goods. You can’t appeal to everyone though I’m trying to find an enjoyable medium. I religiously watched surf vids around the age 13-17 so my main focal point is to keep the younger generation psyched to go flair.

What or who do you look to for creative inspiration? I know surfing in the past hasn't been the most progressive of genres, but is there a person or a magazine or cinematographer that makes you reexamine how you do your job?

The audience for sure craves more today and I have been tapping into a few genres and music videos for ideas, taking what I like and trying to apply that technique to a surf film. Also, I draw ideas from design and culture magazines like Wonderland, Wallpaper, Dazed, etc. This style has created a really clean and minimal look to the project. More emphasis on the subject rather than applying wild motion graphics and titles across the screen. I love the look in most features and fashion ads of using small text with extravagant imagery as opposed to covering the page with hideous graphics.

When the last of the editing is done and the film is released, how are you gonna unwind or are you gonna start plugging away at another film?

I’m stoked right now just finished the main edit. About to embark on a wild North American tour! After that I will be ready for a little break to actually go surf and also work on the pre-production for the next movie.

Modern Collective teaser ft: Jordy from Poor Specimen on Vimeo.

Nat Young Exits Early From Cold Water Classic

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:43:40 PST

After wrapping an historic event up in Canada, the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Series rolled down the coast to Santa Cruz this week, and with a huge swell expected to arrive this weekend the CWC stands a great chance of living up to its billing. But the fervent local fans of Santa Cruz were dealt an early blow on Tuesday when defending champion Nat Young, last year's defending champion and heir to the Santa Cruz throne, lost in a close one yesterday along with Noi Kaulukukui, another Santa Cruz standout.

In early high-tide conditions, Young was defeated in the waning moments of the heat by Granger Larsen and Nathaniel Curren. After going on a serious tear last year, this is the latest in a string of early round knockouts that have pulled Young back to earth. Last month he was knocked out of the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge in Bali Young. It's a string the 18-year-old seems to be keeping taking in stride. On his Facebook page, he posted a humorous little status update summing up his frustration. "Just lost first heat...Stoked."

Things will start heating up as the top seeds get underway. The O'Neill Cold Water Classic has been upgraded to a 6-Star Prime this year, which means it's a mandatory stop for anyone hoping to qualify for the world tour. It's a great place to get a glimpse of what the future of surfing looks like. Stay tuned for much more.

Local Boy Perter Devries Wins the Inaugural O'Neill Cold Water Classic in Canada

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 22:06:24 PST

There are no more loyal surf fans in the world than those that inhabit the small town of Tofino on Vancouver Island. Two thousand strong, they’ve braved the elements for the past week, standing in the rain, enduring the wind, fighting off the cold. Day in and day out, there they there. Watching. Clapping. Hoping. Hoping for a miracle. And today, with the sun shining and the entire town skipping out on work to watch the final, that miracle happened. Peter Devries, 26, the boy from just down the road, won the inaugural Cold Water Classic Canada, comboing Aussie Jay Thompson in the messy, overhead peaks at Chesterman’s Bay in the final.

“If he can pull this off, it would mean so much to this town” was a phrase commonly overheard at the contest site today. Devries had come a long way on his march to the final, surfing eight heats total as a wild card in the opening rounds all the way through to the main event, dispatching the world’s best with his Curren-esque carves and nonchalance airs. But could he really win? It seemed almost too good to be true. This is real life, not a movie or a book. Nine times out of 10, Devries would fall and Bottle would win. Right? Not today.

Heading into the final, Pete looked to be in true character, not showing the slightest sign of any nerves. With an almost Zen-like look running through his eyes, Pete managed to make his way through the crowd that had gathered shoulder-to-shoulder along the water’s edge. People slapped him on the back, cheered, hollered, and screamed, “We love you Pete! Tofino loves you!” None of this fazed him a bit. Today, Pete Devries made Dane Reynolds look like a nervous wreck.

When the horn sounded signaling the start of the final, Devries opened up on the bowly rights affront the judge’s booth, lacerating any sign of open face he could find. Linking turns to floaters, floaters to end-section hacks and throwing in the odd check turn, Devries was literally surfing the beachbreak as well as anyone could have. His high score: a 9.0. His low: a 7.43. And although he would try time and again, Bottle couldn’t retaliate. Perhaps it’s a good thing, because if he would have won today, with this crowd, there’s a good chance that he wasn’t going to leave Canada alive. But it didn’t matter; Pete had the heat on lockdown and would solidly take the win.

In the waning minutes of the final, with Devries holding Bottle in a figurative headlock, the crowd went crazy. Literally. It was pandemonium on the beach. People were crying. Canadian flags appeared out of nowhere. They chanted Pete’s name. Peter. Peter. Peter. Peter. Someone lit off fireworks. It was one of the most intense moments of my career. Pipeline and Huntington had nothing on Tofino today.

With crowd thundering their praise toward Devries, he made his way to the beach where he was met by friends and carried towards the awards platform. Someone lit off fireworks again and bottles of champagne drained down the gullets of Devries, friends, and other fans.

“Thank you so much to the crowd out here. This is crazy. Thanks to all of the people in town. To hear you guys cheer from the beach when I was surfing a wave…it felt incredible.”

The Cold Water Classic has one more stop in the series, and it’s the big one: the 6-star prime in Santa Cruz. Stay glued to Grind TV.

Pete Devries Brings the Faith to Canada at the Cold Water Classic

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:41:06 PST

I’ll be honest. I’ve been trying pretty hard not to jump on the Peter Devries bandwagon since stepping foot in Canada to report on the Cold Water Classic last week. It seems like you can’t go 12 steps in the town of Tofino without hearing the local boy’s name uttered like he was Christ himself, clad in neoprene and minus the bushy beard. Although you can’t deny that he does bear some resemblance.

“Have you seen Peter Devries surf?”

“Oh yeah, he’s amazing, eh? I think he’s gonna win out here.”

“That would really be nice, eh. Local boy beats the best in the world.”

It would be nice, indeed, but the angle itself just seemed too easy, too good to be true. I’ve heard that the lad can surf, but could he truly compete against the likes of the hungriest ’QS surfers around at one of the last 6-stars of the season?

The answer is an unequivocal, all caps, bolded “YES.” Pete just might win this event.

I’m jumping on board. Time and again, heat after heat, punt after punt…Pete’s made me a believer, a convert, I’m now a devoted disciple to the Devries faith.

In his opener at the Cold Water Classic Canada, Devries threw down the highest heat score of the day. In his next round, he dominated his heat, surfing as good as anyone. The following matchup, he smoked Dusty Payne. And then today, in his round of 16 heat, he tore the arms (figuratively of course) off of Frenchman Joan Duru. Now he’s on to the quarters.

To cement the fact that Devries has achieved a significant level of status in this town, when Pete surfs, the town comes out to watch. In droves. In his round of 16 heat, I estimated 500 Canadian souls braving the frigid rain and wind to see if Pete could continue his run. Now, 500 may not seem like an enormous crowd compared to U.S. Open, but figure in the fact that there are 2,000 people who live in Tofino. And his heat today was on a Friday.

“Time for Pete to get mobbed again,” said fellow Canadian surfer, close friend, and event ambassador, Noah Cohen, after Devries won his heat today. And mobbed he was.

After the throngs of fans and media threw a hundred questions at the hometown hero, I make it 101.

“Do you hate the attention?” I sheepishly ask, realizing the irony in my question.

He smiles gently and says, “I definitely wouldn’t want to be Kelly Slater.”

But in Tofino, he might as well be.

Surfers Vying for Billabong's Big Wave Awards Chase Death and the Endless Winter

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:30:16 PST

The best big-wave surfers in the world stop at nothing to chase huge swells, even if they're headed straight back into the dead of winter. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the race for the annual Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards.

As the surf world's most prestigious big-wave honors, the Billabong XXL Awards are divvied into a handful of distinct categories including Ride of the Year, Biggest Wave, Best Tube Ride, Worst Wipeout and Best Overall Performance. The race for each prize begins anew each May, even before the checks are cashed by the previous year's winners.

The XXL Awards are already in their tenth year, but the big-wave landscape has changed dramatically in that same period. In its early days it would be months before any viable nominees started surfacing. Back then the consensus was the Northern Hemisphere had a stranglehold on the planet's biggest surf. But because the Northern Hemisphere sits idle during its summer months things wouldn't really heat up until November or December, when huge winter storms kicked up the surf.

In truth, the Northern Hemisphere was merely more thoroughly explored. But over the last decade, breakthroughs in search and forecasting technologies have led surfers thirsty for heavy-water adventure to pore over nautical charts of the Southern Hemisphere, especially those along the blustery coasts of South Africa and Southern Australia, including Tasmania.

Surfers have been reeling over the discoveries. Turns out, there's some damn serious surf at the bottom of the world, which is why there's no shortage of XXL nominees in October, and it's also why big-wave enthusiast spend their time chasing an Endless Winter. Southern Hemisphere storms kick into gear around April. By the time they subside in late September, the Northern Hemisphere starts making noise.

With predictions of an El Nino pattern still holding steady, wave chasers believe this could be a banner year for the North Pacific. Big wave surfers are having a tough time committing to any holiday plans for this very reason. This season should get interesting.

Frozen Redemption: CWC Canada Goes Off on Day Four

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:51:45 PST

After three days of freezing wind and bone-chilling rain, we awoke yesterday at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic to some of the best surf that Cox Bay had seen all year. Overhead lines stacked out to the horizon, not a hint of the wind that had been plaguing the event all week, it was pristine surf in anyone’s eyes in any part of the world.

When Canada turns on, the prospect of suiting up for a coldwater session isn’t quite as grueling as it is when the wind chill makes you want to cry. (I only did this once, I swear.) For Californian Brett Simpson, having head-high perfection out front definitely helped cut the pain of donning a slushy suit, glove, and booties as he headed out for his heat.

“I think this has been the best surf of the event, and probably the best surf of the series so far,” said Simpson, who dropped one of the many 9s today and would win his heat in the process.

Simpson looks solid to be joining the World Tour next year. It’s a fact that is making his time in Canada all the more enjoyable.

“I don’t want to say that I’ve qualified just yet…I don’t want to jinx myself, ya know? But having a good standing right now definitely makes it easier to surf a heat. I think today was probably the best surf that the series has seen yet. That makes it easy too.”

Another high-water mark moment today went to Santa Cruz’s Nat Young, who barely squeaked by in his heat despite posting a 9.7 on his opening wave. Trouble was, Kevin Sullivan from Hawaii and Aussie Dion Atkinson did the same thing, leaving young Nat in quite the pickle. But these kids like Nat are hyped by the media for a reason: They really are that good. And in the closing seconds, needing a mid-range score of a 5, Nat pulled it off. They almost always do.

As the day wore on, the swell began to filter off, leaving some very rippable conditions mixed with some falling rain. It was the epitome of a coldwater wet dream. Green pines steps from the beach, a cold, falling rain, endless peaks down the bay. It was a coldwater paradise.

Unfortunately, it’s not forecasted to last. The local weather is calling for a decrease in swell and some heavy rain followed by a mega storm this weekend, leaving officials scrambling to run as many heats in the Canadian utopia while the conditions last.

Stay tuned, as local boy Peter Devries surfs tomorrow. Can he continue his streak in his own backyard? You’ll have to log on to find out.

Fanning and Parko Sagas set to Collide After Mick Wins the Rip Curl Pro

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:46:42 PST

Mick Fanning is back in his rightful place. The same place he found back in 2007, when he dominated with one of the most impressive win streaks in ASP history to earn his first ASP World Title. At the Rip Curl Search event in Portugal this morning he nabbed his third event in the last four tries, extending his ratings lead over Joel Parkinson in the process with just one event left to go.

Mick's huge advantage over Parko now is he's been here before. But after reaching the mountain top in 2007 Mick Fanning learned the hard way what it's like to wear the target. As a result, his 2008 season was almost over before it started. For the wind chill up on the mountain top is far more penetrating to the nerves, and finding your familiar comfort zone is almost impossible once you're so exposed. Just ask Kelly Slater, who went through the same process back in 1993.

The world title made Mick a national hero in the sport's crazy town of Australia, where being a celebrity is a lot handle. His feet hadn't found solid ground again until midway through this year, when all the weight of his country was transferred over to the shoulder's of his buddy Joel Parkinson. After Parko's early dominance this year some in Australia were already planning his coronation...book deals were in the works, documentaries being planned...and natrually, Parko's ankle essentially cracked under the weight of that pressure.

Meanwhile, back on firm ground Mick Fanning was able to find his winning ways again. And today, wiser for the wear thanks to his journey up to the mountain top, he has what looks like a radar lock on the task at hand. The Fanning Focus is back, and he's galloping toward the finish in silky-smooth stride.

Lest you think it's all over though, understand this...Parko's third place finish says a lot. He's dealt with more in a single season than most deal with in a career. And while his brief journey to the top yeilded him plenty of arrows to the body, he's got dressing on his wounds now, and he's going to be ready for one more good fight at Pipeline. It should be one hell of a climax.

I don't know about you...but I'm enjoying this season.

Fanning Wins Again

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:45:55 PST

Mick Fanning won the Rip Curl Search over fellow Australian Bede Durbidge at Supertubos today. Fanning has won 3 out of the last 4 events with his win today in Portugal. You can bet that Eugene will be making an appearance in Peniche tonight. Joel Parkinson got equal 3rd, which means the World Title race will be decided at the Pipe Masters in December. Joel and Mick are very close in the ratings, though now Mick has a slight edge. I can barely count, but luckily someone oover at the asp can, and the scenario is apprently this: If Mick makes the final at Pipe, he wins, if he gets a 9th or worse, Joel needs a 3rd or better to win. The Pipe Masters begin on December 8th.

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.67
2 – Bede Durbidge (AUS) 9.87

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.60 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.27
SF 2: Wright Withdraws Due to Injury, Fanning Advances

CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10 (Following Rip Curl Pro Search):
1 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 7140 points
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6772 points
3 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 6148 points
4 – Bede Durbidge (AUS) 6146 points
5 – C.J. Hobgood (USA) 5748 points
6 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 5524 points
7 – Kelly Slater (USA) 5514 points
8 – Bobby Martinez (USA) 5421 points
9 – Damien Hobgood (USA) 5116 points
10 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 4828 points

Hometown Hero: Tofino Local Peter Devries Shines in Round 2 of O'Neill Cold Water Classic

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:13:28 PST

Canadians are a dedicated lot when it comes to their surfing. And in Tofino, the town that O’Neill has deemed the coldest stop on their Cold Water Classic Series, it seems that almost everyone surfs. It’s as if San Clemente decided, “The hell with you, warmth, packed up shop, and caught the next bus to Vancouver and put down new roots.” On the drive in, you’re met by not one or two surf shops along the rode, but a staggering five. With year-round residency capping out at 2,000 people…that’s a lot of shop per capita.

When you have a town that’s this enamored with all things surf, some talent is bound to take rise. And in Tofino, that talent is Peter Devries.

As the last hope for hometown glory, when Devries threw on a slushy jersey in his round two heat, the crowd at the beach doubled and gathered along the water’s edge. Surfing against the likes of Dusty Payne, there were more than a few of us who thought this would be the end of the Canadians. Apparently, Pete had other plans.

Despite the wind-riddled slop, there were still a few rippable lefts at Chesterman’s Bay. From the outset of the hooter to the final minutes, Devries was the man to beat in the heat. Yes, Dusty was ripping the high hell out of the surf, but it was evident that local knowledge and a propensity for calmness would win the day, as Devries appeared to be surfing—make that living—on a higher plane. No nerves or jitters, just surfing. It worked and Devries flat-out owned his heat.

“The waves weren’t really all that good out there…pretty bad to be honest, but I was glad to get a couple…I’ve never really been too into surfing contests, so when I went out there, I just surfed sort of how I wanted to surf. And that seems to be working for me,” said Devries post heat.

Today was all about Pete. Some fell in Canada, some survived the elements and competition will live to freeze in another round, at the end of the day, all anyone could talk about was that Tofino kid, Peter Devries.

So Thats Why They Call It Supertubos...

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:32:32 PST

After a wild and stormy start, many thought that this year's Rip Curl Search Event would break the streak of epic surf that this event has enjoyed since it began in 2005. Well, those doubters (me) can shut up now. Supertubos was in the 8-10 foot plus range, with some nasty gaping barrels today. There were a handful of perfect ten point rides, but they didnt come without a price. Kai Otton recieved a grade 1 ligament tear in his knee, and the giant killer, Owen Wright, burst an eardrum on a heaving air drop against Damien Hobgood in Quarterfinal 3. This came moments after posting a perfect ten on an impossibly deep left, which proved to be enough as Damo was left out in the lineup alone needing a 6, but couldnt find it. Owen has already taken out Kekoa Bacalso, Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, and Damien Hobgood. If he is able to recover in time for tomorrow, he will face Mick Fanning in the semifinals.

In world title news, I am pleased to report that this year's race will end in Hawaii with a showdown at the Pipe Masters. With CJ, Adriano, and Kelly all eliminated, the title race has become more of a friendly arm-wrestling match between lifelong BFFs Mick and Joel. Both are into the semifinals on opposite sides of the draw, so a Fanning/Parko final seems imminent. It seems like Parko's ankle isnt bothering him anymore, so in the words of Andy Irons, "Game on, Brah". With 3 heats left to run in the contest, organizers will wait til the conditions are just right to finish up at Supertubos tomorrow. First call is at 7:30 AM local time.

Watch highlights of yesterday's expression session:

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.67 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.87
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.20 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 8.73
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) 10.17 def. Drew Courtney (AUS) 3.00
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.94 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.84
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.27 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 15.67
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.33 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.43
Heat 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.33 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 4.66
Heat 8: Tim Reyes (USA) 11.37 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 8.74

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.50 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.17
QF 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.60 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 9.00
QF 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 12.83 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.50
QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.17 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 5.90

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS:
SF 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
SF 2: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)

Stay Frosty - The O'Neill Coldwater Classic Heads to Canada

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:16:01 PST

They don't call it the Coldwater Classic for nothing. After an all night plane ride from Hawaii to Vancouver followed by a nine-hour bus trip I arrived in the small town of Tofino, Canada and the O'Neill Coldwater Classic. To say that this area is serene would be an understatement. Thick green forest, salt in the air and the friendliest of locals, Tofino is picturesque to say the least.

Except for the cold. But that's why I'm here.

Barely a blip on the surf world's radar a decade ago, Tofino has been growing in reputation among surfers as a place where you can score good waves without a crowd in some of the most beautiful scenery Mother Nature ever produced. Just make sure you pack a thick wetsuit. On the tails of the locale's prowess, O'Neill made Tofino the fourth stop of their roaming Coldwater Classic series this year, bringing with them the best and hungriest QS surfers around to don thick suits and battle it out for ratings points that accompany a 6-star event.

Under gray skies and freezing rain, the comp got underway yesterday with surfers clad head to toe in thick neoprene, bobbing about the lineup like seals at Cox Bay. The surf, by all means up to 'QS standards but nothing to write home about, left competitors exhausted and frosty upon leaving the lineup. Winning or losing, a 20-minute heat in Canada takes its toll.

Of the standouts yesterday, local surfer Peter Devries gave the hometown crowd something to cheer about when he proved that local knowledge always reigns supreme by winning his heat and taking home the highest heat score of the day.

Casey Brown of the Big Island also proved to be another standout when he won his heat with a string of backside reverses. After hanging up his jersey, a visibly frozen Brown said with a smile, "I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty tough out there. I didn’t wear a hood and I’ve got a pretty mean headache right now from the water. I'm stoked I made it though. I was in trunks in Hawaii a few days and now I'm freezing over here...it's kind of a trip."

The forecast is calling for a steady deluge of rain in the coming days but the swell is expected to stick around. Stay posted as we bring you daily updates from the O'Neill Coldwater Classic Canada.

Rip Curl Search Round 3 Waits on Fog

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:10:21 PST

The shifty sandbars of Peniche, Portugal, offered up some fun surf in the 4 foot range this morning, but just as the contest was set to run Round 3, a heavy fog rolled in and put a stop to that. Luckily, Round 2 was finished up yesterday at the backup venue of Belgas, with clean 4-5 foot peeling lefts for the final 3 heats. Contest organizers are expecting some solid surf on the horizon, hoping to get underway at the primary venue of Supertubos tomorrow, with Jordy Smith taking on CJ Hobgood in heat 1. Its looking like we may finally get to see Supertubos live up to its name. Fingers crossed...

REMAINING RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 15.17 def. Ben Dunn (AUS) 8.83
Heat 15: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.00 def. Jihad Khodr (BRA) 10.07
Heat 16: Tim Reyes (USA) 13.06 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 9.50

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 2: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 4: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 6: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 7: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)

Let the Postmortem Begin...

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:39:28 PST

Now that we’re left to sift through the wreckage of his attempt for a 10th world title the autopsy on his less-than-stellar season is underway, and what's most revealing is there was never much of a real effort. Kelly Slater simply had too much on his plate this year.

We knew on Thursday that he would have his hands full with Owen Wright. The 19-year-old Wild Card from Australia has been on a phenomenal tear in 2009. And as expected, Wright got past Slater by taking the above the lip route which is typical of all the surfers that are half Slater's age. What we didn’t predict is Wright would do it in come-from-behind fashion.

With his win Saturday, Wright has provided the bookends to Kelly’s 2009 story. When he felled Slater at Bells in March it was Kelly’s second early-round loss in a row, which seemed unimaginable after his 2008 domination.

Indeed, Kelly’s PR machine was busy investing in his quest for ten. Both Sports Illustrated and ESPN took note of his chase for the double-digit. Hoping to strike while the iron was hot Slater’s handlers began plotting to leverage their client’s popularity into a pro surfing revolution. Thinking boldly, they started pitching the concept of a dreamier dream tour with Kelly acting as star.

Slater’s passive involvement was a no-brainer. The ASP was stuck in a vicious hostage situation to its own board comprised of stakeholders in the status quo. He wanted actual change, but had no desire for confrontation, and wouldn't be caught dead at board meetings.

In fact, the only boardroom discussions Slater cared for were the ones taking place in the blue-walled shaping bays of Channel Islands, because his thirst for experimentation was unquenched. Slater was a late arrival to the surfboard renaissance, but he seems determined now to jump out in front of it. His journey into the design realm is what led to his 9th world title that made all the talk of ten possible. Deep down, Slater knows this.

That’s exactly why as the 2009 season got underway he was more dedicated to his art than the potential of his new moment. That's exactly how and why he ends up on a tiny little 5’4” during the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast. Hopelessly hooked to new feels he was stayed true to his larger quest for new limits—a vital part of that particular design journey—but the timing of his threshold beat down was unfortunate.

The only difference between his Australian campaigns of 2008 and 2009 was the logic of his boards. He sealed his 9th title on pragmatic designs just as his new openess began. But by the time he arrived at Pipeline, after clinching his title, he was armed with a mangy dog of a board. Nevertheless, his Pipe win got more hype than anything else because of the hideous beast.

The press praised his deep-six as if it were a breakthrough. But it wasn't. It was, however, a piece of crap. Sure it got him down the face and behind the curtain, but so did Gerry's boards 35 years ago. Slater couldn't turn to save his life on that thing. That he won on it says much more about his dominance out there than anything else. But his success there is what led to the goofiness that followed ealier this year.

His subsequent back-to-back losses in Oz months later put a damper on the ten talk just as it was getting started. Then at stop number three in Tahiti rumors of “Kelly’s New Tour” started spreading. Boy, that didn't go over well. It might have if he were actually in the lead at the time, but he wasn’t, and however well intentioned the whole thing was the poor timing gave the movement the distinct aroma of a sour grapes campaign.

While trying to climb back into a title race Slater stuck his neck out politically, and some of his relationships were strained as a result. If his team got their way there was no telling where most of his peers would end up, not to mention the ASP staff. Today, if you wanted to argue that Slater paid the price with the judges there’s certainly enough video evidence to open a case.

Kelly Slater pleading his case with Contest Director Mike Parsons after his loss in Mundaka. The two would later confront the judges with their mutual concerns. Photo: Lucia Griggi

Yet Kelly’s distractions finally came to an end during this endless European leg. All the “rebel tour” talk was silenced after the ASP wisely turned inward and placated its critics with some modest changes. And on Saturday the plug was finally pulled on his quest for 10.

Now Slater can get back to his primary quest, which, of course, makes us wonder what the hell he’ll be riding at Pipeline this year. Lord knows he can win there riding the hood of a Toyota Prius, but if he does, just think of what that would lead to on next year's tour....that is, if there is one for Kelly.

We’ll broach that one later.

Rip Curl Search Finishes Round 1

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:32:17 PST

Mick Campbell is one fiery fire-crotch. The 'gingah ninja', as his fellow aussies call him, narrowly lost his round 1 heat to wildcard Bruno Santos in 3-4 foot lefts this morning. He promptly snapped his board in half and stormed off the beach. Its nice to see some fire and passion out of these guys. Mick does have a reputation for a short temper, famously getting into a post-heat shower-fight with Hawaiian Andy Irons a couple seasons back. As it turned out, Micks temper tantrum proved to be far more exciting than much of the waves for the event thus far. Bad winds at Supertubos forced contest director Damien Hardman to move the event around the corner today to a mushy peak called Lagido. It wasnt super and it wasnt exactly tubing, but it was clean, and it was rideable, and after a painful Mundaka contest, the tour has definately become that guy at the bar at last call. Desperation has set in, standards have been dropped, we will take anything at this point...
Next call on competition will be made at 8am local time.

REMAINING RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Justin Mujica (PRT) 10.34
Heat 10: Bruno Santos (BRA) 14.67 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.76
Heat 11: Michael Picon (FRA) 13.16 def. Chris Ward (USA) 8.73
Heat 12: Roy Powers (HAW) 14.17 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.00
Heat 13: Tim Reyes (USA) 12.00 def. Jay Thompson (AUS) 10.87
Heat 14: Nic Muscroft (AUS) 13.66 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 6.00
Heat 15: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 15.67 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.40
Heat 16: Drew Courtney (AUS) 17.17 def. Dustin Barca (HAW) 16.70

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 3: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 6: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Bruno Santos (BRA)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)
Heat 10: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Dean Morrison (AUS)
Heat 11: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 12: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Ben Dunn (AUS)
Heat 15: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)

Will Wright Be Wrong for Kelly Slater?

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:16:15 PST

Australian Owen Wright won his Round One heat today at the Rip Curl Pro Search in Portugal. The tall, lanky 19-year-old goofyfooter is unquestionably the biggest threat of the wild cards on hand. The guy has just completed one of the most dominating seasons in history Down Under, going undefeated in every Pro Junior event he surfed. Meanwhile, he became one of the first surfers on the WQS to clinch a spot on next year's Dream Tour.

Now it looks like Wright will be surfing against Kelly Slater in Round Two, which is one hell of a tough draw for both surfers. Every heat at this point is a last gasp for Kelly's dwindling title hopes this year. Slater's just coming off a close call in Spain that had him seething with the judges. His Europe trip hasn't been going well, which means he could be ready to roll over (doubtful) or he's due on a red-faced-with-rage breakout (probable).

Yesterday, Wright sent his Rip Curl buddy Kekoa Bacalso packing for the North Shore, so, even if he were to get past Kelly there's little evidence he'd roll over for a guy like Mick Fanning, who he could easily run into next.

Wright has already earned his spot on next year's Dream Tour. His surfing is dynamic. He flares above the lip with a full arsenal of acrobatic moves, and he leverages his ultra-long legs well while in the pocket, going inverted in the blink of an eye. Style-wise, he's been known to get on his horse, but then again, so do guys like Dane Reynolds and Jordy Smith. Which, begs a couple other questions...What's up with all the frickin tall guys? And where have all the midgets gone?

With ten surfers mathematically in the title hunt, we know things are going to get interesting this weekend at the Rip Curl Pro. By Saturday that number is likely to fall to five guys. It's hard for me to not be pulling for Kelly at this stage. But I won't be the least bit surprised to see Mr. Wright play a huge role in the destruction to come. Stay tuned.

Rip Curl Search Gets Underway at Not So Supertubos

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:57:57 PST

In what seemed like some sort of cruel joke, the biggest swell of the decade hit Portugal's Supertubos for the Rip Curl Search Event, and after 3 lay days the contest got underway in 2-3 foot dribblers. The storm that generated this massive swell lashed the coastline, bringing howling winds again today to Portugal's famed beachbreak, which is normally known for its world class tubes. The size of swell and conditions forced contest director Damian Hardman to move to the wind and swell sheltered spot down the beach known as "the Wall". Instead of hair-raising pits, the first round was greeted with inconsistent mushy rights against the jetty. Only 8 heats were run with a 3 hour break in the middle because of inconsistent conditions. I would hesitate to call them 'upsets', but there were definately some suprise results on the day. Brazilian Jihad Khodr continued his relative "roll" by beating France's Tim Boal in heat 1. South African Davey Weare was another victim of the Brazilian claims, losing in a wave starved heat to Heitor Alves. Nate Curran shocked the Portuguese fans by taking out their national hero and only wct surfer, Tiago Pires in heat 3. Chris Davidson is fresh off his best career result, a 2nd at Mundaka, but came up short against California's Pat Gudauskas, an event wildcard. Owen Wright is another Wildcard to get a great start, beating an in-form Hawaiin, Kekoa Bacalso. Both Wright and Gudauskas have been on top of the World Qualifying Series this season, and will be on the WCT next year, so making heats as wildcards this year will do well for their confidence. Contest directors are expecting the swell and wind to ease over the coming days, and will attempt to get the contest going again tomorrow morning at 8 am local time.

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 13.10 def. Tim Boal (FRA) 10.84
Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) 8.50 def. David Weare (ZAF) 4.10
Heat 3: Nathaniel Curran (USA) 11.00 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.67
Heat 4: Ben Dunn (AUS) 12.33 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 11.67
Heat 5: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 14.66 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 10.77
Heat 6: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 11.84 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.17
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS) 12.03 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 8.76
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 9.90 def. David Luis (PRT) 5.90

REMAINING RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Justin Mujica (PRT)
Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) vs. Bruno Santos (BRA)
Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 12: Roy Powers (HAW) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 13: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 14: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 15: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 16: Dustin Barca (HAW) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)

The Search Finds a Storm

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:17:17 PST

Peniche Portugal is a beautiful place, to be sure, but things just got ugly there as a massive storm forced contest officials of the Rip Curl Search to head for the hills as an enormous swell destroyed the main tower at Supertubos.

"We
really wanted to run today, but the site structure at Supertubos is too
badly damaged today and the conditions at Lagido never materialized,”
Damien Hardman, Rip Curl Pro Search Contest Director, said. “We’re
still seeing plenty of swell on the forecast and better weather.”

Hardman has also decided to go with the new one-and-done format for this event, leaving no wiggle room for mistakes. Word on the street is Joel Parkinson is still being bothered by the ankle injury. Luke Egan has reportedly been telling reporters that Joel reinjured it during his heat at Mundaka.

Meanwhile, Mick Fanning, the new ratings leader, is as hungry as ever. While most of the touring pros remained in hiding, Fanning and his buddy Taylor Knox stepped up to provide some entertainment for the small crowd on hand by towing into a few bombs.

The Rip Curl Pro Search will be webcast LIVE via http://live.ripcurl.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Tim Boal (FRA) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)

Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. David Weare (ZAF)

Heat 3: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)

Heat 4: Ben Dunn (AUS) vs. Phillip MacDonald (AUS)

Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Marlon Lipke (DEU)

Heat 6: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

Heat 7: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)

Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. David Luis (PRT)

Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Justin Mujica (PRT)

Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) vs. Bruno Santos (BRA)

Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)

Heat 12: Roy Powers (HAW) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)

Heat 13: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)

Heat 14: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)

Heat 15: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)

Heat 16: Dustin Barca (HAW) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA

Heat 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBA

Heat 3: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. TBA

Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBA

Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. TBA

Heat 6: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBA

Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. TBA

Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBA

Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBA

Heat 10: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. TBA

Heat 11: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBA

Heat 12: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA

Heat 13: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. TBA

Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. TBA

Heat 15: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBA

Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBA

Four Questions with Coco Ho

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:45:57 PST

With the media's attention focused on the men’s World Tour and their race to crown a champion, Coco Ho claimed the WQS season with good friend Carissa Moore hot on her heels, with Moore qualifying for the 2010 World Tour in the process. Despite being cloaked by the cape of the men's tour, a new guard has taken hold in the women's realm. Recently, we caught up with Coco to get her take on her maiden year on tour, winning the WQS, and traveling for the World Tour next with Carissa Moore by her side.

Nice work winning the 'QS. Can you talk to us about that a little bit?

Well this year, we had a big break between events on the CT and there was plenty of time to do the 'QS. I really wanted to stay on the tour, so I decided to do the 'QSand use some of that time. I wasn’t really trying or even really planning on winning the WQS, it just sort of happened. I'm definitely stoked though.

I'd imagine between the two tours, you must have put in a lot of airport time.

Yeah, for sure. But it's not too bad. When I go to the CT events, my dad comes with me. So that's good. And when I do a 'QS, if there's a men's and a women's event going on at the same time, we'll all go together—me, my dad, and Mason. It's cool traveling with your family.

So I know you and Carissa are good friends and it looks like she'll be joining you on the tour next year. How's that gonna be?

I think it's going to be awesome. We're best friends, so traveling together next year on the Tour should be a lot of fun. I can't wait, really.

Are you planning on doing the 'QS and the Tour next year as well?

I'm not sure right now, but what I'll probably do is just try out a few in the beginning of the season, see where I'm at on the tour, and then go from there.

Vans signs Randall Harris

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:37:13 PST

Cypress, CA (October 20, 2009) – The squad at Vans is proud to announce the signing of pro wakeboarding icon Randall Harris to our footwear team. Hailing from nearby Huntington Beach, Harris, 27, started wakeboarding when he was 13 and has amassed an impressive track record including top finishes in the World Wakeboard Association (WWA) Tour, two Rider of the Year awards from Alliance Wakeboard Magazine and numerous groundbreaking video parts. Over the years Harris has redefined what is possible on a wakeboard, elevating the sport and setting the bar with his snow/skate style of riding. Today, Harris continues to be one of the most talented and respected riders on the water.

“As far back as I can remember Vans has been a part of my life, every step of the way,” said Harris. I’m extremely honored and excited to be considered a member of the Vans family.”

“Randall’s attention to detail and dedication to furthering the sport of wakeboarding makes him a perfect fit for Vans, said Senior Marketing Manager Rodney Rambo. “We look forward to a long future with the Vandal.”

With a busy 2010 ahead, Harris plans to continue growing his new venture with Company Wakeboards, travel the country competing and will also be working on various film projects.

Harris’ sponsors in addition to Vans include Arnette Sunglasses, Quicksilver Clothing and Wetsuits, Rockstar Energy Drink, Axis Boats, Verta Elemental Resistance and Company Wakeboards.

For more information on Vans team riders and happenings visit www.vans.com

Sam Wrench Takes the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:52:40 PST

Aussie Sam Wrench has paid the price for living under the radar in Ulludulla. Earlier this year he lost his major sponsor due to a lack of visibility. It's not easy being a pro surfer in Oz when you're not living on the ultra-packed, media hub up on the Gold Coast. So Wrench had a huge mission on hand coming into Bali for the Global Challenge. He needed to get his name out there on the global stage.

Just earning one of the 18 invites to the Oakley's Global Challenge is an accomplishment. There are hundreds of Pro Junior hopefuls around the world battling it out for each and every slot. Some of the notables he was up against included reigning World Junior Champion Kai Barger, his high-powered buddy Clay Marzo, and California kids Nat Young and Dillon Perillo.

The best thing about Pro Juniors, however, is that they're impossible to intimidate. And that was certainly the case with the surfers on hand in Bali, who all felt they had viable shots at the $20,000 first prize. To Oakley's credit, the Global Challenge lives up to its billing with contenders from seven countries on the list.

The Hawaiians certainly looked like the guys to beat through much of the event, although nobody was rolling over. Kai Barger, Clay Marzo and Granger Larsen all made it into the quarterfinal round. But that's where things fell apart for them. After Barger beat Marzo, he tweaked his knee in some smaller surf on one of the lay days. He entered the semifinals fully braced and limping.

Surprisingly, he put on one heck of a performance in that heat, scoring a huge 8.5 after unloading a flurry of vicious backhand hacks. But a priority mistake did him in toward the end, sending the hard-carving Wrench to the Final.

Wrench was turning heads all week with his strong performances, as was Marc Lacomare of France, who once again did a stellar job of representing the huge wave of European talent that's about to strike the rest of the world. Wrench and Lacomare dueled for the $20,000 in stellar conditions after contest officials wisely decided to wait it out. The overhead surf at Keramas was dishing out lengthy tubes and beautiful green walls.

"It's such an amazing wave," says Wrench. "You can score big in a lot of ways, either tube riding, on-face or even aerials." And score big he did in the Final, as he rode to victory on the strength of some beautiful tuberides. Naturally, Wrench was thrilled with his achievement.

"It's the first and obviously the biggest win of my professional career," he says. "And it couldn't have come at a better time."

Back in Black: Shane Dorian Campaigns for Visa

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:53:02 PST

Shane Dorian holds an almost mythical status in surfing. Quiet, humble, and blessed with a brass pair, Dorian seems to command respect without even trying. May it be his section in Momentum II (anyone between 25 and 40 knows exactly what I'm talking about) rushing deadly Teahupoo or his annual stint in Tavi as a boatman, Dorian represents everything that we hold high in surfing.

Apparently, the rest of the world is catching on to what we've known since the kid from the BIg Island with the big teeth and over-sized hands first debuted to the surf world some 20-odd years back.

It's been a while since Dorian's been front and center, but it looks like the man without fear is about to go mainstream once again, this time, appearing in an ad campaign for Visa's Black Card.

Despite no longer being on the Tour, Shane's base of operations remains his home on the Big Island of Hawaii. And when not pig hunting with Slater or slaying a few peaks at Banyan's, he's jetsetting around the world with the help of the Visa concierge department—at least according to the ad campaign.

I'm sold. If it works for Dorian, it should do wonders for me.

Volcom, The New Google?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:06:14 PST

You read right. Your Costa Mesa friends over at Volcom have found another way to go against the establishment by creating their own internet search engine. Now, instead of saying, "Google it," you can say, "Volcom it." And to encourage you to use it, every time you "Volcom" something you have a chance to win free stuff. Click here to check it out.

Prepare for Portugal

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:05:06 PST

With the title race still wide open after a lackluster showing by frontrunners Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning in Spain, the upcoming Rip Curl Search in Portugal is now more important than ever. The event begins on October 18, just days away. If you're itching for some insider info on the locale and the surfers, you're in luck, as we've done the legwork.

The Location: Supertubes, Peniche, Portgugal.
Not much of a discovery, Supertubes and the town of Peniche lay claim to the fact that Rip Curl has been running events in the town for years, all under the banner of a 1-star WQS. Times are tight and the venues aren't easy to suss out, but, Uluwatu being excluded, off the heals of Mexico and Chile, I was hoping for something a little more far-flung. That being said, judging from YouTube, the place gets throaty at the drop of a hat with A-frame barrels being the order of the day.

The Surfers:
Here's a few interesting facts about the frontrunners: Both Joel and Mick have won their first round heats in every Search event in the past three years. An insightful bit of info if the contest runs in the sudden-death format. Furthermore, last year in Bali, Joel put up the highest average heat score of the event, a blistering 18.4, and still fell in round four.

Additionally, Kelly's been characteristically collected at Search events, putting up decent showings but failing to materialize. Last year, Kelly wowed us all at Padang with his switchfoot barrels, but would bow out with a 17th. He's ripping and is up to form, but the problem is, so is everyone else.

To boot, he's been said to have a nagging knee injury—the result of a golfing accident. Knowing Kelly, with a margin for him to win another title still there in theory, this could very well be another mind game. And then again, he could very well have a bum knee.

From my research the only surfers that have done well at Peniche in the past are France's Tim Boal and German national Marlon Lipke. Although both are at the tail end of the ratings, they have each won the aforementioned Rip Curl 1-star in the past, Boal in 2004 and Lipke in 2007. Now these two might not be claiming any scalps, but they know the break, and that could bode well for the underdogs.

Adriano de Souza Wins The Billabong Pro

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:23:02 PST

Brazilian wonder-kid Adriano de Souza earned his first career victory today, moving back into third place in the ASP World Tour rankings after taking the Billabong Pro in Spain. The youngster remains the leading dark horse for a world title as the battle has heated up significantly over in Europe.

The situation for this year's title race just got a lot more interesting as the tour heads for Portugal. 9-time world champion Kelly Slater emerged from his sand trap just long enough to put himself within striking distance with a 3rd place finish, although he's deep in the cabbage and in still in dire need of a good approach shot.

The green in this crappy little analogy is Pipeline, where Slater has won a half dozen times. But in order to get in another long putt-for-the-win situation he'll need to show us a solid 7 iron shot in Portugal. And as usual, it's tough to know where Slater's head is. He was complaining of a knee injury after his golf trip to Scotland between events. Whether it's real or imagined seems debatable because his surfing remained sharp.

But Slater's ego might have been damaged after the new tour changes he endorsed was dealt a few blows by the ASP last week. ASP backers announced reforms that are placating some critics for now. Coincidentally, talk of Slater's knee injury began circulating just after the the big meetings were held and decisions were made. His knee was so bad he contemplating a trip home.

Yet the smell of blood proved too much for Slater to resist, especially after Parko lost yesterday. After suffering through the same torture early this season Slater was empathizing with Parko. Then Fanning stumbled too, and fate's scriptwriters decided a nice tight tour race might do pro surfing well in a crappy economy.

CJ Hobgood, Kelly Slater and Adriano de Souza did their best to close the gap in the crappy conditions. The level of surfing was actually pretty good at Mundaka, which despite the weather was offering some solid targets to hit. It was a lot harder to watch at Sopelana, unless you're a fan of groveling.

Fanning has the obvious edge with two events left to go. Parko is still suffering with a bad ankle, while all of Mick's cylinders are firing. His boards are working and he's mentally and physically prepared for the battle ahead. The big moat he and Parko have built up doesn't hurt either. But neither of them can afford to slip up again in Portugal.

Regardless of what happens next week, the title will ultimately be decided at Pipeline in December, where Andy Irons and Kelly Slater are sure to have an impact even if they're only playing spoiler roles. Just like that, we've got a nice little race on our hands.

Results of Billabong Pro Mundaka
1. Adriano de Souza
2. Chris Davidson
3. Kelly Slater, CJ Hobgood
5. Dede Durbidge, Drew Courtney, Fred Patacchia, Taj Burrow

Ratings After Billabong Pro Mundaka
1. Mick Fanning 6350
2. Joel Parkinson 6306
3. Adriano de Souza 5773
4. CJ Hobgood 5748
5. Bede Durbidge 5524
6. Kelly Slater 5514

Photos by Lucia Griggi and ASP/Getty Images

Fanning Takes Over the Ratings Lead in Spain

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:09:12 PST

Joel Parkinson got a good look at Mick Fanning passing him in the ratings today. The two were in the water at the exact same time as Billabong Pro contest director Mike Parsons was forced to go with Kelly Slater's double-heat format in order to salvage what's left of the waiting period at Mundaka. Mick and Joel were surfing their heats simultaneously in the crumbly afternoon conditions.

Parko was surfing against Australian Drew Courtney during his first heat of the competition, and the crumbly beachbreak surf was clearly torture on his sore ankle. Parko has been nursing the injury since the mid-season break in the tour, and while he was trying to downplay its impact at the Hurley and Quiksilver Pro events, where he lost early, there's no question it's hampering him. While Joel is putting his board in all the right places there's been a lack of authority in his moves. His inability to put any real force on his bad ankle is a giant crack in his surfing foundation.

Such problems are usually magnified in smaller, crumbly surf, which is what Parko's been dealing with at each event since the second half of the season began. Just a little over a month ago Parko was holding what looked like an insurmountable ratings lead. But after his third straight early loss in a row Parko has handed over the lead to his old buddy Mick Fanning, who's been on a tear in the second half.

Fanning's solid surfing wasn't translating into results early in the season, but all the hard work seems to be paying off now. It's worth noting that Fanning won his world title in 2007 during a season that was rife with small, mushy surf. His speedy, laser sharp approach is paying dividends.

Fanning beat South African David Weare today to advance on to Round Three of the Billabong Pro. If his luck turns and he loses in the next round, there's still an outside chance for guys like C.J. Hobgood and Kelly Slater to claw their way back into the hunt for a world title.

Don't count on Fanning to falter here though. Mick's the type who, when smelling blood, can capitalize. He's also one of the only surfers out there right now who can rattle Kelly Slater, as he did at Lower Trestles during the Hurley Pro.

Changing the Game: The ASP's Big Shift

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:43:46 PST

Come next year, the ASP World Tour will have a dramatically different look and feel to it than what we've seen in the past. The ASP recently dropped a much-awaited bomb on the media this weekend when they announced a slew of sweeping changes to the World Tour. Among the changes include a one-tier system in which the WQS and the WCT will both determine a surfer's competitive standing as well as an increase in pay and a pension plan for the World Tour surfers. The reformed World Tour will also cut the playing field from 45 to 32 halfway through the 2010 season.

According to a statement from ASP media manager Dave Prodan:

All surfers who qualify for the ASP World Tour from this year (Top 27 on ASP World Tour and Top 15 on ASP WQS) will be on the ASP Dream Tour in 2010.

After half of the season,the Top 32 rated surfers on the ASP World Tour will remain, while the bottom 13 are cycled back into the ASP WQS events.

From then on, the ASP World Tour field will be 32 surfers.

After the 2010 European leg, those 32 surfers will become dynamic, with topper-forming ASP WQS surfers being cycled into the ASP World Tour events.

Furthermore, the ASP cited Mick Fanning, surfer rep, for a quote on his take on the slicing of the World Tour roster.

"By trimming back the current Top 45 field as well as instituting the one-world rating system we ensure the ASP World Tour continues to be the most progressive and dynamic professional surfing tour on Earth...the ASP has been the home of the best surfers and the best waves for over 30 years and our commitment to instituting these changes iillustrative of our position at the forefront of surfing."

All monumental changes in their own right, the announcement has opened up a deluge of questions and speculations for the ASP, but none more prominent than how the changes factor in with the controversial "Champions Tour" AKA the Rebel Tour, ESPN Tour, and Kelly Tour.

Thus far the ASP has remained stubbornly silent in regards to the Champions Tour but it has to be concluded that the changes stem from the rivalry. And thus far, the elite surfers stand to have benifitted. More money, health insurance, and a better playing field.

Now, they just have to make it through the slop in Spain.

Stay tuned as we continue to update you on the latest from the ASP.

Hawaiians Hanging Tough at Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:26:54 PST

Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge Field Narrowed to Eight Surfers...

The Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge kicked into high gear over the weekend as a fresh swell hit Bali. While the field of competitors is comprised of surfers from seven different countries it's the Hawaiians who have proven to be the dominant global force to date.

Kai Barger, the reigning World Pro Junior Champion, looks determined to keep his 2009 momentum going. Barger's solid attack earned him a win over local Mustofa Jeksen and a spot in the quarterfinals. But he's sure to have his hands full there, since he'll be facing his friend Clay Marzo, who defeated Australia's Davey Cathels during his round three clash.

Clay Marzo gets slotted during his Round Three Win

Meanwhile, Granger Larsen will be hoping to join the winner of that heat in the semifinals if he can get past Australian Sam Wrench. Wrench put the final nail in California's hopes if bringing home the prize by eliminating Nat Young of Santa Cruz.

All in all, it was a poor showing by the Californians. Dillon Perillo and Nat Young failed to get anything going. With just 8 surfers left, the Hawaiians seem to have the upper hand on taking home the title and the $20,000 first prize on tap, that's because they have three of the remaining 8 slots.

Barger brought his familiar backside attack to Bali, and it looks even more lethal in the hollow stuff.

The big surprise so far has been the solid efforts being put in by the French squad. Charly Martin and Mack Lacomare have been turning heads all week, a harbinger of what's likely to come from that region in the years ahead. Here's how the remaining contenders break down by territory.

3 Hawaiians: Granger Larsen, Clay Marzo, Kai Barger
2 French: Charly Martin, Marc Lacomare
1 South African: Brendon Gibbons
1 Australian: Sam Wrench
1 Brazilian: Alejo Muniz

Match Ups for Quarter Finals
Quarter 1: Granger Larsen V Sam Wrench
Quarter 2: Clay Marzo V Kai Barger
Quarter 3: Marc Lacomare V Brenden Gibbons
Quarter 4: Charly Martin V Alejo Muniz

North Bowl, Africa shred

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:09:47 PST

Check out Kyle Beach hit up a fun little afternoon surf at north beach bowl.

The Ring of Fire is Alive!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:19:12 PST

Leave it to Mother Nature to rattle our collective cages just to keep us all on our complacent little toes. For those of us residingaround the Pacific Rim, the last two weeks have been a stark reminder that we live in an extremely volatile region of the planet.

On September 30^th, a 7.6 earthquake struck 45miles off the coast of Padang, Sumatra. This quake, and associated tsunami, is responsible for nearly 1000 deaths so far. (Many of you will remember that an earthquake measuring 9.1 struck the same area near Padang in 2004, with that quake and subsequent tsunami responsible for over 230,000 deaths worldwide.).Padang is the center of the universe for the ' boat trip' industry in Indonesia,most famously for Captain Martin Daly and the ' Indies Trader' yacht fleet.Early reports were pretty grim, with many charter operators suffering heavy financial losses not to mention the physical and emotional tolls associatedwith such a tragedy.

Laguna Beach pro surferJon Rose was just wrapping up a boat trip in the Mentawais the day the Padang quake struck. Part of Rose's plan for his trip to Indo was to spend some time doing humanitarian work for the Skills for Humanity organization. But he certainly got more than he bargained for once he made it to shore the day after the quake. Rose was one of the first Westerners to witness the devastation first hand, and his photos and personal account are both tragic and life affirming all at the same time. ' As far as I could see, I was the only western person in the area. It was so soon after the quake that international relief didn't show up for a day or two after. The range of tragedy I encountered and the things I was able to accomplish in Padang have been nothing short of life changing,' said Rose in an email to friends and family. Click on this link to view his photos and story: http://web.me.com/jrose22/JR-Padang/Photos.html#grid

Just a day earlier, on September 29^th, a large earthquake rocked the American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga region of the South Pacific. This quake measured 8.0 (tsunami warnings reached as far away as the western coast of North America) with the death toll in Samoa reaching the hundreds. Surfers will be sad to hear that the tsunami all but leveled the world class Salani Surf Resort in Samoa. "Mate,it was the most violent thing I've ever felt in my entire life. I can't really describe to you how violent it was,' Aussie owner/operator Nick Shannon told GrindTV. The resort, however, was completely wiped out by a massive wall of water sent by the quake. Shannon has vowed to re-build.

Then, eight days later, a three-pack of large quakes struck the Fijian Islands region of the South Pacific, near Vanuatu. These three quakes measured 7.8, 7.7 and 7.1 and struck in quick succession the morning of October 8^th.

Over on nearby Tavarua Island, a large crew from Volcom was enjoying a good run of surf until the day of the quake. When tsunami warnings were sounded, all guests --including California pros Alex Gray and Mike Morrissey--and workers were quickly hustled onto the resort's infamous 'pongas' (the same ones that ferry surfers out to surf spots Cloudbreak and Restaurants)heading for deeper waters. While considered major quakes, reports are thatthese three were responsible for a significantly smaller amount of damage compared the more densely populated regions around Indonesia and Samoa. If you would like help, please log on to these websites: www.surfaidinternational.org and www.redcross.org.

JED'S SHED

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:45:54 PST

Jed Noll Finds the Right Alchemy on a San Clemente Corner

The first surf shops began as extensions of shaping rooms. Out of the 1940s and into the 1950s, guys like Matt Kivlin, Joe Quigg, Bob Simmons, Jack O'Neill and Dale Velzy - then Hobie and Greg Noll and etc - who were busy as bees shaping surfboards in garages and small workshops, found that as demand grew, it was a good idea to hang a shingle and sell surfboards from the front of the store, at the same time they mowed balsa (then foam) and sanded and polished in the back.

Business was slow in the early days, so slow it was possible for a surfer to work the back and the front - working with hand tools and planers and focusing on curves and surfaces, all the while keeping an ear out for a tinkling bell or some other warning that a customer had walked into the shop with cold, hard cash.

From those easy beginnings, the surf shop began to evolve. During the surfin' sensation of the 1960s. Greg Noll bought a building the size of a city block, and set up a Rube Goldberg/Henry Ford operation which blew foam on one end and set up an assembly line with produced as many as 175 surfboards a week.

Surf retail also evolved, you might have noticed, into a multi-billion dollar industry. The tinkling bell is now drowned out by the sound of kachinging cash registers, as surf shops are now the size of Gimbals, employing thousands of sometimes vacant eyed personnel, selling everything from wax pickles to $3000 carbon fiber standup paddleboards.

Jed Noll Surfboards is a return to the roots of surf shops, where one man puts his heart and soul and sweat equity into carving surfboards from foam (and hardwoods) and proudly puts his name on a label, and a shingle out front, and toils in the back, while keeping a weather ear on the front, in case some civilian wanders in with eyes full of wonder and fists full of dollars.

Opening a retail store of any kind is a tough hustle these days, and surf shops are even a little tougher. Jed Noll Surfboards is in a town that has maybe a dozen other surf shops large and small, Rip Curl and Icon. All of San Clemente's retail stores come and go from year to year - except for The Outrigger. But Jed Noll Surfboards but this one is a little off the beaten path, on the corner of El Camino Real and Pico. Situated between the Knuckleheads biker bar (Sorry: We Are Open) and an Asian antique shop, Jed Noll Surfboards is across the street from the strangely still deceased Miramar Theater. Forty years ago, this building was the location for the Surfer Poll - where guys like Greg Noll would get drunk as a Lord and try to get Pat Curren to fight - or at least speak an entire sentence.

Surf retail - and all retail - is all about location, location, location - and when you check out Jed's location - and if you know Jed, and his lovely parents Greg and Laura, and you like them and/or have a history with them - then maybe you worry about Jed a little bit, and wonder if a small surf shop on that corner and in this economy during a time when retail is slowly dying can survive and thrive.

But closer examination is encouraging, and finds that Jed Noll has gone back to the old formula of shaper in the back, seller in the front, but the unique catalyst in his operation are those beautiful, hardwood replicas which take months and years to produce and sell for thousands of dollars. With Jed plowing out the hardwood replicas in the back (along with more the familiar plastic-based short and longboards of today) and his loyal shop manager watching the front, he's hit on a forgotten combination that looks like it's going to work.

Jed is the ultimate tribute to a time when people were honest and hard working and proud of the skills and heritage handed down from their own fathers. In Jed's case, Greg Noll was not just the Henry Ford of surfing in the 1960s, but also the Chuck Yeager, Cecil B. DeMille and P.T. Barnum. Jed is quieter than his dad, but also quietly proud of the Noll legacy and one of the attractions of Jed Noll Surfboards is that it preserves many of the great facets of Noll Pere, and packages it and preserves it in a modern way that is proud but not pretentious.

It Hurst So Good: A Q/A with Leila Hurst

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:41:48 PST

Leila Hurst may not be the most recognizable female of the current crop of women dominating the scene, but in the next year, if she continues on the path that she's on right now, there's a damn fine chance that you will know her name. She's got the talent, the charisma, and drive to be cutting through the World Tour in no time. With that in mind, I got a hold of Leila and asked her some random questions. Her answers were telling, kind of...

So what's the best part about being a female surfer today and why?
The best thing about being a female surfer today is being able to travel and meet so many different people. It's great because all the guys are usually really nice to the girls in the water and let us get waves.

Well then what's the worst? There has to be a downside. There's always a downside... [insert menacing/creepy look here]
The worst thing about being a female surfer is having to always fix your bikini and making sure it's not falling off while you're in the water.

God I just hate that too! Such a pain. Anyway, in your eyes, who's the best female surfer today and why?
Steph Gilmore is my favorite female surfer, she has such an amazing style and it always blows my mind to watch her surf.

Yeah, she's okay. I heard she's never been on a real date though. That must suck. But more about you. So where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully in 10 years I will be on the C.T. and having a blast traveling the world!

I hear good things about the world. Moving along, where do you see women's surfing in 10 years?
Right now women's surfing is not doing so well, but hopefully it will still be a big sport when that time comes around.

World's Best Juniors Hit Bali for Oakley's Global Challenge

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:45:42 PST

OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR GLOBAL CHALLENGE ROUND ONE COMPLETED IN IDEAL SURF AT KERAMAS, BALI

(Foothill Ranch, Calif., Oct. 8, 2009) – After two days of perfect conditions, only six heats of the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge have been completed and not one of the 18 select world pro juniors has been eliminated. It’s a scenario only possible in an event like the Global Challenge, which is throwing these elite juniors into a World Tour-style competition in a unique venue.

Organizers again ran three high-quality heats across the prime incoming tide with surf fanned by offshore winds, which allowed performance levels to go through the roof.

“We’re expecting and patiently waiting for some big waves over the coming days but these conditions are perfect to begin the event,” ” said contest director Andrew Stark from Surfing Australia. “These opening rounds give these future stars some real quality contest time and familiarize them with the break.”

With a prestigious title and $165,000 in prize money up for grabs, event organizers are making sure surfers will have maximum opportunity showcase next-level surfing.

Today’s heat winners were Brendon Gibbens from South Africa, Balinese local surfer Dewa Made Ardika and Brazilian Jesse Mendez.

Gibbens won the day’s opening heat combining excellent tube rides with stylish and cutting edge on-face surfing.

“I love surfing this wave, ” said the 18-year-old Cape Town surfer after his heat. “I’ve free surfed here a number of times in the past few years and it’s a favorite for sure. I’m really unknown and in this high-profile field I can just go about my surfing and do my best. Hopefully that might be good enough to win.”

The local Indonesian surfers excelled today.

Dewa Made Ardika lead throughout in his heat to take a popular win while Mustofa Jeksen was unlucky, relegated to third position and round two. In the dying seconds of the heat, French surfer Marc Lacomare took a late ride, smashing the sections with some precise top-to-bottom moves to snatch second place and advance straight to round three.

Ardika’s win was the heat of the day. Second and third place surfers Davey Cathels of Australia and Brazilian Alejo Muniz showed flashes of brilliance throughout the heat, both falling on some huge moves suggesting both were refining their surfing here as the event now heads into the all-important elimination rounds.

When Round 2 hits the water, consisting of just two three-man heats made up of the six third-place surfers from round one, the two surfers who finish last in these two heats will be eliminated, while first and second go through to the man-on-man Round 3 heats.

The familiarization and warm–up portion of this event is complete—from here on, it’s cut throat elimination heats as all these surfers chase the $20,000 (USD) first prize purse.

Today’s results:

Round 1:

Heat 1: Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 15 .27, Sam Wrench (AUS) 12.83, Charly Martin (FRA) 4.17
Heat 2: Billy Stairmand (NZ) 16.34, Granger Larson (HAW) 11.67, Dillon Perillio (USA) 6.66
Heat 3: Kai Barger (HAW) 12.24, Arashi Kato (JPN) 10.03, Noa Deane (AUS) 7.17
Heat 4: Brendon Gibbons (ZAF) 11.00, Marc Lacomare (FRA) 8.83, Mustofa Jeksen (IND) 8.40
Heat 5: Dewa Made Ardika (IND) 12.00, Davey Cathels (AUS) 11.67, and Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.26
Heat 6: Jesse Mendes (BRA) 14.00, Nat Young (USA) 10.84, Clay Marzo (HAW) 6.73

When Round 1 resumes, the following heats will be surfed:

Heat 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA), Clay Marzo (HAW), Noa Deane (AUS)
Heat 2: Charly Martin (FRA), Dillon Perillo (USA), Mustofa Jeksen (IND)

Hawaii's Kiron Jabour Claims Billabong Pro Junior at Sunset Beach

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:18:24 PST

For contest director and Billabong frontman Rainos Hayes, you couldn't have asked for better conditions than what greeted the Billabong Pro Junior at Sunset Beach this morning. Blue skies, sheet-glass conditions, and overhead lines stacked out to the horizon, it was as clear as the crystal waters affront that the Pacific was dishing up some of the best surf and conditions of the year. And today, the boys had it all to their lonesome.

With that in mind, it was fitting that the country's best surfers converged on Sunset Beach for the Pro Junior event. You name a top junior and he was there competing today. Kolohe Andino, Cory Arrambide, Tyler Newton, Alex Smith, and the rest of their talented junior brethren were all on hand to duke it out in the event. And they all meant business.

"We try and keep it in the water, but we all really want to win. And we all know it," said rising star Kaimana Jaquias.

As the day wore on, the serene conditions that met the early rounds deteriorated as a slight north wind came ashore, adding a bit of chop to the lineup. But the faltering winds didn't stop the competition from getting out-right ridiculous as the juniors continued to tear down all preconceived notions of what is considered possible in the sport.

Once regarded as the wave all others are measured against, Sunset Beach hasn't necessarily been the peak du jour of the current crop of progressive surfing. But today, when given an empty lineup, the kid's proved that Sunset can be just as rippable as Rocky's, if not more so. Frontside wafts, throw-tail reverses, and the occasional man hack were weaved through out each heat with a surgical precision.

"I love coming out to Hawaii. Yeah, Sunset's a tricky wave, but it gets pretty fun," said Newport Beach's Andrew Doheny. "It's definitely a lot bigger than it looks from here." Although Doheny wouldn't progress to the final, his surfing was the stuff of legends today as he proved he's more than capable than just getting lofty at 54th.

With the final approaching, the Hawaiian surfers placed three out of four surfers in the main heat. Kauai's Alex Smith and Maui's Albee Layer took on Oahu's Kiron Jabour and California's Cory Arrambide. Uncharacteristic of the day, the final went flat for the first 10 minutes, leaving Cory Arrambide nestled in first place with two small-wave scores under his belt. But as the clock ticked away, a set approached and Haleiwa's own Kiron Jabour did the island proud and tore the opening wave of the lone set a new one, earning himself a win and the admiration of the best young surfers in the country. Arrambide would take second, Layer third, and Smith fourth.

And to think, this is just an appetizer of what's to come this winter.

Photo Credit: Tony Heff