Surfing News Online

Jordy Smith Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Adriano de Souza Takes ASP WCT Rankings Lead

Alvin Jenkins — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:43:39 +0000

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, wins the 2013 Billabong Rio Pro over Adiano de Souza (BRA), 26.

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 19, 2013) -Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, has won the Billabong Rio Pro in a hard-fought final over national favorite Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, by a score of 17.80 to 16.34 in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra Da Tijuca.

Stop No. 3 of 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Rio Pro utilized the entirety of the event waiting period, culminating in a high-performance showdown from the ASP Top 34 amidst a bevy of barrels and ramps of Barra Da Tijuca.

Smith showed an incredible variety of technical airs and turns in the Final against De Souza, launching a massive straight frontside air for a 9.33 and a stailfish air-reverse for an 8.50 to top De Souza for the win. The Billabong Rio Pro victory marks the third career ASP WCT event win for Smith and his first away from South African soil.

“This win feels unbelievable,” Smith said. “It’s another dream come true. I knew I could win a World Tour event, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it away from South Africa. Thanks to crowd and Adriano (de Souza). He’s been ripping the whole event. Thanks to all of my friends and family for all of the amazing support.”

Smith’s run to the final was nothing short of amazing as the South African powerhouse defeated dangerous rookie Filipe Toledo (BRA), 18, and two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, en route to the Final. Smith attributed today’s success to his ability to adapt to both his competitors and the ever-changing conditions of Barra Da Tijuca.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” Smith said. “I was really nervous in the first heat against Filipe (Toledo). Luckily I got through that one and when I came up against Mick I waited for better waves. When the swell dropped against Adriano and he took to the sky, I knew I was going to have to do the same, but luckily I got a couple of scores.”

Smith now sits at No. 2 on the ASP WCT Rankings.

De Souza, 2011 Billabong Rio Pro winner, went on a rampage to advance to his second career Billabong Rio Pro Final, eliminating 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 41, and goofy-footer Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, but was unable to top Smith’s devastating form in the Final.

“I did my best out there and thanks to the crowd for being behind me 100 percent,” De Souza said. “Congrats to Jordy (Smith). He beat me in the final from start to finish. I’m so happy to be here representing Brazil. Jordy was the best out there today and congrats to him.”

De Souza’s win at Bells Beach combined with his Runner-Up effort today at the Billabong Rio Pro vaults the hard-working Brazilian to the No.1 position over then rankings leader Kelly Slater, highlighting his chances to be the first-ever Brazilian ASP World Champion.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, was incredible on the final day of competition, earning a perfect 10-point ride for a lengthy barrel-to-air combination in the Quarterfinals. The high-flying Brazilian was equally dangerous in his Semifinals bout against fellow countryman Adriano de Souza with a stout 17.50 out of 20 heat total, but fell just short of a final appearance despite a valiant last-second effort, finishing equal 3rd.

“It’s so hard to get that close to the final and lose, but it was a good event for me,” Medina said. “My ankle injury has finally healed so that’s good progress for my season and congratulations to Adriano on the heat win. Hopefully I can do better in Fiji.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, matched his Billabong Rio Pro result from 2012 with a Semifinals finish. Fanning looked deadly in his Quarterfinals victory over ASP WCT rookie Sebastian Zietz (HAW), 24, but was unable to find a rhythm against Jordy Smith in their Semifinals clash.

“It would have been good to go one better, but the semis is good,” Fanning said. “This whole week was so tricky and it was one where you had your heart in your mouth whole time. I think I went out there and over-thought it. I got way too excited watching Jordy, Filipe, Adriano and Medina and tried airs and embarrassed myself. The waves I had at the start didn’t really allow turns so I thought I’d go for airs and find waves that allowed turns at the end and it didn’t work out. Congrats to Jordy. He’s been surfing great this whole event.”

Fanning, current No. 3 on the ASP WCT Rankings following his Semifinals finish, has been incredibly consistent throughout the opening events of 2013, is now hoping to carry the momentum from Brazil to the next event in Fiji.

“We saw upsets go down early and you come to this event and can’t expect anything,” Fanning said. “Last year we watched Gabe (Medina) go down in the first heat, so a Semifinals result here is good and I have three out of three keepers for the season. I’ve had a couple of good weeks.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and current ASP WCT No. 4, was near-flawless in yesterday’s action but was out of rhythm in the opening Quarterfinal of the morning against De Souza.

“I thought there were a lot more waves than there ended up being and didn’t make the adjustment during the heat,” Slater said. “Adriano (de Souza) did and that made all the difference. Quarterfinals is not the worst resul – it’s better than I went last year. It was a long wait this window and if I had waited that whole time and lost yesterday, I would have been bummed. I’ll take a 5th and look ahead to Fiji.”

Highlights from the Billabong Rio Pro will be available via http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

The next stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) will be the Volcom Fiji Pro from June 2 – 14, 2013.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

UPCOMING BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.80
2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.34

UPCOMING BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17.64 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.50
SF 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8.26

UPCOMING BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 12.30
QF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.43 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.93
QF 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.50 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.37
QF 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.76 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.07

ASP WCT TOP 5 SURFERS (Following Billabong Rio Pro);
1. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18,500 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18,250 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18,200 pts
4. Kelly Slater (USA) 16,950 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15,700 pts

Jordy Wins in Rio, Moves to Second on ASP World Rankings

Linda Mazzone — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:42:37 +0000

A near perfect performance on the final day of the Billabong Rio Pro saw Jordy Smith scoop the title in front of over 20 000 amped Brazilian surf fans lining the shore at Barra Da Tijuca.

That Jordy beat the local favourite Adriano De Souza in the final did little to dampen their spirits, as he put on an entertaining performance for the gathered crowd – which included bows, claims that mirrored the iconic statue overlooking the city of Rio, and a repertoire of aerial manoeuvres which in the end were the difference between the powerful South African and the in-form Adriano when the final turned into a punt-for-punt showdown.

Jordy was playing with the crowd throughout the event, wearing the same big grin.

It’s Jordy’s first WCT win outside of home waters, last capturing the Billabong Pro J-Bay in 2011, and the smile Jordy wore broadly across his face throughout the event just goes to prove that old saying – the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun. The victory also moves him up into second in the ASP World Tour rankings, just 250 points behind Adriano De Souza who claimed the ratings lead with this result.

The win also puts Jordy back where he belongs amongst the world’s elite after a poor 2012 by his own standards. The man is the most in-form surfer in the world at the moment – but you all knew that. Ripping at Snapper, unlucky at Bells, and unstoppable in Rio. He’ll look to keep that form going at Cloudbreak for the Volcom Fiji Pro, the next stop on the 2013 ASP World Tour.

For all the photos, heat reviews and results go to: http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

Check out the official press release below.

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JORDY SMITH WINS BILLABONG RIO PRO, ADRIANO DE SOUZA TAKES ASP WCT RATINGS LEAD

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, wins the 2013 Billabong Rio Pro over Adiano de Souza (BRA), 26.

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 19, 2013) – Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, has won the Billabong Rio Pro in a hard-fought final over national favorite Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, by a score of 17.80 to 16.34 in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra Da Tijuca.

Smith’s run to the final was nothing short of amazing as the South African powerhouse defeated dangerous rookie Filipe Toledo (BRA), 18, and two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, en route to the Final. Smith attributed today’s success to his ability to adapt to both his competitors and the ever-changing conditions of Barra Da Tijuca.

Smith now sits at No. 2 on the ASP WCT Rankings.

De Souza, 2011 Billabong Rio Pro winner, went on a rampage to advance to his second career Billabong Rio Pro Final, eliminating 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 41, and goofy-footer Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, but was unable to top Smith’s devastating form in the Final.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, was incredible on the final day of competition, earning a perfect 10-point ride for a lengthy barrel-to-air combination in the Quarterfinals. The high-flying Brazilian was equally dangerous in his Semifinals bout against fellow countryman Adriano de Souza with a stout 17.50 out of 20 heat total, but fell just short of a final appearance despite a valiant last-second effort, finishing equal 3rd.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, matched his Billabong Rio Pro result from 2012 with a Semifinals finish. Fanning looked deadly in his Quarterfinals victory over ASP WCT rookie Sebastian Zietz (HAW), 24, but was unable to find a rhythm against Jordy Smith in their Semifinals clash.

Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and current ASP WCT No. 4, was near-flawless in yesterday’s action but was out of rhythm in the opening Quarterfinal of the morning against De Souza.

Highlights from the Billabong Rio Pro will be available via http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

The next stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) will be the Volcom Fiji Pro from June 2 – 14, 2013.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.80
2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.34

BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17.64 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.50
SF 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8.26

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 12.30
QF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.43 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.93
QF 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.50 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.37
QF 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.76 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.07

ASP WCT TOP 5 SURFERS (Following Billabong Rio Pro);
1. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18,500 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 18,250 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18,200 pts
4. Kelly Slater (USA) 16,950 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15,700 pts

Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinalists Decided in Barreling Barra Da Tijuca

Edith Gomez — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:43:23 +0000

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Saturday, May 18, 2013) - The Billabong Rio Pro returned to Barra Da Tijuca for the second consecutive day and saw flawless performances from the ASP Top 34 as they battled through Rounds 3, 4 and 5, deciding the event’s Quarterfinalists in improved three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) barrels.

Filipe Toledo (BRA), 18, 2013 ASP Dream Tour rookie, put together an immaculate alley-oop to air-reverse combination, securing a perfect 10-point ride for the effort. While fellow competitor Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, went on to earn a perfect 10 of his own in the amazing Round 4 affair, Toledo’s back-up score of 8.43 was enough to secure a spot directly in to the Quarterfinals over Smith and two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 31.

“That was my first perfect 10 on the tour and I’m at a loss for words right now,” Toledo said. “I can’t even describe how I’m feeling. I’m just so stoked to compete against Jordy (Smith) and Mick (Fanning). I competed with them in the same round at Bells and to win this heat in Brazil is amazing. When I saw the sets coming, Jordy had priority and he was paddling for the one behind me. I knew it was going to be good. I went for the first big air and I was so happy that I made it, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to do another one.’ I had that other section and I made the second air. I’m so excited right now, I don’t know what to say.”

Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, put in a strong performance in his Round 4 match-up against Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, and Nat Young (USA), 21, earning a spot directly in to the Quarterfinals following a priority interference by Burrow. While Burrow posted two near-perfect scores, de Souza earned two excellent rides of his own, posting a 15.90 out of 20 heat total to secure the Quarterfinals berth.

“Before the heat started I was really focused,” De Souza said. “I knew Taj (Burrow) was going to be dangerous and I have a lot of respect of Nat young, but Nat was in the middle of us and I knew it’d be hard for him. Taj was on fire during the whole heat and I just focused on my waves. 5 minutes before the heat ended I heard Taj got an amazing wave, but then later I heard Taj got the interference. I was happy to make it, but it’s too bad for Taj. He’s an idol of mine and an amazing surfer.”

Adrian Buchan (AUS), 30, took a massive Round 4 victory to secure his best result of the season, relegating local talent Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, and 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 41, to Round 5. Buchan placed his bets on a bank down the beach and the choice paid off, as the Avoca Beach native was the lone surfer in the heat to find a rhythm while securing his position in the Quarterfinals.

“I feel good,” Buchan said. “I saw waves down the beach and was watching free surfers half and hour before I surfed and saw a few. You’ve got to take a gamble sometimes and I think it’ll pay off. I didn’t really think it was that big of a gamble and was able to find a really good one. I’m stoked because that’s a good round to get out of. I always try and win that heat when I get in it. I see it more as a one-winner round rather than a no-losers round. I knew it’d be a big heat against Gabriel (Medina) and Kelly (Slater) and knew most of the crowd’s focus would be on them, so I could do my own thing. I knew it’d be hard for Kelly to repeat his performance from earlier today and I’m happy to get past those guys in that heat.”

Sebastian Zietz (HAW), 24, ASP WCT Rookie, has put together a breakthrough result at the Billabong Rio Pro to match the best result of his budding career. The Kauai native navigated the challenging Barra Da Tijuca lineup with ease, donating incredible performances in both Rounds 3 and 4 to advance to the Quarterfinals compliments of some of the day’s most exciting barrels.

“Conditions changed quickly out there,” Zietz said. “I was frothing watching the heat before and thinking I was going to get pitted. I got one barrel, but ended up looking for some ramps. I was just trying to make the Quarters here in Brazil, that was my goal, so I’m happy. Hopefully I can break through to the Semis or even a final.”

Kelly Slater, 11-time ASP World Champion, dominated the Barra Da Tijuca lineup in Round 3, effortlessly driving through draining barrels to secure some of the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro competition. Slater drove through a deep tube in the opening moments of his Round 3 bout against Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 27, for a near-perfect 9.97 and backed up the ride with a similar score for a 19.67 (out of 20) heat total.

“I hadn’t surfed in a week,” Slater said. “I thought it was going to be an air game and Pat is deadly with his airs. It was killing me to have such a good heat against Pat (Gudauskas) because I want to see him make heats. It’s a weird thing when you surf against your friends. I had a feeling once that squall passed that it would calm down and get glassy and that’s exactly what it did. I was looking for those ones like I had in the first heat, those ones the knuckle off of the outside reef. You want to get that first one that’s peaky and doesn’t have too much white water in the way.”

While Slater was unable to reproduce the same magic in Round 4, the veteran quickly rebounded to surpass Taj Burrow in a hard-fought Round 5 clash to earn his position in the Quarterfinals.

“Taj (Burrow) definitely brings the best out in me,” Slater said. “I didn’t want to surf, the waves were terrible and the waves ended up getting good out there. Taj just had a couple of heats where he wanted to surf this year and the call didn’t go his way. He was decisive and I didn’t want to surf. They took a poll and the guys wanted to surf, so we went ahead with it.Taj started off with that barrel and I knew I had to do something. Luckily I was able to get that air reverse.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time and will crown a champion by day’s end.

The Billabong Rio Pro will is webcast LIVE via http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.10 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 6.50
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 13.13 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.00 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.14
Heat 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.40 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.77
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.94 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 6.83
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.97 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.01
Heat 7: Glenn Hall (IRL) 12.33 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.83
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.43 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.17
Heat 9: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 17.47 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.34
Heat 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 18.43 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.67
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.17 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 9.00
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.53 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 13.33

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.90, Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.30, Nat Young (USA) 5.57
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.77, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.41, Kelly Slater (USA) 7.33
Heat 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 14.10, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.84, Glenn Hall (IRL) 6.05
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 18.43, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.83, Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.20

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.10 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.03
Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.20 def. Nat Young (USA) 11.20
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.83 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 2.86
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.43 def. Glenn Hall (IRL) 13.63

UPCOMING BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINALS MATCH UPS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
QF 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
QF 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
QF 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

Final Day Billabong Rio Pro ON at Barra da Tijuca

James Ochoa — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:43:35 +0000

The waves are on for the final day of the Billabong Rio Pro.

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 19, 2013) -The final day of the Billabong Rio Pro has been called on with the Quarterfinals commencing at 8am in clean three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at the primary site of Barra da Tijuca.

Event No. 3 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Rio Pro has utilized the length of the 12-day window and will crown an event winner by day’s end.

“Final day of the window and we’re fortunate enough to have good swell and conditions on hand,” Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “We’ll commence the Quarterfinals at 8am and anticipate running straight through to the Finals. Good luck to all our remaining competitors today.”

Up first this morning will be Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, and Kelly Slater (USA), 41, in the opening Quarterfinal of the Billabong Rio Pro.

The Billabong Rio Pro will is webcast LIVE via http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

UPCOMING BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINALS MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
QF 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
QF 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
QF 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

Jordy Through to Quarter Finals of Billabong Rio Pro

Rebecca Holland — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:48:50 +0000

Jordy Smith has ripped his way to the quarter finals of the Billabong Rio Pro in the sometimes sloppy, sometimes rad, beachbreak of Barra Da Tijuca. He did this with a series of pits and punts, with one particular spin in Round 5 seeing Jordy awarded a massive 9.0 for a single air that you just have to go re-watch on the heat reviews now. Once you’ve been floored by that impressive air (which is one of the fastest and smoothest spins ever seen in competition), then go watch Felipe Toledo’s OMG perfect ten in his Round 4 match-up with Jordy and Mick Fanning. Boom Boom – Just like that, a giant alley oop followed by a big air reverse in the matter of seconds.

Jordy, punting his way to the Quarter Finals.

To claim the Billabong Rio Pro and put himself solidly in the world title race Jordy will have to see off a challenge from a trio of Brazilians; Gabriel Medina, Felipe Toledo and of course Adriano De Souza, along with King Kelly, Sebastian Zietz, Mick Fanning and Ace Buchan. But if the Saffa superstar continues to have as much fun as he has been in his heats in Rio, then he’s going to be a hard man to beat. Big smiling claims show that he’s having a ball, and Jordy is a dangerous competitor when he’s having fun.

Here are the highlights from the second last day of the Billabong Rio Pro:

Check out the official press release below.

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BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTER FINALISTS DECIDED IN BARRELING BARRA DA TIJUCA

Filipe Toledo advanced to the quarterfinals of the Billabong Rio Pro. Photo: ASP/ Smorigo

Filipe Toledo (BRA), 18, 2013 ASP Dream Tour rookie, put together an immaculate alley-oop to air-reverse combination, securing a perfect 10-point ride for the effort. While fellow competitor Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, went on to earn a perfect 10 of his own in the amazing Round 4 affair, Toledo’s back-up score of 8.43 was enough to secure a spot directly in to the Quarterfinals over Smith and two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 31.

Hometown hero Adriano de Souza entertain his fans. Photo: ASP/ Kirstin

Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, put in a strong performance in his Round 4 match-up against Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, and Nat Young (USA), 21, earning a spot directly in to the Quarterfinals following a priority interference by Burrow. While Burrow posted two near-perfect scores, de Souza earned two excellent rides of his own, posting a 15.90 out of 20 heat total to secure the Quarterfinals berth.

Adrian Buchan (AUS), 30, took a massive Round 4 victory to secure his best result of the season, relegating local talent Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, and 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 41, to Round 5. Buchan placed his bets on a bank down the beach and the choice paid off, as the Avoca Beach native was the lone surfer in the heat to find a rhythm while securing his position in the Quarterfinals.

Gabe was able to bounce back from a Round 4 loss and secure his spot in the quarterfinals. Photo: ASP/ Kirstin

Sebastian Zietz (HAW), 24, ASP WCT Rookie, has put together a breakthrough result at the Billabong Rio Pro to match the best result of his budding career. The Kauai native navigated the challenging Barra Da Tijuca lineup with ease, donating incredible performances in both Rounds 3 and 4 to advance to the Quarterfinals compliments of some of the day’s most exciting barrels.

Seabass getting deep. Photo: ASP/ Smorigo

Kelly Slater, 11-time ASP World Champion, dominated the Barra Da Tijuca lineup in Round 3, effortlessly driving through draining barrels to secure some of the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro competition. Slater drove through a deep tube in the opening moments of his Round 3 bout against Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 27, for a near-perfect 9.97 and backed up the ride with a similar score for a 19.67 (out of 20) heat total.

Kelly dropped the highest heat score of the event so far. Photo: ASP/ Kirstin

While Slater was unable to reproduce the same magic in Round 4, the veteran quickly rebounded to surpass Taj Burrow in a hard-fought Round 5 clash to earn his position in the Quarterfinals.

Big crowds at the beach today, despite the rainy weather. Photo: ASP/ Smorigo

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:30am local time and will crown a champion by day’s end.

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.10 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 6.50
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 13.13 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.00 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.14
Heat 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.40 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.77
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.94 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 6.83
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.97 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 10.01
Heat 7: Glenn Hall (IRL) 12.33 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.83
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.43 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.17
Heat 9: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 17.47 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.34
Heat 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 18.43 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.67
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.17 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 9.00
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.53 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 13.33

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.90, Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.30, Nat Young (USA) 5.57
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.77, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.41, Kelly Slater (USA) 7.33
Heat 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 14.10, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.84, Glenn Hall (IRL) 6.05
Heat 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 18.43, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.83, Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.20

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.10 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.03
Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.20 def. Nat Young (USA) 11.20
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.83 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 2.86
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.43 def. Glenn Hall (IRL) 13.63

UPCOMING BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINALS MATCH UPS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
QF 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
QF 3: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
QF 4: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

Round Three To Five

Joyce Grant — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:41:25 +0000

Swell hits Barra Da Tijuca and competitors power through rounds three to five of the Billabong Rio Pro.

Avuyile Ndamase wins Future Stars Division on Day 1 of Quik Pro Junior

Kathleen Green — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:41:18 +0000

It was a beautiful winter’s day in Surf City for Day 1 of the Quiksilver Pro Junior at New Pier. Unfortunately the only thing missing were the waves, which were coming through just big and consistent enough to make things competitive. South swells and Durban just don’t work out so great with the harbour’s South Pier blocking off most of what’s on offer. But if you’re one of the country’s best junior surfers, a weak lip is all you need to showcase your repertoire.

Avuyile Ndamase shows his skills in the small waves to claim the win in the Future Stars division.

The biggest news from the day was Slummies shredder Avuyile ‘Avo’ Ndamase claiming the Future Stars title ahead of Nicky Njapha (Southport), Papi Makinyane (Kommetjie) and Sfiso Mhlongo (Durban). Avo showed the skills he learnt at his homebreak of Second Beach in Port St Johns (which is sadly also the beach which saw his younger brother Zama Ndamase fatally attacked by a shark in 2011. ). Now living in East London, Avo’s been working hard at his surfing and his win today saw all his hard graft pay off.

Defending Champ Slade Prestwich was looking sharp on Day 1 of the Quiksilver Pro Junior.

Defending champ Slade Prestwich put in a solid performance in the small and weak conditions, punting a few airs and burying enough rail to advance to the final day, and closer to defending the title he clinched from Beyrick De Vries in 2012.

Another surfer looking like a champ on Day 1 was North Coast surfer Shane Sykes, who was burying some serious rail for a young gun in the King of the Groms division. You also can’t count out J-Bay’s Matt Macgillivray, who put on a solid display on the opening day to advance to the final day. Matt’s just recently recovered from a knee injury which kept him out the water for a number of months, but has quickly got into the rhythm that saw him claim the SA title in home waters at the end of 2012.

You can’t really bury more rail than Shane Sykes did in his heat of the King of the Groms division.

There’s a slight bump in swell predicted for Sunday, and the bank at New Pier is as good as it gets, so if you’re in Town, head on down and watch the juniors shred – otherwise you can catch all the highlights and action on www.quikprojunior.co.za.

Here’s the highlights from Day 1:

Check out the official press release below.

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AVUYILE NDAMASE SHINES AT QUIKSILVER PRO JUNIOR 2013

Avuyile Ndamase after winning the final of the Future Stars division at the Quiksilver Pro Junior 2013.

New Pier, Durban – Action was hot on day one of the Quiksilver Pro Junior & King of the Groms 2013 as South Africa’s best junior surfers under the age of twenty years old were greeted with small, clean and contestable surf. Avuyile Ndamase from East London stole the show in the Future Stars division, ousting Nicky Njapha (Southport), Papi Makinyane (Kommetjie) and Sfiso Mhlongo (Durban). Ndamase fought back in the dying minutes of the twenty minute final to pip Njapha to the title. “I am so stoked to be in Durban again, the water is warm and the surfing is good,” said an elated Ndamase. The Future Stars division forms part of the annual Quiksilver Pro Junior and is an initiative put together by Quiksilver and Surfing South Africa’s transformation program.

The top performances of the morning came from Shane Sykes (Salt Rock) and Matt McGillivray (Port Elizabeth) with near-perfect single wave scores.

Sykes stamped his authority on his opening under sixteen heat by posting a massive nine point ride out of a possible ten points, this he backed up with a solid six point ride. “The waves were really fun today and the sandbanks at New Pier are unreal. I am looking forward to the rest of the competition, ” said an excited Sykes.

McGillivray was another standout, he posted two massive scores in his opening heat, scoring a 9.5 and 7.5 out of a possible ten points for his top two rides. Other surfers to impress in the early rounds of the U16 division were Adin Masencamp (Strand) and Steff Burrows (Cape Town). Divisions in the event include the under twelve, under fourteen, under sixteen and the under twenty Pro Junior divisions.

Surfing gets underway at 08h00 tomorrow morning (Sunday) with the under fourteen division quarter finals. Light winds, sunny skies and clean 3 foot surf is expected for the final day of competition. The finals for all four divisions kick off at 14h00 with the awards ceremony and crowning of the kings at 15h15 on the beach at New Pier.

The entire event boasts a total of R75 000 in prize money and is sanctioned by ASP Africa and Surfing South Africa. Sponsors include the City of Durban, Skullcandy, Red Bull and Independent on Saturday.

More information can be found at www.quikprojunior.co.za

Follow the event at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quiksilver
Twitter: @Quiksilver_SA
Instagram: quiksilver_sa (#quikprojunior)

Billabong Rio Pro Rounds 3, 4 and 5 Called ON in Improved Conditions at Barra Da Tijuca

Marcela Cooper — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:41:33 +0000

Miguel Pupo (BRA), 21, will face off against fellow Brazilian Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, in Heat 3 of the Billabong Rio Pro today.

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Saturday, May 18, 2013) – Rounds 3, 4 and 5 of the Billabong Rio Pro are scheduled to run today, with improved three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) waves on offer at the primary venue of Barra Da Tijuca.

Stop No. 3 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Rio Pro will recommence this morning with Round 3 at 7am.

“The swell that arrived yesterday has cleaned up significantly so we’re expecting improved conditions to prevail throughout the day today,” Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge said. “We want to capitalize on the surf we have on offer today and plan on running Rounds 3, 4 and 5.”

Up first this morning will be Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, against Kolohe Andino (USA), 19, in Billabong Rio Pro Heat 1 of Round 3.

The Billabong Rio Pro will is webcast LIVE via http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Nat Young (USA)
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 5: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 7: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Glenn Hall (IRL)
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Sebastian Zietz (HAW)
Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 12: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)

One Way To Spend A Lay Day

Leon Cobb — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:41:22 +0000

Ricardo Dos Santos makes the most of his laydays at the Billabong Rio Pro and heads to Tahiti for the Tow session of his life.

Tommy Inhken // New Jersey // 1:24

Todd Zielinski — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:44:02 +0000

Two sessions, two beers

Too much fun

Tommy Inhken // New Jersey // 1:24

Jennifer Burns — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:44:01 +0000

Two sessions, two beers

Too much fun

Clay Marzo // California // 4:10

Lindsey Post — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:48:29 +0000

Marzo leaves his Maui bubble and surfs chilly spring conditions in trunks

Would Clay have it any other way?

Coming Soon! For the Sake of Hugh Manatee

Rachal Blackmore — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:41:26 +0000

Stand up with Maddie and Hugh the manatee for humanity. Join us as Maddie and Hugh paddle upstream and discover some of the problems affecting the watershed and that are adversely impacting the ocean and its life forms.For the Sake of Hugh Manatee has vivid illustrations by Ron Croci and an attention getting story line that will compel you and your family to take action for clean water. Our world depends on it!

A large part of the proceeds will go to support The Maddie James Seaside Learning Center at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, CA. The Center and its unique programming immerse all visitors, many of whom have never seen the ocean before, in hands-on experiences with the ocean and its marine life. Maddie passed away at the age of five due to an inoperable brain tumor, but her love of the ocean will live on forever through all that visit this very special place.

To learn more about the foundation please visit the website and view the video. Have some Kleenex on hand. www.maddiejamesfoundation.org

Sanuk Opens First Flagship Store

Helen Turner — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:41:25 +0000

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Leader in Distinctly Designed Footwear Highlights Company-Owned Store Opening with an Outdoor Jam Session Performance by Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real

In-Store “Lo-Fi” Vibe Creates Unique Brand and Shopping Experience

IRVINE, Calif. – April 22, 2013 – Sanuk, a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NASDAQGS: DECK), celebrated the grand opening of its first company-owned store at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on April 20, 2013. To celebrate Sanuk’s first flagship store, Deckers and Sanuk executives kicked it off with an official opening ceremony and topped off the evening with a fun-filled jam session by California-based musical artist and Sanuk ambassador Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.

“We wanted to bring the Sanuk brand experience to life in a great shopping destination that represents what we stand for here at Sanuk, fun, humor and smiles. I think we’ve found a great balance here at Santa Monica,” said Jake Brandman, Sanuk president. “As our first brand-owned store, we were able to bring the humorous aspect of the brand to life and create that deep connection with existing and new customers. We see this store as a place for us to explore alongside with our customers and showcase our innovative Sidewalk Surfers and absurdly comfortable Yoga Mat and Beer Cozy sandals. This opening represents a great step in the evolution of Sanuk.”

The new store is approximately 1,000 square feet of retail space, featuring unique elements, a lo-fi design look and feel and offers exclusive products only available at the Santa Monica location. Upon entering the space, a collage installation featuring a collection of outdoor and indoor items creates a jumbled art décor, items that harken to a sense of fun, but with a twist and turn that has everyone looking for hidden nuances.

The store’s concept, a “Space to Play” is inspired by an unfinished basement or garage, that place where people sit back, relax and enjoy some relaxed moments with their friends. The store brings the brand’s emotion to life, featuring floating stud walls and many raw finishes, letting shoppers fill the space with their imagination. Creative solutions that will make the shopping experience unique are sprinkled throughout the store; one notable feature is the modular cleat system that will house many of the sandals and a pantry-style cabinetry that turns a traditional shoe wall into a self-service system.

Sanuk will offer a wide selection of styles and colors for both sandals and Sidewalk Surfers, featuring a mix of iconic favorites and latest bold designs for men, women and kids. The store also will feature exclusive merchandise such as branded sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats and accessories among many other products, further showcasing the breadth and growth of the brand’s collection. Like the Sanuk brand, the store’s music selection will be an eclectic mix of everything from bluegrass, to reggae, to old school funk.

“The whole goal for this store was to create a space where we could play – we’ve taken all the classic Sanuk ingredients and stirred them up into a fresh recipe that we believe will set the tone for future Sanuk stores,” said Michael Minter, Sanuk global director of marketing. “The Santa Monica store offers an irreverent take on our brand and we’re excited to evolve the brand into an immersive experience.”

Sanuk is located on 1453 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica and store operating hours are from Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For directions to the Santa Monica Sanuk store location, visit www.sanuk.com/stores. Come by and check in with hashtag #SanukSantaMonica and #SanukFootwear for upcoming specials.

For more information on Sanuk, please visit www.sanuk.com.

About Sanuk

Twice recognized at the SIMA Image Awards as the 2007 and 2010 Footwear Product of the Year, Sanuk makes creatively inspired and distinctively designed footwear for the global outdoor community. Taking its name from the Thai word for fun, the brand is best known for its Sidewalk Surfers, often referred to as “Not-A-Shoes”, for their patented sandal construction which allows your feet to bend and flex in natural comfort. Founded by Southern California native and surfer Jeff Kelley, Sanuk sponsors a spectrum of premier athletes, including surfers Donavon Frankenreiter and Dave Rastovich and rock climbers Chris Sharma and Daniel Woods. Sanuk products are now distributed in nearly 70 countries worldwide. Smile…Pass It On!

# # #

Find Sanuk Online:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sanukfootwear

Google+: https://plus.google.com/106013374917758619744
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanukfootwear
Sanuk Tumblr: http://sanukfootwear.tumblr.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sanukfootwear
Video: www.youtube.com/sanuk
Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/smile_pass_it_on
Website: www.sanuk.com

Gabe Kling // Sebastian Inlet // 3:10

Billie McClain — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:41:24 +0000

Gabe @ Sebastian from Benjamin Sitten on Vimeo.

Surfers: Gabe Kling, Blake Jones, and Jesse Heilman.
Edit by Benjamin “Beeners” Sitten

Early May swell fires in Florida

Gabe drives south and puts on a power clinic at the Inlet

Girl in Just a Shirt, July 2013 Issue: Brianna Barnes

Flora Reed — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:41:22 +0000

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Photos: Mike Smolowe | Model: Brianna Barnes | Hair/Makeup: Amy Hanlin | T-Shirt: Rip Curl, Fine Fin Organic Tee (red)

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Brianna Barnes

Wade Goodall, End Of The Road

William Gilliland — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:41:19 +0000

Our latest desktop wallpaper is anything but small.

Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Completed in Stormy Conditions at Barra da Tijuca

James Brown — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:51:30 +0000

Josh Kerr (AUS), 28, earned a near-perfect 9.77 out of 10 for this massive frontside air-reverse.

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Friday, May 17, 2013) – After a week of lay days, the world’s best surfers got back to action at the punchy Brazilian beachbreak Barra Da Tijuca, tackling stormy three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) surf to complete Round 2 of competition.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 29, took flight in Round 2 of the Billabong Rio Pro, reveling in the wind-blown ramps at Barra Da Tijuca while earning the day’s highest scores. The progressive natural-footer launched a massive air-reverse on a righthander, finishing the ride with a strong frontside snap for a near-perfect 9.77 out of 10. Kerr found another right at the end of the heat and combined three big forehand turns, scoring a 17.94 out of 20 heat total to eliminate wildcard Messias Felix.

“It feels good to get that heat win after all of those days off,” Kerr said. “I was lucky to find those two good ones and I waited forever to get that second good one after that first 9. Hopefully I can keep it going in the next round.”

Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, current ASP WCT No. 3, went for broke in his Round 2 bout against wildcard Gustavo Fernandes, nailing a huge layback snap with complete commitment to start off his heat. The perennial ASP World Title contender back up the ride in the back half of the heat to lead the round’s top seeds while securing his position in Round 3.

“We had fun on the lay days and everyone was on vacation mode, but it’s good to be back,” Burrow said. “Even though it’s howling onshore it’s fun to finally have some waves. That little section on the lay back was a fun one to hit and I was hoping the judges would throw me a good score for the one maneuver. It was pretty difficult in the end. I just never got offered another section like that one. I knew Gustavo (Fernandes) was catching up and I was nervous the whole time.”

Burrow will take on Californian Kolohe Andino (USA), 19, tomorrow in Round 3 of the Billabong Rio Pro.

Adrian Buchan (AUS), 30, threaded the needle on a thumping backhand barrel and solidified the ride by clobbering a closeout section towards the back half of his heat. Buchan would earn an excellent 9-point score for the effort to vault in to the lead over dangerous Brazilian Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 31, and would hold on to the lead for the remainder of the heat.

“I tried to get busy in the beginning and it’s hard to get out the back,” Buchan said. “I was out of position at the start of the heat and Raoni (Monteiro) wanted to surf on the inside. I had one at the start that I didn’t ride out of and found a left, but that 9 was a diamond in the rough. I didn’t know if it was going to be really open, so I didn’t want to be too deep, but it was a pretty nice round barrel. It’s powerful out there and dumpy now that the tide’s gone out.”

Buchan will face off against C.J. Hobgood (USA), 34, in Round 3.

Brett Simpson (USA), 28, edged out fellow American Damien Hobgood (USA), 33, in a close come-from-behind victory. Simpson was in need of a solid score in the dying minutes of the Round 2 match-up and navigated through a barrel, completing the ride with a clean snap to top Hobgood by a score of 15.10 to 15.04.

“Damo (Damien Hobgood) is such a good competitor and him and his brother have mentored me through my first year until now,” Simpson said. “He’s a tenacious competitor and I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I started off bad in that heat and it was bumpy and lumpy and I struggled to get things going. I finally started off with that 7 and eventually found that little tube and had the rio. The judges want to see two big maneuvers out there today and I’m stoked to have found that wave at the end of the heat. I knew I could get the score if I just had a decent wave. I had the 7 and knew I’d get the score if I could just find the wave. We’ve had a lot of time off and I’m happy to get that win.”

Simpson will take on two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, in Heat 12 of Billabong Rio Pro Round 3.

Filipe Toledo (BRA), 18, led the Brazilian charge in Round 2, besting Australian goofy-footer Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 24, in the final heat of the day. While both surfers struggled to find a rhythm in their bout, Toledo was able to put together a two turn combination finished with a clean air-reverse, earning an 8.77 for the maneuver which proved to be the deciding factor for the win.

“It was a really hard heat with the conditions, but that air at the end was a good one,” Toledo said. “I just had two small turns on the outside and knew i had to go for an air. I’m just really stoked to make that heat, especially here at home in Brazil.”

Toledo will tackle Josh Kerr in Round 3 of competition.

Miguel Pupo (BRA), 21, was another Brazilian to find success in Round 2, topping fellow countryman and close friend Alejo Muniz (BRA), 23, with a buzzer-beating effort in his first ASP WCT appearance this season. Pupo was in need of a mid-range score with just seconds left in the heat and combined two committed backhand maneuvers to secure a Round 3 berth.

“i knew it was going to be a hard heat with Alejo (Muniz),” Pupo said. “He’s a good friend of mine and it’s been a tense week with all of the lay-days. I’m just stoked to make it after having a whole week off. It’s funny because Alejo was telling me that this is the third time he has lost at the end of the heat. It’s always hard when you have to surf against a good friend. You don’t want to lose to them, but at the same time you don’t want them to lose either.”

Pupo, who missed both Australian events due to an ankle injury, showed no signs of struggle today in the powerful beachbreak and commented that the former injury is no longer a factor.

“The ankle feels good,” Pupo said. “It feels a little stiff at the beginning of the heat, but once I get going it feels good. I don’t even notice any pain anymore and I’m happy to be back.”

Pupo will face yet another Brazilian in Round 3 of competition, where he will face off against current ASP WCT No. 4 Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, in Heat 3 of Round 3.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taj Burrow vs. Kolohe Andino in the opening Round 3 heat of the Billabong Rio Pro.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am to assess conditions for a potential 7am start.

The Billabong Rio Pro will be webcast LIVE via http://wctbrasil.com/rio13

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.34 def. Gustavo Fernandes (BRA) 10.70
Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) 17.94 def. Messias Felix (BRA) 5.07
Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.56 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 9.60
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.50 def. Ricardo dos Santos (BRA) 7.47
Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) 10.16 def. Yadin Nicol (AUS) 8.67
Heat 6: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.17 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 8.10
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.93 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.33
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 12.24 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 12.20
Heat 9: Brett Simpson (USA) 15.10 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.04
Heat 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.40 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 10.76
Heat 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.23 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.50
Heat 12: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 10.70 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 4.93

Welcome to Balliehood: The Surfer’s Midlife Crisis

Regina Robertson — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:15 +0000

THE BUILD-UP:
When does grommethood end and balliehood begin? There’s no line in the sand or magical barrier you reach, just a cold slap in the face once you realise you’ve crossed over. Human beings are resilient when it comes to accepting and then adapting to change, but it’s a long road ahead and full of potholes for some.

A traditional midlife crisis is defined by the awareness of one’s mortality during the latter part of adulthood, and the behaviour this realisation produces. It’s said to hit men and women between the age of 40 and 60, who are preparing for the big transition into retirement. Death is the sneaky transition period lurking in the shadows beyond this, which catalyses all the crazy things people do to manage their midlife anxiety. You know the clichés: men buy themselves a red sports car, take up jujitsu and marry a twenty-three year-old named Pomegranate; women get cosmetic surgery, adopt exotic pets and start dating personal trainers who wear pink shirts and shave their chests.

The surfing mid-life crisis functions in a similar way, but rather than hitting you at 40 it strikes a decade earlier, just as you’re entering the next phase of life. There’s no sports cars or Eat, Pray, Love missions or steroids, but people do lose their minds for a spell.

The hair may be long gone, but Kelly continues to prove that there’s life after a surfing mid-life crisis.

THE SIGNS:
Heading into your thirties is a bit like going through puberty again. It’s ballie puberty. You’re suddenly a grown up and kids are calling you ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ or ‘mister’ or ‘muvrou’. You’ve never worked harder in your life and felt so exhausted at the end of each day. It seems like yesterday that you pawned a guitar and a pair of rollerblades to get to J-Bay for the weekend; now you could pay for you and your mates to go for the whole week, but there’s no time. Unfortunately your priorities lie with targets, payments, commitments and stuff that has nothing to do with surfing or fun.

And there’s no turning back – you’re strapped in for the long haul. Grommethood has ended, but you’ve been too busy to notice it happening. On top of all this, the changes you feel inside are written all over your body: you’ve got a retreating hairline, a growing waistline, piles that feel like hot knives and an extra chin that blends into your neck when you lie down.

I know what you’re going to say: age is just a number, especially today. The ballies are ruling the world at the moment. They’re fitter and stronger than ever. Look at a guy like Wayne Monk – he’s killing it in his forties. Gavin Rudolph still shreds and he must be at least sixty by now. Kelly Slater is potentially going to win another bloody world title and he’s more than double the age of his youngest challenger. What’s the problem with getting older? The thing is: those people are beyond the point where facing balliedom is a harsh reality. They’ve dealt with it and come out the other side happy, stoked and well-adjusted human beings. It’s the thirty year-olds that are on crisis alert.

Thankfully, ballie puberty comes to an end and you realise the ripping can continue till well after your thirties. Just ask Neil Abell, seen here smashing the snot out of a Scottburgh peeler. – Photo: Sean Meets / www.shotbru.co.za

BREAKING POINT:
The symptoms are common: an intense dislike for crowded line-ups (which sadly only gets worse), a crippling fear of sharks and wanting to tear the face off any teenager who opens their mouth in the water. It’s not easy sharing the line-up with kids who are in their prime, when all you want to do is go for a quiet surf with a group of buddies. No hassling or wailing or carrying on like a group of morons.

But besides looking and feeling like a ballie, everyone is surfing circles around you and catching three times your wave quota. Freakishly talented and committed little snots are pulling full rotation airs over your head, carves that bury half their rail and stylish fin wafts, while your turns feel sluggish and your stance just seems to be getting mysteriously wider… You’ve been left behind. With your bald head and your dusty board, you’re fading into the crowd of flappers. And that’s when the crisis behaviour drops a gear and sends people over the edge.

CRISE de la QUARANTAINE:
For the most part, the surfing midlife crisis happens in a few basic ways (with variations that change according to each person and their own set of problems):

Denial: The first is flat-out denial. Rather than facing the truth about your muffin top and the need for a bigger, more buoyant board, you let the old 6’1″ gather dust in the garage, leave your wetsuit on a hanger in the cupboard and make up excuses not to surf. End of story. You still watch surfing clips when the boss is not looking, catch the webcast during ‘CT events and talk shop when the buggers get together for a few cold ones. Everything is normal, except you don’t surf anymore.
Predicted Time Span: 1 – 5 years

Twiggy just started going bigger, later and more committed after turning thirty.

Psychosis: Lying all the way on the other side of the spectrum is the delusional chap who sees his thirties as the last window of opportunity to make a stab at ‘CT qualification, big wave glory or a lifestyle sponsorship. Rather than seeing the newly established physical limits of getting a bit longer in the tooth, this is the soldier who decides to change his stars. He or she quits their job, changes their facebook profile pic to a shot from Matric, orders a ten board quiver and starts a rigorous training schedule. Their days now revolve around running with boulders underwater, sneaking into the shark tank at the Oceanarium to punch the raggies in the face and clocking up as much surf time as humanly possible. One foot to twenty foot, they’re out there trying to prove a point: they’ve still got it.
Predicted Time Span: Depends if they’re married. 1 week – 6 months.

A New Life: Some people think they see the big picture and decide to take a break. They start playing golf, pilates, SUP’ing, Kite Surfing (kite surfing has poached more self-respecting surfers in the windy Eastern Cape than I care to talk about) or casual MMA. Some people move to Joburg or inland, under the guise that money will fill the black hole left by time in the ocean. This is almost the same as denial; it’s closer to displacement, though.
Predicted Time Span: 6 months – life. Dangerous if the money is good.

***

So what happens to these thirty-something prodigal and lost children? They come back and we accept them into the fold with open arms. Surfing has seen some spectacular examples of the midlife crisis. Bobby Martinez’s outburst and Shane Dorian’s acting career immediately spring to mind. Kelly Slater had the presence of mind to quit the tour and lay low while he went bananas for a few years – he was actually at a magician school in Reno during that time.

Bobby Martinez, soul-searching before the outburst at the 2011 Quiksilver Pro New York.

Growing old gracefully takes practice. It’s not funny at first. But the good news is that ballie puberty comes to an end and we’ve all got several decades of good surfing to look forward to after thirty. It may take a while to ride out the shock of growing older, but that’s all it is: a passing phase.

Surf Ninja – Jaco Steyn

Shannon Roper — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:13 +0000

After making name in junior events across the country during his grom days, this week’s Surf Ninja apparently disappeared from the scene (at least from the eyes and ears of the uninformed).

Of course this weskus local didn’t just disappear, he was simply off the radar of those that follow surfing media or contest results with fervour, instead he was off getting barrelled in places like Nias, or punting big airs in Spain, as well as getting properly shacked and doing big hacks at his home break.

Operating off the radar is just what Surf Ninja’s do, and Jaco Steyn is this week’s featured wave assassin.

NAME: Jaco Steyn
AGE: 23
LOCAL SPOT: Anywhere between Big Bay and Melkbos

BEST THING ABOUT SURFING?
Getting tubed! There is nothing in the world that gets me as amped as to make a mission somewhere and to score good waves and get shacked all day. Best feeling in the world.

WORST THING ABOUT SURFING?
That feeling you get when your friends phones you telling you how good the waves were on the day you had to study for a test.

TO MAKE A LIVING I..?
I am busy finishing my honors in Bcomm Risk Management at Stellenbosch.

THREE TRACKS THAT HELP YOU SHRED?
Bassnectar – Magical World

Riot Squad – The Cove
Rage Against The Machine – Know Your Enemy

BEST SURFER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?
John John

DAWNIE OR ARVO SESH?
Dawnie. Offshore winds and less crowded.

WHICH SURF SPOT DO YOU HAVE TO SURF BEFORE YOU DIE?
Skeleton bay.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT SURFING, YOU CAN BE FOUND WHERE?
Probably in Stellenbosch studying, or on the jol with my friends.

BIGGEST FEAR?
Having to live in a place like Joburg or any place far away from the sea because of work.

BEST SURFING MEMORY?
First time I went to Nias in Indo. Myself, Jerome Mosetic, his brother Jeff and my friend Shaun Botha made the mission. We travelled for two days bribing people to get on planes ect, not knowing what to expect or what the swell was going to be like. When we finally got to Nias we arrived to flawless 6-foot surf. I will never forget that first surf thinking to myself that at last I’m surfing those same perfect waves I’d always seen in those surf movies.

Julian Wilson // Rio de Janeiro // 0:31

Anthony Stubbs — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:09 +0000

Julian called this maneuver a “Loop Revert”

It’s so smooth it’s almost deceiving

17 Photos: Strange Rumblings Outtakes

Fannie Davis — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:09 +0000

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Dion Agius, Brendon Gibbens and Nate Tyler, a caravan of fun. All Photos: DJ Struntz

Dion Agius, illuminant punt near a rock.

Every clip starts with a bottom turn. Damien Hobgood, scene one.

Curves…

And flats. Dion Agius doesn’t know what he wants.

CJ Hobgood.

Creative topography, hard at work.

X marks the spot. Damien Hobgood digs at the right place.

Nate Tyler, friend of birds.

CJ Hobgood and his sliding glass backdoor.

Joe G and the smile behind your next favorite surf film.

Dion Agius, south of Fantasia.

An over-crowded Brazilian school.

Damien Hobgood.

Life is but a dream.

Brendon Gibbens, backside mallet toss.

Wedge, wedgies.

Kolohe Andino // Lowers // 3:14

Joyce Wyatt — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:08 +0000

Filmed by Noah Alani
Edited by Jacob Vanderwork

Shot on RED, so we get to enjoy all the details

Kolohe runs his Trestles routine to a tee

Aaron Jessee // Rockies // 3:16

Courtney Delgadillo — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:07 +0000

Video: Bryce Van Leuven

A playful, feel-good edit from the North Shore

With curls to make Jerry jealous

Team South Africa Wins 2013 Reef ISA World Surfing Games

Walter Kummer — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:46:07 +0000

Sunday, May 12th, Santa Catalina, Panama – Following an incredible Final Day of great waves and tremendous surfing performances, the 2013 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship officially closed.

Team South Africa

Team South Africa is the new 2013 Reef ISA World Surfing Games Team Champion. South Africans is the winner of the Fernando Aguerre World Team Champion Trophy, named and donated by the long-time ISA President who was first elected in 1994 and has been diligently working on fulfilling the ISA’s mission of developing the sport of surfing around the world.

Additionally, the Team Champion received the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy and the “Copa V Centenario Del Descubrimiento Del Oceano Pacifico,” or 5th Century Cup of the Discovery of the Pacific Ocean.

South Africa’s Shaun Joubert is the new Men’s Reef ISA World Surfing Games Champion. With powerful turns and aerial tactics, Joubert earned the Gold Medal.

Australia’s Dimity Stoyle is the new Women’s Reef ISA World Surfing Games Champion. Stoyle earned the Gold Medal with a high scoring wave in the last minutes of her heat.

“Joubert and Stoyle, winners of the Open Men and Womens

Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 ON at Barra da Tijuca

Nancy Moore — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:59 +0000

After 5 lay days and a million round trips to the Jesus statue, the comp is finally back on in Rio. Taj already got the jump on local wildcard Gustavo Fernandes in building stormy two-to-three foot waves.

Looking forward, ASP Head Judge Rich Porta said “We’ll keep an eye on the conditions, but we plan to run the 12 heats of Round 2 and will see where we go from there.”

You can tune in to the Billabong Rio Pro live webcast here.

Taj moves through to Round 3. Image Credit: ASP / SMORIGO

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Gustavo Fernandes (BRA)
Heat 2: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Messias Felix (BRA)
Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Jack Freestone (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Ricardo dos Santos (BRA)
Heat 5: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Yadin Nicol (AUS)
Heat 6: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 10: Travis Logie (ZAF) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 11: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 12: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)

TEAHUPOO CODE PURPLE – DAY 3 VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Jennifer McQueen — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:58 +0000

The Code Purple swell at Chopes just won’t stop. Here’s some highlights from Wednesday, May 15th. With the XXL swell dropping a touch in size, many opted to get back on their valiant paddle game. Even Reef McIntosh, who got caught inside by Raimana’s Monday bomb, was back out there for more. And you sure as hell wouldn’t have wanted to get caught inside by any of the of tow sets that continued to come through!

HURLEY TRESTLES PRO TO RUN VIDEO WILDCARD TRIALS

Edward Jones — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:57 +0000

In the past there’s been a certain degree of controversy surrounding WCT wildcard entries and the ability for event title sponsors to hand them out to whoever they please. They can of course cause big upsets. But mostly wildcard allocations and seeding system play to the advantage of the top seeds.

Wherever you stand on this issue, Hurley are throwing something new into mix this year.
For the first time ever, Hurley are planning on determining one of their wildcard entries by means of video submissions. That in itself doesn’t sound too radical but the idea that the comp winner is to be determined by popular vote might seem slightly controversial to some.

Euros don’t get too excited, one of the conditions is you have to be American to take part.

Here’s how it works:

From May 15 to July 15, Hurley will accept video submissions from any and every American surfer with dreams of surfing in the Hurley Pro. Our judging panel will review all submissions and then rank the top 16 candidates. From there, we will place the top 16 in a man-on-man contest bracket. Starting July 29th, we leave the voting up to you. A true People’s Choice.
So, prepare your clips or get ready to click. Either way, you’ll be part of history by choosing the first ASP World Tour wildcard surfer based entirely on popular vote (If you make the top 16 that is).

For more info on how to enter, rules and regulations, visit www.thehurleypro.com

Lava Lamp Brick of Piña Colada Deliciousness // Caribbean // 3:32

Cheryl Getty — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:43:02 +0000

Video: Sean Benik
Surfers: Dylan Graves, Dane Gudauskas, Alejandro Moreda, Blake Jones
Location: Caribbean

The Caribbean edit from our July issue feature, Lava Lamp Brick of Piña Colada Deliciousness

D. Graves and D. Gudauskas show you the wayves

GABE KLING & FRIENDS SCORE FLORIDA

Courtney Delgadillo — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:42:55 +0000

Gabe Kling, Blake Jones and Jesse Heilman making the most of some hollow head-high surf in Florida.

THE ISLE 2 – STARRING MATT MEOLA & ALBEE LAYER – EPISODE 1

Reginald Mackenzie — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:42:54 +0000

Season 2 gets underway for Maui duo Matt Meola and Albee Layer. This first episode revisits the XXL New Year swell in which Meola decides to go on a giant left before being mowed down, hog-tied and held down for so long he was seconds away from blacking out.

SURF BURP: UNDERCOVER FROM A SECRET SPOT IN TAHITI

John Stephens — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:42:51 +0000

Now I know most of you have been glued to the social media stream that has been spewing forth from the Billabong Pro in Rio. I mean here at Surf Europe we have a 75 decibel klaxon that goes off every time a pro surfers posts a shot from the base of the Christ The Redeemer Jesus statue overlooking Rio. We then put on our Brazilian thongs and dance a five minute rumba to “The Girl From Impanema.” Over the last few days, we haven’t taken the bloody bikinis off. Anyway while you have been kept busy by the Rio stream, you probably haven’t heard that there has been a little swell in Tahiti. Its been a relatively low key affair, very little media coverage and the odd grainy picture. So to keep you in the loop, here’s a few images from the three guys that managed to get over to surf it.

Only the very foolish, and the very brave, get in positions like Laurie Towner here.

Alain Riou rode the biggest wave of his life, pulled his best mate Sancho from the inside bleeding and unconscious and destroyed a few boards. What have you done over the last three days?

Richie Vass is Mark Mathews offsider, Bra Boy and proven lunatic.

The week before Richie had fought and won the Combat 8 bantamweight title. Australia’s UFC equivalent. Next week he is due to fight four tigers, whilst surfing Shipsterns, in a cage.

Bald cam has come on in leaps and bounds this week.

Makua was one of the first casualties. Others to follow were Sancho (head), Reef (ribs) and Laird (SUP paddle up the rectum).

Surfing was again pushed into a new realm. When guys are doing double somersaults, even before taking off, you know progress is being made.

This is a framegrab of the start of Koa Rothman’s, who is just out of frame, wave of the week (below). Looks like fun huh.

Koa had the loudest “Oi” and it got him into this.

Oh, Oh the Klaxon has gone off. Brett Simpson has just climbed to the Jesus statue in Rio!! Gotta down tools, don the thong, Surf Burp is over, its time to Rumba!!

An unique image we will never, ever tire off.

KOLOHE ANDINO – P-PASS

Loren Chance — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:42:49 +0000

While we’re most accustomed to seeing Kolohe tossing tail at Lowers, the young Californian clearly knows how to get tunnelled in Micronesia too, making it look all too easy.

Dillon Perillo // Mainland Mexico // 2:06

Joyce Grant — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:32 +0000

Video by Jackson Winner

Far from his Malibu residence, yet right at home

Dill on his trusty Fred Rubble

End of the Road, Day One and Two // Teahupo’o // 2:08 + 2:17

Jason Blackmore — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:31 +0000

The End Of The Road, Day Two

Highlights from another historical Teahupo’o session

Back arched, arms back

The End Of The Road, Day One

The Scoop: 2013 Hurley Lowers Pro Wildcards

Mary Picklesimer — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:30 +0000

Even Matt Wilkinson fans out on Kelly Slater. Photo: Jimmicane

Wildcards are like belligerent drunks that show up and disturb the peace at a sleepy Sunday afternoon barbecue. Sometimes, they are swiftly and effectively kicked out of the party as a result of their misbehavior. Other times, the wildcards stay around and rattle the hell out of partygoers, spoiling World Title aspirations and chucking cheeseburgers at everyone. The ASP World Tour is a comfortable little traveling colony, but it faces the burden of fiery and unpredictable wildcards at every stop along the way. And now is the time to iron your party shirt and put your Jaeger on ice because Hurley is cordially inviting you to bring the ruckus at the Lowers Pro in September.

From May 15^th to June 15^th, you can upload a video to TheHurleyPro.com. Video submissions should consist of eight waves, and must be set to the impotent tune of silence. Contestants are encouraged to select clips from waves that are somewhat akin to Lowers (nothing is truly akin to Lowers). Variety is also encouraged — there’s no fun in using eight clips of tail tosses. All footage mustn’t be used anywhere else.

To enter, you must meet only three qualifications: Be over the age of 13, an American citizen and not a Hurley team rider — which means that Zoltan Torkos, Dane Reynolds, your grumpy uncle who wears underwear under his wetsuit and everybody in between is eligible.

Sixteen surfers will be handpicked by a Hurley judging panel and announced on July 22. Hurley employs folks like the former ‘CTer and always smiling Pat O’Connel, and the former SURFING editor and always savvy Evan Slater. We trust their decisions like we trust Alana Blanchard’s bottom turn. And who knows, maybe we’ll even take a peek. After they’ve selected the cream, they pass the judging torch off to the Internet and its miscellaneous advocates.

The 16 sweethearts will then be paired into man-on-man showdowns. The general public, with its infinite wisdom, will pick who advances and who waits for Sal Masakela to call them and invite them to the next awkward X-Games Real Surf. Then there will be 8, then 4, then 2, then 1 battle-hardened winner that will take to the top seed in the first round of competition at Lowers.

By the time the Lowers contest rolls around, the marathon to win the title becomes a sprint and the wildcard might just have an instrumental role in who’ll cross the finish line first. Or they might just be physically removed by Kelly Slater. Put on that party shirt and rip a few shots, because it’s in your hands now. —Brendan Buckley

Hurley Pro 2013 Trailer

Huntington Beach High School Surf Team Celebrates A Great Year

Ramona Jones — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:29 +0000

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At the recent Huntington High School Surf Team banquet, the running theme wasn’t surfing it was education. Coach Andy Verdone, who took this year’s team to the Sunset League title for the 22nd time in his storied career, continues to remind the kids that not everyone will be the next Kelly Slater, but if you get an education, you can do one better – be the CEO of Quiksliver and Kelly’s boss.

On hand to back up Verdone was Bob McKnight, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Quiksilver who gave an inspiring talk about surfing and business.

McKnight praised the value of education and noted that among Quiksilver’s top executives are former team riders who also hold MBAs. McKnight also commended the surf team experience, adding that the friendships made in surfing will be with throughout your life.

The Huntington Beach High School surf team banquet was held at Quiksilver’s headquarters in Huntington Beach, with dinner provided by Duke’s. Quiksilver has been a valued sponsor of the team for many years, noted Verdone.

“Our team would not be what it is without Quiksilver’s support,” said Coach Verdone.

Comprised of the biggest squad in years, the HB High Surf team won the Sunset League and currently preparing for nationals, which start next week.

During the banquet, various scholarships were awarded, including:

The Quiksilver scholarship for outstanding senior boy and girl went to Matt Passaquindici and Paige Ortiz who was also named Sunset League Most Valuable Female Surfer.

The HSS T-Shirt sales scholarship winners were Johnny Elles and Haley Handy.

Two students earned a free weekly breakfast at The Sugar Shack. These were Niley Smith and Alyssa Smith.

At the banquet each year, Coach Verdone interviews seniors and gives them a chance to share their thoughts on surfing or life. Knowing the microphone was coming his way, senior Johnny Elles represented his team well with an excellent speech about his surf team experiences. He also thanked his coaches and most importantly his mom for their support and encouragement during his four years of surfing at Huntington Beach High. Elles’ touching speech summed up Coach Verdone’s second goal for the surf team – to build character, learn respect and commitment.

# # #

Shaun Burns // Central Coast // 2:58

Javier Moore — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:27 +0000

Between midterms and college parties, surf happens

Like this.

DYLAN GRAVES – CARIBBEAN

Fannie McQueen — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:21 +0000

Puerto Rico’s Dylan Graves gets his groove on at home in the Caribbean to some Dirty Beaches

DILLON PERILLO IN MAINLAND MEXICO

Jerome White — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:20 +0000

Fun, rippable right-handers down in Mainland Mex with Californian style merchant Dillon Perillo.

SURF TIP: WHEN TO SURF?

Yolanda Weston — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:46:18 +0000

Maxime Huscenot lording it at the Graviere dawnie. Photo: Poullenot

Time management is everything. Time and tide wait for no man, no woman, and certainly no hermaphrodite. But when to surf? The spring equinox has happened, giving us more day than night until October. But more day means more decisions… When to surf and who to surf with…?

Dawn:

Different people perform dawnies for different reasons. Some are wierdos. Some may have newborn babies that woke them up anyway, so they thought they’d check it. Some are probably Germans. In fact, if you rock up at Lafitenia before dawn in winter and four dudes are waxing up in the car park, they are almost certainly three Germans and one Austrian. In Oz and California, dawnies are not for weirdos. But in Europe, well, decide for yourself.

9.30 am:

People who surf at 9.30 am are people who have friends that a serial dawnie-ers that report by text on their way to work, and they are also local legends. Legends don’t need to dawnie to beat the crowd, they wait until the sun is comfortably higher and paddle out and take whatever wave they want anyway, beating the crowd just by being there. (Bull analogy: ‘let’s walk down*)

10 am:

Spliff Stoners. At 10am dudes who woke quite early but wanted to smoke three joints before surfing and perhaps play a bit of XBox/ping pong are rocking up and ready to get irie.

10.30 am:

Bong Stoners. Half an hour later than their reefer tooting cousins, considerably higher.

11 am:

Quick-let’s-surf-before- the-fucking-lunch-crew crew.

Noon:

Start of the lunchtime crew. Don’t have time to check everywhere, might run back to the car to get changed after a frantic 5 second look. Also, real keen dawnie crew back out for 2nd sesh, obviously trying to prove a point or something…

1 pm:

Hungover Rovers. They woke up at 12, possibly with a fishy index finger. Ate a slice of cold pizza, had a crank and made their way down the beach stinking of booze, feeling part terrible part invincible**.

2 pm:

Work/college half day crew. 2pm is the new 9.30 am. Also, late versions of the 11am crew. Also, people who are still too full from lunch…Don’t you just hate that?

3 pm:

Kids…. Pesky kids!

4 pm:

Stoners, both bong and spleeef are back for more. They generally go better in the afternoon… but then again, who doesn’t?

5 pm:

Nobody paddles out at 5, nobody. It’s either 4 or 6, OK?

6 pm:

After work. even more frantic than lunch crew, they NEED THIS SURF. Drove the whole way changing from 2nd to 3rd much too late at around 4000 rpm’s. Frantic putting wetsuit on, verging on seam-ripping panic. Don’t tear it, salaryman!

7 pm

Evening sesh crew. Tricky one with the whole dinner thing. Do you eat early and surf uncomfortably full, or hang on? Decision, decisions…

Half hour before sunset:

Wise owls, too wise to paddle out at 7pm, knowing full well that 90% of all the good shit that happens on the late sesh happens in the last half hour. And also knowing that a lot of the 7pm crew have kooked it and are getting out half an hour too early.

?????Dawnies might mean you’re weird.
Stoners 10-10.30am is a reasonable effort don’t be too hard on yourself.
At 2pm surfers are 65% more likely to be uncomfortably full for paddling.
Nobody paddles out at 5pm.
*Two bulls in a field Son says, ‘Dad, let’s run down and fuck two of those cows.’ Dad: ‘No son, let’s walk down and fuck em all’
**Invincible/terrible interface happens around 29-and-a-half-year-old.

Cure For Drowning Invented

Helen Epling — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:53 +0000

Scientists have invented a cure for drowning. Actually, it’s a micro-particle that if injected into the bloodstream will allow a person to live for 30 mins after respiratory failure. As if the world’s big wave chargers needed more reason to push the limits, just imagine a couple of these injections on board the safety ski? READ MORE HERE>>

Dylan Graves // Puerto Rico // 2:04

Isabel Mudge — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:50 +0000

PR in B&W

Que linda!

Brett Barley // Outer Banks, North Carolina // 1:50

Mirella Ibarra — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:49 +0000

Filmed entirely on the Solo Shot

Just set it and forget it!

Kolohe Andino // P-Pass // 2:59

Alberta Upton — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:48 +0000

It was this trip to Micronesia that Kolohe landed his second SURFING cover (May 2013)

Ain’t no questioning his forehand tube riding ability

You Are Here: Joel Fitzgerald, Single-Fin Guy

Leon Cobb — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:47 +0000

Watching Joel Fitzgerald streak across an unknown Indo wave on an untested single-fin seems the most natural thing in the world. His first wave is a smoking double barrel. The show just evolves from there. Forget that the wave is sectiony, the boards are tricky and the whole place is completely new to him… He was born to do this. Son of The Sultan.

Joel first walked the track out to Uluwatu when he was 12 years old. Bali in 1985 was a galaxy removed from the Bali of today. No tours buses back then. The trail, the cliff, the cave… it was all still a cosmic experience. “I was pretty much shitting myself going through that cave the first time,” he says. “But dad was there and he made us do it.”

“Dad” is Indo pioneer, single-fin legend and Hot Buttered shaper Terry Fitzgerald. They called him “Sultan of Speed.” Joel and his brother Kye spent their formative years riding single fins, exploring outer Indo with TF and visiting the North Shore every winter… basically living the surfing lifestyle they were born into. When they came of age, they grabbed their thrusters went off in search of WQS glory. Seven or eight years of merry-go-round travel later, they got off the roller coaster wondering what happens next.

Some of Dad’s old boards were lying around the yard. The rest was only natural. Shaping singles… exploring Indo… living in Byron… If The Morning of the Earth ever comes knocking, Joel will be there to answer the door.

SURFING: What led you back to riding and shaping single fins?
JOEL FITZGERALD: Sometime around 2000, my older brother Kye started riding dad’s original Hot Buttered boards. It became all he would ride, to the point that he even got to a WQS semi-final riding an original 1972 Drifter board. We both started digging up all of dad’s old collection – whatever was under the house or in the rafters or sitting around the factory and just riding them until they broke. We did that until there were none left.

Was Terry upset about you kids smashing his collectable quiver?
Not at all. He made boards to be surfed. He just wanted them to be making people happy.

What was the allure of riding single fins?
They were just so trippy, and there was there was this weird prestige to them. In some ways, it was just the challenge of it that drew us to them. Turning and keeping them in control was so much harder, but once we figured it out it became totally natural. It turned into a love affair. It was so much more fun than riding our thrusters.

Why? What’s more fun about it?
Partly because it’s harder. But also because you can put more power into the board, move more water. You can rip the back out of a wave and it’s not going to spin out on you. Watching Kye ride them was always a huge inspiration.

Is being a single-fin shaper a way to differentiate yourself from other shapers?
Well, I don’t just shape single fins. I’m comfortable shaping anything from 4’11” to 9’6”, and I’ve built up a nice collection of templates. But I do enjoy the single-fins. It’s funny to think surfing spent nearly 20 years stuck in the mindset that thrusters were the only boards worth riding. That was a tough time for shapers to distinguish themselves when everyone was making virtually the same thing. It’s been slow going, but we’ve spent the last decade evolving back to shorter boards, new fin shapes and design concepts. There a lot more room for experimentation these days.

Are your single fins an evolution or flashback?
Probably a bit of both. A lot of my templates are still pretty true to my dad’s boards or Gerry Lopez or Dick Brewer designs. Because when you measure up some of those old shapes you realize just how much effort they put into those original designs and formulas from that era. I just like riding them because you can paddle in early, pull some different lines and use some different body mechanics. It’s all part of the experience.

[Check out Joel’s designs at www.joelfitzgeraldsurfboards.com]

One And Only: Kolohe Andino

Earnest Mitchell — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:44 +0000

The second episode of Hurley’s One & Only series featuring Kolohe Andino and pumping P-Pass.

The Isle Two: Jaws

Rachal Blackmore — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:44 +0000

The Isle series returns with huge Jaws.

RIVER SURFING IN POLAND

Ina Carter — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:40 +0000

For a long while Munich has had a monopoly on stationary river surfing in Europe. It continues to attract novelty visits from some of the world’s best ocean riding rippers, most recently Gabriel Medina (and even a return-visit from Rob Machado!).

Now none of that is probably about to change. However a new river wave has been discovered in Poland. Located on the Bobr river, the new wave only breaks a couple days a year (after big downpours). It looks at tad trickier than the Eisbach river machine, or it might just be that the locals haven’t got it dialled yet. But going from their pre-surf warm-up routines, they’re taking their shit seriously.

Rumour has it this new discovery even got Spanish pro Gony Zubizarreta thinking. He hails from Europe’s rainiest region ever, Galicia. And look what he went and found right on his doorstep!

PAUL LOUP LABORDE, HOSSEGOR

Linda Mazzone — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:46:37 +0000

Paul Loup Laborde and his lil’ bro PV have been blowing up around Hossegor lately. What better, after a hard day’s graft healing aching limbs through the powers of sports massage than a little shack/punt action of your own…?

Paul Loup Laborde a Surfing video by enako