[July 2004]
The Nixon Surf Challenge 2004
Sometimes surfing can just seem like a game of juggling numbers and letters - the QS and CT, where points and rankings count and everyone wants to be in the top 44. Sometimes surfing can become a crazy world obsessed by results – summer on the Atlantic Coast of France brings you a heavy schedule of ‘Pro’s’, competitions back-to-back, where countless surfers are churned through the heats in a blur of coloured bibs.
The Nixon Surf Challenge is different, and I’m not just talking about the name.
For the fifth consecutive year, surfing will be freed from the shackles of the rigorous WQS summer season. From 17-19 September, 24 surfers, will be invited to the shores of San Sebastian, to bask in the Basque waves and sunshine. The surfers themselves will judge the semi-final and final heats, where style and pure enjoyment will score heavily.
In a world where the pressure of competitions often takes over the pleasure of a passion, it is sometimes good to remind yourself why you surf. Fun, family and friends…
Welcome to the Nixon Surf Challenge.
[Fri
17]
A sunny relaxed day waiting for the best waves. No hurry, no stress, This is what surfing is all about – food, couches, hanging out with friends (and a few beers!)…Stand out performance had to be from the guy on the longboard wearing the Speedos. Style!
A few words from the surfers:
What board are you surfing in these conditions and what song is in your head when you surf?
Alaio Riou (Tahiti) – a DHD 6’ and Kelis is in my head singing ‘Trick Me’
Fabrice Gelez (France) – an Al Merrick 6’2 and Sean Paul ‘I’m Still in Love With You’
Tiago Pires (Portugal) – a DHD 5’11 (I’m only small) listening to Track 6 of The Mars Volta
Marama Drollet (Tahiti) – I need to buy a board, maybe I can sell my body…. I think ‘’Instant Karma’ is the best song for today!
Keith Malloy (US) – 6’4 Patagonia Thruster test board with some cool Bob Marley floating on the breeze.
Dan Malloy (US) – an Al Merrick 6’3 with anything by Mason Jennings.
Ado Wiseman (AUS) – A Lost ‘Mayhem’ 6’1 rounded square, definitely with Barry Manilow crooning Copacabana!
Dane Ward (US) – a Lost ‘Mayhem’ 6’0 with ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson.
Aecio Flavio (Portugal) – a Polen 5’9 with Ben Harper ‘With My Own Two Hands’.
Fredo Robin (France) – an Al Merrick 5’11 with Beyonce singing to me and only me…
OK tomorrow we promise some action!
[Sat 18]
Tiago Pires wins the fifth Nixon Surf challenge
A euro-fabulous final saw Tiago Pires, Fredo Robin, Miky Picon and Axier Munian head to head. The large crowd on Zurriola beach cheered and clapped for the finalists as they headed out for the 30 min showdown. The high tide proved for some tricky conditions and all contestants were hungry for first place, which made for a tight final. In the end Tiago Pires from Portugal proved the most consistent taking the victory and leaving last year’s winner, Mikey Picon in second, Fredo Robin in third and local favourite from Zarautz, Axier Munain, in fourth.
The build up to this finale was equally nailbiting. The first semi-final could easily have been a final with Fredo facing Dan Malloy, Miky Picon and Alain Riou. Fredo continued his form with a sick backside air and huge floaters. Matching that was Miky Picon with consistent form and a tight backhand reverse that just edged out Dan Malloy, who couldn’t find that one section he needed to support his other rides.
The second semi-final saw Tiago continue his charging style, riding each wave until the end, with local surfer Axier Munian following suit and forcing Sancho and the last US surfer Nigel Gibb to settle for third and fourth place.
The quarter-finals saw the first formidable clash of the contest with Dan Malloy up against a European army composed of Tiago Pires, Julian Cuello and Alain Riou. And Dan knew it “I try not to look at who else is in the heat, but now I know it is going to be difficult!” His brother Keith added “I hope Dan wins then we can all party tonight!” The difficult surf conditions did not hinder the performances, with Tiago throwing effortless backside reverses and Dan Malloy taking less waves, but riding them all the way to the end with turn after turn.
The quarters also saw standout performances from Miky Picon, Alain Riou and Benjamin Sanchis.
Unfortunately for our American visitors both Keith Malloy and John Rose were pushed out in the first round, where it soon became evident that European surfing was definitely not to be underestimated. As Dane Ward said about Fredo Robin “That French dude is good, he was on every wave!”
However Keith Malloy was soon put to use, judging the following heats along with Ado Wiseman who also fell in the first round, together with our friends from Pukas.
It was a big day for all involved in the challenge so now it´s time to finish off our beers and get ready for the sleepless fiesta ahead.
Stay tuned for the best action shots…