ISA PRESS RELEASE MARCH 2005

1. ISA NEWS
ISA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DATES ANNOUNCED
The first ISA Executive Committee Meeting of 2005 will be held in La Jolla, California in May this year.
The meeting is scheduled to occur from May 19th through May 21st.

2. ISA EVENTS
QUIKSILVER ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Event Name: Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships 2005
Event Place: Huntington Beach, California
Host: Surfing America
Eligibility: Any NGB in good standing with the ISA may send selected athletes to participate on their behalf.
Categories: Juniors (Under 18, Under 16, Girls Under 18)

Type of Wave:
Consistent breaks on any swell. North side has a nice right all the way from outside to a fast inside section. Southside has a nice left, fast inside section. The pier is located at Main St. and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. The south side of the pier is where most championships have been held.

Anticipated Size of Wave:
2 - 4 feet

Air Temperature:
62 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius)

Water Temperature:
65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius)

Recommended Equipment:
Suits: Lycra and/or Spring suit
Schedule and Deadlines (Subject to Change):
October 6, 7: Team Arrival Dates
October 6, 7: Team Registration
October 7: Media Accreditation
October 7: Level 1 Judging Seminar
October 8: Opening Ceremony
October 8 - 16: Contest Dates
October 10: ISA AGM
October 16: Awards Ceremony
October 17, 18: Team Departure Dates

Local History:
Delbert G. Higgins, retired Lifeguard Chief and Fire Chief of Huntington Beach, claims surfers have been surfing in Huntington Beach since 1926 when Duke Kahanamoku and two other Hawaiians came over from Hawaii to make a movie and spotted the surf at Corona Del Mar. Some of the world's great surfing professionals such as Timmy Turner come from Huntington Beach and use the area north and south of the Huntington Beach Pier for daily practice when not on the road.
There are over 50 surfing competitions each year in Huntington Beach, plus the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, a Surfing Walk of Fame, Surfers' Hall of Fame and public art honoring surfing.
Huntington Beach has become known as Surf City as much for its lifestyle of casual, laid-back living and surf-friendly policies that permit wet feet and boards to be parked at local restaurants and shops.

History of the ISA World Juniors Surfing Championships:
The ISA (International Surfing Association) was first established in 1964 as the ISF. In 1976 it became the ISA and today represents more than 50 national surfing federations on five continents.
The ISA is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the International Federation for all wave-riding sports. Its two main events are the ISA World Surfing Games, held every other year since 1964, and the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships, which has been in the World Surfing Games since 1980. The first World Junior Surfing Championships were won by American Tom Curren.
In 2003 the ISA decided to consolidate all ISA junior events into an annual event. The inaugural annual ISA World Junior Surfing Championships was held in Durban, South Africa. The junior division was withdrawn from the biennial World Surfing Games and amalgamated with what was the Quiksilver World Grommet Titles into a single new event to provide a singular focus for world junior surfing.
The WJSC features U18 and U16 Boys World Championship Divisions as well as an U18 Girls World Championship Division. There is also an ISA CUP event, where 5 competitors from the top participating nations will battle it out in a tag-team format.
Junior Champions since 1980:


1980 Biarritz, France
Junior Tom Curren, U.S.A

1982 Gold Coast, Australia
Junior Bryce Ellis, Australia

1984 Huntington Beach, U.S.A
Junior Damien Hardman, Australia

1986 Newquay, England
Junior Vetea David, Tahiti

1988 Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Junior Chris Brown, U.S.A

1990 Chiba, Japan
Junior Shane Bevan, Australia

1992 Lacanau, France
Junior Chad Edser, Australia

1994 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Junior Kalani Robb, Hawaii

1996 Huntington Beach, U.S.A
Junior Ben Bourgeois, U.S.A

1998 Carcavelos, Portugal
Junior Dean Morrison, Australia

2000 Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco, Brazil
Junior Joel Centeio, Hawaii

2002 Durban, South Africa
Junior - Warwick Wright, South Africa

2003 Durban, South Africa
Under 18 Boys - Benn Dunn, Australia
Under 16 Boys - Jordan Smith, South Africa
Under 19 Girls - Jessie Miley Dyer, Australia
Champion Team - Brazil

2004 Papenoo, Tahiti
Under 18 Boys - James Wood, Australia
Under 16 Boys - Matt Wilkinson, Australia
Under 19 Girls - Stephanie Gilmore, Australia
Champion Team - Australia

3. ISA CALENDAR

Year Event Location Dates
2005 ISA Executive Committee Meeting San Diego, CA USA May 19-21, 2005
2005 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships* California, USA October 8 – 16, 2005
2005 ISA Annual General Meeting California, USA October 10, 2005
2005 PASG* Peru November 28 – December 4
2006 ISA World Surfing Games* California, USA End September / Early October
2006 ISA Biennial General Meeting 2006 California, USA End September /
Early October
2006 ISA Annual General Meeting 2006 California, USA End September / Early October
2006 ISA World Kneeboard Championships* Santa Cruz, CA USA Fall 2006 (TBC)

*An ISA Sanctioned Event

4. SURFAID INTERNATIONAL
On behalf of the entire team at SurfAid International, thank you for your continued support of our organization!

We would like to introduce the Notes from the Field (NFTF) section of our website. It is our monthly chronicle, which follows the progress of the team out where it matters---in the villages of the Mentawai Islands. NFTF are posted on our web by the 10th of each month and are available in PDF download formats. We encourage you to read these and to help us spread the news by sharing with friends and colleagues.

Submitted by Grace Wang of SurfAid, grace@surfaidinternational.org

5. ON THE OLYMPIC FRONT
WORLD "WOMEN AND SPORT" TROPHY 2005 AWARDED TO GIANNA ANGELOPOULOS-DASKALAKI
The IOC's World "Women and Sport" Trophy 2005 was awarded today to Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, President of the Organising Committee for the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens in 2004, in recognition of her immense contribution to the success of the Athens Games and her inspiring role for other women wanting to get involved in sport and its administration.

During the ceremony held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, five continental "Women and Sport" Trophies were also awarded to women who played an outstanding role in promoting sport in their countries. The winners are as follows:

- Trophy for Africa: Marguerite Rouamba Karama (Burkina Faso)
- Trophy for Europe: Orna Ostfeld (Israel)
- Trophy for America: Donna Lopiano (USA)
- Trophy for Asia: Annabel Pennefather (Singapore)
- Trophy for Oceania: Lynne Bates (Australia)

For more information on each winner, go to the official IOC website: http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1269


6. ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
QUIKSILVER TOGETHER WITH THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION OF ARGENTINA
(March 26, 2005) Quiksilver Argentina has the pleasure of supporting Cabo Corrientes with Playa Grande (Mar del Plata), in an event organized in conjunction with the Surfrider Foundation of Argentina (the not-for profit organization dedicated to the protection of the ocean, waves and beaches of the world ) beginning at noon. There is no charge for the public to participate in this event.

This will be first stage of the "Oceanic Initiative 2005", a day of beach clean-up and biological awareness - Playa Grande - Mar del Plata. Samples taken will later be studied to determine of the state of beach.
The schedule of activities:
12:00 PM Free enrollment for Cabo Corrientes participants. Kayaks, windsurf boards, body boards or any motorless water transport will be admitted.
1:00 PM Cabo Corrientes at Playa Grande (depending on the conditions of the sea and wind)
3:00 PM Beach clean-up and Biological awareness - Playa Grande - Mar del Plata.
4:00 PM Diplomas for participants
Once more, Quiksilver together with the Surfrider Foundation in Argentina collaborating in a day devoted to the environment.
Submitted by Prensa Quiksilver Argentina, prensa@quiksilver.com.ar






7. WOMEN IN SURFING
MULANOVICH CHAMPION OF THE SPC FRUIT PRO
(March 25, 2005) Sofía Mulanovich this weekend obtained her first victory of the year, by winning the SPC Fruit Pro, the second date of the WCT tour. The current world champion is now in second.

After her early elimination in the last competition, the Peruvian was in top form. In the morning, the quarterfinals, she defeated to Melanie Redman-Carr 16.16 to 13.10; and, in the semifinals later in the afternoon, she defeated the present leader, Megan Abubo, by 15.67 to 14.93. Later in the afternoon, Sofía had to face the Australian Serena Brooke for the finals and the respective title. Mulanovich in a magnificent performance scoring 7,83 and 8,00 with her two best waves, while the loser only could add 5,00 and 6.83. The final result: 15.83 to 11,83 in favor of the Peruvian. Bringing her from eighth to second.

The competition today had to be transferred of Bells Beach to Winkipop, due to the presence of strong hostile winds and a low tide of the original scene.

The next competition will take her to Tavarua, Fiji where “the Gringa” obtained her first victory last year. Megan Abubo heads the positions with 1728, followed by Sofía with 1560, Serena Brooke 1332, Chelsea Georgeson and Claire Bevilacqua with 1116, and Layne Beachley and Melanie Redman-Carr both with 1104.

Submitted by Hans – Peter Firbas, hfirbas@terra.com.pe

8. ADAPTIVE SURFING
2005 LIFE ROLLS ON GOLF TOURNAMENT AND CONCERT
(March 2, 2005) Register Today! The 7th Annual Life Rolls On Night By The Ocean and Golf Tournament is scheduled to be held July 24th and July 25th, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA. The Night By The Ocean evening includes dinner, door prizes, auction, celebrities, and a fantastic concert.

Save your energy for the following morning, as the annual Golf Tournament rolls into the Malibu Country Club. Spaces are already filling up, and registration is extremely limited. To register: https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/rg/ecreg.asp?c=egLLKTNJE&b=79286&en=omJVK6MTIeIPK6OTLlLWKeP7LuIbJiMZJlLSI9OZKmLUKhOeG

9. REGIONAL SURF ASSOCIATION NEWS
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY CONGRESS AWARD
(March 17, 2005) The National Water Safety Congress 'National Award' was awarded to Shawn Alladio, on March 16th, 2005 in Newport Beach, California at the International Boating Water Safety Summit to a standing ovation from Summit attendees, the National Water Safety Congress and the National Safe Boating Council bestows upon Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Safety the NATIONAL AWARD. In recognition of superior efforts, accomplishments and contributions to further and promote water safety on a national scare. In 1999, Shawn received the Regional Award for her efforts in education to reduce drownings and educational efforts for the personal watercraft boating community.

For More Information contact http:///www.SafeBoatingCouncil.org or http://www.ShawnAlladio.com

10. INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ARGENTINA
QUIKSILVER YOUTH SURF CHAMPIONSHIP
After two days of competition and camaraderie, the championship organized by Quiksilver, was a singular success, where good sportsmanship stood out and the level of surfing demonstrated by the minors animated throughout the age groups. The event was a qualifier for the ISA Quiksilver World Junior Surf Championships that will be disputed in California next November. The results in the different categories:


10 and Under
1 Manuel Pulido
2 Franco Di Viesti
3 Lorenzo Picco
4 Ramon Sotura
12 and Under
1 Nicolas Hermida
2 Nicolas Ventura
3 Julian Martinez
4 Ramiro Sotura
14 and Under
1 Alexis Lalla
2 Pedro Francistegui
3 Joaquin Rull
4 Kebin Rubistein
16 and Under
1 Juan Manuel Arca
2 Ramiro Barco
3 Joaquin Rull
4 Cristian Cicciari
18 and Under
1 Lucas Santamaria
2 Nahuel Rull
3 Leandro Usuna
4 Ignacio Rojas
Girls 14 and Under
1 Maia Cherr
2 Maria Paz Usuna
3 Lucia Cosoletto
4 Manuela Zanato
Girls 18 and Under
1 Vicky Ventura
2 Melody Ortiz
3 Maria Paz Usuna
4 Guillermina Siri

The Quiksilver Youth Surf Championship has been sponsored by Nesquik, Topline, Gatorade, Fierce, ASA y Playa El Balcón.

Submitted by Prensa Quiksilver Argentina, prensa@quiksilver.com.ar

BARBADOS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2005 – BARBADOS SURFING ASSOCIATION
April 23-24, 2005 Surfer of the Year Series (SOTY) 3, Nationals
June 26-27, 2005 Surfer of the Year Series (SOTY) 4
August 20-21, 2005 Surfer of the Year Series (SOTY) 5

Calendar submitted by BSA

BRAZIL
(March 2005) The state of Ceara is back on the Amatuer Maresias Brazilian Surf tour, (the main amateur tour in Brazil) after being off the circuit during the year 2004. The opening event of the tour was on the 11th through the 13th of March, at the beach "Porto das Dunas" which is in the county of Aquiraz, which is 15 kilometers from the city of Fortaleza.
The competition has the following categories; Open, Under 18, Under 16, Under 14, Women’s Open, and Women’s Under 18, besides the traditional challenge between teams.

One of the big challenges were for the affiliated states to break the nice sequence of wins by the state of Santa Catarina, champions for the last 2 years. Besides taking the 2004 title, they also took home honors in two individual categories, William Cardoso in Open and also in the Junior category.

Maresias considered one of the biggest surf brands in Brazil, continues to sponsor the Brazilian series for the 2nd year in a row. "The idea is to maintain the sponsor for many years, associating the brand with the series, leaving the athletes assured and have all of the events secured. Besides this, the relationship is very harmonious, and I think this is the best vibe event that we do. " Said Marketing Director of Maresia Boardtech.

Aquiraz turned 306 years old last weekend, and has a population of 60 thousand inhabitants. It is a touristical town with beautiful hotels and mansions, and one of its biggest attractions is its water park, which is the largest in Latin America.

The series is put on by the Brazilian Surf Confederation and supervised by the Minister of Sports and the Brazilian Olympic Committee. Maresia Boardteck sponsors it. Besides Maresia, the contest in Ceara also had sponsors from the "Beach Park" and support from the Ecologia, the State and Local Governments, Sesc-CE, Teccel, Beach Park Suites Resort, and Rádio Rock.
2nd Series Place TBA, in Sao Paulo , the 15rh through the 17th of April
3rd Series will be on the Cost of Sauipe in the state of Bahia, the 10th through the 12th of June
4rh Series on the Island of Honey, (Ilha do Mel) on the 22nd through the 24th of July

The following are the actual champions:

Open - Willian Cardoso (SC)
Under 18 Willian Cardoso (SC)
Under 16 - Thiago Camarão (SP)
Under 14 - Jádson André (RN)
Women’s Open - Krisna de Souza (RN)
Women’s Under 18 - Nathalie Martins (PR)
Team - Santa Catarina


Submitted by Ader Oliviera , CBS, cbsassessoria@uol.com.br

CHILE
FECHSURF PUERTACILLA CLASSIC #3
(March 1-6, 2005) The third annual national championships of FECHSURF were a week of competition, camping and surfing, combining nighttime sessions and high-level surfing. The wave conditions varied throughout the week from small but perfect and fast for the Open Professional category (or Perro Perro as it was renamed for the event) to over 2 meters for the Over 30 category (“Viejos Perros”). The conditions got even better later for the first two finals “Perro Perro” and “Cacharo” (under 18).
The two finals were very competitive and culminated into the performance of the entire week.
In “Perro Perro” the duel was man to man between Diego Medina and Ryan Cabezas both with waves scoring 9 points by the judges. It was very complicated to measure the technical and efficient perfection that was the machine Cabezas against Medina who effortlessly combined tubes, vertical sections, cutbacks, and snaps under the lip.
Sunday continued with “Viejo Perro” where the “Pelé” of Chilean Surf, Renato "Pelecho" Aguirre, dominated. To finish the fiesta, “las chiquillas” faced waves of around 2 meters with tubes, long rides, and some fierce wipeouts. The experienced Valentina clearly dominated and took first place. The championship emphasized the hard work of the judges, followed by FECHSURF, taking advantage of the judging courses and ALAS. Thank you to all the judges, to all those that worked, the benefactors and sponsors: Surfers Paradise, Dreamstyle, Ocean Earth, DaKine, Gul, FCS, Revista Marejada, Municipalidad de Navidad, Federación Chilena de Surf.

Official Results:
"Perro Perro"(Professional)
1º)Diego Medina, Horcón: $100.000
2ºRyan Cabezas, Pichilemu:$50.000
3º)Fabián Farías, Pichilemu:$25.000
4º)Edwin del Río, Maitencilo:$15.000

"Viejo Perro"(Over 30)
1)Renato Aguirre, Arica
2)Sebastián Koremblitz, Santiago
3)Nicolás Simunovic, La Serena
4)Matías López, Puertecillo
"Cachorro" (Juniors)
1º)Leonardo Acevedo, Pichilemu
2º)Cristián "Punto" González, Pichilemu
3º)Marlon Klein, Brasil
4º)Gabriel Díaz, Reñaca

"Perrita Choca" (Girls)
1ª)Valentina Doren
2ªMarianne Lombarda, Iquique
3ª)Francisca Concha, Santiago
4ª)Sara Fabres, Maitencillo


Special Prizes FCS
Best Wave Viejo Perro
Renato Aguirre


Best Wave Cachorros
Cristián "Punto" González

Best Wave Perro Perro
Ryan Cabezas


Submitted by Surfer's Paradise Chile: george@netline.cl

COSTA RICA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2005 - NATIONAL SURF CURCUIT COSTA RICA
April 9-10, 2005 Playa Nosara, Guanacaste
May 28 - 29, 2005 Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas

Calendar submitted by Federacion Tico de Surf, info@surfingcr.com

FRANCE
BIARRITZ SURF FESTIVAL
(July 9 – 11, 2005) Website: www.biarritzsurffestival.com World Championship of Surf WLT Man and Woman 2005, and the European Championship (EPSA)

For more information email: information@biarritzsuffestival.com

GUATEMALA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2005 – ASOSURF GUATEMALA
April 23-24, 2005 International Championships G-land Surfboards, Barra de Iztapa
August 6-7, 2005 Nationals, Champerico
September 24-25, 2005 Nationals Final, Sipacate
November 12 – 13, 2005 Viking Surfboards Championships
November 21-22, 2005 National Bodyboard Championships, Morterrico

Calendar submitted by Asosurf, asosurf@hotmail.com

IRELAND
IRISH SURFING ASSOCIATION NEWS UPDATE
(March 23, 2005) Following on from a successful Outdoor Adventure Show, the Irish Surfing Association is going from strength to strength. Hundreds more have signed up to the newsletter and the website is being visited by more and more people every passing week! (If you know of anyone who might be interested please sign them up to the newsletter on the main page of the ISA's website Irish Surfing Association - Ireland - Home).

The main news this month is that the chairman of the West Coast Surf Club and Irish Surfing Association executive member, Alan Coyne has decided to take a back seat at both club and Irish Surfing Association level. Alan Coyne has been one of the most important members of a vibrant club and changing Irish Surfing Association over the past number of years. On behalf of the Irish Surfing Association and surfers of Ireland, I would like to thank Alan for his enormous contribution to the development and sustainment of Surfing on this Island. Without the pressures of Chairmanship I expect his surfing to improve greatly into the future!!!!!!! Thanks Alan and don't feel you won't be called upon in a moment of crisis. We, of course, welcome Clodhna Fowl to the position of Chairperson at the west Coast Surf Club to continue the female takeover of Irish surfing!!

In other news, the next event on the Calendar is the T-Bay Open, judging by the picture on the poster you all had better bring your gun with you! It's not often that T-bay breaks triple overhead!!! Prior to this event the National squad is setting up a training camp at T-Bay for a couple of days and it will be based in the wonderful facility of the surf clubhouse right on the beach.

A reminder of the ISA's AGM being held at Tramore Surf Clubhouse on Friday the 1st of April.

The Irish Surfing Association is delighted to announce a two-year sponsorship deal with C-Skins, a Cornish wetsuit company to support the Irish National Surfing Championships. C-Skins sponsored the annual West Coast Junior Championships held in Lahinch, Co Clare for the past number of years but have now also committed to supporting the Irish National Surfing Championships.
This year's Irish National Surfing Championships will be hosted by West Sligo Surf Club in Easkey, Co Sligo on the 16/17 April. Carey Brown founder and owner of C-Skins remarked on the importance of the expanding Irish Market when he agreed to support the prestigious event. Carey made his first wetsuit in 1972 and today produces some of the most advanced wetsuits and neoprene garments available in the World.
There will be seven national titles awarded at the event. Current Irish Champion, Cain Kilcullen, Enniscrone who has just returned from a winter spent surfing in Australia and Hawaii will be defending his title as will current Irish Women's Champion and C- Skins team rider Shauna Ward, Bundoran

Submitted by Michael Sceach Kelly, Chairperson ISA, newsletter@isasurf.ie

JAMAICA
SMALL SURF FORCES RELOCATION OF SECOND JSA 2005 NATIONAL OPEN SURF CONTEST
(February 26, 2005) Contest #2 of the 2005 National Open Surfing Series scheduled for the Makka Surfing Beach at South Heaven had to be relocated to the Lighthouse surfing beach due to small surf at the famous Saint Thomas surf spot.

JSA President Mr. Eugene Miller had to make the call to relocate the event early on Saturday morning when he checked the conditions and found them less than required for the staging of the national event.

The waves at the lighthouse were about chest high on the sets with a strong on-shore wind making the conditions very challenging for the competitors. Twenty-five of Jamaica’s top surfers turned out for the second event of the 5 event National Open Surfing Series.

The event saw 4 first round heats reducing the 25 surfers to 14 for the second round where three heats further reduced the field to the top 9 for the semi-final round.

The final was keenly contested with the 5 surfers nabbing a number of exciting rides. Inilek Wilmot and Luke Williams dominated the heat with Drum Drummond posing a constant threat with impressive rides of his own. Defending champ Icah Wilmot, after winning all his heats on the way to the final, could not find the quality waves to rack up enough points to make an impression on the judges. Young Ackeam Phillips did well in making it to the final proving that he is a talent to watch. At the final horn, Inilek took first, Luke second, Drum third, Icah fourth and Ackeam fifth.


Submitted by the Jamaica Surfing Association jasurfas@hotmail.com

MOROCCO
A MESSAGE FROM THE ROYAL MOROCCAN FEDERATION FOR SURF AND BODYBOARD (FRMSB)
(March 18, 2005) We would like to inform you that there has been a change at FRMSB Headquarters. In view of this change, please send all correspondence concerning the FRMSB to the following email addresses:
fede_surf_maroc04@yahoo.fr.
fede_surf_maroc@hotmail.com.
brahimsurf@yahoo.fr.
souiri_sport@yahoo.fr.

The following is the brief history behind the change:
Before the year 2004 was out, the FRMSB found itself stuck with the misunderstandings and differences of opinions between headquarters members. These misunderstandings had only one solution which was to have the members that created the scandal, caused confusion with the accounting, and gave the FRMSB a bad image resign.

During the General Assembly of January 29th, 2005, the Presidents and people responsible for the different Moroccan surfing associations requested of the different Council members to have an Extraordinary Council Meeting to deal with these issues. This was requested by 2/3rd's of the members whose desire was to remove non-desirable council members.

Effectively, on Saturday the 12th of March 2005, the FRMSB met in an Extraordinary Council Meeting, in which the Presidents, responsible parties, surf schools, athletes, Moroccan champions amongst others attended. The meeting was televised on Morrocan TV. The order of the day is as follows:

There were elections for the council members of the FRMSB. The following is the final results of this election:
President; Mr. Mohamed KADMIRI
1st Vice-President; Mr. Zine El Abidine GUIMMI
2nd Vice-President; Mr. ElKbir LAALEG
Secretary General; Mr. Mohamed KHAIRJAY
Joint Secretary; Mr. Amine AFAL
Treasurer; Mr. Abdelhak MAHTOUTE
Joint Treasurer; Mr. Saïd EL ABDI,
Advisors; Mr.'s Brahim KARAM, Khalil MEDRAOUI, Othman CHOUIKH and Mouloud BELFAKIR

Thank you for your understanding. Keep Surfing.

Submitted by Mohamed KHAIRJAY, Secrétaire Général, fede_surf_maroc@hotmail.com





NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH ISLAND’S EARNSHAW TAKES OUT LION RED SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPS
(March 27, 2005) Greymouth surfer Jai Earnshaw won the Lion Red South Island Surfing Championships today (Sunday) during a tight final held in ideal 1.5m-2m surf conditions at St Clair beach, edging out defending champion Nat Parsons of Kaikoura by just 0.03 points.

Raglan’s Leon Santorik lead for much of the heat, until the last 5 minutes, when the other three each caught high scoring waves from one set which Santorik missed out on.

Aside from the committed powerhouse surfing of Earnshaw and Parsons, (the latter also the current Otago Surfing Champ) much of Sunday’s attention was focused on 13-y-o Ryan Hawker of Piha.

Hawker won through to four quarter finals, three semi finals and two finals berths, eventually winning both the Quarry Beach/Boardbase Cadets Under16 and Void Clothing Under 14 Groms Divisions.

There was no doubt for spectators that had Hawker made the Open and Junior finals he would have had a credible chance of upsetting some of the country’s leading surfers, displaying excellent wave choice, positioning and executing difficult maneuvers with consistency and determination far beyond his years.

At just 13 Hawker appears to be leading the charge of the latest generation of young “grommet” surfers. Hawker was ousted from the Junior Division by Raglan surfer Luke Hughes, who went on to win the final, whose highest two scoring waves in the earlier semi final combined for a competition high of 19.3 out of a possible 20 points.

The ideal 1.5m-2m swell with offshore winds and incoming tide at St Clair Beach wiped the weather slate clean for the 110 competitors from around the country who had all endured a dismal first day of drizzling easterlies and the second days biting southerlies in unruly but powerful 1m-2m south swells.

In the Esplanade Restaurant Open Women’s, Paige Hareb (Tara) was winning most of way, until Angie Koops (Kaik) snared a long left hand wave minutes before the end of the final to win.

In Hydro Surf Juniors Under 18 surfer Luke Hughes (Rag), who had scored the perfect 10 pointer for one wave in his semifinal, went on to dominate throughout the final, and Hugo Phillips (Ak), Dylan Wood (Chch) and Sam Dunfoy (Dun) were unsuccessful in attempting to catch up.



FINALS RESULTS (Sunday 27th March)

LION RED SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPS OPENS MENS
1) Jai Earnshaw (Greymouth)
2) Nat Parsons (Kaik)
3) Hayden Brain (Chch)
4) Leon Santorik (Raglan)

Esplanade Restaurant Open Women’s
1) Angie Koops (Kaik)
2) Pae Pou (Southland)
3) Paige Hareb (Tara)
4) Kate Blair (Chch)

Hydro Surf Juniors Under 18
1) Luke Hughes (Rag)
2) Hugo Phillips (Ak)
3) Dylan Wood (Chch)
4) Sam Dunfoy (Dn)

R&R Sport Seniors 28+ (Brothers share 1-2)
1) Manu Schaffer (Chch)
2) Tony Schaffer (Chch)
3) Lee Morris (Chch)
4) Johnny Fenton (Karamea)

Positive Pics Masters 35+
1) Tony Schaffer (Chch)
2) Neil Robb (Chch)
3) Lee Morris (Chch)
4) Richard Baxter (Kaik)

Combined Quarry Beach Surfboards & Boardbase Cadets Under 16
1) Ryan Hawker (Ak)
2) Dylan Wood (Chch)
3) Levi O’Connor (Kaik)
4) Brad Perana (Chch)

Harrow Motor Body Malibu
1) Dale Finlayson (Dn)
2) Lewellyn Thomas (Chch)
3) Glen Schuker (Chch)
4) Mark Perana (Chch)

The Waterloo Hotel Body Board
1) Aaron Locke (Chch)
2) Paul McLennan-Kessel (Dn)
3) Brad Perana (Chch)
4) Robbie Burns (Dn)

Void Clothing Groms Under 14
1) Ryan Hawker (Ak)
2) Leroy Rust (Dn)
3) Tom Bracegirdle (Dn)
4) Cody McCusker (Chch)



The 2005 Lion Red South Island Champs are proudly supported by Lion Red, Void, R & R Sport, Hydro Surf, Stevenson and Williams Builders, Boardbase, Harrow Panel Beaters, Anderson Lloyd and Caudwell, Sonia Clyne House of Travel, Stewarts Coffee, The Waterloo Hotel, Quarry Beach Surfboards and Blue Water Products. The event would be not possible without the support of Surfing New Zealand and South Coast Boardriders, New Zealand Community Trust and Bendigo Foundation. Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by Lion Red, SPARC, Smokefree, Hyundai

BILLABONG GROM SERIES DECIDED, SIX SERIES WINNERS NAMED
( March 20, 2005) Tim O’Connor (Mnt) has today (Sunday) won yet another title this time in the Billabong Grom Series at the third and final event held at Piha Beach on Auckland’s West Coast. O’Connor relished the chance to unleash his forehand attack in the increasing 1.0m – 1.5m waves. In a commanding performance O’Connor opened up his account with a 6.5 as he smashed the lip on a number of occasions connecting the wave to the inside reform. Holding the lead for the entire 25 minute final he left his best for last with a searing display of fins free re-entries to post a heat high 7.0 and secure the win.

O’Connor with his event win takes out the Under 16 Boys Division of the Billabong Grom Series held in association with Oceanbridge. He also wins one of six air tickets to Australia to compete in the Occy Grom Comp in late June where he will represent New Zealand along with a number of New Zealand’s best junior surfers.

Earlier in the day O’Connor and Pitcher eliminated Mathis Smith (Tara) and Johnny Hicks (Gis) while in Heat Two, Divers and Hawker eliminated Billy Stairmand (Rag) and Bohdi Whitaker (Ohope).

Ryan Hawker turned it up in the Under 14 Boys in front of his large hometown support crew. As they stood on the sand dunes cheering him on, he ‘went to town’ out the back working waves through to the inside throwing spray in all directions. Hawker won the final after scoring a 6.0 on his first wave and backing it up toward the end of the heat with an excellent 8.0. His 14.0 point total left the other three surfers requiring a combination of scores to get close to him. Johnny Hicks (Gis) was the closest of the three surfers after catching his best wave seconds before the final hooter to jump to second place ahead of Ryan Pickett (WGM) in third and Mathis Smith (Tara) in fourth.

Local girl Maddy Phillips surfed her way to her best ever result in the Under 14 Girls winning the final. In the tightest heats during the while event, Phillips stopped Grace Spiers short of a double victory beating her by 0.10 points. Spiers was also only 0.10 ahead of Georgia Cooper (Piha) in third with Alexis Poulter finishing up in fourth place. In winning the final Phillips made sure everyone had the calculators out to see who had the most series points and of course who won the air ticket to Aussie. When the dust cleared it was Spiers who retained the number one position and secured her first of two Australian bound air tickets.

The Under 12 Boys and Girls Divisions were won by the two surfers that have dominated the series throughout this summer - Tane Wallis (Piha) and Grace Spiers (WGM). Wallis knew exactly where to sit and made the most of the inside right handers on his forehand. Wallis surfed his way to 12.5 and an air ticket to Australia to compete in the Occy Grom Comp. Spiers was in the same dominating form as she took on the big sets out the back and selectively surfed her way to first place with a score of 10.0 to secure her second air ticket to Australia. Filling the other finals spots in the boys were Ben Poulter (Waihi Beach), Peri Matenga (Mnt) and Brad Pitcher (WGM) in that order. For the girls Ben Poulter’s sister Alexis also placed second ahead of Rosa Thompson, Samantha Sanderson (Waihi Beach) and Ella Williams in that order.

Billabong Grom Series In Assocation with Oceanbridge Series winners are:
Under 16 Boys: Tim O’Connor – Mount Maunganui
Under 16 Girls: Wini Paul – Sandy Bay
Under 14 Boys: Ryan Hawker - Piha
Under 14 Girls: Grace Spiers - Whangamata
Under 12 Boys: Tane Wallis - Piha
Under 12 Girls: Grace Spiers - Piha

The Billabong Grom Series is brought to you by Billabong, Oceanbridge, Coca Cola and Von Vipper.
The event would not be possible without the assistance of Wildcoast Boardriders and Surfing New Zealand.
Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by Lion Red, Smokefree, SPARC, and Hyundai

For more information on the event, please contact Ben Kennings benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.

SANTORIK DEFENDS TITLE AT THE ARNETTE WOMEN’S OPEN
(March 12, 2005) Jessica Santorik (Raglan) won the final today (Sunday) at the Arnette Women’s Surfing Open and in doing so defended her title she won in 2004. Nearing the end of a big summer of competitive surfing Santorik continues to dominate the Women’s scene winning two national titles, two Lion Red Pro Surfing Tour events as well as the overall 2005 Series.

In the 25 minute final Santorik did all she could in the small 2ft surf at Mount Maunganui’s Tay Street. Santorik lead from the outset racking up two waves early on and putting the pressure on her three counterparts. Late in the final and on her last wave, Santorik put it beyond doubt scoring 5.30 to strengthen her lead. Hester Sutherland Stacey of Mount Maunganui held second place for much of the final before Hareb struck back on her last two waves to sneak into second narrowly edging Sutherland-Stacey into third. Jess Welch (Gisborne) finished fourth in the final after contesting several heats today including the Under 18s and Under 16s finals.

Local girl Michelle Langdon switched disciplines to surf in the Opanui Longboard event and in doing so surfed her way to first place over some seasoned campaigners. In a final with international flavour, Langdon forced her nine foot long board through some good turns to post a total heat score of 9.5 pipping double finalist Pauline Pullman (Sandy Bay) who finished in second. Nicky Murden (Mnt) placed third over Anau Burling one of two Tongan surfers to make it to the finals of the event.

Anna Jolly (Auck) made up for her early loss in the Longboard division by latching on to the best waves in the Over 30s final to take it out over Pauline Pullman. Both surfers shared the better waves in the final but it was an early 5.0 point ride on her first wave that sealed the win for Jolly. Gina Kennings (Rag) tried hard to find some of the set waves but had to settle for third place ahead of Wellington’s Monique Hedges.

Paige Hareb made it two from two in the age group divisions when she reversed the tables to beat current National Champion Jess Santorik in the Under 18s division. Hareb was able to link up long sections in the small waves and her tiny frame meant that the small waves were still highly surfable. Santorik couldn’t keep up with Hareb having to settle for second ahead of Jess Welch (Gis) and Pipi Sopp (WGM) who finished in third and fourth respectively.

The Arnette Under 16 Girls was Hareb’s second win after she dominated the final scoring the two highest waves in the 25 minutes for a total of 9.5. As the tide went out the girls decided to stay on the inside reform restricting their scoring. In a tight three way tussle for the remaining spots it was Jessica Welch that edged out Wini Paul (Sandy Bay) in third and Pae Pou (Riverton) finished in fourth.

The Under 14 Girls efforts were hampered by the outgoing tide as all four surfers again decided to sit closer to the shore and catch the reforms. In a tight low scoring affair it was Gisborne surfer Renee Pearson that came out on top ahead of Maddy Phillips (Auck), Sonia Burling (Tonga) and Grace Spiers (WGM).

Earlier Grace Spiers (WGM) looked a cut above the other three Under 12 finalists as she smoothly surfed her way to a win. Catching the better waves Spiers showed her competitive edge as she scored 7.0 and 6.25 to ‘combo’ her opponents. Alexis Poulter of Waihi Beach surfed her way to second with a couple good rides ahead of Ella Williams (WGM) who surfed some waves that were well overhead. Ella Von Huben placed fourth in the final in her first national event.

The 2005 Arnette Women’s Surfing Open is brought to you by Arnette, Bodyline, Gallaz, Rip Curl, Hula, Famous Surf Wax, Opanui, Island Tribe, Havaianas, Starlet, New Zealand Surfing Magazine, Island Style, Nevada, Assault and ZM.

The event would be not possible without the support of Surfing New Zealand and Bay of Plenty Women’s Boardriders.

Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by Lion Red, SPARC, Smokefree and Hyundai

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2005 – SURFING NEW ZEALAND
April 16-17, 2005 Gisborne Long Board Pro, Gisborne
April 23-24, 2005 Ripcurl Gromsearch, Taranaki
April 25-30, 2005 Smokefree National Scholastic Surfing Championships, Oakura-Taraniki
May, 2005 Capital City Challenge – Lion Red Pro Surfing Tour, Wellington/Wairarapa
June 3-5, 2005 O’Neill Kaikoura Cold Water Classic, Kaikoura
Calendar submitted by Surfing New Zealand

PORTUGAL
SURF ESPERANÇA DATE CHANGE
(March 22, 2005) The 1st contest in the Series of "Surf Esperança" was changed to the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of April. The 1st contest in the Series of "Bodyboard Esperança" was changed to the 9th and10th of April.

The Portuguese Surf Federation would like to inform that the 1st contest in the Series of "Surf Esperança" that was to be held on the coast of Caparica, from the 24th, 25th, and 26th of March was changed to the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of April at the same spot.

The Bodyboarding event was also changed from the 25th and 26th to the 9th and 10th, also on the coast of Caparica. Due to this change, the 2nd event will also be changed. Please check the calendar below.

The reason for this change was due to the fact that a huge swell was due for this week that would hurt both competitions.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2005 – FPS
April 9, 10 2a Etapa Circuito Surf Pro Junior, S Pedro Estoril
April 9, 10 1a Etapa Circuito BB Esperanças, Praia Nova
April 9, 10 1a Etapa Campeonato Nacional Clubes – Zona Centro, Praia do sul
April 16, 17 1a Etapa Campeonato Nacional Clubes – Zona Norte, Praia de Nazaré
April 23-25 1a Etapa Circuito Nacional Surf Esperanças, Praia Nova
April 25 2a Etapa Campeonato Nacional Clubes – Zona Sul, Praia de Nazaré
April 25 Estágio selecçäo nacional de seniors Eurosurf 2005, Costa Caparica
April 29,30 Curso de Treinadores nível 1 –1 bloco, Figueira da Foz
April 30 2a Etapa Circuito Nacional BB Esperanças, Praia de Nazaré

For more information contact FPS: fps@surfingportugal.com or visit www.surfingportugal.com

PUERTO RICO
CONTRATULATIONS NILDA BENITEZ-COLON OF PUERTO RICO
President of the Federación de Surfing de Puerto Rico, Nilda Benitez-Colon, is expecting a baby and has stepped away from her position. The newly elected Board of Directors includes Ricardo Lucke as President. Welcome Ricardo and best wishes to Nilda.

SOUTH AFRICA
ROBB WINS; SMITH SECOND IN GROMSEARCH INTERNATIONAL FINAL
(March 29, 2005) Nikita Robb (East London) outclassed a field of top junior international surfers to win the girl's final of the inaugural Rip Curl GromSearch International at Bells Beach in Australia at the weekend. Former ISA World Under 16 champion Jordy Smith (Durban) came second to Hawaiian Mason Ho in the boy's final.

The international tournament involved the top Under 16 division surfers from Rip Curl GromSearch events held in South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia, America, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom during 2004.

"It was such an inspiration to watch the Rip Curl Pro World ChampionshipTour event just before our GromSearch Final, especially when I saw Sophia Mulanovich win the event; I had tears in my eyes. When I went into my final, I paddled out thinking that it didn't really matter if I won but after taking my second wave all I could think of was the joy on Sophia's face. I knew then that I really had to win," said 16 year old Robb who placed 11th in the 2004 ISA World Surfing Games held in Tahiti in December 2004 and is the current Under 16 SA Champion.

"Surfing in this event has been a highlight in my life. I would like to thank Rip Curl and especially Mike Larmont for this opportunity as I intend to make this a stepping stone for my future dream to become World Champion," added Robb.

Robb took the title ahead of Australian Mischa Davis, Brazilian Bruna Shmitz and USA surfer Lexi Papillion.

"My first reaction to the exciting news was one of pride that a South African girl who was relatively unknown could take on the world's best grommets and come out on top. This has got to be a great omen for the future of girls surfing in our country. All credit must go to Nikita for pulling off such a spectacular victory," commented Mike Larmont from Rip Curl South Africa.

In the boy's final Smith provided tough competition for eventual winner Hawaiian Mason Ho, son of legendary surfer Michael Ho, matching him wave for wave.

Ho began the final with a confident 7.25 ride in the messy Bells Beach swell. Smith then posted a 7.00 and took the heat lead with a 5.00 pointer as his second-wave score.

Wilkinson, the current ISA Under 16 World Champion, and Carlo Zampiere both tried to stamp their authority on the heat, but struggled to get high-scoring waves in the tricky Bells Beach swell.

Ho patiently picked up the best-set wave for a second time, belting his way down the line and posting a 8.25 the highest score of the heat.

Smith stayed in touch with a 6.00 and then a 6.25 late in the heat but his efforts were not enough and his 13.25 two-wave combined score fell short of Ho's 15.50.

"It is ironic that in a previous press article Jordy mentioned that he did not want to get anything less than first place; one could attribute his second place to the fact that the ocean did not come to the party for him during his final but collectively the South Africans made a huge impression on the international arena," said Larmont.

Both surfers arrive in Durban on Wednesday, 30 March in time for Smith to start the defence of his U20 Billabong Junior Series title at New Pier from Friday to Sunday (1 to 3 April).

The Rip Curl GromSearch events held each year in South Africa are sanctioned by Surfing South Africa and hosted by the provinces. They are aimed at identifying and developing emerging junior talent along the South African coastline. The first 2005 Rip Curl GromSearch event takes place in Cape Town on 9 and 10 April.


Results : Under 16 Girls
1. Nikita Robb (South Africa)
2. Mischa Davis (Australia)
3. Bruna Shmitz (Brazil)
4. Lexi Papillion (USA)

Results : Under 16 Boys
1. Mason Ho (Hawaii)
2. Jordy Smith (South Africa)
3. Matt Wilkinson (Australia)
4. Gian Carlo Zampiere (Brazil)

2005 REEF WETSUITS SA GROMMET SURFING GAMES ONE OF THE BEST EVER

(March 28, 2005) The 2005 Reef Wetsuits SA Grommet Games, presented by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and supported by funding from the National Lottery, was completed at the Pipe, Pollock Beach in Port Elizabeth Sunday (March 27th) and by all accounts was one of the most successful in the thirteen year history of the event.

Over 180 girls and boys from eight provinces took part in the tournament which is Surfing South Africa's most significant and important entry level inter-provincial competition.

Reef Wetsuits, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Lotto all contributed to the success of the event which is one of the highlights of the annual Splash Festival held in the Friendly City every Easter.

This years contest was held in good surf and fine weather over four days and involved surfers in age divisions ranging from Under 8 to under 16.

Some of the surfers come from the rural villages in Southern KZN and the Northern KZN region while others traveled from Cape St Francis, Jeffrey's Bay, Port Alfred, Mossel Bay, the Cape Flats and of course Port Elizabeth itself.

Essentially the SA Grommet Games is about transformation within the sport and teams attending are set strict criteria when it comes to selecting their representatives.
While much of the focus is on surfing the Games also focuses on participation in events such as a paddle battle, flags and tag team competition with the most participative and successful team winning the Best Team Trophy at the tournament.
After winning this accolade outright in 2003 and 2004, Boland had to share the trophy with neighbors Western Province this year when adjudicators were unable to separate the teams at the completion of the tournament.

In the individual categories results were equally divided among the participating teams.
Kyle Gouws of Southern Cape won the Under 16 Boys Title and Caitlin Morris of WP won the Under 16 Girls Final. In the Under 14 Finals Justin Torode of Boland took the Boys gold medal and the unique Grommet Trophy with Faye Zoetmulder of EP taking honours in the Girls Division.
David Brand of WP won the Boys Under 12 Division and fellow WP surfer Simone Celliers took the Girls title while David's younger brother Benjamin was the Under 10 winner.
The youngest division was for surfers younger than eight and after producing some competitive surfing over the four days honours went the way of Chanelle Botha of Southern KZN.

The Surfer of the Contest Trophy was awarded to 9 year old Benjamin Brand who scored two perfect 10-point rides during the competition.
Team honours for the Surfing Award, which is determined by an aggregate of scores, went to Western Province with Boland second and Border third. Southern KZN were fourth, Eastern Province came fifth, Southern Cape were sixth, KZN seventh and Zululand, the smallest team at the event, were eighth
Western Province added another trophy to their impressive haul when they took the Tag Team title ahead of Boland once again. Border were third in the tag team final and Southern Cape came fourth.
In the Under 16 Flags race Brad Glendenning of Southern KZN took gold with Logan Eales of WP showcasing his Lifesaving skills to win the Under 14 Flags race. Dominique Notten of WP won the Under 12 Flags encounter.

FULL RESULTS: 2005 REEF WETSUITS SA GROMMET SURFING GAMES
SURFING

U16 BOYS
1. KYLE GOUWS - S/CAPE
2. DONAVAN ZOETMULDER - EP
3. BRAD GLENDENNING - S/KZN
4. JJ RATTEY - BOL

U16 GIRLS
1. CAITLIN MORRIS - WP
2. JAYDENE MAHER - SKZN
3. ROXY PHILLIPS - BOR
4. MEGAN PRATTEN - ZULULAND

U 14 BOYS
1. JUSTIN TORODE - BOL
2. LOGAN EALES - WP
3. WASIEM SALIE - EP
4. CHAD NEWTON - S/CAPE

U14 GIRLS
1. FAYE ZOETMULDER - EP
2. MORAG STEELE - BOL
3. ANNA NOTTEN - WP
4. DANIELLE JOHNSON
5. NATASHA NAICKER - KZN

U12 BOYS
1, DAVID BRAND - WP
2. DANE STAPLES - S/CAPE
3. MICHAEL FEBRUARY - WP
4. PHILLIP BRITZ - BOR

U12 GIRLS
1. SIMONE CELLIERS - WP
2. ASHLEIGH HART - WP
3. PUVASHNEE NYDOO - KZN
4. EMMA SMITH - BOR
5. MONIQUE TERBLANCHE - BOL

U10
1. BENJAMIN BRAND - WP
2. DYLAN LIGHTFOOT - EP
3. JOSH SMIT - KZN
4. MAX ARMSTRONG - WP

U 8
1. CHANELLE BOTHA - S/KZN
2. RUTH ARMSTRONG - WP
3. CONRAD HARMSE - BOL
4. JONATHAN BLIGNAUT - BOL
5. JESSICA VOSLOO - BOR

SURFING TEAM RESULT
1. WESTERN PROVINCE
2. BOLAND
3. BORDER
4. SOUTHERN KZN
5. EASTERN PROVINCE
6. SOUTHERN CAPE
7. KZN
8. ZULULAND

TAG TEAM RESULT
1. WP
2. BOLAND
3. BORDER
4. S/CAPE

SURFER OF THE CONTEST
BENJAMIN BRAND - WP
U16 FLAGS
1. BRAD GLENDENNING - S/KZN
2. JUSTIN ***** - ZUL
3. SAM MABETSHE - EP
U14 FLAGS
1. LOGAN EALES - WP
2. KHAYELILIHLE NGOCOBE - S/KZN
3. CEDRICK CANTERBURY - WP
U12 FLAGS
1. DOMINIQUE NOTTEN - WP
2. DANE STAPLES - S/CAPE
3. HEATHER KLUG - S/KZN


RED BULL BIG WAVE AFRICA 2005 TO START IN MAY
(March 15, 2005) The seventh annual Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing event is set to take place at Dungeons, Cape Town from the 22 May - 12 June 2005. The 12-man field of big wave chargers have a three-week waiting period for the Roaring Forties to produce the required 5 metre (15 foot) waves needed to stage the contest.

Dungeons, the aptly named extreme surf spot situated under the towering cliffs of the Sentinel at the mouth of Hout Bay on the Cape Peninsula, produces the biggest rideable waves on the coast of the continent. The shallow reef is the first landfall for the huge swells generated in the stormy 4 000 kilometre fetch across the South Atlantic ocean, creating moving mountains of water that surge upwards and outwards before breaking with bone crushing power.

The challenge faced by the invited big wave specialists is heightened by the frigid water temperatures making thick wetsuits, booties, hoods and even gloves a necessity for most of the competitors. The treacherous surf, dense kelp beds and abundant sea life that inhabit the marine reserve, including predators preying on the nearby seal colony, make water-safety a key feature of the event. A comprehensive water-safety team is in attendance even during practice sessions at the life threatening surf break.

Red Bull Big Wave Africa has secured its position as the world's second longest running big wave surfing contest after the Eddie Aikau event at Waimea Bay in Hawaii. Only two champions have been crowned in the previous six years - Sean Holmes from South Africa in 2000 and Californian Greg Long in 2003. While Dungeons has been surfed during the waiting period every year, often in waves far bigger than the consistent five metre criteria needed to run the contest, the conditions have often been too hazardous to deploy the extensive infrastructure required to stage the event.

The line-up of international invitees is still being finalised but the local contingent of Grant Baker and Jason Ribbink from Durban, Sean Holmes and Cape Town's Mickey Duffus have been confirmed, as are former Capetonian Chris Bertish, now in the UK, and John Whittle (Durban), who make a welcome return to the ranks after missing last year's event.

Gary Linden from California will fill the positions of Project Manager and Contest Director. Being an experienced big wave surfer himself, Linden has witnessed Dungeons in all its moods and is confident that eventually the event will be contested in some of the biggest waves ever ridden by paddle in surfers.

As usual, an expert team of local water safety and medical personnel has been assembled under the leadership of Californian rescue expert Shawn Alladio to reassure the surfers no matter what situation arises, they have the best available assistance at hand.

The whole event can be followed via www.redbullbwa.com where information on the location, profiles on the athletes and support staff, how to watch the event and daily images, video clips and reports are just a click away.

Media Enquiries: Taryn Cheadle, tcheadle@jmc.co.za
Compiled and distributed by: Life's a Beach Communications, lifesabeach@mweb.co.za
Submitted by Robin de Kock, rosadian@iafrica.com

2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS- SURFING SOUTH AFRICA (SSA)
April 1 –3 Billabong Junior Series #2, Durban
April 2 –3 Longboard Pro #1, Cape Peninsula
April 9-10 Roxy Surf Jam #1, Eastern Province (Mobile)
April 9-10 Rip Curl Gromsearch #1, Cape Peninsula
April 11-13 National Junior Trial #1, Eastern Cape
April 16 Rip Curl Gromsearch #2, East London
April 22-24 Island Style South Coast Classic, Scottburgh, KZN
April 23-30 SA Longboard Championships, Cape Peninsula
April 30 – May 2 National Junior Trial #2, KZN

Calendar submitted by Robin de Kock, rosadian@iafrica.com

TAHITI
GET WELL SOON, PASCAL
The ISA would like to extend wishes for a speedy recovery to Pascal Luciani, Federation Tahitienne de Surf President. He has been out of commission for six weeks after an accident that ruined his knee and the subsequent operation that followed. Here’s to a speedy recovery!


11. CONTACT THE ISA

International Surfing Association
5580 La Jolla Blvd. #145 ◦ La Jolla, California 92037 USA
Tel: 858-551-5292, Fax: 858-551-5290
Layla Marcille, ISA Operations Manager layla@isasurf.org
Website: www.isasurf.org