ISA PRESS RELEASE NOVEMBER 2005

IN THIS ISSUE
1. ISA News
2. ISA Events
3. ISA Calendar
4. Women in Surf
5. Regional Surf Association News
6. International News
7. Contact the ISA

ISA November 2005 Newsletter, news from the entire planet 

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 2 December, 2005 : - - The ISA Press Release - NOVEMBER 2005 includes information on ISA members and the latest ISA surfing news.

1.ISA NEWS

2006 Quiksilver ISA Worl Junior Surfing Championships 

The Confederação Brasileira de Surf (CBS), the national governing body for the sport of surfing in Brazil, will host the 2006 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. Anyone needing assistance with arrangements for attending the WJSC 2006 in Maresias, Brazil can contact IBRASURF. They are offering many services including arranging hotel reservations, vehicles rental, transportation, translators, surf trips around the area of Maresias, etc….

IBRASURF offers a high quality service and is recommend by CBS as an option.  CBS does not have any commercial alliance with them and is not responsible for any of their services.

The value of $27 a day per person is confirmed in only those hotels previously indicated in the ISA AGM meeting by CBS. For a list of the hotels, please visit the ISA Website.

All international vehicle rental companies are available at the International Airport of Guarulhos, Sao Paulo. To contact IBRASURF: Alexandre Zeni, email: alezeni@ibrasurf.com.br

Check www.isasurf.org for more details on the event
Announcement translated by ISA Intern Cristiana Tepedino

2. ISA EVENTS
 
Quiksilver ISA World Surfing Chamionships 2006

The ISA, in conjunction with the Confederação Brasileira de Surf, will present the Quiksilver ISA WJSC 2006 in Maresias, Brasil. The contest will be held from the 6th to the 14th of May.

ISA World Surfing Games 2006

The ISA, in conjunction with the Surfing America, will be presenting the 2006 ISA WSG in Surf City USA – Huntington Beach, California. The contest will be held from the 9th to the 16th of October. 

3. ISA CALENDAR

Year Event Location Dates
2006 Aloha Cup: South Africa, Namibia and Britain South Africa January 2006
2006 PASG Peru January 15 – 23, 2006
2006 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships* Maresias, Brazil May 6 – 14, 2006
2006 ISA World Surfing Games* California, USA October 7- 15 2006
2006 ISA Biennial General Meeting 2006 California, USA Early October
2006 ISA Annual General Meeting 2006 California, USA Early October
2006 ISA World Kneeboard Championships* Santa Cruz, CA USA Fall 2006 (TBD)
*An ISA Sanctioned Event

4.  WOMEN IN SURF

Women’s surfing has boomed in the past decade! Gone are the days where girls were forced to watch the cooler on the beach, replaced with women and girls of all ages and walks of life, hanging 10, ripping up the surf and attacking lips with vengeance. Paddle out anywhere these days and you’re guaranteed to see the face of a smiling and surf stoked wahine.

The influence stems from a number of factors; female professional surfers, surf schools and coaching programs actively targeting women and finally, fashion. Ever since the photo of Lisa Andersen boosting air graced the cover of Surfing Magazine with the caption “Lisa Anderson surfs better than you”, female professional surfers have continued to break through the male dominated surfing media to influence young would be surfer girls.

Women’s surfing levels have improved dramatically and if girls’ surfing continues to develop at this rapid rate, well, who knows what next? Women are now riding deep in the tube, performing 360s, airs and even towing in. Santa Cruz surfer Jamilah Starr was recently photographed dropping into 25-foot Wiamia Bay and Keala Kennely got the wave of a lifetime at T'eahupoo.

Surf Schools have increased in number and the fact is girls want to learn to surf. Class participants have switched from being male dominated to an overwhelming percentage of women, which is as high as 70% at some surf schools. Surf Diva of La Jolla Shores in San Diego, runs a successful surf school and specializes in women only classes.

The company is owned and run by twin sisters Izzy and Coco Tihanyi and caters for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers and runs surf camps and safaris in the local area and Costa Rica. That’s a lot of ground to cover, but classes are booked out and safari sessions are attended by hundreds of girls each year.

Working in conjunction with this is surf fashion. Lisa Andersen tired of surfing in men’s board shorts asked Quiksilver to design girls’ board shorts, they did, named the brand Roxy and an empire was born. Now girls can buy wetsuits, rash guards, wipeout-proof bikinis, hoodies, sunglasses, shoes and a thousand and one accessories. Why wear mundane black in the line up when you can wear fuchsia, crimson or turquoise?

And with fashion came the surf girl image, a free spirited, fresh-faced angel whose passion for the sea inspired a million wannabes and the money flowed in. No wonder women’s surfing is growing at a rate that far exceeds its male counterparts. Soon you will paddle out and the girls might out number the boys. And that, friends, is a good thing.

Written by: Lizzie Nunn, Camp Director, Surf Diva Boarding School

5.  REGIONAL SURF ASSOCIATION NEWS

PASA Surf Games 
The Pan-American Surfing Association (PASA) in conjunction with the Federación Deportiva Peruana de Tabla (FEPTA), have the pleasure of presenting this opportunity for national federations to send national teams to Lima, Peru to compete in the seventh annual Pan-American Surf Games to be held January 16 – 23, 2006
 
Important Contacts:
PASA:
Antonio Sotillo
President
asfvsurf@c-com.net.ve
 
Maile Aguerre
Vice-President
E-mail: maile@isasurf.org

5580 La Jolla Blvd. PMB 145
La Jolla, California 92037 USA
(858) 336-2288
(858) 551 - 5290 (Fax)

Hosting Nation:
PERU Federación Deportiva Peruana de Tabla (FEPTA)

Eduardo Cáceres
President

Event Director:
Karin Sierralta
Av. Argentina, 2051
Lima 1- Perú
Tel: [51] 422 4585
Fax: [51] (14) 22 7173
E-mail: karin@surfingperu.org
Website: www.surfingperu.org

Submitted by Maile Aguerre: Maile@isasurf.org

6.  INTERNATIONAL NEWS

AUSTRALIA

Surfing Australia Welcomes Two New Directors on Board
 
(November 16, 2005) At Surfing Australia’s recent Annual General Meeting, Matt Finnis and Don O’Rorke were welcomed on to the board as the two new directors with Robert “Bushy” Mitchell being reappointed.

The board is Robert “Bushy” Mitchell as President with Norm Innes, Mal Gregson, David Cross and Sean Doherty being joined by Finnis and O’Rorke

Matt Finnis formerly worked for one of Australia’s leading sports law practices and is presently working as a solicitor for the AFL Players Association. Don O’Rorke is currently principal and Managing Director of Consolidated Properties and is President of the Property Council of Australia - Queensland Division.

“Our two new directors bring with them a great deal of legal and commercial experience to the board and we look forward to them working with the returning directors” said Surfing Australia CEO Mario Agius.

www.surfingaustralia.com

BARBADOS

Englands Russell Winter Wins Reef Bowl 2005

 (November 7, 2005) – With overhead conditions, and a strong field of local and international surfers, British surfing legend Russell Winter was crowned winner of the first ever Reef Bowl held at Soup Bowls, Barbados. The four-man final featured surfers from Australia, England, the U.S. and a local surfer from Bathsheba, all vying for the $10,000 prize purse.

Russell, a former member of the WCT and England’s most successful surfer ever, is no stranger to the waters of Barbados. Russell has surfed Soup Bowls for the past twenty years giving him a keen inside knowledge of where to position himself. 

Russell commented after his win, “My game plan was to sit where I always sit and not get pushed too deep. Brad Gerlach helped me out a lot as well when he told me to relax my surfing, and to make sure I complete all my turns!”

The advice paid off as Russell was awarded the first ever Reef Bowl title, and a $3500 check for his victory.  

 FINAL RESULTS
1 Russell Winter (Eng) 
2 Leigh Sedley (Aus) 
3 Peter Hill (Bar) 
4 Ben Bourgeois (USA) 

Reef teamriders Bobby Martinez, Ben Bourgeois, Brad Gerlach, Leigh Sedley, Evan Valiere, Stephen Koehne and Heath Walker were all in Barbados to compete in the inaugural event, as well as shoot photos for the upcoming Reef ad campaign. 

Reef is one of the top active lifestyle brands, and the world’s leader in authentic, surf-inspired footwear. Since the company was founded twenty years ago, the product offering has expanded beyond footwear to include men’s apparel, and a new line of fashion bags for girls. Reef supports world-class athletes, including surfers Rob Machado and Mick Fanning, as well as top wakeboarders Scott Byerly and JD Webb. Reef enjoys a unique blend of the surf and sensuality combined with a fashion sensitivity, all blended together to create a vibrant, irreverent Brand identity. Reef is truly a global brand, and our products can be found in 5 continents in over 100 countries around the world.

Media Contact: Lindy Williams
Lindy_Williams@vfc.com

BRAZIL

Circuito Maresia Brasilero De Surf Amador De 2006
 
1ª etapa – MARACAÍPE, Pernambuco, March 3 - 5
2ª etapa – MARESIAS, São Paulo, April 28 - 30
3ª etapa – Bahia (Location to be chosen by Federação Baiana),  July 1 - 3
4ª etapa – MATINHOS, Paraná, September 1 - 3

For more information visit: www.cbsurf.com.br

CANADA

The Chilly Willy Boxing Day Surf Classic

(November 30, 2005) To be held on Dec 26th at Cow Bay Nova Scotia ...where the water temperature should be about 2-3C (35.6 - 37.4 F) and the air temperature might be -3 - +1 C  (26.6 F)… we hope! This contest is to be used as a CSA qualifier to pick part of the Canadian team for the World Juniors in Brazil and the World Surfing Games in 2006. This contest is being put on with the help of local Surf Shops and Billabong.

For more information, visit: http://www.thanksgivingclassic.tripod.com

COSTA RICA

Young Bucks Wipe Out Veteran Surfers At Pinilla Classic Date of Coasta Rica's Circuito Nacional De Surf
 
Tamarindo's Isaac Vega Hits Hard; Esterillos Munoz Bros, form dynasty; Jaco's Jason Torres Returns after year off

(November 28, 2005) – In a stunning upset based on “a new strategy where I really tried to stay focused and relaxed, allowing me to concentrate more, ” 18-year-old Isaac Vega from Tamarindo claimed 1st place Open in the Pinilla Classic of the 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS). Jaco’s Jason Torres, who returned to the water after a year away from competition, surfed away with 1st place Juniors.

Playa Esterillos’ Danny Bishko won for Boy’s, and Esterillos’ brother team of Carlos and Alberto Muñoz took the Grommet and Mini-Grommet crowns, respectively, in this past weekend’s 5-star point-valued contest that took place Saturday and Sunday under beautiful skies in the Little Hawaii area of Avellanas on the North side of the estuary.
 
Both days beginning at 6:30 a.m., excellent conditions developed in the early morning, with glassy, 1 to 3 foot waves and offshore winds, which held until noon, and then even as the tide went out in the afternoon, and the wind shifted, competitors received good sets, though smaller.

All in all, the Pinilla Classic results show that the young guns of surfing who have spent a few years in the CNS’ six years of existence have finally earned their stripes, blowing stalwart top-ranked guys out, heat after heat—54 heats in all, as 195 surfers inscribed for this date of the CNS, the most single-contest registrants ever.
 
Those heats also included not one new category, Junior Women’s (18 and younger), as previously announced, but two, with the spur-of-the-moment addition of Longboard Women’s on Saturday, bringing the total number of divisions at the Pinilla Classic to 11.  Another shock to the spectators relating to Women’s surfing in this country was that five-time Costa Rican National Champion Lisbeth Vindas (Jaco) did not win this Circuito date instead placing 3rd behind an unknown named Ana Caraway at 1st place and a tourist named Melody Mi in 2nd.

Even more surprising was Vindas’ announcement that she would only make one other CNS contest this year, instead traveling around the globe participating in the Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Surfing Tour leaving the Women’s category wide open for a new National Champion this year.

Vindas is excited to see the title change hands and has been working with Antonio Pilurzu, head of Costa Rica’s Federacion de Surf (FS) to develop Women’s surfing in Costa Rica. With 18 year olds and younger in the final four in the Open—Vega, Luis Vindas (Jaco), Torres, and Durby Castillo (Pavones)—the Muñoz brothers, Bishko and Torres’ Junior 1st place wins, Vindas semi-retirement, these stories signal more than the changing of the guard, but also signal the results of a lot of hard work, training and desire on the part of these new stars.
 
“Winning this contest was a hard job, especially when the waves got smaller,” Vega explained. “In that circumstance, I had to concentrate even more. This is a good victory that reflects all the long hours of training I’ve put in this last year, which I propose will help me go far in the sports world.”
 
Vega is currently sponsored by Quiksilver, Honeycutt Surfboards, Adio and Maresias Surf Shop. While it’s well-known in Jaco that radical surfer Torres never really trained much when he started surfing then winning contests, just put a board in the water and off he went. Now, with a year off from competition, and a big win as Junior Champion even this instinctive spitfire admitted, “I trained a lot in Jaco and Playa Hermosa. Thanks to God for this win.”
 
Turns out, that Carlos and Alberto, as well as Danny Bishko have also been getting special training as well in Esterillos. As part of the Rancho Coral team, they’ve been meeting every Saturday with 2002-03 CNS Champion Gilbert Brown for physical workouts. Brown has also been putting the kids through practice heats in the ocean.
 
“Feels deadly and the training with Gilbert Brown helped a lot!” screamed Carlos after he won his Grommet trophy and Carton surfboard. Brown and 2003-04 National Champ Nino Medrano’s efforts this year with the FS, training the Rancho Coral team as well as organizing their home Puerto Viejo team for Avellanas, complements the fact that Jaco, Quepos, Mal Pais, Nosara, Pavones and other Tico towns also sent teams to the Pinilla Classic demonstrating that the future of Costa Rican surfing is truly united in strength.
 
According to Pilurzu, Medrano, Brown and others, if the government can see the unification of the country’s surfing communities in order to support Tico youth, recognize the sport in the same way it does soccer, than that would go a long way in gaining respect from the sport around the world. It would also make fundraising for the Costa Rican National Surf Team easier.

In 2006, the young surfers need financial aid to represent Costa Rica in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru this January 15-23, the World Junior Championships in Maresias, Brazil May 6-14 and the World Surfing Games next October in Huntington Beach, California. Without the government endorsement, the FS must continue to seek sponsors and this is an tireless, and sometimes fruitless task, that can, at times result in disappointing the kids and making Costa Rica look less second-rate, Brown said.
 
“More young kids believe in the Circuito now because they’ve seen that from it a team surfed at two international workshops with the World Junior Surfing Championships (Tahiti, Huntington),” Medrano explained at the Pinilla Classic as he watched his prodigies. “In January, we’ve got to get a team together and raise the money to send kids to Peru for the Pan-American Games. All the kids want to be selected and are getting serious, and signing up for the Circuito get ranked to go to these contests.”
 
CNS head judge Yeffrey Rojas also noticed that the young kids on the beach this weekend were very dedicated to doing as well as possible in their heats, and learning about the system of competition that could elevate their surfing level. “Five years ago, no one was asking why they lost, or asking to see their heat sheets and scores,” Rojas recalled. “Today we have trained judges in the CNS system who take the time with the kids. They come up in the booth, ask us questions, so they can get better and learn. It was great to see all the little kids really happy to be competing and to see the level of surfing improved from last year.”
 
The CNS date at Little Hawaii today was the debut of the Pinilla Classic and the use of this area of beach at Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort and Residential Community.  According to Pinilla’s representation Cynthia Duran: “The reason we wanted to have the Circuito surf contest here at Hacienda Pinilla was to address the property owners’ energy with community activities and to help the kids. We knew the Federacion de Surf would help all those things with this contest. In addition, two of our owners have entered the Pinilla Classic. In the Masters (35 and over), Carl Harwin won 1st Place and Michael Cowart took 3rd Place.”

After the contest wrapped up at sunset on Saturday, 911 La Radio sponsored a Chillout Party free for the participants and spectators on the beach. Saturday night, Tamarindo’s Babylon Club hosted a packed-house party featuring deejays from 911 La Radio spinning a variety of dance music, including house, hip-hop, reggae, R&B, rock and electronic.
 
The international sponsors for the 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf are Red Bull, Quiksilver, Roxy, Billbabong and Freestyle. Costa Rica’s sponsors for the Pinilla Classic are Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort and Residential Community, Tamarindo Vista Villas, Babylon, Cabinas Arco Iris, Villa Alegre, Sueño del Mar, Hotel Pasatiempo, Sueño del Mar, The Backyard, Mango Surf & Skate, Chuck’s W.O.W. Surf Shop, Shifi Surf Shots, Liquid Solutions, Bevy Media Corp, Fischer Bros. Surfboard Designs, Banzaii, Carton, Teletica 7, 911 La Radio and Surfos Magazine.
 
The next Circuito Nacional de Surf date: Trofeo Vista Villas on December 17 and 18 in Playa Tamarindo

 
Surf Tourism Doubles to Costa Rica In the Last 3 years $273.3 Million Spent by 222,659 Surfers visting in 2004 - Costa Ricas Federation of Surf Estimates an Increase of 100 percent in teh next 3 years

 (November 23, 2005)   Antonio Pilurzu, President of Costa Rica’s Federation of Surf (FS) announced today that the number of tourists that visited the country in 2004 with the specific purpose of riding waves increased by more than double in the last three years. He cited statistics complied by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), which were released by Rafael Quesada, ICT’s Marketing Department Director, that were accumulated by the Tourist Board from an a survey compiled in the ICT’s Department of Statistics from Costa Rica’s two international airports, San Jose’s Juan Santamaria and Liberia’s Daniel Oduber.
 
The report stated that 222,659 visitors came to surf at Costa Rica’s beaches in 2004, exceeding the 101,014 in 2001, which at that time was equivalent to 12.4 percent of the total amount of vacationing arrivals to the country. For 2004, these numbers increased more than 100 percent, Pilurzu noted, when surfers that visited Costa Rica represented 20.5 percent of the 1,087,890 people that came into Costa Rica.
 
In addition, those 222,659 surfing tourists in 2004, generated $273.3 million in income for Costa Rica as they went in search of good waves. They stayed an average of 10.3 nights in the country, with a daily cost of $119.2. The total cost for the year was comprised of car rentals, lodging, food, souvenirs, tours, and related aspects of the sport.
 
With the recent political instability in Indonesia—a favored area for surf travelers—it seems likely that the surf tourism numbers to Costa Rica might increase even more as surfers seek an alternative international vacation destination this year. “All this information shows us the importance that surfing has for the national tourism industry here in Costa Rica,” Pilurzu said. “Certainly, Indonesia has been first in the hearts of surfers around the world, but now, it’s clear with the political situation there, that  more surfers will looking to Costa Rica, which is a non-military country, its very safe, and has lots of beautiful waves.”
 
Already, in this year’s first trimester, the ICT reports the registered entrance of 55,009 surfers.  So far, in the first three months of 2005, those surfers have stayed in Costa Rica an average of 9.6 nights and have purchased goods and services that value roughly $125 per day.
 
The extraordinary increase in Costa Rica surf tourism is good news to FS President Pilurzu as well as Latin America’s surf magazine Publisher and FS Board Member Christophe Commarieu. Pilurzu and Commarieu  are both glad that the numbers show the sport to be a contributor to the national economic bottom line while proving Costa Rica a force in international surfing.
 
“I have been in this industry for a lot of years, so these numbers are not a surprise,” Commarieu said. “We know how much money this sport brings to Costa Rica. The first wave of surfers who came here were more like explorers, camping at breaks, that kind of thing. Now, we are welcoming a second generation of surfers, a lot of travelers with high-buying power, who stay in hotels, rent cars, bring their families, eat in restaurants.”
 
Commarieu added that these surfers, along with the still-increasing surf camp and camping types, impact the economy in a positive way at thousands of small businesses and companies in beach towns like Puerto Viejo, Jaco, Tamarindo and Dominical, places where the financial growth is intimately tied to the surfing practice.
 
According to Pilurzu, there is room to promote the impact that surfing has on Costa Rica, as well as to publicize the natural breaks, waves, and athletes who come from this country to the world at large.

"These figures are incredible, but we are sure that for 2005 those numbers will increase further,” he stated confidently. “Everyone of us knows that tourism is very important for our national economy, and that’s why we need to keep strong. We have a plan to demonstrate to the world through videos, articles, television and magazines, through our Costa Rican National Surf Team, with the ICT, just what surfing and the surfing industry here has to offer. An effort of this type benefits the small businessman, hoteliers, restaurants, surfboard shapers, surf clothing companies, and related economic areas.”
 
The FS President estimated that in two or three years, the amount invested by fans of this sport during their travels to Costa Rica, will grow by at least 100 percent.

Costa Rica begins sixth annual Circuito Nacional De Surf Competition November 26 - 27 In Playa Avellanas- Six Month, Six Beach countrywide contest sponsored by International Companies Red Bull, Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong.
 
National Sponsors include: Cala Luna Hotel, Hacienda Pinilla, Tamarindo Vista Villas,  The Backyard, Mango Surf & Skate, Chuck’s W.O.W. Surf Shop, Shifi Surf Shots, Bevy Media Corp, Liquid Solutions, Fischer Bros., Banzaii, Carton, Teletica 7, 911 La Radio, Surfos Magazine           
                                                                                                                                          
(November 18, 2005) – Antonio Pilurzu, President of Costa Rica’s Federation of Surf (FS), announced today that 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS) will begin this year on November 26 and 27 in the Guanacaste province at Playa Avellanas. The 5-star Pinilla Classic, which begins at 6:30 a.m. Saturday on the North side of the river mouth, marks the kick off of the largest countrywide event yet, with approximately 160 surfers from Central America expected to register for the sixth annual competition that will ultimately visit six Costa Rican beaches in six months.
 
“Our greatest challenge—and it is a quality problem—is with the large number of competitive, qualified surfers growing so much,” reported Pilurzu. “We are working hard to keep our program flowing each day, make our sponsors happy, and we must continue to mentor and encourage the younger kids to move through the contest system to become the new Costa Rican champions of the future.”
 
To do this at the Pinilla Classic, the inscribed contestants will have to beat the 2004-05 winners which include the National Champion Alvaro Solano (Jaco), Women’s Champion Lisbeth Vindas (Jaco), Junior Champion Isaac Vega (Tamarindo), Boys Champion Jairo Perez (Jaco); Grommet Champion Ariel Aguero (Quepos), Mini-Grommet Champion Carlos Muñoz (Playa Esterillos), Longboard Champion Brennan Clark, Boogie Champion Walter Gatgens, Masters Champion Rick Thornsley.  Winners will vie for points that will earn them rankings—and trophies—as well as spots on the Tico National Surf Team. That team will travel to the prestigious Pan American Games 2005 in Lima, Peru on January 15 through 23, 2006
 
According to Pilurzu, one of the most important adjustments to the CNS curriculum this year is the addition of the new Junior Girls category to the program in order to give young ladies the same opportunity to move through the contest system that the males have had since the competition started six years ago. This was a change the FS recognized was needed when the board was unable to find a qualified girl surfer to meet the International Surfing Association (ISA) guidelines to compete in this past October’s World Junior Surfing Championships with the Costa Rican National Junior Team in Huntington Beach, California.
 
The new Junior Girls category allows young females; 18-and under, who are 17 years old as of January 1, 2006, to compete against similarly experienced other surfers. The CNS rules permit girls 16 years and younger, as well as 14 years and younger, and 12 years and younger to compete in the CNS heats designated Boys, Grommets and Mini-Grommets.
  
 “We’ve seen a lot of our boys compete in the Groms, Juniors and now the Open, and then in time, rank to travel with our team to international contests,” said Pilurzu. “I hope with the addition of this category, girls will come and participate, not just in the beach contests near to their home, but to all of the contests this year. That’s the only way that the girls can officially get to the next level. This is how our rules are set up; we follow the ISA recommendations for the WJSC and this is something that we really encourage in our Junior boys and now, we hope to do with the girls.”
 
The other categories for the CNS are Open, Womens, Junior Boys (18 years and under), Junior Girls (18 years and under), Boys (16 years and under), Grommets (14 years and under), Mini-Grommets (l2 years and under), Boogie, Longboard, and Masters (35 and over).
 
After the Pinilla Classic, the 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf will continue with a second contest called Trofeo Vista Villas on December 17 and 18 in Playa Tamarindo. The rest of the schedule is as follows: Copa Mango January 7 and 8 Playa Jaco, Copa Mango February 11 and 12 Playa Dominical, Copa Mango March 4 and 5 Playa Nosara, and the Grand Finals April 7 and 8 Playa Hermosa.
 
Copa Mango will maintain a separate rankings system within the CNS, made up of the contests of Jaco, Dominical and Nosara. Sponsored by the Mango Skate & Surf Shop chain of Costa Rica, this contest within a contest will add extra incentives to the athletes and will offer separate rewards to a winner of this separate circuit, while at the same time adding those winner’s points to the overall Circuito rankings as well.
 
Each Saturday at sunset during CNS, 911 La Radio will sponsor a Chillout Party, which is free for the participants and spectators on the beach. For the Pinilla Classic, there also will be a 9 p.m. party in Tamarindo at Babylon Club, where deejays from 911 La Radio will spin a variety of dance music, including house, hip-hop, reggae, R&B, rock and electronic. There will be late-night parties for every contest, so stay tuned for details and sponsor info as the individual contests are announced on the radio and in the media.
 
The international sponsors for the 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf are Red Bull, Quiksilver, Roxy and Billbabong. Costa Rica’s sponsors for the CNS are Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort and Residential Community, Tamarindo Vista Villas, The Backyard, Mango Surf & Skate, Chuck’s W.O.W. Surf Shop, Shifi Surf Shots, Liquid Solutions, Bevy Media Corp, Fischer Bros. Surfboard Designs, Banzaii, Carton, Teletica 7, 911 La Radio and Surfos Magazine
 
Ellen Zoe Golden
EllenZoe@aol.com
JLM PR
580 Broadway, Suite 1208
New York, New York 10012
212-431-5227; 212-431-6818--FAX

GERMANY

German Surfer Marlon Lipke Appointed Global "Goodwill Ambassador"

(November 4, 2005) The 21-year-old German Marlon Lipke has been appointed global “Goodwill Ambassador” in Humanitarian Affairs to fight against Land mines, HIV, Malaria, eradications, by Roman S. von Rupp, Founder of the Humanitarian Landmine Disposal Foundation, (HLDF)

Marlon Lipke 21, who lives in Portugal, is one of the leading Junior Surfers in the World and is proud to comment about his new challenge in the charity work: “I am very pleased to join in the humanitarian aspects. I will give my best in assisting and making my contribution to ease the misery/condition to those who are in need for. I always counted myself to the lucky ones, now being able to give back what life has given me and I am glad that Roman von Rupp has offered me this opportunity.”

The HLDF have been asked by Dr. Albino Malungo, former Minister of Social Services and present President of the Angolan Red Cross to help in Humanitarian Affairs. Dr. Malungo and Mr. von Rupp became friends during the Civil War in Angola, when humanitarian work shared a certain risk. Dr. Malungo said “I am visiting my friends in Portugal at the End of November 2005,I hope we come to conclusions how to deal with strategies in the future. Landmines, HIV and Malaria are a threat to the political stability of a land, which weakens the economical strength enormously; it also kills unnecessary innocent people.
 
Landmine
There are 80 to 119 million residual landmines across the world which continues to pose a deadly hazard to the civilian population – in other words, that means one landmine for every 16th child in the world.

HIV
Since 1981 more than 20 million people have died already of AIDS. Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans.

In December 2004 a worldwide study on women diagnosed with aids revealed that 47 % were for in Africa, in the region sub-Saharan Africa even 57 % of the women are infected with aids.

Worldwide more than 6,000 are becoming infected with the deadly virus every day; half of the new HIV carriers are young people, between the ages of 15-24 years.

In 2004 approximately five million adults and children became infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes the deadly AIDS. By the end of the year 2004 an estimated 39.4 million people worldwide were carrying the HIV or have already developed AIDS. In that year more than three million aids deaths have taken its toll, despite the availability of HIV antiretroviral therapy, which has considerably reduced the number of deaths in high-income countries.

From the 6.5 million people in developing and transitional countries, who are in desperate need of life-saving AIDS drugs and won’t get them, only 1 million of those are receiving them. Source: WHO

Malaria:
WHO estimates that the disease kills 3,000 children every day. Each year, 300 to 500 million people develop malaria and 1.5 to 3 million –most of them children – die. Malaria is endemic in more than 100 countries, which are visited by more than 125 million international travellers every year.

During his stay in the States Mr. von Rupp has worked with large global sponsors like Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford Foundation, with governments from affected countries and the world community. HLDF and Marlon Lipke are ready to take part in trying to make the ecological and humanitarian disaster become a thing of the past.
 
Help us make it happen.
 
All corporations are non-profit public benefit corporations and are not organized for the private gain of any person.

They are organized under the Non/profit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes.
The aim of all the organized corporations is, to create an environment in where people can live more safely and in which economic and social development can occur freely from the constraints imposed by contamination, disease and land mines. 

The foundation is of benefit to the public and needs external support to conduct its tasks.
With your help, HLDF means to save lives and preserve the physical integrity of many people who have to live in depressed areas.

Following are some possibilities to support the foundation:
·      Donations of all supporting types
·      Contributions that result in public approval and good will for the donor
·      Donations of goods and / or services
·      Donation of fines
·      Donations from commemorating personal or company events
·      Inheritances and Legacies
·      Personal foundations and funds
·      Gratis co-operation, including public works or administration of the foundation.

HLDF
Attn. M.T. Salzmann
20 rue Adrien-Lachenal
1207 Geneva, Switzerland

IRELAND

Important Information
(November 8, 2005)
Calendar of events 2006
The Irish Surfing Association is currently finalizing the Calendar of events for next year. This current year saw over 15 Irish Surfing Association sanctioned events from team selection contests to fun and craic events. A detailed report on all of this year will be published at the end of the year. For now it is taking up a lot of time arranging everything that's happening next year. 

It is a good idea to note that there are now more fun and socially oriented events than there are competitive ones. This is a great balance between the two and unusual for National governing bodies around the world.
Next year will see even more events added to the calendar with our most inland surfers (Laois) running an event next year also! When we have this calendar finalized we will publish it on the website. A reminder to all clubs and groups to send anything you may want on this event calendar as soon as you can.

TEAMS

Selection events
Also next year we need to have the teams selected as soon as possible for the 3 major international events (World Juniors -May in Brazil, Euro Juniors -July in Jersey and world games in California Early Oct.). More details on this soon. But there will be changes from previous years to make sure teams are selected by late spring. The Selection committee will decide these very soon. There are several reasons for this but air travel is the main one as fight costs /hotels etc are very expensive when not booked well in advance.
All events next year will require club membership cards for entry to event.

There will be no individual competition membership next year. Membership cards will be requested at all events. This is an insurance situation and we have no choice in the matter. All Groups and Clubs have to make sure this is done, as this is an Irish Surfing Association insurance priority. This covers organisers of all events from possible liability unless of course serious negligence can be proven. We have very good insurance in the Irish Surfing Association covering events, third party insurance, etc. and we don't want to jeopardise what we have.
 
Environment
On the environmental front the Irish Surfing Association is working against a few developments around the Country and are battling sewerage issues, planning permissions, and access issues here and there.
For the most part these are behind the scenes and are dealt with at local level. We are trying to take care of these without putting them in the limelight. One or two people have said we are doing very little about certain issues. However To get political or militant and expose these issues for the most part may be detrimental to the cause and as such we have to handle them carefully. And also the Irish Surfing Association is only as strong as the local club or group. If there is an issue locally (no matter where it is) local surfers have to get involved and form a group or club if one does not exist already. The issue then becomes national and through the Irish Surfing Association will have the support of thousands of Irish Surfing Association members, and its associated groups and clubs.
We will in the next month or two be setting up a list of Irish Surfing Association members willing to assist other surfers in various areas with environmental issues. This will be on the website as soon as possible. There are many highly qualified people in specific areas such as Engineering, planning, environmental areas etc. within the Irish Surfing Association and we hope that we can set up a network whereby local groups/clubs can get assistance when required. It has to be stressed that local issues have to be fought locally as well as Nationally and the Irish Surfing Association is not in a position to move in alone. This is the main reason for forming a club or group.
 
Approved Surf schools
The up to date list of ISA approved surf school is on the Irish Surfing Association website.
There are still some Schools who are not approved by the Irish Surfing Association but are still misleading the public that they are. A surf school in Clare has a van with a large Irish Surfing Association logo on it and is not approved. A surf School in Waterford has Irish Surfing Association approved on their website when they are not so approved. The Irish Surfing Association would like to have them approved and be part of the system and they have been given plenty of time to do this. It is their choice to do whatever they want but they cannot and will not be allowed to continue to mislead the public by stating that they are Irish Surfing Association approved when they are not. Solicitor's letters will be sent to all concerned very soon with letter to Co. Councils also.
 
All Irish Surfing Association Surf schools have to renew their approval before 31st March 2006. The Irish Surfing Association will be sending out 2006 renewals to approved schools shortly.

Irish Team Arrives Home

(November 2, 2005) The Irish team arrived home today from Portugal following their 8th position in the European Surfing Championships. All in all a very good performance despite being down as far as tenth place, at one stage, the enduring fighting spirit of Mike Morgan, Cain Kilcullen and Nicole Morgan in particular managed to make sure the Irish finished one place up on last time out at Gran Canaria two years ago. Yet the whole Irish team has to be praised and the manner at which they contested this event, the spirit and the whole feeling surrounding this very young team is hard to convey in just a few words. But they were magnificent as always in every way. They were up against the odds, no doubt about it, with many of the so-called smaller nations' selection criteria quite different from ours.
 
Home Grown
The Irish Team is fully home grown and is selected from Squad training and contest results. There is no room, no matter how good a surfer is, to fly in and join the team without joining the squad system first.
Although any foreign surfer with an Irish Passport can surf for Ireland and would be very welcome to do so, the commitment is usually far too great. And Surfing is far more than just contests and results or placing at International events. The balance is very fine and I would like to think that we have that balance here in Ireland. The system we have in place benefits and encourages younger surfers to surf for their country and be proud.
 
Recent results
Our Junior results have been excellent in recent years and we finished in the top five for the last few years at European level and we have had some marvelous results at world level also. This team, for the most part, is that Junior team developing into the Senior team, Irish Surfers from all around Ireland surfing for Ireland.
 
Growing stronger
In the last few years this Irish Team have gradually got stronger and in the next few years the team will continue to improve, have no doubt about that.

I would like to congratulate all the team and the Irish squad for their efforts and commitment and like also to thank, Manager Steve Burns, Assistant manager Marcus Dias, and Irish Judge Daniel Gow. The work they do is very difficult and often without thanks but without them the team and these trips away would be impossible to undertake. Many other people also give up so much time and energy for this and also deserve a mention: Parents  (both of team members and of those on the Squad and in clubs), Local contest and club officials throughout Ireland, North and South, Sponsors and fundraisers, club coaches and surfers who give up some of their time to help out the beginners and grommets, and Irish Coach Tom Hickey who puts so much effort into the Squad system. I would also like to thank Eilish Buckley who worked so hard at the Europeans and at many Irish contests and who assisted at the European Surfing Federation meeting in Portugal.
 
Is it all about winning?
And the final word goes back to point out again that competitive surfing in Ireland is very important. Young Irish people traveling the world surfing, meeting surfers of all different nationalities.  It's not all about winning and everyone knows that. The spirit and adventure that comes with these events are very special and will live in the memory for a lifetime and the fact that they had the very special privilege of representing their Country will never be forgotten.

 In ending I would like to ask if any Irish Team Surfers from the past would like to get involved in ISA work including getting teams away, squad development, contests etc. or feel like putting something back into surfing please get in touch as we are very short of people to help out in these areas.

Michael Sceach Kelly (Chairperson)

NEW ZEALAND

Keropa Blazes to Victory in Tight Billabong Pro FinalEREOPA 
 
(November 26, 2005) Daniel Kereopa (Rag) managed to pull out all stops where it counted as he surfed to victory in the Billabong Pro at St Clair Beach, Dunedin today (Sunday).  After admitting to some indifferent form in the preliminary rounds, Kereopa took a strangle hold on the final when he surfed an early wave to a score of 8.25.  From there Kereopa never relinquished his lead, as the 1.0m surf appeared to deteriorate with the incoming tide.  The Billabong Pro represents the third event on the 2005/06 Lion Red Pro Surfing Tour.
 
The final quickly became a three horse race with the in-form Bobby Hansen posting two good scores of 7.0 while Luke Cederman (Rag) posted the final-high 8.75 to remain in contention for the title.  The fourth finalist, Ben Kennings (WGM) failed to catch any waves of quality and his problems were compounded when he was called for an interference midway through the final. 
 
Kereopa eventually backed up his first wave with a 6.65 to strengthen his lead leaving Luke Cederman requiring a 6.0 on his last wave only to be scored a 5.4.  Cederman managed to move into second on his last wave pushing Hansen back to third with Kennings finishing in fourth.
 
Earlier in the day Kennings and Cederman beat Blair Stewart (Gis) and Danny Carse (Dun) in semi final one while Hansen and Kereopa beat Justin Souter (Mnt) and Chris Millett (Mur) in semi final two.
 
The win elevates Kereopa to first on the 05/06 Lion Red Pro Surfing Tour after three of the six scheduled events.  Should Kereopa continue his run of good form he will be gunning for his fifth Series win (2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005).
 
Paige Hareb (Tara) took the full 25 minutes of the Open Women’s final before she could claim victory.  Hareb opened the final with a good wave but it wasn’t until the dying stages of the final when she surfed her second good scoring ride to win her first Open Women’s title at the age of 15.  Jessica Santorik (Rag) finished second ahead of Kara Stephenson (Rag) and Christchurch’s Daisy Thomas with all girls struggling to find many good waves.
 
Hareb strengthens her lead on the ratings having surfed four events compared with Santoriks’ three.  Both girls have now opened up a healthy lead ahead of their fellow competitors.
 
Dean Amess (WGM) found all the good waves in the Junior Men’s (U18) final to walk away with a relatively easy win.  Amess opened up with a long wave that he rode right to the beach to score 7.25.  Late in the heat Amess managed to find another good wave completing several big turns out the back before riding it through to the inside section.  Richard Christie (Mah), Luke Hughes (Rag) and Keone Campbell (Tara) all struggled to link their waves to the inside section and had to settle for the minor placings finishing second through fourth.
 
Hughes’ third placing is enough to retain his lead on the ratings while Amess jumps three spots to second after securing 2000 ratings points.
 
High-resolution images are available free of charge upon request.  For more information on the event please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or Scott Casey – 021 728234.  Alternatively email Surfing New Zealand - benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
 
HyUNDAI SURFS TO NATIONAL PROFILE

(November 23, 2005) Hyundai hits the beach this summer, supporting the national surfing championship and its organisers.
 
Hyundai is the major sponsor of the 2006 Hyundai National Surfing Championships at Ahipara in the Far north, 7 to 14 January.
 
The fast-rising South Korean vehicle brand also sponsors Surfing NZ, with a range of quality SUVs.
 
"Hyundai owners are people who - like surfers - enjoy living life by their own rules as our phrase 'Drive your way' suggests, while getting out there and enjoying life, so we are keen surfing fans,” commented the Brand Manager of Hyundai Automotive NZ Quentin Drain.
 
“We are right in behind the sport and we’re looking forward to a big summer, especially the nationals which promise so much this year.”

The Hyundai National Championships will see surfers attempting to rewrite the record books again after last year’s stellar performance by then 16-year-old Richard Christie (Gis) who surprised everyone by becoming the youngest ever Open Men’s National Champion as well as winning the Junior Men (Under 18) title. 
 
Other defending champions in 2006 include Jessica Santorik (Open Women) and Michael Fitzharris (Longboard).
 
Twenty divisions are contested at the event ranging from Under 14 Boys to Over 50 Men as well as shortboard, longboard, kneeboard and bodyboard disciplines. 
 
Surfing New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Townsend says the organisation is rapt to have Hyundai involved.
 
“The National Champs is the longest running surfing event in New Zealand, holds the most prestige and gathers together the biggest field of surfers of any surfing event staged in New Zealand, so what better event for Hyundai to be part of?”
 
Mr Townsend says the new sponsorship deal will complement the current relationship that sees Surfing New Zealand staff at the wheel of Hyundai Terracan,  Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs. 
 
“What better place to put the vehicles through their paces than in the Far North where the event could be staged around the reef at Shipwreck Bay, up the coast along 90 Mile Beach or zapping over to the East Coast?” he added.
 
Hyundai, named as SPARC Media Sponsor 2004, is noted for its backing of a range of New Zealand sports organisations and individuals. Last month it launched Pinnacle, a national mentor organisation for top young sportspeople.
 
Internationally the brand is a key player at the Olympics, soccer and other sports.
 
In New Zealand and worldwide Hyundai is riding a wave of success with a quality range of cars and SUVs delivering safety and value.
 
Attached is the official entry form for the 2006 Hyundai National Surfing Championships.
 
Further info
Hyundai Automotive NZ Ltd, please contact
Quentin Drain
Brand Manager
09 574 1944
qdrain@hanz.co.nz
 
Hyundai National Surfing Championships, please contact:
Ben Kennings
Surfing New Zealand
(07) 825 0018 or 021 2278732
benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz

SANTORIK ‘DOUBLE’ AT THE AUAHI KORE AOTEAROA MAORI TITLES
 
(November 19, 2005) Local Ngati Tama surfer Leon Santorik only rode two waves in the final of the Auahi Kore Aotearoa Maori Titles but that was all it took for him to win the Billabong Open Men’s division.  A stoked Santorik recently back from a stint in Australia dominated for much of the weekend and relished being back surfing his home break.  A combined two-wave total of 16.00 gave Santorik an easy win in the end.  However, it wasn’t until the last five minutes that he jumped from fourth to first with an 8.75 point ride after only having ridden one wave in first fifteen minutes.  The first to congratulate Santorik was his younger sister Jess after she had just came ashore victorious in the Roxy Open Women’s, the win completing the double that eluded them eleven months ago at the National Champs.
 
Daniel Kereopa (Tainui) was an obvious favourite to win the event and he looked good throughout the final but uncharacteristically fell on his best wave, which may well have cost him the title.  Kereopa had to settle for third behind Chris Malone (Te Aitanga a Mahaki) who weaved his smooth as silk magic scoring 14.0 in the final.  Mike Banks (Ngati Toa) was his usual cutting edge best.  The strategy had worked for Banks all day but in the final he came unstuck all too often placing a crowd pleasing fourth.
 
The swell and wind defied predictions remaining a consistent 1.0m with light sea breezes all day making for enjoyable viewing for the large crowd of spectators that gathered at Manu Bay.
 
Earlier in the day Kereopa and Malone surfed one of the best heats of the event to eliminate James Fowell (Ngati Kanohi) and AJ Matthews while Santorik and Banks eliminated Jarrod Toomey (Kahunungu) and Sam Mathers (Waikato).
The Roxy Open Women’s division was highlighted by the first set of the 20-minute final as all four girls traded off perfect waves.  Out of that battle it was Jessica Santorik (Ngati Tama) that stood a top her opponents with an 8.75.  From there the four girls knew it was all up for grabs and everyone played witness to some of the best women’s surfing seen in this country.  Kelly Clarkson (Te Arawa) was her usual powerhouse self but came unstuck at the end of a couple of waves that proved costly as she placed second behind Santorik.  Santorik scored a 6.75 on her last wave five minutes from the end of the final for the win.  Lisa Hurunui looked electric on her best wave but could not find a 7.0 to back up her 8.50 that she scored on her first wave.  Mischa Davis (Nga Puhi) finished in fourth requiring a combination of two waves to take the title but she did not disappoint the crowd showing some glimpses of what she is capable of.
 
Daniel Kereopa (Tainui) took it to the field in the Hyundai Longboard division working his way to a huge 18.25 point score.  It wasn’t until Kereopa rode his last two waves that his true ability levels came out when he scored 9.50 and 8.75 on consecutive waves leaving all but James Atutahi (Nga Puhi) requiring a combination of rides to win.  Kereopa was throwing all nine foot of his board around like it was of the shorter variety and even nailing some old school walking of the board for good measure.  Ahutahi came in second after riding the biggest wave of the final, cracking it all the way down the point sliding the tail out.  Jason Matthews (Te Atiawa) narrowly finished in third with Tommy Swann (Rongowhakaata) in fourth.
 
Morehu Roberts proved to be unstoppable in the Rip Curl Under 18 Boys today going on to convincingly win the final.  Not being able to defend his Open Men’s title, Roberts (Rongowhakaata) looked to take revenge on his fellow finalists in the Under 18s scoring 16.25.  A first wave score of 9.00 gave him an early lead and he scored 7.25 on his last wave to make sure the win was in the bag.  Tim O’Connor (Nga Puhi) made a late charge on his last two waves to push into second place ahead of Richard Christie (Nga Puhi) who didn’t turn it on until his last 8.0 point ride in the final to finish third.  Double finalist Joseph Kelly could not improve on his fourth in the Under 16s but would have to be stoked with his results this weekend.
 
Bodhi Whitaker (Ngati Whakaue) chalked a rare one up over good buddy and fellow national representative Tim O’Connor (Nga Puhi) in the Volcom Under 16s.  The win was based around his first ride of 8.0 where he smashed the lip all the way down Manu Bay for the highest single wave score of the final.  O’Connor couldn’t find the set waves and had to settle for second scoring 13.10.  Brooke Elliot (Te Arawa) placed third with 8.75 and Joseph Kelly in fourth scoring 8.25.
 
James Fowell (Ngati Kanohi) was on fire all weekend and after making it to the semi finals of the Open Men’s went one round better in the Rapu Over 30s and put on another stellar performance that clinched him the title for 2005.  His first wave of 7.25 was backed up by a 5.75 early in the piece to hold off Phillip Willoughby from claiming two titles.  Clint Daly (Ngati Porou) placed third with a score of 10.70 and defending champion Shaun Coffey placed fourth.
 
In the Bodyline Over 35s, double finalist Phillip Willoughby (Ngati Porou) stormed to victory scoring 14.25 in the finals including an 8.0-point ride early in the final to scare off the other three contestants.  Warren Asplin (Waikato) came home in second place narrowly ahead of Jason Matthews (Te Atiawa) and Raihi Rutene (Te Aitanga a Mahaki).
 
It was a fiercely fought battle in the Mormaii Over 40s with Te Kauhoe Wano (Te Atiawa) and Dano Waiwiri (Te Atiawa) going head to head.  Waiwiri got a late wave to challenge Wano but his score of 5.0 was not enough to take the lead and Wano came in the victor.  Andy Matuku finished in third place with Douglas Te Ranga finishing fourth.

For more information please contact event coordinator Steve Ria 0212278731 or email – steveria@surfingnz.co.nz.  Alternatively contact Ben Kennings on 0212278732 or benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
 
Principally sponsored by Auahi Kore the 2005 Aotearoa Maori Surfing Titles are also supported by Bodyline, Roxy, Toa, Mormaii, Billabong, Rip Curl, Rapu, Hyundai and Volcom.
 
The event would not be possible with out the assistance of Te Roopu Ngaru Toa and Surfing New Zealand.

HICKS HAMMERS IT HOME AT OCEAN N EARTH PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAMPS
 
(November 13, 2005) This weekend past, Johnny Hicks (Gis) who had travelled nine hours to get to the Ocean n Earth Primary School Championships came out on top of a large field of year 6-8 surfers.  Looking dominant throughout the day Hicks opened up in the final with a heat-high 8.00 after smashing the lip out the back and coming onto the inside to perform a smooth ‘floater’ to finish the wave.  As a long time competitor on the Surfing New Zealand Grommet Series, Hicks looked at home competing in the 2-3ft wind affected conditions that Oakura Beach offered up.
 
Hicks was challenged by Ben Poulter (Wai Bch) early on after Poulter almost matched Hicks scoring a 7.0 on his best wave of the final.  After that Poulter went on the search for another but came up short when Hicks hammered it home with a late 7.25 point ride for a 15.25 heat total compared with Poulter’s 11.75.
 
Blake Myers (WGM) stuck to his game plan also getting some excellent waves out the back but came unstuck a couple of times restricting his scoring potential.  However, Myers finished a credible third ahead of the lone Hawkes Bay surfer Jesse Trafford who impressed everyone with some big turns while progressing through to the final ahead of some seasoned campaigners.  Jesse will take a lot of confidence out his performance and we are guaranteed to see him at more events in the future.
 
In the girls division the yearlong tussle between Grace Speirs and Alexis Poulter was taken up where it left off at the last event.  The girls were challenged by the conditions as the tide dropped for their final.  Speirs scored a 5.50 as the highest wave of the final and while Poulter is notorious for taking on the big stuff out the back, she couldn’t find ‘that’ wave and had to settle for second this time around.  Two local girls Lucy Brankin and late entrant Kendra Hartley put in a brilliant effort to make it to the final with the two girls finishing third and fourth respectively.
 
Oakura Boardriders Clubrooms was the scene of the prize giving where the Ocean n Earth products dished out to the seething mass of hungry groms.  In a bizarre twist of fate it was the Poulters, Ben and Alexis, after both placing second that walked away with the premium quality board bags.
 
For further information regarding the Ocean n Earth Primary School National Championships, please contact Ben Kennings at Surfing New Zealand 021 2278732, benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
 
The 2005 Ocean n Earth Primary School National Championships was sponsored by Ocean n Earth and would not have been possible without the support of Oakura Boardriders and Surfing New Zealand.

Around the Surfing Traps
(November 8, 2005)
Capital City Challenge Cancelled for 2005. Unfortunately the Wellington Capital City Surfing Challenge (scheduled for 3rd and 4th of Dec) has been cancelled for 2005.  After extensive efforts were made to secure funding for the event, time eventually ran out and with Christmas fast approaching the decision was made to look toward the event being staged in 2006.  We will keep you posted on dates for the event in 2006.
 
Mason Wins Queensland Championship Circuit
 Australian based Kiwi girl Airini Mason continues to go from strength to strength and her surfing future has never looked brighter than after last weekend.  Mason took out the Open Women’s Division of the Billabong Queensland Championship Circuit in Australia.  As well as the Open Women’s title Mason also won the Under 18 Women’s title at the tender age of 15.
 
In winning the Open Women’s title Mason gains a wildcard entry into the Roxy Pro, a World Championship Tour (WCT) event to be held in Queensland next year.  The Roxy Pro caters for the best 16 female surfers in the world and Airini Mason will get her first chance to surf against the highest calibre athletes surfing has to offer.
 
Mason also gets to contest the Australian Titles after being selected for the Queensland team.  The Aussie titles are held later this year with the Roxy Pro scheduled for early March 2006.
 
Auckland Champs Go Off Without A Hitch
 A fortnight ago it was A.I. Maz, Parko, Sunny and Occy. Last weekend [November 5-6] it was some of the ‘09's’ as well as the nation's best surfers congregating on South Piha again for the Auckland Champs.  The four divisions, Billabong Open, Rip Curl Juniors, O'Neill Seniors and Roxy Women’s were held in average but nevertheless very contestable conditions, similar to the surf sessions weekend albeit nicer weather.
 
On Saturday Tim O'Connor wowed the crowd with two spectacular air reverses in his heats, awarding him the Volcom Best Air title and massive prize pack hands down.  Raglan's Billy Stairmand impressed officials by competing in both the Juniors and the Open, making the finals and semis respectively.  Stairmand walked away the Rusty surfboard as the most improved surfer.  As well as taking out the Billabong Open Men’s Division, Justin Souter also won a $600 Quiksilver voucher for the highest heat score, only just ahead of Raglan's Zennor Wernham.
 
Keyhole would also like to thank Razor Surfboards, DVS Shoes and Electric Eyewear for their on going support.
 
Ocean and Earth National Primary School Championships
The Ocean and Earth National Primary School Championships are scheduled for this weekend (12th – 13th December) at Oakura Beach in Taranaki.  Young grommets from all over the North Island have been sending in their entries to make sure they are included in the event.
 
For the majority of surfers contesting the event, it is the beginning of their competitive surfing careers.  Surfing for either their school or individually they will hit the water for two days until winners are found in the stand up, bodyboard and kneeboard divisions.  Entry forms are still available on the Surfing New Zealand website www.surfingnz.co.nz.  For all other enquiries on the event, please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
 
Big Incentive For Northlanders To Enter National Championships
Northland surfers now have another great reason to enter the 2006 Surfing New Zealand National Surfing Championships, being held in the Far North, from January 6th –14th 2006. All valid Northland entrants will go in the draw for an Island Holidays Surf Travel spot prize, valued at over $1000, to be claimed at the final night’s prize giving.
 
Nearly all of Northland’s surf retailers and surf schools have pitched in to provide the prize in the desire to see as many Northlanders as possible enter the event. “Here’s our chance to compete at the highest level” said Mark Shanks, Northland Surfing Association chairperson and local event coordinator, “We are hoping Northlanders can win some of the 22 separate divisions at the Championships. We have local knowledge as an advantage, so let’s use it!”
 
Surfing New Zealand expects up to 400 entrants for next year’s event, making it the largest ever in the 43-year history of the Championships. The previous record for attendance was for the 1998 Nationals, also held in the Far North. “If we can get 40–50 entries from Northland it will really build our competitive base” said Shanks. “Local clubs will be able to capitalise on this growth and start to develop talent so that Northland can once again be a dominant force in New Zealand surfing.”
 
As a prelude to the Nationals two surfing competitions are scheduled for early summer. Firstly the She Surfs 2, a women’s only event at Shipwreck Bay on Sunday November 27th, and the resurrection of the Fuller’s Cup Interclub Contest, again to be held at Far North beaches on Saturday December 11th. Both contests will provide much needed preparation for Northland aspirants and also foster a cohesive spirit for all Northland surfers entering the Nationals.   For more information on these events, please contact Mark Shanks 09 4094009 or 0274 912974.
 
Reminder – SNZ Staff Have Changed Cellular Networks
 A friendly reminder to everyone that the staff at Surfing New Zealand has recently switched to the Vodafone cellular network.  If you have not made the changes in your phone book please update your records now.
 
Greg Townsend – 021 372146
Ben Kennings – 021 2278732
Steve Ria – 021 2278731
 
If you require any further information on these news items, please contact Ben Kennings at Surfing New Zealand on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.  Free high-resolution images are available for some of the above-mentioned surfers.
 
Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by Lion Red, Vodafone, Hyundai, SPARC, Smokefree
 
Ben Kennings
Surfing New Zealand
benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz
www.surfingnz.co.nz
Surfing New Zealand are proudly supported by Lion Red, Vodafone, Hyundai, SPARC and Smokefree

PANAMA

New Recored for Panamanian Gary Saavedra

(November 11, 2005) This past weekend, on Playa Venao in Panama, Gary Saavedra  became a living legend as he was crowned the 11th time Panamanian National Champion of Surf. With this feat, Saavedra, who was born in Chitré, leaves an indelible mark in the history of surf in Panama.

With waves of great quality, reaching between three to five feet, the Circuito Nacional de Surf RCM- ATLAS 2005 was contested this past Sunday. During both days of the competition, the waves were impeccable. And in the final instance, they were delayed; as the wait between sets increased so did the tension of the competitors.

It was like this, when only twenty-five seconds before the final blast, in came a perfect set. The on-fire champion chose a right, which he rode, to full advantage until the last maneuver. As soon as the official announcement arrived, Saavedra threw his board into the air and began to celebrate his new crown with his family.

After a huge embrace, the great champion exclaimed, "I am very happy to be able to share with my family this new triumph in my career. This is something very important to me and I am thankful for everything surf and Panama have given me. It is very comforting to know that this marks the way for new generations."

In the race to the title that meant a new record in the history of Panamanian surf, the regular from Chitré won four of the six stages of the RCM- ATLASES 2005 circuit, in addition it obtained a second in the fifth date disputed in Rio Mar to a competition could not attend due to the ALAS 2005 Tour.

On a telephone call with Surf Press, the man with 11 national championship victories, assured that even in this incredible moment, he was still very confident that he will continue to take surfing in Panama to the next level, each time he participated in an international competition.

" I want to thank to my sponsors for their continued support, without them it would not have been possible to get ahead in the race throughout the years.  I feel that I have reached something very important and the truth is I want to share it with all those that were always at my side ", a happy Saavedra emphasized.

With this new landmark, Gary Saavedra prepares for the last dates of the ALAS circuit where he is located in 16th position with 18654 points.
 
Gary Saavedra is sponsored by: Billabong, Red Bull, Nissan X-trail, Reef, Atlas, Von Zipper, Byrne Surfboards, Free Style, Prolite, Futures Fins, Copa Airlines, Super Deportes.

Submitted by Sebastián Chacón: surfpress@speedy.com.ar

PERU

Lan Renews Confidence in Sofia MulanovichH

(November 24, 2005) The airline company LAN, faithful in its policy of unconditional support in Peruvian Sport, has renewed its contract and confidence in the 2004 World Champion of Surf Sofía Mulanovich. The LAN sponsorship began months before our queen obtained the crown in December of last year. Now, at the door once again of a new season, LAN considers this an opportune moment to promote Sofía and wish her the best of luck.

According to LAN General Manager Vlamir Domic, "It is with satisfaction that LAN continue supporting national sport and what better way to do that than through the promise of Sofía Mulanovich whom we have accompanied from the beginning of the ASP Women’s Tour. Nevertheless, we think that this promise has become reality and we are proud to have contributed to her success."

"We have the firm conviction that she is one of the best representatives of national and international sport and therefore an example for Peru. Sofía is like a mirror for the youth of our country. We predict more luck, "added the high civil employee. To two weeks before the 2005 title is defined between Sofía and Chelsea Georgeson, LAN declares its presence and encouragement with facts and not only words to Peruvian sport.

This sponsorship will continue until almost the end of the next year, LAN becoming the first company to renew with Sofía for the 2006 Tour.  "In victory or defeat, Sofía is an example to follow. And LAN hopes that this example is recognized by other sponsors that support young people who leave Peru to defend with dignity and in sacrifice of the patriots’ colors. The success of Peruvian sport depends to a large extent on the support of private companies, "concludes Mr. Domic.

Hans – Peter Firbas: hfirbas@terra.com.pe

PORTUGAL

Surf and Bodyboard in Prominence at the 10th Gala of Sports

(November 11, 2005) The Sports Confederation of Portugal (CDP) held the 10th Gala of Sports on November 10th at the Estoril Casino, celebrating 2005 as the UN International Year of Sports recognizing the role that sports have over the development and integration of nations.

In this great and eclectic Portuguese Gala of Sports, the Sports Confederation of Portugal distinguished many personalities and organizations that had been illustrious in 2005. Bodyboard and surfing were in the spotlight because of the efforts of the Portuguese Surfing Federation.

One of the greatest moments of the night was the homage to the 2004/2005 sport movement and of the European and World Champions society, recognizing individuals and also junior and seniors teams.

The Portuguese Surfing Federation (FPS) was held in distinction, and the European Champions were recognized, including the National Team as a group, who recently won the Eurosurf competition. The athletes and managers of the Portuguese Surfing Federation were:

Open Surf: Miguel Ximenez
BodyBoard: Rita Pires
Master Surf: Pedro Araújo
BodyBoard: Hugo Pinheiro
Merit of Sports: José Sousa Braga

The FPS presence in the Estoril Casino was notable, not only in terms of number of people in attendance, but also because of the great temperament demonstrated, which was constantly being complimented by the announcer of the night. Everyone who attended the 10th Gala of Sports got to know the power that surfing and body boarding have in Portugal; these sports represent a great part of the country, locally and also internationally.

The Portuguese Surfing Federation gives thanks to the Sports Confederation of Portugal (CDP) for this event.

We hope that in 2006, the Portuguese Surfing Federation continue to be strong in the Gala of Sports, with more ambitions and to continue representing Surfing and Bodyboarding (and also Longboard, Skate,
Skimming) in the heart of the Portuguese sports community.

See you there! Nice waves!

For more information check out FPS’ Website: www.surfingportugal.com
Translated by ISA Intern Cristiana Tepedino

Portuguese team recieves yoga classes during the Eurosurf 2005

(November 1, 2005) This was first time that Yoga and the Surf were together at the European Surf Championship to demonstrate the spectacular benefits of Yoga applied to Surf.
 
The New European Surf Champions had Yoga-Sámkhya classes every day during this championship to improve their concentration and the team spirit and also to get fast and complete physical recovery after each day of intense competition.
 
Guillerme Bastos, President of the Portuguese Surf Federation was deeply satisfied with the performance of the Portuguese Team, adding, "Yoga was a wonderful practice for our team, an initiative to be continued ".
 
The YOGA CENTER of COSTA DE CAPARICA specializing in Yoga for Surfers and LUSA YOGA ASSOCIATION were present at the EuroSurf 2005

For more information on the Yoga Center of Costa de Caparica: E-mail: yogacaparica@yahoo.com
More information about Lusa Association of Yoga - http://www.yoga-samkhya.org

SOUTH AFRICA

Dog and Micha Christmas Party
 (November 28, 2005) Surfing South Africa is holding a Christmas party for the children from the Western Cape development surfing clubs, C Dog and Micah, on Saturday December 3.
 
As you know these children come from disadvantaged areas and marginalized homes. Many suffer abuse at home and in their community and are constantly at risk from gangs and drugs.

The girls and young women in these communities are especially at risk, even from an early age and life in these communities is not easy for them.
 
Thanks to our Lets go Surfing projects and work within the communities by Surfing South Africa and dedicated individuals their lives have taken on some meaning and they can leave the squalor of their small flats and shacks and spend the day learning to surf.

Most of the kids who participate in our Lets go Surfing projects do not know much about Christmas gifts and Christmas meals.  Life is very much the same for them on Christmas Day as it is on any other day of the year.

By holding a Christmas party we would like to change this and show them that Christmas is special and that being part of the surfing community counts for something, even if they are just learning to surf
We have arranged a proper Christmas meal for them at the Church Hall in Macasser this Saturday (December 3), organized a magician to entertain them and have managed to arrange a soft serve ice cream van to the come to the Church hall so that each child can enjoy a snow cone.

123 kids and 26 adults will be attending and we really want to give each and every one of them a gift of some kind. They range in ages from 6 months old to the wife of the community leader who is 50! But most of them are young teenagers. 68 of them are boys and 55 are girls. Most of them are around 11 to 17 years old. The adults are a 50/50 split.

I am hoping that your heart will go out to them and that your generosity will help us make this Christmas party really special.

All you need to do is donate items that we can include in their Christmas gift packs.
The address:
SURFING SOUTH AFRICA
Att: Robin de Kock
6 Keurboom Road (off Glendale crescent)
Newlands, 7701
Tel: 021 6742972 or 082 454 1149

We are going to pack the gifts on Thursday evening.
 
Many thanks
Robin de Kock
General Manager
Surfing South Africa
 
Natalie Solomon
Coordinator

SPAIN

CAMPEONATO DE ESPAÑA DE SURF

When: The 8th to the 12th of December
Where: La Playa de La Caleta,
Boquines, Gran Canaria.

For more information contact: jleon@pas.ulpgc.es or jjcgsurf@terra.es

Organizer: Club de Surf OLEAJE
 
Sponsors: Federación Española de Surf, Tiendas Burbujita, Renault Motor Arisa.

SWEDEN
SWEDISH SURFING ASSOCIATION - UPDATED CONTACT INFO
(November 15, 2005) New contact info is due to a change of board members in June 2005 (first time in six years!).
NEW CONTACT INFO:
Swedish Surfing Association
Mattias Lindmark, President
Sweden
Tel: [46] 768 945 400
Fax: [46] 8 15 46 70
E-mail: ssa@swedishsurfing.com
Submitted by Ingrid Esser, Treasurer of SSA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SURFING AMERICA CONTACT UPDATE
(November 28, 2005) Surfing America’s Contact Information has changed effective immediately.  The new address (below) may be used for both mail and shipping purposes. 
 
Surfing America, Inc.
33157-B Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Tel 949-276-4660
Fax 949-496-9190
Cell 714-883-2943
 
Mike Gerard – Executive Director
mikegerard@surfingamerica.org
 
Mike Cianciulli – Sales and Marketing
mikec@surfingamerica.org
 
Surfing America Mission Statement
The Mission of Surfing America is to promote the growth, competitive success, and positive image of surfing in the USA and to provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing, and administrating the sport--while producing champions.  
 
USA Surf Team Official Sponsors
 
Billabong Body Glove O’Neill  Op Quiksilver Reef  Quiksilver 
 
USA Surf Team Supporting Media Sponsors
 
ASG  Fuel  Surfline   Transworld Surf  Surflife
 
USA Surf Team Category Sponsors
 Heavenly Lake Tahoe SurfCityUSA

 
 Surfing America is the ISA-recognized National Governing Body for Surfing in the United States. The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, Bodyboarding, and Surfriding.  http://isasurf.org

URUGUAY

UNIÓN DE SURF DEL URUGUAY TO BRING TEAM TO THE PANAMERICAN SURFING GAMES

(November 27, 2005) If everything goes well on the 8th of December, the USU will have a new board of directors. The 2005 National Championships of Surf, a qualifying event for the Pan American Surfing Championships, is tentatively scheduled to be held December 15-16, 2005. 

Even without the national championships, the Unión de Surf del Uruguay will bring competitors to the 2006 PASG representing Uruguay after six years absence in an event of this magnitude.
 
VENEZUELA

FVS CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2005
(November 30, 2005)
 
Dec. 3 -4   IBA Tour Professional (International), Playa Parguito, Margarita, organized IBA Commission Venezuela (3 commissioners for IBA Tour Venezuela), Guarantor FVS
Dec. 3-4    Amateur competition Interclubes (State-Regional), Playa Patanemo, Asociacion de Surfing Estado Carabobo, State Associated - Member of FVS
Dec 10-11  ALAS Longboard Competition (International), Playa Los Caracas, organized Zona Radical (Gerhard Weilham), Guarantor FVS
Dec 10-11  Costa Tour Professional (National), Playa Cuyagua, organized Costa Tour Venezuela, Guarantor FVS
Dec 12  Extraordinary Assembly FVS
Dec 26-30,  Chaguarama Surf Adventure Pro (National)(with waiting period), Playa Chaguarama, Organized by FVS and Guarantor FVS

7. 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
       
If you are disappointed that there is no news from your country, send your news via email to the ISA Head Office (surf@isasurf.org) and it will be included in the next newsletter.

More USA/Cen Amer. surfing news available here
Check the latest West Coast Surf Reports and Forcasts

Layla Marcille

ISA News - Surfersvillage