ISA PRESS RELEASE FEBRUARY 2006
IN THIS ISSUE
1. ISA News
2. ISA Events
3. ISA Calendar
4. National Governing Bodies’ News
5. Regional Surfing Associations’ News
6. SURFAID International
7. Contact the ISA
1. ISA NEWS
REEF'S SUPPORT FOR THE ISA SURPASSES A DECADE AND IS GOING STRONG
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 4 February, 2006 : - - For 2006 Reef continues with its generous $15,000 annual contribution backing the ISA in its mission of building "a better surfing future".
San Diego, Ca - January 19, 2006 - The International Surfing Association (ISA), the world governing body of surfing, proudly recognizes the 11-year relationship with Reef.
In partnership with ISA President Fernando Aguerre, Reef began its backing of the ISA early in 1995.
Reef's Vice President of Marketing summarized his steadfast support stating "Reef has enjoyed a long standing relationship with the ISA and anyone who has stood on the beach during the ISA World Surfing Games or the ISA World Junior Championships appreciates why. We're stoked to lend our support".
ISA President also commented on the relationship stating "Reef has a long history of supporting the ISA and its goals of development of the sport around the world. I'm glad to see Reef continue to support the ISA and a better surfing future."
About International Surfing Association (ISA)
The International Surfing Association is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, Bodyboarding and Surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running the World Surfing Games (formerly known as ISA World Championships) since 1964 and the World Junior Championships since 1980.
ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected five times since. The ISA's four Vice Presidents are from South Africa, Australia, Hawaii and the USA.
For more information, visit: www.isasurf.org.
About Reef
Reef is one of the premier action sports brands in the world, and exemplifies the cool and casual attitudes of today's youth driven board sport market. The brand is defined by the elite class of athletes that represent Reef products, as well as the core consumers who identify with Reef's unique blend of surf, sensuality and irreverent sensibility.
At the core of the Reef brand are authentic, stylish, and comfort engineered products that have appealed to the millions of Reef consumers around the world since the company originated in 1984. www.reef.com
A LOOK AT THE ISA, FROM 1994-2006
HISTORIC ISA MEETINGS IN ECUADOR DRAWS NEAR (from www.twsbiz.com)
Posted 03.15.2004 [updated 1/06]
In the last decade, the sport of surfing went through substantial growth, as proven by many indicators: Amount of participants in every country, amount of countries where the sport is practiced, amount of people interested in the sport, amount of people attracted to surfing lifestyle and culture, type of waves and equipment they ride.
At the June 1994 BGM in Rio de Janeiro, during the ISA World Titles, Fernando Aguerre attended as the President of the recently founded Pan-American Surfing Association. Up until that day, he had never been elected to any position in the ISA. During that meeting, he was nominated and elected as the ISA first ever Latin-American Chairman in the long history of the ISA.
Only a year later, the ISA was recognized by the IOC as the International Federation for surfing and wave riding. The position of Chairman was replaced by the position of President of the ISA. He was re-elected to head the ISA as President in 1996 (Huntington Beach), 1998 (Lisbon), 2000 (Recife), and 2002 (Durban).
The recognition of the ISA by the IOC in 1995 opened a decade of great events for the ISA and the NGB's. This was followed by recognition of many ISA NGB by their respective National Olympic Committees. In many cases this came along with NOC or Government funding. Many NGB evolved from Associations to Federations, in the process becoming the true leading force behind the growth of surfing in their countries.
The ISA World Surfing Games were held in California in 1996, and for the first time ever were attended by IOC Officials, and opened with a message from the President of the United States of America. That same year, the ISA incorporated several clauses of the Olympic Charter into the ISA Constitution, opening the doors for participation in ISA events to any surfer in the world, without discrimination for financial considerations.
As a consequence the sport of surfing was included, for the first time in history, in multi-sport events held under the Olympic Movement: 2003 South Pacific Games (Fiji), 2002 Bolivarian Games (Ecuador).
In [2003], surfing finally made it to the other very relevant sport event in the World, the X Games, held in California, and seen by millions of people around the world.
The ISA efforts behind this tremendous work have been enormous, at both Executive Committee (EC) and National Governing Body (NGB) level. The above events are just some of the success stories that have resulted from years of hard work by all of the ISA leaders around the world.
www.transworldsurf.com
www.isasurf.org
2. ISA EVENT
QUIKSILVER ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006
The ISA, in conjunction with the Confederação Brasileira de Surf, will be presenting the Quiksilver ISA WJSC 2006 in Maresias, Brasil. The contest will be held from the 6th to the 14th of May.
Deadlines for Participants: April 1, 2006
Last day for Eligibility Exemption Requests: February 6, 2006
Last day for Teams to Sign Up: April 1, 2006
ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES 2006
The ISA, in conjunction with the Surfing America, will present the 2006 ISA WSG in Surf City USA – Huntington Beach, California. The contest will be held from the 7th to the 15th 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 Quiksilver 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
October 23, 2006
2006 ISA Annual General Meeting 2006 California, USA October 25, 2006
2006 ISA World Kneeboard Championships* Santa Cruz, CA USA Fall 2006 (TBD)
*An ISA Sanctioned Event
4. NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES’ NEWS
ARGENTINA
THE LOCAL POWER DOES SCHOOL
Last January 3, the “School Camaronbrujo” began their surfing classes. Located in Honu Beach (North - Faro Mar del Plata), the school is directed by Sebastián and Marcelo Galindo, both of whom have an extensive career as sportsmen in the elite world of surfing.
From the beginning of the school cycle, the school has received a wide array of pupils -- ranging from those that have no surfing experiences to surfers with much experience that they bring to the Local Power to polish their details in certain maneuvers and tricks.
In addition to a strictly sports objective, Camaronbrujo educates its pupils with the specific effort towards the protection of the environment and the care and preservation of the ocean. Thus, the future surfers obtain a huge load of necessary information to be able to deal with his totality in this culture called surfing.
All those that want to approach the School Camaronbrujo, can do it everyday at Honu Beach or can receive information by calling: 0223 489-6847 or via e-mail to: poderlocal@camaronbrujo.com
Camaronbrujo invites you to the school of the Local Power.
Surf Press
Contact: Sebastián Chacón
E-mail: surfpress@speedy.com.ar
THEY BEGAN CLASSES IN THE REEF SCHOOL OF SURFING
This past summer, Reef established a school of surfing in the state-run hotel Abracadabra of Mar del Plata. It is directed by the two-time Argentine surf champion Martín Passeri. The classes are suitable for all levels of surfing: initial, average and advanced. Students will be able to meet every day from 9am to 2pm.
The school is provided with two instructors of surfing and one of bodyboarding, who promote the plan of education designed by the current 4th-ranking Latin surfer, Martín Passeri. The pupils will be provided with the necessary material to take his classes, as Reef has provided a large quantity of everything indispensable to enter the water.
In addition to the strict instruction, those who approach the school will have the possibility of also renting the equipment to enjoy a good day of surfing. Those who would like to acquire some of the exclusive Reef products will be able to do so, since Abracadabra will be provided with a surfing shop -- 100 % Reef.
Martín Passeri, throughout the summer, will develop a series of clinics which will be available to those who have already advanced in the sport, since these same ones will tackle surf competitions of high caliber.
Team Reef Argentina will be offering an exhibition, along with the Latin-American team, next Wednesday the 11th of January. The demo is announced for the evening and will include Gary Saavedra (Panama), Kalle Carranza (Mexico) and the Argentinian Passeri, among other outstanding Latin surfers.
Surf Press
Contact: Sebastián Chacón
E-mail: surfpress@speedy.com.ar
Environment
The Surfrider Argentina, an environmentalist organization, is, without ends, dedicated to the protection of the sea, the waves and the beaches of our country. For the sake of the general public, by means of conservation, the advocates, the investigation and the education, Surfrider Argentina will realize the first phase of the Oceanic Initiative 2006 in Mar del Plata on Saturday, the 7th of January of 2006.
We have an obligation to the future generations (since all this belongs to them) to generate pertinent actions to preserve the beaches, the natural leeway of the sand, and to improve the quality of the water of sea. The waves are our recreational resource and we would like to guarantee the free access to the beaches for the sake of the general public.
Endorsed by: Association of Surfing Argentina, Federation Argentina of Surfing, Association Kayakistas Marplatenses, Association Marplatense of Surfing, Association Argentina Canoe Outrigger, Asocicación Bodyboarding Argentina.
Gustavo Huici
Executive Director
Surfrider Foundation Argentina
info@surfrider.org.ar
FIESTA DEL SURF Y EL MAR
(January 26, 2006) Surfrider Argentina, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of the sea, the waves, and the beaches of our country and the promotion of conservation, activism, investigation and education, will be holding a celebration and an artificial reef wave park exhibition at the Industria de los Deportes Extremos scheduled to be held February 8 through 12 pm at the Mar Del Plata Sheraton Hotel
The Surf and Sea Celebration
The best surfing celebration of the summer will help preserve our natural habitat while providing an opportunity for surfers to represent Argentina. On the 9th of February from 10 PM on the 12th floor of the Mar del Plata Sheraton Hotel, XPOX (the first tradeshow for extreme sport businesses) will hold a party to benefit Surfrider Argentina and the Argentinean National team who will be competing in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Maresias, Brazil in May and also at the ISA World Surfing Games in Huntington Beach, California this October.
Argentinean surf legends and the best surfers in our country will be present to promote the event. A $15 entrance fee gets you videos, crowds, raffles, silent auctions, the best music and good times. Participate in the raffles with the number on your entry ticket.
Multi Purpose Artificial Reef (AAM)
On the 10th of February from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Mar del Plata Sheraton Hotel, the artificial reef presentation will be held in conjunction with XPOX. The AAM is a new concept for costal zones combining preservation with recreational and economic benefits.
The new technology began in 1995 by Professor Kerry Black, the Directory of Excellence in Coastal Oceanography and Marine Biology at the University of Waikato and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research of New Zealand, with the study of new technologies to preserve beaches from erosion without affecting the esthetic aspect of the landscape or recreation.
The first artificial reef was constructed successfully at Narrow Neck - Gold Coast - Australia where they had a problem with coastal point erosion.
Nature provides many examples where natural reefs provide coastal protection. In Mar del Plata, another example can be found in La Restinga which provides protection to the coast and the widening of tributaries.
Businesses that actually help to preserve the ocean, the beaches and the waves of Argentina are Quiksilver, Timex, Reef, Seaway, Camaron Brujo, Abracadabra, Tijuana, Tabla Cono Sur, Bird Band Surfboards.
Other support: Canal 8 Mar del Plata, Diario La Capital, Distribuidora Orfei, Proxer Xerox MdP, Estudio A Max, El Faro Viajes y Turismo, Gravedad Zero TV, Revista Surfista, elsurfero.com, escapeurbano.com
For more information: info@surfrider.org.ar
MAGNUM MARTINEZ’S TRIUMPHAL VISIT TO ARGENTINA
After his great performance in the Reef Classic Argentina 2006, Magnum Martinez achieved an important triumph in the race to the Latin championship in Mar del Plata. During his visit to “the happy city” (this is how Mar del Plata is known in Argentina), Martinez stayed in the Quiksilver House as he did last year and participated in the Quiksilver Air Show and in the Argentina Quik Team along with other Latin athletes.
“I’m very happy that I’ve won the Reef Classic in Argentina. This is my fifth visit and the truth is that every time I visit the city I feel very comfortable. People from Quiksilver Argentina make me feel at home.”- said Martinez relaxed in a cool Sunday afternoon. He also emphasized how important it is for him to visit Argentina every summer since it gives him the chance to meet a lot of friends.
Different beaches in Mar del Plata were settings for the Quiksilver Air Show. Along with Magnum, Maxi Siri and Lucas Santamaría (Argentina Quiksilver team), Martín Passeri (Argentina), Kalle Carranza (México) and Diego Naranjo (Costa Rica) also participated in this event.
Throughout these years, Magnum Martinez has become one of the most outstanding Hispanic-American surfers. He was the cover boy of the prestigious magazine Surfer on November 2002. His routine includes several trips to different latitudes around the globe with the most prestigious surf photographer every year. 2006 will not be the exception, since there are a lot of projects aimed at looking for waves to photograph.
Next Saturday, January 28th, ALAS tour’s second stop will take place. Magnum Martinez is on top of the ranking with 6000 points and, in this instance, he will have the chance to keep demonstrating his interest to achieve the second Latin championship in his career.
Magnum Martinez is sponsored by: Quiksilver, Reef, Spy, Channel Islands, Xtrak, Lokbox, Vestal, Sambazon, Samoa.
Surf Press
Contact: Sebastián Chacón
E-mail: surfpress@speedy.com.ar
AUSTRALIA
BILLABONG WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS (31 December 2005 - 8 January 2006)
THE ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) PREMIER JUNIOR EVENT
BOBBY HANSEN WINS VONZIPPER TRIALS
BILLABONG JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AIMING TO START TOMORROW
Saturday 31 December, 2005 at Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia -- Despite the conditions being somewhat tiny at North Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia, the action was hot as competitors in the VonZipper Trials put on a tremendous display of small wave surfing as the waves slowly built throughout the afternoon.
The VonZipper Trials event is held prior to the main event - the men's Billabong World Junior Championships - and determines the four remaining wildcards to join the best 44 under-20 surfers on the planet, who are already slotted into the first round draw.
The four finalists, and now main event competitors, included Bobby Hansen (NZ), Beau Walker (AUS), Blake Thornton (AUS) and Jean Estienne (FRA).
They finished the final in that order with Hansen claiming the victory after dominating all day. Showing brilliant flair he demolished almost every wave he rode and will certainly be one to watch when he attacks round one of the main event.
The event is the premiere ASP International junior competition and both the men and women divisions follow contest formats identical to those of the elite World Championship Tours.
In the men's there are 48 surfers who will compete in a man on man format after the first round of three man heats while in the women's there will be 18 surfers who will also compete in a man on man format.
Surfers in the draw come from the seven ASP regions including North America, Europe, Asia, Hawaii, South Africa, South America and host region Australasia.
The information on the competitors can be found on www.billabongpro.com or www.aspworldtour.com
Billabong and ASP will be hosting a full live webcast of the event every day also on the websites above.
Print Releases: A detailed print media release will be available on each day of competition via e-mail courtesy of ASP. For subscription to this list if you do not already receive ASP news, please visit: www.aspworldtour.com
ASP International Media, contact Wayne Dart darty@aspworldtour.com
BILLABONG ASP PROFESSIONAL WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONS FAST FACTS
Event Name: 2005 ASP Billabong World Junior Championships
Rating: ASP International World Junior
Location: North Narrabeen, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Event site: North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club
Nearest Airport: Sydney Airport
ASP Int Office Contact: (07) 55991550
ASP Australasia Office Contact: (02) 66749888
ASP Onsite Representative: Al Hunt
Contest Director: Luke Egan
Contest Contact: Bushy Mitchell (0418 626 349), Michael Talbot (0421 965 144), Jeremy Scadden (0439 709 829) - to add Peter Hunt Surf NSW contact.
Media Contacts: Simon Barratt (0437 733 346), Mandy McKinnon (0417 079 941) or Wayne Dart (0407 189 289)
BRAZIL
OPENING OF CIRCUIT SUL-BRASILEIRO 2006 counted on the best professional surfers of the south of Brazil, in the Brave Beach in Matinhos, to duke it out over the prize of R$15 thousand Reals. The excellent public witnessed the highest level of athletes. The Circuit is set between Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande Do Sul. Competition level 1A and 1,000 points are given to the champion, which is added to their south-Brazilian and paranaense ranking.
The athlete of each one of the three states will gain a spot for the SUPERSURF.
Regular waves with half meter, had been more constant and had gained more pressure on Sunday, becoming the batteries much disputed wave the wave, giving work to the excellent picture technician commanded for the Head Judge Icaro Cavalhero. In the semis athlete WQS and place of Matinhos, JIHAD KOHDR came imposing a rhythm fortíssimo. Already in final baterial JIHAD it opened a good advantage managing well and conquering themselves champion with 12,23 points, followed of paranaense athlete ALEX LIMA with 11,83 points, and of the catarienses MARCO POLO 9,97 and DIEGO ROSA with 8,83 points.
More information on the Circuit Bad Boy Sebastianense 2005 may be found with the directors of the Association of Surf of Saint Sebastián, www.asss.nafoto.net. In the beach of Smells of the Sea, speak with Alex Leco (12) 3865-6748. In the Bar of the Sahy, you may speak with with Jacuta (12) 9766-9885 and in Juquehy, with Edvaldo in (12) 9111-7218 or with Adriano Camargo in (12) 3863-2160.
Wanessa Alves wanessaalves@famaassessoria.com.br
CANADA
On Dec 27, SANS and Billabong ran the first of what we hope to become an annual event called the "Chilly Willy Boxing day Surf Classic". The contest was delayed by one day and it was well worth it...with over head set. There were a total of 35 surfers that took the water that day. With water temp at 4C (39.2) and air temp was 0C (32 F). After a hard day of surfing everyone went to Alexander's Pub for and night of awards and stories
The winners are as follows:
Under 16 boys
1st Isaac Norman, 2nd Taylor Connolly, 3rd Early Hatton
Jr. Boys Under 18
1st Justin Cormier, 2nd Andrew MacDougall, 3rd Jordan Bureau
Jr Girls18 & Under
1st Kaitlynn Fennell
Long Board
1st Toby Balch, 2nd Michelle Richards, 3rd Glen MacDuff
Womens
1st Kim Childs, 2nd Jen Jackson, 3rd Michelle Richards
Mens
1st Roman Husiuk, 2nd Marty King, 3rd Liam Thorpe
Keep posted as the next contest is planned for April 14/15 at White Point NS.
John Fluke, CSA / SANS President
COSTA RICA
CIRCUITO NACIONAL DE SURF MOVES TO PLAYA
THIRD DATE OF COSTA RICA’S SURF COMPETITION TO KICK-OFF CONTEST WITHIN A CONTEST—COPA MANGO
Playa Hermosa, COSTA RICA January 2, 2006 – Antonio Pilurzu, head of Costa Rica’s Federacion de Surf (FS) , announced today that the third date of the 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS) will take place at Puntarenas’ Playa Hermosa. Called Copa Mango, the tournament is the first of three dates sponsored by the Costa Rican chain Mango Skate & Surf Shop.
For the 6th edition of the CNS, the FS have included the Copa Mango tournament; it is composed of three Circuito dates, including this first one in Playa Hermosa, followed February 11 and 13 in Playa Dominical and finishing the trifecta March 4 and 5 in Playa Nosara.
“Together with adding the results to the general points of CNS contest, we will make a separate ranking for the results of the three dates of the Copa,” explained Pilurzu of the contest-within-a-contest. “We have made all this effort and organized this form as an extra incentive to the new generation of surfers to assure even more champions, including a winner for the Copa Mango.”
The international sponsors for Copa Mango are Red Bull, Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, and Freestyle. Costa Rica’s sponsors are: Mango Surf & Skate, Tamarindo Vista Villas, Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort & Residential Community, The Backyard, 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.
2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf Open Rankings
1. Isaac Vega, Playa Tamarindo: 2450 points
2. Durby Castillo, Playa Pavones: 2435 points
3. Vilbert Wingrove, Playa Garza: 2290 points
4. Jason Torres, Playa Jacó: 2135 points
5. José Montoya, Playa Dominical: 1970 points
6. Ronulfo Suazo, Playa Nosara: 1815 points
7. Luis Vindas, Playa Jacó: 1750 points
8. Brody Walker: 1695 points
9. Josimar Fuentes, Playa Tamarindo: 1675 points
10. Luis Montiel, Playa Nosara: 1650 points
Source: Costa Rica’s Federacion de Surf
CONTACT: Ellen Zoe Golden: EllenZoe@aol.com
ISAAC VEGA MAINTAINS OPEN LEAD ON FIRST DAY OF HERMOSA DATE OF COSTA RICA’S CIRCUITO NACIONAL DE SURF
178 SURFERS CARVE AT COPA MANGO CONTEST
FEDERICO PILURZU ELIMINATED FROM COMPETITION
Playa Hermosa, COSTA RICA January 7, 2006 – Isaac Vega, who began the Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS) Copa Mango in Playa Hermosa as the #1 ranked Open leader, a mere 15 points ahead of his next competitor Durby Castillo (Pavones), advanced to the quarterfinals today with a superb surfing performance that allowed him to make up for the misstep he made at the last competition in Tamarindo, where he was eliminated in the first heat of the day.
At the close of the day, which featured conditions that were smaller than average for the powerful break called Hermosa with most sets 3 to 4 feet yet surfable in all tides, Tamarindo’s Vega advanced to the next round in 1st place, with Jaco’s Jairo Perez in 2nd place after the 13th heat of the Open category.
The eliminated of Tamarindo’s Federico Pilurzu in the 17th Heat of the Open was one of the biggest surprises of the day, and an almost mirror play to the previous month’s contest when he moved on and his close friend Isaac Vega went to the sidelines. Pilurzu, a seasoned veteran with solid skills and confident maneuvers in general, was taken to task by Jaco’s Jason Torres and Teal Akerson, who also join Vega and Perez in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, in the Junior division the actual rankings leader Jairo Perez made it to the semifinal round with Nikolas Ruhlow—who is still as focused as ever, continuing to pull wins like he did in 3 categories last month, David Herrera, Orlando Solis, Olman Morales ,Carlos Muñoz, Jason Torres and Anthony Flores.
Source: Costa Rica’s Federacion de Surf
CONTACT: Ellen Zoe Golden: EllenZoe@aol.com
GERMAINE ‘NINO’ MYRIE WINS OPEN AT COPA MANGO
JAIRO PEREZ CLAIMS BOTH JUNIORS AND BOYS TROPHIES
NINO MYRIE, GILBERT BROWN LEAVE CIRCUITO FOR HAWAII, BALI
Playa Hermosa, COSTA RICA January 8, 2006 – In a stunning show of confidence and glory, Germaine “Nino” Myrie took control of the Copa Mango in Playa Hermosa this weekend, and owned the waves. The 2002-03 Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS) Champion handily won what could be his last Costa Rican tournament for a while in conditions that organizers admitted were below average for the usually powerful beach break. However, Myrie’s commanding rides in 3 to 4 feet sets often seemed like flights, and it was these maneuvers that took him to the top of the Open division at this 3-star contest, where 1st place winners in all 11 categories received 1,000 ranking points.
Nino was joined in the Open winners circle by 2nd place Jose Rojas of Quepos, Jairo Perez of Jaco in 3rd place and fellow Puerto Viejo surfer—and 2001-02 CNS Champion—Gilbert Brown in 4th place.
“Always, when I get to the tournament, it’s my job to demonstrate my best, especially now that the surfing level in Costa Rican contests is very competitive” said the Volcom-sponsored Myrie, who now lives and works in Jaco. “The great satisfaction for me is that I won with a very powerful surfers like Gilbert, out there, who returned in great shape after a left knee operation. This result I have in my heart. I have big plans for this year, so that’s why it is very nice to start with this victory.”
Those plans include a three-month-plus long surf and photo trip that begins on the North Shore of Hawaii. Myrie will stay for over a month in the Volcom house, while Brown will reside in the Quiksilver home. Both places are near the famous Pipeline break. Later, the two surfers will travel to Bali for further surfing adventures. Adrenalina TV will be sponsoring the entire trip as well as filming the sessions for future airings on Fox Sports Net.
Perez’s 3rd position in the Open would have been quite the accomplishment on its own, but add to it the dual wins the dynamo got from taking 1st place of the Boys category as well as the Juniors category and Jairo was making history all weekend.
The women in Hermosa made news again as well. Laura Pecoraro of Playa Pavones, a popular competitor of CNS Womens Champion Lisbeth Vindas from years past, made a stop at the Copa Mango on her way to Hawaii to surf’ for a few months. She too surfed with experience to 1st place Womens.
In Junior Womens, the Colombian Angie Forigua became a three-time 1st place winner, having won all three CNS dates so far this year. Andreina Samudio from Jaco followed in 2nd, and the Galuccio sisters, Lupe and Malia from Hermosa were 3rd and 4th place.
The international sponsors for Copa Mango are Red Bull, Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, and Freestyle. Costa Rica’s sponsors are: Mango Surf & Skate, Tamarindo Vista Villas, Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort & Residential Community, The Backyard, 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, Surfos Magazine, Waves Costa Rica, Cabinas Arenas, Jungle Bar.
Results of Copa Mango Circuito Nacional de Surf, January 7,8 2006 -- Playa Hermosa
Open Category
1. Germaine Myre, Puerto Viejo: 1000 puntos.
2. José Rojas, Quepos: 860.
3. Jairo Pérez, Playa Jacó: 730.
4. Gilbert Brown, Puerto Viejo: 670.
Junior Category:
1. Jairo Pérez, Playa Jacó: 1000.
2. Jason Torres, Playa Jacó: 860.
3. Carlos Muñoz, Playa Esterillos: 730.
4. David Herrera: Quepos: 670.
Womens Category:
1. Laura Pecoraro, Playa Pavones: 1000.
2. Cristine Costa, Playa Jacó: 860.
3. Natalie Bernold, Playa Tamarindo: 730.
4. Andreina Samudio, Playa Jacó: 670.
Junior Womens Category
1. Angie Forigua, Playa Hermosa: 1000.
2. Andreina Samudio, Playa Jacó: 860.
3. Lupe Galluccio, Playa Hermosa: 730.
4. Malia Galluccio, Playa Hermosa: 670.
Longboard Category:
1. Rónald Reyes, Playa Hermosa: 1000.
2. Teal Akerson, Mal País: 860.
3. Fleury Emilsen, Playa Esterillos: 730.
4. Juan Diego Evangelista, Playa Tamarindo: 670.
Master Category:
1. Louis Maresca, Playa Tamarindo: 1000.
2. Edward Gerry, Playa Jacó: 860.
3. Alex Galluccio, Playa Hermosa: 730.
4. Chuck Herwing, Playa Jacó: 670.
Bodyboard Category:
1. Iván Castillo, Quepos: 1000.
2. Carlos Jiménez, Quepos: 860.
3. Alex Jiménez, Quepos: 730.
4. David Wettstein, Puerto Viejo: 670.
Source: Federación de Surf.
CONTACT: Ellen Zoe Golden
EllenZoe@aol.com
COSTA RICA'S NATIONAL SURF TEAM TRAVELS TO THE REEF PANAMERICANO DE SURF PERU 2006 COPA MOTOROLA IN LIMA, PERU JANUARY 17-22, 2006
NINE TICOS SET TO COMPETE AGAINST MORE THAN 22 TEAMS AND THE BEST SURFERS
FROM ALL OVER THE LATIN WORLD
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA January 13, 2006 -- Antonio Pilurzu, head of Costa Rica's Federacion de Surf (FS), announced today the nine-member Costa Rican National Surf Team that will travel on Monday, January 16, from San Jose, their country’s capital city, to Lima, Peru, where they will compete in the 7th
bi-annual Pan-American Surfing Games. Officially titled the Reef Panamericano de Surf Peru 2006 Copa Motorola, the competition takes place January 17-22, and is considered similar in stature to the Olympics in that the best of the Latin America surfing world represent their respective countries for team and individual gold, silver, and bronze medals. Costa Rica’s team was selected on the basis of ranking points determined after the third date of the countrywide Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS)—the Copa Mango in Playa Hermosa last weekend—as well as the various athletes’ levels in previous international competitions. The Tico delegation are: Federico Pilurzu of Tamarindo, Diego Naranjo of Jaco, Luis Vega of Jaco, Isaac Vega of Tamarindo, Jason Torres of Jaco, Juan Carlos Naranjo of Jaco, Lisbeth Vindas of Jaco, Andreina Samudio of Jaco and Jairo Perez of Jaco.
Costa Rica will take to the waves against teams from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic and Peru. The Reef Panamericano de Surf Peru 2006 Copa Motorola has been organized by the Asociación Panamericana de Surf (APA) and the Federación Deportiva
Peruana de Tabla (FEPTA).
According to Pablo Zanochi, a journalist from the Asociación Latinoamericana de Surf (ALAS), the Peruvian nation is one of the Latin American countries that offers the best conditions for surf at this time of the year.
Source: Ellen Zoe Golden: EllenZoe@aol.com
JASON TORRES, PANAMERICAN CHAMPION
January 22, 2006 – Congratulations to Costa Rican Jason Torres, the winner of the 2006 PanAmerican Junior Championship crown
Source: Luis Castrillo, tel. 3639921
1ST PLACE JUNIOR JASON TORRES’ GOLD MEDAL AT REEF PANAMERICANO DE SURF PERU 2006 COPA MOTOROLA IS FIRST COSTA RICAN CHAMPION EVER AT PAN-AMERICAN SURFING GAMES
FEDERICO PILURZU 4TH PLACE OPEN SUCCESS AND LISBETH VINDAS WOMEN’S 4TH PLACE VICTORY LIFTS COSTA RICAN TEAM TO 4TH PLACE OVERALL
PUNTAS ROCAS, LIMA, PERU January 23, 2006 – In a come-from-behind, Cinderella story, that all but had Jaco’s Jason Torres out from the Reef Panamericano de Surf Peru 2006 Copa Motorola three days ago, the 17-year-old powerhouse maintained enough focus to pull off skillful maneuvers on his last wave in the last heat of the Finals to become the first Costa Rican ever to win a Gold Medal at a Pan-American Surfing Game.
“This was a very exciting moment for any competitor; I had to take hold of myself and look for an opportunity to put in a few good maneuvers that would call the attention of the judges,” explained Torres. According to the new champion, he felt supported by his teammates--Jaco’s Lisbeth Vindas, Luis Vindas, Diego Naranjo, Juan Carlos Naranjo, Jairo Perez, Andreína Samudio and Tamarindo’s Federico Pilurzu and Isaac Vega—throughout the entire tournament, both the highs and lows. On the first Games day, Torres stunned the home crowd when, in the Open, he swept past Peruvian local champion Javier Swayne, and three other Latin pros, only to end up in repercharge, then out.
The same fate did not seem to follow in the Juniors division, when he took 1st place besting Peru’s Piero De Lucci, won 1st place in the next round, again passed the 3rd round, then found himself in the second-chance repercharge after placing 3rd in the 4th round. There he rallied with the strength that he has demonstrated all this past season in his return to competition in the Costa Rica 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf, where he currently ranks #1 Juniors and #4 Open (after taking a year off from professional surfing).
According to Antonio Pilurzu, President of Costa Rica’s Federacion de Surf (FS): "For us, this result is a tremendous thing. Jason arrived at 1st place after surpassing several obstacles in the series of repecharges. All that gives more merit this victory. We, as a team, are very proud of him.”
This historic moment occurred at Puntas Rocas, yesterday, the final day of the best of Latin American surfing in which all nine National Costa Rican Surf Team members worked hard to earn 4th place overall in this Olympic-style competition. According to the report of the Pan-American Association of Surf (APAS), the 1st place 2006 Pan-American Champion was Brazil with 29,166 points, followed by the Peruvian hosts with 28, 422, then the island of Guadalupe in 3rd place. They received gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively. Costa Rica earned 23,903 points.
Tamarindo’s Federico Pilurzu concluded his six days of impressive competition in both Open and Longboard divisions with a 4th place win in the Open, and a stop in the Longboard Semifinals. Highlights included media attention in Peru written us because he “showed himself pretty self secured, risking some great backhand maneuvers attacking some heavy waves and he ended well rewarded.”
Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s First Lady of Surfing Lisbeth Vindas won 4th place Women’s category in the Reef Panamericano de Surf Peru 2006 Copa Motorola, traveling through the tournament in a snap top to bottom manner much the way she rides hard on a wave. After passing her 1st round heat early in the contest, Vindas head to repercharge in the 2nd round coming in 3rd behind Peru’s Analie Gomez (who challenged Lisbeth throughout), and 2nd place’s Brazilian Bruna Schmitz. Vindas got her ticket to the Finals in four repercharge rounds that ended Saturday with a strong backside that earned high marks over Brazil’s Marina Wereneck who came in 2nd place, Chile’s Sofía Borquez in 3rd, and Panama’s Samantha Alonso in 4th.
According to Pablo Zanocchi, from Asociación Latinoamericana de Surf (ALAS), the Costa Rican National Surf Team turned in an outstanding performance. “It is very clear from the Pan-American Surfing Games, that Costa Rica shows a great growth in quality. This group is comprised of leaders, and performed very well at the Games because of that.” The Reef Panamericano de Surf Peru 2006 Copa Motorola, which has been organized by the Asociación Panamericana de Surf (APAS) and the Federación Deportiva Peruana de Tabla (FEPTA) featured over 200 of the best surfers from the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Guadalupe, Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Costa Rica.
“The fact that we have had three of our representatives in the Finals is a great signal that we are improving. This and our country’s ranking is historic for a discipline that is everyday getting more respect in Costa Rica and reaching greater heights there,” added the FS leader.
"We could verify that an enormous evolution in surf of Costa Rica exists. That growth was noticed clearly in the water where these boys and girls left a very pleasing impression,” Zanocchi concluded.”
REEF PANAMERICANO DE SURF PERU 2006 COPA MOTOROLA
Final Costa Rican Results
OPEN CATEGORY
1. Gabriel Villarán, Perú.
2. Gabriel Aramburu, Perú.
3. Flavio Nakajima, Brasil.
4. Federico Pilurzu, Costa Rica.
JUNIOR CATEGORY (Under 18 years)
1. Jason Torres, Costa Rica.
2. Jefferson Silva, Brasil.
3. Arthur Bourbon, Isla de Guadalupe.
4. Thomas Hermes, Brasil.
WOMEN CATEGORY
1. Analí Gómez, Perú.
2. Marina Werneck, Brasil.
3. Ornella Pellizari, Argentina.
4. Lisbeth Vindas, Costa Rica.
National Rankings
1. Brasil: 29166 points.
2. Perú: 28422.
3. Isla Guadalupe: 23932.
4. Costa Rica: 23903.
5. Chile: 18636.
6. Ecuador: 18097.
7. Bahamas: 16584.
8. República Dominicana: 15316.
9. Panamá: 12438.
10. Uruguay: 8132.
11. Guatemala: 3840.
12. El Salvador: 3000.
13. Argentina: 1460.
14. Puerto Rico: 1000.
Source: Asociación Panamericana de Surf.
Ellen Zoe Golden: EllenZoe@aol.com
GUAM
GUAHAN NAPU’S FIRST ANNUAL PRO-AM SURF COMPETITION
On Saturday morning, January 21st, Guahan Napu’s first annual Pro-Am Surf Competition brought out 51 competitors and attracted well over 300 spectators to the Hagatna Boat Basin.
What started out as a grey and gloomy morning, quickly turned into a hot and happening day as the bodyboarders and surfers, who took part in the event, provided everyone with a great show.
Division Winners
Men’s Pro Body Boarding
1. BJ Rolinski
2. Carlo Dela Cruz
3. Ken Concepcion
Men’s Am Body Boarding
1. Matt Mendiola
2. BJ Cruz
3. Carl Dela Cruz
Women’s Body Boarding
1. Christina Lago
2. Rebecca Leon Guerrero
3. Brittney Bello
Men’s Pro Surfboarding
1. Joeito Santiago
2. Fred Mendiola
3. Cheyne Purcell
Amateur Surfboarding
1. Jeremy Herring
2. Sarah Prio
3. Taliea Guerrero
Sponsors include Primo Surf, Budweiser, Rip Curl and Tarza.
Source: Eric Palacios
www.mvariety.com
NEW ZEALAND
HYUNDAI NATIONAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS DRAWS STRONG FIELD OF SURFERS
The Hyundai National Surfing Championships has drawn a very strong field of surfers as predicted with the quality waves of the Northland region being the focal point of many surfers attention over the coming week.
The Championships are scheduled to take place from the 7th – 14th of January commencing this Saturday. In excess of 300 entries have been received across the 21 divisions being contested. The likes of the Quinn brothers, Maz and Jay, head the field after returning from international duties along with Lisa Hurunui (Gis) who will contest the Open Women’s. Bobby Hansen (Gis) will also be returning from Australia where he is currently competing in the World Pro Junior Championships.
The large field of competitors is filled with no less than 60 Northland surfers who will all be out to win their respective divisions. Surfers such as NZ junior representative Paco Divers (Whangarei) will be one to look out for in the Under 16 Boys as will his buddy Oliver Bone. The Dowsett brothers always turn heads at national events and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Open Men’s. Complementing these surfers will be the mother-daughter combination of Pauline Pullman and Wini Paul who will be relishing the chance to take home a title. All Northland surfers go in the draw to win the Fiji travel package kindly donated by the local surf shops and surf schools.
With huge storm cycles tracking under the country for the past two weeks, weather patterns look favourable for good surf conditions next week.
Maz Quinn (Gis) is gunning for his fourth Open Men’s National title a feat only three other surfers in NZ have completed (Iain Buchanan, Wayne Parkes and Alan Byrne).
Daniel Kereopa (Rag), despite winning four national series in the past five years is yet to win an Open Men’s national title.
Jay Quinn (Gis) despite being New Zealand’s second highest rated surfer on the international stage is yet to win an Open Men’s title. Jay has won U/14, U/16 and U/18 titles at the nationals.
Michael Fitzharris (Gis) is going for his sixth Longboard title and heads into the event as one of the favourites to win and make a good start to the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour.
Lisa Hurunui (Gis) makes a return to the Nationals after having to contest international events for the past three years unable to attend the nationals.
Defending Open and Junior Men’s Champion Richard Christie (Mahia) is unable to defend his title due to international commitments on the Australasian Pro Junior Series.
Gisborne’s John Gisby is the holder of the most national titles with a whopping 23 to his name. Now 52, Gisby still contests divisions with surfers seven years his junior.
The only current title holder from the Northland Region is Billy Hale (Kaitaia) who won the Over 40s division at the Nationals which were held at Opunake this time last year.
History
This will be only the third time the event has been staged in the Northland Region in its 43 year history. The event was staged in Ahipara in 1998 and in Whangarei in 1981.
The long left-hand point break that wraps around Shipwreck Bay is a world class wave. To have the event staged in these types of waves allows New Zealand’s best surfers the ultimate proving ground. Along with Shipwreck Bay there are two other event locations at ‘The Bluff’ which is located half way up Ninety Mile Beach and also Rarawa Beach on the East Coast. The three possible locations offer up the best of both worlds and ensure the competitors will contest the best conditions available.
The National Championships is steeped in history and is far and away the most prestigious single event on the New Zealand Surfing Calendar. Gathering the biggest field of surfers year upon year, the event when last held in Northland attracted 380 entrants. Many of New Zealand’s top surfers staking a claim on the international stage travel back to New Zealand to compete at the event ensuring that the level of surfing is as good as it gets.
Past Winners: Set out below are the winners of key divisions since 2000.
Open Men
2000 – Maz Quinn (Gis)
2001 – Mark Dovey (Mnt)
2002 – Damon Gunness (Gis)
2003 – Blair Stewart (Gis)
2004 – Maz Quinn (Gis)
2005 – Richard Christie (Gis)
Open Women
2000 – Lisa Hurunui (Gis)
2001 – Lisa Hurunui (Gis)
2002 – Holly Quinn (Gis)
2003 – Jess Terrill (Tara)
2004 – Airini Mason (Tara)
2005 – Jessica Santorik (Rag)
Junior Men (U/18)
2000 – Danny Carse (Dun)
2001 – Bobby Hansen (Gis)
2002 – Daniel Scott (WGM)
2003 – Oli Adams (Ahipara)
2004 – Nathan Welch (Gis)
2005 – Richard Christie (Gis)
Open Longboard
2000 – Michael Fitzharris (Gis)
2001 – Cam Anderson (Mnt)
2002 – Michael Fitzharris (Gis)
2003 – Kelly Ryan (Gis))
2004 – Michael Fitzharris (Gis)
2005 – Michael Fitzharris (Gis)
For more information on the event please contact Ben Kennings on email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
www.surfingnz.co.nz
Surfing New Zealand are proudly supported by Lion Red, Vodafone, Hyundai, SPARC and Smokefree
‘PINES’ TURNS IT ON FOR DAY ONE OF THE HYUNDAI NATIONAL SURF CHAMPS
January 7, 2006, Pines Tauroa Point, Ahipara, Northland -- Perfect conditions greeted in excess of 330 competitors on the first morning of the Hyundai National Surfing Championships today (Saturday). As the convoy of vehicles rolled around the rocky road to Tauroa Point and the set up at Pines they found across clean 1.0m swells with no wind to speak of. The conditions only but improved as the day progressed with over 10 hours of surfing being completed.
Taranaki’s Luke Kerr top scored in the first round attacking the waves on his backhand to score 14.50 out of a possible 20 to convincingly move through to the second round. The powerful Kerr was followed closely by brilliant performances from fellow Taranaki surfer Blanton Smith and also Gauranga Ormond (WGM). Two surfers to also impress with heat wins were overseas based Dane Simpson who now resides on the Gold Coast of Australia and Oli Adams who is back from his base in Europe where he contests the Wold Qualifying Series. The two surfers obviously relished being at home both scoring in excess of 14 points for their efforts and move into the second round.
As the tide filled in during the afternoon, the Under 18 and Under 16 boys were let loose. The swell maintained its size if not building slightly throughout the day and the ‘groms’ could not have asked for more. Late in the day Ryan Hawker (Piha) won through to the quarter finals of the Under 16 boys scoring 13.79 in his first heat of the event. Earlier, Jay Paddock (Gis) and Matthew Hewitt (Mnt) easily won their heats in both the Under 16 and Under 18 Divisions to claim spots in the second round of both divisions.
The swell is expected to decrease over the next two days before pulsing again in the middle of the week. If the swell does decrease further it is likely the event will make a move approximately 30km up 90 Mile Beach to a break called the Bluff which picks up more swell. A decision as to which divisions will be contested tomorrow will be made once conditions are assessed in the morning.
Ben Kennings benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz
Surfing New Zealand
www.surfingnz.co.nz
HYUNDAI NATIONALS “AS GOOD AS IT GETS”
January 10 (Tuesday) -- The action at the 2006 Hyundai National Surfing Championships turned its attention back to the points at Shipwreck Bay where the surfers scored perfect Supertubes at a solid 1.5m. Light offshore winds fanned the waves and the Open Men’s surfers took full advantage.
With the top seeds in the water excellent rides went down every other minute of the day. Maz Quinn (Gis) and Daniel Kereopa (Rag), the two hot favourites for this event, posted some of the highest scores of the day with Kereopa leading the way scoring 15.9 to Quinn’s 15.35 in round four. The two surfers look to be at the top of their game and with their earlier third round scores of 17.75 and 15.5 rspectively, it would appear that the are destine for an almighty match up in the finals. It will be the three times national champion Quinn who will look to keep Kereopa scoreless in the title department for the Open Men’s Division.
Not to be out done Kaikoura’s Nat Parsons scored 15.4 to win one of the closest heats of the day. In a nail biter that only 0.45 points separated first from fourth, Nat Parsons came out on top with scores of 9.0 and 6.4. Ben Kennings scraped through in second scoring 15.20 ahead of a disappointed Jay Quinn (Gis) on 15.0 and AJ Matthews (WGM) on 14.95. All four surfers rode length of the point waves that consistently rolled through during the 20 minutes.
The Open Women surfed late in the afternoon and as the tide filled in the swell diminished somewhat becoming inconsistent. Paige Hareb (Tara) jumped out of the starting blocks in her heat catching a good early ride. But like all other girls Hareb struggled to find a back up wave in her heat even though finishing in first place. The two Jess’s Welch (Gis) and Santorik (Rag) finished their duel ‘one-two’ to progress to the semi finals. For defending champion Santorik it was another second place progression as she looks to build momentum for her title defence.
Just prior to dark the Under 18 Boys rounded out the day with strong performances from Gauranga Ormond (WGM) who scored 13.5 for the win, Keirin Van Der Helder (Rag) who likened the break to his local Manu Bay at Raglan and Billy Stairmand (Rag) along with friend David Crofoot (Rag).
For more information on the event please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
FINAL FOUR DETERMINED AT THE HYUNDAI NATIONAL SURFING CHAMPS
January 12, 2006, The Bluff, Northland -- The final four surfers were determined earlier today (Thursday) in the Open Men’s Division of the Hyundai National Surfing Championships. Daniel Kereopa lead the way into the finals and was followed closely by four Gisborne surfers in Damon Gunness, Dane Simpson and Maz Quinn.
Kereopa, who surfed his Open Longboard heat only minutes before his Open Men’s semi final, absolutely blitzed his rivals, scoring 15.75 to win his heat. Fast right handers at Ninety Mile Beaches Bluff were obviously to Kereopa’s liking as he flew across waves making the impossible sections seem relatively easy to navigate. Dane Simpson progressed in second place bringing to an end the run of Issac Peterson (Tara). This will be Simpson’s first finals berth in the Open Men’s of the Nationals and considering it is the first event he has contested in several years he will go into the final as the underdog.
As the tide continued to drop the waves appeared to lose their form for the second semi final. Damon Gunness only surfed two waves but that was enough to win with a heat score of 12.0 including one excellent backhand ride of 7.0. Gunness was the 2002 National Champion and also contested the 2003 finals so is in very familiar territory. Maz Quinn left his run late in the semi final slipping to third at one point behind Luke Hughes (Rag). Quinn appeared to know exactly what was required to progress after scoring a late 6.0 point ride to move to second. No doubt he will be hoping to lift his game for the finals and produce the goods where it counts.
Michael Fitzharris (Gis) continued his onslaught in the Hyundai Open Longboard Division scoring 14.75 to win the first semi final. His progression completed the first part of the match up with Daniel Kereopa completing the second part. Many longboarders will take great interest in this encounter as will many of the shortboarders who will want to see if Kereopa can make the transition. However there are two further finalists that cannot be discounted in the equation. Wellsford’s Tony Baker and Thomas Kibblewhite (Auck) will have a point to prove and they would love nothing more than to ‘take down’ one of the more fancied surfers.
The Billabong Junior Men’s semi finalists made the most of the glassy early morning conditions. Kierin Van Der Helder (Rag) scored 14.25 surfing both the left and right handers that were on offer. Van Der Helder was the clear winner ahead of a tight tussle for second between Lyndon Hutton (Dun) and Gauranga Ormond (WGM). The two surfers moved back and forward throughout the heat with Ormond having one last throw at the dice on his last wave requiring a 6.9 but came up short scoring 6.5.
In the second semi final Dean Amess (WGM) looked in control of the heat scoring 13.75 for the win. Gisborne’s Bodhi Whitaker also progressed looking like he had a tonne of energy and surfing very well heading into the finals.
The Rip Curl Under 16’s semi finals was laden with talent and both semi finals could have gone to any of the eight surfers involved. Ryan Hawker (Piha) stepped it up a notch in the first semi to progress to the finals. He will look to add an Under 16 Boys title to his Under 14 title that he won in 2005. The remaining three surfers in the heat battled it out until the final hooter sounded at which point Whangarei surfer Oliver Bone emerged the victor. Bone’s tight surfing gave him the nod over Braedon Williams and Stefan White both of Whangamata.
In the second semi final Paco Divers (Whan) progressed to the final and will want to go one better than his second placing that he achieved last year. Divers scored 12.25 for the win ahead of Keone Campbell (Tara) who pipped Ryan Heath (WGM) for second with a wave starved Johnny Hicks (Gis) in fourth.
For more information on the event please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
FIRST SIX FINALS COMPLETED AT HYUNDAI NATIONAL CHAMPS
January 13, 2006, The Bluff, Northland -- The glory divisions of the Hyundai National Surfing Championships had a well deserved lay day today (Friday) in the lead up to the last day of the event. However, six finals were surfed today as well as the remaining semi finals leaving seven hours of surfing to complete the event tomorrow (Saturday). The surf remains around the 1.0m mark and light winds made conditions excellent for the competing surfers today.
Some of the most promising talent in the country competed in the Under 14 Boys division. With the inconsistent conditions playing a part all three surfers (Landem Collier missed the final) were gripped in a tight battle to gain their first ever national title. Mount Maunganui’s Alex Dive lead for much of the heat until the final set of waves approached in the last few seconds. Both Karne Pitcher (WGM) and Johnny Hicks (Gis) paddled into the best waves of the set with Pitcher getting the upper hand scoring 7.25 and just enough for the title ahead of Hicks’ 7.00 point ride. Alex Dive finished a credible third and will take a lot of encouragement out of the result for the coming year.
Paige Hareb (Tara) completed the first part of what she hopes is a trifecta of wins by sewing up first place in the Under 16 Girls. Hareb didn’t fire too many shots until the final few minutes of the heat when she scored a 4.75 and 6.65 on her last two waves. 13 year old Grace Spiers (WGM) held the lead for much of the heat after catching only two waves but could not hold off Hareb and had to settle for second. Both Anna Hadfield (Mnt) and Sharnae Van Der Helder (Rag) struggled to find any waves and placed third and fourth respectively.
Ian Walker (Tara) was too good for his younger and older counterparts on the way to winning the Kneeboard final. Young Kelvin Weir pushed hard but came up short in the challenging conditions. However Weir did do enough to get one up on his father Murray who placed third ahead of Craig McDonald in fourth.
Anna Jolly (Piha) beat all comers in the inaugural Over 30 Women’s Division posting 7.95 in the final. Local girl Aleisha Gore moved into second with her last scoring ride ahead of Pauline Pullman (Sandy Bay) in third and Monique Hedges (Wgtn) in fourth.
In the second parent/sibling show down of the day Wini Paul (Sandy Bay) won out over her mum in the Women’s Longboard Division to take her first national title and potentially the first of two for this event. Paul emerged the easy victor over Jo Moore (Mur), Anna Jolly (Piha) and her mum Pauline Pullman (Sandy Bay) who finished in fourth.
Number one seed in the Junior Longboard Dylan Barnfield (Ohope) sealed the victory with a score of 12.50. Wellington’s Kirk Beyer didn’t let up in the title chase but he fell short after scoring a 7.0 on his first wave, unable to back it up with a good second ride. Tom Grooten (Auck) finished in third ahead of Tyler Anderson (Tara) in fourth.
For more information on the event please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
MAZ QUINN SEALS HIS FOURTH NATIONAL TITLE
14th January 2006 (Saturday) -- Maz Quinn (Gis) cemented himself further into the New Zealand Surfing record books by winning the Open Men's Division of 2006 Hyundai National Surfing Championships. The Men's Division was held in the middle of the day to capitalise on the 1.0m swell, full tide and light winds that were on offer. Quinn scored 15.85 for his total heat score, which included an excellent backhand ride of 8.10 where he completed three huge turns on one of the biggest waves of the day. The ocean almost went flat after his last wave and left the remaining three competitors struggling to make any headway.
After the heat Maz Quinn commented that he felt the final went to his game plan. "Yeah everything went to plan out there apart from falling off on my first wave. I had to put that behind me and live in the now and concentrate on what was ahead. I managed to stay patient and get the bigger waves that I knew I could get the scores on. My last wave that I got, that bigger lefthander, was definitely a result of my patience".
Posed the question of the highly touted match up with Daniel Kereopa, Quinn was unmoved, "It didn't really play on my mind. We were on either side of the draw so we were never going to meet each other until the final. This allowed me to concentrate on my own game plan the whole week and it has paid off”.
With his fourth title, Quinn equals two other surfers in Wayne Parkes and Alan Byrne and now only has to chase down one surfer - Iain Buchanan who has six to his name. This is a goal that Quinn is ultimately looking to achieve.
Coming home in second place was fellow Gisborne surfer Damon Gunness who led for the first half of the final. Gunness finished with a total score of 12.90 ahead of Kereopa (Rag) of whom the Open Men's title remains elusive. Dane Simpson (Gis) came in from the water in a respectable fourth place and while he didn't get the rub of the green in the final he was happy to be amongst the surrounding company and has certainly made everyone take note of his performance in his comeback event.
The highly anticipated Hyundai Longboard Division match up between Michael Fitzharris (Gis) and Daniel Kereopa (Rag) lived up to all expectations. Tony Baker (Wellsford) and Thomas Kibblewhite (Auck) were not out of their league either and at one point it was Kibblewhite that stole the lead. However, Fitzharris and Kereopa caught consecutive waves at the start of the heat with Daniel Kereopa notching up a brilliant 9.25 point ride to Fitzharris' 8.50. This allowed the two surfers to be selective with their wave selection and it was not until his final wave that Fitzharris rode a 6.76 point ride to steal the win. For defending champion Fitzharris it was jubilation at his sixth title and victory over Kereopa. Fitzharris now takes the early lead on the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour winning the first of six events to be held throughout New Zealand this year.
The Hyundai Open Women's Division suffered a 'lull' in the surf and it left the girls scrambling for any waves they could get. Seasoned campaigner and New Zealand's sole female contesting the international tour, Lisa Hurunui of Gisborne, stole the victory with a calculated performance scoring 11.11 in the final. This is the first National Champs that Hurunui has contested for the past several years and she made sure that she wasn't going to let the opportunity to win a national title slip. Paige Hareb (Tara) was penalized early in the final for interfering with another surfer however despite this she managed to remain in second place holding out Jessica Welch (Gis) in third and Kelly Clarkson (Rag) in fourth.
The Billabong Junior Men's had all the elements of a classic duel between four of the most competitive young surfers in New Zealand. Dean Amess (WGM) opened up with a 5.50 and then backed that up with a 6.50 to take a strong lead. Kierin Van Der Helder (Rag) fought back with two mid range waves but could not find the bigger waves that had a workable face until late in the heat. Dunedin's Lynden Hutton and Bodhi Whitaker (Gis) struggled for waves until late in the heat and finished in third and fourth bring to an end their great campaigns.
The Rip Curl Under-16 Boys was won by local Northland surfer Paco Divers (Whangarei) who stunned the crowd with an awesome 9.50 point wave. From there he never let the title go and further increased his lead with a last wave of 4.35. Ryan Hawker (Piha) opened up with a 6.25 and looked solid but could not secure that big score required to catch Divers ultimately requiring a 7.86 for the win. Taranaki's Keone Campbell placed a close third and will be happy with this result to begin the year while another local surfer Oliver Bone (Whangarei) placed fourth.
The Under 18 Girls went to Christchurch's Daisy Thomas, the only title that went to the South Island. Thomas lead for much of the final but her last wave of 7.75 made the victory convincing, leaving all other surfers requiring excellent scores to get close. Paige Hareb could not improve on her second placing in the Open Women's finishing nsecond again with Wini Paul (Sandy Bay) in third and double finalist Grace
Spiers (WGM) in fourth.
The Over 28 Men's title went through all finalists’ sets of hands before defending champion Ben Kennings (WGM) stole the victory on his last wave scoring a 7.20 to back up his 8.50 from earlier in the final. Mark Dovey (Mnt) held the lead for much of the heat surfing fast and solid to score 14.35 before being pipped at the post. Scott Casey (Auck) secured one excellent scoring ride of 7.75 but was unable to back it up with a secondand placed third ahead of Matt Hishon (Rag).
Shawn Collier (Gis) took out the Over 35 Men's title ahead of Seth Matthews (Tara), Rick Lasch (Auck) and local Billy Hale but it was Matthews that got one back in the Over 40s to take the title over a disappointed Geoff Hutcheson (Rag), Teddy Colbert and Rod Welch both of Gisborne. In a recurring pattern Rod Welch went three places better in the Over 45s to win over John Gisby (Gis), Brendon Young (Whan) and Peter Bramble (Waihi Beach). Again John Gisby while not being able to secure a title in the Over 45s, managed to win the Over 50s and walk away with title number 24. Gisby won out over Tony Ogilvy, Viv Tracey (Whan) and Paul Atkin (Kait).
The Open Bodyboard final was a very close encounter with Hawkes Bay's Hayden Middleton scoring 5.55 on his last wave for a 13.10 total and the win. Only 0.20 separated second from third with Richard Mckenna (Wanagnui) getting the nod over Floyd Smith who was unable to complete the double with his Junior win. Raglan's Graeme Reid came through in fourth.
Floyd Smith (Piha) defended his Junior Bodyboard title scoring 12.25 in the final. The current Under 18 Australasian Junior Champion showed some real class setting the early pace never relinquishing the lead. Steve Abraham (Auck) came home in second place ahead of Taranaki's Wesley Sayer and Byron
Sean in fourth.
Mihi Wells (Auck) continued her good run of form in the Women's Bodyboard winning the three girl final. Wells, a national rep and current World Amateur Champion scored 8.4 in the final to out class Andrea Willets (Tara) in second and Pearl Hippolite (Otoranga) in third. Auckland's Ben Subritzky made his travels worth while coming up trumps in the final of the Dropknee Bodyboard. Subritzky scored a 6.0 on his last wave to take the title ahead of Graham Reid (Rag), Ryan Kendall (Kerikeri) and Oliver Simpson (Dun).
For more information on the event please contact Ben Kennings on email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
www.surfingnz.co.nz
BILLABONG GROM SERIES EXPANDS TO COMBINE GIRLS GET OUT THERE DAY
Date: 21st – 22nd January 2006
Location: Tay Street, Mount Maunganui.
The 2006 Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge kicks into action tomorrow (Saturday) with event one being staged at Tay Street, Mount Maunganui. Almost one hundred surfers under the age of 16 will be out to contest six separate divisions of the main event. However, for the first time in New Zealand, Billabong will also be staging the Girls Get Out There Day alongside the event. The Girls Get Out There Day comprises of six surf lessons throughout the weekend where female beginners can come and receive coaching. All coaches are qualified and Billabong will also have their top female team riders such as 2005 National Champion Jessica Santorik (Rag), 2006 runner up Paige Hareb (Tara) and Grace Spiers (WGM) in attendance. Participants also get a huge registration pack of goodies to take away with them.
In the main event, a storming Paco Divers of Sandy Bay will be one to watch after he rode to victory in the Under 16s at the National Champs. Divers, a national representative in 2005 will also be out to impress selectors as they set their targets on team selection for the World Junior Championships, which is fast approaching in May. As well as Divers, a number of other young surfers will be out to win the event and gain points toward the three event series, the winners of which will receive a ticket and entry into Billabong’s Occy Grom Comp in Australia*. Grommets will also be competing for $6,000 worth of Billabong prizes at the event.
The huge field of Under 16 Boys also plays host to a raft of talent that are rising through the ranks. The likes of Adam Cranston (Gis), Johnny Hicks (Gis) and Jay Paddock of Gisborne as well as Karne Pitcher, Stefan White and Ryan Heath of Whangamata have shown good form and obviously feed off each other at their local breaks. Oliver Bone (Sandy Bay) and Keone Campbell (Tara) have also impressed, both making the final four at the Nationals. Local surfer Matt Hewitt has also impressed many with his surfing.
The Under 16 Girls will see current age group champion Paige Hareb (Tara) out to maintain the form that saw her pick up one national title (Under 16 Girls) and two runner ups (Under 18 and Open Women) last week. Hareb will also be out with the rest of the Billabong team riders teaching all the beginners how to surf at the Girls Get Out There Day.
The Under 14 Boys will have the likes of Johnny Hicks and Karne Pitcher lining up to do battle against one another in their on going fight for supremacy. Alex Dive of Tauranga put in a solid performance at the National Champs and he cannot be discounted when it comes to finals time in this division and the same can be said for young Landem Collier (Gis).
The Under 14 Girls will see Grace Spiers and Alexis Poulter (Piha) go head to head after decidedly different warm-ups. Spiers stayed in New Zealand to contest the National Champs while Poulter travelled to Australia to ply her trade along with younger brother Ben. Both surfers had success with Spiers making two finals at the Nationals and Poulter placing second in the Under 14 Girls in Australia.
Background Event Information
The Grom Series visits three of New Zealand’s most noted surf beaches being Mount Maunganui, Whangamata (4th – 5th Feb) and Piha on Auckland’s West Coast (11th – 12th March). Over the past several years, similar events have spawned what are now household surfing names in the form of 2005 Open and Junior Men’s National Champion Richard Christie (Mah), 2004 National Women’s Champion Airini Mason (Gis), and current Junior Men’s Champion Kierin Van Der Helder (Rag). The Billabong Grom Series will again unearth New Zealand’s future stars in 2006 as the cream of the crop rise to the challenge.
The events also provide the first time opportunity for many youngsters to surf competitively. Along with this experience, each competitor gets to meet other surfers from around New Zealand making friendships and becoming familiar with what it takes to make it to the top of their sport. In 2006 Oceanbridge are the presenting sponsors and the event is held in association with e2, Clearasil and UV Triple Guard.
The Billabong Grom Series is brought to you by Billabong, Oceanbridge, e2, Clearasil, UV Triple Guard, The Edge, Von Vipper and Kustom. The event would not be possible without the assistance of Bay Boardriders and Surfing New Zealand.
Ben Kennings benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz
Surfing New Zealand www.surfingnz.co.nz
Surfing New Zealand are proudly supported by Lion Red, Vodafone, Hyundai, SPARC and Smokefree
PERU
“ MUVI 2 ”: THE NEW VIDEO OF SOFIA MULANOVICH
The World Runner-up of Surfing 2005, Sofía Mulanovich, has presented “ Muvi 2 ”, a video on the revolution of Peruvian surfing. “ Muvi 2” has been edited, directed and produced by Sofia. The video appeals to almost all generations, exhibiting spectacular maneuvers.
Among the surfers who took part, in addition to Sofía Mulanovich, are the Peruvian three-time champion Sebastián Alarcón. Likewise, Gabriel Aramburú, Pan-American Champion; Javier Swayne, Latin-American Champion 2003; Gabriel Villarán, Latin-American Champion 2005; Matías Mulanovich and Cristóbal de Col, offer new promise to Peruvian surfing.
The video has been the first one realized in Peru, with cameras and professional teams, of which the quality of the work is highest. The surf spots used for the film feature beaches of northern Peru, such as The Hollow, Lobitos, Panic Point and Máncora, not to mention other locations such as Lima, Indonesia and Hawaii. The video will be available in the chain of Ripley shops.
Hans Firbas [hfirbas@terra.com.pe]
SEBASTIÁN PRESENT ALARCÓN IN PAN-AMERICAN OF SURFING
The National Champion 2003 – 2004 – 2005 Sebastián Alarcón, will be the principal member of Peruvian representatives who will take part in Edition VII of the Pan-American Games of Surfing, which will take place on January 16 in the flat Top Rocks of Black Top. More than twenty countries in this part of the world have confirmed his participation in this event endorsed by the International Association of Surfing (ISA), who is of Olympic reputation.
This Pan-American Championship is a competition for teams and occurs every two years. Sebastián Alarcón, winner of the National of Surfing of Peru, will be one of the persons in charge of compiling our team for the Open division, jointly with Gabriel Villarán, Gabriel Aramburú and Javier Swayne, those who occupied the first three positions of the Latin-American 2005. Peru is the big favorite to obtain the victory.
“After gaining three National Championships in Peru, it is time to look for victories abroad. That's why my first target is to leave in high place the name of Peru in this Pan-American tournament and my goal is to obtain the title of the WINGS Tour in 2006. I am grateful to Rip Curl, Holy Nature, Oakley and Klimax, who have been nice enough to support me, and I hope to return them his confidence with a good performance in Black Top,” declared the Peruvian three-time champion.
Hans Firbas [hfirbas@terra.com.pe]
SOUTH AFRICA
SURFING SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCEMENT
The President of Surfing South Africa is pleased to announce that Ms.Tasha Mentasti has accepted a position on the SSA Board of Directors. Tasha has represented South Africa as a surfer and a Technical Coach and has also surfed for KwaZuluNatal. She is a competitive professional surfer and ended 2005 ranked 8th on the ASP Africa Pro Surf Tour. Tasha has completed the SSA Level One, Two and Three Coaching courses, is an accomplished surf photographer and surf reporter having worked for Tostee.com until November 2005 and has represented South Africa's Women surfers a member of the ASP Africa Board for the past three years. Up to the time of her appointment to the SSA BOD she was a member of the Executive Committee of KZN Surfing Association.
She replaces Mr. Ebrahim Smith who resigned from the Surfing SA Board last year.
Robin de Kock
www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
CAPE PENINSULA TO HOST ISA ALOHA CUP
ISA Aloha Cup presented by Surfing South Africa (SSA)
Sanctioned by the International Surfing Association (ISA)
Participating nations: Great Britain, Namibia and South Africa
Cape Peninsula, South Africa, January 28 & 29, 2006
January 3, 2006, Cape Peninsula -- The South African contest calendar moves into top gear on January 28 and 29.when the International Surfing Association (ISA) sanctioned Aloha Cup, supported by the Lotto, takes place at one or more of the many surf spots in and around the Cape Peninsula.
The ISA Aloha Cup will feature a South African Under 23 team, and teams from neighbours Namibia and Great Britain. The minimum team size is four men and one woman but as the event is being held "at home" the South African selectors have chosen eight men and three women, all of whom will compete in at least one of the "double headers" tournaments scheduled for the last weekend in January.
The South African Men's team includes 2005 WP Open winner Matt Kruger of Durban, 2005 O'Neill Cold Water Classic winner Ryan Payne and his brother Shaun, both from Cape St Francis, 2005 WP Open champion Josh Salie of Kommetjie, former National Junior team captain Dylan Stone and fellow Port Elizabeth surfer Granville West, 2005 National junior team member Lungani Memani of Port Alfred and former National Development team member Raoul Erasmus of Mossel Bay. Stacey Guy of Melkbosstrand, the 2005 WP Champion and top ranked Cape surfer on the ASP Pro Tour, heads up the Women's group which includes Laetitia Lee of Jeffrey's Bay and Nicole Annells of Warner Beach.
Former World surfing champion Ant Brodowicz of Margate is head coach and Mikhail Thompson of Somerset West is his assistant while Pax Nydoo of Durban is the manager of the team.
The SA Team will be supported by the Lotto who has provided the funding to host the Aloha Cup itself.
In a boost for South African longboarding, an International contest featuring a SA Longboard Team and a team from Great Britain will take place at the same time and venue as the Aloha Cup.
The 2006 ISA Aloha Cup is one of the first event of its kind to be held since the concept was discussed by the International Surfing Association some years ago and the fact that it is taking place in Cape Town is a huge feather in the cap of Surfing South Africa.
Introduced as a support event to the 2006 Quiksilver ISA World Junior championships and the biennial ISA World Surfing Games, the tournament uses a unique format which involves all the athletes in both individual and team competition and the overall result and Aloha Cup Champions is the team which has the highest number of individual and team points.
Due to the surfing opportunities offered by the multiple venues around the Cape Peninsula, organisers have decided to use a "mobile venue" format to determine where the contest will be held on each day of competition.
Compiled by Robin de Kock
Surfing South Africa
rosadian@iafrica.com
www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
SURFING SOUTH AFRICA AND THE NSRI TO HOST JOINT LETS GO SURFING AND WATERWISE IN WESTERN CAPE
January 3, 2006, Strand Beach, Western Cape -- The 2006 Surfing South Africa domestic season will get under way this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (January 6-8) when a popular Lets go Surfing Clinic takes place in association with the National Sea Rescue Institute's Waterwise Youth Development programme at the Pipe on Strand Beach in the Western Cape.
The entry level surfing clinic, which will take place on the first day of the three day long initiative, is open to anyone who wants to learn the basic steps to becoming a surfer. The project will culminate on Sunday January 8 with the running of a grassroots surf contest for all the participants.
The weekend's activities are being coordinated by Surfing South Africa Development Director Cecil Solomon (contact 0823217482) and all potential surfers who are keen to learn the ropes and be included in the NSRI Waterwise programme should meet Surfing South Africa officials at the Pipe (which is next to the AECI Fence) on Strand Beach at 09h00 Friday January 6.
Equipment, appropriate coaching by SSA accredited coaches and plenty of free surfing handouts such as Surf Tip booklets will be available to all those who register. The surfing clinic will be followed up by workshops presented by the NSRI Waterwise trainers who will discuss topics such as water communication, the sending of SOS distress signals as well as basic First Aid and CPR.
The Waterwise programme is an education initiative aimed at raising a nation of sensible and capable water users and the Lets go Surfing projects are surfing education initiatives supported by Sport and Recreation South Africa and are aimed at introducing surfers from a variety of communities to the sport.
A Surfing South Africa "Let's Go Surfing" initiative presented in association with Sport and Recreation SA and the NSRI Waterwise Youth development programme
Compiled by Robin de Kock
Surfing South Africa www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
BRITISH, NAMIBIAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN TEAMS START ARRIVING IN CAPE TOWN FOR THE ISA ALOHA CUP
January 20, 2006, Cape Peninsula -- The first members of the British Surfing Team who will take on South Africa and Namibia in an ISA Aloha Cup clash in Cape Town on January 28 and 29, have arrived in the Peninsula. Nathanial Hooton and Darren Wright will be joined by their teammates Luke Jennaway, Josh Knowles and Kari Knutsen Rees and the 10 strong Longboard contingents of Ben Byfield, Catherine Meredith, Adrian and Jo Howell, Candice O'Donnell, Gary Woodward, Ben Howey, OJ Freshwater, Ben Howarth and Cullum Clark on Saturday January 21. The British Team will be coached by Etienne Venter of Jeffrey's Bay who recently completed a Surfing South Africa Level 3 Coaching Course.
Namibian surfers Dirk Redman, Torsten Gossow, Wynand Labushagne and Heidi Currie are already in Cape Town preparing for the event while Anko de Wet, Ben Alfheim and team Manager Hardy Hofmeister will arrive on January 23.The Namibians will be coached by Dagan Gold of Kommetjie who also completed a Level 3 SSA Coaching course recently.
The South African Under 23 surfing team will fly in from all corners of South Africa on Thursday January 26 in time for some practice in the icy Cape surf while most of the Puma SA Longboard team, made up predominantly of surfers from the Western and Eastern Cape, are in the city already.
The International Longboard contest is an initiative of Surfing South Africa and the British Surfing Association and is the first event of its kind to take place in South Africa between two ISA countries. It is a real boost for the SA Longboarding Association as the team members will receive National colours and SALSA are hoping that the tournament will become an annual affair.
Matthew Moir, who is ranked third in the world, heads up the Open Division, which includes WP teammates Thomas Kleynhans and William Wallace and Dylan McCleod of EP. SA Champion Simone Robb and Tara Hossack (both of WP) are joined by Michelle Hill of EP in the Women's team while the Juniors, Kwezi Quika, Justin Bing, Ashwyn Roberts and Mark Smith, are all Cape locals.
In the Veterans Division former WP surfer Andrew Lenton (who now lives in PE), 1970's National team member Donald Paarman and Hans Kamhoot of WP make up a formidable over 45 contingent. SALSA President Deon Bing is the Manager and Hugh Thompson of Durban has been appointed as the coach of the team.
The surfing tournament uses a unique format which involves all the athletes in an ISA developed team competition and the overall winners are the team which score the highest number of points after both legs. The International longboard will include individual finals and a tag team event will determine the winning team.
Surfing South Africa is recognized by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as the governing body for the sport in South Africa.
Compiled by Robin de Kock rosadian@iafrica.com
Surfing South Africa www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
Distributed by: Life's a Beach Communications
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za
SOUTH AFRICAN SURFERS WIN ISA ALOHA CUP
January 29, 2006 -- In a command performance South Africa's Under 23 surfing team thrashed the opposition in the ISA Aloha Cup at Witsands in the Cape Peninsula Sunday (January 29) scoring 81 points to Great Britain's 45 and Namibia's 36 points.
The South African team comprised Stacey Guy, who was the team captain, Nicole Annells, Laetitia Lee, Matthew Kruger, brothers Ryan and Shaun Payne, Granville West, Lungani Memani, Josh Salie,Dylan Stone and Raoul Erasmus and the team was coached by Ant Brodowicz and Mikhail Thompson with Pax Nydoo the team Manager.
Completed in perfect weather and In surf that ranged from 2 to 4 foot over the two days of competition, the event, which was sponsored by the National Lottery Board, was pronounced a success by contestants and event officials alike.
The ISA Aloha Cup is an initiative of the International Surfing Association and uses a unique team format, which sees the results of the heats, and the Tag team contests all-contributing to the final team scores.
Each Aloha Cup can be completed in three to five hours depending on how many teams take part and the format is designed to provide international competition to ISA nations in the time between the Quiksilver ISA World Junior championships and the biennial Quiksilver ISA World Games.
In the Longboard International which was held at the same time and at the same venue as the Aloha Cup team honours went the way of the South African team who beat their counterparts from Great Britain.
Outstanding local longboarder Matthew Moir was a dominant Open Men's champion and a stoked Dylan McCleod was his runner up. Michael Grendon came third and Thomas Kleynhans was fourth in the all South African final.
Justin Bing beat Ashwyn Roberts into second and Kwezi Quika outpointed British representative Jo Howell to take third in the Junior final while South Africa's top Women longboarder Simone Robb beat team mates Michelle Hill and Tara Hossack into third and fourth place respectively.
Candice O'Donnell of Great Britain, who was bumped off her surfboard by an inquisitive pod of dolphins during the Final, came fourth.
The Veterans division was a close affair and in the end only one point separated champion Andrew Lenton and his South African team mate Donald Paarman. Hans Kamhoot was third and Adrian Howell of Great Britain took fourth place.
The ISA ALoha Cup was hosted by Surfing South Africa, which is recognized by the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as the governing body for the sport in South Africa.
The International Surfing Association (ISA), the World's governing body for surfing sanctioned the event and teams from the host country, Great Britain and Namibia participated in the event which was sponsored by the National Lottery Board.
Western Province Surfing hosted the Aloha Cup and the SA Longboarding Association coordinated the Longboard International.
Compiled by Robin de Kock
Surfing South Africa www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
Distributed by: Life's a Beach Communications
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
SURFING AMERICA LAUNCHES MEMBER SURF SCHOOL PROGRAM
San Juan Capistrano, CA - January 16, 2006 - Surfing America, the National Governing Body (NGB) for Surfing in the United States, has established a set of minimum requirements in order to be deemed a Member Surf School. The goal of the Program is to recognize those Surf Schools who operate under the highest standards of professional conduct, teaching progressions and methodology, safety practices, and staff training.
"Launching the Surf School Endorsement Program is among our top initiatives for 2006," said Mike Gerard, Executive Director of Surfing America. "There are so many of them out there now. And the public needs help to identify which schools are legitimate--offering a quality lesson product and meeting a high standard for safety. Membership in Surfing America is a recognition that is reserved for only the finest Surf Schools and for those that demonstrate their ability to be good neighbors in their communities, stewards of the ocean environment, and supportive of the Mission Statement of Surfing America."
Surf Schools accepted into the program will be officially recognized by Surfing America and will be included in the organization's marketing and support programs. Also, Member Surf Schools will be permitted to use the "Official Surf School of the USA Surf Team" designation and logo in their advertising and promotions.
As the program unfolds, consumers will be confident they're picking the right school program by reviewing brochures at their local surf shop and selecting the one with the USA Surf Team logo on it. A key objective of the Member Surf School Program is to encourage increased participation and early development of lifelong surfers and future surfing champions, while establishing a feeder program for future competitors into Surfing America's Member Organizations: ESA, HASA, NSSA, TGSA, WSA, and BIA.
The first school enrolled in the Program is San Clemente's Endless Summer Surf Camp. Camp Director and professional surfer Jason Senn has been running camps for nearly 15 years and feels a governing system must be in place in these over-saturated times. "Surfing America is the perfect umbrella," said Senn. "There are so many fly-by-night operations popping up out there; it's a discredit to all of those who have worked to build solid programs. The government agencies that are issuing permits are catching on to their need to more closely scrutinize the operators. And Surfing America's endorsement program is just the stamp of approval that's needed to set the standard."
"Our mission at Endless Summer Surf Camp that of any quality Surf School: to provide a solid surf instruction program that includes a total immersion in the sport of surfing, its environment, history and culture," added Senn. "As a former United States Surf Team member, I encourage all students to aspire to reach their surfing goals--whether to stand up for the first time or to become a professional surfer. Surf Schools are an important part of the sport's growth and are logical feeders for Surfing America's Member
Organizations. We have hundreds of current and former students competing throughout the nation. In fact, Endless Summer Surf Camp has produced two recent USA Surf Team members: Marty Weinstein, who learned to surf with us at the age of 6, and Morgan Faulkner, one of TGSA's best athletes."
Mike Cianciulli
Surfing America, Inc. www.surfingamerica.org
5. REGIONAL SURF ASSOCIATIONS’ NEWS
PASA’S NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT
Maile H. Aguerre
President
E-mail: maile@isasurf.org
5580 La Jolla Blvd. PMB 145
La Jolla, California 92037 USA
(858) 336-2288
(858) 551 - 5290 (Fax)
Submitted by Maile Aguerre: Maile@isasurf.org
CSI/ISA REPORT - JAN 2005
(January 27, 2006) CSI exists to serve the world surfing community with the love of God. CSI is essentially local surfers from local churches interacting with their local communities. Our national groups interact with the amateur surfing bodies where they exist.
2006 International Leadership Conference set. Sept. 17-22 Ubatuba Brazil 2006
Our 6th International Conference has planned to be held at the eco resort in Ubatuba 2 ½ hrs north of Sao Paulo. This is our biennial family gathering and all CS leadership and their families are invited along with key surf ministry partners. Set on the beach in a pristine rainforest. Additional leadership school will be available for the week following Sept. 25-30. Brochure coming.
New look CSI website.
Thanks to Webmaster South Africa 's Mark Edwards (also sporting a new wife! congratulations) for extensive changes to www.christiansurfers.net Online Credit Card donations now available and simplified navigation.
ISA Games opportunity.
Well done to the Huntington Beach CS chapter for assisting in accommodating the Tahiti team to the world jnr titles. Brett Davis and Marty Uhler attended the first AGM on behalf of CSI to the ISA. Invitation has been extended to CSI to offer hospitality to 2006 ISA games.
Contact info@christiansurfers.net or www.christiansurfers.net
6. SURFAID INTERNATIONAL and LIQUID NATION BALL
For the second year in a row, Liquid Nation, an event created by Santiago Aguerre, raised over $240,000 for Surf Aid International, the nonprofit humanitarian aid organization that works to improve the health of people living in isola ted surfing regions of the world. This fundraiser event, attended by the VIPs of the surfing world, including world champions Lisa Andersen, Sofia Mulanovich, Andy Irons, Peter Towned, Shaun Tomson, featured a live auction in which boards from those surfers and a balsa tow in from Laird Hamilton helped raised over $130,000 in 30 minutes. The rest of the funds came from ticket sales (over 450 people attended) and sponsors. The Liquid Nation Ball, was attended by the leaders of the surfing world from South and North America, Europe, Australia and Africa. The next event, Liquid Nation Ball 3 will be held on the second night of the ASR Tradeshow, September 9th, 2006. As in years 2004 and 2005, ISA President Fernando Aguerre, will be the auctioneer.
The 2006 event will benefit SurfAid and another group of humanitarian organizations run by surfers.
For more information on Liquid Nation 2, please log in www.surfaidinternational.org
For more information on Liquid Nation 3, please contact Sean@SIMA.com
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
ISA Operations Manager opmgr@isasurf.org
Website: www.isasurf.org
More USA/Cen Amer. surfing news available here
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Layla Marcilla
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