ISA PRESS RELEASE JULY 2006

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. ISA News
2. ISA Updates
3. ISA Events
4. ISA Calendar
5. National Governing Bodies' News
6. Regional Surfing Associations' News
7. International News
8. SURFAID International
9. Contact the ISA

1.  ISA NEWS

ISA WORLD MASTERS SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007
RINCON, PUERTO RICO
January 21-28, 2007

OFFICIAL INVITATION

Organizer/Host NGB:  Puerto Rico Surfing Federation Sanctioned by the International Surfing Association. On behalf of the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Puerto Rico Surfing Federation, we are pleased to present this invitation to your National Governing Body for the sending of your National Masters Surf Team to Rincon, Puerto Rico to represent your nation at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships 2007.

This is a historic opportunity for your Master surfers to compete together in an unforgettable event.  The ISA and Puerto Rico Surfing Federation are confident that the attending teams will take home experiences that will be part of their lives forever. The event is limited to 15 teams plus host team.  Please let the ISA know immediately if you will attend to ensure a space for your team at this event.

Hotels at Rincon:
*  Rincon of the Seas
Rates: $165.00 single/double occupancy, per night, per room. Room rate is non-commissionable. Tax: 9%  government tax
Rooms: Up to two children free of charge, 17 years old and under, when sharing room with an adult.
Maximum occupancy: 4 persons in double room and maximum 3 persons in king room. Third and fourth person in room $35.00 per person, per night.
Two welcome drinks. Two continental breakfasts for each day.
Tel: 787-823-7500
Fax: 787-823-7501
Toll free number: 1-866-2Rincon
Website: www.rinconoftheseas.com

*  Tamboo Beside the Point
Rates: $70-$165 per night + 9% tax
Rooms: 2 persons, 4 persons, or 6 persons (2 rooms apt.)
Contact: Javier Quinones
Tel/fax 787-823-8550
Toll free: 888-823-8550
www.besidethepoint.com

*  Villa Cofresi
Rates: $125.35 per night, includes taxes and continental breakfast.
Rooms: 2 persons
Tel: 787-823-2450
Fax: 787-823-1770
www.villacofresi.com

*  Villa Antonio
Rates: $125 + 9% tax
Rooms: 2 bedroom apartment with kitchen (4 persons)
Contact: Nardy Munoz
Tel: 787-823-2645
www.villa-antonio.com

*  Rincon Inn Hostel
Rates: $25 per night, per person + refundable deposit of 10% total
Rooms: 4 bed suites
Tel: 787-823-7070
www.rinconinn.com

EVENT SCHEDULE (Subject to change)

January 20-28, 2007

January 17, 18 and 19: Arrival Days.

Saturday, January 20: ISA Level 1 Judges Seminar and Judges Meeting Opening Ceremony Official Managers and Coaches Meeting.

January 21 - 28: Competition days

Sunday, January 28: Finals and Awards/Closing Ceremony

January 28, 29, 30: Departure days

2.  ISA UPDATES 

ASR TRADE EXPO
The ISA will have an information booth at the Action Sports Retailer (ASR) Trade Expo. ASR provides the ultimate showcase of the action sports and youth lifestyle market by attracting the world's largest and most powerful brands and buyers representing such diverse markets as surf, skate, swim, snow, footwear, and fashion.

ASR is the #1 trade event for networking, developing and fostering industry relationships. ASR always delivers the maximum exposure to the worlds leading retailers, distributors, marketers, athletes, designers, media and manufacturing company chiefs. Get in there, get noticed, and get business done. 

Dates:  September 8-10, 2006
Location: San Diego
  San Diego Convention Center
  111 Harbor Drive
  San Diego, CA 92101
More info: www.isasurf.org and www.asrbiz.com

3.  ISA EVENTS

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 14th to the 22nd of October.

ISA WORLD TANDEM SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS, 17 - 27 AUGUST 2006
The International Tandem Surfing Association (ITSA) is very pleased to welcome you to the 2006 ISA World Tandem Surfing Championships at Queens break in Waikiki, Hawaii during the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival. This event is officially sanctioned by the ISA and the ITSA. It is hosted and organized by the Duke Foundation and the ITSA, headed by Bear Woznick and Eric Leroy.
 
2007 WORLD KNEEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS, 7 - 14 JANUARY 2007
Kneeboard Surfing International (KSI) is pleased to announce that Kneeboard Surfing USA (KSUSA) will be conducting the 2007 World Kneeboard Championships.  The dates for the event are 7 January 2007 to 14 January 2007 at Santa Cruz, California. This event will be sanctioned by the ISA and be conducted in accordance with ISA guidelines.

2007 ISA WORLD MASTERS SURFING CHAMPIOSHIPS, 20 - 27 JANUARY 2007
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is pleased to announce that the Federacion de Surfing de Puerto Rico (FSPR) has been awarded the rights to host and organize the 2nd edition of the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships.

The ISA World Masters Surfing Championships will take place on the beaches of Rincon, the self-described surfing capital of the Caribbean, in January 20-27, 2007. The event will determine the world's top surfing nations and award individual titles to the world's top Masters surfers.

QUIKSILVER ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007
The ISA, in conjunction with the Federação Portuguesa de Surf (FPS), will present the 2007 ISA WJSC in Costa da Caparica, Portugal on May 4 - 12, 2006. The contest schedule of events is yet to be determined.

4.  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 Tandem Surfing Championships* Waikiki, Hawaii USA August 17 - 27, 2006
2006 ISA World Surfing Games* Huntington Beach, CA USA October 14 - 22, 2006
2006 ISA Biennial General Meeting 2006 Huntington Beach, CA USA October 16, 2006
2006 ISA Annual General Meeting 2006 Huntington Beach, CA USA October 18, 2006
2007 ISA World Kneeboard Championships* Santa Cruz, CA USA Jaunary 7 - 14, 2007
2007 ISA World Masters Surfing Championships* Rincon, Puerto Rico Jaunary 20 - 28, 2007
2007 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships* Costa da Caparica, Portugal May 4 - 12, 2007
*An ISA Sanctioned Event

5.  NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES' NEWS

AUSTRALIA

RABBIT KEKAI INTERNATIONAL LONGBOARD CLASSIC - WLC - JOSH CONSTABLE WINS ASP WORLD LONGBOARD TITLE
Wednesday, 28 June 2006 -- Josh Constable from Australia won the 2006 ASP Men's World Longboard Championships today, defeating Ned Snow from Hawaii in a very closely contested man-on-man final in Costa Rica.

After the final Josh had this to say when asked how he felt. "It hasn't really sunk in yet. When I get home with family and friends it will probably kick in. Right now it just does not seem real. It was a perfect day!" Josh was then asked what he thought about the contest itself and the venue, replying "great atmosphere with everyone staying together and surfing perfect lefts early in the event at the Boca and getting to finish in great beachies."

So many of the longboarders electrified and amazed the crowds with some of the most high-energy surfing seen in a very long time. Today Playa Hermosa was pumping 4' to 6' plus with near perfect "A" frames allowing the surfers to really show off their repertoire.

Josh Constable who started from the very first round, from an unseeded position, consistently had the highest scoring waves. However, the wave of the event, scoring perfect 10's across the board for a fantastic, fully covered tube ride and then following up with both radical maneuvers and traditional noseriding to the beach went to Hawaii's Duane DeSoto.

Earlier in the day was not good for many of the favorites and past World Champions, including 2 time World Champion, Joel Tudor and 3 time World Champion, Colin McPhillips, both from the USA. Also going out in the quarter finals was last year's contest winner, Matthew Moir from South Africa. Other favorites to win this year and not making the finals were Taylor Jensen from the USA and former World Champion Bonga Perkins from Hawaii.

Also held today was the Women's Pro/Am division of the Rabbit Kekai Longboard Classic with 12 year phenom Anneka Barrie defeating the older and more experienced second place, Jennifer Flannigan, third place, Tifney Bertram, and fourth place Brittney Valverde.

Also held today was the Hobie, Surftech 1-Design "expression Session", won by Phil Razzman from Brazil. Check the ASP website at www.aspworldtour.com for live audio updates and scoring results.

The 13th Annual Rabbit Kekai International Longboard Classic and 2006 ASP Men's World Longboard Championships are being presented by 4Surfing Productions, www.4surfing.org. and Jim Reynolds and Henry Ford.

Special thanks to all our sponsors. The Boca Barranca Beach and Surf Resort, www.bocabarrancabeachandsurfresort.com, The Fiesta Resort and Casino Puntarenas, www.fiestaresort.com, the ICT and Minister of Tourism, Costa Rica, Hobie Sports, www.hobie.com, Costa Rica Paper Co, Headline Graphics, www.headlinegraphics.com, Coolies, Spatters/Ride Hard, www.spatters.com, Toes on the Nose, www.toesonthenose.com. Wayne Rich Surfboards and Clyde Beatty Products, Wayne Miyata Surfboards, Koko Island Products, Surfline, www.surfline.com.

CANADA

SANS in cooperation with Billabong are pleased to announce a major surf contest on the east coast of Canada.  This contest will have a Pro Class with a cash prize and non Pro Class. The contest is open to any surfer who would like to make the trip to Nova Scotia.  The date of the contest is Sept 3-5, 2006.

This contest will be one of the qualifiers for the selection of the Canadian Jr team for the 2007 ISA Quiksilver World Junior Surfing Championships (WJSC) in Portugal and a warm up for the 2006 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) team in California, USA. More information will be following at a later date.  Updates will be posted on the SANS webpage address is http://thanksgivingclassic.tripod.com/

John Fluke
john.fluke@lighthouselumber.com

COSTA RICA

HIGH PROFILE SURFERS EXPECTED AT FIRST-EVER CENTRAL AMERICAN SURF CHAMPIONSHIP
25 June, 2006 : - - San Jose, COSTA RICA --  2004 Latin American Surf Champion Mágnum Martinez and Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) judge Wade Sharp, will have very  important tasks at the Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica and Adio's Campeonato Centroamericano De Surf Adrenalina presented by Freestyle, which will take place in front of  Hotel Monterrey Del Mar in Playa Esterillos, July 10 through 15. Along with Costa Rica, surfers from Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador are expected to attend.

During the actual contest on July 13 to 15, Venezuelan surfer Martinez, a Quiksilver teamrider, will function as Event Director. The day before the tournament, the pro will lead a mandatory tactical surf clinic for all competitors.  

Mágnum more than qualifies for this position with his curriculum of victories including 1st place when the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) brought the 2002 Billabong Pro Costa Rica to Tamarindo.  Already this year, in between Transworld Surf magazine photo shoots, WQS contests, and trips to Tahiti to test his sponsor Sharp Eye's Surfboards, Martinez has triumphed in the Asociacion de Latinamericano de Surf's (ALAS) Latin & Carribean Pro Tour, with 1st place at the 2006 opener in Argentina, and is now at #5 on the Latin Pro rankings.

His skills earned him the 2004 ALAS Latin Pro Championship crown, and he made the cover of Surfer magazine four years ago. "To have as an Event Director a surfer this outstanding is a guarantee for the competitors because Mágnum is a person who knows this sport like the back of his hand and because of it he has lived his life with much passion," expressed Antonio Pilurzu, President of Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica (FSCR).
 
Meanwhile, South African Wade Sharp makes his return to Costa Rica, where he has previously helped the amateur and professional surfing community. In 2004, he trained the National Costa Rican Surf Team for their participation in the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Championships in Ecuador. That delegation reached 9th place. Later that year, he coached the National Junior Team for Tahiti and those challenging ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.

Sharpe has three decades in this discipline, 20 of those years as a professional, on several occasions competing as a National Surf Team member for South Africa, or representing the locale as a surfer on the WCT.  Once retired from active competition, Wade became a qualified, official WCT judge. This week, he was judging the ASP WQS Rip Curl Search Mexico, where 48 of the best surfers on the planet-including superstars Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons, Andy Irons and Mark Occhilupo, among others-were fighting for a win that Sharp would help decide.

During the Campeonato Centroamericano De Surf in Esterillos, Sharp will be responsible for a team of judges, all qualified to implement the regulations of the surf tournament. They will chose winners for categories of Open (Over 18 years of age), Junior (18 years and younger) and Women. On July 11, two days before the actual contest, he will conduct a judging clinic.

"The people of the surf world know Wade's career trajectory very well," indicated Pilurzu. "He started his surf career in South Africa, moved to California, and has some of best experience in the world. For that reason, we are sure that his work will be of great benefit for all the boys of Central America."

The Central American Surf Championships will offer prize money of $10,000 in Open, $2,000 for Women and $1,000 to Juniors. National surfers from Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama are invited to participate. Beginning on the day of the contestants' arrival-July 10-and continuing throughout the entire event through closing on July 15, sponsors will sell their wares at a Surf Expo outside of  Hotel Monterrey Del Mar in a grassy area just in front of the beach.

Sponsors are Adrenalina, Adio, Freestyle, Hotel Monterrey Del Mar, Nature Air, Billabong, Maxx Energy Drink, Quiksilver, Arnette, Cobian, Polaris, Surfos, Teletica 7, Bevy Media Corp, Jaco Surf Shop (JASS), Mango Surf & Skate, Barry V Surfboards, 911 La Radio, Banzaii, JB T-Shirts, Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, Wishbone Restaurant, Hotel Rancho Coral, The Backyard Hotel, Shifi Surf Shots, and Hotel Tropical Garden.

www.surfingcr.net/centroamericano

HAWAII

JOHN JOHN FLORENCE WINS HAWAII KING OF THE GROMS TITLE
20 June, 2006 : - -  13-year-old North Shore surfer John John Florence earns One Thousand dollars and is headed to France for the King of the groms? Complete with a king's crown, cloak and scepter, the 13-year-old North Shore surfer earned the designation yesterday by winning the Quiksilver King of the Groms Skins surfing event in solid 4- to 8-foot-face waves at Kewalo Basin.Florence also earned an event-high ,000 for his four skins in the one-day contest, and a trip to France later this summer to compete in the international King of the Groms.

"I really wanted to win this, and I'm so stoked I'm going to France," Florence said. Both the trip and the money "are great. And, I get to see how good everyone else is doing around the world."Florence bested a field that included 54 other boys and five girls.Unlike with the traditional scoring format, in which surfers are scored on their best  two rides in a full heat as determined by the judges, the King of the Groms was a skins competition in which the surfers were forced to "claim" only a single ride in each 15-minute heat.

If the surfers felt they nabbed a good ride, they had to raise their arms after the wave to make the claim, and their heat was over. Then, they would have to wait for the judges' actual score, and see if it would hold up to win the skin. John John Florence: photo Star-BulletinTwo 0 bills were immediately given to each heat winner from the third round on, and 0 was on the line for the final skin.

Though they didn't win any money, runner-up surfers in each of the heats before the finals moved on to the next round and still be eligible for later skins and the trip. "I like putting the pressure on them," said Jack Shipley, one of the three judges. "And, they have to decide (on their best wave) out there (in the water)."The pressure didn't get to Florence, as he took first place and the skins in three money rounds and then the final.Read the full report at O'neill.com

GUATEMALA

GUATEMALA SENDS SEVEN PRO SURFERS TO COMPETE AT  THE FEDERACIÓN DE SURF DE
COSTA RICA AND ADIO CAMPEONATO CENTROAMERICANO DE SURF ADRENALINA PRESENTED BY FREESTYLE
San Jose, COSTA RICA  July 2, 2006  --  With just one week to go before the opening activities of the Federación de Surf de Costa Rica (FSCR) and Adio's  Campeonato Centroamericano De Surf Adrenalina presented by Freestyle, Guatemala has confirmed that seven of its professional surfers would represent its country at the first-ever, five-nation surf tournament, which will take place in Playa Esterillos, July 10 through 15, at Hotel Monterrey Del Mar.

In a letter received by Antonio Pilurzu, President of the FSCR, Julio Mejicanos, President of Aso De Guatemala, wrote: "Thank you very much for the invitation. We are ready to attend." This week, Mejicanos announced the surfers who would be competing.They include Abner Rivera Lemus, Noe Antonio Garcia, Harvy Gil, Miguel Giron, Cristian Obdulio Mendez, Guilner Panazza,and Deifry Rafael Ramirez.

Introducing the Guatemala National Surf Team:

Abner Rivera Lemus: 21 year old from Playa Champerico, Retaltuleu, with 5 years experience; Guatemalan National Open Champion 2005 and 2004, National Junior Champion 2003, Subchampion Junior 2002, Subchampion Junior 2001, ranked 3rd Junior 2000.

Noe Antonio Garcia: 19 year old from La Empalizada, Escuintla, with 3 years experience.

Harvy Gil: 18 year old from Champerico, Retalhuleu, with 4 years experience; Participated in the 2006 World Junior Surfing Championships in Mariesias, Brazil; In Guatemala: ranked #3 18 years Category 2006, Subchampion National 16 years 2005, Subchampion National Category 16 years 2004, National Champion, Category Junior 16 years 2003, National Champion Category Junior 16 years 2002.

Miguel Giron: 27 year old from Barra de Iztapa, Escuintla, with 8 years experience.

Cristian Obdulio Mendez: 18 year old from La Empalizada, Escuintla, with 4 years experience; Participated in 2005 World Junior Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach, California; In Guatemala: currently ranked #1 in Open 2006, #3 Open 2005, National Champion Junior 2005, National Champion Junior 2004.

Guilner Panazza: 22 year old from Puerto San José, Escuintla, with 8 years experience; ranked 4th  National Champion Open 2005, #4 National Champion 2004, 1st Place in Campeonato Carnabal Embrujado en El Salvador 2004. 

Deifry Rafael Ramirez: 18 year old from La Empalizada, Escuintla with 3 years experience; ranked #5 Open 2006, #2 Junior 2005, #2 Junior 2004.

 
The Central American Surf Championships will offer prize money of $10,000 in Open, $2,000 for Women and $1,000 to Juniors. National surfers from Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama are invited to participate. On July 11, there will be a judge clinic, led by Association of Surfing Professionals' (and Costa Rica's surf coach for Ecuador and Tahiti's 2004 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships) Wade Sharp.

The next day a mandatory tactical surf clinic for all competitors, led by Event Director (and Latin American National Champion surfer) Magnum Martinez will take place.  The actual surf contest begins July 13 and is completed on the
15.

Inscriptions remain open until July 6, after which time the organizers of the Adio Campeonato Centroamericano De Surf Adrenalina presented by Freestyle, will divide the five nations' competitors into heats. Beginning on the day of the contestants' arrival-July 10-and continuing throughout the entire event through closing on July 15, sponsors will sell their wares at a Surf Expo outside of  Hotel Monterrey Del Mar in a grassy area just in front of the beach.

Sponsors are Adrenalina, Adio, Freestyle, Hotel Monterrey Del Mar, Nature Air, Billabong, Maxx Energy Drink, Quiksilver, Arnette, Cobian, Polaris, Surfos, Teletica 7, Bevy Media Corp, Jaco Surf Shop (JASS), Mango Surf & Skate, Barry V Surfboards, 911 La Radio, Banzaii, JB T-Shirts, Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, Wishbone Restaurant, Hotel Rancho Coral, The Backyard Hotel, Shifi Surf Shots, and Hotel Tropical Garden.

For contest information visit www.surfingcr.net/centroamericano email dbrenes@surfingcr.net, geonvanni@surfingcr.net

Ellen Zoe Golden Public Relations
EllenZoe@aol.com

NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND TEAM NAMED FOR THE WORLD SURFING GAMES
30 June 2006 - The New Zealand Surfing Team was named today (Friday 30th June).  The team will contest the International Surfing Association Wold Surfing Games at Huntington Beach California from the 14th - 22nd October this year.  The ten-strong team are out to improve on their thirteenth placing they secured in Ecuador in 2004 at the biannual event.

The New Zealand team is as follows:
 
Open Men
Morehu Roberts (Gis)
Damon Gunness (Gis)
Mark Dovey (Mnt)
Luke Cederman (Rag)

Open Women
Lisa Hurunui (Auck)
Airini Mason (ex Gis)
Longboard
Thomas Kibblewhite (Auck)

Men's Bodyboard
Andrew Low (Dud)
Hayden Parsons (Dud)

Women's Bodyboard
Mihi Wells (Auck) 

The World Surfing Games is a biannual event.  New Zealand has competed at the event for over two decades. For further information regarding the naming of this team, please contact Greg Townsend on 07 8250018 or email gt@surfingnz.co.nz. 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

TOP TEN RANKING FOR BOBBY HANSEN AFTER EXCELLENT RESULT
12th June 2006, Maldives -- Overnight (Sunday), Bobby Hansen (Gisborne) placed fifth at the four star World Qualifying Series (WQS) Sri Lankan Airlines pro presented by Oakley held in the idyllic location of the Maldives.  The result sees Hansen jump 13 places to tenth on the WQS.  In his man on man quarterfinal clash he could not overcome the 2005 event winner Daniel Redman of South Africa who scored 14.00 to Hansen's 10.84.  Australian Luke Munro won the event over fellow countrymen Rhys Bombaci.

Hansen's ranking is his highest this year and the tour rookie now becomes a serious contender to break into the elite ASP Fosters World Championship Tour where he would compete against the top 44 surfers in the world.  To accomplish the feat Hansen has to maintain a top 15 ranking at years end. The tour is barely half way through with a large number of big events being staged in South Africa, USA and Europe throughout July and August.  Hansen has a long road home but the platform has been laid for what is likely to be his biggest six months of competition yet.

Unfortunately travel times and Hansen's low seeding (being his first year on tour) means that he cannot get from the Maldives to Brazil in time to compete in this weeks five star event and will return home while Maz and Jay Quinn take off for the next leg of the WQS.  Gisborne brothers Maz and Jay Quinn placed 17th at the Maldives event to be ranked 28th and 57th respectively.

For further information or file shots of the three surfers please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
Surfing New Zealand are proudly supported by Lion Red, Vodafone, Hyundai,SPARC and Smokefree

SOUTH AFRICA

EVENT #6 BILLABONG PRO J-BAY NEXT STOP ON FOSTER'S ASP MEN'S WORLD TOUR
Tuesday June 27, 2006 - After a highly successful Mexican campaign where incredible waves were scored, surfing's "dream tour" will head to the Billabong Pro to be held in South Africa.

The following are all the facts related to the event...

Location:  Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa: Jeffreys Bay lies on the southern South African coastline, around 45 miles (70 kms) west of Port Elizabeth and several hours' drive east of Cape Town.  The archetypal surf town is regarded as the soul of South African surfing and is known world wide as 'J-Bay'. The bustling tourist destination has grown from a small fishing village and now surf shops, clothing factories and shaping bays occupy every other corner.  

Status:  The Billabong Pro marks the half way point on the 2006 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), Foster's Men's World Championship Tour (WCT), being the sixth of eleven events.  The WCT is the elite level of competition that crowns the annual men's professional world surfing champion. The Billabong Pro is Africa's most prestigious surfing tournament and Jeffreys Bay is universally acknowledged as one of the planet's top 10 high performance waves.

Event Dates: A total of four full days of competition is required to finalize the WCT but the tournament has an 11 day waiting period for the best possible surfing conditions from July 12 - 22, 2006.

Field:  The Billabong Pro will feature the world's top 45 full-time touring professional men surfers and three wildcards taking the field to a total of 48.

Format:  16 x three man non-elimination round one heats (1st>rnd 3, 2nd & 3rd>rnd 2). Round two onwards feature man-on-man elimination heats

Prize-money:  Total prize-money for the Billabong Pro is US280 000.  The winner receives US30 000 and 1200 World Championship ratings points.

Contest Director: Billabong's Global Contest Director Mike Parsons will once again oversee the WCT surfing action at J-Bay. The big wave legend from Californian is highly respected amongst the world's elite having competed as a WCT surfer for a total of 12 years.

Defending Billabong Pro Champion: Kelly Slater (Florida, USA) secured a dramatic victory over defending event and three-time world champion Andy Irons (Kauai, HAW) in 2005. Needing a near perfect 9.23 points, the Floridian was awarded 9.5 by the judges for his last ride, 30 seconds before the final siren sounded, to become the first three time winner at Jeffreys Bay and he then went on to secure an unprecedented seventh world title.

Past Jeffreys Bay Champions:  
1981 Shaun Tomson (SA)                 Beach Hotel Classic
1982 Greg Day (Aus)                       Lightening Bolt/Country Feeling Surf Classic
1983      David Barr (USA)                     Country Feeling Surf Classic
1984     Mark Occhilupo (Aus)                Country Feeling Surf Classic
1985    No event
1986     No event
1987     Grant Myrdal (SA)                    Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic
1988     Mike Burness (SA)                    Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic
1989     Justin Strong (SA)                    Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic
1990     Marcus Brabant (Aus)               Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic
1991     Luke Egan (Aus)                       Dream Sequence
1991     Pierre Tostee (SA)                    Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic 
1992     Seth Hulley (SA)                       Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic
1993     Munga Barry (Aus)                    Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic (WQS)
1994     Justin Strong (SA)                    Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic (WQS)
1995     Seth Hulley (SA)                       Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic (WQS) 
1995      Kelly Slater (USA)                    Billabong Challenge
1996      Shane Thorne (SA)                  Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic (WQS)        
1996      Kelly Slater (USA)                    CSI / Billabong Pro (WCT)
1997      Jevon Le Roux (SA)                  Billabong/Country Feeling Surf Classic (WQS)
1998      Munga Barry (Aus)                   Billabong /MSF Pro (WCT)
1999      Joel Parkinson (Aus)                 Billabong /MSF Pro (WCT) 
2000      Jake Paterson (Aus)                  Billabong /MSF Pro (WCT)
2001      Jake Paterson Aus)                   Billabong Pro (WCT)
2002      Mick Fanning (Aus)                   Billabong Pro (WCT)
2003      Kelly Slater (USA)                   Billabong Pro (WCT)
2004      Andy Irons (Haw)                     Billabong Pro (WCT)
2005      Kelly Slater (USA)                    Billabong Pro (WCT)

Mark Occhilupo: Twenty-two years ago as an 18 year old 'Occy' redefined back hand surfing with his victory over Hans Hedeman (Haw) in epic surf at J-Bay in 1984. A world class field contested that tournament including then world champion Tom Carroll (Aus), Shaun Tomson (Sth Africa) and Michael Ho (Haw). 'Occy', who threatened to retire last year, turned 40 in June and continues to redefine the career parameters for professional surfing by remaining in the top 20 on the world rankings.

Cheron Kraak:  Regarded as the unofficial Mayoress of J-Bay, Cheron is the Billabong South Africa licensee and owner of Country Feeling. The only female senior surf industry owner / operator in the world, Cheron employs more than 200 people and runs the biggest business in town.  Respected and loved by surfers and the surf industry alike, Cheron was voted Eastern Cape Woman of Distinction and also received the ASP International Cultural Award in 2004 in recognition of the contribution the Billabong Pro J-Bay makes to the World Tour. 

Cheron started the Surf Classic in the early 1980's and it has gone on to become the most prestigious and longest running event on the South African coastline, with 2006 seeing the 22nd edition and the winner's names representing a Who's Who of international and South African surfing.

South African WCT Competitors: South Africa boasts three WCT ranked competitors in this year's line-up for the first time since the two-tiered ASP world tour format was adopted in 1992. Seasoned campaigner Greg Emslie, who finished a career-high third in last year's Billabong Pro, and rising star Travis Logie are joined by rookie WCT campaigner David Weare.

Von Zipper Wildcard Trials: Three prestigious Billabong Pro main event wildcards are on offer via the Von Zipper Trials. An international field of 12 trialists will compete in three four-man heats with the winner of each heat earning a main event wildcard where he will come up against one of the top seeds in the first round.

The field comprises six Von Zipper nominated South Africans and six internationals with the locals including giant-killer Sean Holmes, St Francis Bay brothers Ryan and Shaun Payne, former ISA world junior champions Warwick 'Wok' Wright and Jordy Smith and WQS campaigner Damien Fahrenfort, last year's top performing wildcard.

They will be up against J-Bay debutants Wade Goodall (Aus), Stirling Spencer (USA), Laurie Towner (Aus) and Pablo Paulino (Brazil), along with previous trialists James Woods (Aus) and Tiago Pires (Port) make up the international contingent in the VZ Trials.

Malibu Music Festival: The legendary party atmosphere of J-Bay has been expanded this year to incorporate a three day live music festival featuring many of South Africa's top bands during the first week of the event.  Shows include a minimum of four bands per night starting Thursday 13 July with a Ska/Reggae lineup, followed by the Blunt Stage Punk Rock on Friday and concluding on Saturday evening with a Classic Surf Rock session featuring surfer musicians Steve Walsh, Farryl Purkiss and friends, who will be joined on stage by many of the World Tour surf stars.

Saturday also showcases Australia's Beeva Feeva opening the first gig of their SA tour. The Festival bill hosts iconic local groups Fokofpolisiekar, The Rudimentals, Hog Hoggidy Hog, Bed on Bricks and 7th Son, among emerging local stars.

The Wave: For over forty years J-Bay has lured surfers from across the globe to the legendary break of 'Supertubes' and its ruler straight hollow cylinders. The multiple sections of the lengthy wave grant its deserved reputation as one of the world's best right hand point breaks. Despite freezing winds and chilly water when the Bay becomes stacked to the horizon with corduroy-like swell lines the elements become a minor factor to surfers.

 The break relies on a long, curving lava reef that begins as a jagged south-facing outcrop and continues for at least a mile (1.6 Km) down the inside edge of the bay. Gaps in the reef line are supplanted by sand flow from beaches to the west, occasionally altering the character of some of the sections.

From the top, J-Bay consists of Magnatubes, a peaky right and semi-left, more exposed to swell than most of the stretch, yet never linking to the major lineup, instead fizzling into a small sandy bay between it and the next section; Boneyards, a quick hollow right reef that predominates on smaller days and an occasional left, begins to close out toward the start of J-Bay's splendid premier section.

 Supertubes, an aptly named long slabby powerful wall, drawing larger swell energy from the upper reefs and funneling it for around 200 yards, letting the skilled surfer dictate the terms of a ride without ever seeming weak or unchallenging; Impossibles, often also aptly named, a series of shallow lava beds with long deepwater holes interrupting the wave, except during times of unusual sand buildup when the whole 150-yard section can become an extended barrel.

 Tubes, where the wave begins to slow and ease into the final connected section of wave; the Point, a mellow, playful wall flowing down into a final closeout across weed-softened reef and Albatross, farther across the bay, which is another piece of reef featuring a quick right. Some diehard J-Bay surfers claim that Albatross operates as the end section on rare giant days.

Billabong Pro WCT's: The Billabong Pro at J-Bay is the second of three events on the 2006 Billabong Pro series on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour which takes competitors to three premier surf locations on three different continents. The first Billabong Pro was at the legendary wave of Teahupoo, Tahiti in May and Mundaka will host the third Billabong Pro tournament in the Basque region of Spain October 2 or 3 - 14

Billabong Pro Live webcast: via www.billabongpro.com each day of the event utilizing live coverage and commentary in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Various camera angles, highlights and replays, weather and scoring information, direct viewer interaction, celebrity guests, interviews and more are apart of the daily webcast program.

The commentary team includes Contest Director Mike Parsons, legendary emcee David Stanfield (USA), Roberto Perdigao (Portuguese), Jose Estrado (Spanish), Quirin Rohleder (French) and a cast of celebrities and world surfing stars.

Supporting Sponsors:  South African Airways; Von Zipper; Kustom; Kouga Municipality; True Technologies; Blackfoot Productions; Dirk Ellis Motors; Canon; Telkom SA; Bonaqua; Malibu

Please Note: All images accompanying this release are C ASP/Tostee, Scott Needham or Ross Lindsay and may not be used without the express written consent of their owners.

Distributed on behalf of:
Billabong South Africa
Tel:                   042 200 2600
Email:               sean.holmes@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Distributed by:
Life's a Beach Communications
Email:               lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

JORDY SMITH WINS BILLABONG JUNIOR SERIES VIC BAY EVENT
18 June, 2006 : - - Jordy Smith used his unique repertoire of high performance manoeuvres to clinch another Pro Junior boys' title in the Billabong Junior Series event at Victoria Bay on Sunday, defeating top seed Keegan Nel East London in the final held in excellent one to 1.5 metre (3-5 foot) surf. The Pro Junior girls' crown went to Tammy-Lee Smith (Salt Rock, KZN) while Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay) scored the highest points of the event in winning U16 boys, Michael February secured his second U14 title as did fellow Kommetjie surfer Max Armstrong in the U12's. 

Awarded a wildcard into the round of 32, Smith started his campaign with a runner-up finish behind series ratings leader Damien Fahrenfort (Kommetjie). But the runner-up in the U18 division of the ISA world junior champs then raised his level and defeated Fahrenfort in a four-man quarter-final and then again in their man-on-man semi-final encounter to reach the final. Nel also started slowly, advancing to the last 16 behind the second wildcard, Klee Strachan (Amanzimtoti), and then repeating that against Kommetjie standout Dave Richards.

However, the current ASP Africa Pro Surf Tour U20 ratings leader reversed the result against Richards in their semi to qualify for a berth in the finals against Smith. The final was a high scoring match-up with Smith counting an 8.4 and a 7.9 in his tally while Nel, who had recorded an 8.0 and a 7.65, had the opportunity to grab victory in the last minute on a solid 1.5 metre set wave, but fell, and Smith secured a record setting sixth Pro Junior title, overtaking Ricky Basnett who held the previous record of five.

Reigning girls' series champ Tammy-Lee Smith made a welcome return to the series victory for the first time this year. The 20 year-old finished ahead of world tour traveling companion Rosanne Hodge, whose fellow East Londoner Nikita Robb finished third and retained her lead at the top of the series standings after four events.  George local Bianca Buitendag (12) made full use of her knowledge of Vic Bay to reach the final in the 38 strong field, finishing fourth against girls up to eight years her senior.

Shaun Joubert from Mossel Bay, just 30 minutes from Vic Bay, who only turned 15 last month while in Brazil where he earned the bronze medal in the U16 boys, was the outstanding surfer of the event.

Not only did he reach the last eight in the U20 boys' event, finishing equal fifth overall, but he rode the two highest scoring waves of the entire event in the U16 final - near perfect 9.35 and 9.25 points from a possible 10 - and recorded the highest heat tally of 18.60. From the opening ride of the final his opponents were left fighting for second place as the international surf star in the making caught the best waves, rode them to perfection and even popped aerials at will.

For the record fellow national junior team members Mathew Bromley (Kommetjie), with 12 .85 points, and Haydn MacNicol (Scottburgh) ended second and third respectively, with SA U14 champ Brendon Gibbens, who recently moved from Bishopscourt to Kommetjie, in fourth. Michael February, another super young talent from Kommetjie, the hotbed of SA junior surfing, added the Vic Bay U14 title to his triumph in Durban in April.

The stylish 13 year-old scored a narrow victory (15.0 points vs. 14.0) over rising star Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga) with Ryan Klynsmith (Winkelspruit) taking third and previously unheralded Grant Beck (Port Elizabeth) charging into the final to grab fourth overall. In the U12 final, Max Armstrong finished just half a point (14.6 vs. 14.1) ahead of Kommetjie buddy Benji Brand, winner of the series event in Cape Town last month, to add to his victory at the opening series event at St Mikes in February.

Third was a stoked Jarred Veldhuis, who lives five minutes away in Sun Valley, with Steve Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay), in his third consecutive final, taking fourth place. The Von Zipper Air Show produced a spectacular display of aerial manoeuvres from the country's best junior exponents that resulted in Rudy Palmboom (Bluff) pocketing the R1 800 winner-takes-all prize-purse for an innovative 'Passion Pop' air.

Rosy Hodge received the Zigzag Performance award for 'blowing up' during the event with Bianca Buitendag and David Kelly awarded the Best Kustomised Manoeuvre awards that go the most outstanding local competitors. The Billabong Junior Series is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national controlling body for the sport, with the Pro Junior boys and girls' divisions also sanctioned by ASP Africa.

The Vic Bay event was efficiently hosted by Southern Cape Surfing Association under the chairmanship of Anton Joubert, with Gary Gravett (East London) the contest director. The 2006 series started at St Mikes on the KwaZulu-Natal South coast in February followed by Durban in April and Cape Town in May.

The series wraps up in Jeffreys Bay (August 5-8) where the 10th annual series champions will be crowned. For further information on the series, visit www.billabong.com/africa The 2006 Billabong Junior Series is proudly supported by First National Bank, Von Zipper eyewear, Kustom Purpose Built Footwear, Mrs Palmers wax, Red Bull, Mentos, Capri-Sun, Zigzag, Saltwater Girl, Blackfoot Productions and the Designer Group's range of Drench hair-care products.

UNITED KINGDOM

TOWSURF PRESS RELEASE:
1.) Notice of formation of the British Towsurf Association (B-TSA),
2.) Notice of  first open B-TSA meeting to be held 3pm, July 3rd at British Surfing Association Office, Fistral
 International Surfing Centre, Newquay.

1)  Formation of the British Towsurf Association - B-TSA.
29 June 2006 - After a succession of large swells were ridden by tow surfers around Britain this past winter, a series of meetings took place amongst an experienced fraternity of safety-minded British tow surfers.

Their motive was to take a proactive role in safeguarding the future development and responsible practice of the sport of tow surfing in Britain.

Tow surfing is a hybrid sport emerging from traditional surfing, but with the additional use of driver on a jetski/personal watercraft to slingshot the surfer into peaking waves, often too big to be caught by paddling power alone.

An executive committee was elected to formulate, via consensus, the rules and regulations of a community-orientated Tow Surf Association, with the objective of  promoting the safe and responsible development of tow surfing on a nationwide basis.

The British Tow Surf Association mission statement reads, 'To promote tow surfing via the media to the general public, in a manner which stresses the importance of safety, education and self regulation, also providing information, awareness and training'.

The Association has clearly-defined aims and objectives:
· Creating a sense of belonging amongst members that share an interest in tow surfing.
· Promoting of safe & responsible tow surfing.
· Acting as a positive voice in the promotion of the tow surfing fraternity.
· To organize events when necessary where all safety factors have been addressed.
· The education and recommendation for further training for it's members
· Liaise with local authorities in addressing matters pertinent to tow surfing, thereby ensuring the continued  practice of the sport in Britain.

Committee members:
Founders- Chris Bertish & Ben Granata
Chairman - Chris Bertish - email: cristobertish@hotmail.com 07976766695
Vice Chairman - Duncan Scott -email: duncansa@hotmail.com 07952562693
Safety Advisers - RNLI - liaison Steve Instance - sinstance@rnli.org.uk
Secretariat - British Surfing Assoc. - liaison Karen Walton - karen@britsurf.co.uk
Treasurer - British Surfing Assoc. - liaison Karen Walton

Official website: www.b-tsa.co.uk

Membership -
British Tow Surf Association members have agreed on the need to set a high standard for membership requirements, since tow surfing usually takes place during periods of large waves and with small craft advisories in effect.  By a high level of training, responsibility and preparation, one is further assured that any B-TSA members' presence adds to the safety of the marine operating environment.

All members of the B-TSA will need to have the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Basic PWC Competency  Certificate and K38 Tow Surfing Operator + 1st Aid qualification or equivalent.

'K-38 Tow Surf Operator' qualification is an internationally developed and recognised certification specifically designed for the needs of tow surfers.)

Benefits of being a Association Member
· Training & International Certification- Discount.
· Insurance- Discount
· Supporting the safe development of and creating an official voice for Tow Surfing in Britain
· Affiliation to other PWC/Tow Surfing Clubs /Organisations both within Britain & Internationally, for  recognition, support & information
· Internationally-referenced information base to get info & advise from.
· Various Equipment Discount- i.e. Gath/ Life sled / Rhino / Engine Lubricants/ First Aid Kits
· Possible new locations to launch from nationally

Please feel free to contact the committee of the British Tow Surf Association for further information or consultation. Thank you for your interest.

2)  Notice of Open Meeting of British Tow Surf Association for All Interested Parties:
The newly-formed British Tow Surf Association (B-TSA) will be having an open meeting to accommodate all interested parties. The meetings' purpose is unveiling the B-TSA constitution to prospective members and providing information regarding the Association and tow surfing in general.

All persons with an interest in tow surfing and its future in Britain are cordially invited to attend the meeting, to be held at: 3pm on Monday 3rd July 2006
  British Surfing Association Office
  Fistral International Surfing Centre
  Headland Road
  Newquay

QUIKSILVER KING OF THE GROMS: EUROPEAN QUALIFYING SERIES - NEWQUAY
Tuesday, 20 June 2006 -- Fistral beach is gearing up for an invasion of keen young surfers, or grommets as they are known in surf speak, for the British qualifier of the Quiksilver King of the Groms contest. The event that will take place over the weekend of 1st and 2nd of July will feature boys and girls who are 15 years old and younger who will be surfing the British crown and a chance to go to France for the World final.

With the presence of the major surfing nations such as Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, United States and the rest of Europe this is an opportunity to access high competitive standards and the experience gained with be invaluable. The BSA is committed to the development of young surfers in Britain and happy to support Quiksilver with his event for the champions of the future.

The ones to watch: Nothing is certain in competition but these surfers will be hoping to make an impact at this event. Newquay's Jack Butler and fellow British Team member Stuart Campbell from Woolacombe will lock horns again and will surely be there in the mix. The dark horse is Padstows Toby Donachie who is in blistering form at the moment.

The girls division will feature another British Team pair Swansea's Gwen Spurlock and Newquay's Holly Donnelly and well as newly crowned English champion Kathleen Spears from Croyde.

 For more information (http://eu.quiksilver.com/events/kotg06.aspx) For more information on the British event contact:Karen Walton, National Director, BSA, Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 1HYTel. 01637 876474 Ext. 2. E-mail Karen@britsurf.co.uk  web. www.britsurf.co.uk

The British Surfing Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of surfing in Great Britain and the Channel Islands

UNITED STATES 

SLATER EMBARKS ON 'LETTING GO' TOUR
Thursday 8 June, 2006 -- World surfing champion Kelly Slater is about to embark on a tour of the USA East Coast to promote Quiksilver's highly acclaimed new DVD, Letting Go. Letting Go is a one-hour documentary that traces Slater's unprecedented seventh world title victory on the 2005 ASP World Championship Tour.

"Undoubtedly one of the greatest stories surfing has ever seen," according to  Surfer magazine on Letting Go's portrayal of Slater's epic 2005 campaign. Surfing magazine says: "Even though you know the outcome, (Letting Go) still gives you a 'I can't wait to see what happens next' feeling."

Slater said today: "I'm looking forward to getting to the East Coast and seeing everyone. It's been six years since I've done a tour." As for Letting Go, which paints a refreshingly honest portrait of the man acclaimed to be the greatest surfer ever, Slater says: "I have had great feedback on the film and I'm sure I'll be sick of it come the end of the tour but I hope everyone enjoys it and has a good time.

"I don't expect waves on the way but you never know. It should be flat and hot so maybe we'll golf a lot. I can't actually surf yet due to injury anyhow so that works out just right for me."  In April, Slater tore cartilage between his ribs during the Bells Beach, Australia, world tour event and did further injury during the Tahiti event early last month, forcing his withdrawal from the Fiji WCT in late May, though he is still leading this year's world title ratings after winning the first two events.

The Letting Go documentary will also screen during numerous international film festivals, including the Maui Film Festival, in Hawaii, and the Solstice Film Festival in Minneapolis, USA, this month.

Letting Go also attracted huge crowds at its European launch at the recent Cannes Film Festival in France. The USA East Coast tour starts in New York City on Monday 12 June and finishes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 17 June. Letting Go will also play on 18 June in San Juan, Puerto Rico. To buy tickets, go to: http://www.quiksilver.com/lettinggotour

To buy the DVD (online in the USA only), please visit http://www.quiksilver.com/buylettinggo For further information, please contact: Kirk Willcox
Quiksilver International Media Manager kirk.willcox@quiksilver.com.au

Quiksilver USA Press Contacts:
Josh Katz joshua.katz@quiksilver.com

Tobias Coffman
tobias.coffman@quiksilver.com

6.  REGIONAL SURF ASSOCIATIONS' NEWS

FUEL TV PARTNERS WITH YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP SURFAID SAVE LIVES!!  
9 June 2006 -- We are excited to work with FUEL TV on another campaign as they continue to offer support for our cause above and beyond the call.FUEL TV to Match Campaign Program Contributions Up to $20,000 at http://www.surfaidinternational.org/FUELTV.

Los Angeles, CA  - FUEL TV, the only network dedicated to the lifestyle of action sports, is lending a hand to SurfAid International, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization. FUEL TV's on-air campaign is encouraging viewers to become supporters of Team SurfAid by making an online donation at www.fuel.tv or www.surfaidinternational.org/fueltv. 

The donations collected will support SurfAid's initiatives to improve the health of people living in isolated regions of the islands off western Sumatra. Through a matching sponsorship program, FUEL TV is willing to match viewer's total contributions to SurfAid up to $20,000. Together with the help of participating donors & FUEL TV this campaign could bring in contributions totaling up to $40,000!! 

For a Limited Time the first 250 to donate at the $100 level or above can receive a bonus Double DVD of "Wave of Compassion" and "Next Wave."The campaign follows the recent SurfAid "Wave of Compassion" Film Tour sponsored by FUEL TV.

"Since the first time we met with SurfAid, we've been impressed by their work and are happy to be counted as one of the many supporters of the organization," said CJ Olivares, SVP and Assistant General Manager. "To bring healthy living to the people of the Mentawai and other impoverished coastal regions is not only something for the surf industry to pursue, but a cause for everyone."

"Going into our third year together, we are extremely happy with the wide reaching partnership that FUEL TV has offered SurfAid. FUEL TV's financial support and on-air promotions have allowed SurfAid a unique opportunity to telecast its message across several action sports and into homes and businesses throughout North America.

We hope you will join us in this campaign to raise donations for SurfAid and its programs," said Lou Niles, Marketing & Communications Director for SurfAid International. Double your donation to SurfAid by giving to the FUEL TV Matching Gift program at http://www.surfaidinternational.org/FUELTV.

About FUEL TV
In a word, FUEL TV is action sports television. Ok that was three words, but you get the point. It's your connection to what's happening in skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, freestyle motocross and wakeboarding. FUEL TV brings you the exclusive stories, unique personalities and the epic moments of action sports. You'll hear new music, get inside riders' heads, catch breaking news first, watch people fall down, get back up and do it all again. Maybe you live it. Maybe you don't.

What is the world is coming to? Tune in and see. Launched on July 1, 2003, FUEL TV is seen in nearly 15 million U.S. homes. FUEL TV programming has global appeal and reach into the UK via FX UK; Latin America, including Brazil, via FX Latin America and Fox Sports Latin America; and Australia via FUEL TV Aus. To see if you get FUEL TV or for date and show time information, visit www.fuel.tv.

The FUEL TV and Brushfire's contributions shows how many different communities have come together, TV Networks, Musicians, Filmmakers, The Global Surf Industry, Surfers and all types of individuals to make a difference by helping SurfAid reach it's goal of creating a lasting change in the region.

"The need is great...we can stop very preventable diseases from stealing children's lives"
-  Kelly Slater, seven-time world champion professional surfer.

7.  INTERNATIONAL NEWS

IOC AND IPC SIGN AGREEMENT EXTENSION FOR 2014 AND 2016
22 June 2006, Lausanne - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today signed an extension to their current agreement, which will continue to see the IOC support the IPC and the Paralympic Games through to 2016.  The present accord, which runs through to 2012, will now be extended to the Games of 2014 and 2016 repesctively.

The extension of the agreement continues in the same vein as the original document with very few alterations and underlines the IOC's continues support for the IPC, with the IOC's help ensuring the Paralympic Games long-term future.  The main changes see greater clarification in the roles of the IOC and IPC in respect to the planning, organization and staging of the Paralympic Games; and a revision of the scope parameters of the Paralympic Games sports programme and the number of accredited individuals.  This agreement will also lead to an increase in funding for the IPC of 25 percent for 2014 and of 20 percent for 2016.

IOc President Jacques Rogge commented on the signing of the agreement: "The IOC and the IPC have had a long and fruitful relationship and it is with great pride that we are able to resign the agreement with the IPC and ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games continue to be held in the same host cities until 2016.'  He added, "Our continued financial support to the Paralympics shows that the Olympic Movement is unverisal and also indicates the importance that the Paralympic Games have in promoting sport to the youth of the world - one of the fundamental principles of Olympism.

"The extension of the IPC-IPC Agreement secures the medium term growth of the Paralympic Gams and Movement and underlines the close co-operation, which the IPC and the IOC have and continue to enjoy with each other.  The IPC is pleased that thanks to this Agreement, Paralympic athletes can, for the Paralympics Games in 2014 and 2016, now look forward to once again competing in the same city and to benefiting from the same conditions for official travel and accommodation as Olympic athletes," said IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (IYSPE)
We have the pleasure of announcing the forthcoming book "Sport for a Better World: Report on the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005".

Should you wish to order this book which provides "good practices" and examples of initiatives and activities organised during the International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE 2005), please kindly email us your contact details. Be informed that the sport@unog.ch email address is now functionning. Our apologies if you had previously attempted sending us an email and received an error message.

We look forward to hearing from you. It is our hope that the momentum created by IYSPE 2005 is sustained and that your support for the initiative of sport for development and peace will continue.

Yours sincerely,
Ingrid Beutler

Office of the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace
United Nations Office at Geneva
Palais des Nations - Office 161
CH - 1211 Geneva 10
Website: www.un.org/sport2005
Email: sport@unog.ch

8.  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 isolated 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 Townend, 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

9. CONTACT THE ISA

International Surfing Association
5580 La Jolla Blvd. #145 ? La Jolla, California 92037 USA
Tel: 858-551-5292, Fax: 858-551-5290
surf@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 Forecasts

New! Get the latest news with Surfersvillage News-Alerts

Layla Marcille

ISA News - Surfersvillage