ISA PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 2006

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. ISA News
2. ISA Updates
3. ISA Events
4. ISA Calendar
5. National Governing Bodies’ News
6. SIMA Humanitarian
7. Contact the ISA

1.  ISA NEWS

2006 LOST ENERGY DRINK ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES ‘TEAM CHAMPION’ TO BE AWARDED IOC PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
Trophy will be presented at the October 22nd Awards Ceremony

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 6 October, 2006 : - - San Diego, Calif., – The 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games taking place October 14-22, 2006 in beautiful Huntington Beach, Calif. will present the ‘Team Champion’ of the Games with the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy.  The Games showcase surfing talent from 34 countries as they compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.

The IOC President’s Trophy is presented to officially recognized International Federations and is currently being exhibited at the ISA Headquarters. The president of the ISA, Fernando Aguerre will present the trophy to the Team Champion for exemplary performance during the October 22, 2006 Awards Ceremony. 

The IOC President’s Trophy was first presented to the USA team in 1996 and celebrated the foundational event of surfers competing under the Olympic movement. 

In addition to the presentation of the IOC President’s Trophy, the winning team will be honored with the Basil Lomberg Perpetual Trophy, named in honor of the President of the South African National Governing Body (NGB) who was responsible for resurrecting the ISA world titles in 1978.  The winning team will be invited to showcase these awards in their home country for two years.

At the previous World Surfing Games held in Salinas Ecuador in 2004, the IOC President Trophy and Basil Lomberg Perpetual Trophy recipient was the Australian team who were additionally presented the ISA gold medal for each individual Team Champion.  This year’s Games will once again showcase the world’s most talented surfers who have been proudly chosen to compete on behalf of their countries.

The ISA wishes all the participating teams the best of luck.

Kate Herber
ISA, Operations Manager
www.isasurf.org

SURFPRESS HIRED FOR THE WSG
23 September 2006 – In light of the Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games that will take place October 14 in California (USA), International Surfing Association (ISA) with the assistance of Pablo Zanocchi (journalist entrusted to cover this big event for the Spanish-speaking means), decided to hire to the agency Surfpress to control the distribution of information of the Lost Energy Drink ISAWorld Surfing Games for Latin America and Spain.

Surfpress is the first press agency that is 100% dedicated to the surfing in Latin America, from 2004, it works with some of the most recognized Latin-American athletes on a global scale.

Born in Uruguay, Pablo Zanocchi is a recognized specializing journalist with vast experience in different aspects of the Latin surfing -- his chronicles and reports give life to publications like Tides, surfos, Tablista and Extreme Surfing. Also he is a columnist of gravedadzero.tv and in waves.com.br. Since June 2005, he has been the head of the press office of ALAS (Latin-American Association of Surfing).

The World Games of Surfing
The World Surfing Games are a tradition that began in 1964 in Manly Beach, Sidney, where surfers from around the world, representing his flags, compete for the world title. With its growth, the event was named the World Surfing Games, and its first achievement was in Huntington Beach in 1996, in which the American team won the gold medal. In 2004, where the Games were carried out in Ecuador, Australia had the honor of coming out the champion. After ten years, the competition returns to the United States.

Click on www.surfingamerica.org for more details.

ISA is recognized by the International Olympic Comité (IOC) as the Ruling Authority of the World in Surfing, Bodyboarding, and Surfriding. Originally it was founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and, since then, has formed the World Games and the World Junior Championships since 1980. The members of ISA are more than 50 countries of six continents. It is based in San Diego, California. The President is Fernando Aguerre, chosen for the first time in 1994 in Rio de Janeiro, and re-elected five times since. Four vice-presidents of ISA are from South Africa, Hawaii, Australia and the United States.

Contact in California: Pablo Zanocchi, pablo@isasurf.org / pablo@alaslatintour.com
Sebastián Chacón, Surfpress Director

ISA CONTINUES TO WORK TOWARD A BETTER SURFING FUTURE
San Diego, Calif., September 7, 2006 - The International Surfing Association (ISA) is surfing’s world governing authority for over 50 countries in six continents.  In recent years, the sport of surfing and the ISA have gone through substantial growth.  Particularly, in 1995 the ISA was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the International Federation for surfing and wave riding.  This was followed by recognition of many ISA National Governing Bodies (NGBs) by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOC).  In many cases, this came along with NOC or government funding for the ISA.  Further supporting this growth, many NGBs have evolved from Associations to Federations, in the process becoming the true leading force behind the development of surfing in their countries.

With the unparalleled support of the ISA, the sport of surfing was included, for the first time in history, in multi-sport events held under the Olympic Movement, including the 2003 South Pacific Games (Fiji) and the 2002 Bolivarian Games (Ecuador).  In 2003, surfing was included in another highly relevant action sports event, the X Games and continues to dominate the program in terms of audience interest.  The ISA effort behind this tremendous work has been steadfast at both the Executive Committee (EC) and NGB level. The aforementioned events are just some of the success that has resulted from years of hard work by all of the ISA leaders around the world.

The ISA hosts many of its own events including the upcoming XXI ISA World Surfing Games (WSG).  This year, the ISA is thrilled to align with Surfing America as the hosts of the XXI ISA World Surfing Games on October 14-22, in Huntington Beach, CA.  The WSG is positioned to be a spectacular, ground breaking event with the returning support of great hosts, as displayed in the widely successful ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in 2005.

The WSG tradition started in 1964 at Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia, where surfers from around the world representing their home nation competed for men and women's surfing titles.  The event became progressively larger over the years and has been acknowledged as the "Olympics of Surfing."  Cultural identity, team spirit and moments of great personal triumph are hallmarks of the event.  The top national surfing teams, including their top professional surfers, compete for the honor of representing their countries.  The top four finalists will be awarded gold, silver, bronze and copper medals.  Highlights of the past ISA World Surfing Games included the 2002 South African team championship win and the 2004 Australian win in Salinas, Ecuador.

During mid 2002, the ISA wisely decided to give the Junior division of the WSG it’s own annual event; the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.  The plan was to provide double the amount of competitions and opportunities for the younger athletes as well as hosting a larger amount of nations within this unique event.  In 2003, the inaugural ISA World Junior Surfing Championships held in Durban, South Africa and organized by Surfing South Africa was revered as a huge success.  In this first year, 16 nations with over 170 team members were in attendance.  In 2005, Quiksilver inked a 3 year deal with the ISA to sponsor the event.  This agreement has since been extended until 2010.  Each year the event has grown and in 2006 the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships (WJSC) in Maresias, Brazil organized by Confederacao Brazil de Surf saw an attendance of 27 nations and over 230 participants.  The 2007 event will be held in Costa da Caparica, Portugal hosted by Federação Portuguesa de Surf.

For the 2006/2007 season, the ISA has added some great new events to the calendar in addition to the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships and the ISA World Surfing Games. This summer, the ISA sanctioned the inaugural ISA World Tandem Surfing Championships in Waikiki, HI, August 19-27, 2006.  Later this year, the nISA is sanctioning several Aloha Cups with the support of the Asociacio Latinamericana de Surf (ALAS.)  The concept for this event is comparable to the “Davis Cup” of golf, where athletes represent their respective countries as members of the official National Team.  The events will take place in El Salvador on September 24, Venezuela on November 19, Dominican Republic on November 26 and the finals in Puerto Rico on December 3.  In 2007, the World Kneeboard Surfing Championships will take place in January 2007 in Santa Cruz, Calif., and the ISA World Masters Championships in Rincon, Puerto Rico in January 2007, under a new format.  Most notably, the ISA is proactively working towards securing hosts for future events such as the WSG 2008, 2010, WJSC 2008, 2009 and Masters 2009.

The ISA continues to promote surfing worldwide through new ISA events as well as expanding the development programs.  To this effect, the ISA Adapted Surfing Committee was created in 2005 to bring awareness to surfers of all abilities.  ISA President Fernando Aguerre heads this committee with Brazilian surfer Pirata.  Pirata who lost one leg at a young age because of a drunk driver is not only an inspiration for people with disabilities, but for the whole surfing community.  He embodies the spirit of the ISA mission as he spreads his love for surfing through adapted surfing demonstrations worldwide.  The ISA produced the DVD “Surfing for All” in spring 2006 to supplement these demonstrations.  The DVD outlines the importance of incorporating surfers of all abilities into surfing programs worldwide and is available to members and surfschools free of charge. 

Also in 2006, the ISA announced the Individual Scholarship Program. The scholarship program awards five junior surfers who personify stories of goodwill with their experiences of surfing with a $1200 grant. The scholarship program is in conjunction with the annual ISA-sanctioned World Junior Surfing Championships which stages top athletes selected by ISA NGBs ages 18 and under to become members of their national teams.  The ISA hopes to increase the potential for similar experiences in surfing, by selecting these five inspirational individuals who exemplify how surfing can change the life of a person.  The Individual Scholarship Program’s main objective is to provide funds to facilitate these experiences in surfing while encouraging the importance of education.

The ISA is headquartered in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, re-elected five times since and is up for re-election this October. The ISA’s four vice presidents are Robin de Kock (South Africa), Alan Atkins (Australia), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and Paul West (USA.)

The ISA is working towards a better surfing future by providing members with a variety of events and development projects and will continue to do so for the future.

For more information, visit: www.isasurf.org

Kate Herber, kate@isasurf.org

2.  ISA UPDATES
 
    
New Website for Surfing...
The International Surfing Association (ISA) launches totally new website!

The ISA announced that on 25 September 2006, its new website will be going live. The new site includes a new look, the latest ISA press releases, ISA Membership directory and information on how to become a member, information on all ISA development programs, an opportunity to join the ISA database, the ISA event calendar, the ISA retail store and, in the near future, a photo/video gallery where the media may download and the public may be able to view ISA event pictures. Visitors will also be able to connect to the ISA World Surfing Games live scoring and webcasting from October 14 to October 22, 2006 in Huntington Beach, California, USA.
 
www.isasurf.org

About ISA
The International Surfing Association (ISA) 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 world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) in over 50 countries in six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. ISA President Fernando Aguerre was 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, please contact ISA at surf@isasurf.org

EMAIL SIGNATURE
Please create a signature for emails sent to the ISA from your National Surf Federation, in order to identify yourself and your organization.  This is to include your Name, your Title, Organization, Phone, Address, and Website.

Example: Kate Herber
  ISA, Operations Manager
  5580 La Jolla Blvd, PMB 145
  La Jolla, CA  92037
  Tel: (858) 551-5292
  www.isasurf.org

3.  ISA EVENTS

LOST ENERGY DRINK ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES 2006
The ISA, in conjunction with the Surfing America, will present the 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA WSG in Surf City USA – Huntington Beach, California. The contest will be held from the 14th to the 22nd of October.
 
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 – 28 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 20-28, 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
2006 ISA Aloha Cup – Central America El Salvador October 29, 2006
2006 ISA Aloha Cup – South America Venezuela November 19, 2006
2006 ISA Aloha Cup – Caribbean Dominican Republic November 26, 2006
2006 ISA Aloha Cup – FINALS Puerto Rico December 3, 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

ARGENTINA
MARTÍN PASSERI WITH HIS MIND FOCUSED IN EL SALVADOR
12 September 2006 – After an extensive competition, the Argentinian Martín Passeri prepares himself to battle in El Salvador, the next destination on the ALAS Tour 2006. From September 22 until September 24, the “El Salvador Latin Pro” will be disputed. The sixth leg of the official ALAS circuit (Latin-American Association of Surfing) will have the maximum category of six stars.

For a few days the member of the team Reef is along with his family in Brazil to continue with the plan of training with Juan Manuel Cordonier. During the cold winter season, Passeri is focused on his work in the physical aspect, developing an intense work ethic, tied to the surfing competition.

In declarations to Surfpress, Passeri showed the following thing: " I have trained five-peseta coin the whole winter, and now there begins the moment to travel to define the year. The level of the tour is one of the highest of last times, and who commits the minor quantity of errors will be the one that remains with the title ”.

Martín Passeri will be returning to the country on September 25, where he will remain for two weeks and then he will challenge the United States in the Lost Energy Drink ISA WSG (World Surfing Games) which will take place in Huntington Beach, California from October 14.

Martín Passeri is sponsored by: Reef, Reef Apparel, Reef Lens.

Sebastián Chacón
surfpress@speedy.com.ar

AUSTRALIA
TEAM AUSTRALIA SET TO DEFEND ITS WORLD TITLE AT THE ‘LOST ENERGY DRINK ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES 2006’
5 October 2006 – Australia’s Open Surfing Team is off to Huntington Beach California to contest the LOST ENERGY DRINK ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES 2006 from October 15 to 23.

This year’s event will showcase the best surfing talent available with the opportunity for members of the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) to represent their countries.

Surfing Australia’s Head Coach Sasha Stocker has assembled one of Australia’s strongest teams ever, including WCT surfers Luke Stedman, Tom Whitaker and Jessie Miley-Dyer plus Nicola Atherton (WQS surfer), Blake Thornton (Australian Champion 2005), Julian Wilson (ISA U/18 World Junior Champion 2006) and, Harley Ingleby (Australian Longboard Champion 2005). Representing Team Australia in the bodyboard division will be Ben Gohl (BBA Pro Tour Champion), Andrew Lester (2004 ISA World Surfing Games bodyboard champion) and Kirra Llewellyn (Australian Women’s Pro Tour Champion 2005 and 2004 ISA World Surfing Games bodyboard female champion).

“I can’t believe the quality of this team and their commitment to represent their country on the world stage. After the success of the recent Australian Junior Team at the ISA World Junior Championships in Brazil, I can see that this is going to be a great opportunity for Australia to come out as the top surfing nation in the world”, Sasha Stocker stated.

The ISA World Surfing Games are held every two years and Surfing Australia would like to acknowledge the support of the Australia Sports Commission and Casuarina Domain Resort for their support of the team and the High Performance Centre based at Casuarina Beach, northern NSW.

For media information prior to the team leaving on October 11th, contact Bow Edwards on 06 6674 9896 or bowe@surfingaustralia.com and during the event, contact Martin Grose on 02 6674 9886 or marting@surfingaustralia.com

Surfing Australia
Email: info@surfingaustralia.com
Web: www.surfingaustralia.com

BARBADOS
JUNIORS IMPRESSIVE AT BARBADOS SURFER OF THE YEAR EVENT
6 September, 2006 in Sand Bank, Cattlewash Barbados - - The five members of the National Junior Surf Team, Bruce Mackie, Dane Tuach, Lewis St. John, Ametza Nicholls and Chelsea Tuach, who participated in the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Brazil in May, once again performed creditably at the Fourth Surfer of the Year event held last Saturday at Sand Bank, Cattlewash.

Conditions were fair with waves in the 3 - 5 ft range allowing the young, talented surfers to showcase their skill. In the Under-18 Boys Division, Lewis St.John was first, Dane Tuach second, Stefan Corbin third and Bruce Mackie fourth. In the Ladies Open Division, Ametza Nicholls took top honours, while Chelsea Tuach, the youngest female competitor, placed second. Third was Chelsea Roett, while Alix Fitzwilliam was fourth.
In the Open Mens Division, Alan Burke took top honours, while Lewis St. John was second, Bruce Mackie third and another Junior surfer, Niall Thomas was fourth.

In the Under 12 Girls Division, Chelsea Roett placed first, Chelsea Tuach was second, Kelsey Duncan third and Jade Niccolls was fourth. The Boys Under 12 Division was won by Daniel Edghill, Gavin Fernandes and Joshua Burke placed second and third respectively, while seven-year-old Evan Moll was fourth.

The final event in the Surfer of the Year series will be held on September 30th at the Soup Bowl, Bathsheba.

Read the full article at the Barbados Advocate.com
www.bsasurf.net

CANADA
BILLABONG SEPTEMBER STORM SURF CLASSIC
Monday September 11th, 2006 – On Sunday September 10th, in 3 to 5 foot surf and offshore winds, the Billabong Pro provided plenty of waves and talent to entertain local and tourist spectators alike. The tides switched the conditions throughout the day with high tide right and left barrels in early afternoon, to long speedy lefts at low tide amongst the twilight light.

Four-hundred or so spectators lined the beach to watch the Pro division as the sun shouldered the mountain-peaks. The final 6-man free for all showcased the caliber of our neighbours and the progress the local talent has made in the past ten years. Locals JD Patterson, Nico Manos, and Justin Huston put on a clinic, providing up to 4 hits on 4 foot lefts in an attempt to keep the crown locally but QS pros Ricky Whitlock and Chris Ropero edged them out slightly with their last couple of waves. 
 
Nico road longer waves in the first round and was up on judges cards initially but couldn't hold onto the lead in the final. On Nico's last wave, he performed 3 cutbacks and a vicious reentry to score a 7 but Ricky came back with 3 fullrailers and a 360 air to top all scores. JD came out of the pipes with two full roundhouses to score well in the last two minutes of the final but was seconds late of catching the wave of the day within competition time (he took off at 30min 10s) as the buzzer went off before he took off. In the semis, Justin ripped one wave for six backhanders but was unlucky in the final as the peaks didn't come to him in the first 25 minutes.
 
In optimal conditions for Lawrencetown reef, some great surfing went on along the beach, within and outside the competition. It was truly a magical day that provided some of the better conditions that we've seen in our competitions. We want to thank both Steve and Crissy at Billabong for providing all the equipment, expertise, time, prize money and operating money, and prizes. Thank you to all of the other sponsors including corporate and all of the surf shops.Also, a thanks to all of the judges (Ken Conway, Jeff Norman, CJ Foote, Iaian Archibald, Jason Weir,Vic Ruzgys,Lesley Choyce, Rob Spicer, Lance, Marty King, Nico). We know you guys delt with sunburning conditions on the junior weekend and some pretty chilling winds on the 10th. Thanks to Lesely and Rob for some great MCing.

John Fluke
john.fluke@lighthouselumber.com

COSTA RICA

COSTA RICANS TO SURFING IN CALIFORNIA
16 September 2006 – Costa Rican several will take part in the World Games of surfing next month in Huntington Beach, California. The team of men include Gilberth Brown, Germaine Myre, Luis Vindas and Diego Naranjo. For the women, Natalie Bernold and Lisbeth Vindas.
http://www.aldia.co.cr/ad_ee/2006/septiembre/16/ovacion829490.html

COSTA RICA NAMES NATIONAL SURFING TEAM TO SEND TO THE 2006 LOST ENERGY DRINK ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES IN HUNTINGTON BEACH , CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 14-22, 2006

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - September 15, 2006 - Antonio Pilurzu, President of the Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica (CRFS), announced today the nationally selected surfers who will travel to represent their country in Huntington Beach, California at the 2006 Lost Energy Drink International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games (WSG). The competition, which takes place October 14 through 22, is considered the Olympics of Surfing, in that the Games feature some of the best surfers from all over the world vying for team and individual gold, silver, bronze and copper medals. Costa Rica will take to the waves among 28 countries, including teams from Argentina , Australia , Brazil , France , Jamaica , Japan , Mexico , New Zealand , South Africa , Tahiti , the United Kingdom , and the United States . The Games are hosted by Surfing America, the national governing body for the sport of surfing in the U.S.

Surfing for Costa Rica in the Open category are Puerto Viejo's Gilbert Brown and Nino Myrie,both Tico National Surf Champions,as well as Jaco's Luis Vindas and Diejo Naranjo,both ranked Top 10 on the Asociacion Latinoamericana de Surf (ALAS) Latin & Caribbean Pro.

Lisbeth Vindas of Jaco and Nataly Bernold of Tamarindo, the Central American Women's Champion and #2 ranked CA gal, will compete in the WSG for Costa Rica 's Women. Lupe Galluccio of Jaco, the Costa Rican National Junior Women's Champion, will travel to Huntington as a substitute.
Also joining the National Team will be bodyboders Ivan Castrillo (Quepos) and Walter Gatgens (Quepos).

According to Pilurzu, this trip to Huntington Beach represents latest advance for the Costa Rican National Surf Team. Over the past seven years, a new generation of surfers has participated in the Circuito Nacional de Surf, Costa Rica 's annual country wide competition. The CRFS hosted the first-ever Central American tournament earlier this year, and many of Costa Rica 's surfers have had the opportunity to travel to international contests. All of this progress, has not only strengthened their athletic skills, Pilurzu affirmed, but their competitive mindset, too.

"We are taking to the World Surfing Games, a group of athletes who in recent times have risen many levels," Pilurzu said. "In addition, the team includes figures like Luis Vindas and Diego Naranjo who have long-time experience, and who are outstanding, as much inside Costa Rica as they are outside the country."

The National Surf Team will sharpen their skills in a tournament October 7 and 8 in Boca Barranca, Puntarenas. The event, put on by the Surf Commission of that canton, is a benefit to help finance the social programs of the Hogar Monserrat de Ninos, located in the city.

Costa Rica 's Federacion de Surf is the governing body for surfing in Costa Rica and is recognized by ISA, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), and ALAS. The Circuito Nacional de Surf is a non-profit subsidiary of the FS and is made up of a group of professionals who donate their efforts out of passion for the sport and a desire to advance the sport of surfing in Costa Rica .

The CNS is a series tournaments hosted each year within Costa Rica which provide the only yearly national surf rankings available. For more information about this event and Costa Rica 's Federacion de Surf and the Circuito Nacional de Surf visit www.surfingcr.com .
CONTACT: Ellen Zoe Golden EllenZoe@aol.com 

FRANCE
TEAM FRANCE : WSC 06, USA
16 September 2006 – Didier Piter has just made the selection of the tricolour contestants of Team France who will participate in the Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games 06, which will take place from 14 till 22 October 2006 in Huntington Beach, California, USA.

About 30 nations are represented by teams, competing in categories of Surfing (Open, Ladies, Longboard) and Bodyboard (Open, Ladies).

This event organized by the International Surfing Association. ISA is recognized by the International Olympic Comité (IOC) and is an authority on governing competition of worldwide surfing. More than 300 contestants are going to confront one another on the famous city of Huntington in search of worldwide supreme title.

Classified 7th in 2004 in Ecuador, the team of France will have in heart to find its rank in #6 worldwide and to rebound on the very good results acquired in May by the juniors to the championships World Junior Surfing in Brazil.

For very supplementary information: Confederation Frenchwoman of Surfing: www.surfingfrance.com
 
Contact Communication FFS
Alexandre Griveau
alex.griveau@surfingfrance.com
www.surfingfrance.com

 
IRELAND
IRISH SURF TEAM IS PICKED FOR 2006 WORLD SURFING GAMES IN HB AND EUROPEAN JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS
9 September, 2006 – The Irish Surfing Association is delighted to announce the Irish Surf Teams to attend the World Surfing Games at Huntington Beach, California on the14-22 October and the European Junior Surfing Championships in Doninhos, Ferrol, Spain on 11-19 November.

The teams include surfers from all over Ireland, (North and South). The surfers selected to represent Ireland at these two prestigious international contests, emerged through tough competition at several rated events during the year.
Bundoran based Surf Company ISC (Irish Surf Culture) are proud to announce their support of the Irish Surf Teams.  The company will be the official clothing sponsor providing the kit for the Irish Teams competing at the World Surfing Games and European Junior Surfing Championships. You can check out ISC original Irish Surf wear irishsurfculture.com. ISC apparel is also available at SurfWorld, Bundoran.

Pascal Devine, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone
www.isasurf.ie

NEW ZEALAND
HEWITT LEADS FOUR FIRST TIMERS TO VICTORY AT THE RIP CURL GROMSEARCH
30th Sept – 1st Oct - Maori Bay, Muriwai Beach, Auckland – Matt Hewitt (Mnt) claimed his maiden Rip Curl GromSearch win today at Muriwai Beach in what was to become a trend for many first time winners.  Maori Bay turned it on for the youngsters with perfect 1.0m – 1.5m waves and offshore conditions and Hewitt obliged with excellent surfing in the final leaving his best until last.  He posted the highest heat score of the event, 16.5 out of 20 to win along with three other first time winners in their respective divisions.  Hewitt along with Under 16 girls winner Annie Stuart (Auck) earned places in the prestigious Rip Curl GromSearch national final that will be held in March 2007.

Hewitt who has stormed onto the scene in 2006 put a complete performance together.  Powerful surfing off the bottom and lighting fast off the top, Hewitt caught the judges eyes and within the space of ten minutes in the final Hewitt had scored an 8.0 and then an 8.5 to take a near unassailable lead. “Yeah I am stoked to win my first event, the waves were real good out there, some good set waves” commented Hewitt when asked how he was feeling about his first win. “I have been surfing real good but was a bit worried because I creased my favourite board on Friday and had to ride another board but it ended up sweet”.

Sean Peggs (Tai), the sole goofy-footer in the final, took the early lead scoring a total of 13.25 on his first two waves but could not better that and finished in second place requiring a 9.5 to take the lead.  Event favourite Paco Divers was always threatening but once Hewitt extended his lead, Divers looked for the biggest possible turns and unfortunately came unstuck and ended up in fourth place.  Michael Mallalieu (Tara) finished fourth in his first finals appearance.    
                                                          
Annie Stuart (Auck) made her first final of the year and made sure it counted by winning.  Stuart rode an amazing 7.00 point ride early in the final to go with a 4.50 that she rode on her first wave.  Georgia Cooper (Piha) could not repeat her earlier success in the Under 14s but placed runner up with a good showing scoring an 8.0 total.  Nicola Colson-Koster (Auck) kept local surfer India Wray-Murane at bay finishing in third with Wary-Murane finishing fourth.

Early predications of an underdog coming through in the Under 14s came true with Alex Dive (Mnt) posting his first win of the year.  Dive proved too consistent for the other finalists with his smooth style coming to the fore.  Posting a 7.75 for his highest wave, he backed it up with a 6.25 to win the final.  Karne Pitcher (WGM) took the early lead with the highest wave of the final, an 8.25 but could not find the longer waves and was left requiring a 5.76 for the win. Fellow Whangamata surfer Blake Myers finished in third place ahead of Johnnie Hicks (Gis) in fourth who fell too many times to get the big scores required.

Piha’s Georgia Cooper secured her first ever win in the Under 14 girls today.  After a number of finals births, Cooper looked strong taking some big drops in the powerful waves.  Her first two waves were all it took to post a massive 13.25 points out of 20 and beat friend Rosa Thompson (Auck) into second.  While these two surfers fought for first and second out the back, Ella Williams (WGM) and Gemma McDonnell tried valiantly on the inside to finish third and fourth respectively. 

Tane Wallis (Piha) kept to his winning formula going in the Under 12 boys.  The 25 minute final saw all four groms charging the solid waves out the back but Wallis’ experience showed through when he posted the highest score of the final with 7.40 for a 13.90 total heat score.  Dune Kennings (WGM) tried valiantly but could not keep up with Wallis the seasoned professional and had to settle for second – his best result this year.  Waretini Wano (Piha) placed third ahead of an injured Fintan Cram (WGM) in fourth contesting his first ever final.

Ella Williams (WGM) won the Under 12 girls scoring 9.75 for the win.  It was William’s second win of the year in the Under 12s and with it she moves into first position on the ratings ahead of the injured Gabe Marriott (Gis).  Jabriella Sansom (Auck) finished second in her first national event she has entered.  Gemma McDonnell (Auck) finished third and Jesse David (Auck) finished in fourth.

For further information regarding the Rip Curl GromSearch, please contact Leon Parkin on 021 386 473, lparkin@ripcurl.co.nz or Ben Kennings at Surfing New Zealand 021 2278732, benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.

Event websites – www.ripcurl.com and www.surfingnz.co.nz

Background information
The Rip Curl GromSearch is the longest running grommet series in New Zealand. The series comprises four events in 2006.  Events are scheduled for each of the school holidays and are dotted around New Zealand.  Rip Curl GromSearch events focus on participation in the sport of surfing and are held worldwide.  The events offer an excellent opportunity for youngsters to meet other surfers and compete against each other many for the first time in their lives.

The 2006 Rip Curl GromSearch is sponsored by Rip Curl and New Zealand Surfing Magazine.

Event three would not be possible without the support of Maori Bay Boardriders and Surfing New Zealand.

Ben Kennings, Surfing New Zealand
benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz, www.surfingnz.co.nz  
Surfing New Zealand are proudly supported by Corona, Vodafone, Hyundai, SPARC, Smokefree
 
PANAMA
GARY SAAVEDRA IN CALIFORNIA IN HIS BEST FORM
18 September 2006 – After his presence at ASR a few days ago in San Diego (California), eleven-time Panamanian champion finds himself in sunny Surfing City training with a view of his next competition. ISA World Surfing Games which will take place in Huntington Beach beginning October 14, will be the immediate focus for Gary Saavedra, where he will represent once his native Panama.

Along with Kalle Carranza (Mexico), Gabriel Villarán (Peru) and to the Venezuelan Magnum Martínez who resides in California for more than 9 years, the Panamanian team was surfing in the mythical wave of Trestles where Boost Mobile Pro is disputed during days. The idea of Saavedra is to come well sharpened for the World Games, since he is provided with much experience in these waves.

In declarations, the big Panamanian surfer shows to Surfpress much filled enthusiasm toward his performance in the next ISA World Games. “ I am training very hardly to come in the best form to the World Games, also we have coincided with an excellent human group of Latin that surf very well and raises your surfing to your next level ”.

Gary Saavedra is sponsored by: Billabong - Network Bull - Nissan X-Trail - Reef - Atlas - Vonzipper - Byrne Surfboards - Free Style - Prolite - Futures Fins - Glass Airlines - Super Sports.

Sebastián Chacón
surfpress@speedy.com.ar

PORTUGAL
AUSTRALIAN KIRA LLEWELLYN VICTORIOUS AT THE MISS SUMOL CUP AT PRAIA DA BARRA, PORTUGAL
• Day two of the Miss Sumol Cup was held in small, yet contestable conditions at Praia da Barra in Ilhavo, Portugal which started with quarter-final action.
• A great combination of riders from Australia, Spain, Brazil, Venezuela, the UK, Germany and three Portuguese competed to become this years champion.

August 30,2006 – Rita Pires of Costa da Caprica, near Lisbon scored the best wave of the quarters and was handily rewarded a near perfect score of nine points from the international panel of judges. Catarina Sousa, also from Portugal won her heat ahead of the in form Llewellyn, much to the delight of local fans. Europeans Heloise Bourroux from France and Eunate Aguirre of Spain also won their heats and a place in the semi-final rounds.

The Miss Sumol Cup, now in its second year is organized by ASA and is sponsored by the Sumol and C. Municipal de Ilhavo

In semi-final one, Pires continued her winning streak and easily placed a spot in the final. Joining her was Aguirre who sat in fourth place for the majority of the thirty minute heat, until she found a strong wave towards the end, pushing out Venezuelan Megwyn Saunders. Semi-two featured defending champion Bourroux, Claire McGowan of the UK, Sousa and Llewellyn. From the very start the French and Australian champions made it clear that they would be the two other finalists.

Early in the thirty minute final, it looked as if Bourroux would be a repeat winner as she opened up strong, scoring an average of 7.75 on her first wave while everyone struggled to find anything worth riding. Five minutes into the final Llewellyn found a good sized outside wave, combined powerful spins and rolls towards the shorebreak to put her in the drivers seat with a nine point score.

Riders were being scored on their top two waves and when Aguirre found her first high score of 8.50, it was clear that it was any of the four finalists who could still win. Wave conditions were deteriorating, yet spectators and fellow competitors were treated to a good level of high performance women’s bodyboarding.

Aguirre let victory slip by on her fourth wave when she couldn’t complete a maneuver, and wasn’t able to find a strong second supporting wave. With five minutes remaining, the wave Llewellyn had been waiting for came her way and with two rolls on the mid section, victory was now in her hands.

For further information please contact Rui Felix at td@surfingportugal.com

SOUTH AFRICA
2006 O'NEILL SOUTH AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL SET FOR NEW PIER IN DURBAN NEXT WEEK.
Thursday, September 21, 2006 – Over 200 young surfers representing eight provinces will be in action  from next Thursday (September 28) to Sunday (October 1) as they compete for individual and team glory in the 2006 O'Neill SA Junior Championships at New Pier on the Durban beachfront.
The event is Surfing South Africa's premier junior championship and celebrates its eleventh anniversary this year.
Competitors are selected to represent their provinces and while their are eight individual titles at stake major focus is on the Freedom Cup which is awarded to the team with the highest total points at the end of the tournament.
Teams are made up of the best surfers in each of the regions affiliated to Surfing South Africa and all them contribute points towards the totals that will eventually decide which province will take home the Freedom Cup.
 
The O'Neill SA Junior Championships usually features the best young competitors in the land but there are also places in every team for those surfers who never really get the opportunity to compete in the Junior Pro events held around the country during the year.
 
Surfers taking part in this tournament are presented with provincial colours and this has traditionally resulted in intense rivalry between the provinces.Hosts KZN, who won the team title seven years in a row and Western Province, who are the defending champions and the Border team from the East London area are historically the strongest provinces but there is often a twist in the tail when it comes to team competition and any province could take the title.
 
Boland, Southern Cape, Southern KZN, Zululand and Eastern Province will join KZN, WP and Border at the O'Neill Junior Championships. Cape. Apart from some intense competition among the boys and girls throughout the four days of competition there will be plenty of fun at the championships.
 
First off is the Opening function at the Tropicana  Hotel on the Durban beachfront at 18h30 next Wednesday (September 27) when all the teams will be called up to the stage to be introduced to each other. This is followed by the start of competition at two venues, New Pier and Wedge on Day one and two with the final two days taking place at New Pier.

Zig Zag will be showing the premier of the DVD FIFTEEN BELOW at the Durban Surf Lifesavers Club at 18h30pm on Saturday evening (September 30) and all competitors, officials, staff and parents will get free entry.
The final day will feature the best surfers from the event and the traditional O'Neill Superfreak Show where anyone can dress up in fancy dress costume, paddle out, catch a wave and win a share of R1000 in cash.
Entry is free but fancy dress is mandatory.
The Superfreak Show will take place at midday on Sunday October 1 just before the finals.

For all media queries please contact:
Robin de Kock
General Manager, Surfing South Africa
surfingsouthafrica@gmail.com

DURBAN'S FAMOUS NEW PIER TO HOST 2006 O'NEILL SOUTH AFRICAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TWO WEEKS TIME.
September 14, 2006 – South Africa's best junior surfers will get the chance to strut their stuff at Durban's famous New Pier in a fortnight when the annual O'Neill National Junior Championships takes pride of place on the beachfront from Thursday September 28 to Sunday October 1.
 
Over 200 girls and boys in the Under 18, Under 16 ,Under 14 and Under 12 divisions who had to compete in  provincial selection trials to qualify for their respective provinces will be in action during the four days of competition.
 
At stake are four boys and four girls individual national championship titles as well as the Freedom Cup which is awarded to the team with the highest total points at the end of the tournament. Each surfer in all of the participating teams contributes towards the winning of the Freedom Cup so every competitor plays a vital role in their team's final points tally.
 
This year the rivalry between the provinces will focus on the hosts KZN, who won the team title seven years in a row and Western Province who are the defending champions and have in fact held the title since 2003 when they won the Freedom Cup at the Wilderness in the Southern Cape.
KZN, who are hosting their third SA Junior Championships since it all began back in Durban in 1996, have included strong competitors in every division and with New Pier their local break the hosts must go into the event with an advantage over Western Province and the other six provincial teams.
 
Last year Western Province dominated the six finals producing three champions to Border's two and KZN's one but it will not be as easy for any of  the visiting teams to score gold this time around as KZN traditionally defend their pride at home with a great deal of success. In fact no team from any province has ever been able to beat a KZN team, senior or junior, in Durban in over 40 years.
 
Other provinces joining KZN, WP and Border in this year's O'Neill Junior Championships are KZN's neighbours Southern KZN and Zululand, Eastern Province, 2005 hosts Boland and Southern Cape.
 
every year provincial team selection creates some surprises and some surfers who have the pedigree to compete in the championships do not qualify for their teams. This year one of the most surprising omissions from the event is 2005 SA Under 16 Champion and Surfer of the Contest Klee Strachan. Strachan competed for WP in 2005 and moved to Durban at the beginning of the year but the current SA Junior Team captain failed to make the final four in the 2006 Under 18 KZN group and will play no part in this years championships.
 
Six individual champions were decided last year and two additional champions will be added in 2006 as the contest now caters for girls and boys in the Under 12 divisions.
Only two surfers, Under 14 girls winner Tanika Hoffman of WP and Under 18 champion Jordy Smith of KZN, will be back to defend the titles they won in 2005 however Under 14 boys winner Brendan Gibbens of WP will contest the Under 16 title and 2005 Under 16 girls gold medalist Nikita Robb will be surfing in the Under 18 division.
 
The 2006 O'Neill SA Junior championships gets under way with an opening function at the Beach Hotel on the Durban beachfront at 18h30 on Wednesday September 27 and the contest itself will start at 08h00 at New Pier on Thursday September 28 and end at around 15h00 on Sunday October 1.

Compiled by:
Robin de Kock
General Manager, Surfing South Africa
surfingsouthafrica@gmail.com

SPAIN
OUTSTANDING SPORTSMAN
29 September 2006 – One of the sportswomen who fits to be recognized for his good sportsmanship and his excellent sports trajectory is Marina Taylor Valenzuela, who was rewarded by the National Awards of the Sport 2006 that they grant the Top Council of Sports, newly released as number 3 of the World, five times Champion of Europe, 2 of Spain, Champion of Europe for selections in 2003 and sixth position in Ranking Mundial in 2003 are, among others, some of his sports merits. At present he is first in the Ranking of the Professional Circuit of Bobyboard.

FEDERACIÓN ESPAÑOLA DE SURF
e-mail: contacto@fesurf.net
Web: www.fesurf.net

UNITED KINGDOM
NEWQUAY SURFERS CLUB TOGETHER TO TAKE 2006 TITLE
25 September 2006 – Perfect 4 ft surf rolled in at Woolacombe in Devon this weekend providing ideal conditions for the ever-lively 2006 Interclub Championships.   Teams from the Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Wessex and from across Devon, made their way to the coast and hit the surf in a friendly yet highly competitive spirit. 

With 10 teams in the heats and 60 surfers in the water, there was a closely fought battle at the top of the board.  Newquay hasn’t entered a team since 1999 and following their participation in Thursday’s Big Wave Gold Rush Contest, Gareth Llewellyn, Joe Moran and James Mitchell were keen to show their form alongside team members Josh Knowles, Nathanial Hooton and Warren Llewellyn.  They stormed through the heats, dropping barely a point whilst Croyde A, Woolacombe A and Porthleven put up a very strong fight, with some excellent surfing on show. 
 
Stakes were high for the last heat, with just a point in it, as Nigel Williams from Croyde, Gareth Llewellyn from Newquay, Dai Lawton from Porthleven and James Elken from Wessex took to the water.   If Williams took the heat it would mean an overall draw and a surf off, however Gareth pulled the moves out of the bag and rode Newquay to victory.   This left a tie for 3rd place between Woolacombe and Porthleven and the final result was drawn on the number of first places in the previous heats, meaning Woolacombe A team took the podium position. 

The contest was sponsored for the second time by St Austell Brewery in association with Hunter Surf Shop.  This marks a second joint foray by these sponsors as they also worked together when the European Inter-Club event was held in Woolacombe in April 2004.

Karen Walton, National Director of the BSA says, “What a week!  With the British Juniors last weekend, the Big Wave Gold Rush on Thursday and the Interclub Championships on Saturday, I don’t think anyone can deny that there’s a lot going on in British surfing right now!  The Interclub event has been brilliant fun with some excellent surfing and we congratulate Newquay on taking the title.  The high level of participation plus everyone’s enthusiasm for the event just goes to show how much is going on in the British club scene and it’s great to see everyone getting together like this.”
 

EASTWOOD’S PERFECT 10 GETS A GOLDEN RESULT
22 September 2006 – Twenty eight year old Scott Eastwood was today crowned the first ever British Big Wave Champion at the British Surfing Association’s unique Gold Rush Contest at Fistral Beach, in association with Carve magazine.  With less than 30 seconds to go in a closely fought final, Scott took off on an eight foot wave to ride immaculately and score the elusive perfect 10.  He beat fifteen other top surfers in one of the most exciting contests Britain has ever seen and took home ‘the gold’ – a cheque for £1,000.

Waves of up to 8ft broke throughout the day as the swell of Hurricane Gordon started to pound the coast and surfers and spectators alike crowded the points around North Fistral to witness some of the best contest surfing ever seen in the UK.    Dropping everything and heading for big waves has always been the quest of all keen surfers but all too often the best swells don’t co-incide with contest dates and competitors often have to make do with very small conditions.  This means that they are unable to really prove their ability so to counteract this, the team at the BSA came up with the innovative idea of a contest that would happen when the perfect surf is forecast on the charts.

The resulting Gold Rush concept was announced with a 3 month waiting period and given the current hurricane swell, today was deemed as perfect as it’s likely to get.  With 72 hours notice, the BSA gained special permission from Restormel Borough Council and the RNLI for the competition to take place and the 16 invite only surfers were informed of the competition by mobile phone and e-mail.

The day dawned with perfect sunshine and waves of around 6ft and an offshore wind.  Throughout the heats, the surf continued to build and with offshore winds, the competitors couldn’t have asked for better.  Following several exciting heats, Scott took to the water for the final alongside Grishka Roberts, Ben Skinner and Llewellyn Whittaker.  Surfing phenomenally well, it looked like Ben Skinner was set to take the title but then Scott saw his perfect wave and went for it.

Scott said, “I think the BSA’s Gold Rush Big Wave concept is brilliant.  I never normally do well in small wave contests and doing it this way by waiting for the waves to come then letting everyone know is really good.  I never normally do well in small wave contests and today’s waves were far more suited to my surfing.  The last minute wave and the score I got is pretty unbelievable and I’m obviously completely stoked to have won such a big new contest. “

Contest Director and BSA representative Tony Good said, “I’ve been involved with running contests for over twenty years and without a doubt, today’s contest was the most exciting ever.  It’s refreshing to have these kind of conditions and see proper big wave surfing and without a doubt, this will become one of the most exciting contests on the British surf circuit.  Congratulations to Scott for his stunning result and also to everyone who took part.  The BSA would also like to say a big thanks to all the lifeguards and to Restormel Council for helping us make it all happen.”

Issued on behalf of the British Surfing Association by Excess EneRGy Communications.  For further information or interviews please contact Rhona Gardiner on rhona@excessenergycomms.com or on 07740 410052.

WHO’S THE BIGGEST WAVE SURFER IN BRITAIN?
British surfing taken to a new level with first ever Big Wave Contest
20 September 2006 – Sixteen of Britain’s top surfers will tomorrow be pushed to prove how good they really are with the first ever official Big Wave competition.  Surfers across the world are continually pushing the boundaries of the sport and local surfers are set to follow suit in the first ever Gold Rush Big Wave Contest, created and run by the British Surfing Association (BSA).  Challenging waves of 8ft and more are expected and with the wind heading offshore, Fistral Beach in Newquay will be the setting for one of the most exciting contests these shores have ever seen. 

Dropping everything and heading for big waves has always been the quest of all keen surfers and with prize money of £1,000 up for grabs this “wave induced competition” will see 16 invite only surfers including Llewellyn Whittaker, Kieran Evans, Ben Baird, Mark Harris and Grishka Roberts push themselves to the limits.  The BSA this week gained special permission from Restormel Borough Council and the RNLI for the competition to take place in the extreme conditions, caused by the end of a hurricane swell.  The 16 surfers have been informed of the competition by mobile phone and e-mail and are currently all making their way to the North Cornish coast.

Karen Walton, National Director of the BSA says, “In the past we have had problems arranging competitions to coincide with good conditions because ultimately it is always up to the ocean. We’ve had the ambition of running a big wave short board competition in Britain for some time now and we’ve been patiently waiting for perfect surf to do it.  Thursday is going to be as good as it gets and our 16 invited surfers will have a unique opportunity to utilise the power of big waves to show the judges what they are really capable of and illustrate that Britain can be a surfing nation to be reckoned with. This event will raise the bar of competitive surfing in this country and really prove which surfers can hold their own in the most challenging waves.”

Issued on behalf of the British Surfing Association by Excess EneRGy Communications.  For further information or interviews please contact Rhona Gardiner on rhona@excessenergycomms.com or on 07740 410052.

TOM BUTLER IS 2006 BILLABONG BRITISH JUNIOR CHAMPION
19 September 2006 – Eighteen year old Tom Butler from Newquay showed stunning form in heavy waves this weekend to take the top spot on the podium at the 2006 Billabong British Junior Championships.  And alongside him, taking first place in the Girls event was sixteen year old Beth Mason from Swansea, Wales.  Organised by the British Surfing Association (BSA), the event saw the largest ever entry with over 160 surfers traveling from all over the country to bid for this major title at Widemouth Bay, Bude, in North Cornwall. 

The 3ft to 6ft conditions offered highly challenging surf for competitors to test their skills and show what they can do in tougher conditions.  The variety of moves and action on display was described by Head Judge Pauly Jefferys as “Definitely impressive – the best seen in many years. This shows a promising time for British surfing.”

Surfing his home break, local boy Reubyn Ash looked hungry in his bid to retake the title after his victory last year but the final saw him against Stuart Campbell, Jack Latham-Byrne and Tom Butler.  Whilst all provided some mature, strong surfing, it was Tom’s consistency and confident, strong powerful turns amongst the testing waves that most impressed the judges and Tom took the final, with a narrow 0.3 lead on second placed Reubyn Ash.  The final line-up was 1st place Tom Butler, 2nd place Reubyn Ash, 3rd place Stuart Campbell and 4th place Jack Latham-Byrne.

Tom said, “I’m completely stoked.  Being up against last year’s winner, Reubyn was tough, especially as he knows this break inside out so I’m really pleased to have won.  The big waves allowed us to really show what we can do and I was also really chuffed to score a ten from one of the judges in the semi-final.  Yes – a good day!”  Tom earned the Billabong trophy and £500 plus a bag full of Billabong and Kustom Goodies. 
 
In the boys divisions, the Under 12s was won by Newquay’s Harry Timson who said, “The conditions on Sunday were really big so I’m glad I surfed on Saturday when the waves were nice.”  Thirteen year old Luis Ayre from Manchester took the Under 14s and said, “The waves were big but weak but Saturday was fun.”  Fifteen year old Stuart Campbell from Woolacombe took the Under 16s and commented, “I’m stoked.  This is my fourth British title and it was a great fun event with good vibes.  It was brilliant to have some bigger waves to go for.”

In the Girls, sixteen year old Beth Mason showed just why she has been selected for the British team this year and won the Under 18s category.  Afterwards she said, “It was a good comp with really decent heats today.  The conditions were tough and I took a bit of a pounding!  Today was good practice for the World Surfing Games and I’m really looking forward to California.”  Zoe Sheath, 14, from the Isle of Wight took the Under 14s Girls trophy and said, ”I pulled some floaters and cutbacks and that seemed to work.  It’s been a great day!”

Karen Walton, National Director, BSA said, “Yet again, the Billabong British Juniors was a stunning event with an encouraging display of hungry talent amongst our young, up and coming surfers.  These guys and girls are the future of surfing for this country and the last couple of days have shown that we have a lot to be positive about.  Our congratulations go to all of the winners and our appreciation goes to our sponsors, Billabong - Kustom and North Cornwall District Council supported by Sport England – because without them we would not be able to run this valuable event.”

Karen@britsurf.co.uk
Karen Walton, BSA Director

FREESPIRIT BRITISH TEAM SELECTED FOR WORLD SURFING GAMES
11 September, 2006 – With surfing growing massively year-on-year as a mainstream UK sport, 2006 could see our country's surf team consolidate Britain's presence as a key surfing nation at the World Surfing Games on California's Huntington Beach. 

And today the British Surfing Association has announced the names of the Freespirit British Surf team members who have earned the prestigious places representing the country in the event which is widely regarded as surfing's equivalent to the Olympic Games.

The International Surfing Association's World Surfing Games will take place at Huntington Beach, California from October 14th - 22nd  and over 350 competitors from 35 nations will be entering.  British hopes are high as a result of an extremely credible 10th placing in Ecuador in the 2004 games, and those selected represent the cream of UK surfing talent. 
 
 
Freespirit British Surf Team : photo Lucia Griggi

Karen Walton, National Director of the British Surfing Association (BSA) said, "Achieving a place on the British team obviously represents the pinnacle of a career for many UK surfers and this year's team has been selected based on their current form and ongoing high placing contest results.  As a nation, we are continuing to build our profile and credibility on the international stage and we're looking to consolidate this even further at these World Games."
Karen continues, "Now that the team has been confirmed, the BSA will be running an ongoing pre-event training programme to ensure that each and every surfer is at the very top of their game and their highest possible fitness levels.  We took the 10th spot two years ago and will be doing all possible to up that placing even further this time around."

Adam Smith, Marketing Manager of the team sponsor, Freespirit, commented: "Freespirit is extremely proud to be sponsoring the British Surf Team, at such a key time for the ever-growing sport.  It is an honour for us to support the elite of British surfing and we'll be right behind the whole team as they head on out to show the world just what they can do."

About Freespirit:
With 36 stores nationwide, Freespirit is an exciting boardwear brand, stocking the worlds most famous surf, snow and skate brands including, O'Neill, Quiksilver, Vans, DC, Animal, Roxy, Reef and Oakley to name a few.

NEWQUAY WOMAN JUDGES WORLD GAMES
A top female surfer from Newquay, Joanne Hillman, has been specially selected to be the only female judge for this year’s World Surfing Games at Huntington Beach, California.

Thirty-five year old Jo works in surfing full-time as Office Manager at the British Surfing Association offices on Fistral Beach and for the last four years has dedicated a substantial amount of her personal time to training as a judge and hone her skills scoring surfers in the waterAs a result, Jo has been selected as one of 10 people who will be responsible for judging the world’s very best surfers at the event that is widely regarded as surfing’s equivalent to the Olympic Games. 

The International Surfing Association’s World Surfing Games will take place at Huntington Beach, California from October 14th – 22nd  and over 350 competitors from 35 nations will be entering Jo’s experience on national and international events will be put to extremely good use and she will be judging Open, Womens, Longboarding and Bodyboarding contests.  Her past CV includes positions on events including the English National Championships, the British National Championships,  the British Longboard Championships, the British Bodyboard Championships, the European Championships in Portugal and on the ASP WCT Roxy Jam last year.  Jo knows the sport inside out having spent many years as a contest surfer herself.  In past years, accolades include her coming 2nd in the English & British Nationals and she has also been a surf coach for 6 years.

Jo says, “I really enjoy judging and have been doing more and more events over the last few years.  Every event is different and enjoyable and challenging in its own way but obviously being given the option to work with some of the world’s top judges, and to be judging some of the best surfers in the world, is an amazing opportunity.  October can’t come fast enough!”

National Director of the BSA Karen Walton said, “Judging is a lot more technical than many people realise and it does take time and commitment for people to be recognised and respected in the industry as a top judge.  Jo has been extremely dedicated over the last few years and it’s great news that the International Surfing Association has credited this and appointed her as a team judge for the California Games.”

Karen Walton
National Director BSA
Tel: 44 1637 876474

UNITED STATES
COLORFUL "PARADE OF NATIONS" AND "SANDS OF THE WORLD" CEREMONIES  TO KICK OFF THE 2006 LOST ENERGY DRINK ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES ON OCTOBER 14, 2006
U.S.A to Host the International Event Bringing 33 Teams to Compete in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Huntington Beach, Calif., September 22, 2006 - On October 14, 2006, at 2 p.m., the world's most prestigious surfing contest, the 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games, will officially kick off with the colorful "Parade of Nations" followed by the traditional "Sands of the World" ceremony.  Teams from 33 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Ecuador, Tahiti, United Kingdom, Aruba, United States, Sweden, Panama, Hawaii, Cote d'Ivoire  and Venezuela will participate in the symbolic parade and sand ceremony.  Both ceremonies will be a visual and emotional beginning to the nine-day contest similar to the Olympic opening ceremony.

During the "Parade of Nations," teams will march in alphabetical order by country down the Huntington Beach Pier proudly touting their nation's flag and wearing their national colors.  The teams will then pass over the contest site convening for the emblematic "Sands of the World" ceremony.  In this ceremony, each team will pour sand brought from their respective country into a specially crafted acrylic box.   All of the sand will be combined in a ceremonious display of unity, brotherhood and respect for the ocean.  The significance of the ceremony, a tradition pioneered by ISA president Fernando Aguerre in the 1996 World Games, is paramount to the ISA's hopes for a peaceful world and continued spirit of community throughout the sport of surfing.  The ceremony will also feature welcoming speeches by Dave Sullivan, mayor of Huntington Beach as well as event hosts Mike Gerard and Fernando Aguerre.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the world's most important sport body, recognizes the ISA as the world governing authority for surfing and waveriding sports.  Inspired by the Olympic spirit, the 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games showcases athletes competing on behalf of their respective country.  The top four finalists in each division are awarded gold, silver, bronze and copper medals, as well as the top four national teams.

Also present at the ceremony will be the esteemed IOC trophy which is awarded to the winning team during the Closing Ceremonies.  As revered in the Olympics, cultural identity, team spirit and moments of great personal triumph are hallmarks of the event. For more information,
visit: .surfingamerica.org <http://.surfingamerica.org/>  or www.isasurf.org <http://www.isasurf.org/> .

About Surfing America
Surfing America is the ISA-recognized National Governing Body (NGB) for surfing in the United States and is responsible for holding the official USA Championships and for selecting and fielding the official USA Surf Team.  The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding, and surfriding.

Surfing America, Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c) 3 charitable organization.  All donations made to Surfing America are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Donation checks should be made payable to: Surfing America, 33157 Camino Capistrano, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. End of year tax receipts are sent to every individual donor of more than $250.  For donations under $250, a cancelled check or credit card statement is sufficient evidence for IRS purposes.  Surfing America will send a tax receipt to any donor who requests one.

About International Surfing Association (ISA)
The International Surfing Association (ISA) 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 world championships since 1964, and the Junior World 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.

About Lost Energy drink
...Lost is the authentic energy drink brand for those of us who connect with the youthful action sports lifestyle. ...Lost's roots are in producing surfboards and action sports apparel sold only in core surf, skateboard and snowboard shops.  The crew at MONSTER makes ...Lost with a select blend of vitamins, herbs and amino acids for a powerful boost and a crisp flavor that tastes good and mixes even better. ...Lost is the #8 Energy Brand in the US. *Source AC Nielsens Total US CTMM 13 weeks ending 7/29/06

Hilary Craven, hcraven@snlc.net
SnL Communications

WORLD'S BEST NATIONAL SURFING TEAMS SET TO COMPETE AT THE 2006 LOST ENERGY ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES
September 17, 2006 in Huntington Beach, Calif. - The 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games is poised to feature some of the best surfers from around the globe competing for their respective countries October 14-22, 2006 in Huntington Beach, Calif. U.S.A. The event will be hosted by Surfing America, the national governing body for the sport of surfing in the United States.

This year, the Games, sponsored by Lost Energy Drink, will feature surfers from over 28 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica,France, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Tahiti, the United Kingdom and our own USA Surf Team, in what has been deemed the "Olympics of Surfing."

"Lost Energy Drink is very excited to partner with the ISA World Surfing Games. This will be an amazing event showcasing surfing talent from around the globe and we are proud to be the title sponsor," remarked Jade Huntley, brand manager of Lost Energy Drink.

The Games mark moments of great personal triumph and cultural unity as the top national surfing teams from around the world compete in team and individual events, over the course of 10 days for the honor of representing their respective countries. Each national team consists of 10 competitors among five divisions: four men's open shortboarders, two women's open
shortboarders, one longboarder, two men's bodyboarders, and one woman bodyboarder. The top four finalists in each division are awarded gold, silver, bronze and copper medals, as well as the top four national teams.

"Hosting the 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games is an incredible honor for Surfing America," said Mike Gerard Surfing America's executive director. "We would like to thank Carlsbad, Calif.-based Graffy Inc. for helping to secure the event's partnership with Lost Energy Drink. This is our first World Surfing Games since becoming recognized as the United States' National Governing Body in 2004 and Surfing America is committed to making this one of the best World Surfing Games in ISA history. We look forward to working with ISA's family of surfing nations to help grow the sport on a global scale. Finally, we would like to welcome all competing nations to the Official Home of the USA Surf Team, Surf City USATM, Huntington Beach, Calif."

The colorful "Parade of Nations" ceremony will mark the commencement of the Games and will showcase each team as they march down the Huntington Beach Pier and through the contest area with their nations' flags leading into the "Sands of the World" ceremony. Each team will then pour sand brought from their respective country into a large acrylic box. All of the sand will be combined in a ceremonious display of unity and brotherhood. The Opening Ceremony will begin on Saturday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m. near the Huntington Beach Pier. Spectators will begin lining the beach at 7:00 a.m. on October 15, 2006, to catch the first official day of competition.

"The 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games represent the pinnacle of national team surfing. The competitive level along with the camaraderie and friendships celebrated at the Games, is proof that a peaceful co-existence is very much possible in our world. We will see surfers from the broadest variety of nationalities, races, religions and languages in any surfing contest in the world," remarked Fernando Aguerre, president of the ISA.

The WSG tradition is marked with a storied history starting in 1964 at Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia where surfers from around the world, representing their home nation competed for men's and women's surfing titles. As the event progressively grew, it was renamed the World Surfing Games and first staged in Huntington Beach in 1996 where the USA National Team won the Team Championship and the gold medal. At the 2004 ISA World Surfing Games in Salinas, Ecuador, Australia won the honor of Team Champion. The Games will now head back to the United States, for the first time since 1996.

The 2006 Lost Energy Drink ISA World Surfing Games will be available to view online with live scoring and streaming video allowing for the action to be experienced around the world. Check out surfingamerica.org for more details.

About Surfing America
Surfing America is the ISA-recognized National Governing Body (NGB) for surfing in the United States and is responsible for holding the official USA Championships and for selecting and fielding the official USA Surf Team. The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding, and surfriding.

(September 6, 2006 - San Juan Capistrano, CA)  Surfing America - the National Governing Body for the sport of surfing - is proud to announce that Lost Energy Drink has entered into an agreement to be the Title Sponsor for the 2006 ISA World Surfing Games.

The 2006 Lost Energy ISA World Surfing Games, which brings together upwards of 30 countries, is being hosted by Surfing America in Huntington Beach on October 14th - 22nd, 2006.  An official press release will go out next week after the show.

Mike Cianciulli, mikec@surfingamerica.org
Surfing America, Inc.
Surfing America is the ISA-recognized National Governing Body for Surfing in the United States. The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, Bodyboarding, and Surfriding.

6. SIMA HUMANITARIAN AND LIQUID NATION BALL

SIMA HUMANITARIAN FUNDRAISES $220,000 AT LIQUID NATION BALL 3
9 September 2006 – The surf industry’s leaders and stars gathered to raise funds for 12 surf-related humanitarian organizations at Liquid Nation Ball 3, held this weekend in LaJolla, Calif. The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) Humanitarian Fund raised $220,000 at the event, all of which will be distributed to a dozen organizations that use surfing to support humanitarian efforts including malaria prevention, autism, spinal cord injuries, breast cancer awareness, mental illness and underprivileged youth. Beneficiaries include: SurfAid International, Life Rolls On Foundation, Boarding for Breast Cancer, Surfers Healing, Stoked Mentoring, The Sumba Foundation, Keep a Breast, Rabbit Kekai Foundation, Get a Board Foundation, Outdoor Outreach, Jimmy Miller Foundation and Project Wipeout.

On behalf of our beneficiary groups, the SIMAHumanitarian Fund is extremely grateful for the support of the industry,” said Dick Baker, president of the SIMA Humanitarian Fund and president of Op. “It’s impossible not to be moved by the work and stories of these 12 organizations and be motivated to help. They are powerful reminders that surfing inspires people daily, and that as surfers we can make a difference whether it’s through a large- scale fundraiser or donating a day of our time to volunteer for these organizations.” Held at the ocean-front home of Reef co-founder and ISApresident Fernando Aguerre, more than 400 guests enjoyed an evening of music and dancing while also bidding on exclusive auction items. The event drew a host of international industry big-wigs with most all brands represented, as well as pros from surfing’s past and present including Greg Noll, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Lisa Andersen, Taj Burrow, Jamie O’Brien and Jesse Billauer.
My grandmother always told me, giving is much better than receiving,” said Aguerre. “Getting together to give back and possitively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of other human being is the greatest celebration of life. My brother Santiago and I are stoked about the event and support from family, friends and industry. While by body ended up cold after ending the auction by selling my one-of-a-kind pants and shirt (for $5,000), I felt the warmest in my heart. Muchas gracias to all. We'll be back." The highlight of the evening, the exclusive live auction, raised the bulk of the proceeds featuring rare items that represented a range of surf culture and history. Big-ticket items included:

• Signed boards donated by Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Andy Irons, Sofia Mulanovich, Tom Carroll, Tony Hawk and Shaun White;
• Acustom shaped 1930s balsa board by Roy Sanchez, hand-painted by acclaimed Australian artist Pete Tillack depicting surfing’s founding gathers in action in Waikiki in the early 20th century;
• 9.5 karat diamond Nixon watch, one-of-a-kind, custom-made for Liquid Nation Ball 3;
• Exclusive Pipe Master’s trophy, owned only by the Pipe Masters themselves; this one signed by former Pipe champs Rob Machado and Kelly Slater;
• Eddie Aikau trophy, which is given only to those who surf the legendary event;
• Dream surf trips to Tavarua, Namotu and South Africa

All proceeds from the auction items and ticket sales, as well as a generous donation by Balance Vector, will be distributed as much needed grant monies to the event beneficiaries. Liquid Nation Ball was created in 2004 by Santiago and Fernando Aguerre to help raise money and awareness for SurfAid International. This year, the Aguerre brothers offered Liquid Nation Ball to SIMA. With the event’s growing success and the surf industry's desire to help a variety of humanitarian causes, the SIMAHumanitarian Fund embraced the event to broaden the vision and help expand the reach of numerous beneficiary groups to the entire surf community.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) is the official working trade association of more than 300 surf industry suppliers. Founded in 1989, SIMAis a non-profit organization that serves to promote awareness of the surf industry and participation in the sport of surfing through public relations efforts and a variety of services, edu- cational programs and research. In addition, SIMAactively supports oceanic environmental efforts through its 501(c)(3) charitable environmental foundation, the SIMAEnvironmental Fund. In the past 17 years, SIMA's Environmental Fund has raised more than $3 million for environmental groups seeking to protect the world's oceans, beaches and waves. The SIMAHumanitarian Fund, also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established in 2006 to award grants to various surf or boardsport related social and humanitarian non-profit organiza- tions whose efforts are focused on improving the quality of life, health and/or welfare of people.

Surfersvillage
news-alert@surfersvillage.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
Email: surf@isasurf.org
Website: www.isasurf.org

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