CJ Hobgood : photo Steve Robertson

Boost Mobile Surf Sho
Presented by Nokia

ASP 2008 Specialty Event
Surfers Paradise QLD Australia
18 - 20 April 2008

Bede Durbidge and CJ Hobgood Included in Aerial Surfing Line-Up

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 14 April, 2008 : - -  The surfing action is set to soar at this weekend’s Boost Mobile Surf Sho presented by Nokia with the inclusion of world no.2 Bede Durbidge (Aus) and former world champion CJ Hobgood (USA) into the high-flying field competing at Surfers Paradise.

The pair will join defending event champion TAJ BURROW (WA), world champion MICK FANNING (Tweed Heads), world no.13 LUKE STEDMAN (Avalon) and a sensational line-up of high-flying Aces in the $40000 aerial event.
 
Now in its second year, the specialty tournament carries no points towards the  ‘Dream Tour’ but attracts a hot international field due to its innovative ‘Game Show’ style competition format. In contrast to traditional competition, the format is based around a large spinning wheel (Boost Mobile Surf Sho Wheel) that will dictate the aerial tricks to be performed by surfers.
 
This year Durbidge has emerged as a serious world title contender building on his end of season momentum. The 25 year-old won the 2007 Pipeline Masters to claim the prestigious Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing last year. The powerful surfer posted a third and a second in the two opening world tour events of 2008 to now be sitting behind ratings front-runner Kelly Slater (USA). Durbidge is looking forward to unleashing some huge above-the-lip moves in his first ever aerial event.

“It’s a totally different format from the world tour. It’s going to be a lot of fun going for the big airs I just hope I land a few,” said Durbidge. “It's pretty cool to be coming up against your mates in a completely different surfing format,” added Durbidge. 2000 ASP world champion Hobgood is renowned for his aerial prowess and is sure to break out the big moves and challenge the high flyers right to the end.

31-year-old Stedman, an international surf star boasting five years experience on the world tour, also has his sights set on a good showing in the progressive tournament. “I’m really looking forward to going big in the event and learning a few new moves at the same time,” said Stedman.“I love the direction they’re heading with this event concept.”

The Boost Mobile Surf Show also includes aerial dynamos such as 2007 runner-up Dru Adler (Palm Beach), aerial king pin Dave Reardon-Smith (Coolum), surfing artist Ozzie Wright (Narrabeen), Western Australian ripper Ry Craike (Kalbarri, W.A.), innovative Julian Wilson (Sunshine Coast) and super talent Dion Agius (Currumbin).
 
More than just a surf competition, the interactive tournament will throw a weekend beach festival for fans. In addition to the action in the water, the Surf Sho features an 80m by 40m beach structure for integrated music events on site at the beach on Cavill Ave.

Those who can’t make it to Surfers Paradise for the event can catch all the action live from the global webcast at boostsurfsho.com.au. Entries are still available for the wildcard event on the Saturday 19th. Check out boostsurfsho.com.au for the official entry form.
 
Boost Surf Sho Band Line-up: The action will be just as hot on land with a beachside music event to be staged between 3-5pm on Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th April, 2008. Kicking off the music action on Saturday 19th will be Funky Mantis, before Amy Meredith and Future Role Models rock out Surfers Paradise. Kwerkshoppe will next hit the beach stage on Sunday 20th along with Amy Meredith and Razbin Sam.
 
Format: The three day Surf Sho will open with the Boost Mobile Junior Air Sho Challenge on Friday 18th of April, which is open to forty eight of Australia's hottest aerial punks aged 18-years and under. The winner will surf away with $1,000 plus a spot into the AUD $25,000 Boost Mobile Surf Sho final.
 
The action continues on Saturday 19th of April with sixty of Australia's finest aerial exponents fighting it out for AUD $7,500 worth of cash and prizes and one of four spots in the Surf Sho final. The format is as per a standard surfing event with four surfer heats.
 
Wrapping up the exciting, all weekend surfing festival will be the invitational Boost Mobile Surf Sho presented by Nokia on Sunday 20th of April, 2008. Twenty of the world's best aerial surfers will surf against each other in a one day; winner takes all AUD$25,000 Surf Sho. The format will be based around a large spinning wheel (Boost Mobile Surf Sho Wheel) that will dictate the aerial tricks to be performed.
 
Adding to the already high stakes is the Boost Mobile Jet Ski Tow-In Expression Session. Aided by a jet ski, Boost's global surf team will attempt to launch themselves as high as possible off a wave into the air, completing a technical aerial move at the same time. This session is bound to be a crowd pleaser!
 
Airshows have created a sub-culture for the world's most innovative and futuristic surfers and have attracted a strong cult following around the world. In Airshow surfing contests, judges only score maneuvers performed in the air, as opposed to the more traditional approach of judging surfing maneuvers on a wave.
 
About Boost Mobile 
Boost-tel Pty Limited (Boost Mobile) is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. The company is a lifestyle-based telecommunications company that focuses solely on developing and distributing communications products for the youth market. Boost Mobile's offerings include prepaid mobile phone services, 'Re-Boost' pre-paid call credit and a wide range of accessories.

Long distance and International calling cards and other cutting-edge mobile services. Boost Mobile's marketing is centered on youth activities such as action sports, music, fashion and entertainment. 
 
About Nokia 
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. Nokia makes a wide range of mobile devices and provides people with experiences in music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games and business mobility through these devices. Nokia also provides equipment, solutions and services for communications networks.

Previous reports:
# 1 : Mick Fanning to star at 2nd annual Boost Mobile Surf Sho 
# 2 : Taj Burrow ready to unleash at the Boost Mobile Surf Sho
# 3 : Coming soon
# 4 : Coming soon  

www.boost.com.au
www.aspworldtour.com
www.boostsurfsho.com.au

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ASP Specialty Events - Surfersvillage