The Volcom Pipeline Pro 5 Star ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) WQS event finished up yesterday in extraordinary conditions at the famed break of Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. O'Neill team riders Mark Mathews, John John Florence, Brett Barley, and Nils Schweizer excelled in the incredible surf that persisted throughout the event of four days. The surf ranged from dangerous unruly 8-12' out of control Pipeline to epic conditions that proved to be some of the best surfed waves in recent memory at the famous wave.
Australian charger Mark Mathews went up against a field of Pipeline aficionados, WQS chargers, and the local Hawaiian talent to make the finals and came up just shy of winning the event. His performances through out the event where much to be noted pulling into incredible barrels heat after heat and taking on the Pipeline and the competition with complete abandon. One of his many highlights was the highest scoring wave of the final, a 9.67 on a beastly Backdoor barrel that was impossibly gnarly. He charged the wave and drove through a huge cavern to get blown out to the amazement of the crowd and judges. With that wave he was only in need of a 7.2 with ten minutes on the clock. It seemed an eventuality of a wave coming to him, but as fortune would have it, the wave never materialized and he finished in 3rd place. Despite not winning the final he has shown the world that indeed he is capable of winning at Pipeline, and has once again reinforced his name as one of the heaviest surfers on the planet.
One of the biggest stories of the event was 20-year-old O'Neill team rider and North Carolina surfer Brett Barley. He amazed the crowd and fans a like with the highest heat total of the entire event with a 19.67 out of a possible 20 with a combined two wave score. He excelled in all conditions whether it was unruly monstrous Pipe, Backdoor, or big perfect Pipe. He rode into the history books with amazing rides through out the event in a Cindarella like story. With this result he has put his name on the map, which was clearly one of the biggest stories of the event. He reached the semi finals in stunning fashion, which amazed all who witnessed his incredible tube riding skills.
On the Hawaiian front local resident and amazing Pipeline surfer who looked destined for the finals was John John Florence who surfed every heat with precision and bravado not seen by surfers his age of 17 years old. He took some of the biggest waves that Pipeline had to offer and absolutely charged the huge surf. Eventual event winner Jamie O'Brien narrowly defeated him in the dying moments of the semi-finals. Never the less John John performances were outstanding and the local crowd and fan support was clearly in his court with huge cheers with every wave he rode.
Also putting in a remarkable performance was Florida's underground big wave charger Nils Schweizer who grabbed two of the best waves ridden in the event on the second day, which like Barley, put him on the radar of the surfing world by reaching the quarterfinals. He took off on two incredible waves that showed his guts and panache in heavy situations. On one, he dropped in and made a near impossible drop, which had him completely inverted where he buried his nose where certain punishment would have resulted. Miraculously he made the drop and pulled into one of the most glorious rides of the event.
The Volcom Pipeline Pro will go down in history as having some of the best and biggest Pipe for an event in many years. Even greater is that O'Neill riders shined where it was most important. Congratulations to all the surfers who laid it all on the line with guts and glory!
John Florence showing us how it’s done at his local spots.
Bobby Martinez ripping the points and beach breaks of Santa Barbara in preparation for the 2010 World Tour.
World's Premier Goofy Footer to Sport O'Neill Clothing and Wetsuits
O'Neill Clothing, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, has officially signed Bobby Martinez to an endorsement deal with both their apparel and wetsuit divisions in the U.S. Martinez, who finished the 2009 World Championship Tour (WCT) ranked eighth in the world, is widely regarded as the most sought after "free agent" in professional surfing, and recently competed the entire season without the support of a major clothing sponsor, a feat that is virtually unheard of in this day and age.
The Dream Tour veteran and Santa Barbara, Calif. native has not only been heralded as a premier goofy footer, but routinely referred to as one of the world's most well-rounded surfers and a perennial world title threat each year since 2006. That is when he claimed WCT Rookie of the Year honors and stunned the industry with a jaw-dropping victory at Teahupoo, Tahiti, arguably the most challenging wave on the professional circuit. Additionally, Martinez finished the year-end rankings in the top 10 each season of his WCT career and has multiple wins at both Teahupoo and Mundaka, Spain under his belt, making him the most successful California surfer during that time span.
"O'Neill is thrilled to welcome Bobby to our surf team," said Garth Tarlow, O'Neill's Director of Sports Marketing. "He is one of the few surfers on tour that racks up WCT victories each season and, bottom line, he's a surfer's surfer with amazing technique, tremendous power and total commitment. We look forward to watching his tenacious approach to the tour this year."
O'Neill Clothing CEO, Toby Bost, added: "In an era of evolving change in the surf industry, O'Neill is committed to building the best team of surfers in the world. We feel this year we have done just that with the addition of Bobby Martinez."
Martinez joins a prominent group of O'Neill surfers, including Jordy Smith, Timmy Reyes, Cory Lopez and Roy Powers.
"I'm more than happy to be part of the O'Neill team," Martinez said. "It's a company of surfers for surfers, and even though it has been a long wait, it's totally worth it."
Stay updated on what's going on with Martinez and Team O'Neill by joining O'Neill's mobile VIP program. Text 68398 to receive up-to-the-minute news, promotions and event info.
For more information, visit www.oneill.com.
About O'NeillO'Neill, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O'Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the world's first neoprene wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after.
While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack's initial vision of producing functional and innovative boardriding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O'Neill's core values -- innovation in style and technology -- have seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of the action sports lifestyle. From the first-ever neoprene wetsuit and surf leash, to the world's first stitchless boardshorts and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O'Neill's progressive spirit will always drive the company forward.
For more information, please visit www.oneill.com.
Surfing Life captured the O'Neill team as they freesurfed through Australia.
Aaron Reed has been sidelined with a broken leg for the past few months. Here's a quick Q&A that will bring you up to speed with Reed.
How's the leg doing? Was the rehab difficult?
The leg is doing much better. I can walk now and I am really starting to progress with my therapy. At times it is difficult. This is my first major injury, so the first time I've had to do the therapy process. At the beginning it was a lot more monotonous, just trying to get mobility back in my leg and ankle, but now I feel like I am able to push it a lot more and make some progress.
Explain a typical rehab day for a broken leg
I start with a heat compress, followed by some stretching. I usually try and ride my bike a few miles each day, and I do a lot of squats, balance exercises, and lunges. I haven't been able to run yet,but that's next. As of now, Chuck Norris and his Total Gym are my best friends.
When do you anticipate getting back to riding?
My doctor cleared me to ride whenever I feel comfortable. Since I have a metal rod inside my Tibia, the chances of it breaking again are pretty slim. I think I want to wait until I can run comfortably before I start to ride. We are having a demo day at the Texas Ski Ranch on Feb. 13th and 14th so that is the date I have set for myself to get back on the board.
The broken leg happened right before your wedding. How did the new wife take it?
If I needed any reassurance that I was marrying the right woman, that was it. She handled it like a champ. Not to mention she waited on me hand and foot for about 6 weeks.
The Obsucra project is well under way. How's it looking so far?
We are really pumped on this whole thing. It is a dream come true for my partner Danny Hampson and myself. We just got samples of our new shoe with DVS and they are incredible. It is really a blessing to be involved with every level of production, from marketing to manufacturing. But I think the real joy for us is managing the team. It's fun to see a group of focused young guys in the position I was in 7years ago. They are hungry, look out!
What's coming up next for Aaron Reed?
This year I am all about traveling around and promoting my new brand as well as O'Neill and my other sponsors. We have a lot of tours planned this year. We are doing demos on the road, but it is more about letting the kids ride all of our stuff. I am really pumped on allof my gear for this year, and we figured it would be best just to let people try it for themselves. The next stop is at the Texas Ski Ranch where itis mandatory that you wear a coast guard approved vest. I am really pumped on this new Revenge CGA vest. It has the mobility of a comp vest with the safety and flotation of a CGA vest. Check obscura09.com for details on when we will be coming to a town near you.
Nils Schweizer finds himself a pre-contest cavern at Backdoor.
O'NEILL BOYS' SWEATSHIRTS
Up andUnder (39202202)
O'Neill Apparel, in cooperation with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling several styles of boys' hooded, zipped sweatshirts.
The sweatshirts have a neck drawstring which poses a strangulation risk to children.
The sweatshirts were sold in children's sizes small thru extra large between 6/25/09-8/7/09. The style numbers are listed above.
CHILDREN SHOULD STOP WEARING THESE GARMENTS IMMEDIATELY
Customers can correct the safety risk by cutting and removing the neck drawstring. Customers may also return this outerwear to the point of purchase for a full refund or call O'Neill Appareltoll free at 800-662-7873 for refund details.
If you have further questions, please see a store Manager.
O'Neill Apparel, in cooperation with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling several styles of girls' hooded, zipped sweatshirts.
The sweatshirts have a neck drawstring which poses a strangulation risk to children.
Thes weatshirts were sold in children's sizes small thru extra large between 6/25/09-8/7/09. The style numbers are listed above.
CHILDREN SHOULD STOP WEARING THESE GARMENTS IMMEDIATELY
Customers can correct the safety risk by cutting and removing the neck drawstring. Customers may also return this outerwear to the point of purchase for a full refund or call O'Neill Apparel toll free at 800-662-7873 for refund details.
If you have further questions, please see a store Manager.
O'Neill Apparel, in cooperation with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling several styles of girls' hooded, zipped sweatshirts.
The sweatshirts have a neck drawstring which poses a strangulation risk to children.
The sweatshirts were sold in children's sizes small thru extra large between 6/25/09-8/7/09. The style numbers are listed above.
CHILDREN SHOULD STOP WEARING THESE GARMENTS IMMEDIATELY
Customers can correct the safety risk by cutting and removing the neck drawstring. Customers may also return this outerwear to the point of purchase for a full refund or call O'Neill Apparel toll free at 800-662-7873 for refund details.
If you have further questions, please see a store Manager.
John Florence looking smooth at Da Hui Sunset Sponsor Me Open. Sunset is a tricky wave, but Florence makes it look easy on his way to a semis appearance.
Jordy Smith, Shaun Ward and Joey Head take full advantage of this past weekend’s swell.
Nat Young, Luke Davis, Brent Reilly and Casey Grant blitz through the World Junior’s.
From Easternsurf.com
Whitney Hines loves her husband dearly. But lately, she's been getting a little over it. "He's been doing a lot of pondering lately," laughs Whitney. "Like that scene from Zoolander, 'Who am I?' Jesse hasn't really been complaining all that much, but every time someone talks about how cold they got surfing, he would whisper, 'Must be nice.' Little mopy things like that."
Three months to the day after he snapped his right tibia and fibula negotiating a dredging Avon shorebreak, Outer Banks, NC, pro Jesse Hines has officially swept the cobwebs off his wintertime campaign, paddling out for a private session this morning at Buccaneer Street in Kitty Hawk while his faithful wife watched from the beach with his stepdad Lynn Shell. "Oh man," Jesse beams, "I've never been so scared to surf a chest-high wave in my life, but it felt soooo good to finally get out there. My leg muscles were a little sore from all the atrophy and rehab, but the area of the injury itself felt fine. I took out this single-fin that Mickey [McCarthy] had shaped for me and Brent McCoy a couple years ago, just because it's beefier and would probably keep me from doing something dumb out there [laughs]."
The surprisingly punchy, northerly wind/groundswell mix served up chest to shoulder-high nuggets all morning, with dead to slight offshore winds lasting until about noon — making for a very nice, very warm morning trailing an abominably cold and flat winter. "Yeah, I guess if there was one season to be laid up and out of the water, this was probably it," continues Hines. "But I won't say the time's gone by fast. I was just dying to surf. My first wave, I got up to both feet and instantly went down. But then I got it together and did a few turns."
Matt Lusk, the local surf photographer who documented Hines' solo sesh before heading down south to Rodanthe with Noah Snyder to do some fisheye work, is a little more exalting: "On his last wave, Jesse got a nice barrel — a pretty nasty one for town, actually — and followed it up with a solid turn. You never would've known he had been so badly hurt."
Hines reported that he plans on flying out to California in the next few weeks to get his rhythm back in some warmer water and mellower waves. And just like that, the Outer Banks' most photogenic surfer is back.Which basically means a little less tube time for you and me. And a lot less moping in Whitney Hines' living room.
Today in powerful 8-10' foot surf in the renowned arena ofSunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. Team O'Neill's highlights were seventeen year old John Florence and Florida's own Nils Schweizer.
John Florence powered through four rounds in the event to reach the semifinals. He came up short in his heat by not having a strong backup wave. Despite not making the finals his surfing was some of the loosest and most progressive surfing in the challenging surf. He was repeatedly scoring waves in the 8 + range. Being so young and surfing at that level amongst some of Hawaii's best is even a greater indication of things to come. He is also on the heals of an amazing run, reaching the Quarter finals beating the worlds best at the Pipeline Masters back in December.
Another Highlight was Nils Schweizer who grabbed the highest single wave score in the entire event. He was awarded a perfect 10 for a big long barrel to a huge carve which was a total crowd pleaser.
The next event will be the Volcom Pipeline Pro starting Jan.23-Feb 5. Tune in and check out updates and Highlights of O'Neill team riders Cory Lopez, John Florence, Bret Barley, and Nils Schweizer.
Malia Manuel, Sage Erickson and Alizee Arnaud have a strong showing at Narrabeen.
O'Neill invades Narrabeen for the World Junior Championships. Get the inside perspective from Nat Young, Luke Davis, Brent Reilly and Sage Erickson leading into the event.
Here's a look at the 2010 Hyperfreak ads for January and February.
Event number 8 in the NSSA Open Season schedule went off this weekend in Ventura with some of the biggest California Street the event has had in its long history. Solid 6-8' foot surf pumped its way through the point this weekend offering the competitors epic surf to test their skills in.
San Clemente's Colton Ward won his first ever NSSA Open Season Boys final in the double overhead surf. It was a great accomplishment for the 12 year old goofy foot, considering he has been chipping away making several finals this year and now has finally captured the 1st place prize. What makes the win that much sweeter is it was in large challenging surf and didn't come down to groveling in small meager surf. He accomplished his goal by seizing the best waves of the final and laying down big carves on his backhand. Coming in the runner up position was Capo Beach's Jake Davis who was hot on Colton's heels to the very end, but narrowly lost in a few very tense moments to close out the final. With thirty seconds remaining and Colton in the lead Jake managed to grab a buzzer beater, but in the end it wasn't enough and big cheers where in hand for Colton's maiden win.
O'Neill team riders seized three of the top spots in the Boys 6 man final, with Colton Ward in first, Jake Davis in second, and Thelen Mckinna in third.
In the Juniors division we saw Ian Crane back in form after missing the first 7 events due to an injury he sustained last summer. He made quick work of the long beautiful walls displaying his powerful backside carves on many set waves. He reached the semi finals, which is a solid effort to make his way back into competition.
Other O'Neill highlights were Newbury Park's Jake Kelley,San Clemente's Josh Giddings and Shaw Kobayashi catching some amazing rides in the perfect surf.
The next NSSA event will be held at Salt Creek February 6-7.
Here's a look back at the O'Neill team from the past winter on the North Shore.
Malia Manuel and Sage Erickson put their frontside attack on display. The girls didn't disappoint once they got in the water.
Customer must meet all criteria to below to qualify for a FREE UV Tee:
1. Purchase an O'Neill Wetsuit or O'Neill Flotation Vest
2. Minimum product purchase of $50
3. Product must be purchased between January 15, 2010 through March 15, 2010
Print it out, mail it in!
Swiss snowboarder Ursina Haller took victory in a closely fought women's halfpipe final at the O'Neill Evolution in Davos.
"I didn't expect to win," said Ursina. "I was hoping for top five or top three – so I am even more stoked with the win!"
The sun came out for this first day of competition at the O'NeillEvolution 2010 to highlight the impressive halfpipe riding from thewomen. "The pipe was really good and the weather worked for us tootoday. We had a good time," said Ursina.
Her winning run of84.5 from her first run of the final, consisted of a FS 5 into a BS 5,a Stalefish, a BS air, and a FS 7 at the bottom.
"The wholevibe of the competition was not to put too much pressure on theriders," she said. "We had so much fun in the qualifications, which wasa jam session, so it felt like you were riding with your friends. Thenin the finals we had three runs too, so we just continued to have fun!"
18-year-old Slovakian snowboarder Cilka Sadar – the youngestrider in the final – was surprised but delighted with her second placefinish – after coming from fifth on her final run.
"I wasn'tnervous because I got fifth in the qualifiers and then before the finalrun I was also fifth. So I didn't really expect to do that good," saidCilka. "I am clearly better when I am not that nervous!"
Finishing off the top three was another Swiss rider, Manuela Peska, whofinished in first place in the qualification round, and with herconsistent runs ended the competition in third place.
Althoughfinishing 6th,Sarka Pancochova was the one partying the hardest at theaward ceremony– with each of the top eight finalists receiving a bottleof champagne– as she maintains her Swatch TTR World Tour lead.
Dutch rider, Cheryl Maas moved up to second place, and now the world number three is Cilka Sadar.
With womencompeting at the O'Neill Evolution for the first time in three years, itproved a decisive and important stop on the Swatch TTR World Tour.
"WhenI saw that women were back at Eovlution on the TRR page I was reallystoked," said the winner Ursina. "It's not far frommy home, and Ialways thought it was a great event – with the halfpipe and having it inthe village. Hopefully they have it again here next year – that would begreat!"
Tomorrow the halfpipe opens to the men – when the qualification round begins at 11am.
FINALS RESULTS
1. ($8,000) Ursina Haller (SUI)
2. ($6,000) Cilka Sadar (SLO)
3. ($4,000) Manuela Pesko (SUI)
4. ($4,000) Kjersti Ostgaard Buaas (NOR)
5. ($2,000) Caroline Beliard (FRA)
6. ($1,000) Sarka Pancochova (CZE)
7. ($500) Nadja Purtschert (SUI)
8. ($500) Akiko Miwa (JPN)
SCHEDULE
Monday January 4 – Training
Tuesday January 5 - Women's Halfpipe
Wednesday January 6 – Men's Halfpipe Qualifications
Thursday January 7 – Men's Slopestyle Qualifications
Friday January 8 – MEN'S HALFPIPE FINALS
Saturday January 9 – MEN'S SLOPESTYLE FINALS
Malia Manuel on where she learned how to surf, her first kiss, how she prepares for a contest and much more.
With a majority of the surf industry gone from the North Shore. O'Neill's Mark Mathews is still grabbing some good ones. Taking full advantage of the drop in the crowds. Here's a couple shots from Off the Wall courtesy of Freesurf's Tony Heff.
John John Florence takes a couple on the head before punching threw one at Log Cabins. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic.
Jaco, COSTA RICA December 20, 2009 – After a final that he dominated from the start, Jair Pérez won the first date of the Circuito Nacional de Surf DayStar called Copa Mango in his hometown of Jaco. Placing in front of the Puerto Viejan Gilbert Brown, the surfer from Montezuma Matías Braun, and Jaco's Anderson Tascon, Pérez surpassed the expectations of his opponents by earning the highest points on a stunning right.
Pérez, who was the leader during the first 12 minutes of the final with more than 13 points combined, then happened to lock-in the heat at minute 16 with that last right wave earning 8 points improving his results and making it impossible for anyone to catch him.
With this win in Jaco, "the small giant of Latin America" gains his second Circuit Open 1st place trophy, the first being a 2008-2009 date in Nosara. Pérez scored an important Asociacion of Latinamericana Surfing (ALAS) Latin Pro Tour win in 2008, also in Jaco. For that date, he won $4,000.
"The truth is I do not know how they let only me surf in that right that broke perfect and until the border. For the Copa Manjo, I concentrated very hard because it is a beach I know very well, and by all means, I am satisfied to win in my homebreak," said an euphoric Pérez, who places #1 in the rankings with this win.
Jaco beach exploded today with the best conditions of surfing in which any competition has been run there. At first there was a heavy rainshower, but then the wind stopped completely and glassed out the sea. Approximately 700 people were on the beach for the final series of this first appointment.
The current National Women's Champion, and another Jaco beach native, Lisbeth Vindas, was once again a strong competitor, and demonstrated why she is a surfer that has so much respect. She was putting points on her waves one right after the other. Today she ended in the finals with eternal rival Nataly Bernold (Jaco), as well as Jordan Hundley (Jaco) and Ericka Valverde (Domincal). The wife of Diego Naranjo (Jaco) cornered her rivals in the first minutes with a wave of 6 points earned on concrete maneuvers and high risk. Altogether, she scored 12.84 with two good routes against 9.10 of Bernold. For Vindas, this is the first step toward an 8th Costa Rica National Women's Surf Championship, yet the season is just underway.
And in the Junior catagory, Maykol Torres (Jaco) has finally won a 1st place trophy after many visits to the pódium in the lesser spots. He gains the win against Limon's Jorndan Herndez, Malpais' Anthony Fillingim, and the ever revelatory surfer from Pavones Noe Mar McGonagle (all of 13 years old).
"I want to first congratulate Noe Mar McGonagle because he surfed incredible. I am thankful that they make the Circuito Nacional DayStar possible because it is here where the level of one rises," expressed Torres when leaving the wáter.
As to Noe Mar, today he earned the highest combination of the event with a 16.37 in the Grommet (Under 14) category, which he won. Speaking of that división, McGonagle and Manuel Mesen (Jaco) count as two of the promises of Tico surf. Mesen scored a 13.43.
According to José Ureña, President of the Federacion de Surf de Costa Rica, this date served to measure the interest of the public in the Circuito Nacional DayStar 2009-2010 in the post Billabong International Surfing Association (ISA) Costa 2009 era. In addition, he noted that the level in the smaller categories, particularly around 16 years of age, have seen a boast in inscriptions due to that World Surfing Games influence and the desire of kids to get into the system that will pick the Costa Rica National Surf Team.
"It is a very good time to begin a Circuito, especially the smaller categories, thanks to the good waves, we will see the máximum expression of surfing," affirmed Ureña. "Thanks to the fact that the noncommon brands are supporting us more and more and more, it shows that this is a sport that promises much to the country."
The next date of the Nacional Circuito DayStar 2009-2010 will be the 4 Star or 1,500 points Torneo LimeCoral January 16 and 17.
Photo of Jair Pérez
Photo by Ezequiel Avaro
Photo's courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic
John John Florence, Timmy Reyes, and Roy Powers early round highlights from the Pipeline Masters. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff.
Mark Mathews and Timmy Reyes get a couple large ones at The Bay the day before the Eddie. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff
Pipeline finally awakens. After a good month of no Pipe, the Banzai finally comes to life and the boys were on it. Cory Lopez, Timmy Reyes, Roy Powers, John John Florence, Brett Barley, and Charly Martin score some good ones. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff.
Congratulations go out to Patrick Gudauskas and younger brother Tanner Gudauskas for qualifying for the 2010 ASP World Tour! It has been a hard fought year to enter the ranks of the world's elite surfers. For 23year-old Patrick Gudauskas it is a dream that has narrowly been out of grasp and now realized. In 2009 he was one surfer out of qualifying. Yet despite not qualifying he was granted an injury replacement in a couple events last year which gave him a taste of the dream tour. Having the dream within reach only fueled the San Clemente Surfer to campaign even harder which resulted in him reaching #2 on the WQS (World Qualifying Series) and a ticket to further rise up the pro ranks.
Equally impressive is younger brother Tanner Gudauskas who has been hovering in and around the qualifying position most of the year. His dramatic finish and excellent surfing at Sunset Beach during O'Neill's World Cup of Surfing clinched the deal. His quarter finals appearance was undoubtedly a great show of commitment, desire,and hard work that has paid off handsomely. The story in many ways seemed almost scripted for the Gudauskas clan. All the brothers (Dane included) faced each other alongside Mason Ho in the round of 32 where Tanner had to get through to qualify.
This was the first time in ASP history that three brothers surfed together in a heat and even more climatic was that result at Sunset Beach catapulted Tanner's entry into the 2010 World Championship Tour.
"I owe a lot to Pat and Dane because they were like having caddies in the water, and Mason [Ho] as well," said Tanner. "It was like a gentlemen's heat. I couldn't have thought of three other people I would have wanted to have a heat out there.
"We were saying before the heat that we haven't had each other all together in one heat since we were amateurs, like five or six years ago,"said Patrick. "And, to have it for Tanner to be the biggest heat of his life, he's was just been ripping so hard all day, we were just out there hooting for him because we just wanted him to get through it and go the distance.
"We didn't have a strategy going into the heat, but we wanted Tanner to get through for sure. It was definitely the priority and you don't have too many opportunities to help out someone in that situation. Surfing with him next year will be a dream come true."
The level and commitment of surfing from the G-Boys wil ladapt well on the WCT Tour
and they will be a force to be reckoned with as they continue their rise up the ladder.
Next year's ASP WCT will be exciting and will give even more reason for people to be interested in the sport with the fresh faces of Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas on tour. The next chapter to the G-Boys story is Dane's(who finished 58 on the 2009 WQS) 2010 WQS campaign to join his brothers on the Dream Tour for 2011.
6 December, 2009 : - - Sunset Beach -- You couldn't have scripted it any better. The O'Neill World Cup of Surfing reached its highest point in 35 years today in clean 10- to 15-foot surf after riding out the biggest waves in Vans Triple Crown of Surfing history.
When all was said and done, Australian Joel Parkinson was the winner, claiming $20,000 and the lead on the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. More importantly, he gained momentum and psychological ground on close friend Mick Fanning, with whom he will battle for the ASP World Title at Pipeline next week.
But there was even more to the story than that. Joining the Aussie mates was six-time Vans Triple Crown champion Sunny Garcia, 39, who had to finish first or second to win a wildcard into next week's Pipeline Masters and keep his dream of a seventh Vans title alive. He pulled it off as the cameras filming his life story documentary rolled. And then there was Dusty Payne, the 20-year-old from Maui who needed to do well today to become the first Maui surfer in history to qualify for the ASP Dream Tour. He did just that, finishing fourth in the final.
Sunny started out strongest in the 35-minute final, locking in the deepest barrel of the day, worth 9.47 out of 10, that put his rivals on red alert. Fanning and 'Parko' were having their own preliminary world title match up on the West Bowl. The two traded off small barrel rides for average scores, as Garcia stayed busy but couldn't find a backup for his major score.
Parkinson finally managed to post a 7.0 with a couple of smooth on-rail carves and with only two minutes remaining scored a 6.17 for a late barrel through the inside. Garcia scratched as the Nixon timer counted down, ultimately failing to find the mere 3.7 score he needed for a win.
Parkinson joins Hawaii's legendary Michael Ho as the only three-time winners of the O'Neill World Cup at Sunset Beach. If he can win this year's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title, he can claim a $50,000 bonus and a $10,000 custom Nixon watch. But Garcia is hot on his heels - only 31 points, or less than a place, behind.
"I couldn't hear the score, but I heard the crowd," said Parkinson of Sunny's 9.47 ride. "I knew I had my work cut out for me... With two minutes to go (Sunny) needed a three and I felt like telling him 'you just gotta go anything... It's a little sweeter because I'm coming off a bit of an injury. Right now it feels really good because I'm back on the podium and back winning going into the biggest battle of my career. I love the Triple Crown."
While the commentators, crowd and media drooled over the Parko/Fanning matchup today and prelude to the world title, Mick was quick to deflect the pressure to Joel. "I'm in the lead and all the pressure is on Joel now," said Fanning. "He has to get third (at Pipe). There's no room for error for him. I'm just concentrating on myself and getting through as many heats as possible and making it as hard as possible for him.
"I just wanted to get some heats under my belt. It's getting back in that rhythm of doing heats again and everything feels real good. I'm excited."
In classic Garcia style, none of his brilliance today ended up being good enough without taking the winner's cup home. "It's not how it starts, it's how it ends," said Garcia. "It feels good, but I'm still bummed that I lost. I came this far and I wanted to win. I started off with a 9.4 and to need a three at the end of the heat and not get it was a little frustrating. Hopefully, they'll run the Eddie tomorrow, I'll go get some big waves and wash out this loss and get ready for Pipe."
Known for being a last-minute guy, Payne wait until the last event of the year to qualify. "It's a dream to make the WCT," said Dusty Payne. "I'm over the moon right now. It hasn't sunk in yet and I don't think it will until the tour starts next year."
RESULTS:
Final:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) - $20,000 - 3,500 points
2. Sunny Garcia (HAW) - $10,000 - 3,063 points
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) - $5,100 - 2,625 points
4. Dusty Payne (HAW) - $4,900 - 2,494 points
Semi-Finals:
1: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), Torrey Meister (HAW), Daniel Ross (AUS)
2: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Sunny Garcia (HAW), Mason Ho (HAW), Taylor Knox (USA)
Quarter Finals:
1: Daniel Ross (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
2: Mick Fanning (AUS), Torrey Meister (HAW), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Glen Hall (IRL)
3: Taylor Knox (USA), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
4: Mason Ho (HAW), Sunny Garcia (HAW), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Jordy, Roy, Nat, and Malia get a session in at Gums. With a massive swell projected for Monday, this was the last session at Gums for at least a week. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Tony Heff.
It's been a tough week for surf. Perfect conditions with no waves, then huge surf with bad weather. Here's a quick look at the boys getting a quick dip at Rockies
Largest Waves Ever Contested at Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
SUNSET BEACH, HI - Thurs. Dec.3, 2009 - The O'Neill World Cup of Surfing can lay claim to running in the largest surf ever contested in the 27-year history of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. Waves were at the outside limit of contestable, topping out this morning at 20 to 25 feet and often closing out totally across the bay. But with a forecast for even larger swells on the way, it was full steam ahead. Organizers anticipate that the final day of competition will be held tomorrow. With very little beach remaining, there is serious concern that all remaining sand will be lost to Saturday's extra-large swell.
Six-time Vans Triple Crown champion and two-time O'Neill World Cup champion Sunny Garcia (HI) was about the only surfer smiling when he stepped onto what remained of the beach. He advanced to the quarter finals and is in good shape to have a shot at his 7th Triple Crown title, which boasts an added $50,000 bonus this winter.
They say be careful what you wish for, you know?" said Sunny. "I wanted big waves and we got big waves. It's almost too big. You go out there and hope you get two waves.
"Some of the sets are kind of big and go into the channel. The takeoff seems like it's going to be a big wave and it turns into a 4-foot mush burger, so wave selection is crucial today. I'm having fun watching some of the kids sit on the shoulder and they didn't want any part of it. That's what I wanted to see!
"Physically, I've been doing four hours of cardio before anyone gets up, so this is fun. I'm having a good time. I'm not using that much energy and as long as you don't get caught inside you're pretty good.
"I rode an 8'4" and it's easier to sneak in and sneak out, and just in case you gotta get out of the way it's easier to paddle."
Aussie Adam Melling stepped up his game to post the highest heat score of the day and the second highest heat score of the event: 16.5 out of a possible 20. Melling looked sharp and managed to crank off some critical vertical turns, proving he'll be a threat next year on the 2010 World Championship Tour.
"I could just hear a few scores, heard I got a good first one and just tried to back it up," said Melling. "It was hard out there. I stayed inside, it was a bit cleaner. I took a 7'0" board, a bit thicker and wider, but you need it to get into them out there. I didn't bring anything bigger."
Although he posted the highest two-wave total of the day, Melling failed to advance out of his Round of 32 heat and was eliminated by fellow Australians Kai Otton and Joel Parkinson.
The Gudauskas brothers had their own campaign going today and all three of them found themselves in the same heat come the round of 32. This was the first time in ASP history that three brothers surfed together in a heat. Patrick has qualified for the elite Dream Tour in 2010, and twin brother Dane is out of WCT contention this year. Youngest Gudauskas brother, Tanner, won the round of 32 heat with North Shore native Mason Ho advancing behind in second. Today's result at Sunset Beach guarantees Tanner entry into the 2010 World Championship Tour.
"I owe a lot to Pat and Dane [Gudauskas] because they were like having caddies in the water, and Mason [Ho] as well," said Tanner. "It was like a gentlemen's heat. I couldn't have thought of three other people I would have wanted to have a heat out there.
"I think Pat and Dane were testing me and making sure I was pushing them so that they didn't just give it to me. I would have done the same for them. I actually had an opportunity last year with Pat and he was in the same spot and I tried to help him out, but this year I had both of them. It was epic."
Patrick, who was eliminated in the Round of 32 with twin brother Dane, said it was a special heat for the brothers.
"We were saying before the heat that we haven't had each other all together in one heat since we were amateurs, like five or six years ago," said Patrick. "And, to have it for Tanner to be the biggest heat of his life, he's just been ripping so hard all day, we were just out there hooting for him because we just wanted him to get through it and go the distance.
"We didn't have a strategy going into the heat, but we wanted Tanner to get through for sure. It was definitely the priority and you don't have too many opportunities to help out someone in that situation. Surfing with him next year will be a dream come true."
Brazilians Alejo Muniz and Jihad Khodr had noteworthy performances today. Khodr posted the highest scoring ride of the day, a 9.67 out of a possible 10 points. The high score came in the form of a big, gaping barrel and followed it up with a giant carve on a 10-foot wave. In addition, Muniz won the Nose Guard Rookie of the Year by making the round of 32.
For all of the LIVE action log on to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Find out the call for the day, each day, as soon as it's made by Director Randy Rarick by signing up for mobile text alerts at triplecrownofsurfing.com. When competition resumes, all the action will be broadcast live on the web at triplecrownofsurfing.com, as well as on Hawaii television on Oceanic channel 250.
Making the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink possible: Reef, O'Neill, Billabong, Gidget Worldwide, Nixon, Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaiian Airlines, JN Automotive Group, Surfing Magazine, Surfline.com, FUEL TV, The Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaiian Springs Water, Road Runner, Climb On! chemical-free skincare, and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). The Series is proud to announce that it is working with local company Tr3ees to embark upon a greener, more sustainable future.
RESULTS:
Round of 64:
H9: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Mason Ho (HAW), John John Florence (HAW), Pablo Paulino (BRA)
H10: Adam Melling (AUS), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Drew Courtney (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
H11: Tanner Gudauskas (USA), Dion Atkinson (AUS), Jordy Smith (ZAF), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
H12: Dane Gudauskas (USA), Kai Otton (AUS), Blake Thornton (AUS), Gabe Kling (USA)
H13: Taylor Knox (USA), Austin Ware (USA), Dean Morrison (AUS), Nathan Yeomans (USA)
H14: Adrian Buchan (USA), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Flynn Novak (HAW)
H15: Brett Simpson (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK), Nic Muscroft (AUS), Michael Picon (EUK)
H16: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Sunny Garcia (HAW), Sebastien Zietz (HAW), Granger Larsen (HAW)
Round of 32:
H1: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Glenn Hall (IRL), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), William Cardoso (BRA)
H2: Jihad Khodr (BRA), Torrey Meister (HAW), Luke Munro (AUS), Nat Young (USA)
H3: Mick Fanning (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Shane Beschen (HAW)
H4: Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dusty Payne (HAW), Joan Duru (FRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA)
H5: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Dion Atkinson (AUS)
H6: Tanner Gudauskas (USA), Mason Ho (HAW), Dane Gudauskas (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
H7: Sunny Garcia (HAW), Taylor Knox (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
All I want for the holidays is a clean ocean. Personalized Project Blue E Cards now available. American Express will donate $5 per tranaction, up to $10,000, to the Surfrider Foundation. Log onto www.betruetoblue.com/card for all the details.
Cory Lopez, John John Florence and Kieran Horn get a couple at Off The Wall. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Eric Baseman.
Sunset Beach, HI - (Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009) - World title campaigner Mick Fanning (Australia) clocked in at the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing today, hitting the water at Sunset Beach for his debut heat of the 2009 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. He looked sharp, highly motivated and ready to get to work as he advanced behind Sunset Beach's favorite son, Pancho Sullivan. Even though this event has no bearing on his world title campaign, it's a critical warm-up to next week's ultimate, season-ending battle at Pipeline.
Fanning's entrance came during the last heat of an intense day that was full of action, upsets, and super clean waves in the six-foot range. Those spectators who stuck it out were rewarded - not only by Fanning's highly anticipated flair, but by Pancho's radical, full-body, on-rail attack that was fueled by his determination to lay claim to his home break.
"I was excited!" said Fanning, 28, after the heat. "I haven't had a heat for a while so it was good. Just stoked to be out there with Pancho. He's one of my favorite guys out at Sunset. Stoked to get through."
Pancho seemed relieved to get his opening heat behind him and notch up an early win.
"These dieing swells that move over to the point are really tricky," said Pancho, 36. "I wasn't really finding a rhythm in the beginning of the heat. I saw the other guys getting waves and I just wanted to get to my feet and join the fun."
Nat Young (Santa Cruz), 18, continued to win over an adoring Hawaiian crowd, taking it a step further today in posting the highest heat total of the event to date: 17.33 points out of a possible 20. His backhand blitz was electrifying and earned him individual wave scores of 9.33 and 8.0. While he was looking more like a seasoned Sunset veteran than the greenhorn grom he his, he still managed to downplay his score-topping performance.
"Ian Cairns has been giving me some pointers and telling me which waves are good," said Young. "The guys I'm staying with, Kieren Horn and Jarrad Howse, I've gone out surfing with them and they showed me where to sit.
"I'm just seeing how many heats I can make and having fun with it. Sunset is a fun wave, but I definitely have a lot to learn.
"I kind of had an idea of where to go. I didn't feel that lost out there. I knew which waves to go on: the ones that looked like a peak, not a huge wall on it."
The downplay continued with his recollection of his 9.33:
"It was a good wave and I did three turns and didn't fall. I didn't think it was gonna be a 9, but I was stoked when I heard it was."
While there was plenty of good news to go around, it didn't find its way to Joel Centeio - winner of the first event of the series last week at Haleiwa and Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series points leader until today. After a blistering run of nine consecutive heat wins in the Vans Triple Crown, it all came crashing down in the second-last heat of the day when he was eliminated in third place behind Neco Padaratz (Brazil) and Daniel Ross (Australia).
In losing, Centeio has opened up the door for Sunny Garcia to make a push for his seventh Vans Triple Crown title. Garcia, 39, will have to step it up again in his next heat, drawn against 2007 Vans Triple Crown champion Bede Durbidge (Australia), and red hot Hawaiians Granger Larsen (Maui) and Sebastian Zietz (Kauai).
The winner of the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing will receive $20,000. The Vans Triple Crown Triple Threat also offers a $50,000 bonus for the most consistent performer across all three events. Hawaii's Joel Centeio currently leads the series ratings after his win at Haleiwa and his successful run so far here at Sunset Beach.
For all of the LIVE action log on to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Find out the call for the day, each day, as soon as it's made by Director Randy Rarick by signing up for mobile text alerts at triplecrownofsurfing.com. When competition resumes, all the action will be broadcast live on the web at triplecrownofsurfing.com, as well as on Hawaii television on Oceanic channel 250.
Making the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink possible: Reef, O'Neill, Billabong, Gidget Worldwide, Nixon, Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaiian Airlines, JN Automotive Group, Surfing Magazine, Surfline.com, FUEL TV, The Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaiian Springs Water, Road Runner, Climb On! chemical-free skincare, and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). The Series is proud to announce that it is working with local company Tr3ees to embark upon a greener, more sustainable future.
Jodi Wilmott - (808) 258-8533
RESULTS:
Round of 96:
H9: Mason Ho (HAW), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Gony Zubizarreta (ESP), Myles Padaca (HAW)
H10: Drew Courtney (AUS), Pablo Paulino (BRA), Adam Robertson (AUS), TJ Barron (HAW)
H11: Wiggolly Dantas (BRA), Dane Gudauskas (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS), Dustin Cuizon (HAW)
H12: Gabel Kling (USA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA), Lincoln Taylor (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
H13: Nathan Yeomans (USA), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Jay Thompson (AUS), Nathan Hedge (AUS)
H14: Flynn Novak (HAW), Dean Morrison (AUS), Ruben Gonzalez (PRT), Nathan Carroll (HAW)
H15: Nic Muscroft (AUS), Sunny Garcia (HAW), Dylan Melamed (HAW), Yadin Nicol (AUS)
H16: Granger Larsen (HAW), Aritz Aranburu (EUK), Leigh Sedley (AUS), Solomon Ortiz (HAW)
Round of 64:
H1: William Cardoso (BRA), Torrey Meister (HAW), Josh Kerr (AUS), CJ Hobgood (USA)
H2: Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Jihad Khodr (BRA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Chris Ward (USA)
H3: Luke Munro (AUS), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Travis Logie (ZAF), Tim Reyes (USA)
H4: Nat Young (USA), Glen Hall (IRL), Damein Fahrenfort (ZAF), Damien Hobgood (USA)
H5: Shane Beschen (USA), Dusty Payne (HAW), Tom Whitaker (AUS), Marco Giorgi (BRA)
H6: Chris Davidson (AUS), Joan Duru (FRA), Andy Irons (HAW), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
H7: Neco Padaratz (BRA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Joel Centeio (HAW), Jadson Andre (BRA)
H8: Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS), Renato Galvao (BRA), Jarrad Howse (AUS)
Team O'Neill footage from North Shore, Oahu.
Sunset Beach, Oahu, HI (Sun. Nov. 29, 2009) - It was tough to spot Santa Cruz teenager Nat Young, 17, in the lineup at Sunset Beach today. Out in the water for round two of the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing, Young's windblown shock of white hair, white surfboard and white contest jersey blended perfectly with the white-caps and spray that ruled the day. It was a tough morning for even the most seasoned Sunset competitors as the eight- to ten-foot surf rapidly declined and competition was halted after only eight heats. But Young was full of smiles, braces gleaming, after a self-confessed clueless performance that saw him advance to round three behind local charger Kekoa Bacalso.
It's not that his surfing doesn't measure up; Young is a former NSSA champion and won the 2008 O'Neill Coldwater Classic back home at Santa Cruz. He just has zero experience at Sunset Beach, which the champions will tell you is a tough venue to master. Add the world's top-ranked surfers and the prestige of the $1,000,000 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, and it's obviously an overwhelming scene for a rookie.
"I'm so stoked, it was pretty tough out there," said Young, after his heat. "I don't know the wave at all. I just kind of caught a bunch of waves and it worked out.
"It's definitely hard to find (the waves), especially not being from here and not surfing out there. I have no idea which waves are good. It was a coin toss and I'm stoked I made it.
"The waves here are definitely bigger and trickier than home."
Young got his start in the event with an O'Neill wildcard and plans to use the opportunity for some uncrowded learning time at a venue that can make and break careers.
"O'Neill gave me a wildcard in this and I'm happy I could get in. I did Haleiwa and I did bad, but it's been fun. Normally I would be here just free surfing, but to be able to do contests and free surf is pretty nice."
The top-scoring surfer today was South African Damien Fahrenfort, whose sure-footed, powerful attack surged out of reach of his seasoned rivals Luke Munro (Australia), Liam McNamara (Hawaii), Kieren Horn (CA).
Others to advance today included Andy Irons (Hawaii); Joel Centeio (Hawaii) - who won his ninth consecutive heat of the 2009 Vans Triple Crown series today; Marco Giorgio (Uruguay); and Jihad Khodr (Brazil).
The O'Neill World Cup of Surfing is the second jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. The winner of this event will receive $20,000. The Vans Triple Crown series title, awarded to the most consistent performer across all three events, carries a $50,000 bonus.
The O'Neill World Cup of Surfing will likely continue at 8am tomorrow with a new swell forecast to fill in. For all of the LIVE action log on to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Find out the call for the day, each day, as soon as it's made by Director Randy Rarick by signing up for mobile text alerts at triplecrownofsurfing.com. When competition resumes, all the action will be broadcast live on the web at triplecrownofsurfing.com, as well as on Hawaii television on Oceanic channel 250.
Making the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink possible: Reef, O'Neill, Billabong, Gidget Worldwide, Nixon, Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaiian Airlines, JN Automotive Group, Surfing Magazine, Surfline.com, FUEL TV, The Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaiian Springs Water, Road Runner, Climb On! chemical-free skincare, and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). The Series is proud to announce that it is working with local company Tr3ees to embark upon a greener, more sustainable future.
O'NEILL WORLD CUP OF SURFING RESULTS:
O'Neill World Cup of Surfing
ROUND of 96 (1st & 2nd advance, only 8 of the round's 16 heats were surfed.)
H1: Josh Kerr (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Romain Cloitre (FRA), Ola Eleogram (HAW)
H2: Jihad Khodr (BRA), Torrey Meister (HAW), Gavin Gillette (HAW), Leonardo Neves (BRA)
H3: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Nat Young (USA), Blake Wilson (AUS), Rudy Palboom (ZAF)
H4: Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF), Luke Munro (AUS), Liam McNamara (HAW), Kieren Horn (USA)
H5: Marco Giorgi (BRA), Andy Irons (HAW), Marco Polo (BRA), Eric Geiselman (USA)
H6: Chris Davidson (USA), Shane Beschen (HAW), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Brad Ettinger (USA)
H7: Joel Centeio (HAW), Jarrad Howse (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW), Evan Valiere (HAW)
H8: Renato Galvao (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA), Nathaniel Curran (USA), Brandon Jackson (ZAF)
Sunset Beach, Oahu, HI (Sat. Nov. 28, 2009) - Sunset Beach bounced to life right on Sunny Garcia's cue today, delivering punchy eight-foot-plus surf for the completion of the first round of the men's O'Neill World Cup of Surfing. With a shot at his seventh Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series title, Garcia, 39, is hoping to replicate his recent performance at Haleiwa, where he blazed out of the opening round gates and took it all the way to the quarter finals. He made solid headway today, posting the highest heat score of the opening round: 15 points out of a possible 20.
Garcia's power was on par with that of the new swell, looking comfortable and focused in the expansive lineup that wreaked havoc with many less-seasoned competitors. Garcia caught a total of four rides during the 30-minute heat, with top scores of 9.5 and 5.5, each out of a possible 10. He looked every bit of the surfer he was 15 years ago when he won this event for the first time in 1994, then again in 2000.
Dane Gudauskas (CA) and Cory Lopez (FL) led the US Mainland charge today, both advancing out of the same four-man heat ahead of Luke Campbell (Australia) and Jason Shibata (HI). Dane broke his surfboard during the heat, but still made it through on backup equipment. He will draw younger brother Tanner in the next round, along with Gabe Kling (FL), and Lincoln Taylor (Australia).
"I'm just so stoked to be here," said the younger Gudauskas, 24. "This is my favorite wave in the world, so I'm stoked to get out there, have a good first heat and make it to the next round.
"I was taking wipeouts. I broke my board and got kind of annihilated. My brother was sitting in the channel, coaxing me to go hard and had my spare [board].
"It's a wild day. When there's nothing there's nothing. But when the waves come it's pumping. It's kind of bizarre."
Surprise eliminations today included Tahiti's Alain Riou, who featured in the final at Haleiwa on Monday but effectively lost all hope of reaching the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 2010 Dream Tour with his loss today. He is also now out of the running for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink title race. After reaching the final at Haleiwa, Riou was looking for at least a semi-final finish here to qualify for the Dream Tour.
Others ousted prematurely were Shaun Gossman (Australia), Hodei Collazi (EUK), Yuri Sodre (Brazil), who was nursing a dislocated toe, and Australian big-wave rider Mark Mathews.
The O'Neill World Cup of Surfing is the second jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink. The winner of this event will receive $20,000. The Vans Triple Crown series title, awarded to the most consistent performer across all three events, carries a $50,000 bonus.
The O'Neill World Cup of Surfing will likely continue at 8am tomorrow with the present swell forecast to fill in. For all of the LIVE action log on to www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Find out the call for the day, each day, as soon as it's made by Director Randy Rarick by signing up for mobile text alerts at triplecrownofsurfing.com. When competition resumes, all the action will be broadcast live on the web at triplecrownofsurfing.com, as well as on Hawaii television on Oceanic channel 250.
Making the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink possible: Reef, O'Neill, Billabong, Gidget Worldwide, Nixon, Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaiian Airlines, JN Automotive Group, Surfing Magazine, Surfline.com, FUEL TV, The Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaiian Springs Water, Road Runner, Climb On! chemical-free skincare, and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). The Series is proud to announce that it is working with local company Tr3ees to embark upon a greener, more sustainable future.
O'NEILL WORLD CUP OF SURFING RESULTS:
O'Neill World Cup of Surfing
ROUND of 128 (1st & 2nd advance)
H1: Ola Eleogram (HI), Gavin Gillette (HI), Hizunome Bettero (BRA), Brent Dorrington (AUS)
H2: Torrey Meister (HI), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Derek Ho (HI), Paulo Mauro (BRA)
H3: Rudy Palboom (ZAF), Kieran Horn (CA), Heat Joske (AUS), Christophe Allary (REU)
H4: Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF), Blake Wilson (AUS), Brian Toth (PRI), Kevin Sullivan (HI)
H5: Marco Giorgi (URY), Brad Ettinger (USA), Hank Gaskell (HI), Masatoshi Ohno (JPN)
H6: Shane Beschen (HI), Eric Geiselman (USA), Jack Perry (AUS), Jay Davies (AUS)
H7: Joel Centeio (HI), Neco Padaratz (BRA), Izuki Tanaka (JPN), Danny Fuller (HI)
H8: Renato Galva(BRA), Evan Valiere (HI), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Kiron Jabour (HI)
H9: Mason Ho (HI), Adam Robertson (AUS), Jesse Merle-Jones (HI), Marcio Farney (BRA)
H10: T.J. Barron (HI), Myles Padaca (HI), Andre Silva (BRA), Shaun Gossman (AUS)
H11: Dane Gudauskas (USA), Cory Lopez (USA), Luke Campbell (AUS), Jason Shibata (HI)
H12: Lincoln Taylor (AUS), Dustin Cuizon (HI), Hodei Collazo (EUK), Charlie Brown (BRA)
H13: Alejo Muniz (BRA), Ruben Gonzalez (PRT), Makuakai Rothman (HI), Hugo Savalli (REU)
H14: Nathan Carroll (HI), Nathan Hedge (AUS), Mark Matthews (AUS), Kai Barger (HAW)
H15: Sunny Garcia (HI), Granger Larsen (HI), Kamalei Alexander (HI), Alain Riou (PYF)
H16: Solomon Ortiz (HI), Dylan Melamed (HI), Jean Da Silva (BRA), Yuri Sodre (BRA)
This is part of the daily routine on the North Shore...checking the different line ups. The first image is Cory Lopez, brother Shea, and Peter Medina assessing the conditions at Pipe from the O'Neill house. The second image is Timmy Reyes checking the World Cup sunset site. Photos courtesy of Sam Olson
Jordy Smith and Timmy Reyes find some open ones at Log Cabins. With most of the North Shore a mess, Log Cabin had some gems on offer. Jordy and Timmy sneak in a couple during the early morning session. Photos courtesy of Sam Olson
Warmond, The Netherlands – November 26, 2009 - Dutch kiteboarder, Kevin Langeree yesterday became PKRA World Champion for the first time ever.
“It’s so hard to believe,” said Kevin. “This season has been amazing. I was so focused on winning the world title, and I did it!” he said.
Dutch kiteboarder, Kevin Langeree yesterday became PKRA World Champion for the first time ever.
"It's so hard to believe,"said Kevin. "This season has been amazing. I was so focused on winning the world title, and I did it!" he said.
The 21 year old O'Neill kiteboarder from Noordwijk in the Netherlands had three years previously been runner up to British kiteboarder Aaron Hadlow. And once again it came down to the final event on the tour – the Teri Kite Pro in the warm waters of New Caledonia.
Kevin came second in this final PKRA stop on the World Tour, however it was enough to push long term rival Aaron Hadlow off the top of the rankings and take the World Title.
The young talented kiteboarder isn't going to take it easy from here however. "I'm going to enjoy this victory," said Kevin. "But I will keep training hard. I want to be ready for next year's tour."
Jordy Smith taking his act to Ehukai Beach Park and Rocky Point. Look for the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing to begin this weekend. Log into www.triplecrownofsurfing.com for all the LIVE action. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff
The North Shore season started off pretty slow. But it looks like there is a ton of swell on the horizon, just in time for the O'Neill World Cup of Surfing. Here are images of the O'Neill team from last week. Stay tune to more photos as we progress through this years Triple Crown. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff
Malia Manuel and Sage Erickson rip apart a small day at Backdoor. Photos taken by Freesurf's Tony Heff.
Twilight's Bella wearing the Morrison sweater in New Moon.
It's the North Shore season once again and what better way to kick it off then to give back to the local kids. The O'Neill team was in full force at the Haleiwa Rec Surf Night. Check out the images from last night.
Professional snowboarding legend Steve Fisher has signed a new two-year deal with O'Neill Outerwear.
Steve is a 2 time X-Games gold medal winner who was born in Kansas, raised in St. Louis Park, MN, and now a Breckenridge local, Steve Fisher knows only one speed when riding: fast. His smooth, aggressive style and towering amplitude and arguably the best backside fives in the world make "Fish" a favorite at every event he enters. Although always under the radar because of his low-key character, Steve cranks up the energy for every competition, but it's the BIG ones that bring out his best riding.
Erik Jorgensen, Marketing Director O'Neill Snow North America, is ecstatic to have another one of snowboarding's greats on the O'Neill Team, and said: "O'Neill Outerwear strongly believes in supporting the most talented and hardest working individuals, all of whom epitomize our passion for the purest form of freedom. This signing also serves to underline our vision and commitment to snowboarding across North America and beyond: "Stay out longer" is an attitude that Steve has always exemplified. From early morning training sessions to late-night pipe sessions, Steve's commitment is stitched into the very fabric of who we are."
Steve can be seen on the podiums this year at events around the globe including: The 2010 Winter Games, X-Games, Dew Tour, and many more. Also, keep an eye out for Steve's signature O'Neill jacket, dropping worldwide in 2010/11.
For the third straight year, Nat Young has stamped his dominance on a Steamer Lane event. In 2007, Young took home the Pro Junior title. Last year, he demolished the Pro field and claimed the O'Neill Cold Water Classic crown.
An early exit from the Cold Water Classic had Nat refocused on the Pro Junior title once again. With a bombing swell and talented Pro Junior field, Young showed the world that he is the man to beat in Santa Cruz. Using his local knowledge, Young picked off a few bombs at Middle Peak and bested his competition in a convincing Oakley Pro Junior Win. The Pride of the Westside reigns…
SANTA CRUZ, California (Sunday, November 8, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star PRIME O'Neill Cold Water Classic California witnessed an action packed day of competition when Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA), 28, claimed the event over Heath Joske (Coffs Harbour, AUS), 20, in pumping eight foot (2.5meter) waves at Steamer Lane. Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 19, won the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships and also claimed the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title.
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic California's ASP 6-Star PRIME status attracted some of the world's top surfing prospects out to qualify for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour, who were all hungry to capitalize on the mass of points available at the premier event.
Yeomans wasted no time in the bombing surf at Steamer Lane, jumping on the scoreboard early and leading the heat throughout the entire bout against Joske.The San Clemente native capitalized on the surf at middle peak, dropping a solid 15.33 heat total to earn the convincing win. Yeomans dominated on both his forehand and backhand to take the biggest victory of his career.
"I can't believe it," Yeomans said. "This is the biggest result of my career and I'm speechless. I've been winning 2-Stars for too long and it was time fora big 6-Star win. To have my name up there with all of the great surfers who have won this event over the years is amazing."
Yeomans, who was sitting in the No. 27 position on the ASP WQS entering the O'Neill Cold Water Classic California, catapulted up the ratings and is currently sitting within the top 15 after his impressive performance. The win helps his cause towards qualification for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour and with two ASP 6-Star PRIME events remaining in the season, the goofy-footer will look to Hawaii to solidify his position amongst the top 45 in the world for next year.
"I'm just floating right now," Yeomans said. "This just gets me so pumped to try and get another result in Hawaii."
Joske, who was in devastating form throughout the event, plowed through several of the world's top talents including former ASP World Tour surfer and current top ASP WQS competitor Luke Munro (Currumbin, AUS), 26, to earn the runner up finish behind Yeomans, but was unable to find a rhythm in the Final.
"I'm over the moon with the second place," Joske said. "Nate (Yeomans) just smoked it out there and I couldn't even buy a wave. I was just getting flogged by eight foot sets. I'm stoked for him and pretty happy."
Joske, who groomed his competitive skills as a standout on the ASP Pro Junior Series, will log 3063 points on to his current rating on The Grind, helping his seed for next year's quest for a spot on the coveted ASP Dream Tour.
"This is such a great result for me and it's really going to help my seed for next year," Joske said. "Hopefully I can do well in Hawaii also and give it a good shot for the World Tour next year."
Munro earned a third place finish at the ASP 6-Star PRIME event. The explosive Australian talent was currently sitting in the No. 15 position on the ASP WQS and needed the valuable ratings points on offer at the contest to help his quest for a qualifying spot for the 2010 ASP World Tour.
"This result is really important for my year and my career," Munro said. "I was right on the bubble for qualifying and this will bump me up a few spots, so I'm really happy to have made the Semifinals."
Alejo Muniz (Santa Catarina, BRA), 20, also claimed an equal third place finish by upsetting current ASP World No. 3 Adriano de Souza (Guaruja Sao Paulo, BRA),22 in the Quarterfinals, but was unable to surpass Yeomans in the Semifinals.
"The Quarterfinals was great heat win," Muniz said. "Adriano (de Souza) is one of my heroes and to win a heat against him was amazing."
Blake Thornton (AUS), 24, who was eliminated in the Round of 96, was also handsomely rewarded today as the first place finisher on the O'Neill Cold Water Classic series.
Young, who was the 2008 O'Neill Cold Water Classic California champion and the 2007 Oakley Pro Junior champion, won the event with amazing wave selection at his home break of Steamer Lane. Young dominated his heat to top fellow finalists Tonino Benson (Kona, HAW), 19, Dylan Goodale (Kauai, HAW), 17, and Cody Thompson (Jacksonville, FL), 20.
"I'm so psyched," Young said. "I wanted to win; I wanted to do well in this contest. I had a shocker in the WQS and it got me fired up and made me want to win."
The victory also saw the talented goofy-footer pass Dillon Perillo (Malibu,CA), 19, to take the title of 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion.
"It was in the back of my head going into this event," Young said. "It's great to have won the regional title at home."
Although Young won the ASP North America Pro Junior title, he has officially qualified for the prestigious ASP World Junior Championships via the ASP WQS as the top mainland American surfer of junior age on The Grind.
"I was the only kid from Santa Cruz in the junior, so I'm stoked," Young said."It's great to build momentum up for Worlds, even though it's far away, it's good to win this event at home with so many good guys in the draw."
Also representing ASP North America in the ASP World Junior Championships will be stylish regular footer Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, Luke Davis (Capistrano Beach, CA), 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 20, and Brent Reilly (Carlsbad, CA), 19
The concept was simple: Put a crew together of O'Neill's best surfers, wakeskaters, and wakeboarders. Go surfing in the morning, hit the lagoon in the afternoon and see how the experiment works out. After all, we are water brethren and it was going to be a great challenge for all who came to shred.
On the surf side we had WCT competitor Roy Powers and San Diego's finest Kyle Knox leading the charge, on the wake side we had Australia's Scotty Broome and wakeskate phenom Nick Taylor there to represent.
After a long day in the water, which included a tow at and Lagoon session, it was interesting to watch how top level athletes from different sports approach a new discipline. In the end, there was a new found respect for each other's sport, and newly formed friendships that will last a lifetime. Thanks to Scotty Broome for being the "master mind" behind the day.
It was a day in which history was made at the OʼNeill Cold Water Classic California, as the massive swell that had been forecast finally hit Steamer Lane with force.
As the sets hit triple to quadruple overhead, producing the biggest conditions this competition has seen in its 12-year history, jet skis were deployed to help the surfers through the turmoil.
"This is the biggest swell weʼve seen here this season," said local surfer and OʼNeill Wetsuits Marketing Manager, Kieran Horn, who won this competition in 2003, and is now the only Santa Cruz surfer through to the quarterfinals.
In addition, the first ever OʼNeill Cold Water Classic Series winner was decided today and will be presented with the award after the finals tomorrow. Australian Blake Thornton has claimed the staggering US$50,000 prize money despite being knocked out in the round of 96 here in Santa Cruz after both Jarrad Howse and Adam Melling failed to reach the points they needed to beat Blake to the prize.
Jarrad was knocked out in the round of 48 in a heat, which saw Adam Melling take victory. However needing to reach the finals to claim the prize, Adam was ousted by his fellow ʻLordʼ from the finals of the Cold Water Classic Scotland, Lord Luke Munro.
"I donʼt feel too guilty about knocking him out of the running for the $50,000," said Luke. "Especially after seeing what happened to Jarrad Howse today who was extremely unlucky not to make it through by the tiniest margin."
In the huge swell, it wasnʼt easy work for most of the surfers out in the water today "Iʼve had a good day, Iʼm in the quarterfinals," said Damien Fahrenfort who won his round 16 heat over OʼNeill Cold Water Classic Canada runner up Jay Thompson. "But it was a lot of work," he said. "A lot more than I am used to."
"Everyone complains when itʼs small and everyone complains when itʼs too big. But you canʼt complain about the paddling because of the skis. This is better conditions than most World Tour surfers get," said Damien.
One of those World Tour surfers, and currently world number three, Adriano De Souza, was out there battling strong in the swell to also make it through to the quarterfinals.
"It was a tough day today," said Adriano. "The conditions are pretty big - like eight to ten feet. I am stoked to make it to the quarters. Iʼm enjoying myself here in Santa Cruz."
The day kicked off in the round of 48, and the ASP WQS 6 Star Prime event took full advantage of the epic swell to move though both the rounds of 24 and 16 - even changing location midway through the round of 16 - to set up a day of finals on Sunday.
Cory Lopez, another quarterfinalist who was first to surf when the competition moved down the point to Indicators said: "There were some pretty decent waves this morning out on the point. But the swell has picked up about four to five feet bigger and it became a madhouse out the back. Tomorrow, however, looks like great conditions," he said. "I canʼt wait."
The next call for the final day of competition will be Sunday November 8th at 7.30am
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Nov. 6, 2009 - After calling a lay day for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star PRIME O'Neill Cold Water Classic California yesterday, today's action saw Steamer Lane come alive to deliver a pumping four-to-six foot swell while the event's top seeds displayed an amazing performance of progressive surfing for the local Santa Cruz crowd.
The event's ASP 6-Star PRIME status has attracted the finest pedigree of global surfing talent in search of the valuable ratings points on offer for the 2010 ASP World Tour.
Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI), 21, relied on his unbelievable above-the-lip approach to surfing to secure the day's highest scores of a near perfect 9.77 out of 10 with three critical fins-free turns on a cranking righthander. The Hawaiian added an additional top score allowing him to clinch the event's highest heat total of a near-perfect 18.74 out of 20 after a seesaw battle with Australian talent Yadin Nicol (Margaret River, AUS), 23.
"The waves were going off and it's that in-between-tide where it's not really kelpy yet," Zietz said. "All of the guys were ripping and pretty intimidating early on. I got that first one where I kind of fell on my first turn and somehow made it happen and found my feet at the end."
Zietz had a slow start to his Round of 48 heat, but was able to out-position fellow Hawaiian Granger Larsen (Lahaina, HI), 19, to find the waves needed to surpass Nicol to take out the heat win while advancing through to the Round of 24.
"I was kind of getting a little sneaky on Granger (Larsen) on a couple," Zietz said. "It was tough because it looked like they were going to break on the outside, but they would fade out and wall up perfect throughout the inside. I was lucky to get those ones right under him."
Nicol, who secured the event's second-highest heat total of 17.73, nearly claimed the heat win, but advanced in second behind Zietz in a wave-for-wave tradeoff in the battle of the regular-footers in the stacked 25-minute matchup.
"I really only caught two waves that were good ones and made the most of them," Nicol said. "Seabass (Sebastian Zietz) had some good ones and Granger (Larsen) had some good ones. It was really fun to get through it."
Although Nicol finished in second, he was excited to be a part of the progressive surfing movement unfolding at Steamer Lane in today's ideal conditions.
"It pushes your level out there when everyone's surfing that well," Nicol said. "You really want to just get the best waves and when the waves are good like that you can open up a little bit more and have a bit more fun with it."
Shaun Ward (Huntington Beach, CA), claimed an impressive heat victory when he usurped a list of iconic surfers including Jordy Smith (Durban, ZAF), 21, who advanced in second, Pipeline prodigy John John Florence (North Shore, HI), 16, and legendary three-time ASP World Champion and event wildcard Tom Curren (Santa Barbara, CA), 45, in the quality Steamer Lane surf.
"It's funny because everyone's been talking about that heat," Ward said. "Jordy (Smith) is one of the best surfers in the world, hands down, and Tom (Curren) is one of the best surfers of all time, and John John (Florence) is kind of the prodigy. I was kind of the underdog, but I like it."
Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, looked hungry to win the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships when he won a stacked Quarterfinals heat at his homebreak of Steamer Lane today. Topping current ASP North America Pro Junior Series ratings leader Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, who advanced in second, he also eliminated young prodigy Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 15, and defending ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19.
"I'd love to win this contest," Young said. "I'm pretty bummed about what happened earlier this week. I tried my hardest, but I'd like to come back to win the Junior."
Young capitalized on his local knowledge of Steamer Lane today and crushed the increasing swell on his backhand to take out the critical heat win.
"I try to catch the ones that I know are good that I'd want to ride if I were free-surfing," Young said. "Right now, itâ??s against the cliff, that's where everybody is and there are some fun ones."
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic California and Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships will continue tomorrow and event organizers will reconvene at 7 am at Steamer Lane for a potential 7:30 am start. For all of the LIVE action log on to oneill.com/cwc/california. For additional Oakley Pro Junior information log on towww.oakleyprojunior.com.
Special thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2009 O'Neill Cold Water Classic and Oakley Pro Junior North American Championships: O'Neill, Oakley, Red Bull, Corralejo Tequila, SURFER and SURFING, as well as, the official hotel partner, The Dream Inn and Aquarius Restaurant, and food partner, Whole Foods Market.
O'Neill Cold Water Classic California Round of 48 Results:
Heat 1: Joel Centeio (HAW) 17.26, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.50, James Taipan Wood (AUS) 9.04, David Richards (ZAF) 5.40
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.46, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 12.13, Masatoshi Ohno (JPN) 10.26, Blake Wilson (AUS) 9.90
Heat 3: Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 18.74, Yadin Nicol (AUS) 17.73, Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.10, Kyle Knox (USA) 12.83
Heat 4: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 12.26, Marcio Farney (BRA) 10.06, Nathaniel Curran (USA) 9.70, Micah Byrne (USA) 9.60
Heat 5: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 12.83, Cory Lopez (USA) 11.04, Dion Atkinson (AUS) 9.17, Christophe Allary (REU) 8.97
Heat 6: Andre Silva (BRA) 12.94, Shaun Gossmann (AUS) 12.64, Jarrad Sullivan (AUS) 11.63, Darrell Goodrum (USA) 8.00
Heat 7: Jay Thompson (AUS) 12.83, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 12.77, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 11.94, Tim Reyes (USA) 7.00
Heat 8: Heath Joske (AUS) 13.30, Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 12.70, Brian Toth (PRI) 11.16, Mason Ho (HAW) 10.33
O'Neill Cold Water Classic California Round of 96 Results:
Heat 16: Mason Ho (HAW) 16.00, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 10.66, Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.54, Dylan Southworth (MEX) 5.66
Heat 17: Torrey Meister (HAW) 15.67, Adam Melling (AUS) 13.06, Jack Perry (AUS) 9.70, Tonino Benson (HAW) 7.10
Heat 18: Adam Robertson (AUS) 13.23, Jarrad Howse (AUS) 10.56, Chris Waring (USA) 8.25, Anthony Petruso (USA) 7.93
Heat 19: Mark Mathews (AUS) 12.73, Jesse Heilman (USA) 9.17, Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) 8.67, Gavin Gillette (HAW) 8.27
Heat 20: Dylan Graves (PRI) 13.17, Brett Simpson (USA) 12.60, Brad Ettinger (USA) 9.24, Izuki Tanaka (JPN) 3.90
Heat 21: Austin Ware (USA) 11.67, Thiago Camarao (BRA) 10.63, T.J. Barron (HAW) 9.33, Sean Holmes (ZAF) 8.40
Heat 22: Kieran Horn (USA) 13.27, Luke Munro (AUS) 12.27, Alex Gray (USA) 10.57, Eric Geiselman (USA) 5.97
Heat 23: Jean Da Silva (BRA) 11.60, Neco Padaratz (BRA) 9.87, Blake Jones (USA) 7.70, Jason Miller (USA) 5.17
Heat 24: Shaun Ward (USA) 15.77, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.57, John John Florence (HAW) 9.93, Tom Curren (USA) 9.40
Oakley Pro Junior Quarterfinals Results:
Heat 1: Conner Coffin (USA) 14.20, Tonino Benson (HAW) 11.83, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 7.70, Andrew Doheny (USA) 4.17
Heat 2: Luke Davis (USA) 15.20, Cody Thompson (USA) 12.90, Fisher Heverly (USA) 11.60, Matt Meola (HAW) 5.93
Heat 3: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 13.60, Michael Dunphy (USA) 10.53, Evan Geiselman (USA) 9.94, Evan Thompson (USA) 5.67
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) 15.57, Dillon Perillo (USA) 13.57, Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.23, Cory Arrambide (USA) 5.60
Forecast Overview: A strong local storm has been tracking through the Northern Gulf of Alaska starting Wednesday (11/4) generating 50 kts winds and peak seas confirmed in the 40 ft range and expected to bump up to 42 ft this Friday AM. And even as this system starts to wind down, still up to 2000 nmiles of 35 kt fetch is to be aimed right at Central CA. Swell from this system has already hit the outer buoy at 5 PM Thursday with seas at 25-29 ft @ 17 secs and pure swell 21-24 ft @ 16.8 secs and holding dead solid through 8 AM Friday. This is exactly on-track with our expectations and should result in solid swell for the remainder of the contest window. There is a bit of an issue though with the swell direction. This system took a rather northerly track through the Gulf, resulting in most swell energy pushing down no further south than the 304 degree great circle path, with most energy up at 310-315 degrees. This rather extreme northern angle will limit the amount of energy available to the Lane, which in the long run maybe isn't such a bad thing. If it were real west, the swell would be so large that a reasonable contest would not be possible. So the short story is, solid longer period swell is on the way for the remainder of the event.
On Saturday (11/7) things to get quite interesting with the arrival of the new Gulf swell. At the buoy swell of 12-14 ft @ 17 secs is expected with seas 17 ft @ 17 secs. But much less swell will make the wrap into the Lane with surf 4-6 ft overhead on the sets with maybe a few larger ones sneaking in. Wind to be light north at 5 kts early and holding till about 10 AM with glassy conditions though a distinct lump will be running through the swell. Then winds to start coming up from the northwest at 12-15 kts in the afternoon and sideshore modest chop expected outside of the point. Again a 3.5 ft tide early to actually favor the more sizeable swell coming up to 5.5 ft at 1 PM, swamping it a little but not nearly as bad as previous days, then dropping after that to 1.5 ft near sunset.
On Sunday (11/8) still solid swell from the Gulf gale is expected at 9-10 ft @ 15-16 secs early and seas to 13 ft @ 15 secs. This should result in surf of double overhead and maybe a few bigger ones with the lesser period allowing for a more effective wrap into the Lane. Winds again north at 5 kts early with a lurp running through the swell due to being generated relatively locally. Wind turning northwest near noon but not as strong as the day before, at only 10-12 kts or so adding a bit of texture and maybe light chop outside the point. Same basic tide set-up is expected with a 3.5 ft tide at sunrise slowly working up to a 5.1 ft high at 2 PM, then fading from there.
All surfers competing in the ASP 6-Star PRIME event are looking to capitalize on the crucial ratings points on offer at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic to solidify their spot on the 2010 ASP Dream Tour before heading to Hawaii.
Timmy Reyes, who suffered a horrific knee injury, which nearly ended his career at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic in 2007, donned a singlet at Steamer Lane for the first time since the accident and absolutely dominated his heat, clinching the event's highest heat total, a 17.83 out of 20, to lead the event's top seeds into the Round of 48.
"This was my first heat back at Steamer Lane since the injury, so it's nice to have a good heat back," Reyes said. "I've been surfing here ever since the injury, I just hadn't had time to compete here because I was going to Hawaii earlier. I got a couple of nice waves in that heat; they were glassy and easy to surf. Most of the time, the Lane is a really challenging wave, but today was easy."
Reyes is fresh off of a fifth place result at the ASP World Tour event in Portugal, which marked the best result of his season, and was able to sneak up to Santa Cruz to compete at the Premier event before heading to Hawaii to wrap up the season.
"With Portugal being the last event in Europe, I figured I might as well come and do this contest," Reyes said. "It's good to support my sponsors and it's a really cool spot here and I'm stoked to be in the event again."
After spending six weeks in contest mode between France and Portugal, Reyes' competitive skills looked sharp as he dominated the Steamer Lane lineup today.
"I surfed a lot through Europe for six weeks and been around the events the whole time and it makes it easy to be in tune. I feel a little bit more in rhythm with being here at another spot close to home."
Tuesday November 3rd at Lex Deux, 1638 N Las Palmas Ave, Hollywood, CA
"Should I drive south?" It's the one question that dogs Outer Banks surfers – at least those who live in town. When it's offshore and barreling right in front of your face, why would you hop in the car for an hour? This morning, 'round 8am, Jesse Hines and local shaper Steve Head stopped, looked, and decided it was worth the drive. And apparently it was, as they arrived 'round 9:30 north of Hatteras to see overheard lefts draining down the beach. But, right now, Jesse's probably wondering if he should've stuck closer to home. (Actually, right now Jesse's probably chasing butterflies in a pain-killer haze). Because about 45 minutes later, the goofyfoot tube machine pulled deep into a solid set and came up with a broken leg — the same one he hurt on another doomed mission almost exactly 15 years ago, when he, Matt Beacham and two buddies nearly drove off the Bonner Bridge on the way home, leaving him with a still nagging hip injury. But at least he finished his session that day. This one was cut short before he even knew what happened. But here's what we do know, according to Steve's firsthand account:
"It was one of the bigger sets. And it was dredging. I actually started paddling for the same wave but he was deeper — really deep. I know he's a barrel master, but when I saw him take off, I was like, 'He'll either get the barrel of his life or get destroyed.' What's funny is he doesn't even know how it happened. He said he just felt his leg go the wrong way. But it was bad. He took it like a trooper the whole drive to the hospital. And when I left him they'd just shot him up and he was feeling better. Still, it was really humbling. I don't want to call it wrong, but the way the bulge looked it's in his leg — my stomach's still sick thinking about it."
At 3:30pm doctors were prepping Jesse for surgery.We'll keep you posted as we find out more. But you can bet he'll will be back in the water – and pulling in down south – as soon as he's able.
While winter is capable of bringing the rare beastly swell to the shores of Southern California, pulling out the step-up boards is rarely necessary. Chances are, if you're spending any decent amount of time in the Golden State, you'll need a flavorful selection of short, wide, fat or flat surfboards. And these are the exact elements that Cali girl Sage Erickson looks for when choosing her quiver.
Santa Cruz, CA. (October 5, 2009) – The Psychofreak wetsuit by O’Neill received the Surf Industry Manufacturers’ Image Award for the Wetsuit of the Year this past weekend at SIMA Surf Summit 12 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The SIMA Image Awards identify the surf industry’s most influential companies and recognize them for their efforts to advance and grow the industry.
Determined to make the warmest high performance cold water wetsuit, O’Neill introduced the revolutionary Psychofreak with XDS-Air neoprene in fall 2008. "As the original wetsuit manufacturer, it is in our blood to push the evolution of the wetsuit," stated John Hunter, Senior Product Designer at O’Neill Wetsuits. Unlike traditional cold water wetsuits that utilize thicker neoprene, the Psychofreak with O’Neill’s unique XDS-Air neoprene, a complex 3D structure of rubber and trapped air components, provides increased insulation similar to a double paned window, without additional thickness or restriction. "The ultimate goal in designing wetsuits is to make them as warm and flexible as possible; we obviously achieved that with the Psychofreak."
Chosen by fellow surf industry companies and retailers, the SIMA Image Awards are a reflection of how brands and their products are viewed within the industry, but more importantly by those selling the product to the customer. "I really want to thank all of our dealers for supporting O'Neill for over fifty-five years and I'm stoked our dealers and customers recognize the difference between a functional innovative wetsuit and all the imitations out there," stated Pat O’Neill, CEO and President of O’Neill Wetsuits. "Our dealers claim O'Neill wetsuits continue to represent seventy to eighty percent of their total wetsuits sales, so I am not surprised the Psychofreak has been recognized as the top wetsuit."
CLICK ON JORDY/PSYCHOFREAK IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH PSYCHOFREAK VIDEO.....
Today at Middles beach on the northwest coast of P.R. Darren Muschett (24) of Rincon won the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit event in an exciting man on man final against Carlos Cabrero (33) of San Juan. Unfortunately, a diminishing swell forced both finalist into their small wave competition repertoire. Utilizing either either luck or brilliant strategy, Muschett was able to score opening rides of 5.67 and 7.50 in the opening 5 minutes of the final, forcing Cabrero to play catch-up. The experienced Cabrero who is the 2008 defending Corona Extra Pro Surfing Circuit champion is relentless in that mode . He chipped away at mushett's lead for the remaining 25 minutes notching a wave count of ten rides to Muschett's 3.However, Cabrero's come back fell short by two points as conditions continued to deteriorate in the afternoon winds.
On the awards podium, Cabrero was gracious in defeat as he also took away the $500.00 coppertone "Best Performance" award for his third round heat total of 16.54 (out of a possible 20). Muschett was genuinely pleased and mentioned that the new wider surfboard he was riding gave him good maneuverability in the small (1meter) conditions.
Placing equal third were Leslie Bursian (22) of San Juan and returning veteran Fernando Álvarez (33) of Caguas who surfed brilliantly in a long delayed return to competition to bring home $500and 730 pts for the rankings.
In all 48 athletes contested the men's division, dominated by the local Puerto Rican surfers. High finished among the mainland contingent was David Halloway of Jacksonville, Florida who fell victim to Leslie Bursian in the quarter finals.
On the women's side of the competition Idalys "Lilac"Alvarado took her first career APSPR victory over her fellow puerto rican finalist Liselie Gonzalez in a nail-biting final that saw the lead see-saw back and forth between the two for the full 30 minutes final, indeed, Gonzalez used all of her 12 wave allistment finishing her last ride with only one minute remaining, but falling short by arazor-thin margin of .07 points. When announcer Jorge González comfirmed that the victory belonged to Alvarado she displayed her girlish enthusiasm in the water and returned to shore and the greetings of dozens of her cheering supporters. Alvarado had already survived a squeaker in the semi-final against the highest placing mainland female,Maria Kuzmovich (23) of Daytona Beach, Florida. Also placing equal 3rdveteran island pro, Liza Caban (16) of Aguadilla, PR.
The winner of the $500.00 Coppertone "Best Performance" for the mujeres was Leslie Gonzalez The points totals for the 2009 middles event add up to the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit championship to be decided at Domes in March 2010.
October 13 2009, Berlin, Germany - Sixteen year old Seb Toots won the freestyle.berlin on the weekend with a perfect backside 1080 double cork – showing just why he is currently TTR World Tour number one.
"I am super excited to win," said Seb "There were a lot of good ridersthere so it means a lot to me. It's like a dream to come out first."
The Canadian beat an impressive lineup at the big air contest in its first year in Berlin, taking victory over Eero Ettala and current TTR World Champ Peetu Piiroinen with his backside 1080 double cork. And he made it look easy. "I think the hard part about a backside 1080 double cork is learning it," said Seb. "It's always scary to try the first time, but once you can control it, it's a great trick."
His first place comes right after finishing second at the freestyle.ch a few weeks ago.
"Peetu and Eero are really good riders and you never know what they are gonna throw in the contest," said Seb. "Eero got first place at freestyle.ch, and I got second so I am really stoked to be first this time with this good line up of riders."
CONGRATUALTIONS SEB!
Rosary High School's, Angela Urmanita, takes the 2009 Generation Next crown. After months of hard work and dedication, Angela wowed the crowd with her original dress and hand bag combo. For her efforts, Angela was rewarded with a $4,000 scholarship compliments of O'Neill and Teen Vogue. Check out the Generation Next event section to view the event images and video.
Seb Toots has continued his onslaught of the season – coming second at the freestyle.ch in Zurich over the weekend.
The 16-year-old Canadian snowboarder who currently sits top of the TTR World Snowboard Tour ranking list, pulled off a Rodeo 5 and Back 1000 Double Cork to come second behind Eero Ettala.
And this is only the start of the season. Expect big things this year from the young star.
O'Neill's Grant Roberts has been moving up the wakeskate ranks in the last couple of years. Check out the interview via Alliancewake.com
The rumors of Grant Roberts first started circulating thanks toNor-Cal-based photographer Rodrigo Donoso. "There's this kid I shoot with, he rides like George," Rod would tell people. While anyone will admit, those are some big shoes to fill, when Grant showed up at the Toe Jam a couple years back, it was quickly apparent, this kid's got it. Grant is a solid rider who pops big and clean in true Nor Cal style, and can hold his own behind just about anything. It hasn't taken him long to make a mark on the wakeskate world,and now as a member of the Obscura team, he is ready to truly break out. And yes Grant, that's what she said.
AWS: How did you get into wakeskating?
Grant: I started wakeskating when I realized I was a horrible wakeboarder, haha. Nah I got a skate before a family trip to shasta and started riding that and never went back to the straps.
AWS: What's the scene like in Nor Cal?
Grant: Umm, it's getting there. It used to have a pretty cool wake scene,then some of the wrong people started trying to run things out there. But the wakeskate scene has blown up in the last few years. At the first Norcal Convergence wakeskate event there was like ten people now were up to 60 or 70 I think.
AWS: Is it hard to live in Cali and be a pro wakeskater?
Grant: It's not bad. I got one of my best friends, Rodrigo, who is also an amazing photographer living out there so that helps out a lot. I also got some good buds who are always down to film and build rails whenever. They're awesome.
AWS: You tried out Orlando last summer, why did you end up moving back?
Grant: Orlando was cool and I think at some point I'll do the move again fora few months or so, but I just felt like there was nothing to do out there if you weren't wakeskating. I ate an insane amount of food when I lived there though that's for sure. California is just to perfect when it's warm.
AWS: How do you like riding for Obscura?
Grant: Riding for Obscura is like a dream come true. Having guys like Danny Hampson and Aaron Reed behind you telling you to stick a trick is pretty motivating. They have been taking really good care of me too, it's been awesome.
AWS: What's the best advice Aaron Reed has given you?
Grant: Be a sponge Grant. Soak up everything you can learn. He's gonna be sostoked I remembered that.
AWS: Who's hazing is tougher, Aaron or Danny?
Grant: Not gonna comment on that. Might get hazed worse from one or the other.
AWS: What is your most challenging responsibility as a member of the Obscura team?
Grant: I can't say its too challenging. Helping Aaron in the kitchen and holding my appetite at winch spots can be pretty difficult though.
AWS: I read on the blogs you got to go to Australia. How did that come about?
Grant: That was actually really random. I woke up one morning with an email saying trip to Australia for a wakeskater sent to the whole team and pretty much first one to respond goes. Danny was hurt and was nice enough to let me go even though he responded back first. Then next thing I know I'm on a flight to Australia the next week. So insane I couldn't believe it was happening 'til I was on the plane.
AWS: What was Australia like? Heard you may have met the love of your life, any truth?
Grant: Australia was awesome. Those dudes out there are so rad. Always down to go ride and do whatever, pretty much. They took me to go see kangaroos and some aussie food. Riding out there was awesome, they had a sick cable park,Sunshine Cable Sports, that was stocked full of rails. They also had a couple cool rivers I got taken out to ride. And yeah love of my life for sure, haha.She was way cooler than I was so I was pretty stoked we hung out a bit out there.
AWS: Any plans to go back?
Grant: I'm actually planning on going back for a couple months end of October. Hang out with Kallas down there and do some cable riding. And the love of my life of course.
AWS: Anywhere else you'd like to go but haven't been yet?
Grant: I would really like to go to New Zealand or the Phillipines. I just remember watching those events Red Bull put on down in NZ and the scenery looked so bad ass down there.
AWS: How was your trip to the Daily Habit? Did they know what wakeskating was?
Grant: Haha, yeah they knew what it was and they were stoked on it. The surfers were all about it too, so it was cool seeing them respect it. But it went good, I had been awake for like 32 hours so I was just super out of it and didn't seem to awkward for once.
AWS: I often hear you compared to George Daniels. Is that hard to live up to?
Grant: I've heard that a couple times, but George is George. He did so much for the sport and is still pushing it, so I can't put myself in the same category as him. I looked up to him a lot coming up.
AWS: You definitely seem to like big spins? Why is that, a throwback to Danny Hampson?
Grant: The big spin is Danny's. Like he said, that trick is going on his tombstone and he can do them whatever way he wants. I just do them cause I will fall on other stuff haha.
AWS: What's one thing about being a pro wakeskater you don't think people realize? Care to crush any dreams?
Grant: It doesn't get you girls. Pick up straps for that.
AWS: If you could trade skill sets with any person in the world, who would it be and why?
Grant: Probably Dane Reynolds. He shreds on a surfboard and that's seriously something I would love to be able to.
AWS: What about in wakeskating? Who do you most look up to?
Grant: I got 4 people I really look up to. I started out by looking up to Danny and Aaron, and then the new guys like Nick Taylor and Andy Pastura I look up to a lot.
AWS: How often do you ride? Is it hard to keep it up?
Grant: That's what she said hahahaha. In Orlando I was riding a lot but I feel like since I've been home it's been slowing down a lot. Hopefully 4-5times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. It definitely gets hard to keep it when it starts cooling off and you're just trying to get the stoke to get out from the blankets drive an hour and do the whole wetsuit cold thing.
AWS: What do you like to do besides wakeskating?
Grant: I definitely like to surf quite a bit. Not very good at it, but I would like to think one day I might be alright, haha. Eating and sleeping are great as well.
AWS: Tell me one thing about yourself you think no one knows.
Grant: I didn't start growing chest hair till this year. Pretty stoked on that and I don't tell many people.
AWS: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Grant: That's a good question.
AWS: Anyone you'd like to thank?
Grant: My Mom for sure as well as my Dad. My best friends Ben, Chet, Rodrigo and Nicky T. Aaron and Danny and all the guys at Liquid Force/Obscura. Prefontaine and Moody at O'Neill, Straight line and DVS. My brother and sister, and anybody else who has helped me out.
Tamayo Perry, locking in some serious shack time in West Australia!
O'Neill Team win recap at Surfer Poll:
Jordy Smith - #9 Ranking
Jordy Smith - Web Clip of the Year - Rodeo Clown
Cory Lopez - Best Barrel (5'5" x 19 1/4" Redux)
Mark Mathews inside Ours with a hand-held video camera.
Awesome footage!
Former 2009 Stair Master Sebastien Toutant and Charles Reid (both from Quebec) were riding as though "they were battling for their lives" and in the end, it was both riders who claimed the title of Stylewars Stair Master, sharing the prize money between them.
After a mind-blowing display of tricks including every single variation possible of a gap-to-270 down the kink rail, first place was just too difficult to score.
Mel Simmons was the head judge and said, "This was probably the hardest judging I have ever done, ever. And I have done a lot of contests."
Simmons has eight years experience in judging and has been traveling internationally judging on the TTR World Snowboard Tour for four years.
"I can quite easily say that it was some of the toughest head-to-head judging that I have ever had to session.
"I would have preferred to nail it down to three hits (in a battle-style format) but unfortunately due to time constraints, it just wasn't going to happen.
"The riding was just so outstanding it was ridiculous. It was just too damn tight to call, Charles and Seb had absolutely everything on lock. And at the end of the day, we just can't let one of them walk away with the title.
"It was a unanimous decision between the judges and event organisers, and we are happy with the outcome."
Season is starting strong for Seb. See details of his latest victory at the Burton New Zealand Open here: "http://www.oneill.com/#/men/americacanada/news/64231.sebastien_toutant_can_won_burton_nz_open_slopestyle/"
French Canadians Sebastien Toutant and Charles Reid clinched the top two spots in men’s semifinals
Toutant taking the top spot by wowing the judges with his signature "Toutsie Roll," a backside doublecork 1080 melon.
Reid couldn't stick his run in the finals, dropping him to the back of the pack, but Torstein Horgmo (NOR) threw down in his third and final run with back to back 1080s, giving him an edge and finishing second.
Eric Willet (USA) stuck back-to-back 900s and had smooth style on the rails, giving him an edge and riding away with third. But in the end, Sebastien recreated his winning run from semis by starting off with a backside 270 on the first rail to 50/50 backside 360 on the second rail, into a backside rodeo 540 indy, into a Cab 900 stalefish, followed by a backside 1080 double cork melon, followed by a noseslide on the uprail to alleyoop backside 50/50 on the quarter, finishing with a frontside boardslide on the kinked rail.
"I'm so stoked to win my first contest of the year," said Toutant. "It was a great course, very different. I had fun trying new things and am so happy to do well."
Check his (sick) winning run on : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwQQVmNGO94
Local Courtney Conlogue Wins Hurley U.S. Open, Malia Manuel Finishes Runner-Up
Manuel Takes Nike 6.0 Pro Junior
HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Saturday, July 25, 2009) – Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana, CA), 15, won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open today over defending event champion Malia Manuel (Wailua, HI), 15, who claimed the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior, in a high-scoring Final in six-to-eight foot (2 metre) surf today at South Huntington Beach Pier.
Surfers competing at the prestigious Hurley U.S. Open event are battling for the important ratings points on offer towards qualification for the ASP World Tour.
Conlogue won the hard-fought battle over the young Hawaiian with huge backside blasts on the steep lefthanders in the Final to log a 9.00 and an 8.17 in her score line, placing the defending champion in a combination situation. Each of the impressive scores earned by the Huntington Beach local were awarded with one single maneuver, allowing her to take out her first major ASP WQS victory.
"I'm pretty much speechless," Conlogue said. "Malia (Manuel), she's an amazing surfer and to win that heat was to die for. I want to thank Malia for putting on a good Final with me. I'm so stoked to have had that Final with her. I was just going out there and having fun and that's what I've been doing this whole contest and it ended up working out. I'm going to try and carry that throughout all of my contests this year."
Malia Manuel put on a banner performance throughout the entire Hurley U.S. Open, and claimed the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior en route to her runner-up ASP WQS finish. Manuel's Final berth was no easy feat, as she defeated reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (Tweed Heads, AUS), 21, in the women's main event.
"I'm so over the moon even to make it to the final day," Manuel said. "It was great out there. Courtney is an amazing athlete and she was the deserving heat winner."
Manuel took out her U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior title in dramatic fashion when she nabbed a last-minute wave to overtake the win over Sage Erickson (Ojai, CA), 18, who finished in second, defeating fellow finalists Cannelle Bulard (REU), who finished in third and current ASP World Tour rookie Coco Ho (Sunset Beach, HI), 18, who finished fourth.
"I'm glad I had the Pro Junior to fall back on," Manuel said. "Surfing against Coco (Ho) was great and Sage (Erickson) almost had it in the bag and some miraculous wave came and I got to pick it up and got a score. I'm just happy to be here today and surf in both finals."
The young regular-footer is now ready to start gaining more ASP WQS experience to eventually make a push towards qualification for the ASP Women's World Tour.
"I think it's time to put my foot through the door and do a couple of WQS events," Manuel said. "I'm in no rush, I'm only 15, so I'm just going to get some experience going on and hope for the best and hopefully in a couple of years I'll be doing what Coco (Ho) and Steph (Gilmore) are doing right now."
Men's Hurley U.S. Open competition started the day off today and witnessed reining nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), 37, blast a perfect 10-point-ride with a committing backside barrel to continue his campaign as the frontrunner of Hurley U.S. Open action. The Floridian Champion followed up the score with an 8.50 to notch the highest heat total of ASP WQS 6-Star competition for the second consecutive day.
"I'm stoked," Slater said. "There are big, huge, walled close-outs, but there are a few corners out there. The tide is coming in and it's not as hollow as this morning, there were probably a few barrels out there. That first one I got was so big, it just barreled. I started grabbing rail as I was going down the face, and doing a slow, long bottom turn, trying to brush off some speed. I was thinking, did I dork this, because for I second I didn't think it was going to barrel. Then it started to pitch. I was starting to think I would look really silly trying to grab rail mid-face on a wave that didn't barrel. I was hoping I could get out of it and get a hit, but it was just too quick."
Tomorrow will conclude Hurley U.S. Open action and will crown men's ASP WQS and U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior Champions by day's end.
For tomorrow's LIVE Hurley U.S. Open action log on towww.usopenofsurfing.com
For additional ASP information check out www.aspworldtour.com orwww.aspnorthamerica.org
Women's Hurley U.S. Open Final Results:
1 – Courtney Conlogue (USA) 17.17
2 – Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.67
Women's Hurley U.S. Open Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11,17 def Laura Enever (AUS) 6.27
SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.33 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 7.47
Sunday July 5, 2009 – Just hours after celebrating both his 21st birthday and American Independence Day (both on 4 July), Tanner Gudauskas (California, USA) celebrated the biggest victory of his professional surfing career, taking out the ASP WQS 6-Star Mr Price Pro Ballito, today.
Gudauskas defeated Australian James Taipan Wood (Aus) rocketing to World No. 6 on the ASP World Qualifying Series and pocketing R159 000 (US$20 000) as well as 2500 ASP WQS ratings points.
"I just can't believe it, this is a personal best for me!" said Gudauskas. "Every night this week I've been going to bed dreaming about winning this contest and putting myself up there where Pat (Tanner's brother and WQS No. 10 Patrick Gudauskas) was at, and it came through today so I'm fired up!"
Attacking the 30-minute final with unprecedented determination, Gudauskas rode every lump of swell, snatching an early heat lead with a 6.83 (out of 10.00) for some clean backhand turns, riding out in an explosion of whitewater off his final maneuver.
While his opponent Wood opted to play the patience game catching his first wave at the 11 minute mark, Gudauskas projected fast out of his top turns, maintaining speed and power in the wind affected waves to score a 6.67 and further extend his lead over the Australian, who was left looking for a 7.67.
"I just got into this mindset that when the surf got worse I was going to get better and as the tide came up and it got less consistent, I just got more fired up and more pissed off," said Gudauskas. "It's crazy because I can hardly remember half of it now but my priority exchange worked out and it all came together and I'm just super fired up!"
Cloaked in stars and stripes, of the American flag, an emotional Gudauskas was chaired up the beach by his older brother Dane and quarterfinalist Dylan Graves (Pri), surrounded by a sea of adoring fans and media crew all wanting a piece of the newly crowned champ.
"When I came out of the water and saw my brothers and some of my friends all standing on the beach cheering for me I was almost in tears," said Gudauskas. "We have a really strong crew from America right now and we're all pushing as hard as we can to bust down the door and make the ASP World Tour and I think this year could be the year."
Guduaskas is now the highest rated American surfer on the WQS tour, surpassing both WQS No. 7 Brett Simpson and his older brother WQS No. 10 Patrick Gudauskas.
THE MOST NORTHERN, THE MOST SOUTHERN, THE WILDEST, THE COLDEST & THE MOST CLASSIC SURF CONTEST ON THE PLANET
Blake Thornton, the 24 year old from Maroubra, Sydney, surfed the perfect final in epic Cape Town conditions to knock out local favourite Royden Bryson, and take victory at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa.
"I am so excited to win this," said Blake. "Royden fell on his wave at the end. I think maybe the cold was getting to us," he said shivering in his wetsuit. "I am sorry for him, but so glad I won."
In victory, Blake lifted the CWC South Africa trophy – a replica shark's jaw – high above his head on the shoreline at Kalk Bay.
"Thankfully this is a fake jaw," said Blake. "Hopefully I won't see any real ones. There was actually a seal swimming around out there with us in the final," he said. "Everyone knows that sharks love seals, but actually in a heat you're only worried about what's going on in the heat."
After a lay day yesterday which saw everyone hiding away from the storms, conditions came together perfectly on the eastern side of the Cape with offshore winds and a solid six-foot swell.
The barreling left hand reef break of Kalk Bay provided the dream final day for the first professional surfing event in Cape Town in 21 years - the 4 Star ASP WQS O'Neill CWC South Africa.
And local Cape Town surfer Royden Bryson almost provided the dream local ending. "From the water I could hear everyone supporting me – shouting and honking their horns on the beach," said Royden. "I don't think I've ever had support like that in a contest. It was amazing."
"I wish I hadn't folded on that last wave, but what can you do," he said. "I will kick myself for about half an hour and then it will be good."
Although eager to win the trophy, Royden hadn't been too keen on the idea of displaying the shark's jaw. "There would be no way I would want to see that thing before I went in for a surf!" he said.
The anticipation of Kalk Bay working for the final day had been building all week, so when contest director Matt Wilson made the call to start at 11am with man-on-man heats, the surfers were ready.
"It was a good decision to have man-on-man heats out there," said semi-finalist Jarrad Howse. "There would have been too much hassling if you had four man heats."
Jarrad was one of the standout performances of the day – actually looking like he was having a lot of fun as he pulled into barrel after barrel on his backhand.
The shock of the day was the early departure of World Tour star and event ambassador, Jordy Smith – knocked out by Glenn Hall in the round of 16.
And the wave of the day came from the eventual winner who pulled into an awesome barrel to score the highest wave score of the competition – a 9.6.
"My first heat was a shocker, I just wasn't understanding the wave," said Blake. "I think in the next heat I was a bit more relaxed and just pulled into that wave and it worked out."
The O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa had been billed as the 'wildest event in professional surfing'. Over the past week it more than lived up to its name.
"O'Neill took a risk to hold an event here in Cape Town in the middle of winter," said Royden. "There can be some pretty huge out of control storms down here."
With howling winds, huge rain squalls, and cold winter temperatures both in the water and out – there were definitely some out of control storms.
And although the sheltered east coast of the Cape provided a sanctuary, it was still quintessential Cold Water Classic conditions.
"I was cold all day," said Blake. "I think it is the adrenaline that kept me going. I cannot wait for a hot shower and a few beers. But that's part of the whole series – battling the elements."
And it's not going to get any warmer; next stop on the CWC Series - the freezing colds of Vancouver Island, Canada in October.
"When We Own The Mic"
Artist: 40 love
Album: Advantage
Visit the Band @ www.myspace.com/40lovehiphop
Check out all the O'Neill team riders during the WQS Six Star Prime held at
really good Lowers. Stand out Tanner Gudauskas was on fire reaching the
Quarter finals as well as Nat Young who surfed deep into the event to round
six and made the semi's in the Pro Junior with over four 9.00 rides!
"M Greene"
Artist: Haram
Album: Drescher
Go to www.harammusic.com for more music!
© Lovitt Records, www.lovitt.com
O'Neill Rider Malia Manuel takes top honors at the VQS Hill Billy Stomp held this past weekend at Newport's 54th street. She outshined the competition in the fun 3-5' surf by surfing fast, loose, and progressive. She was able to secure the victory in solid fashion by snapping, slicing, and demolishing every wave she rode.
"The event had fun waves and a great atmosphere. I am pretty stoked right now," says winner Malia Manuel.
She should be stoked because with her win she earned a boat load of prizes and $4,000.00 US dollars and the title as the Champion of Mountain Mommas! This is another big victory after last year's US Open win and will prove to be a nice confidence builder before the NSSA Nationals coming up in June.
Coming in second was Lauren Sweeny who also put on a solid display of power hacks and lip bashes that was good for $1,500.00, and following up was fellow team mate and Newport Beach resident and PacSun USASurf team member Kaleigh Gilchrist who finished 3rd. It was a powerful finish for O'Neill in the women's division, in fact it was Hill Billy domination.
Other big results were newest team member Ian Crane's 2nd place in the 16 and under division where he collected $2,000.00 big bucks and prizes equal to it. He was on point all event posting big scores in every heat and really applied some great rail surfing to achieve this big result.
In the honorable mention category Maui Surfer Matt Meola placed fourth in the Airshow and hucked the biggest backside air reverse and the crowd went nuts! Unfortunately the judges deemed that he didn't ride through it. But none-the-less he was still awarded the "Move of The Day" for an air he landed the prior day and he had the crowd stoked on his performance through out the event.
Congratulations to all competitors!
Mountain Mommas (Girls)
1. Malia Manuel
2. Lauren Sweeney
3. Kaleigh Gilchrist
4. Demi Boelsterli
Porch Babies (Groms)
1. Ezekiel Lau
2. Ian Crane
3. Ian Gentil
4. Kolohe Andino
Grasshoppers (Air Show)
1. Torrey Meister
2. Killian Garland
3. Gavin Beschen
4. Matt Meola
Electric Bolt Thrower Move Of The Day Award:
Matt Meola
California Timmy Reyes surfed through 4 rounds at the Reef Haleiwa Pro and has now jumped out for contention of a Triple Crown victory. Along with fellow Huntington resident they were the highest placing mainland surfers in the prestigious event. Timmy's run ended in the quarters with a wave starved heat, but despite the loss the result has now put him into position to have a strong possiblity to win the Triple Crown. Timmy has perforned well at both Sunset and Pipeine and is looking forward to ending the year on a strong note.
The waiting period for the O'Neill World Cup at Sunset Beach starts today so go to aspworldtour.com or oneill.com for latest information.
Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA) won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 4-Star O’Neill Cold Water Classic in great four-to-six foot surf in front of his home crowd at Steamer Lane. Young defeated fellow finalists Chris Waring (Seal Beach, CA), 21, Granger Larsen (Lahaina, HI), 18, and Sean Moody (North Shore, HI), 25, and reclaimed the O’Neill Cold Water Classic title for the Santa Cruz locals in a close Final.
The ASP WQS offers valuable ratings points towards qualification for the ASP World Tour. Each surfer looks to earn a top 15 position on the ASP WQS by year’s end in order to qualify for the ASP Dream Tour for the following year.
Young came out on top after a nail-biting Final against his fellow competitors. The Steamer Lane local displayed some of the best backside surfing throughout the event and continued his amazing form to claim the O’Neill Cold Water Classic win.
“I’m super excited,” Young said. “I lost in the junior’s and just wanted to do good in this. Just making the Final in this was good, and to win it…”
Young’s Final berth came after a long day of competition. The goofy-footer won both his Quarterfinals and Semifinals heats in the last few minutes of each heat on the way to his event victory. Young ousted fellow Santa Cruz locals Jason Collins (Santa Cruz, CA), 34, and Randy Bonds (Santa Cruz, CA), 31, in his Semifinals heat, taking top honors over his local idols.
“It’s been a long day,” Young said. “I’ve been in my wetsuit since about 7 a.m. and I squeaked through a couple of heats and made the Final and everyone was surfing so good.”
Young also finished second on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and will go to Australia to represent America at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. Young is looking forward to his first experience at the contest in Narrabeen, Australia.
“It’s my first time in that contest, so I’m excited,” Young said. “There’s a bunch of good guys there and it’s going to be a great learning experience.
Larsen, who finished third, caught a wave in the last few seconds of the Final and could have potentially stolen the lead from Young. Unfortunately for Larsen, he did not find the score needed to take the win, but still was happy with his first ASP WQS Final appearance.
“This is my first WQS Final so I’m really psyched right now,” Larsen said. “I’m just stoked to be in the Final and I’m super psyched, just over the moon.”
Larsen ousted local standout Bud Freitas (Santa Cruz, CA), 24, with an impressive performance in his Semifinals heat. Freitas had been unstoppable up until the Semifinals, earning some of the event’s highest scores, but Larsen notched the score needed in the last few minutes of his heat to end the local’s chances at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic title.
“My board was working good on those medium sized ones, and those are the best waves that come in,” Larsen said. “I had one that was a full horseshoe that was coming at me and I was able to hit it at the end.”
The O’Neill Cold Water Classic also marked the final event on the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series, an ASP specialty series, which offered an additional $ 15,000 prize purse to the series winner. Micah Byrne (Huntington Beach, CA), 27, claimed this year’s Trifecta title and $ 10,000 paycheck by advancing into the Semifinals.
“I’m so stoked,” Byrne said. “I knew I had a lot of ground to make up in the beginning because of Asher (Nolan), and Kieran (Horn) is almost guaranteed a Final here every time, so I wasn’t stressed until the last day or two. I couldn’t even sleep last night.”
Asher Nolan (Jacksonville, FL), 30, with an equal 33rd finish in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic came in second on the Trifecta to pocket $ 3,500. Nate Yeomans (San Clemente, CA) who didn’t compete in the event, finished third and garnered $ 1,500 in the final Trifecta standings thanks to a strong performance at Lower Trestles and the win at the Oakley Newport Beach Pro.
Complete results, images and video highlights available at www.coldwaterclassic.net
Special thanks to the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, Oakley Pro Junior and Macy’s CA Trifecta supporting sponsors: O’Neill, Oakley, Macy’s, Red Bull, Coors, Fosters, Palm, SURFER Magazine, SURFING Magazine, WaveWatch.com and FUEL TV. For more information on the Macy's California Trifecta Surf Series visit www.catrifecta.com
O’Neill Cold Water Classic Results:
Final:
1 – Nat Young (USA) 13.87
2 – Chris Waring (USA) 13.84
3 – Granger Larsen (HAW) 12.93
4 – Sean Moody (HAW) 11.94
Semifinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Granger Larsen (HAW) 13.87, Chris Waring (USA) 13.84, Micah Byrne (USA) 13.36, Bud Freitas (USA) 6.80
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 12.67, Sean Moody (USA) 12.43, Randy Bonds (USA) 11.00, Jason Collins (USA) 7.60
Quarterfinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Micah Byrne (USA) 10.77, Granger Larsen (HAW) 9.37, David Gonsalves (HAW) 7.50, Mason Ho (HAW) 7.34
Heat 2: Bud Freitas (USA) 13.50, Chris Waring (USA) 11.50, Chad Compton (USA) 10.40, Blake Howard (USA) 7.24
Heat 3: Jason Collins (USA) 14.66, Randy Bonds (USA) 11.16, Matt King (USA) 8.10, Kyle Garson (USA) 7.34
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) 14.67, Sean Moody (HAW) 10.80, Shaun Ward (USA) 10.34, Cory Lopez (USA) 7.70
Macy’s CA Trifecta WQS Results:
1 – Micah Byrne (Huntington Beach, CA) $ 10,000
2 – Asher Nolan (Jacksonville, FL) $ 3,500
3 – Nate Yeomans (San Clemente, CA) $ 1,500
MASON HO CLAIMS OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR ASP NORTH AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIPS;
SEBASTIAN ZIETZ TAKES MACY’S CA TRIFECTA
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct 26, 2008 – Mason Ho (North Shore, HI), 20, won the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships, an ASP Grade-3 event, in four-to-six foot surf at Santa Cruz’s coveted Steamer Lane this afternoon by posting the highest heat total of the event, a near perfect 19.10 out of a possible 20, leaving fellow finalists Jayke Sharp (Coffs Harbor, AUS), 19, Fisher Heverly (Emerald Isle, NC), 17, and Bruno Rodrigues (Huntington Beach, CA), 20, in a combination situation.
All ASP North America Pro Junior competitors have been working throughout the year to compile their top six results out of the 10 events on the series in hopes of finishing in the top five overall. The top five surfers earn a berth into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. This year’s top five surfers Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19, who claimed the ASP North America Pro Junior title, Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), 15, Travis Beckmann (Vero Beach, FL), 20, and Blake Jones (Melbourne, FL), 20, will represent North America against the world’s finest junior competitors in Narrabeen, Australia, where each surfer will have a chance to claim the title of ASP World Junior Champion.
Ho proved to be the Oakley Pro Junior competitor to beat, jumping out to an early lead in the pumping Steamer Lane surf. The young Hawaiian earned the top honors with an explosive variety of maneuvers, earning a near perfect score.
“It just feels good to know that hard work pays off,” Ho said. “The reward is great and it’s just cool to win one.”
Ho was thrilled to claim a win in the pumping surf. Despite the cold water, Ho felt right at home at Steamer Lane, stating that the Lane reminded him of Sunset, his home break in Hawaii.
“My Uncle helped me with my heats and my board was just really good,” Ho said. “My board is pretty beat up, but the waves were just so good. It kind of reminds me of my home break, Sunset. It’s so sick. I’m so stoked.”
Sharp proved why he is rated fourth on the ASP Australasia pro junior series with an impressive performance at this year’s Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships. Sharp was one to watch throughout the event, but could not top the near-flawless performance displayed by Ho.
“It’s good to come over here and see how I do,” Sharp said. “I just got a little bit stuck out there and got caught up in the hassling out there and I didn’t really get any good waves, but good job to Mason.”
Although Sharp’s result does not affect the ASP Pro Junior ratings, Sharp will surf against the top North Americans in this year’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. The regular-footer made a visit to the states, stamping a lasting impression on his fellow competitor’s minds with his performance here at Santa Cruz.
“I’m looking forward to World’s,” Sharp said. “I’m hoping that Mason (Ho) can qualify through Hawaii so that we can have a rematch.
Rodrigues needed to win the event in order to qualify for the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, but could not advance past the amazing surfing by Ho and finished in third. Pagan, who also was a standout in the event, finished in a respectable fourth place overall.
Tanner Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 20, who did not compete in the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships, will accompany the top five ASP North America Pro Junior surfers in Narrabeen via the ASP WQS. Gudauskas was the top ASP WQS competitor of junior age from America, earning him a berth into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships again this year.
The contest also marks the last of three events held in the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series (an ASP North America Specialty Series), which offers an additional ,000 prize purse to its top three finishers. Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI), 20, claimed the top honors and ,000 in this year’s series despite his equal 25th place finish at Steamer Lane. Zietz won the Oakley Pro Junior at Lower Trestles and placed seventh at the Oakley Pro Junior in Newport Beach, which proved enough to claim the added prize purse for the junior division.
“Being down here today at the contest, I knew there was a rare chance for me to win the Trifecta,” Zietz said. “Everybody who needed to win just one more heat ended up losing and I just got really lucky. I’m super stoked though, party tonight.”
Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA) pocketed $ 1,000 for second place on the Macy’s CA Trifecta and Fisher Heverly snagged ,000 for third after finishing equal fifth in Santa Cruz.
This event marks the Final contest on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and the top six surfers mentioned above will surf in January in Narrabeen, Australia against the world’s best junior competitors.
The Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships in Santa Cruz marks the last of 10 events held on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, with six of the surfers top 10 results added up throughout the year to determine each competitors rating. The top five surfers at year’s end earn their spot to compete in the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia each January.
Complete results, images and video highlights are available at www.coldwaterclassic.net
Special thanks to the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, Oakley Pro Junior and Macy’s CA Trifecta supporting sponsors: O’Neill, Oakley, Macy’s, Red Bull, Coors, Fosters, Palm, SURFER Magazine, SURFING Magazine, WaveWatch.com and FUEL TV. For more information on the Macy's California Trifecta Surf Series visit www.catrifecta.com
Oakley Pro Junior ASP North American Championship Results
Final:
1 - Mason Ho (HAW) 19.10
2 - Jayke Sharp (AUS) 11.47
3 - Bruno Rodrigues (USA) 11.00
4 - Matt Pagan (USA) 6.67
Semifinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Mason Ho (HAW) 12.53, Bruno Rodrigues (USA) 11.83, Cody Thompson (USA) 9.33, Luke Davis (USA) 7.77
Heat 2: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 13.84, Matt Pagan (USA) 9.93, Fisher Heverly (USA) 7.03, Austin Smith-Ford (USA) 5.87
Quarterfinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 3: Austin Smith-Ford (USA) 10.94, Fisher Heverly (USA) 9.50, Nat Young (USA) 9.47, Gabe Garcia (USA) 8.73
Heat 4: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 16.37, Matt Pagan (USA) 10.84, Heath Joske (USA) 10.70, Michael Dunphy (USA) 6.17
Macy’s CA Trifecta Oakley Pro Junior Results
1 – Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI) $ 7,000
2 – Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA) $ 2,000
3 – Fisher Heverly (Emerald Isle, NC) $ 1,000
