Surf News

HONOLULU (April 12, 2009) – One event remains for the Hard Rock Cafe Surf Series following the conclusion of event #10 at Kaka’ako, Oahu, this weekend. Time is running out for Hawaii’s top amateurs to qualify for the 2009 State Championships to be held at Ala Moana Bowls in June. The final qualifying event will be held at Kewalo’s on May 2nd and 3rd. Entries are still open for all divisions.

Between six and nine surfers from each division of the Hawaii Surfing Association (HSA) Hard Rock Cafe Series on Oahu will qualify for States. Those on the cusp include newly crowned Quiksilver ISA U16 World Junior Champion Keanu Asing, Waimanalo’s Ha’a Aikau, and super-charged North Shore menehune Makana Pang and Finn McGill.

Among those who solidified their place at States with strong performances this weekend were Kainoa Haas, who won the Junior division; Kalani David, who won the menehune 2A division; and Makaha’s Micah Liana, 11, who solidified his growing reputation as a new-wave waterman by qualifying for three divisions: standup paddle surfing, bodyboarding, and longboarding.

Competitors enjoyed super fun two-foot surf at Kaka’ako “Flies” for the penultimate evet and will be looking for more of the same when the Series resumes at Kewalos next month.

(Complete results below.)

All Smiles… What the Hard Rock Cafe Surf Series is all about.
Super-grom Makana Pang (right) claimed his third consecutive menehune 1A win this weekend and shared the joy with good friend and fellow finalist Kuio Young (left), who placed fourth.
Photo mahalo: Bernie Baker

Remaining Event of the Hard Rock Cafe Surf Series:
Kewalos, May 2,3
(Hawaii State Champs, Ala Moana Bowls, June 4,5,6)

For more information or to enter events: www.hasasurf.org
Media Contact: events@bigwaveshawaii.com

RESULTS: HARD ROCK CAFE SURF SERIES, by HSA – Event #10 of 11
Surfers listed in order of finish.

JUNIOR MEN: Kainoa Haas, Kylen Yamakawa, Christian Pendelton, EJ Mitsui
MEN: Davin Jaime
MASTER: Scott Shimoda
SENIOR MEN: Sheldon Poirier, Richard Tom, Egan Inoue, Stephen OBrien, Shannon Silva, Matt Kenny
GRANDMASTER: Kal Faurot, Raymond Shito, Tommy Reyes, Beau Hodge
OPEN MEN: Scott Shimoda, Davin Jaime, Kaito Kino, Matt Oshiro, Sheldon Poirier, Richard Tom
GIRLS: Mahina Maeda, Maili Enos Branigan, Kaili Rodman, Kelly Graf, Tia Blanco, Makani Adric
WOMEN: Dana Tortuga, Izumi Baldwin, Mari Sullivan, Jennifer Lee, Laurie Rodman, Susan Nishida
MENEHUNE 1A: Makana Pang, Michael Ikalani, Vincent Starn, Kuio Young, Devin Brueggemann, Christopher Bluthardt
MENEHUNE 2A: Kalani David, Mo Freitas, Noa Mizuno, Christopher Bluthardt, Vincent Starn, Michael Ikalani
BOYS 2A: Kaito Kino, Cole Yamakawa, Alex Pendleton, Lucas Godfrey, Austin Vicente, Jordan Brueggemann
BODYBOARD BOYS: Booboo Cazimero, Keali’i Alapai
JUNIOR MEN LONGBOARD: Nelson Ahina
BODYBOARD MEN: James Clancy
DROPKNEE: James Clancy
MENEHUNE LONGBOARD: Kui Adric, Vincent Starn, Makani Adric, Micah Liana
MASTER  LONGBOARD: Shane Hamamoto
MEN LONGBOARD: Justin Matsui, Daniel Teijeiro, Ma Ah Hee, Dane McCallum
SENIOR MEN LONGBOARD: Frederico Algono, Gino Bell, John Quisano, Alika Wills, Gavin Hasegawa
GIRLS LONGBOARD: Kui Adric, Makani Adric, Tia Blanco, Kelly Graf, Tracy Pruse, Nicole Brueggemann
WOMEN LONGBOARD: Stacia Ahina, Mimi Horiuchi, Dana Tortuga, Heather Faustin, Jennifer Lee, Ashely Ahina
LEGENDS LONGBOARD:Layton Sun, Tommy Reyes, Raymond Shito, Stephen Katayama, Lance Ohata, Warren Hoohuli
OPEN LONGBOARD: Justin Matsui, Mau Ah Hee, Nelson Ahina, Daniel Teijeiro, Gavin Hasegawa, Dane McCallum
STANDUP PADDLE: Chris Martin, Alika Willis, Micah Liana

Check www.hasasurf.org for results and ratings

Tags: Hard Rock Cafe, Hawaii, Oahu, Surf

KIRRA, Australia (Wednesday, March 11, 2009) – Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, has won the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile, defeating fellow finalist Adriano de Souza (BRA), 22, in solid six-to-eight foot (3 metre) surf at Kirra.

After a 12-year hiatus, today’s action brought the ASP World Tour back to Kirra for the Finals of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Whilst it was not classic Kirra, the challenging conditions at the historic pointbreak offered churning barrels with massive scoring potential.

Parkinson, winner of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in 2002, was fearless from the outset in the hard-fought Final, collecting an excellent 8.83 out of a possible 10 on his opening ride, breaking his board in the process.

“That first wave was a good one but I came down funny on the floater and buckled my board,” Parkinson said. “I came in and just got energized when I heard the score and everyone on the beach really pumped me up. The crowd is awesome. There are so many people. Down here you don’t really see it, but from the water you can see the crowd on the hill and all along Coolangatta and even down Kirra Point. I could hear them roaring – it was amazing.”

The hometown favorite would return to the lineup to collect a bevy of high scores, including a 7.50 and an 8.17, before nailing his second perfect 10 of the day, pushing his heat total to an unsurpassable 18.84 out of a possible 20.

“I was thinking it has been a long time between drinks [ASP World Tour event wins],” Parkinson said. “Until the hooter blew, I didn’t know what emotion to feel. It’s the kind of thing where you’re surrounded by a lot of people and it’s not until you pull yourself back and you’re together with family and friends, that’s really when you feel all of your emotions. Right now I’m on a high and I’m buzzing, it will be a few hours to let it all sink in.”

Parkinson now sits atop the ASP World Tour ratings, in excellent position for his 2009 campaign for the ASP World Title.

“There’s still a long way to go and there are a lot of dangerous surfers out there,” Parkinson said. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. It is a long year with a lot of stops [on the Dream Tour]. It is going to be a great year.”

De Souza, former ASP World Junior Champion and into his first Final ever in an ASP World Tour event, was unable to find a rhythm against Parkinson, only grabbing a 7.00 out of a possible 10 as a noteworthy score.

“I saw Kirra break a couple of years ago but I am too young to have seen it break like it has in the past,” De Souza said. “These are the best waves so far during my time in Australia. I am really glad with everything. Second Place for me is an amazing result. I will just keep trying to do the same thing at the next event.”

Despite not claiming the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, De Souza’s Runner-Up finish today sees him rocket to No. 2 on the ASP World Tour ratings, putting himself in excellent position for the season ahead.

“It was my first Final ever so I’m happy and glad with my performance,” De Souza said. “I will just try to keep focused and determined for the rest of the year. It is amazing for me. It is a big thing that has happened in my life this Final.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 27, former ASP World Champion (2007) and two-time past winner of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (’05, ’07), surfed the heat of the event this morning, narrowly going down to Parkinson, 19.93 to 17.66.

“Cyclone Hamish turned it on for us,” Fanning said. “It’s one of those days where you can have one of the best surfs of your life or one of the worst surfs of your life. It wasn’t the best surf of my life, but it was definitely up there.”

The incredible conditions provided the ideal forum for the two locals to raise the performance bar, and while the lead flip-flopped several times throughout the Semifinal, it was Parkinson’s perfect 10 that would nail the coffin shut.

“I didn’t see Joel’s 9.90 but I saw his 10,” Fanning said. “When his head popped out, I knew. I said to myself I would give that a 10. Congratulations to him, he surfed an awesome heat.”

Taj Burrow (AUS), 30, finished Equal 3rd at today’s Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, going down to eventual event Runner-Up De Souza in Semifinal 2.

“I felt really lost at sea,” Burrow said. “It was a total lucky dip, then the wind squall came through and it got even more wild and washed out. Every time a wave came that looked any good, Adriano [de Souza] was sitting next to me with priority. I was just really unlucky. Last time I surfed here, I got a perfect 10 as a wildcard, so I have good memories of Kirra. I would have loved a 10 at the end of that heat. I’m just looking forward to the next event now.”

Highlights from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be available via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

The next stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour will be the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach from April 7 – 18, 2009.

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.83
2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.30

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19.93 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.66
SF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.84 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 5.34

CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 5:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 1200 points
2. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 1032 points
3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 876 points
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 876 points
5. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 732 points
5. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 732 points
5. Adrian Buchan (AUS)732 points
5. Damien Hobgood (USA) 732 points

Tags: Australia, Quiksilver, Surf

SNAPPER ROCKS, Australia (Monday, March 9, 2009) – The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile completed the remaining eight heats of Round 3 today in three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Snapper Rocks, and ASP Dream Tour sophomores Jordy Smith (ZAF), 21, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, dominated the day’s proceedings.

The opening event of the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast saw the ASP Top 45 light up the rippable banks of Snapper Rocks, and with reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, out of competition, the remaining surfers in the event took full advantage.

Smith, current ASP World No. 26, survived a hard-fought battle against veteran Taylor Knox (USA), 37, posting the day’s high heat total of a 16.47 out of a possible 20 for his progressive-yet-controlled surfing in Round 3 of the Quiksilver Pro.

“Taylor (Knox) is such a great surfer,” Smith said. “If he gets any opportunity, just like we saw on his last wave, he can turn it into a good score. He always surfs really well at Snapper so I was trying to surf a smart heat and find some good waves.”

Smith will face current ASP World No. 2 Bede Durbidge (AUS), 25, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

Reynolds, who scored the first perfect 10 of the 2009 ASP World Tour season in his Round 2 heat, maintained his command of the Snapper Rocks lineup today, putting in an explosive performance to eliminate Roy Powers (HAW), 28, from Quiksilver Pro competition.

“It’s an awesome wave here at Snapper Rocks,” Reynolds said. “I’m stoked to be able to get out there and let loose on a couple. I try to just go out there and surf as if I was surfing my favorite break at home.”

Reynolds continues to push the limits of high-performance surfing, effortlessly executing tail-drifts and aerial maneuvers to net the highest single-wave score of the day, a near-perfect 9.40 out of a possible 10.

“I try not to think about it until I am out there on a wave,” Reynolds said. “Then you get that killer instinct and you really want to tear it up and do whatever you can.”

The Californian will come up against iconic veteran Taj Burrow (AUS), 30, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

When the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast competition recommences, Round 4 will open up with former ASP World Champion C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, up against ASP Dream Tour sophomore Jihad Khodr (BRA), 25.

Highlights from today’s Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be available via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 2: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (FRA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 8: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Dustin Barca (HAW) 6.50
Heat 2: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 18.26 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 16.30
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.67 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 8.27
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.50 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.50
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.10 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 14.50
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.83 def. Nic Muscroft (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (AUS) 14.34 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 9.00
Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.84
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.34 def. Jay Thompson (AUS) 12.70
Heat 10: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.47 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 14.17
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.16 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 10.46
Heat 12: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 11.70 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.00
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.74 def. Drew Courtney (AUS) 11.16
Heat 14: Dane Reynolds (USA) 15.23 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 13.87
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.10 def. Tim Boal (FRA) 10.40
Heat 16: Tom Whitaker 11.33 def. David Weare (ZAF) 11.16

Tags: Australia, Surf

SNAPPER ROCKS, Australia (Sunday, March 8, 2009) – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 21, reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion, has won the Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile, defeating Melanie Bartels (HAW), 26, in the Final to claim the inaugural event on the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour.

Gilmore wasted no time in the Final, securing the day’s high single-wave score of a 9.57 out of a possible 10 on her opening wave for a fluid series of fin releases and power carves.

“It was a really little wave,” Gilmore said. “I had a few flashbacks from 2005 where I was trying to pick off the little ones that were going to grow down the line. Today it just so happened I picked a good one. It is important to get a good start and get a lead early in the heat.”

Gilmore’s victory today at Snapper Rocks marks her fourth consecutive win on the ASP Women’s World Tour, having claimed the last three events of the 2008 season, and puts her well on the path to a third consecutive ASP Women’s World Title.

“It’s a new start for me,” Gilmore said. “To win on your home turf, in front of all these people, it’s unbelievable.”

The phenomenal natural-footer has been a perennial event favorite at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast since claiming the title as a 17-year-old wildcard in 2005. Despite her extensive local knowledge, Gilmore had failed to secure a solid result at home since beginning her ASP Dream Tour campaign until today.

“This win is definitely more satisfying,” Gilmore said. “In 2005, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe I achieved it, but this time around it’s pleasing to know that I’ve come off a season as world champ, and I’ve done some training, so to come back out here today and win makes you feel really good.”

Bartels struggled to secure a scoring wave in the first half of the Final, only able to a post 7.50 out of a possible 10 with under five minutes to go.

“I am ecstatic right now,” Bartels said. “Surfing against Steph (Gilmore) in a heat is always a challenge for me. I know how good she is. I knew I needed to put up big scores, but no waves came through. She surfed unreal and I am just glad that I got to surf Snapper with one other person out.”

Despite the disappointing showing in Final, Bartels’ runner-up finish sees the Hawaiian rocket up the ratings from ASP World No. 7 to No. 2 heading into the rest of the season.

“To get a good result at the beginning of the year gives momentum to go into the next event and feel a little bit more confident and relaxed,” Bartels said. “I’ll just work on my surfing and see what mistakes I have done in this contest and just hope for the better in the next and try not to make the same mistakes.”

Coco Ho (HAW), 17, 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour rookie, put on an inspiring performance in the Semifinals, falling just short to eventual runner-up Bartels to finish equal 3rd.

“It feels good,” Ho said. “I’m really happy for Melanie as well. She was surfing so well out there and got the better of every exchange. With ten minutes remaining, I was just like, ’I am out at Snapper with just Mel (Bartels),’ and I am just going to focus on getting as many waves as I can and just push every turn.”

Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, fellow 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie, had an impressive run at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, before falling to eventual winner Gilmore in Semifinal 1.

“Steph (Gilmore) is the local favorite and world champ,” Hareb said. “She has everything going for her at the moment. It would have been good to meet her in the Final, but I’m still happy with making it to the Semifinals.”

Requiring only an average score to take the lead in her Semifinal heat, Hareb grabbed a roping righthander with the clock ticking and belted a first turn before getting caught up in her second maneuver.

“I’m a little bit disappointed about the last wave which I came off,” Hareb said. “I knew I could have won the heat with that wave.”

Hareb finished equal 3rd at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast and now sits No. 3 on the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour ratings.

Highlights from the Roxy Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile will be available via www.roxypro.com.au

The next stop on the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour is the Rip Curl Women’s Pro presented by Ford New Fiesta at Bells Beach from April 8 – 13, 2009.

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.07
2 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.50

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.33 def. Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.16
SF 2: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 17.34 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 13.27

CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR RATINGS:
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 1200
2 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 972
3 – Paige Hareb (NZL) 756
3 – Coco Ho (HAW) 756
5 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 552
5 – Rebecca Woods (AUS) 552
5 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 552
5 – Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 552
9 – Silvana Lima (BRA) 360
9 – Amee Donohoe (AUS) 360
9 – Samantha Cornish (AUS) 360
9 – Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 360
9 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 360
9 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 360
9 – Alana Blanchard (HAW) 360
9 – Megan Abubo (HAW) 360
17 – Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 180
18 – Layne Beachley (AUS) 0

Tags: Australia, Gilmore, Roxy, Surf, Woman surfing

SNAPPER ROCKS, Australia (Sunday, March 8, 2009) – The first eight heats of Round 3 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile were completed today in three-foot (1 metre) waves at Snapper Rocks, and wildcard Julian Wilson (AUS), 20, caused the upset of the season in eliminating reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, from competition.

The opening event of the 2009 ASP World Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast commenced Round 3 action this afternoon following the completion of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast this morning, won by reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 21.

Wilson, who is surfing in his third Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast as a wildcard, wasted no time in taking it to Slater in the last heat of the day, racking up a 6.83 out of a possible 10 to open up before sealing the deal with an 8.50 out of a possible 10.

“I’m over the moon right now,” Wilson said. “I was so nervous before that heat just thinking about what I could do to beat Kelly [Slater]. For so long, he has been unstoppable. I started the heat on the inside and got the first wave, which is what I wanted to do. It feels so good to beat him.”

Slater, who was riding an unconventional board that was shorter and wider than his usual equipment, never found a rhythm in the tricky afternoon conditions, and despite some mind-blowing, singular maneuvers, was never able to link together a complete wave.

“The waves I got were bad,” Slater said. “I surfed alright on one wave and I am frustrated obviously, but I would have had the same result with the best board of my life so it definitely wasn’t the equipment thing. A lot people want to put it down on that, but I am excited about my boards and I have a lot more fun riding these boards.”

While Wilson certainly held the most dramatic heat of the day, fellow Australians and Coolangatta kids Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, and Mick Fanning (AUS), 27, shined at their home break, posting some of the highest scores of the season.

Parkinson, current ASP World No. 4 and former winner of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (2002), posted the highest heat total of the day, and 18.50 out of a possible 20, for his unparalleled command of the Snapper Rocks lineup.

“I had that really positive vibe,” Parkinson said. “It’s so good to be surfing back at Snapper. I like this wave so much more and I think it shows in my performance.”

The stylish natural-footer was in particularly lethal form in his Round 3 heat, given that he was up against dangerous ASP Dream Tour sophomore Tiago Pires (PRT), 28.

“I always think a new year resets itself and everything starts fresh again,” Parkinson said. “Tiago (Pires) was honestly one of the most under-rated surfers last year. Hopefully he can get some strides and get some momentum for the rest of the year.”

Fanning, former ASP World Champion and two-time past winner of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (2005, 2007), was another to decimate Snapper Rocks this afternoon, posting an excellent 18.10 out of a possible 20 to eliminate 2009 ASP World Tour rookie Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23.

When Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 3 action recommences, up first will be current ASP World No. 2 Bede Durbidge (AUS), 25, against replacement surfer Jay Thompson (AUS), 25.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6am for a possible 7am start.

Highlights from today’s Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast action are available via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Dustin Barca (HAW) 6.50
Heat 2: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 18.26 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 16.30
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.67 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 8.27
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.50 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.50
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.10 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 14.50
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.83 def. Nic Muscroft (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (AUS) 14.34 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 9.00
Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.84

REMAINING QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 12: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 14: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW0
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tim Boal (FRA)
Heat 16: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. David Weare (ZAF)

Tags: Australia, Kelly Slater

NAPPER ROCKS, Australia (Saturday, March 7, 2009) – After nearly a week of lay days, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile roared back to life today, with the world’s best surfers exploding at Duranbah Beach and Snapper Rocks.

Event No. 1 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast opened up the day’s proceedings with the first eight heats of the elimination Round 2 at nearby Duranbah Beach before relocating back to the primary site of Snapper Rocks to finish the day out.

Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, 2009 ASP Dream Tour sophomore, scored the first perfect 10 of the 2009 ASP World Tour season for an incredible righthander in which he linked a barrage of high-performance maneuvers including a massive double-grab aerial seamlessly flowing into another exciting air reverse.

“It was a nice wave, it was begging for it,” Reynolds said. “I’m pretty excited as I’ve never gotten a 10 before. I think the more I just think about the wave and the less I think about a heat, the better I end up surfing. I have less pressure on myself that way.”

Reynolds’ elimination of friend and neighbor Nathaniel Curran (USA), 24, 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie, in Round 2 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, was a combination of his historic talent combined with an uncharacteristic tactical approach during the heat, utilizing priority to take a scoring wave off of Curran.

“There is less of a build up this year because the rivalry between Jordy [Smith] and myself has been forgotten,” Reynolds said. “Last year, I tried my hardest not to think about it, but it was difficult to surf under that pressure and always having Jordy [Smith] on the back of my mind. It really messed with me mentally.”

Reynolds will face Roy Powers (HAW), 28, in Round 3 when Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast competition resumes.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 21, fellow ASP Dream Tour sophomore, exacted his revenge upon veteran Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, in a nail-biting Round 2 heat today. Morrison was the surfer who ousted Smith from Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast competition last year, and while both surfers scored the exact same heat total of a 14.50 out of a possible 20 today, it was Smith getting the nod with his 8.67 high single-wave score.

“Dean [Morrison] knows these waves so well,” Smith said. “I lost to him at this event last year. About halfway through the heat, I knew I had to get a good wave and managed to net an 8.50. I was lucky it held up for me the whole way.”

Into his second year on the prestigious ASP World Tour, Smith is enjoying the experience gained during his rookie season and the lifted weight of expectation.

“Last year was so black and white, right and wrong between Dane (Reynolds) and I,” Smith said. “This year, it’s cool that we are both the underdogs. All eyes are on everybody else so hopefully we can sneak through the doggy door.”

Smith will battle veteran Taylor Knox (USA), 32, in Round 3 when competition resumes.

Drew Courtney (AUS), 30, 2009 ASP World Tour rookie, caused the upset of the day when he ousted current ASP World No. 9 Bobby Martinez (USA), 26, from Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast competition in Round 2.

“There weren’t many waves at the start of the heat but I managed to get off to a nice start with a 6.50-point ride,” Courtney said. “Bobby (Martinez) followed that with a pretty similar score and then I managed to get a 7-point ride. From there, I just sat on him for the rest of the heat. Bobby is capable of anything so I just held priority and sat next to him.”

Courtney will face current ASP World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS), 30, in Round 3 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast when competition resumes.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6am for a possible 7am start.

Highlights from today’s Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be available via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

The Roxy Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile will be on standby today for a possible 11 am call, conditions permitting.

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.00 def. Daniel Wills (AUS) 8.67
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.56 def. Corey Ziems (AUS) 10.27
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 15.33 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 10.06
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.33 def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 10.50
Heat 5: Drew Courtney (AUS) 13.60 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.53
Heat 6: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 15.53 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 12.73
Heat 7: Dustin Barca (HAW) 11.34 def. Chris Ward (USA) 9.50
Heat 8: David Weare (ZAF) 15.73 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 15.50
Heat 9: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 14.26 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 13.67
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 15.33 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 8.83
Heat 11: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.34 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.74
Heat 12: Chris Davidson (AUS) 16.67 def. Michael Picon (FRA) 12.34
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA) 18.83 def. Nathaniel Curran (USA) 13.24
Heat 14: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.00 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.50
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.50 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.50
Heat 16: Roy Powers (HAW) 14.67 def. Ben Dunn (AUS) 12.23

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Dustin Barca (HAW)
Heat 2: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 3: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 12: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 14: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW0
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tim Boal (FRA)
Heat 16: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. David Weare (ZAF)

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS MATCH-UPS:
SF 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
SF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Tags: Australia

DURANBAH BEACH, Australia (Saturday, February 28, 2009) – The opening day of the 2009 ASP World Tour season got underway this morning, with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG completing Round 1 in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at the backup venue of Duranbah Beach.

Event No. 1 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast opted to mobilize from the primary site of Snapper Rocks to nearby Duranbah Beach this morning to take advantage of the increased wave heights on offer, and despite conditions being challenging at times, the world’s best surfers delivered an explosive opening day of competition.

Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning and nine-time ASP World Champion, took to experimenting with his equipment during Round 1, opting to ride an unconventional self-shaped, 5’4” round-tail quad en route to victory over Dayyan Neve (AUS), 30, and Daniel Wills (AUS), 33.

“I am surfing a little 5’4″ – a board I made actually – a pretty drastic change to what I normally ride but the tail is very similar,” Slater said. “This is the step I wanted to take when I went [to shorter boards] last year from 6’1″ to 5’10″ and I thought I was kind of stopping there but we’ll see. 5’4″ is too short and I might end up with a 5’6″ or a 5’7″.”

Historically candid about his intentions to compete full-time on the ASP World Tour, Slater has since committed to his interest in acquiring a 10th world crown, albeit with guarded apprehension.

“It looks good on paper but honestly I am not that consumed about it,” Slater said. “The only time I talk about is when people ask me. It’s just a nice round number, double digits, and it’s rare for people to get that in sports so it will be nice to make it.”

Julian Wilson (AUS), 20, gained entry into the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast as a wildcard, and went on to cause one of the biggest upsets of the day, defeating current ASP World No. 2 Bede Durbidge (AUS), 25, and Mikael Picon (FRA), 29, in Round 1 of competition.

“I had a little bit of pressure before that heat,” Wilson said. “I was anxious to get out there and get it done. But when I walked down before my heat, I saw my friends and family so I kind of relaxed and then went out there and got a couple of waves and made it. I haven’t made it passed the third round so I am really fired up to getting pass that round. I’ll probably get Kelly (Slater) in the third round so I’ll see what happens.”

Riding a fluorescent pink surfboard to raise awareness about breast cancer, Wilson’s progressive approach saw him execute a number of technical aerials and fin-free maneuvers before breaking his equipment in half during the latter stages of the heat.

“I just didn’t want Bede to get another wave so I took and tried a big air, snapped my board on the landing,” Wilson said. “It’s okay because I have a backup, but that was a really good board.”

Damien Hobgood (USA), 29, current ASP World No. 5, punctuated an otherwise mediocre-scoring day of competition with some scintillating backhand exhibitions, netting the highest heat total of the day, a 17.50 out of a possible 20, to defeat ASP Dream Tour sophomore Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 23, and twin brother, former ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 5, C.J. Hobgood (USA), 29, in Round 1 of competition.

“Obviously it was fun for me,” Hobgood said. “A lot of the waves came towards me, but C.J. and I were stoked because no one loses and it gives us a chance to loosen up a bit and not care as much. D’Bah is like Huntington where you paddle out there and it seems like all the waves are running away from you. I was lucky. I was in position for a lot of the sets.”

Once a perennial Top 10 finisher, Hobgood has seen recent seasons marred by injury. Now healthy and back to 100%, the Floridian goofy-footer will look to rebound in 2009.

“I haven’t been injured in a while so it feels really good,” Hobgood said. “I’ve been spending a lot of time in the water and on my boards. It’s good, I feel really comfortable.”

Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 23, took top honors for the 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookies today, netting the event’s highest single-wave score of a 9.33 out of a possible 10 to defeat Chris Davidson (AUS) and Kai Otton (AUS), 29.

“He [Chris Davidson] came out guns blazing,” Bacalso said. “I kept getting the first waves and he would get the second a smoke me on the exchange. I had my back against the fence and knew I had to bring out something special. I thought about Round 2 and did not want to be surfing in it, that’s everyone’s worst nightmare.”

Bacalso led fellow 2009 ASP World Tour rookies Tim Boal (FRA), 25, and Nic Muscroft (AUS), 26, in Round 1 victories. All surfers will advance directly to Round 3.

Jay Thompson (AUS), 25, caused another massive upset today, defeating heavily-touted local Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, and veteran power surfer Taylor Knox (USA), 37, in Round 1 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

“Surfing at home in front of the local crowd is just amazing,” Thompson said. “When you are a bit tired, you automatically get back out there with the support of the fans. It definitely makes a big difference.”

An ASP Dream Tour rookie in 2008, Thompson failed to requalify for the ASP World Tour this season, but entered into the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast as an alternate for the injured Luke Stedman (AUS), 32, who is out with broken toes.

“The position of being the replacement surfer does take a lot of pressure off me,” Thompson said. “I had such a terrible year last year and had a few criticisms and a few injuries but you see a lot of rookies in that position and they fall off first year and they come back hungrier so that’s the path for me hopefully. If I don’t get in all the events, it still is experience for 2010 so that’s why I will take it. But if there is a chance to surf a lot of events, I am going to surf hard and requalify through the ASP World Tour.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6am to assess conditions for a possible 7am start.

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile will be webcast LIVE via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

The event will incorporate the Roxy Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile, the opening event of the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour.

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.67, Dustin Barca 11.87, Dean Morrison (AUS) 9.70
Heat 2: Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.00, Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.00, Roy Powers (HAW) 7.27
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.83, Ben Dunn (AUS) 11.37, Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 8.76
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.80, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.00, Drew Courtney (AUS) 8.57
Heat 5: Heitor Alves (BRA) 13.67, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.30, Marlon Lipke (DEU) 10.27
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) 17.50, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.83, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 4.93
Heat 7: Jay Thompson (AUS) 13.67, Taylor Knox (USA) 12.67, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.00
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.17, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.00, Daniel Wills (AUS) 10.67
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.10, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.73, Mikael Picon (FRA) 9.06
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.50, Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.23, Corey Ziems (AUS) 8.80
Heat 11: Tim Boal (FRA) 15.84, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 13.94, Mick Campbell (AUS) 13.06
Heat 12: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 13.66, Nathaniel Curran (USA) 8.67, Chris Ward (USA) 8.50
Heat 13: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 17.33, Chris Davidson (AUS) 15.84, Kai Otton (AUS) 9.83
Heat 14: Nic Muscroft (AUS) 15.33, Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.90, Tim Reyes (USA) 9.57
Heat 15: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.50, Gabe Kling (USA) 11.07, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.60
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.60, Jihad Khodr (BRA) 9.61, David Weare (ZAF) 9.34

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Daniel Wills (AUS)
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Corey Ziems (AUS)
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 6: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Dustin Barca (HAW)
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 9: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 11: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 12: Michael Picon (FRA) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 14: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Mick Campbell (AUS)
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Dean Morrison (AUS)
Heat 16: Ben Dunn (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)

Tags: Australia, Surf, Triple Crown

DURANBAH BEACH, Australia (Friday, March 6, 2009) – The Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile recommenced this morning in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at nearby Duranbah Beach with athletes enduring three rounds of competition before deciding the Semifinalists by day’s end.

The opening event of the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour season, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast ran through Rounds 2 and 3 as well as the Quarterfinals today, with dramatic match-ups and barrier-breaking surfing entertaining the thousands on the beach and hundreds of thousands online.

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 21, reigning two-time ASP Women’s World Champion, was in sensational form today, besting replacement surfer Megan Abubo (HAW), 31, in Round 3 before ousting compatriot Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 25, in the Quarterfinals.

“It was a great heat with Chelsea (Hedges),” Gilmore said. “There was a lot of energy before we went down to the water and it just felt great. I love surfing with her, but it’s always hard. As I’ve said before, she’s probably the only girl I’ve ever competed against who can throw a 7 or 8 right back in your face at the start of a heat and it really fires me up. Of course, to come out on top is always a bonus.”

Gilmore, who has failed to secure a strong opening result in her two years on the ASP Women’s World Tour, is now into the Semifinals and looks to be the event favorite, securing the day’s high heat total of a 16.83 out of a possible 20 in her Round 3 heat.

“My last big result at home was when I was a wildcard at 17,” Gilmore said. “It’s always a treat to surf at home in front of your friends and family. Now that I’m through to the Semifinals, I’m feeling really good and hopefully, we’ll get to finish at Snapper Rocks.”

Gilmore will face 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Paige Hareb (NZL), 18, in Semifinal 1 when Roxy Pro Gold Coast competition recommences.

Hareb remains the sole goofy-footer in Roxy Pro competition, having bested veteran Amee Donohoe (AUS), 28, and fellow rookie Bruna Schmitz (BRA), 18, in Round 3 and he Quarterfinals respectively.

“My goal before coming into this was to make the Quarterfinals and I’m through to the Semis now so anything from here is a bonus,” Hareb said. “I’ve got my parents over here which helps me relax. I haven’t even surfed that much, just been cruising, it’s been good.”

Coco Ho (HAW), 17, fellow 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie and the youngest competitor in the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, caused the upset of the day this morning, eliminating current ASP World No. 2 Silvana Lima (BRA), 24, in Round 3.

“It was really exciting,” Ho said. “I had fun. Silvana scores 10’s so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the waves went my way. We can both get good scores, so it was just up to who got the better rides and towards the end of the heat, it went a bit quiet so I was lucky I got some early scores.”

Ho would go on to take down veteran Australian Rebecca Woods, 24, in the Quarterfinals to secure a Semifinals berth in her first ever event as a full—time ASP Women’s World Tour campaigner.

“I was really shaky about my first year knowing I was the lowest seed and knowing that I could eventually draw Steph [Gilmore] or Silvana [Lima],” Ho said. “It happened today and I came out on top. I couldn’t be happier with how I’ve gone so far.”

Ho will face fellow islander Melanie Bartels (HAW), 26, in Semifinal 2 when competition recommences.

The Semifinals at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast will be a truly international affair when competition resumes, with New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii all represented.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6am for a possible 7am start.

Highlights from today’s Roxy Pro Gold Coast action will be available via www.roxypro.com.au

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.73, Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 10.07, Ashleigh Smith (AUS) 7.83
Heat 2: Megan Abubo (HAW) 12.33, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 11.16, Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS) 9.43

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) 15.17 def. Amee Donohoe (AUS) 11.34
Heat 2: Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 13.50 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 13.43
Heat 3: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 14.00 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 11.90
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.83 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 8.40
Heat 5: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.33 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 11.50
Heat 6: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 13.50 def. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.50
Heat 7: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 15.40 def. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 12.86
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.83 def. Alana Blanchard (HAW) 6.70

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) 12.17 def. Bruna Schmitz (BRA) 8.20
QF 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.83 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 14.83
QF 3: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.34 def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 7.23
QF 4: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.57 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 11.50

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS MATCH-UPS:
SF 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
SF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Tags: Australia, Roxy, Woman surfing

A lay day has been called for the third consecutive day for both the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro’s presented by LG Mobile, with lumpy 1-2ft waves on offer on the Gold Coast today.

Both events are likely to run tomorrow with a new southerly pulse of swell expected to hit later today. Organisers will meet at 6am tomorrow to assess conditions.

When competition resumes in the ASP women’s world tour event, world no.3 Sofia Mulanovich will take on Brazilian Jacqueline Silva and event wildcard Ashleigh Smith in the first heat of sudden-death round two.

ROXY PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Ashleigh Smith (AUS)
Heat 2: Rebecca Woods (AUS), Jessi Miley Dyer (AUS), Megan Abubo (HAW)

Tags: Australia, Roxy, Triple Crown, Woman surfing