Updates from Churchill Distribution

Stuart Kennedy Notches Up His First Win at the Kus...

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:10:37 GMT

ASP Junior News

Stuart Kennedy Notches Up His First Win at the Kustom Jetty Surf Pro Junior

JAN JUC BEACH, Australia (Monday, January 14, 2008) - Stuart Kennedy (18 years/Lennox Head NSW) today joined a very prestigious list of past winning surfers that include Mick Fanning, Dean Morrison and Bede Durbridge by winning the 2008 Kustom Jetty Surf Pro Junior.

It was Kennedy’s best win of his career in solid surf 2m surf at Bells Beach. Kennedy peaked right on cue in the 30 minute grueling final with two excellent waves score of 8.65 and an 8.0 to take a very strong win over Gold Coast surfer Nick Vasicek whose two wave heat tally totaled 13.40.

It was also Kennedy’s first win on the ASP Australasia Pro Junior circuit and sets up his season with the Kustom Jetty Surf being the biggest points and prize money event for the year.

“So good to win and especially in these waves on the final day – I’ve actually been training really hard over the last 6 months and building my fitness and strength for a serious go on the circuit this year and straight away it seems to have paid off ! We had to surf four times in rough and large surf and I felt strong and confident in the final despite knowing that I was really tired – It’s great to win the opening event of the season and it’s the perfect start to try and win this series and qualify for the ASP World Junior Titles at the end of the year.”

It was also Vasicek’s (Coolangatta) best ever performance on the Pro Junior Circuit. The former Australian under 18 champion has been a consistent quarter finalist in these events but has never threatened to win until today.

“I’m naturally disappointed not to take out the final but still I feel good having achieved my best result – I’ve set myself goals of winning this year on this circuit and qualifying for the world’s so this is a great start – The waves were excellent today and I was confident going into the final but Stuart surfed a smarter final, picked the best waves and has obviously surfed them well to take the win.”

The biggest swell of the summer season greeted the surfers today and made for an excellent test of solid wave surfing along with endurance with the finalists required to surf four times.

International surfers looked like causing an upset today with Sth Africa’s Klee Strachan, French surfer Maxime Huscenot and Hawaiian Granger Larson all winning their early morning heats today. Strachan made it through to the semi finals after clashing with and defeating Larson in the quarter finals. He went down in a close semi to eventual winner Kennedy.

Fifteen year old Huscenot was also defeated in the quarter finals but gained some consolation by winning the Cadet Cup final which ran just prior to today’s Junior Men’s final.

Manly surfer Nick Riley was another to have notched up a great result today by making the semi finals where he was defeated by Vasicek. Equal 3rd placing for Riley is a strong opening result to a season that Riley is expected to be a serious challenger for the overall ratings.

Local surfer Josh Johnson – Baxter (Ocean Grove) was the best placed local surfer finishing 9th overall in what was his best ever result.

All competitors now head off to Victoria’s East Coast on the Mornington Peninsula for the second event on the series, the Ozmosis/Nova Pro Junior which runs at Gunnamatta Beach beginning on Wednesday and running through to Sunday January 20th.

The Kustom Jetty Surf Pro Junior is the first event for 2008 and the richest ASP Pro Junior event in the southern hemisphere and features $35,000 prize money across three divisions.

Class of 2007 Shines at the Billabong ASP World Ju...

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:32:17 GMT

Bug's Eye View

Class of 2007 Shines at the Billabong ASP World Junior Titles

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Friday, January 11th, 2007) - What an absolutely awesome week it was at North Narrabeen. The world’s premier Under 20 male and female surfers assembled to carve up classic Narra in the Billabong ASP World Junior Titles, the final official championships for 2007.

I’d have to say that over the years this has pretty much come to be one of my favourite events. You see such raw, unrestrained talent. Seedings go out the window as completely unknown kids put on phenomenal performances against the kids with reps. You see it all, juniors going for broke, juniors making rookie mistakes and overcoming them with pure flair, juniors surfing under the priority system for the first time and handling it like a pro.

The class of 07 is a wild bunch of rippers, there were kids in the field who already have huge reps, like Julian Wilson and John John Florence, there were those who were totally unknown talents unearthed, such as 3rd place getter Charles Martin from Guadalupe. This is where you see the sons and daughters of surfing greats making their own mark, like South Africa’s Rudy Palmboom and Brandon Jackson, and of course the Ho siblings Mason and Coco. It is so inspirational to witness these youngsters stepping out on their own, extending their parents heritage into the next generation of surfer.

Former World #2 Luke Egan ran a superb event. He managed the best swell of the events career with, well, the same aplomb he surfs with, running for 5 straight days from the get-go to wrap up both divisions in the same swell cycle. Bringing in the jet skis on the big day was a stroke of genius; it really gave the junior surfers a solid taste of big time surfing. Luke brings a certain calmness and confidence to the table, but he pays very close attention to the little things. It was in fact a decision made while looking at the waves at 10pm Saturday night, when 8 footers were still reeling off, that ensured total success.

The jet ski team had returned to Newcastle after a long day ferrying guys out in semi-wild conditions. Luke realised the swell was not backing off as forecast and decided to try and bring Reece and Josh back down with their skis. The boys were booked for a ski engagement on the Sunday but Luke coaxed them back and this move ensured the Junior Men’s Semi’s and Final would be run off at the perfect tide on a dropping swell. As it turned out he was able to run 25 minute heats all day using the jet ski assist option that ASP has implemented into WCT events.

The day was magnificent; barrels galore were the order of the day, particularly as the tide drew water off the main bank. The last couple years has seen an emphasis on aerial ballet but this edition of the Billabong ASP World Juniors was more traditional carving and tube riding, with additional junior flair. There were so many standouts, the Aussie trio of Owen Wright, Mitch Coleborn and Beau Atchison entertained throughout the morning, young Atchison surfing with the flash of a young Taj, while the overseas connection of Tanner Gudauskas and Nicholau Von Rupp were most impressive.

Actually, the Gudauskas clan had a huge weekend, Tanners brother Patrick taking out the 5 Star O’Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro to set up a double celebration. This family of shredding brothers from San Clemente are definitely on the rise, and because Pablo Paulino already has seeding rights on the 2008 WQS, Tanner, courtesy of his high finish last year, has the seeding rights passed onto him for this year. Germany’s Nicholau Von Rupp is another emerging talent; he cut his teeth in the versatile waves of Portugal and is now looking to capitalize on the emergence of Europe as a global force in the sport.

As stated earlier, Charles Martin surpassed his own expectations to secure a podium finish, the quiet teen from Guadalupe surfing with a maturity beyond his years. It was the finalists who stole the show. Tonino Benson is not only a super talent, he is a very likeable young man who could go a long way in surfing. Hailing from the Big Island, Tonino blends a fresh radical approach with an authoritative presence on a wave. He looked very solid on the big day and when the offshores cleaned it up on Sunday he was stood out from the pack.

Pablo Paulino joins Joel Parkinson as the only two time ASP World Junior Champions. Pablo came through the hardest part of the draw, he got some lucky breaks against the favourite Julian Wilson and danger man Mitch Coleborn, and then went on with the job, peaking at the right time and drawing on his experience to nail down an emphatic victory. Pablo has beefed up since we last saw him and the extra kilo’s converted into power, his carving forehand snaps a highlight of his repertoire.

The girls hit the water on Monday. In a diminishing swell, there were longish lulls but the set waves still offered plenty of performance. Big Louie opted for 30 minute heats and we were treated to mind-blowing , groundbreaking surfing. The amazing thing about it is that the vast majority of the standouts are only 16 or 17 years of age, so not only have they several years in this division but as they grow they will develop power in the surfing. If Stephanie Gilmore is the leading edge of a new wave of surfing, then this is the posse coming up in her wake.

Remember these names. Courtney Conlogue, Alessa Cuizon, Laura Enever, Sage Erikson, Paige Hareb, Coco Ho, Airini Mason, Pauline Ado, Leila Hurst, Nikita Robb, Kirby Wright, and of course Sally Fitzgibbons. These girls rip so hard it’s scary. The depth of women’s surfing was on show at Narrabeen, it was the ideal arena to display the skill levels and the girls rose to the occasion, pushing each other and fighting hard for victory.

Although she just failed to make the final, Local Narrabeen surfer Laura Enever impressed greatly. She has a big, powerhouse repertoire, in fact if she had managed to make it around one more section on her final wave Laura would have in fact toppled eventual champion Sally Fitzgibbons. The finalists thoroughly deserved their shot at the World Title. Paige Hareb is the new surfing pride of New Zealand and took out a class field to step squarely onto the World stage.

Sally Fitzgibbons more then lived up to an enormous reputation. She is so hot. We saw the amazing Carissa Moore debut wonderfully at Snapper Rocks, and although her absence at Narrabeen was conspicuous, there were a handful of girls that have stepped up to somewhere near the same level. One of these is Sally Fitzgibbons. She unleashed a carving snap in the Final that led to a perfect 10, and I kid you not, there was not a better move in the entire event, male or female, and Sally would have nailed a 9.5 in the Men’s division for that ride.

All in all a remarkable event, well done to Sally and Pablo, to Tonino and Paige, and to this fantastic generation of surfers. You are all champions.

New Swell Brings Big Scores As O'Neill SI Pro Whit...

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:34:47 GMT

ASP World Qualifying Series News

New Swell Brings Big Scores As O’Neill SI Pro Whittles DownTo Sweet 16

SEBASTIAN INLET, Florida (Wednesday, January 9, 2008) – A new groundswell pumped clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves into Sebastian Inlet today for Day 6 of the O’Neill SI Pro presented by Ron Jon.

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 5-Star event saw competition intensify as Rounds 4 and 5 were completed, narrowing the field down to the final 16.

Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA) has been a standout surfer all event and continued to shine in his Round of 24 heat today, securing an impressive 16.00 out of a possible 20.

“The goal of every event is to make the man-on-man, and everything after that is really icing,” Simpson said. “I feel like I have been surfing pretty well all week, and hopefully I can keep the momentum up throughout the next few rounds.”

Simpson now enters into the Round of 16 where competitors will surf in a changed format, going head-to-head in man-on-man heats from here on out.

“You do have to change up your strategy in the man-on-man heats,” Simpson said. “Compared to the four-man heats, you see guys getting much bigger scores in the man-on-man, and you’ve really got to be patient and wait for scoring rides.”

Cory Lopez (Indian Rocks Beach, FL), former O’Neill SI Pro Champion as well as competitor on the elite ASP World Tour, continued to muscle through heats today, advancing along with older brother Shea into the Round of 16.

“It’s always interesting when you draw your brother in a heat,” Lopez said. “We didn’t talk to much out there, we only talked about how good a wave was that we both missed. He was surfing really well and I’m stoked we both got through.”

Both Lopez brothers are former members of the elite ASP World Tour, and will use the O’Neill SI Pro as a launching point for their respective qualifying campaigns in 2008.

“I had a bit of bad luck last year and a few heats didn’t go my way so I’m back on the ASP WQS,” Lopez said. “My brother (Shea) was really close to qualifying last season and we’re both trying for it again. My surfing is feeling good and it would be good to start the year off with a win at Sebastian.”

Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA) collected the highest single-wave score of the day for three massive backhand turns on a bowling righthander which netted him a 9.0 out of a possible 10.

“It was a pretty tough heat out there with Ben (Bourgeois) and Daniel (Jones) and I knew I was going to need some big scores to get through,” Yeomans said. “That righthander lined up for me pretty well and I was able to get three pretty good turns in and got the score. Moving into the man-on-mans, patience is going to be key and I’m stoked to get in there.”

Asher Nolan (Jacksonville, FL), a finalist in last season’s O’Neill SI Pro, proved he could be headed for the podium once again this year, netting the day’s high heat total of a 16.40 out of a possible 20. Seamlessly blending aerials, snaps and carves, Nolan displayed the full range of his progressive talent to close out today’s action.

“Stoked I was able to get through another heat out here,” Nolan said. “Into the man-on-man now and hopefully I can beat last year’s performance.”

All three former O’Neill SI Pro Champions, Cory Lopez (2005), Damien Hobgood (2006) and C.J. Hobgood (2007), are still in contention and could potentially put another trophy on the mantle.

Tomorrow will see the O’Neill SI Pro pres. by Ron Jon enter into the Round of 16 before completing the Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Final. The event will look to culminate tomorrow.

Event organizers for the O’Neill SI Pro will meet tomorrow at 8am for a possible 8:30am start.

When O’Neill SI Pro competition recommences, Heat 1 of Round 6 will be first in the water.

Top Seeds Raise Performance Level at O'Neill SI Pr...

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 15:01:36 GMT

ASP World Qualifying Series News

Top Seeds Raise Performance Level at O’Neill SI Pro Day 4

SEBASTIAN INLET, Florida (Monday, January 7, 2008) – The top seeds hit the lineup today for the Round of 96 of the O’Neill SI Pro presented by Ron Jon and immediately lifted the collective performance level of the event, which ran today in clean one-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Sebastian Inlet.

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 5-Star event is the first of the qualifying season, and allows campaigners to get a jump on their respective crusades in search of a spot on the elite ASP World Tour, resulting in a number of top-level competitors venturing to Florida for the event.

Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA) took top honors today, netting the event high single-wave score of a 9.60 out of a possible 10 for two powerful backhand blasts on a bowling lefthander, contributing to his day high heat total of a 17.37 out of a possible 20.

“I was actually looking for a little right, but that left came to me and really stood up well,” Simpson said. “I decided earlier today that bigger maneuvers could score better than lots of small ones. I was able to tee off on the wave really well and it got scored pretty high.”

Simpson, who finished 36th on the ASP WQS last season, has narrowly missed qualifying for the elite ASP World Tour for the past few years, but has refocused his efforts for an assault in 2008.

“The last couple of years, I’ve come pretty close to qualifying but I wasn’t taking it as seriously as I could,” Simpson said. “I’ve decided that this is the year I am going to make it. I’ve been training pretty intensively and have been working a lot with my shaper to get my equipment dialed. A result here to kick the season off would be great, but I’m just taking things heat by heat at the moment.”

Cory Lopez (Indian Rocks Beach, FL), who narrowly missed requalifying for the ASP World Tour in 2008, hasn’t let his disposition slow him down one iota, as the talented goofy-footer put in one of the performances of the event, securing a 16.50 out of a possible 20 to win his Round 3 heat.

“It’s been a bit humbling, but I don’t feel like I fell off tour because of my surfing,” Lopez said. “It was a strange year and I had some bad luck in terms of heats. I’m back on the ’QS this season and my plan is to be back on the ASP World Tour next year.”

C.J. Hobgood (Melbourne Beach, FL), defending O’Neill SI Pro Champion and former ASP World Champion, proved that he is still the man to beat today with a solid 13.10 out of a possible 20 to claim the first heat of the Round of 96.

“Last year was a strange one for me as I was up and down on the ASP World Tour, but was doing pretty well on the ’QS,” Hobgood said. “I started the year off with a win at the Inlet and it was a bright spot for me early on in the season. My focus this year is definitely going to be the ASP World Tour, but the ’QS event at home is a good warm up.”

Patrick Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), ranked No. 47 on last season’s ASP WQS, was in solid form today for his Round of 96 heat. In his first event back since injury halted his qualifying campaign last October, Gudauskas easily navigated the peaks at Sebastian Inlet this morning, with an array of explosive turns and stylish off-the-lips.

“I’m feeling really psyched to get that first one out of the way, but it’s still a long way to go,” Gudauskas said. “This is my first event in three months so it’s good to get that first one in the books and I can focus on the rest of the event. Last season, I felt a little bit lost in terms of heat strategy so my brothers and I are on some super secret training regimes that cover fitness and technique as well as heat strategy.”

Event organizers for the O’Neill SI Pro will meet tomorrow at 8:30am for a possible 9am start.

When O’Neill SI Pro competition recommences, Heat 13 of Round 3 will be first in the water.

The O’Neill SI Pro presented by Ron Jon will be webcast LIVE via www.go211.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com, www.aspnorthamerica.org or www.oneillsipro.com

RESULTS: O’Neill SI Pro presented by Ron Jon (ASP WQS 5-Star)

Round 2: 144 surfers remaining (1st and 2nd advance to Round 2)
Heat 21: Ted Navarro (USA) 13.56, Alex Smith (HAW) 9.87, Gary Wheeler (USA) 7.30, Tommy O’Brien (USA) 5.14
Heat 22: Bud Freitas (USA) 12.04, Jody Davis (USA) 10.50, Richie Collins (USA) 6.43, Kellen Ellison (USA) 4.60
Heat 23: Bryan Hewitson (USA) 15.33, Dane Johnson (USA) 10.50, Jensen Callaway (USA) 7.43, Ricky Whitlock (USA) 6.40
Heat 24: Jesse Heilman (USA) 12.43, Bobby Morris (USA) 8.23, Aaron Cormican (USA) 5.30, Andrew Gessler (USA) 4.76)

Heat 3: 96 surfers remaining (1st and 2nd advance to Round 3)
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.10, Kilian Garland (USA) 10.87, Nat Young (USA) 10.73, Jason Miller (USA) 7.87
Heat 2: Federico Pilurzu (CRI) 13.67, Jean Estienne (FRA) 7.13, Kyle Knox (USA) 6.86, Nils Schweizer (USA) 5.86
Heat 3: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 12.00, Dylan Graves (PRI) 10.46, Rylan McCart (USA) 7.73, Chris Drummy (USA) 7.40
Heat 4: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.50, Cody Thompson (USA) 9.73, Shaun Burrell (USA) 9.04, Alek Parker (USA) 7.40
Heat 5: Jason Collins (USA) 8.83, Kevin Sullivan (HAW) 8.67, Gabe Kling (USA) 7.20, Layne Harrison (USA) 6.47
Heat 6: Ryan Briggs (USA) 8.83, Shaun Ward (USA) 12.27, Anthony Petruso (USA) 8.43, Michael Howard (USA) 4.60
Heat 7: Daniel Jones (HAW) 11.66, Che Stang (USA) 6.63, Dean Randazzo (USA) 6.60, Oliver Kurtz (USA) 6.57
Heat 8: Brett Simpson (USA) 17.27, Matt King (USA) 9.67, Darrell Goodrum (USA) 7.90, Matt Mohagen (USA) 6.54
Heat 9: Shane Beschen (USA) 12.07, Joel Centeio (HAW) 9.70, Justin Jones (USA) 7.07, Adam Virs (USA) 6.53
Heat 10: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 15.50, Diego Rosa (BRA) 10.14, Magnum Martinez (VEN) 9.60, Justin McBride (USA) 4.66
Heat 11: Nathaniel Curran (USA) 14.33, Wesley Larsen (HAW) 10.60, Sean Moody (HAW) 9.86, Mark Dawson (USA) 5.97
Heat 12: Ben Bourgeois (USA) 16.93, Travis Beckmann (USA) 10.64, Brad Ettinger (USA) 8.00, Brandon Guilmette (USA) 5.17
Heat 13: Cory Lopez (USA) 16.50, Micah Byrne (USA)11.00, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.66, Cheyne Cottrell (USA) 7.73
Heat 14: Wesley De Souza (USA) 11.44, Romain Laulhe (FRA) 8.67, Ben Graeff (USA) 5.50, Warwick Wright (ZAF) N/S
Heat 15: Sterling Spencer (USA) 12.50, Alex Gray (USA) 11.77, Devon Tresher (USA) 9.44, Liam McNamara (HAW) 3.47
Heat 16: Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 12.10, Dustin Cuizon (HAW) 11.84, David Speir (USA) 9.16, Jessi Merle-Jones (HAW) 7.77

ASP World Tour News

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:47:12 GMT

ASP World Tour News

Upgraded ASP WQS 5-Star O’Neill SI Pro Set to Kick Off 2008 Qualifying Season

SEBASTIAN INLET, Florida (Friday, December 28, 2007) – The O’Neill SI Pro presented by Ron Jon is gearing up to commence the 2008 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) at Sebastian Inlet, Florida from Jan. 4-11, 2008.

The freshly-upgraded ASP WQS 5-Star event will be the first qualifying event of the season, allowing competitors to kick start their respective qualification campaigns in the hunt for on of the highly-coveted seeds on the ASP World Tour.

C.J. Hobgood (Melbourne Beach, FL), reigning ASP North America Men’s Champ and defending O’Neill SI Pro Champ, will look to repeat last year’s sensational win at the familiar break and begin his 2008 assault with a bang

“I feel really good both surf and health wise,” Hobgood said. “I always start wondering at this point if we’re going to have waves for the event. As far as ’07 goes, I’m glad it’s over. I’ve grown in so many areas of my surfing and I’m really looking to apply myself full on in 2008.”

The new upgrade, from an ASP WQS 4-Star to and ASP WQS 5-Star event, will enhance the importance of the O’Neill SI Pro for surfers looking to qualify for the ASP World Tour in 2009. Competing on both the ASP WQS and ASP World Tour, Hobgood understands the upgrade will bring stiffer competition to the event, but will use his years of experience at Sebastian Inlet to his advantage.

“I think that domestically, all the guys that that normally compete will be here as well as an influx of more international and domestic surfers because of the upgraded rating,” Hobgood said. “I’m just really excited to defend my title and be around all my friends and crew that I don’t get to see that much. Having grown up surfing Sebastian, local knowledge is definitely a factor and the major threats will be guys like Damien (Hobgood), Ben Bourgeois and Gabe Kling.”

In addition to all the action going down at the O’Neill SI Pro, competitors will get a chance to showcase their aerial antics during the Red Bull Tow-At on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

While the event is still seven days from the start, Surfline, the official forecasters for the O’Neill SI Pro, have called for a possible cold front with north-to-northeast winds which could produce sizeable peaks at Sebastian Inlet.

The O’Neill SI Pro presented by Ron Jon will be webcast LIVE via www.go211.com

Competition will begin with the Round of 192 hitting the water on Friday, Jan. 5, 2008.

Bede Durbidge Wins the Billabong Pipeline Masters

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:38:38 GMT

Bede Durbidge Wins the Billabong Pipeline Masters

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 17, 2007) –Australian Bede Durbidge secured his second Foster’s ASP World Tour win and the Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing Series title with a victory at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, today.

Durbidge posted 16.67 points out of 20.00 to finish first in the four-man final over Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) respectively. The new ASP ‘Dual Heats’ format was used from Round 2 through the Quarterfinals and conditions at Pipeline, Backdoor and Off the Wall – the breaks within the contest zone today –were small and in the three-foot (one metre) range.

“I’m absolutely over the moon right now,” Durbidge said. “Obviously the conditions weren’t classic Pipeline, but the competition was still pretty intense. We had the new dual heat format and a lot of guys were on the bubble for qualification so there were a lot of hungry guys out there in this event. I’ve just tried to keep a cool head all season whether it be with sponsors or freesurfing or heats and that was really my approach out there today. I’m absolutely stoked. It’s a great way for me to finish the season and I’m looking to go even better in 2008."

Durbidge, who started the season unsponsored and financing his own way around the world, won US$30,000 in cash, a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch today. He is the first Australian to win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Title since Mike Rommesle did so in 1997. With the exception of American Kelly Slater who claimed the Triple Crown Title in 1998, a Hawaiian has taken top honors ever since.

"Winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine for a long, long time and I’ve always felt like proving yourself in Hawaii is right up there with winning the World Title,” Durbidge said. “It’s a great thing for surfing that the locals let us come here and enjoy these waves and that the sponsors put up the prize money for us to really come away well here."

Durbidge’s year end rating is World No. 5. He scored one of the highest single wave scores of the event, 9.50 out of 10.00, to run away with an unassailable lead in the Final.

“Yeah, there weren’t too many waves coming through during the final and all four of us were pretty clumped together,” Durbdige said. “The other three kind of paddled each other out of position and I ended up being in the spot. The wave had a really good wall on it and I was able to get a few pretty good turns in. I guess the judges liked it and I got the score. It really put everyone else on the ropes out there."

Morrison finished inside the Top 10 at World No. 9 with his 2nd place result at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

"I don’t think any of us expected that Pipe would go down like this when we packed our bags for Hawaii,” Morrison said. “It really did end up being more of a maneuver event rather than a barrel-riding event, and I was stoked to make it through to my first final of the year. Congratulations to Bede - he was absolutely ripping all day."

Also making his first final of the year was Parkinson who finished the year World No. 4 with his 3rd place result today.

"I haven’t made a final all year, so it’s good to finish up with one even in waves like this,” Parkinson said. “We all wanted it to be eight foot perfect Pipe, but you can’t get that every year."

Sullivan, the only Hawaiian in the final four was pleased to cap off his season with a result. He finished his 2007 season with a personal best World No. 7 finish today – a far cry from his narrow requalification last year.

"Everyone wants to win Pipe, and I’m pretty happy that I made the final,” Sullivan said. “Last year, I had a bit of a shocker and didn’t do as well as I thought I could have. I was super focused today and I’m really pleased that I made it through."

Taj Burrow’s (AUS) equal 5th result today secured him the third ASP World Title runner-up finish of his nine year elite tour career. He was beat by Durbidge in the Quarterfinals.

“Yea, it’s an okay result, but I’m really bummed I didn’t make the final,” Burrow said. “Bede (Durbidge) was just on fire though. I’m stoked to finish the year strong and I’m excited to get home and re-focus for 2008."

Earning their spots on the 2008 ASP World Tour with their performances today were Bruce Irons (HAW) and Fred Patacchia. Both sat outside the Top 27 surfers who automatically requalify for the following year before making their heats today.

“To make the cut with the waves being below average, it’s just a treat,” Patacchia said. “I really didn’t want to be on the WQS so I’m really stoked right now knowing I’ve just qualified for the tour next year. It’s really stressful waking up at 6am each morning, not knowing if it’s going to be your last day surfing on the tour. I was ready to swallow my pride and compete on the WQS, because I feel like my career has at least a couple more good years on it but I really feel like I’m World Tour material.”

Full-time 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour sufers who failed to qualify for the 2008 ASP World Tour are Greg Emslie (ZAF), Cory Lopez (USA), Phil Macdonald (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA), Shaun Cansdell (AUS), Victor Ribas (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and retirees Mark Occhilupo (AUS) and Mick Lowe (AUS).

Ben Dunn (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA) and Travis Logie (ZAF) also finished outside of the Top 27, but citing injuries, have applied for wildcard berths onto the 2008 ASP World Tour – their spots are not yet confirmed.

Qualifying for the 2008 ASP World Tour via the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) are Adriano de Souza (BRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS) and Luke Munro (AUS).

The ASP World Tour will now break until February when the 2008 tour kicks off on the Gold Coast of Australia. For more details visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com.

Billabong Pipeline Masters Final Results:
Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.67, Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.00, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.60, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 7.43

Billabong Pipeline Masters Quarterfinal Results:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.50 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.73
Heat 2: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.00 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.50
Heat 3: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.10 def. Chris Ward (USA) 8.70
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.90 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.34

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: CJ Hobgood (USA) 12.26 def. TJ Barron (HAW) 10.50
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.00 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 9.00
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.83 Ian Walsh (HAW) 7.40
Heat 4: Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.10 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.44
Heat 5: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 14.93 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 6.26
Heat 6: Chris Ward (USA) 12.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.50
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.90 def. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 12.17
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) def. Fred Patacchia (HAW)

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Results:
Heat 1: TJ Barron (HAW) 10.87 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 9.67
Heat 2: CJ Hobgood (USA) 13.00 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 11.17
Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.40 def. Laurie Towner (AUS) 1.33
Heat 4: Luke Stedman (AUS) 13.00 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 9.43
Heat 5: Ian Walsh (HAW) 11.67 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.30
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.50 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 8.87
Heat 7: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.10 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.00
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.34 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 6.46
Heat 9: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 12.67 def. Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 11.17
Heat 10: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 10.73 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.17
Heat 11: Chris Ward (USA) 12.90 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.67
Heat 12: Kelly Slater (USA) 10.50 def. Mikala Jones (HAW) 5.80
Heat 13: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 11.33 def. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 10.20
Heat 14: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.00 def. Gavin Beschen (USA) 4.70
Heat 15: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 8.27
Heat 16: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.67 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.16

Foster’s ASP World Tour Final Top 27
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8136 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 7104 points
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 6516 points
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6432 points
5. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 5774 points
6. Andy Irons (HAW) 5151 points
7. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 4938 points
8. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 4770 points
9. Dean Morrison (AUS) 4690 points
10.Bobby Martinez (USA) 4582 points
11. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4580 points
12. Kai Otton (AUS) 4563 points
13. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 4493 points
14. Taylor Knox (USA) 4309 points
15. Damien Hobgood (USA) 4274 points
16. Luke Stedman (AUS) 4177 points
17. Michael Campbell (AUS) 3987 points
17. Chris Ward (USA) 3987 points
19. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 3982 points
19. Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 3982 points
21. Neco Padaratz (BRA) 3934 points
22. Leonardo Neves (BRA) 3797 points
23. Frederick Patacchia (HAW) 3675 points
24. Bruce Irons (HAW) 3660 points
24. Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 3660 points
26. Daniel Wills (AUS) 3617 points
27. Royden Bryson (ZAF) 3612 points

8am Start for Round 3 of the Billabong Pipeline Ma...

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:59:32 GMT

ASP World Tour News

8am Start for Round 3 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 14, 2007) – Round 3 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, will commence in three to five foot (one metre plus) declining swell at the Banzail Pipeline at 8am.

Round 4 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters is on standby. The ASP’s new ‘Dual Heat’ format was used for the first time yesterday with the overall consensus from the surfers proving very positive. Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat begins halfway through the heat before it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) comes into play the second half of each heat.

Watch it LIVE at: www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

Competition will have an 8am start this morning.

Billabong Pro Round 3 Heat Match-Ups:

Heat 1 :Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Mikey Bruneau (HAW)
Heat 2: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Victor Ribas (BRA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 4: Troy Brooks (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. David Wassell (HAW)
Heat 6: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)
Heat 7: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 8: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) vs. T.J. Barron (HAW)
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Myles Padaca (HAW)
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Heat 11: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Heat 12: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 13: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 14: Phillip MacDonald (AUS) vs. Flynn Novak (HAW)
Heat 15: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Gavin Beschen (HAW)
Heat 16: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Danny Fuller (HAW)

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO OFF CITING SM...

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:58:49 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL
Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007
BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO OFF CITING SMALL SWELL


BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, Dec. 12th, 2007) �While no official
Billabong Pipeline Masters action will be underway today due to small surf, the
completion of Round 1 yesterday has set the stage for Round 2, where 16
Hawaiian Pro Surfers Union (HPSU) selected �Pipeline Specialists� will take
on select members of the Foster�s ASP World Tour.
Yesterday�s 12 1st place Round 1 finishers, along with the four highest 2nd
place finishers, advanced straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place
finishers and the eight highest 3rd place finishers will now negotiate Round 3.
The remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet
the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.
Starting in Round 2, a newly implemented ASP �Dual Heats� format will be run.
Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in
two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the
water, each subsequent heat will begin halfway through the heat that preceded
it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) will
come into play the second half of each heat and two separate judging panels,
each presided over by a separate head judge, will be on-hand to judge their
allotted heats respectively.
The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as
follows:
�Dual Heat� Individual Priority Rules
� The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins
exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off
zone, the ASP�s standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue
with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority
will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone. 
� If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat,
that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the
Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the
take-off zone first. 
� If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is
impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first,
then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a
wave. 
�Dual Heat� Heat Priority Rules
� The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over
the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
� If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as
determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second
priority. 
� If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he
will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to
the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to
block competitors in different heats. 
� A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority,
providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority. 
The ASP Technical Committee also created new competition rash vests to
facilitate priority allocation in the �Dual Heat� format. 
Competition Rash Vest Colors
� Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition
rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the
same color rash vest.
� Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated
from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective
rash vests.
� Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but
with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the
surfers to identify who has priority. 
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a
specific set of priority discs for the �Dual Heat� format. The rules that
will regulate its usage are:
Priority Discs
� A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers
alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame. 
� Top disc to have red and blue colors. It will indicate which color heat has
priority at the half way mark. 
� Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has
priority from the half way mark onwards.
Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow at 7am. 
Billabong Pro Round 2 Heat Match-ups:
Heat 1: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Mikey Bruneau (HAW)  
Heat 2: Kalani Chapman (HAW) vs. Jamie O'Brien (HAW)
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 4: Sunny Garcia (HAW) vs. Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 5: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Manoa Drollet (TAH)
Heat 6: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Flynn Novak (HAW)
Heat 7: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Kainoa McGee (HAW)
Heat 8: Michael Lowe (AUS) vs. Danny Fuller (HAW)
Heat 9: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. David Wassell (HAW)
Heat 10: Luke Munro (AUS) vs. Gavin Beschen (USA)
Heat 11: Leonardo Neves (BRA) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 12: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 13: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 15: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) vs. Myles Padaca (HAW)
Heat 16: Royden Bryson (ZAF) vs. Makua Rothman (HAW)

ANDY IRONS MAKES EARLY CHARGE AT BILLABONG PIPELIN...

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:31:39 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

Reigning and 4X Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion Andy Irons (HAW) is not in contention to the win his fifth Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title after skipping the event at Sunset
Beach to get married, but his performance in clean four foot (one metre plus)
surf at Pipeline this morning proved he�s still the man to beat.

Irons posted the highest heat total of the day, 17.50 of 20.00, in Round 1 and
will now advance to Round 4.

�It feels awesome to get out there,� Irons said. �After Haleiwa I flew home,
missed Sunset, got married, and have just been waiting for this event for about
a week now. It�s nice to finally get the ball rolling, and to start the heat
off with an 8.33 and a 9.17 was a great start.�

If Irons can maintain his form and defend his title (he has won the event four
out of the last five years), he will end his 2008 Foster�s ASP World Tour
season with two wins to his credit � Irons took top honors in Chile earlier
this year.

�It�s the last contest of the year and it was a pretty slow year for me,�
Irons said. � I had a bad start, an okay run and then a pretty bad ending.
With this being that last event of the year I want to go out with a bang. This
is one of my top three favorite events of the year. I�m just taking it one
heat at a time and just keep my eyes on the conditions everyday.�

Adrian Buchan (AUS) emerged from the biggest barrel of the day to post the
highest single wave score of the round, 9.63 out of 10.00. He advanced over 8X
ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), Royden Bryson (ZAF) and Kalani Chapman
(HAW) respectively � no one is eliminated from the event in Round 1.

�It was probably one of the bigger waves to come through,� Buchan said. �It
opened up really nicely and had nice long barrel and then a turn after so I was
just really stoked. It�s not real Pipe out there today, I�d like to have a
heat against Kelly out here, man-on-man when it�s eight to 10 foot, but yeah,
a win is a win and I�m stoked to make it straight through to the fourth
round.�

Buchan fared well in the first two events of the Triple Crown and subsequently
re-qualified for the 2008 ASP World Tour courtesy of his ASP World Qualifying
Series (WQS) rating. He also put himself in contention for the Triple Crown,
now sitting in fourth place.

�I�m feeling really good � I felt really good in Haleiwa, and in Sunset as
well,� Buchan said. �My job is kind of done as far as re-qualifying for next
year so I�m just enjoying myself, being able to surf Pipe with a few other
guys is truly a treat.�

2007 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), who with his maiden world title
secured has also �done his job,� finished 2nd to wildcard Laurie Towner (AUS)
today. Despite narrowly losing to Towner, Fanning will advance straight to
Round 4 courtesy of being one of the four top scoring 2nd place finishers
today. Notably, this is the first Round 1 heat Fanning has lost all year.
Fanning is currently rated 3rd in the race for the Triple Crown title.

�Winning an event here in Hawaii is always something you want to do,� Fanning
said. �I really want to win the event here, I�ve been so close here so many
times, but never really done it. The Triple Crown as well, I�m still in the
running for that so there�s a couple of things going into the event, I want to
have fun and enjoy it but still want to win the event.�

ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) leads the Triple Crown race and is on track
to keep it that way after winning his heat today.

�It was a tough heat with Freddy (Pattachia), Occy (Mark Occhilupo), and Danny
(Wills) because they�re all on the borderline to requalify, and with it being
the last event, everyone is going for it,� Durbidge said. �Occy was in the
lead the entire heat and I was thinking it would be okay to lose to him going
out. I still was wanting to sneak through if I could. I got lucky and was able
to get a little one at the end and pull through.�

If an Australian were to claim the Triple Crown title this year, it would be
the first time since Mike Rommesle (AUS) did so in 1997.

�It would be just amazing to win the Triple Crown, it�s been a dream of mine
forever,� Durbidge said. �To prove yourself in Hawaii means a lot and you can
gain a lot of respect off the other surfers as well. So we�ll see I�m on
track.�

Making it through their heats despite interference calls were today Dean
Morrison (AUS) and Neco Padaratz (BRA)

�The conditions today, being as they are, if you do get interference, it�s
probably the best conditions you can have to try and pull it off, because
there�s not that many waves,� Morrison said. �There was a lot of junk out
there and if you do get the right one, you do just have to ride it and try for
a good score.�

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Results:
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW) 17.50, Cory Lopez (USA) 14.66, Adriano de Souza (BRA)
11.90, Tiago Pires (PRT) 4.03
Heat 2: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 12.60, Tim Reyes (USA) 9.73, Bobby Martinez (USA)
8.26, Leonardo Neves (BRA) 5.0
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.06, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.17, Mark
Occhilupo (AUS) 8.43, Daniel Wills (AUS) 6.30
Heat 4: Gabe Kling (USA) 11.50, Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.34, Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
5.90, Damien Hobgood (USA) 2.77
Heat 5: Laurie Towner (AUS) 11.57, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.10, Phillip MacDonald
(AUS) 8.00, Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 2.67
Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.96, Kelly Slater (USA) 6.36, Royden Bryson (ZAF)
4.60, Kalani Chapman (HAW) 2.80
Heat 7: Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.50, T.J. Barron (HAW) 7.30, Taj Burrow (AUS)6.17,
Chris Ward (USA) 1.38
Heat 8: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 7.50, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5.87, Sunny Garcia (HAW)
4.96, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 3.94
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 8.84, Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 7.50, Michael Campbell
(AUS) 4.87, Michael Lowe (AUS) 3.60
Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.73, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 7.93, Luke Munro (AUS) 3.80,
Taylor Knox (USA) 2.80
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.00, Victor Ribas (BRA) 8.86, Troy Brooks (AUS)
5.77, Kai Otton (AUS) 4.54
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.67, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 11.47, Dayyan Neve
(AUS) 10.76, Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 8.87



ANDY IRONS MAKES EARLY CHARGE AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS  

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 2007) �

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 1 TO COMMENCE AT ...

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:18:08 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL
 
Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007
 
BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 1 TO COMMENCE AT 10AM
 
BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007) � Round 1 of the Billabong
Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour, will
commence at the famed Banzai Pipeline at 10am today.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is unique in that 16 �Pipeline specialists,�
as nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro Surfer�s Union (HPSU), are
seeded alongside the Foster�s 45 and three event wildcards for a total of 64
surfers instead of the normal 48.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats
comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury
replacement surfers. From there, the 12 1st place finishers along with the four
highest 2nd place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining
eight 2nd place finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate
Round 3 and the remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place
finishers will meet the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.
 
The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final jewel in the Vans Triple
Crown of Surfing series and will determine this year's Vans Triple Crown
champion. ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men�s Vans
Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS),
Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW). In addition to their share of
the $740,000 in prize money, the men's Vans Triple Crown champion will receive
a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon
watch.
 
All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced
live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.
 
Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; LOOKS GOOD F...

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:52:26 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007


BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; LOOKS GOOD FOR TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 10, 2007) � The Billabong Pipeline
Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour, will not begin
today, but with optimal conditions forecasted for Pipeline tomorrow, Tuesday,
Dec. 13th, event organizers are optimistic Round 1 could commence then.

With the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Title already wrapped up and set firmly upon
Mick Fanning�s mantle, requalification for the ASP World Tour will serve a
major point of interest on the beach at the Billabong Pro Pipeline Masters. 
Bruce Irons (HAW), who won the event in 2003, is among the surfers needing a
solid result at Pipe if they hope to surf amongst the elite in 2008. Irons will
take on Taj Burrow (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW) in Heat 7 of Round
1.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final installment of action in
the Vans Triple Crown of series and will determine this year's Vans Triple
Crown champion. ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men�s
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning
(AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW).

In addition to their share of the $740,000 in prize money, the men's Vans
Triple Crown champion will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado
truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced
live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

LAY DAY CALLED FOR BILLABONG PRO MAUI AFTER OPENIN...

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:16:04 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines
Stop No. 8 of 8 on the ASP Women�s World Tour 
Honolua Bay, Maui
Dec. 8-20, 2007



LAY DAY CALLED FOR BILLABONG PRO MAUI AFTER OPENING CEREMONIES

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007) � Event organizers at the Billabong
Pro Maui have called for a lay day today after assessing the three-to-five foot
(2 metre) conditions on offer at Honolua Bay, Maui.

�We�re opting to postpone competition for today and make another call
tomorrow at 7am,� Billabong Pro Maui Contest Director Dino Andino (USA) said. 
�The swell is expected to rise this coming Tuesday and Wednesday and cleaner
conditions are projected to be on offer.  We�re expecting some onshore flow
today so we�ve opted not to run, but we�ll be checking back here at 7am each
day.�

Despite no action in the water today, several competitors were on offer this
morning for the opening ceremonies in which a Hawaiian Lord offered a special
blessing for the event.

The final event of the ASP Women�s World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui carries
with it the added weight of deciding both the 2007 ASP Women�s World Champion
as well as the Vans Triple Crown Champion.

Rookie phenom Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), former ASP Women�s World Champion Sofia
Mulanovich (PER) and South American wunderkind Silvana Lima (BRA) are all still
in contention for 2007 ASP Women�s World Title, and given their respective
abilities in powerful righthanders, the battle at Honolua Bay seems fitting.

�I know that I�ll need to produce a result out here at Honolua,� Gilmore
said.	�Sofia�s dropping a 17th and I know she�s hungry for a the title.  I
couldn�t be happier that the season will be finishing in a righthander and I
hope to have a good showing.�

After the first two events of the 2007 Vans Triple Crown, veteran competitors
Megan Abubo (HAW) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER) are out in front in the race for
this season�s title, having won the Reef Haleiwa Pro and Roxy Pro Sunset
respectively.

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines has begun its waiting period
today, Dec. 8, 2007 and has until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event.  Only
two full days of competition are required to complete the event, and organizers
will look to run in the best conditions possible.

When competition resumes, six trialists will battle it out for one wildcard
spot in the main event before Round 1 competition gets underway.  Trialists
include Keala Kennelly (HAW), Alana Hendrickson (HAW), Paige Alms (HAW), Monyca
Byrne-Wickey (HAW), Lipoa Kahaleuahi (HAW) and Alana Blanchard (HAW).

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow morning.

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; NEXT CALL TO...

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:08:21 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; NEXT CALL TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007) � The waiting period for the
Billabong Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World
Tour, begins today, Dec. 8th and stretches for 13 days until Dec. 20th.  Small
and unfavorable conditions at Pipeline this morning have seen the contest
called off for the day. 

When competition does commence, former 3X ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW),
who has won the event four out of the past five years, will surf in the first
heat. Irons will take on Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA) and Tiago
Pires (PRT) in Round 1.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats
comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury
replacement surfers. The 12 1st place finishers along with the four highest 2nd
place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place
finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate Round 3 and the
remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet 16
�Pipeline specialists,� as nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro
Surfer�s Union (HPSU), in Round 2.

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ENTERS EVENT WAITING PE...

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:12:48 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ENTERS EVENT WAITING PERIOD TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 7, 2007) � The Billabong Pipeline
Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour, could commence
as early as tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007 if conditions at the famed Banzai
Pipeline are deemed contestable at 7am local time. 

The concluding competition of both the Foster�s ASP World Tour and the Vans
Triple Crown of Surfing is unique in that 16 �Pipeline specialists,� as
nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro Surfer�s Union (HPSU), are seeded
alongside the Foster�s 45 and three event wildcards thus creating an event
offering unparalleled action at one of the world�s most critical waves.

Former 3X World Champion Andy Irons (HAW) has won the event four out of the
past five years, missing out only in 2004 when the honor was earned by local
surfer Jamie O�Brien (HAW). O�Brien will headline the 16 specialists seeded
into the event from Round 2 forward. The others include Gavin Gillette (HAW),
Flynn Novak (HAW), Danny Fuller (HAW), Gavin Beschen (USA), Mikala Jones (HAW),
Shane Dorian (HAW), Makuakai Rothman (HAW), Myles Padaca (HAW), Tory Barron
(HAW), Ian Walsh (HAW), David Wassell (HAW), Kainoa McGee (HAW), Manoa Drollet
(TAH), Roy Powers (HAW) and Mikey Bruneau (HAW).

The event nominated Billabong Pipeline Masters wildcards are Tiago Pires (PRT),
T.J. Barron (HAW) and Sunny Garcia (HAW). Laurie Towner (AUS) and Kalani
Chapman (HAW) will be surfing in place of injured Top 45 surfers Ben Dunn (AUS)
and Travis Logie (ZAF). A total of 64 surfers will compete in the event.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats
comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury
replacement surfers. From there, the 12 1st place finishers along with the four
highest 2nd place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining
eight 2nd place finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate
Round 3 and the remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place
finishers will meet the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.

From Round 2 onwards, a newly implemented ASP �Dual Heats� format will be
run. Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time
competing in two individual heats of two surfers each.
Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat will begin halfway
through the heat that preceded it. Priority allocation (the right of way given
to a surfer on a wave) will come into play the second half of each heat and two
separate judging panels, each presided over by a separate head judge, will be
on-hand to judge their allotted heats respectively.

The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as
follows:

�Dual Heat� Individual Priority Rules
�	The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins
exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off
zone, the ASP�s standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue
with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority
will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone. 
�	If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat,
that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the
Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the
take-off zone first. 
�	If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is
impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first,
then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a
wave. 

�Dual Heat� Heat Priority Rules
�	The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over
the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
�	If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as
determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second
priority. 
�	If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he
will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to
the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to
block competitors in different heats. 
�	A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority,
providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority. 
The ASP Technical Committee also created new competition rash vests to
facilitate priority allocation in the �Dual Heat� format. 

Competition Rash Vest Colors
�	Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition
rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the
same color rash vest.
�	Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated
from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective
rash vests.
�	Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but
with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the
surfers to identify who has priority. 
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a
specific set of priority discs for the �Dual Heat� format. The rules that
will regulate its usage are:

Priority Discs
�	A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers
alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame. 
�	Top disc to have red and blue colors. It will indicate which color heat has
priority at the half way mark. 
�	Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has
priority from the half way mark onwards. 

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

BILLABONG PRO MAUI HOSTS ROCHELLE BALLARD�S FINAL ...

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:16:18 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines
Stop No. 8 of 8 on the ASP Women�s World Tour 
Honolua Bay, Maui
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PRO MAUI HOSTS ROCHELLE BALLARD�S FINAL EVENT

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Friday, Dec. 7, 2007) � Legendary ASP tour veteran Rochelle
Ballard (HAW) will cap off her esteemed and ground-breaking career at the
Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines from Dec. 8 � 20, 2007.

Ballard has officially announced her retirement following the completion of the
2007 ASP Women�s World Tour, and is pleased that her career will culminate at
home in Hawaii.

�Honolua Bay is a very special place,� Ballard said.  �It is an amazing wave
and one of my favorite events on tour.  I am so happy to be at home finishing
off my last event as a touring pro.	I have enjoyed many amazing experiences
over the years and have seen so much change and grow on tour.  To finish it at
a barreling righthand pointbreak is a win win experience no matter what the
result.�

The Hawaiian�s storied journey throughout the ranks of the ASP World Tour has
seen her rise as high as No. 2 in the world in 2004, as well as collect a
number of victories including the Gunston 500, the Billabong Pro at Burleigh
Heads, the U.S. Open, among others.  However, despite the countless accolades
she has acquired, Ballard will most miss her companions on tour.  

�Traveling with my best mates on tour especially my best friend Megan (Abubo)
is what I�ll miss most after this season,� Ballard said.	�We have always
amped each other up so much.  Also, visiting old friends in the countries we go
to and eating at my favorite cafe's around the world...and all the sick parties
on tour weren�t so bad either.�

Although Ballard is looking forward to a bit of a respite after over a decade
of competing against the world�s best, she shows no signs of slowing down. 
Look for the powerful natural-footer to continue pushing the limits of
high-performance surfing as she watches the next wave of professional surfers
take on the ASP Women�s World Tour.

�I think it's amazing what the younger girls are doing, and I am so excited to
enjoy watching them,� Ballard said.  �I look forward to continuing to be a
part of their careers.  I'm a kid at heart and always will be.�

Ballard will join the rest of the girls on the ASP Top 17 in Maui, including
ASP World Title contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and
Silvana Lima (BRA).

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines will begin its waiting period
on Dec. 8, 2007 and have until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event.  Only two
full days of competition are required to complete the event, and event
organizers will look to run in the best conditions possible.

World Qualifying Series News

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:03:52 GMT

World Qualifying Series News

Hawaii's Makuakai Rothman Wins O'Neill World Cup of Surfing

SUNSET BEACH, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2007) A childhood dream came true for Sunset Beach resident Makuakai Rothman today, when he won the biggest professional surfing event of his career - the $125,000 O’Neill World Cup of Surfing - at the beach he was born and raised on.

NEW ASP DUAL HEAT FORMAT TO MAKE BILLABONG PIPELIN...

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:02:58 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

NEW ASP DUAL HEAT FORMAT TO MAKE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS DEBUT

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007) � The 13-day waiting period
for the final event on the 2007 Foster�s ASP World Tour, the Billabong
Pipeline Masters, will commence this Saturday, Dec. 8th and will stretch until
Dec. 20th, 2007. A newly minted ASP format will make its debut at the Billabong
Pipeline Masters this year.

The �Dual Heat� format will feature two heats run concurrently to maximize
conditions on offer for the surfers and action in the water for the fans. 
Originally inspired by 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), who used a
similar format for an invitational charity event he hosted in Tavarua, Fiji,
the ASP and the Top 45 surfers have collectively fine-tuned the format which is
now approved for use in all Foster�s ASP World Tour events.

The basic premise of the format is that heats will overlap each other, allowing
more heats to be run in less time without compromising the duration of the
heats. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat will begin
halfway through the heat that preceded it. Priority allocation (the right of
way given to a surfer on a wave) will come into play the second half of each
heat and two separate judging panels, each presided over by a separate head
judge, will be on-hand to judge their allotted heats respectively.

The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as
follows:

�Dual Heat� Individual Priority Rules
�	The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins
exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off
zone, the ASP�s standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue
with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority
will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone. 
�	If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat,
that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the
Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the
take-off zone first. 
�	If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is
impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first,
then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a
wave. 

�Dual Heat� Heat Priority Rules
�	The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over
the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
�	If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as
determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second
priority. 
�	If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he
will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to
the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to
block competitors in different heats. 
�	A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority,
providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority. 
The ASP Technical Committee also created newcompetition rash vests to
facilitate priority allocation in the �Dual Heat� format. 

Competition Rash Vest Colors
�	Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition
rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the
same color rash vest.
�	Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated
from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective
rash vests.
�	Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but
with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the
surfers to identify who has priority. 
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a
specific set of priority discs for the �Dual Heat� format. The rules that
will regulate its usage are:

Priority Discs
�	A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers
alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame. 
�	Top disc to have red and yellow colors. It will indicate which color heat
has priority at the half way mark. 
�	Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has
priority from the half way mark onwards. 

Under the �Dual Heat� format the Billabong Pipeline Masters will take roughly
three and a half full days of competition to complete the 64 man draw. The
Pipeline Masters draw features an additional 16 �Pipeline Specialists� as
recommended by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaiian Surfer�s Union. Those 16
specialists, along with three wildcards, and the Top 45 surfers in the world,
compose the 64 main event surfers.

ASP WOMEN�S WORLD CHAMPION TO BE DECIDED AT BILLAB...

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:00:09 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines
Stop No. 8 of 8 on the ASP Women�s World Tour 
Honolua Bay, Maui
Dec. 8-20, 2007

ASP WOMEN�S WORLD CHAMPION TO BE DECIDED AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007) � The Billabong Pro Maui presented
by Hawaiian Airlines, the final event of the 2007 ASP Women�s World Tour as
well as the Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown, is set to begin its waiting period on
Dec. 8, 2007, and Honolua Bay will not only be crowning an event champion, but
the ASP Women�s World Champion as well.

Current ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), former ASP Women�s World
Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and South American phenom Silvana Lima (BRA)
are the only three surfers remaining in contention for the 2007 ASP Women�s
World Title, and the pressure will be on at Honolua Bay to determine who will
walk away with surfing�s most prestigious title.

Gilmore, who has already recorded one of the best rookie seasons in ASP history
with three wins in 2007, will be the frontrunner heading into the Billabong Pro
Maui, but knows that Mulanovich and Lima are right there with her in
contention.

�I�ve been trying to approach every event the same way,� Gilmore said.	�It
can be very easy to get caught up in all the world title talk, but I�m just
focusing on Round 1 at Honolua.�

This will be Gilmore�s first event at the infamous righthander, and the
stylish natural-footer is one of the favorites heading into the Billabong Pro
Maui because of her tenacious forehand attack and explosive repertoire. 

�It�s a perfect wave, and I�ve been looking forward to surfing it with only
two girls out all year,� Gilmore said.  �I�m really amped to get some good
barrels and just enjoy myself because it�s the last event of the year.�

Although Gilmore currently leads the ratings, Mulanovich is holding a 17th
place finish in her scoreline which, if replaced in Maui, will see her jump
ahead in the ratings leaving Gilmore and Lima playing catch up.

�I have a lot of confidence after my win at the Roxy Pro and I am really
looking forward to getting over to Maui,� Mulanovich said.  �Steph and
Silvana are incredible surfers and I know they want this bad � I�m just going
to stick to my gameplan and focus.�

If Mulanovich places 17th in Maui, Lima must finish 1st or 2nd, otherwise
Gilmore wins.

If Mulanovich places 9th, Gilmore must finish 5th or better, and Lima must
finish 1st or 2nd to claim the crown.

If Mulanovich places 5th, Gilmore must finish 3rd or better and Lima must win
the Billabong Pro Maui to claim the title.

If Mulanovich places 3rd, Gilmore must finish 2nd to win, and Lima is out of
contention regardless.

If Mulanovich places 2nd, Gilmore must win the event, and if Mulanovich wins
the event, she also wins the title.

Given the three�s reputation in hollow righthanders, expect a showdown for the
ages to ensue as we countdown to the crowning of the 2007 ASP Women�s World
Champion.

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines will begin its waiting period
on Dec. 8, 2007 and have until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event.  Only two
full days of competition are required to complete the event, and event
organizers will look to run in the best conditions possible.

THE 7 MILE MIRACLE IS FIRING!!!!!

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:07:19 GMT

Roy Takes the Power Back as Hawaiian Winter Kicks into Gear

COOLANGATTA, Australia (Tuesday, November 27th, 2007) - After a slow start the Hawaiian winter season has clicked into gear, a solid swell dosing the final day of the Reef Hawaiian Pro in macking Haleiwa and now the makings of a Hawaiian swell train on the way. Good timing, the all important Roxy Pro and O’Neill World Cup now officially in the waiting period.

Great win for Roy Powers at Haleiwa. Roy went back to the qualifiers this year and was hell bent on securing his ticket on the 2008 ASP World Tour. About mid way through the season Roy looked to be well on track, and then he appeared to go into a bit of a rut, just falling short of the meaningful points right through Europe and Brazil. Roy went from hanging around the bubble to the 20’s and had actually slipped into the death zone, the 30’s, going into Hawaii.

There would have been some nerves leading up to the watershed round that propelled him into calculations. It’s always the way, along with the rut comes a psychological barrier. What once was mundane suddenly becomes the Great Wall of China. Roy definitely built momentum and unleashed a slashing performance in the Final. Haleiwa is so schizo at that size, one mistake and it’s curtains. The current is warping the faces, fitness levels are tested to the max, some guys surfing five times, this is a true test of watermanship.

Going into the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, Roy is now comfortably cruising at #12. Yes, it is still perilously close to the #15 cut-off but there are several guys who can and will double qualify, plus there is enough of a buffer between Roy and real danger to make breathing easier than last week. And if that’s not enough, Roy is carrying one of the lowest low scores in the Top 20 so he can way improve on his points average in the O’Neill.

This is definitely crunch time. What a combo, needed results and Sunset Beach. There are easier challenges in the world. There is absolutely no substitute for experience at Sunset, and with a seemingly global predisposal for surfing Pipe at every opportunity, not that many young guns put the required hours in to build an affinity with the west peak. Not only is Sunset not open to taking shortcuts but it severely punishes any indiscretions and poor judgements. Even if all is going great guns you can still cop a hiding at Sunset.

This is where you see a lot of guys doing crash courses in math. As the event rolls along the requirements shift, as do the fortunes of the contenders. Right now it is pretty wide open. We just saw Roy Powers come from the clouds, ala Pancho Sullivan style, to qualify in one brilliant swoop, but don’t expect too much of that. The O’Neill, as dynamic as Sunset is, will be a grinding affair, as guys make incremental shifts as opposed to quantum leaps.

The guys on the look-out for extra points are all those hovering around the bubble, like Roydon Bryson, Luke Munro, Gabe Kling, Shaun Cansdell, Nic Muscroft, Troy Brooks & Neco Padaratz. Of these only Roydon and Neco are in the WCT Top 27, but at #23 & #25 respectively, they are not safe. This is a nerve jangling scenario, both these guys have obviously had a huge dig on two circuits, put in a massive effort to re-qualify and are slightly in the bubble on one with Roydon slightly in the bubble on the WQS also and Neco with work to do. The scary thing for Neco is that he would not want to rely purely on Pipe as guys like Bruce Irons and Fred Pattachia are just outside the bubble and hungry.

The Women are into their penultimate event of the 07 Tour. Sunset Beach is also the venue for the Roxy Pro. There are some seriously huge swells on the horizon and Vans Triple Crown organizers Randy Rarick and Bernie Baker will be looking to perhaps get the girls going on the rise of the swell, before Sunset gets maxed out. Interesting scenarios unfolding here as well. Rookie sensation Stephanie Gilmore is in the box seat courtesy of three tour wins, including a Grade 2 victory at the NAB Beachley classic that netted Steph 1440 points compared to the usual 1200.

This will auger well for the young Aussie as she attempts to emulate fellow, Tweed/Gold Coast surfer Mick Fanning’s recent Men’s World Crown. But she still has to do the job and with two events remaining the challenge could come from several quarters. Most notable is the emergence of Brazilian Silvana Lima as a genuine World Title contender. Silvana has been drafting Stephanie, the Brazilian has three 2nds and a pair of 3rds and a win at Sunset will lessen the points deficit significantly.

These two young superstars have put on phenomenal performances in 07. They haven’t completely striated the field but they have pretty much established a Fanning/Slater like pace all year, consistently featuring in Semi Finals or better. The only other to surf into great form is former World Champion Sofia Mulanovich. The Peruvian star is a thousand points adrift and will need to make up some ground on both frontrunners but if Sofia can master Sunset for the win she will be right in the mix coming into the Billabong Pro Maui.

A very exciting couple weeks coming up. The North Pacific is awakened, the Christmas Swell Train is gathering pace, Oahu’s North Shore will be copping the brunt of some major surf action over the coming week.

All the best to all competing.

Reef events all over

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:33:10 GMT

Action Gets Underway at Soup Bowls for Reef Classic Barbados

SOUP BOWLS, Barbados (Friday, November 16th, 2007) - Today the eighth stage of the Latin American Surfing Circuit ALAS kicked off: The Reef Classic Latin Pro Barbados. The Latin surfing is in action. The first round of competition came to the water at eight am. Of the four competitors in each of the 16 heats of the first round only two could be able to classify into the second round. The Chilean Manuel Selman entered in the third heat achieving second place, he still on competition.

In the fourth heat, the Peruvian Gustavo Reategui moved first imposing the Latin performance. While the third in the ALAS ranking, the Venezuelan Francisco Bellorin, had no luck in his favor in his series being in third position and, therefore, outside competition.

The fifth heat was a competition of two latinos boys Leandro Usuna (ARG), Jean Carlo Schaffer (VEN), and Bryan Ramcharan (TTO), the fourth competitor Corban Campbell (USA) has not presented. There was a bit of tension as the Venezuelan hardly reaches its series. Schaffer last year succeeded placed in the third position in this same Barbados contest in 2006. He managed to secure his passage second in the heat which was led by Usuna.

Of the 18 locals who started competing, 11 have succeeded in imposing the local flag showing that Barbados has a good level of surfing. The conditions were difficult on the first day at the Soup Bowl Barbados, waves has little size and the wind worsens the situation.

The surprise of the day was given by Brazilian Alanderson Martins who never presented to the eighth date of the Tour and so he loses the potential of becoming the Champion Latino 2007. This athlete came with strength to rise rapidly towards the top ranking. Today, with his participation in only four dates of the Tour, he took the sixth place. He should have participated in the last two powers in order to have the 6 valid ratings averaged at the end of ALAS. In his first year in the Tour, Alanderson already has one victory in Chile and two second places in Peru and Mexico.

Tomorrow the second round will be surfed where the rest of the ALAS surfers will enter into the water. They are: Gabriel Escudero (PRI), Magnum Martinez (VEN), Luis Vindas (CRI), the current champion Martin Passeri Latino (ARG), Peruvians Sebastian Alarcon (PER), current ALAS ranking leader, and Javier Swayne (PER) who arrives with the laurels og his recent Panamerican triumph.

Also the Brazilian Ernesto Nunes will be competing tomorrow who despite suffered a car accident arriving at the airport in Lima that made him miss the flight, but he arrived just in time. In the first round of tomorrow morning is the ranking leader of ALAS, the Peruvian Sebastian Alarcon that comes from winning the National Circuit 2007 in his country. He will face local Barry Banfield and Kevin Nicholls, and Jose Maria Cabrera (CNY).

The fourth heat will be a duel between Latinos and Americans. The Peruvian Gustavo Reategui and Chilean Manuel Selman sought to classify the quarter-final against Americans Kellen Ellison and Brensan Petticrew. The thirteenth heat will be similar as they face two other South American Luis Vindas (CRI) and Magnum Martinez (VEN) against local Mark Holder and Bruce Mackie.

Tomorrow, the competition will begin at 8am. The conditions are not the best and the prognosis is the same for all weekend but is expected a two feet grow. The Soup Bowl Barbados is the only ALAS event in which the Latin American contingent is measured in an event with stars from around the world, and which in turn is a WQS (World Qualifying Series) competition of global nature. This is an event open to surfers of any nationality.

Only two dates are left to define who will be the Latin American Champion 2007: The Reef Classic Barbados, from November 16 to Sunday 18, and The Reef Classic Costa Rica, from 23 to 26 November. After those, the three worst scores will discard overall average.

The first four places in the ranking are continuing struggle to achieve the first place: Sebastian Alarcon (1), Ernesto Nunes (2), Francisco Bellorin (3) and Martin Passeri (4). Each of them has yet a strong potential to be the new Latin Champion 2007. Nothing has been said until the last date of the Tour.

The ALAS Latin & Caribbean Reef Tour Classic Barbados thanked the sponsors and those who helped in one way or another to the event can be carried out: The Barbados Olympic Association, Reef, Lazy Days Surf Shops, Banks, Nissan, Cave Shepheard, NKM Surf & Skate, Hott, Sprite and Mount Gay Rum

THE TRIPLE CROWN IS UNDERWAY!!!!

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:11:59 GMT

We are keeping a close eye on surfings biggest series ever. We have had riders at this event in the past and hope to see another rider here with in a year.

Round One of the Reef Hawaiian Pro Gets Underway at Haleiwa

HALEIWA, Hawaii (Monday, November 12, 2007) - The 25th anniversary of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing stepped out in brilliant form today with round one of the REEF Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park, and as has been the case for the last 15 years, Hawaii’s Sunny Garcia lit up the saltwater stage.

There has been much discussion, debate and rhetoric surrounding Garcia’s return to Hawaii two weeks ago, fresh from three months in jail and six months on house arrest in California for tax evasion. From those who love the controversial Hawaiian to the end, to those who simply love to hate him, all have equally motivated Garcia to strive for the kind of surfing excellence that has made him the most successful surfer in the history of the Vans Triple Crown.

Smooth wave faces of five- to eight-feet and famous Hawaiian sunny skies were the perfect welcome home for 37-year-old Garcia, who wasted no time in opening his account with a near-perfect overhead ride of 9.5 points out of 10. Having lost 40 pounds, trimming down to his world title winning weight of seven years ago, Garcia surfed with power and speed that was matched by few today. His 9.5 was the top-scoring wave of the day and his two-wave total of 16.0 points was only bettered by three other surfers by day’s end.

"I had something to prove," Garcia said after the heat. "I guess everybody got the point. I’m not here just to show face, I want to win.

"I think I’ve only ever lost one final out here that I’ve been in. I know if I can make it that far, I know how to win. I want to be in the running for the Triple Crown and I want to make sure that I get into Pipe. Anything less than that and I’m going to be disappointed.

"I’ve been surfing in events here at Haleiwa for the last 28 years. I was surfing here before a lot of these guys were even born. This is my favorite event, this is my favorite wave pretty much on the North Shore."

The expression of freedom was evident in every wave Garcia rode during his 20 minute heat that was overflowing with local talent - Flynn Novak, Casey Brown and Liam McNamara.

"It feels good to get up in the morning and walk out of the house without worrying about the machine beeping. For me it’s just incredible to be free and to be back doing what I love to do. The people here in Hawaii have been really nice to me, I’ve been getting a lot of good support. I didn’t want to let everybody down by coming here and bombing out. I want to show a lot of people that you can make comebacks and you can do anything that you want so long as you put your mind to it. There’s a lot of kids out there that give up and I want to send a message that so long as you put your mind to it, you can do anything."

The only surfers to score higher than Garcia today were Bruno Santos (Brazil), Dusty Payne (Hawaii), and Nathan Carroll (Hawaii), who was the top scorer today with 17.5 points after rides of 9.33 and 8.17 points.

The women’s REEF Hawaiian Pro also got underway today with trials heats that determined the 12 ladies who advance into the main seeded round. Moving through were Alana Blanchard (Hawaii), Carissa Moore (Hawaii), Ornella Pelizzari, Kyla Langen (USA), Juliana Quint (Brazil), Nikita Robb (South Africa), Mizuki Hagiwara (Japan), Kim Mayer (USA), Claudia Goncalves (Brazil), 3 more....

It was a solid Hawaiian welcome for REEF, new sponsors of the Hawaiian Pro this winter.

"What an incredible first day,"said PJ O’Connell, Marketing Director for the brand. "It’s amazing, everyone’s smiling, just so happy. It’s pretty hard to go wrong on a day like today."

For complete results, please visit: www.triplecrownofsurfing.com powered by www.surfspot.com
www.aspworldtour.com

The $740,000 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing consists of the
Reef Hawaiian Pro, Haleiwa, Nov. 12-24 (6* WQS, men and women), the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing, Sunset Beach, Nov.25-Dec.6 (6*WQS men and WCT women), the Billabong Pipeline Masters (men), Pipeline, Dec. 8-20 (WCT) and Billabong Pro Maui (women), Honolua Bay, Maui, Dec. 8-20 (WCT).

In addition to $740,000 in prize money, both the men’s and women’s Vans Triple Crown champions will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck. The men’s champion will also receive a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

THE LAST STOP

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:12:45 GMT

Banzai Pipeline: North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS
December 8-20, 2007
Banzai Pipeline: North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT - 10

COORDINATES: 21º40’ N, 158º03’ W

BAGGAGE CLAIM: Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu (HNL)

TRANSPORTATION: Rental car, without question. The famed seven-mile miracle of Oahu’s North Shore is a good 45 minute drive from town. Once you’re out there though, a good bicycle and friendly smile is usually all you need.

ATTITUDE: Pipeline is the powder keg of the surfing world. Surfers from hundreds of countries travel here to prove their moxie in the caverns of Pipe. With the inundation of surfers in the line-up, the take off zone makes for some volatile situations. Be advised: if you venture to Pipe, be prepared to do battle – not just with the sea, but with your fellow surfers.

THE WAVE: Exploding tubes over shallow lava reef and sand. For decades, Pipe has been considered the most dangerous wave on the planet and shows no sign of slowing down. However, great risk yields great reward, and it’s not uncommon to hear the phrase “best wave of my life” thrown around in the lineup and on the beach.

PERKS: Guts for Glory. People make their entire careers out of surfing the Pipeline. Make your mark on this wave, and you’ll go down in surfing lore.

PERILS: Shallow reefs, crowded line-ups, massive locals and an occasional cameo by Jaws.

APRES SURF: Big Hawaiians throw Big Parties. There’s always something going on. Pick up some snacks and beverages at Kammieland, and head down to the nearest BBQ – make sure you know someone there though.

WCT HISTORY: Although hosted by a slew of sponsors over the years, the WCT event at Pipe will be hosted by surfwear giant Billabong in 2007. Expect the boys at Billabong to pull out all the stops this season as they dig their teeth into one of the most prestigious events on the planet. The venue has played host to a number of ASP world title showdowns and is never short on action.

NOTABLE: Pipeline is held (by many) with as much reverence as the ASP World Title itself. The history of the place, combined with the sheer ferocity of the wave, makes winnning the Pipemasters a career highlight.

PAST CHAMPS:

2006: Andy Irons (HAW)
2005: Andy Irons (HAW)
2004: Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
2003: Andy Irons (HAW)
2002: Andy Irons (HAW)
2001: Bruce Irons (HAW)
2000: Rob Machado (USA)
1999: Kelly Slater (USA)
1998: Jake Paterson (AUS)
1997: Johnny-Boy Gomes (HAW)
1996: Kelly Slater (USA)
1995: Kelly Slater (USA) 1994: Kelly Slater (USA)
1993: Derek Ho (HAW)
1992: Kelly Slater (USA)
1991: Tom Carroll (AUS)
1990: Tom Carroll (AUS)
1989: Gary Elkerton (AUS)
1988: Robbie Page (HAW)
1987: Tom Carroll (AUS)
1986: Derek Ho (HAW)
1985: Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
1984: Joey Buran (USA)
1983: Dane Kealoha (HAW) 1982: Michael Ho (HAW)
1981: Simon Anderson (AUS)
1980: Mark Richards (AUS)
1979: Larry Blair (AUS)
1978: Larry Blair (AUS)
1977: Rory Russell (HAW)
1976: Rory Russell (HAW)
1975: Shaun Tomson (ZAF)
1974: Jeff Crawford (USA)
1973: Gerry Lopez (HAW)
1972: Gerry Lopez (HAW)
1971: Jeff Hakman (HAW)

MICK WINS MICK WINS!!!

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:05:33 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro
Stop No. 9 of 10 on the 2007 FosterÂ’s ASP World Tour
Imbituba, Brazil
Oct. 30 Â– Nov. 7, 2007

MICK FANNING WINS IN BRAZIL TO CLINCH MAIDEN FOSTER’S ASP WORLD TITLE

IMBITUBA, Brazil (Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007) Australian Mick Fanning clinched
his
maiden Foster’s ASP World Title after winning the Hang Loose Santa Catarina
Pro in Brazil today. Fanning was in the water about to surf a semifinal heat
against childhood friend Joel Parkinson (AUS) when Taj Burrow (AUS) was
eliminated by Tom Whitaker (AUS) and his lifelong dream was realized.

“I woke up this morning and I just had a good feeling that it was going to
happen today,” Fanning said. “It was so amazing to be out there with Joel.
When I realized I’d won I went, ‘What do we do Joel?’ and he was like,
‘I
don’t know!’ I was just so stoked to share my first ever heat as the World
Champion with him. It was amazing.”

Fanning surfed a signature heat to beat Parkinson 18.70 to 12.84 in
Semifinal 1
before defending his Brazilian title by beating rookie Kai Otton (AUS) in
the
final to win the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro. The win marks his 9th
Foster’s
ASP World Tour event win.

Americans Kelly Slater and Andy Irons have monopolized the World Title for
the
last five years but Fanning’s win today makes him the first Australian to
clinch a men’s ASP World Title since Mark Occy” Occhilupo did so in
Brazil
in 1999.

“To take the reins over from Oc is incredible,” Fanning said. “He is
pretty
much the legend of the sport. He’s such a character and such a cool guy.
Even
when I’ve been on tour with Andy, he's such a determined guy as well and I
was there for his first world title. And then there’s Kelly – the guy who
gave inspiration to every kid who surfs today, heÂ’s amazing.”

The 26-year-old’s ascent to ASP World Champion has not transpired without
tribulation. Raised by a single mother who now manages his career, Fanning
lost
his older brother Sean, also a gifted surfer, in a car accident as a
teenager.
The two were extremely close and Fanning felt his presence in the water
today.

“It was so cool with Joel out there in the final and there was a dolphin
out
there, I’m not sure if it was my brother or what,” Fanning said. “Every
heat
I’ve had today there has been a dolphin right there in the lineup, just
chilling.”

Born in West Sydney, Fanning, his siblings and mother moved to Coolangatta
on
the Gold Coast of Australia when he was very young. He grew up surfing with
Parkinson and top rated surfer Dean Morrison (AUS) who are known
collectively
as the “Cooly Kids.”

“Joel and Dean are the reason that I train so hard,” Fanning said. “When
I
was a kid those guys used to smoke me all the time. I was always trying to
be
better than those guys.”

Fanning made his Foster’s ASP World Tour debut in 2002 after finishing No.
1
in the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) the year prior. An impressive 5th
place finish his first year on the elite tour earned him highest rookie
result
of all time, an honor he now shares with 2006 Rookie of the Year, Bobby
Martinez (USA).

Fanning’s six-year professional career has seen him make a steady ascent to
the No. 1 position he held for the entirety of the 2007 season. After a 5th
place debut in 2002, Fanning finished World No. 4 in 2003, World No. 3 in
2005
and 2006 and World No. 1 today.

Fanning’s lowest rating on the Foster’s ASP World Tour – World No. 7 in
2004
– came about after he suffered potentially career-ending injury half way
through the season. He tore his hamstring from the bone in a freesurfing
incident, but came back from that injury to win the first event of the 2005
season at his home break in Snapper Rocks.

“That’s what life is,” Fanning said. “It goes up and down. You’ve got
to
take the good with the bad and even though I was injured it was probably the
best six months of my life. I didnÂ’t have to worry about surfing. I had fun
with my friends and at the end of it I found the girl that I love and want
to
marry so even though it was bad for my body it was a million more times
better
for my mind and my heart.”

Fanning is engaged to be married to long-time girlfriend and Gold Coast
Model
Karissa Dalton in February of 2008.

Fanning has epitomized consistency since winning the Billabong Pro Jeffreys
Bay
in South Africa in 2006, featuring in seven finals, three semifinals and two
quarterfinals in the last 15 events. He won the 2007 Hang Loose Santa
Catarina
Pro today, along with the 2007 Quiksilver Pro France, the 2007 Quiksilver
Pro
Gold Coast, the 2006 Nova Schin Festival Brasil, the 2006 Billabong Pro
Jeffreys Bay and finished runner-up in Tahiti this year and in France in
2006.

Parkinson, who didn’t seem too fazed by his Semifinal loss was in the water
when his close friend won and was moved by their heat together.

“It was pretty cool, we were speechless,” Parkinson said. “It was me Mick
and a dolphin was circling around us for ages, doing laps. We were like,
“Can
you even believe this is happening!” He was talking about how the whole
last
week he’s been stressing and how ironic it was that it was us in that heat
together.”

Occhilupo arrived on the scene to congratulate Fanning after hearing the
news.

“I get goosebumps just thinking about it,” Occhilupo said. “Yesterday I
wanted to go home, but when Mick won the title today I was straight in my
car
and then jumping over every single heat to give him a cuddle. It’s been
eight
years and we’ve got it back to Australia. I don’t want to say too much,
but I
think it might stay there a long time.”

Otton was another Australian who shone today. Though he was disappointed to
lose the Final, the rookie couldn’t help but be pleased at cracking the Top
10
on the ratings and surfing in his first ever World Tour final. He’s rated
9th
now.

“It’s been amazing,” Otton said. “To make your first final feels good. I
thought getting 3rd at Teahupoo was good, now to do this here is just
incredible. With all of the circumstances today, Mick winning, itÂ’s just
been
a dream day for Australia really.

Otton is now one place behind first-year surfer Jeremy Flores (FRA) and the
two
will have to battle it out for Â‘ASP Rookie of the YearÂ’ honors in Hawaii.

Â“All I wanted was a chance at Â‘Rookie of the YearÂ’ in Pipe so weÂ’ll see
what happens,Â” Otton said. Â“I got a bit rattled in the middle of the year
thinking about it and I think thatÂ’s what happened. Then IÂ’ve come here
and I
was thinking it was out of reach so I just tried to make heats and now
weÂ’re
going to Pipe, so weÂ’ll see what happens.Â”

Australian Tom Whitaker (AUS) earned a Semifinal berth against Otton when he
beat Burrow in the Quarters and was in the water when Fanning clinched the
title.

Â“IÂ’m really close with both of those guys,Â” Whitaker said. Â“I gave Mick
a
big hug out there. Him and Joel are best mates and they were super stoked.
Then
I looked around and thereÂ’s one of my best mates paddling over who IÂ’d
effectively knocked out of the world title race.Â”

Though BurrowÂ’s title hopes were dashed by Whitaker earlier in the day, the
current World No. 2 was on hand to celebrate with Fanning.

Â“It took me a little while to smile because I was kind of in shock but IÂ’m
obviously really stoked for Mick,Â” Burrow said. Â“ItÂ’s an Aussie world
champ
and if itÂ’s not going to be me IÂ’m glad itÂ’s Mick. HeÂ’s showed that much
determination and focus that he earned it. IÂ’m really stoked for him and
IÂ’m
happy with my year. ItÂ’s the best year IÂ’ve ever had and IÂ’m going to
roll
it into next year and realize its there for the taking.Â”

Eight-time World Champion Slater also had a longshot at the title before
losing
to Otton in Round 4.

Â“Part of me came here for Mick because I knew he had a really good shot at
winning the title in Brazil,Â” Slater said. Â“But I thought, if IÂ’m going
to
show up, IÂ’m going to give it my best shot. I had priority with 10 or 11
minutes to go and a left came and I thought there was a better one behind it
so
I let him go and it really sealed the deal right there. I got KOd, Kai
Otton-ed.

The last event on the FosterÂ’s ASP World Tour will commence in Hawaii on
Dec.
7. Visit the media center online at www.aspworldtour.com for more details as
well as www.ripcurl.com.

FanningÂ’s 2007 FosterÂ’s ASP World Tour Results:
Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro: 1st
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast: 1st
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: 3rd
Billabong Pro Tahiti: 2nd
Rip Curl Pro Search Chile: 3rd
Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay: 3rd
Boost Mobile Pro Trestles: 17th
Quiksilver Pro France: 1st
Billabong Pro Mundaka: 3rd

FanningÂ’s Year End FosterÂ’s ASP World Tour Placings:
2007: World No. 1
2006: World No. 3
2005: World No. 3
2004: World No. 7
2003: World No. 4
2002: World No. 5

FanningÂ’s FosterÂ’s ASP World Tour Victories:
Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, Brazil (2007)
Quiksilver Pro, South West Coast, France (2007)
Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast, Australia (2007)
Nova Schin Festival, Imbituba Brazil (2006)
Billabong Pro, Jeffreys Bay South Africa (2006)
Rip Curl Search, Saint Leu, Reunion Island (2005)
Quiksilver Pro, Gold Coast, Australia (2005)
Billabong Pro, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa (2002)
Rip Curl Pro, BellÂ’s Beach, Australia (2001)

FosterÂ’s ASP World Tour Ratings after Event No. 9 of 10, the Hang Loose
Santa
Catarina Pro:
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 8136 points
2. Taj Burrow (AUS) 6782 points
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 6516 points
4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6156 points
5. Andy Irons (HAW) 4966 points
6. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4799 points
7. Bobby Martinez (USA) 4582 points
8. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 4580 points
9. Kai Otton (AUS) 4378 points
10. Taylor Knox (USA) 4309 points

AUSTRALIANS CONTROL MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 3

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:22:55 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Mancora Peru Classic
Stop No. 6 of 8 on the ASP Women�s World Tour 
Mancora, Peru 
Oct. 30 � Nov. 4, 2007

AUSTRALIANS CONTROL MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 3

MANCORA, Peru (Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007) � Following the completion of Round 2,
the first six heats of Round 3 of the Mancora Peru Classic ran today, with the
Australians dominating the clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Mancora.

Former ASP Women�s World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) led the Australian
charge, advancing through her Round 2 heat before posting an emphatic win over
Melanie Bartels (HAW) in Round 3.  Despite only having one heat to rest in
between her Round 2 and Round 3 heats, Hedges was in commanding form on her
forehand, netting the day�s high single-wave score of an 8.33 out of a
possible 10.

�It�s never that great surfing the second round, but for me it was kind of
good,� Hedges said.	�I got to surf Mancora with no one out.  I think, in a
way, you get that momentum going and you start to warm up a bit.  For me, it
worked out pretty good.�

Currently rated No. 5 on the ASP Women�s World Tour, Hedges will look to
capitalize on her forehand in the pristine lefts of Mancora.

�I never really get to go left,� Hedges said.  �It�s a little bit of a
catch-22 because I don�t go left that often so I�m probably not as confident
on my forehand as I am on my backhand.  I love going left so you just got to
give it everything on your forehand.  You really have to be able to go vert and
make the moves worth the points because backhand you can hook into it a bit
easier.�

Current ratings leader and rookie sensation Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) continued
her solid run in Peru today, nailing a solid Round 3 victory over veteran
competitor Rochelle Ballard (HAW).  Gilmore�s win moves her one step closer to
solidifying her position at the top of the ratings.

�I take it heat by heat, but yeah, I�m always thinking about the World
Title,� Gilmore said.  �Who wouldn�t want to?  It�s a pretty cool thing.  I
saw Sam Cornish get knocked out today so that�s one less person to think
about.  It�s still a really hard game.  Silvana (Lima) is right there and
she�s surfing incredibly well.  Game on.�

Gilmore will square off against good friend Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) in the
upcoming Quarterfinals, following Miley-Dyer�s impressive Round 3 victory over
Jacqueline Silva (BRA).

�I�ve got Steph (Gilmore), but I�m just here to have fun,� Miley-Dyer said.
 �Hopefully I�ll do well on the left.  I always feel really confident surfing
on my forehand and I�m just stoked to be here.  I�ve qualified and I�m not
going for a World Title or anything so I think the pressure is really on her.�

Hedges, Gilmore and Miley-Dyer will be joined by compatriots Layne Beachley and
Rebecca Woods as well as the winner of the Round 3 clash between Amee Donohoe
(AUS) and Claire Bevilacqua (AUS).  That will give the Australians six of eight
remaining competitors in the Quarterfinals.

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow morning for a possible 7:30am call.

Up first will be Heat 7 of Round 3 featuring Donohoe and Bevilacqua.

The LIVE webcast, event information, photos and videos will be available via
www.aspworldtour.com 

FUEL TV will air its full coverage of the 2007 Mancora Peru Classic on December
20, 2007 at 8pm PT/ET in their Surf Spot programming block.

ROUND 2 RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.84, Caroline Sarran (FRA) 6.84, Leilani Gryde
(HAW) 5.60
Heat 2: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 13.34, Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 11.83, Samantha
Cornish (AUS) 10.34

ROUND 3 RESULTS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Layne Beachley (AUS) 15.67 def. Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) 12.23
Heat 2: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 15.16 def Melanie Bartels (HAW) 11.67
Heat 3: Rebecca Woods (AUS) 15.00 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 11.67
Heat 4: Silvana Lima (BRA) 13.00 def. Anali Gomez (PER) 12.50
Heat 5: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 13.43 def. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 7.76
Heat 6: Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 13.66 def. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 9.50

REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 7: Amee Donohoe (AUS) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 8: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Caroline Sarran (FRA)

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 2 IS IN THE WATER

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:26:22 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Mancora Peru Classic
Stop No. 6 of 8 on the ASP Women�s World Tour 
Mancora, Peru 
Oct. 30 � Nov. 4, 2007

MANCORA PERU CLASSIC ROUND 2 IS IN THE WATER

MANCORA, Peru (Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007) � The Mancora Peru Classic is back in
the water today with Round 2 action hitting the lineup in clean two-to-three
foot (1 metre) waves.

�We�ll be looking to get the girls in the water as soon as possible today,�
ASP Head Judge Richard Porta said.	�The conditions are clean and we�ve got
some good sets rolling through.  We�ll start with the two heats of Round 2 and
then go straight into Round 3.  Hopefully we can finish both, but if the wind
and/or tide doesn�t cooperate, we�ll pull the plug.�

First up in the elimination Round 2 will be Silvana Lima (BRA), Caroline Sarran
(FRA) and Leilani Gryde (HAW).

The LIVE webcast, event information, photos and videos will be available via
www.aspworldtour.com 

FUEL TV will air its full coverage of the 2007 Mancora Peru Classic on December
20, 2007 at 8pm PT/ET in their Surf Spot programming block.

ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS: MANCORA PERU CLASSIC
Heat 1: Silvana Lima (BRA), Caroline Sarran (FRA), Leilani Gryde (HAW)
Heat 2: Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Samantha Cornish (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW)

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) MEDIA

ASP North America Media Manager
Dave Prodan
Email: dave@aspworldtour.com
Cell: +1 949 678 0987

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body
of professional surfing. Crowning surfing�s undisputed world champions since
1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the Foster�s ASP World Tour, the
ASP Women�s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World
Longboarding, Junior and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to
showcasing the world's best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats
and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts.
The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia,
Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.