Association of Surfing Professionals Europe, Vans Pro Junior Men’s 3rd Event, and Pro Junior Women’s 2nd Event of their respective Tours, held at San Sebastian – Basque Country / Euskadi, 23rd-26th July 2009.

Petterson and Dejean Claim ASP Grade-1 Vans Pro Junior in San Sebastian

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[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com] 20 yr old Thomaz Petterson from Brazil, claimed the ASP Grade-1 in the last minutes of the final by posting the event’s highest wave score jumping from fourth to first, clinching his second consecutive event in a month.

Sunday 26th July 2009, SAN SEBASTIAN, Euskadi.
17 yr old Marie Dejean from France, and Thomaz Petterson, have won the ASP Grade-1 Vans Pro Junior events today. Dejean clinching her maiden ASP Pro Junior event.

During the last minute of a 30 minute decider Thomaz Petterson came back from fourth to first with the events highest scoring ride of 9.50.

Its just amazing to win this event, the second one in a row for me, Petterson said. I was just out of the race for the whole heat and I knew that I had to risk everything to hope for a win or a second place. That left came and I just let go with these two airs and landed them. I am so stoked right now.

Petterson, whose performance in the final showed again he was solid enough to best Europes best representatives on their home lands, moves the following event with an immense confidence after achieving in a month more than he had ever done before flying to Europe.

I never thought it would go my way like that on my way to Europe, Petterson said. I won my first ever event in Portugal two weeks ago and to get a second one in a row is just above any of my hopes. I will be at the next event then go home in August so I hope I can keep things rolling well next week.

Marie Dejean, finished top of the ASP Grade-2 Vans Pro Junior womens event ahead of Johanne Defay, reigning ASP European Womens Junior champion Alizee Arnaud and outsider Johanne Panzini. Dejean, showed consistency and maturity in her competitive approach during the event.

I am super happy to take this win, Dejean said. I felt a bit under pressure for the final and I wanted to get that victory so I tried and stay away from the three others on a different peak and I got the better waves. Its really nice to start the summer with a win and I am looking forward to building momentum from this event into the next one starting Thursday.

Dejean, has just graduated from high school and looking to go to university next year.,

My only goal this summer is to as good as I can and enjoy my time competing, Dejean said. I am going to University so I have no real competitive goal but to surf well and win as much heats as I can.

Next event for the pro juniors is ASP Grade-1 Sopelana Pro Junior in the Basque Country / Euskadi, beginning Thursday 30th July Thursday 2009.

ASP Europe Vans Mens Pro Junior Grade-1 Event at San Sebastian – Basque Country/Euskadi 23rd-26th July 2009

Spectacular Action at Vans Pro Junior, San Sebastian. Finalists Decided

[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com] 20 year old Jayce Robinson from the UK made the final, achieving his best result to date. He’ll be up against Marc Lacomare (FRA), Thomaz Petterson (BRA) and Jatyr Berasaluce (EUK) on the 26th.

Saturday, 25th July was the penulitame day of the event was blessed with spectacular surfing, with several surfers unleashing their most progressive style to post excellent scores and secure a place in the final tomorrow (27th). From flying maneuvers to powerhouse classic cutbacks, the whole repertoire of modern surfing was displayed by the thirty-two men paddling out today.

The 3ft waves were an ideal platform, for the competitors to use their progressive style with the Pro Juniors quarter finalists. Top for the day was defending champion 18 yr old Marc Lacomare from France, making this his 2nd consecutive final in two years.

Berasaluce, was cheered on by his fellow locals, and was the only local surfer to secure his place in the final. An outstanding 9.17 point ride from Berasaluce saw off Dimitri Ouvre (FRA), 17, one of the events most impressive surfers.

I am feeling really good here in San Sebastian, Berasaluce said. I am pretty used to surfing here and the crowds are supporting me a lot so I am having a good time. The conditions were pretty hard and the peak was moving a lot so I had to move from the rights to the lefts but it went right and I am pretty stoked to be in the final.

At 20 years of age, Berasaluce is in his last year as a competitor in the ASP Pro Junior series and will be looking to grab his maiden ASP win when he paddles out against other finalists, the Basque surfer having a serious advantage surfing in front of his home crowd.

It is my last year in the juniors so I am definitely hoping for a first win, Berasaluce said. I really want to win this event, I havent won one for some time and the last victory took place here at this beach so I hope it can work out tomorrow.

Defending champion 18 yr old Marc Lacomare from France, who started off his Vans Pro Junior campaign in exceptional form yesterday with an 18.06 point heat score, easily advanced through his three encounters today.

Considered the outsider of the final, Jayce Robinsons (GBR) run today gave him his first ASP Pro Junior event final berth, a deserved reward for the British surfer who used both his heat tactics and vertical wave attack to reach the final.

I got a few real good waves this morning and I am stoked because it is the first final for me, Robinson said. Ive been training a lot this year in South Africa with Llewelyn Whitaker and he is a really good coach. I am happy to make it that far but I think I can win it so Ill just have to stick to the better waves and try as hard as I can.

Surfing in the final with Robinson will be Brazilian standout 19 yr old Thomaz Petterson from Brazil, the young man securing his second consecutive final after his win in Portugal at the beginning of the month. Petterson, who impressed with his fast and controlled maneuvers.

The Vans Pro Junior at San Sebastian – Basque Country is host to the Association of Surfing Professionals European 3rd Event of the Pro Junior Men’s Tour and 2nd event of the Pro Junior Women’s Tour from 23rd-26th July 2009

San Sebastian Welcomes Europes Best Junior Surfers

[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com] Joachim Guichard (Algarve, DEN), 20, leads the ASP European Junior ratings and is amongst the favourites attending the Pro Junior event thats start tommorrow at San Sebastian.

San Sebastian, Euskadi (Wednesday, 22nd July, 2009) The Vans Pro Junior, an ASP Grade-1 men and womens event, starts Thursday, 23rd July 23, in San Sebastian. With current regional ratings leaders all confirmed to attend the popular contest, the show promises to bring some intense battles as the race for the prestigious ASP European Junior crown heats up.

Current ratings No. 1 Joachim Guichard (Algarve, DEN), 20, has already confirmed his presence in the Vans Pro Junior, and the young man will be looking forward to extend his lead over other favorites when he paddles out for his start in Round 3, along with the events top seeds. Guichard, whose twin brother Luka will be another serious threat as he sits No. 5 currently on the regional ratings, started the year with a runner-up finish in Portugal behind Vans Pro Junior defending champion and favorite Marc Lacomare (Capbreton, FRA), 18, and will try and confirm his excellent form in San Sebastian to secure a confident lead before heading into August and its major events.

Lacomare, Vans Pro Junior top seed this year, has already made his intentions clear towards a first regional ASP Junior crown this after dominating the first event of the year last April in Portugal, an ASP Grade-2 rated contest. At 18-years-old only, Lacomare remains one of Frances best hopes towards a possible ASP World Tour qualification in the upcoming years and has already started touring on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) but the regional junior crown is a priority for the Capbreton resident.

Along with Frances representatives will be the rising generation of Basque surfers, the solid contingent looking to shine at its home spot of San Sebastian where massive summer crowds will be watching their representatives. With Jatyr Berasaluce (Sopelana, EUK), 20, leading the charge with his current No. 6 rank and a surprising but nonetheless solid Mario Azurza (Zarautz, EUK) slowly stepping-up against Europes best to start the Vans Pro Junior ranked No. 4 on the regional ratings, the Basque team will be much expected to perform in front of its home crowds.

The womens division will host an elite field of Under-21 competitors with reigning ASP European Womens Junior champion and current ratings leader Alize Arnaud (Hossegor, FRA), 18, ready to commit another hold-up and take a second consecutive win this year. Arnaud, who claimed the ASP Grade-1 event in Portugal at the beginning of the month, will be focused on another win in San Sebastian to try and hold back the new generations assault led by an impressive Joanne Defay (REU) who will be the number one threat her quest.

Basque favorite Garazi Sanchez (EUK) and rising local competitors Idoia Meabe (EUK) as well as the Canales sisters Loiola and Leticia, guarantee exitement for the spectators as the competitors battle for valuable ratings points.

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Top Seeds Start Strong at U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

HUNTINGTON BEACH in California on Saturday 18th July 2009
The ASP North America Pro Junior event opened with peaky two-to-three foot surf at south Huntington Beach Pier. There were 3 rounds of U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior completed today, with the top seeds starting strong in the afternoon

ASP North America Pro Junior Series competitors are out to compile their best four results on the regional tour to finish in the top three. Achieving a top three position earns them a chance to compete at the ASP World Junior Championships in Narrabeen, Australia each January for the world title.

Evan Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 15, crushed the day’s highest scores, scoring 9.00 out of 10 with a massive backhand blast on the outside, followed up with a solid forehand hack on the reform and ended with a polished air-reverse. The ride raised his heat total to 17, the highest for the day.

“My heat was pretty hard,” Geiselman said. “I was looking at the draw and new I’d need some scores to get out of that one. I had a nice little line up on the beach and I stayed pretty close to the pier because it was high-tide and you can get those reforms off of the pier more easily than going down the beach. I got a right and a nice left, so I’m stoked to get out of the heat.”
Geiselmans result puts him in a good position to improve his ratings and challenge his fellow surfers.

“My year’s going okay,” Geiselman said. “I’d like to do better. I made the Quarterfinals in the last two events and I think I’m rated 16th, so I’ll be psyched if I make it past that round and hopefully I can get up there.”
The young Floridian entered last year’s ASP WQS 6-Star event as an alternate and progressed through to Round of 48, crucial for his seeding in this year’s Hurley U.S. Open and the East coaster is looking to repeat his performance again in this year’s Hurley U.S. Open event.

“Last year’s results gave me my seed for this year,” Geisleman “I surf on Monday and hopefully I can do what I did last year and make a few heats.”

Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, is currently sitting in the No. 2 position overall on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and put on a strong showing in his opening Round of 32 heat this afternoon.

“It’s kind of like the last contest but with more swell and there is a lot of potential,” Perillo said. “It’s connectable, you can work it through all the way in and get a good snap or air on the inside.”

The stylish regular-footer is hoping his early round U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior heat will act as a good warm up for his ASP WQS campaign as well.

“It’s a good warm up to get a heat under my belt before Monday,” Perillo said. “I’m happy to have the wildcard in to the main event and hopefully the junior heat will help as a warm-up for my ‘QS heat.”

Kaimana Jaquias (Kauai, HI), 16, stood out today in his first U.S. Open appearance. The Hawaiian advanced through three heats netting a few top scores along the way and adapted easily to the changing South Huntington Beach Pier conditions.

“My first two heats, most of my good ones were against the pier,” Jaquias said. “Now that the tide’s filling in, it’s kind of spread out and anyone can sit anywhere and still get a good one, so you’ve just got to get two and go from there.”

Jaquias today showed he can compete with some of the world’s best junior competitors.

“This is not my first time to Huntington, but it’s my first time competing in the U.S. Open,” Jaquias said. “I couldn’t get in to the WQS contest, but there are so many good international guys here in the Juniors. So many of the best junior guys in the world are here in this event, but you really can’t think about it. In Hawaii alone, I’ve surfed against so many good guys and I just try not to think about it and take it heat-by-heat.”

Tomorrow beings with the Hurley U.S. Open Men’s Trials followed by the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior Women’s ASP Grade-4 event.

Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour at Jeffreys Bay South Africa, 9th-19th July 2009

Bourez Places 9th in Billabong Pro J-Bay for Best European Result

[Photo credit: ASP/CI/Cestari via Getty Images] Michel Bourez (Tahiti, PYF), 23, placed equal 9th in the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in South Africa Wednesday, his best result since he started his rookie run against the ASP Top 45

CAPBRETON, France Thursday, 16th July, 2009) Michel Bourez (Tahiti PYF), 23, placed equal 9th in the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay this week, the Tahitian charger posting his best result of the year in the fifth event of the 2009 ASP World Tour. Going down to last years ASP Rookie of the Year Dane Reynolds (Califonia, USA) in Round 3, Bourez was not able to find the rhythm during his match-up with the Californian who was to advance through to the Semifinals of the event on the final day.

Bourez, who surfed at his best in Round 2 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, to eliminate 2007 ASP World Champion and two-time event winner Mick Fanning (Gold Coast, AUS), impressed the crowds with an 18.27 point heat score (out of a possible 20) including one of the two perfect 10.00 point rides scored on Day 2 of competition, the renowned power surfer managing to eventually express his skills after six months of unexpected average results.

I was just feeling really good in the water, Bourez said. To surf that wave – perfect barrels, long rights – I was definitely ready for that. On my 10, I had just come back from my first wave and was so tired, but I saw that one coming and said thats the one. It was breaking on the sand, and I got three barrels on it. I was so stoked that I claimed it. I had to!

Unfortunately, Bourez was not able to make it any further than Round 3, the Tahitian still earning valuable points to give himself a bit of air in his requalification quest. He is now ranked 25th in the world and will be looking to solidify his rating when the ASP Dream Tour hits Trestles for the Hurley Pro next September.

The rest of the European contingent was not able to make it through to Round 3 of competition, Miky Picon (Capbreton, FRA) being the only one out of the other five representatives to join top seed Jeremy Flores (Capbreton/New Caledonia, FRA) in Round 2 where he lost to CJ Hobgood (Florida, USA) in a close battle by a mere 0.07 point, leaving the water very disappointed with the result.

Halfway through the year, requalification isnt looking very good for most of the current ASP World Tour European members, Picon, Marlon Lipke (Algarve, DEU), Aritz Aranburu (Zarautz, EUK), Tiago Pires (Ericeira, PRT) and Tim Boal (Anglet, FRA) all sitting out of the Top 27 requalifying group whil Bourez and Flores are still struggling to make the final day of an event.

Billabong Pro Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, 9th – 19th July, 2009.

Parkinson Claims Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Solidifies ASP Ratings Lead


Pictured: Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, has won the 2009 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, his third ASP World Tour event victory this season alone, solidifying his position as frontrunner in the race for the 2009 ASP World Title.
Credit: © ASP/ CI/ CESTARI via GETTY IMAGES

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa (Wednesday, 15th July, 2009) – Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, has claimed the 2009 Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in clean three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) surf over Damien Hobgood (USA), 30, strengthening his stranglehold on the ASP World Tour ratings lead.

Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay will go down as one of the finest in history, with the two final days of competition enjoying pumping surf and amazing performances, culminating in today’s exciting finale.

Parkinson wasted no time in the 40-minute Final, smashing an excellent 9.47 out of a possible 10 on his opening wave. The wave exhibited the Australian’s unparalleled mastery of the Jeffreys Bay lineup, a symphony of beautiful forehand arcs and committed barrel riding, taking off from “Boneyards” section at the top of the point and riding well over 200 metres to the eruption of crowds on the beach.

“I knew the waves were dying down towards the end of the day and it was going to be important to get on the board early in Final,” Parkinson said. “I’ve been sitting up the point at Boneyards for most of the event and trying to find the ones that would run all the way down the point – that one was no different. As I stood up I had a really nice line on it and I tried to make the most of it. Turned out to be a crucial part of the heat.”

Today’s win comes 10 years after Parkinson’s inaugural victory at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, last ascending the winner’s dais in 1999 when he competed as a wildcard.

“Wow – 10 years seems to go by really fast,” Parkinson said. “I’ve enjoyed coming here every year since that first one, and it’s been a pretty incredible trip since then. To bring it together 10 years down the track, it’s a pretty special feeling and all I can say is that it’s a fantastic event and I’ll be coming here as long as I can.”

Throughout the competition, time-and-again, Parkinson proved to be the form surfer, collecting two Perfect 10s (Round 3, Semifinals) as well as several 9-point plus rides as he deftly advanced through five heats of battle. This victory marks the phenomenal natural-footer’s third ASP Dream Tour win this year alone, strengthening his position as frontrunner in the race for the ASP World Title.

“The conditions for this event were just unbelievable and the surfing speaks for itself,” Parkinson said. “The past two days are a bit of a blur – so many massive scores and barrels from everyone. In terms of the world title, I do my best not to think about it. In the past, I’ve done my head in by wondering how many points behind or ahead of someone I am, and this season, I’ve just focused on the task at hand. I’ve had a good start, but it’s a long year and a lot can happen. I’m looking forward to heading home to see my family and training hard for the next one.”

Unfortunately for Hobgood, inconsistency plagued the back half of his Final clash with Parkinson, and the Floridian was unable to find a rhythm in the challenging conditions. However, today’s Runner-Up finish marks second career result at the venue for Hobgood (the other to Slater in 2003), an impressive feat for a goofy-footer.

“It’s an honor to come here every year,” Hobgood said. “The place is magical and it’s just so beautiful. It’s easy to get distracted by how beautiful it looks when waves are coming down the point. Joel (Parkinson) opened up with that really good wave and at that point, the only thing I could do was pray for an 8-footer to come through. It’s not an easy wave for goofy-footer’s to excel at, but I feel really fortunate to finish in the Final. It’s a great result for me.”

Hobgood’s route to the Final was no easy feat, navigating through a bevy of in-form surfers: Bede Durbidge (AUS), 26, in Round 3, Taylor Knox (USA), 38, in the Quarterfinals, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, in the Semifinals. Today’s result bolts Hobgood from 10th to 5th on the ASP World Tour ratings, putting him in excellent position to contest the back half of the season.

“This is definitely my best result of the year and moving up to 5th puts me in good position for the back half of the season,” Hobgood said. “I opened up with a pretty good result on the Goldy before having some average outings in the last three. Today’s finish definitely gives me a lot of confidence heading into the next few events, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Dane Reynolds (USA), 2008 ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year, lost a wave-starved Semifinal to eventual Runner-Up Hobgood, but impressively stamped his authority on today’s proceedings, besting 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, in the opening heat of the day before taking down giant-slaying wildcard Sean Holmes (ZAF), 31, with the highest-scoring heat total of the event, a 19.20 out of a possible 20. The feat included an incredibly long barrel punctuated with a high-risk floater for his second Perfect 10 of the event, as well as executing a mind-blowing fin-throw: exploding through the lip, grabbing rail and landing in reverse before pulling his board around to recover.

“It was a bit of a bummer to have things die down like that after the Quarterfinals,” Reynolds said. “I’m still happy to be here though. The waves were so much fun that it didn’t even really feel like a contest. (On that 10) There were a couple of moments when I didn’t think I was going to make it. It was really difficult to navigate, but I punched through and was stoked. I also got to do a pretty big turn in the Quarters, and I kind of wanted to do one of those this whole event, but didn’t have a lot of opportunities – when you’re on a wave like that one though, you start gaining some confidence and I just tried to do a big turn. Worked out pretty well.”

Today’s equal 3rd place finish is not only a personal best for the young Californian, but rockets Reynolds up from No. 34 to No. 20 on the ASP World Tour ratings, a major relief following three, consecutive equal 33rds prior to the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.

“This event was obviously a welcome change in my year so far,” Reynolds said. “I didn’t have a good start to the season and came here a bit more motivated to compete. But then I started out pretty slow with some board problems and stuff, so I don’t know. I don’t do well when I think about what I need in heats and that, so I just go out to surf. This result takes a bit of pressure off in terms of ratings and stuff so hopefully I can get a few more before the year is done.”

Kai Otton (AUS), 29, was another goofy-footer to bust through Jeffreys Bay’s challenging walls on his backhand, besting Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, in the Quarterfinals before going down in a tit-for-tat shootout with eventual winner Parkinson in the Semifinals. Otton’s equal 3rd place finish bumps him from 27th to 19th on the ASP World Tour ratings.

“I came to Jeffreys really trying to focus on getting a result here,” Otton said. “For me, that means not thinking in heats, and just surfing, so that seemed to work out pretty well. It can be a difficult wave for goofy-footer’s to do well at, but I really think the size helped throughout the event. It allowed us to open up a bit more as it wasn’t breaking really fast on the bricks. I’m looking forward to heading home and training hard for the next event.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning nine-time ASP World Champion and past four-time winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, fell to compatriot Knox in their Round 3 bout this morning. Starting the year with three uncharacteristic 17th place finishes, Slater rebounded with a win in Brazil last week, and was poised to threaten the current tour frontrunners with a strong showing in South Africa. However, today’s equal 9th place finish and current ASP World No. 8 rating make a potential charge for an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title much more challenging for the Floridian.

“I’m going to probably have to win three straight now to get back in this thing,” Slater said. “If you do the numbers, I think before this contest, Parko (Joel Parkinson) was ten heats ahead of me, and if I want to contend, I need to catch up. That obviously wasn’t happening for me today.”

Billabong Pro event Stop No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour hosted at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, 9th – 19th July, 2009.

Perfect Scores and Upsets Abound as Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay Cranks

Pictured: Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, 2008 ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year and current ASP World No. 34, scored a Perfect 10 today during his hard-fought Round 2 victory over Jordy Smith (ZAF), 21. Reynolds will face 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, another Perfect 10 surfer today, in the opening heat when Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay competition resumes.
Credit: ASP/ CI/ CESTARI via GETTY IMAGES

There was high drama and excellent scores today (Tuesday 14th July 2009) at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. Rifling six-to-eight foot (2 2.5 metre) surf poured through South Africas most iconic lineup for Rounds 2 and 3 of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.

This was Event No. 5 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, and the ASPs top seeds hit the water posting the highest scores of the event mixed in with some of the biggest upsets, all going down in what some are calling, the best Jeffreys Bay ever.

Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning nine-time ASP World Champion and four-time past winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (96, 03, 05, 08), put in an historic performance, netting four nine-point-plus rides in his Round 2 heat to collect the highest heat total of the event, an 18.84 out of a possible 20 (throwing away a 9.23 and a 9.00).

It was just unbelievable, Slater said. The waves were just pumping. I couldn’t get back out there fast enough. It just kept barreling. I went all the way down through tubes and doggy-doored to the end, must’ve gotten like 4 or 5 barrels on that thing. It was a pretty sick wave. I don’t know what else I could’ve done on it. I surfed it as hard as I could. I’m pretty happy. I had a really good heat that’s the best heat I’ve had this year by a mile.

Currently ranked 9th on the ASP World Tour ratings, Slater rebounded from three, consecutive 17ths to start the year with a win in Brazil last week before setting the bar today at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay.

I feel like the current leg were competing on is a strong one for me, Slater said. I went to Brazil without much motivation, but it turned out to be a good event for me. Now were here in Jeffreys where I feel really comfortable and the next events are ones I usually do well at. A lot of guys are surfing good though Sean (Holmes), Joel (Parkinson), so well take it one heat at a time.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie, caused the upset of the event today, eliminating former ASP World Champion (2007) and two-time past winner of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (02, 06), Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, from competition in their Round 2 bout. The heat would prove one of the highest-scoring affairs of the event (18.27 17.17), with Bourez sealing the win with the events first Perfect 10-point ride.

I was just feeling really good in the water, Bourez said. To surf that wave – perfect barrels, long rights – I was definitely ready for that. On my 10, I had just come back from my first wave and was so tired, but I saw that one coming and said that’s the one. It was breaking on the sand, and I got three barrels on it. I was so stoked that I claimed it. I had to!

Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, 2008 ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year and current ASP World No. 34, put in a sensational Round 2 performance, collecting the events second Perfect 10-point ride with some committed forehand hacks before a mind-blowing barrel, en route to eliminating current ASP World No. 8 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 21.

I kind of started off the heat sitting pretty far up the point, Reynolds said. Jordy (Smith) came out and paddled straight by me way up to the top of the point so I was like alright, I’ll just try and get scraps off him. I think that no matter where I surf, anywhere, I like to stay wide; I like to see waves coming to me. Even when I’m free surfing, I never sit out the back and wait for sets. I’m always hunting insiders and a lot of the times it messes me up in heats. On that 10, I wasn’t even sure if that was going to be a good wave. I had priority and got to the bottom and you could see it lining up for days I knew it was going to be good from there.

Following three, consecutive 33rd place finishes in the last three ASP World Tour events, media speculation was rampant that Reynolds, whom many consider one of the most exciting surfers on the planet, had lost the motivation to compete, but prodigious natural-footer offers his own opinion.

Obviously no one wants to lose, Reynolds said. It was kind of funny because getting three 33rds actually made me want to compete again. I flew halfway around the world to be here and I went out there to win. Its funny how it works out I guess, but winning out there in conditions like that, theres no better feeling.

Sean Holmes (ZAF), 31, Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay wildcard, continued his giant-slaying campaign today, first eliminating current ASP World No. 4 Taj Burrow (AUS), 31, before advancing through to the Quarterfinals over Michael Campbell (AUS), 35. With todays eliminations of countrymen Smith and Greg Emslie (ZAF), 32, Holmes is now the sole South African remaining in competition.

“I’m always rooting for the guys on tour, Holmes said. This year, I really want Joel (Parkinson) to win the ASP World Title. I’ll be really disappointed if he doesn’t because he’s deserved it for many years actually. I just go out there and surf. It’s pointless if you go straight on the wave, I might as well do a few turns. To me, it’s just really great to have the opportunity to get out there and surf against two other guys. Obviously for the home crowd, it’s so awesome to get through the heat and give them something to cheer about. It’s just good to be a surfer.”

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, current ASP World No. 1 and former Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay winner (1999), wasted no time in asserting his dominance at Jeffreys Bay today, racking up some impressive Round 2 scores before claiming the events third Perfect 10-point ride for an impossibly long forehand barrel to defeat Kieren Perrow (AUS), 32, in Round 3.

This is the best J-Bay I have ever surfed, Parkinson said. Whenever J-Bay pumps, its usually a pretty special day, but today was exceptional. Guys were getting 9s out there like it was nothing. You could get two 9s and still lose the heat. If youre getting 10s though, you know youve got a good chance at advancing. Ive surfed it at this size before, but never with this sand or as hollow as this.

Parkinson will face current ASP World No. 6 Bobby Martinez (USA), 27, in the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay when competition resumes.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start at which point todays 10-point raiders Bourez and Reynolds will be going head-to-head in Heat 5 of Round 3.

Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships (WWLC) title decider was held in, La Cote des Basques, Biarritz France, 10th-14th July, 2009.

Congratulations to Jennifer Smith Winner of the 2009 Roxy Jam – her second ASP Womens World Longboard Title

[Photo credit: ASP/ROXY/Aquashot] Jennifer Smith (USA), 23, claimed her second ASP Women’s World Longboard title today in France after winning the 2009 Roxy Jam over Coline Menard (REU), 21

BIARRITZ, France (Tuesday, July 14, 2009) Jennifer Smith (California, USA), 23, won the Roxy Jam in Biarritz today to claim the second ASP Womens World Longboard title of her brilliant career after defeating fellow finalist and outsider Coline Menard (Reunion Island, FRA), 21, in the final exchange of the 2009 edition. Smith, who dominated the final bout from the beginning until the end, confirmed her stellar Semifinal run where she managed to score a 9.25 point ride, the highest wave score of the event, defeating Menard confidently.

To win a second world title is just unbelievable, Smith said. That heat against Chelsea (Williams) I was ready to bow out in the semis and I had no idea I was going to get that wave and this score down. I was feeling pretty confident after that and when once I made the final I was definitely looking for the second title, for sure.

Smith, who raised her world title trophy in front of a cheering crowd at La Ctes des Basques, signed an unexpected stellar come-back on top of the international hierarchy today, after several months without a win.

I had no expectations this year as I had not won an event in months, maybe a year, Smith said. I came over here to give my best and see what happens, and I made the final and won it. Its just so good to get a second one. I am going to celebrate with all my best friends that are here tonight and fly back home tomorrow.

With three favorites and one outsider in the Semifinals, the 2009 Roxy Jam witnessed spectacular levels of surfing through the four-day waiting period, the new 32-woman format bringing more intensity into the ASP Womens World Longboard title race. Menards final berth showed again how strong the French female longboarders were getting with a second representative making the final in three years.

The level of surfing has gone so high these days, Smith said. Everytime I see Coline (Menard) at an event, she has improved since the last time and it shows that the talent in Europe and worldwide is huge. The European girls are ripping with Justine (Dupont), Coline and the other Justine (Mauvin) who will soon come up. I think Coline will be better next year.

At 21-years-old, Reunion Island resident Coline Menard became the second French representative to reach the final of the international event after Justine Dupont in 2007 who lost to Smith as well, Menard confirming her status of best up and coming competitor on tour.

Making the final is a dream coming true for me, Menard said. Everything went my way except for the final where I didnt really get the waves but Jennifer (Smith) was the best and she deserves to win. I had no pressure before the final, I knew it would be very tough and I tried to stay relaxed.

Menard, who has been improving fast in the last couple of years, came to Biarritz hoping to better her equal 9th place result from 2007 and ended runner-up in the most prestigious event.

I spent four months in Australia this year competing at all events to get experience and improve, Menard said. I didnt get any big result but it definitely helped me build my confidence and by the time I got here, I was able to put everything behind me and surf relaxed through the event which worked out pretty well.

Placing 3rd after a dominating run from Round 1 up to the Semifinals was event favorite and last years ASP Womens World Longboard No. 2 Chelsea Williams (Gold Coast, AUS), 23, the renowned powersurfer losing to Smith despite a solid performance and a 13.25 point heat score (out of a possible 20).

It is very disappointing not to make it through, Williams said. I just couldnt find the better waves and Jennifer (Smith) got that 9.25 and I knew it was going to be hard to catch-up by then. I just sat out there waiting and nothing came.
Williams, the events best scorer with an impressive 16.50 point score (out of a possible 20) on Day 1 of competition, was much awaited on the highest step of the podium today but failed to counter Smiths flawless attack and will wait another year before she can chase a first ASP World title in her division.

I was feeling good before the heat and went out there with the same approach, Williams said. I didnt get the opportunity to score and that 9 pointer was the turning point. I didnt feel like it was going to happen for me.

Justine Dupont (Lacanau, FRA), 17, was not able to advance to her second Roxy ASP Womens World Longboard Championships final going down to fellow French surfer Menard in the first semifinal. Dupont, who was considered a favorite in her Semifinal duel, could not score any better than a 5.25 point ride (out of a possible 10) throughout the 30-minute semifinal.

I am very disappointed with my performance and I didnt enjoy my time out there, Dupont said. I made a first mistake and let the bomb go while Coline (Menard) was paddling into it. Then I waited for a good wave which came but I fell on the second turn and that was it.

Duponts equal 3rd place finish makes her one of the most consistent female longboarders in the world after a runner-up in 2007 at 15-years-old only and an equal 5th last year.

ROXY Association of Surfing Professional Womens World Longboard Championships FINAL
1st, Jennifer Smith (USA) 12.25 pts
2nd, Coline Menard (REU) 9.55 pts

ROXY Association of Surfing Professional Womens World Longboard Championships SEMIFINALS
Heat 1: Coline Menard (REU) 11.75 pts Def. Justine Dupont (FRA) 9.15 pts
Heat 2: Jennifer Smith (USA) 15.25 pts Def. Chelsea Williams (AUS) 13.25 pts

Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing, Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2009 ASP North America Mens Tour hosted at Huntington Beach, California USA, 20th – 26th July, 2009.

Hurley Announces $100k First Prize for ASP WQS 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open

Pictured: Rob Machado (USA), 35, former ASP World No. 2 and past winner of the U.S. Open, will be one of many high-profile athletes gunning for the historic $100k first prize at this seasons ASP WQS 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing.
Credit: ASP/ CI/ ROWLAND via GETTY IMAGES

Even in our current economic climate Hurley have dug deep into their pockets and today Tuesday, 14th July, 2009 at Huntington Beach, California, made the unprecedented announcement that first place in the upcoming Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach will now be US$100,000, the biggest prize purse in professional surfings history.

Huntington Beach is ground zero for competitive surfing in mainland America, and on the 50th anniversary of major events at the Pier, were excited and honored to help bring surfing back to center stage at the U.S. Open, Evan Slater, Hurley Digital Marketing Manager, said. This includes attracting the worlds best surfers and making it the significant event it deserves to be.

The event, which runs at the historic Huntington Beach Pier from July 20 26, 2009, has attracted a bevy of the worlds best surfers from the prestigious ASP Dream Tour as well as the top ASP WQS seeds looking to gain valuable qualification points in their respective campaigns for an ASP World Tour berth in 2010.

Going back to the Op Pro days in the early to mid 80s, the event here at Huntington always seemed larger than life, Slater said. Where your heroes performed the unimaginable right in front of you. The waves werent the key factor; it was the atmosphere. At Rob Machados suggestion, who remembers those days clearly as a kid, he felt a first-place incentive like this would help rekindle that electric atmosphere.

Hurleys unparalleled financial incentive has caught the global attention of surfers, fans, industry powerbrokers and the ASP.

“Hurley already has a reputation with Hurley Pro Trestles in San Clemente, providing one of the best events on the planet for both surfers and fans, Brodie Carr, ASP International CEO, said. This year, we have started early with Hurley’s $100k 1st place prize purse at the upcoming U.S. Open the biggest winners prize in surfing history!”

Hurley is no stranger to financial contributions to the worlds best surfers; Bob Hurley, Founder and Chairman of Hurley International, famously upped first prize at last seasons inaugural Hurley Pro Trestles (an ASP World Tour event) from US$30,000 to US$75,000 moments before the Final. When asked if their prize money incentive at the upcoming ASP WQS meant the potential for an even bigger gesture at this years Hurley Pro Trestles in September, the industry power player remained guarded.

We cant comment on that now, Slater said. But lets just say that we like surprises.

The ASP World Qualifying Series 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing will be held at Californias famed Huntington Beach Pier from 20th – 26th July, 2009.