Volcom Pipeline Pro 2010

Today is thestart of Volcoms 1st ever ASP event hosted at the world renowned Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu.

The ASP World Qualifying Series 5 Star eventtwaiting periodruns 23rd January – 5th February 2010, and has prize purse of $120k.

With sea and air temperatures around 24 degrees celcius, it just makes you wish you were there to get away from the snow and cold the UK has experienced recently, there’s no need for a wetsuit, never mind the wetsuit gloves and wetsuit boots!

You’ll be able to watch the action live if you visit Fuel TVbare in mind the event location is 10 hours behind GMT (UK time).

ASP Women’s World Tour Stop No. 6 of 7, Gidget Pro Oahu/Hawaii, Saturday, November 28, 2009

Stephanie Gilmore Claims Third Consecutive ASP Womens World Title at Sunset

Pictured: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 21, your three-time ASP Womens World Champion!

Credit: ASP/ CI/ SCHOLTZ via GETTY IMAGES

21 Year old Australian Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), claimed her third consecutive Association of Surfing ProfessionalWomens World Title today, making history as the only surfer ever to win the prestigious crown each year they have competed at the elite ASP World Tour level (mens or womens).

Its surreal to win for a third time, Gilmore said. Its amazing! I woke up this morning and knew it was going to be a good day. The waves were building and you sort of get that fuzzy feeling throughout the day. I really dont even know what to think about it. I just want to thank everyone for the support that Ive had throughout the whole year.

I didnt even know it was happening, Gilmore said. I was preparing for the Final and gearing up and then to know I had won, my head was a bit light. To go to Honolua and not have to worry about the title going into the event is just so relaxing.

Stephanies performancecemented her position as the most dominant female surfer in the world.

Im starting to feel more comfortable on the Womens World Tour and go into events differently, Gilmore said. You get to know the breaks and its still my third year and I love traveling and competing and its such a special thing to get paid to do. Im looking forward to next year and seeing different conditions and different waves on tour, I think there might be a couple of new stops, so yeah, Im looking forward to having good heats and good waves.

Highlights from the event are available at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

Joan Duru Claims Maiden ASP European WQS Title after Final event in Lanzarote

[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com by Bonnarme]

SAN JUAN, Lanzarote, Friday, 6th November, 2009.
Frenchman Joan Duru, 20, has won the 2009 ASP European WQS title at Lanzarote after closest follower and only title contender Gony Zubizarreta (Vigo, ESP) was eliminated from the Islas Canarias Santa Pro on Lanzarote island in spectacular surf conditions of the Quarterfinals.

This win put Joan Duru from Andres,in position to qualify for next year’s ASP World Tour.

“It’s great to get the title after such a year“, Duru said.”I am super happy to add it to my career and hopefully things keep going the same way until the end of the year for me.”

2009 ASP EUROPEAN WQS TOP 10
No. 1, Joan Duru (FRA) 7165 pts
No. 2, Gonzalo Zubizarreta (ESP) 6263 pts
No. 3, Glenn Hall (IRL) 4935 pts
No. 4, Eric Rebiere (FRA), 4547 pts
No. 5, Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) 4595 pts
No. 6, Romain Cloitre (REU) 4544 pts
No. 7, Txaber Trojaola (EUK) 4360 pts
No. 8, Abdel El Harim (MAR) 3942 pts
No. 9, Justin Mujica (PRT) 3822 pts
No. 10, Patrick Beven (FRA) 3762 pts

More information available at www.aspeurope.com

[Photo credit: Aquashot/aspeurope.com by Masurel] Australian Drew Courtney, 31, won the Islas Canarias Santa Pro today.

Todaysmaiden WQS win for Drew takes him toNo. 9 on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings.

The back up venue of La Santa Lefthanders provided the surfers with excellent three to four metre surf .

I am speechless right now, its just amazing to win this major event and moreover in these waves, Courtney said. Its my first win ever in twelve years on tour and its been an epic day with great surf. It was a close heat and to finish on top is pretty amazing.

Courtney from New South Wales, linked a series of powerful top to bottom on the railmanoeuvres mixed with fast shallow water tube rides, resulting in a heat score of 19.23.

ISLAS CANARIAS SANTA PRO FINAL
1st, Drew Courtney(Australia) 19.23 pts
2nd, Bernardo Miranda (Brazil) 16.64 pts

The Mavericks Contest Window 2009/10

The infamous big wave contest held at Half Moon Bay, California, is now in its official waiting period.

From 1st November 2009 up until 31st March 2010 surfers are “on call” awaiting the call to attend on 24 hours notice of the right conditions for contest to begin.

Mavericks can serve up waves of anything between 30- 40ft and sometimes beyond, although not a always a dead-cert, and last year was a no show.

This yearcontestants and organisers alike are really hopeful with the news from official surf forecasterMark Sponsler of Stormsurf.comThe El Nio season, which has already begun, should bring a higher number of storms moving from the International Dateline into the Gulf of Alaska than in years previous. Those storms should have the potential to push larger and more consistent surf down the Pacific Coast into California. It’s likely there will be several good opportunities to hold the contest between now and March 31 when the contest window closes..

Total prize money for this years competition stands at $150k with $50k for the winner.

Competitors
Matt Ambrose, Ben Andrews, Grant Baker, Ion Banner, Chris Bertish, Carlos Burle, Kenny Collins, Shane Desmond, Nathan Fletcher, Brock Little, Greg Long, Josh Loya, Peter Mel, Shawn Rhodes, Ryan Seelbach, Evan Slater, Tyler Smith, Jamie Sterling, Anthony Tashnick, Darryl Virostko, Grant Washburn, Dave Wassell, Tim West, Zach Wormhoudt.

Alternates
Alex Martins, Danilo Couto, Mark Healey, Tyler Fox, Rusty Long, Nic Lamb, Jamie Mitchell, Mike Gerhardt, Russell Smith, Kealii Mamala, Garrett McNamara, Andrew Marr, Lawton Smith, John Whittle, Colin Dwyer.

Hereare some of the2007 contest highlights

More information About Mavericks and The Mavericks Surf Contest is available on our surf blog.

Islas Canarias Santa Pro, Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Prime Mens Final Event on 2009
World Qualifying European Series at San Juan, Lanzarote Canary Islands, 1st-7th November 2009.

Last Sixteen Decided in Islas Canarias Santa Pro, Possible Finish Tomorrow

Thursday 5th November 2009, San Juan Lanzarote, Canary Islands.

Today ended with the last sixteen men decided after a wind-blown consistent 5ft wave at San Juan

This is the final event on ASP European WQS Series and third-to-last event of the 2009 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), with crucial ratings points to fight for, Australian tour rookie Drew Courtney lead the pack in style.

Courtney, 30, dominated the messy line-up of San Juan using his favorite backhand attack to display solid top-turns, finishing with an impressive 17.50 point result after an excellent 9.10 point opening ride.

It looked worse than actually was and Eneko and I got a couple of pretty waves out there, Courtney said. I took it fairly safe yesterday and didnt really get rewarded so I just went forward today, waited for the better waves and finished with a massive turn. Ive been averaging thirteen or fourteen points and its good to get a 17.00 point result.

Ive been hanging out with the right crowd I guess and they are giving me a lot of support, Courtney said. Its good to get back in form and to surf on the ASP WQS and do well. I love surfing on my backhand and thats one of my strengths. I havent done worse than fifth here at Lanzarote in the past so hopefully I can improve on that and make the final.

ISLAS CANARIAS SANTA PRO ROUND 4 UPCOMING MATCH-UPS
Heat 1: Drew Courtney (AUS) Vs Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 2: Eneko Acero (EUK) Vs Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY)
Heat 3: Leonardo Neves (BRA) Vs Romain Laulhe (FRA)
Heat 4: Abdel El Harim (MAR) Vs Eric Rebiere (FRA)
Heat 5: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) Vs Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 6: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) Vs Alain Riou (PYF)
Heat 7: Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) Vs Patrick Beven (FRA)
Heat 8: Bernardo Miranda (BRA) Vs Clay Marzo (HAW)

ISLAS CANARIAS SANTA PRO ROUND 3 RESULTS
Heat 1: Drew Courtney (AUS) 17.50, Eneko Acero (EUK) 15.34, Miguel Ximenez (PRT) 7.90
Heat 2: Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) 13.56, Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 10.16, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 8.26
Heat 3: Leonardo Neves (BRA) 11.67, Abdel El Harim (MAR) 8.70, Romain Cloitre (REU) 8.44
Heat 4: Eric Rebiere (FRA) 12.66, Romain Laulhe (FRA) 8.97, Eduardo Fernandes (PRT) 7.26
Heat 5: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 14.23, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.90, Nic Muscroft (AUS) 9.34
Heat 6: Alain Riou (PYF) 15.67, Marco Polo (BRA) 11.00, Royden Bryson (ZAF) 7.94
Heat 7: Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) 14.83, Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 13.74, Travis Logie (ZAF) 10.43
Heat 8: Clay Marzo (HAW) 11.67, Patrick Beven (FRA) 10.67, Txaber Trojaola (EUK) 9.74

About Mavericks and The Mavericks Surf Contest

Every winter season, Mother Nature offers up the oceans harshest conditions and the giant, unpredictable waves that characterize Mavericks and the annual Mavericks Surf Contest. Frigid waters, dangerous currents, jagged rocks and the ever-present threat of the great white shark. When weather conditions are just right, the 24 chosen surfers will make the official contest call. Once the call is made, they will have only 24 hours to arrive in Half Moon Bay to face the extreme conditions, thunderous waves and each other. Coined as “the wave beyond,” the Mavericks brand inspires hardcore athletes to face the unpredictably raw power of Mother Nature, and stirs the souls of those who aspire to challenge their own limits. Mavericks remains true to its core: a cold, mysterious and foreboding place that demands respect from everyone who goes there and inspires them to attempt the extraordinary.

Rip Curl Pro Highlights 24-25th October

The RipCurl Pro Search, Stop No. 9 of 10 on the 2009 Association of Surfing ProfessionalWorld Tour & Rip Curl Womens Pro Search Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2009 ASP Womens World Tour at Peniche, Portugal 19th-30th October 2009.

This weekend saw Kelly Slater (reigning 9 times ASP world champion) eliminated by the Australian Owen Wright during round 2 of the Rip Curl Pro Search on Saturday 24th October 2009 at Belgas, Penriche.

At only 19 years old Owen is just over half Kelly Slaters age,butyouth prevailed over experience on this occasion.

“I feel great, it was a really tough heat with not many waves,“ Wright said. “Kelly (Slater) got the jump on me and opened up early so I sat and waited to try and get the bigger and better waves. Every time I have watched a heat of Kellys on the tour the waves turn on so I was stoked to be out there with him and have such good exchanges.“

Sunday 25th October only saw 3 heats of round 2 completed due to conditions deteriorating.
Adriano de Souza elimated fellow Brazilian Jihad Khodr

“They were tough conditions out there, Jihad is a great competitor so I was very careful of him and I am really happy to move through to the next round and keep my title hopes alive. I have never got through to Round 2 at a Rip Curl Pro Search event so I am really happy about that, hopefully I can keep it going. I am just having fun, it is the first time I have the chance to get the title but I am still young, so there is not really any pressure.”,Adriano explained.

Video clips and live coverage visit live.ripcurl.com

Jonathan Gonzalez from Tenerife aged 29 won the final of the ASP WQS 2-Star Movistar Ocean & Earth Pro today beating Portuguese Ruben Gonzalez.El Confital provided the surfers withclean3-4 foot waves at the world class venue.

El Confital (a righ hand point break), churned outexceptional waves overan excellent three-day swell.

Gonzalez, was favourite for the crown,dominating the waves during the final encounter,posting 4 of the events top10 scores. His wave selection was excellent, resulting in detonating forehand top turns.

I am so happy right now, its been so long since my last win in an ASP WQS event, Gonzalez said. I was aiming at a final here and to take the win is really nice, especially in front of the Canarian crowd who has been so supportive for years now. It wasnt an easy finish with fewer good waves but I really waited patiently for the better ones and got them.

The ASP European caravan will meet next in Lanzarote, from November 1 to 7, 2009, where the ASP European champion will be crowned.

You can see live coverage of the Movistart Ocean & Earth Pro at http://www.aspeurope.com/2008/events09/lpalmas09/index.php

MOVISTAR OCEAN & EARTH PRO FINAL
1st, Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) 16.17
2nd, Ruben Gonzalez (PRT) 14.17

Peniche, Portugal hosts Rip Curl Pro Search (Stop No. 9 of 10 on the 2009 Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour) and Rip Curl Womens Pro Search (Stop No. 4 of 7 on the 2009 Association of Surfing Profressionals Womens World Tour) from 19th-30th October 2009.

Rip Curl Pro Search Round 1 Completed in Clean Lefthanders at Lagido

Credit: ASP/ CI/ CESTARI via GETTY IMAGES

30 year old Australian Drew Courtney, currently placed ASP World No. 32, had a fantastic afternoon, defeating his slightly younger oponent 27 year old Hawain, Dustin Barca.

The venue for the remaining 8 heats of round one was the backup site of Ladigo, Peniche/Portugal, which produced clean 4-5ft waves for the competitors.

Drew Courtney won his heat against Dustin Barcawith a 17.17 score vs 16.70.

It is probably the biggest comp all year for me, Courtney said. I have come off a good result last week (in Spain), so I just want to keep improving and hopefully get another 5th at this competition, that would be great.

For video and image footage from the event include including live coverage visit http://live.ripcurl.com

Today’s RIP CURL PRO SEARCH ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.50 def. Justin Mujica (PRT) 10.34
Heat 10: Bruno Santos (BRA) 14.67 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.76
Heat 11: Michael Picon (FRA) 13.16 def. Chris Ward (USA) 8.73
Heat 12: Roy Powers (HAW) 14.17 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.00
Heat 13: Tim Reyes (USA) 12.00 def. Jay Thompson (AUS) 10.87
Heat 14: Nic Muscroft (AUS) 13.66 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 6.00
Heat 15: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 15.67 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.40
Heat 16: Drew Courtney (AUS) 17.17 def. Dustin Barca (HAW) 16.70