ASP World Tour No. 31 Tiago Pires Shares his Rookie Experience

OFF-THE-WALL, Oahu (Friday, December 19, 2008) - After he pulled out from the Billabong Pipeline Masters due to an injury, we caught up with Portuguese surfer and 2008 Dream Tour rookie Tiago Pires (Ericeira, PRT) to talk about his first experience as a member of the world’s best surfers. Pires, 27, who finished No. 31 in the world after a testing year of competition around the world, has requalifed for next year’s ASP World Tour thanks to his solid performances on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) where he finished No. 13, enough to secure a second run on the world’s best waves in 2009. Find out what the first ASP Top 45 member to defeat Slater in 2008 has in mind after his 2008 campaign.

1. Let’s start with a look at the season you have been through, surfing on both ASP World Tour and ASP World Qualifying Series.

I think it’s been a very positive year for me. I managed to get a few good results for my first year on tour, got through several heats at various events so I am happy with this first experience. I would have prefered to start off the season strong with a couple of good places because it would have given me a better seeding and probably a better rank in the end. I finish 2008 just outside the requalifying Top 27 guys without even surfing the Pipeline Masters because of that injury so I am definitely satisfied with that rookie season. I knew it was going to be tough doing both tours but it was my plan since Day 1 so I went for it. Lots of travel, lots of heats and a lot of pressure on the WQS events because I really needed to do well at these events.

2. How did you handle things mentally and physically? Did you have a intense training all year?

I did not really have time to train physically because of the non-stop trips all around the world so I never managed to take a break and focus on my training. The WQS events are very demanding and I put a lot of energy into it and it paid off which was a big relief. It was a great thing to finish into the Top 15 because it was a great compensation for me after all the hard work.

3. What about the major things you learnt during this busy season?

It was a year of learning for me and after all these events, I feel like I have grown up a lot in my whole competition approach. At the end of 2007 when I qualified, I was so focused and wanted to train and be as strong as possible and went to Australia too early. When you travel to the next event too early, you are already kind of burnt when things get started. I put too much pressure on myself at the beginning of the year and it was a mistake. This is something I will be working on for next year, to go to a World Tour event just as if it was a WQS one and be relaxed. I just want to do my thing and enjoy so I will start with a big break at home this winter before going to Australia end of February for the first event. 2009 will be a big change as I probably won’t be doing the WQS anymore and focus on the ASP World Tour.

4. So many people expected you to rip at all the righthand pointbreaks on tour and you got your best results in solid lefthand barrels. How is that?

I think it is a problem of pressure that made it hard for at these locations. I wanted to do so well that I missed the opportunity. On top of that, I did not have perfect boards in the first half of the year at Snapper Rocks, Bell’s Beach and J-Bay and I was not confident on my equipment which made it harder when going to events. The balance of equiment, mental approach and physical skills is the perfect solution to do well at an event. And the events where I felt close to this balance were taking place in lefthand barrels so that’s the reason why I did well there. Once I had the right surfboards, I could put this aside and focus on the rest. For next year I am going to work a lot more on my boards at the start of the year and be relaxed on this aspect of my preparation.

5. What about that one heat at the Billabong Pro Tahiti against Joel Parkinson? You scored a perfect 10 and ended up losing?

It’s probably the one heat I keep thinking about most. It was a hard time for me and it’s one of the times in my life I was very angry and unhappy. I did not understand what was going on while in the water and I really thought there had been a big mistake when I was called with an interference which cost me the heat against Joel. I hadn’t understood what was going on because it a very tricky priority rule I did not know. So after talking with a couple of guys I got to understand better and I was given an interference because of a blocking situation I did not even know I was making. I learnt the hard way because to me, it is one the best heats I’ve surfed in my life and it is hard when you don’t make it because of a stupid mistake.

6. You pulled out of the Billabong Pipeline Masters on the day your heat was paddling out, can you tell us about it ? Are you going to recover fast?

I injured myself before my heat in the O’Neill World Cup of Surfing at Sunset during a warm up surf and I felt like I had something wrong at the back of my neck so I saw the doctors who told me not to push it too much. It’s not a big problem and I don’t suffer a lot so there is no reason to panic about it but it’s the kind of things you don’t want to play with, especially in such demanding conditions. The MRI did not reveal anything in particular but the doctors told me in the worse case scenario I could hurt my spine so I should rather relax because it can last between two and six weeks. I wanted to surf in the event because I had this one thing at the back of my head about Marlon Lipke (DEU) who finished No. 16 on the WQS and needed me to improve my World Tour rank so I could requalify directly which would have taken him in for next year. We are good friends and I wanted to help as much as I could but I couldn’t risk it too much in a wave like Pipeline. Unfortunately I finish the year with this injury but I am okay and I know I will on tour next year.

7. It took time for you to make it to the ASP World Tour and you know kind of know how Marlon can feel now right?

Yes for sure, it happened to me before when I finished No. 17 that one year so I know it is hard after putting so much into it and doing well on the WQS. But I still think there is a small chance he makes it in with the guys possibly retiring and the wildcards available so we’ll see. Whatever happens, it’s not a bad position to be this close because you are first in line for replacements for the following year and you can learn a lot from surfing a few Dream Tour events. Nic Muscroft (AUS) is the best example; this year, because of many injured guys on tour, he got to surf almost every event and learnt a lot from that experience before eventually making it into the Top 15 to qualify for next year’s ASP World Tour. There is definitely a positive thing in being that close and having the opportunity to surf events against the world’s best surfers.

8. Talking about your fellow European Dream Tour mates, how do you look on this amazing progression of surfers from Europe? Did you think three years ago there would be a minimum of five Europeans on tour?

I am proud to be part of this amazing moment for European surfing, and I never thought there would be that many of us on the ASP World Tour three years ago. I think European surfing has caught up with some of the world’s best nations and I think that Jeremy (Flores) and Michel (Bourez) are right up there and have an amazing level. If these guys manage to show all their potential, they have the skills to reach the top. Being part of that crew is a great feeling and we travel together and it definitely makes you stronger. If you look at the other nations, all the guys hang out together and encourage eachother which makes them stronger. What has happened in three years is unbelievable and I hope it keeps going.

9. Have you been watching the next generation coming up? Do you think there is potential to see some of the young guys follow you to the top?

I usually keep an eye on the results of the big junior events and I know a few f the guys coming up. Joan Duru (FRA) is probably one of the best upcoming surfers along with Marc Lacomare (FRA) and Charly Martin (GLP, ASP World Junior No. 3 in 2008). These young kids have a great level already and on top of that they spend a lot of time with us and whenever we can we give them all our experience. This is a big help when you are hoping to qualify because to see some of your friends up there shows you it is makable. What happened in Brazil (Jeremy Flores finished runner-up and Miky Picon equal 3rd) or in Australia (Jeremy Flores placed equal 3rd) is something the younger guys can look forward to. On the other hand, if they qualify for the Dream Tour, they will have more pressure to better us but this is sport in general and competition. I feel like a big brother for all the new generation and I hope I can help them, give them all experience I can.

10. What is your plan for 2009? How comfortable do you feel amongst the best surfers in the world?

Eventhough I am glad to see the next generation coming up, I am focused on my thing and so motivated on making it to the top. There is a lot of things coming up and after such a hard year on both tours, I want to have a different approach. Next year I am going to do like Miky did in 2008, focus on the Dream Tour and keep all my energy for these ten events. Talking on good I feel on tour, I must say we are having a great time and there is a lot of respect between each of us on tour. Europe is a melting pot of so many cultures and I feel like the rest of the guys are always interested and happy when they are going there. Coming from the Old Continent and being a rising nation on tour is a great thing. There is a lot of respect and friendship with the rest of the surfers.

Kelly Slater Tops Chris Ward at Pipeline to Wrap Up 2008 ASP World Tour Season

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, December 14, 2008) - The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour finished up the 2008 ASP World Tour season in an all-American Final at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, with Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), 36, taking his sixth Pipeline Masters title over Californian Chris Ward (San Clemente, CA), 30.

Slater, who clinched his ninth ASP World Title at the Billabong Pro Mundaka earlier this year, capped off his season by claiming another event victory at the prestigious Pipeline Masters on Oahu’s North Shore. Slater dominated the 2008 season, winning six of 10 events held on the prestigious ASP Dream Tour, and donated another spectacular performance at pipeline.

“It’s inexplicable,” Slater said of his win and banner season. “I’m just stoked. I wasn’t even worried about surfing the event, so to surf it and win and get that board (a Gerry Lopez designed surfboard trophy). I’ll cherish that for sure.”

Ward entered the second Final of his ASP World Tour career against the seasoned veteran and was unable to find the waves needed to top this year’s ASP World Champ. The second place showing at the Billabong Pipeline Masters was an excellent result for the regular-footer, launching him up to No. 14 on the ratings to finish off the season.

“I placed better than last year and I would have loved that win but Kelly got all the good waves,” Ward said. “It was very hard out there, I think I missed a couple of good ones in the beginning but I am good. I’m happy.”

Tim Reyes (Huntington Beach, CA), 26, surfed amazingly throughout the entire event and was stopped short of a Final berth by eventual event winner, Slater, in the Semifinals. The heat between Slater and Reyes was considered by many to be the heat of the day, with both surfers pulling into massive barrels in an attempt to find their way into the Final. Despite his impressive showing, Reyes was unable to top Slater and finished third at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, moving his overall result on the ASP Dream Tour to 16^th to finish off the season.

“I almost beat Kelly which is pretty rad,” Reyes said. “I can’t get mad losing at someone who has nine world titles and it was good to win a couple of heats out here in all-time conditions at one of my favorite waves in the world.”

The Billabong Pipeline Masters also marked the last chance for surfers on the bubble of qualification for the 2009 ASP Dream Tour to secure their ticket into next year’s lineup. Dane Reynolds (Ventura, CA), 23, Taylor Knox (Carlsbad, CA), 37, and Damien Hobgood (Satellite Beach, FL), 29, finished 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th respectively, all securing their spot on next year’s tour.

Due to an injury sustained while surfing on the North Shore prior to the Billabong Pipeline Masters, Ben Bourgeois (Wrightsville Beach, NC), 30, was unable to compete at the coveted event and was also not able to find his way back on the ASP World Tour for 2009. Bourgeois finished the season rated 32^nd overall.

Rounds 2 and 3 of Billabong Pipeline Masters To Run Today

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, December 10, 2008) – Round 2 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will recommence in four-to-five foot (2 metre) surf at Pipeline this morning.

The first eight heats of the round were completed yesterday and event organizers will aim to run the second half of Round 2 and all of Round 3 today.

ASP World No. 16 Kieren Perrow (AUS) will go head-to-head with 16-year-old John John Florence in the first heat of the day.

The ASP Dual Heat format, which puts the surfers out in 40-minute, overlapping heats, will be utilized again today with the Top 16 seeds on the ASP World Tour making their 2008 Pipeline Masters debuts in Round 3.

Upcoming Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 2 Heats:

Heat 9: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 10: Pancho Sullivan (HAW) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 11: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Mark Healey (HAW)
Heat 12: Ben Dunn (AUS) vs. Marcus Hickman (HAW)
Heat 13: Bruce Irons (HAW) vs. Torrey Meister (HAW)
Heat 14: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Heat 15: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Jesse Merle-Jones (HAW)

Aritz Aranburu Places Equal 9^th at Pipeline, Gets injury Wildcard for 2009 Dream Tour

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu (Friday, December 12, 2008) - Aritz Aranburu (Zarautz, EUK), 23, ended his Billabong Pipeline Masters run in Round 4 today, getting an equal 9th place to finish his 2008 rookie season with his best result ever on an ASP World Tour event. Aranburu, who was stopped by former Pipeline Masters champion Jamie O’Brien (Oahu, HAW) in Round 4, could not find any good waves during their heat posting a low 6.67 point heat tally (out of a possible 20) in the 40-minute battle.

“I am stoked with the event and my result,” Aranburu said. “I think I eventually got the opportunity to show what I could do and how I could surf . I think I showed people I deserved that spot for next year!”

Aranburu, who suffered three consecutive injuries during his first year as a full-time touring ASP Top 45 member, had nothing to lose in the final event of the year and was looking forward to finishing off with a solid result at Pipeline, one of his favorite waves on tour which he accomplished by finishing 9th after defeating local charger Kalani Chapman (HAW), Dream Tour powerhouse Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and World No. 9 Bobby Martinez (USA) before going down to O’Brien.

Not only did Aranburu secure his best result to date, the Basque surfer from Zarautz was rewarded today with a wildcard by the ASP and the Surfers’ Union for next year’s ASP World Tour.

“I am just over the moon right now,” Aranburu said. “I had a great day watching the finals of the Pipeline Masters and actually, I wasn’t even thinking about that and one of my mates told me. Then I went to see Renato Hickel the ASP Tour Manager and he confirmed me I was in for next year.”

Aranburu will have a second opportunity to show his skills against the world’s best in 2009.

Slater Wins 6^th Billabong Pipeline Masters Title – His 6^th Event Win in 2008

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 12, 2008) – Nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) has won the Billabong Pipeline Masters a record sixth time today. The victory is Slater’s sixth of the 11 event 2008 ASP World Tour season.

“It’s inexplicable,” Slater said of his win and banner season. “I’m just stoked. I wasn’t even worried about surfing the event, so to surf it and win and get that board (a Gerry Lopez designed surfboard trophy). I’ll cherish that for sure.”

Slater has made the Pipeline Masters final 10 out of the 17 times he has entered the event; winning in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 and again today. His 2008 win comes nine years after he last clinched the Pipeline crown in 99.

“My season is all about nines,” Slater said. “Winning this event nine years later, I needed a 9th in the ninth event of the year to win my 9th ASP World title, it’s crazy.”

Slater paddled out in eight to 10 foot waves at Pipeline four times today, beating Chris Ward (USA) 14.00 to 7.23 in the in the first man-on-man final* held at the venue in eight years. Slater’s heat totals in the three heats prior to the final were 19.00, 18.63 and 19.40 – all out of a possible 20 points.

“It was disappointing that the waves didn’t really turn on for us in the final,” Slater said. “That’s what we are here for, to put on a show for people – at least give them some big wipeouts or something. In the final there weren’t too many waves, but I picked the right ones. It’s about time Wardo had a result like this though. He is one of the best barrel riders in the world.”

Ward’s final berth today is the second of his four-year ASP World Tour career. The Californian made the final of his first event on tour on the Gold Coast of Australia in 2005 but finished second there as well. His result today saw him jump from 27^th to 14^th on the year-end ratings

“I placed better than last year and I would have loved that win but Kelly got all the good waves,” Ward said. “It was very hard out there, I think I missed a couple of good ones in the beginning but I am good. I’m happy.”

Had Ward won the final, he would have won the 2009 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title too. He ended up finishing third in the ASP Specialty Series that rewards the surfer with the best Hawaiian season performance across three events.

“It was a great feeling to be in reach of the Triple Crown,” Ward said. “I would definitely love to do it again in the future so I will try again.”

Last year, Bede Durbidge became the first Australian to win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Title since Mike Rommelse (AUS) in 1997. This year the honor went to Australia’s Joel Parkinson who finished 5^th in the first two legs of the Triple Crown held at Haleiwa and Sunset Beach and 9^th at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

“I’ve come runner-up to the Triple Crown a couple of times,” Parkinson said. “Andy nabbed it from me both times, so no hard feelings to Wardo, but I really didn’t want that to happen again. It feels amazing to actually take it home this time.”

The victory is doubly sweet given Parkinson made headlines earlier in the week by earning the first-ever perfect 20 out of 20 heat total at Pipeline – only the second perfect heat total in ASP history under the two wave format.

“It’s been a good couple of days,” Parkinson said. Today could have been better for me in terms of the event, but I am happy.”

The heat of the day was the semifinal clash between Slater and Timmy Reyes (USA). Reyes emerged from a deep right-hand barrel to earn a 9.10 and with six minutes to go, had Slater needing a combination of scores to win the heat. In true Slater fashion, the nine-time world champ scored a 9.00 and 10.00 in a space of three minutes to take the heat.

“I almost beat Kelly which is pretty rad,” Reyes said. “I can’t get mad losing at someone who has nine world titles and it was good to win a couple of heats out here in all-time conditions at one of my favorite waves in the world.”

Reyes finished the year rated 16^th courtesy of his equal 3^rd place today.

Ward beat Australian Adrian Buchan 16.46 to 10.16 in their semifinal bout. Buchan finished in the semifinals or better three out of the last four events, a feat that saw him rocket to World No. 6 in 2008. Buchan finished the season 19^th in 2007 and 44^th in 2006.

“That’s what this year was about,” Buchan said. “Stepping up and trying to crack the Top 10 and establish myself up there and I think I have done that. I am pretty confident and looking forward to a short break and then getting back into it. I’m looking forward to next year already, it’s going to be exciting.”

The Top 45 surfers on the 2009 ASP World Tour have been decided with surfers rated 1-27 on the 2008 ASP World Tour ratings automatically requalifying for the 2009 tour. Bede Durbidge (AUS) finished runner-up to the World Title which Slater claimed back in October.

World Nos. 1-10 respectively are: Kelly Slater (USA), Bede Durbidge (AUS), Taj Burrow (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Mick Fanning (AUS), Bobby Martinez (USA) Jeremy Flores (FRA).

Surfers finishing World Nos. 11-27 respectively are: Luke Stedman (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Andy Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), Kai Otton (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA), Tom Whitaker (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Mikael Picon (FRA), Dane Reynolds (USA), Taylor Knox (USA), Damien Hobgood (USA), Heitor Alves (BRA), Jordy Smith (ZAF) and Ben Dunn (AUS).

The Top 15 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfers in ranking order are: Nathaniel Curran (USA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Michel Bourez (PYF), Gabe Kling (USA), Jihad Khodr (BRA), David Weare (ZAF), Josh Kerr (AUS), Nic Muscroft (AUS), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim Boal (FRA), Dustin Barca (HAW) Tiago Pires (PRT), Phillip MacDonald (AUS) and Drew Courtney (AUS).

The three 2009 tour wildcards, as decided by the ASP in conjunction with the surfer’s union, went to injury applicants Dean Morrison (AUS) and Aritz Aranburu (EUK) and WQS NO. 16 Marlon Lipke (DEU).

Billabong Pipeline Masters Final Results:

Final: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.00 def. Chris Ward (USA) 7.23

Billabong Pipeline Masters Semifinal Results:

Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.00 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 15.60

Heat 2: Chris Ward (USA) 16.46 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.16

Billabong Pipeline Masters Quarterfinal Results:

Heat 1: Tim Reyes (USA) 16.17 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 6.67

Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.63 def. Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 11.84

Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.33 def. Kamalei Alexander (HAW) 2.67

Heat 4: Chris Ward (USA) 8.06 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 7.43

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Results:

Heat 1: Luke Stedman (AUS) 12.20 def. Marcus Hickman (HAW) 12.67

Heat 2: Tim Reyes (USA) 12.66 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.83

Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.40 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 7.96

Heat 4: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 10.33 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 6.67

Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.77 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 11.56

Heat 6: Kamalei Alexander (HAW) 10.17 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.33

Heat 7: Chris Ward (USA) 13.43 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 9.56

Heat 8: Andy Irons (HAW) 17.83 def. Evan Valiere (HAW) 8.43

Final Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Ratings:

1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5,500 points

2. Dusty Payne (HAW) 5,363 points

3. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 5,250 points

3. CJ Hobgood (USA) 5,250 points

3. Chris Ward (USA) 5,250 points

Final Day of Billabong Pipeline Masters – Starts at 8am

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 12, 2008) - Today will mark the final day of the Billabong Pipeline Masters,and 2008 ASP World Tour competition. Clean six to eight foot conditions at Pipeline have prompted event organizers to start the event at 8am.

In addition to deciding the 2008 Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion, themen’s Vans Triple CrownChampionand the year’s final ratings, the 2009 ASP World Tour line-up will be confirmed by day’s end.

Spots 22 through 45 on the ASP World Tour have already been cemented. Surfers sitting 22^nd to 27^th are automatically confirmed to earn berths onto next year’s tour. Should surfers in the Top 27 retire, a surfer like World No. 28 Roy Powers (HAW) would move up and make it. World No. 29 Dean Morrison has applied for an injury wildcard and World No. 31 Tiago Pires has requalified via the ASP World Qualifying Series, so if two surfers in the Top 27 retire, World No. 30 Mick Campbell (AUS) could qualify.

Final ASP World Tour Ratings from 22^nd to 31^st

22. Dane Reynolds (USA)

23. Taylor Knox (USA)

24. Damien Hobgood (USA)

25. Heitor Alves (BRA)

26. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

27. Ben Dunn (AUS)

28. Roy Powers (HAW)

29. Dean Morrison (AUS)

30. Mick Campbell (AUS)

31. Tiago Pires (PRT)

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Match-Ups:

Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)

Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)

Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)

Heat 4: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)

Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)

Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Kamalei Alexander (HAW)

Heat 7: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)

Heat 8: Evan Valiere (HAW) vs. Andy Irons (HAW)

Injured Tiago Pires Pulls Out of Billabong Pipeline Masters

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu(Wednesday, December 10, 2008) - After several examsand one MRI, Dream Tour rookie and current No. 30 Tiago Pires decided to pull out of the Billabong Pipeline Masterstoday before hisRound 2 heat paddled out. Pires, who injured himselfduring a free surf at Backdoor more than a week ago, suffers from a pinched nerveat the back of his neckand was recommended not to surf atthe infamousBanzai Pipeline with this weakness.

“It’s not a big problem and I don’t suffer a lotso there is no reason to panic about it,” Pires said. “But it’s the kind of things you don’t wantto play with, especiallyin such demanding conditions. TheMRI did not reveal anythingin particular but the doctors told me in the worse case scenario I could hurtmy spine.”

Pires,who is already guaranteedto surf on next year’s ASP World Tourthanks to his No. 13 rank on the2008 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), waitedas long as possible before pulling out.

“I wanted to surf in the event,” Pires said. “Ihad this one thing at the back of my head about MarlonLipke who finished No.16 on the WQS and needed me to improve my World Tour rankso I could requalify directlywhich would have taken him in for next year. We are good friends and I wanted to help as much as I can. He sent me a very nicemessageso I know he’s cool rightnow.”

Tiago Pires, who will be one of a minimum five European surfers on nextyear’s Dream Tour, will soon leave the North Shore for a well deserved break to recover and get readyfor the 2009 ASP World Tour, after surfingboth tours in 2008.

Joel Parkinson Scores Perfect 20 at the Billabong Pipeline Masters

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008) – Joel Parkinson (AUS) surfed a perfect heat to etch his name in the history books at the Billabong Pipeline Masters today. The current World No. 4 scored two perfect 10s to become the only surfer to earn a perfect 20 out of 20 heat total at Pipeline. Parkinson eliminated Vans Triple Crown front-runner Dusty Payne (HAW) in the process.

“I never thought I would get two perfect 10s,” Parkinson said. “It’s not something you hear about every day, so I’d never really thought about doing it. I definitely claimed it like I had won an event for a second, but then I had to settle down and tell myself, ‘All you did was make a heat!’ The next heat I paddle out for, I’ll have to remember that.”

Nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is the only other surfer to score a perfect 20 out of 20. He did so in a 2005 final at Teahupoo, Tahiti to win the contest.

“Kelly did it in unreal fashion, mine was a just in a third round heat, but it’s at Pipe and it’s definitely something that when I grow old, I’ll think, I did something in my career; my name’s next to Kelly’s on that one,’” Parkinson said.

Parkinson finished fifth in Halewia and Sunset – the first two legs of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing – and with Nos. 1 and 2 Payne and C.J. Hobgood (USA) losing today, has a good chance to take it out.

“That was a big heat for the Triple Crown for sure,” Parkinson said. “I have to start thinking more about the Triple Crown now. I have to forget about those 10s and start surfing heats from now on and not get too ahead of myself.”

Slater surfed his first heat since clinching ASP World Title No. 9 today and was not surprised by Parkinson’s performance earlier in the day.

“I’d expect Parko to be the guy to do that.” Slater said. “He is such a magnet and not every guy can get in sync like Parko does; he gets on a roll and it gets scary. He will probably go on to win the Triple Crown judging from the heat he had today.”

Slater has won the Pipeline Masters a record five times, but is taking a very laid back approach to the event in 2008. He has already won five events of the nine he has competed in this season.

“A win at Pipe would be great, but to be honest with you, it doesn’t really matter at this point,” Slater said. “Not that Pipe doesn’t matter, but I’m just enjoying not having the constant contest stress. If I win it is definitely a huge bonus, but in a way, I’d like to see somebody else win – someone who hasn’t won it before. I’ve got a couple, Andy’s got a couple, Bede won one last year. Maybe it’s Parko’s year or maybe Brucey will pull off another win here to finish his year off.”

Bruce Irons (HAW) won’t win the Pipeline Masters this year. He lost a very close heat to Tom Whitaker (AUS) this afternoon. Irons has requalified for the 2009 ASP World Tour, but has unofficially said he will retire from full-time competition.

Defending Pipeline Masters and Vans Triple Crown Champion Bede Durbidge (AUS) is into Round 4 after eliminating wildcard Shane Dorian (HAW) today. The heat was Durbidge’s first of the event having been seeded directly into Round 3.

“To beat Shane was a feat in itself so it’s great to start off with a hard heat and get through that,” Durbidge said. “Hopefully I can get the momentum going and just keep going.”

World No. 3 Taj Burrow (AUS) lost today which assures Durbidge a career-best World No. 2 rating behind Slater. Interestingly, if Parkinson wins the event and Durbidge loses in the next round, they would both finish the year with 6780 points.

“I looked at the ratings today and I think Taj was the only one who could beat me,” Durbidge said. “If Joel wins then we’re tied so hopefully I can just keep going and I won’t have to worry about it. It would be good to win the Triple Crown again as well.”

Adrian Buchan (AUS) was another surfer who had a red-hot heat today. Buchan negotiated a tight battle to beat Danny Wills (AUS) 18.26 to 17.94. Wills has unofficially retired from ASP World Tour competition making the heat his last as a full-time member of the Top 45. Wills competed for 12 years and finished World No. 3 in 1998.

Despite losing to Shane Dorian (HAW) in Round 2, Dane Reynolds (USA) will round out the year the highest rated rookie in 2008, making him a likely candidate for ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year. Reynolds had to sit out two events this year because of sickness and injury, but will still finish in the top half of the ratings.

“It was kind of anticlimactic year there at the end which was kind of a bummer, but overall it was a lot of fun,” Reynolds said. “It’s been good, and being out of the last event injured, I had a chance to reflect and get excited about next year. I’m pretty pumped.”

Reynolds came into the year part of a highly publicized duo alongside Jordy Smith (ZAF) and there was a lot of speculation about who would end up rookie of the year.

“People were hitting me up about that all year and I was like, C’mon, cool it,’” Reynolds said. “But if I do get it, it would be really cool, you only get one chance at that.”

ASP World Tour surfers not making the cut for the 2009 tour after losing today include Wills, Dean Morrison (AUS), who lost to four-time Pipeline Champion Andy Irons (HAW) in the last heat of the day, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and Ben Dunn (AUS).

Sullivan, like Wills has said that he will not try to requalify next year and is retiring from full-time competition. Sullivan surfed on tour for three years; qualifying in 2005 at age 32 and becoming the oldest rookie in ASP history. Morrison will apply for a wildcard due to injuries which forced him competing much of the year – he has a strong case.

Only one more day of competition is needed to wrap up the event and organizers predict that bad weather will hinder running tomorrow but that Friday could see better conditions and swell. An official call will be made tomorrow at 7am.

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 2 Results:

Heat 9: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 17.50 def. John John Florence (HAW) 14.83

Heat 10: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 16.24 def. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 15.84

Heat 11: Tim Reyes (USA) 8.60 def. Mark Healey (HAW) 3.94

Heat 12: Marcus Hickman (HAW) 11.83 def. Ben Dunn (AUS) 9.80

Heat 13: Bruce Irons (HAW) 17.54 def. Torrey Meister (HAW) 13.37

Heat 14: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 15.10 def. Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 12.67

Heat 15: Shane Dorian (HAW) 13.00 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 9.43

Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS) def. Jesse Merle-Jones (HAW)

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 3 Results:

Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) 14.56 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.83

Heat 2: Luke Stedman (AUS) 7.34 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 5.50

Heat 3: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 20.00 def. Dusty Payne (USA) 15.16

Heat 4: Tim Reyes (USA) 14.83 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.56

Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.77 def. Ezra Sitt (HAW) 7.90

Heat 6: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 14.83 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 10.50

Heat 7: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.50 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 6.60

Heat 8: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 16.50 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.86

Heat 9: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 18.26 def. Daniel Wills (AUS) 17.94

Heat 10: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.83 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 12.16

Heat 11: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 16.24 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 16.10

Heat 12: Kamalei Alexander (HAW) 12.56 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 9.00

Heat 13: Chris Ward (USA) 17.27 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 13.83

Heat 14: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.93 def. Shane Dorian (HAW) 12.63

Heat 15: Evan Valiere (HAW) 18.13 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.60

Heat 16: Andy Irons (HAW) 14.37 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 13.17

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Match-Ups:

Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)

Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)

Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)

Heat 4: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)

Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)

Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Kamalei Alexander (HAW)

Heat 7: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)

Heat 8: Evan Valiere (HAW) vs. Andy Irons (HAW)

Billabong Pipeline Masters Off Today – Event Could Finish Tomorrow

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008) - The Billabong Pipeline Masters will not determine an event champion today. Small surf and stormy weather has prompted event organizers to call the contest off for the day.

Only 16 of 64 surfers are still in contention after the first two days of competition. Among them are five-time Pipeline Masters Champion Kelly Slater (USA), four-time Pipeline Masters Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 2004 event champion Jamie O’Brien (HAW) and defending champion Bede Durbidge (AUS).

World No. 4 Joel Parkinson (AUS) leads the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings after eliminating front-runner Dusty Payne (HAW) with a perfect 20 heat total yesterday.

Another call on event status will be made tomorrow morning at 7. Only one more day of competition is needed to decide a champion.

Billabong Pipeline Masters Round 4 Match-Ups:

Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)

Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tim Reyes (USA)

Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)

Heat 4: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)

Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tom Whitaker (AUS)

Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Kamalei Alexander (HAW)

Heat 7: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)

Heat 8: Evan Valiere (HAW) vs. Andy Irons (HAW)