Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2013 Review - Was Jordy Smith Ripped?

With turns like this throughout the event, we have to ask how Jordy Smith did not win?

Ok, I am a South African and Jordy is my mate. This however is not what prompts my feelings on the results on the final day at Bells. I have sat and watched the Semi Final between Jordy and Adriano about ten times and I cannot see how Jordy lost that heat? Compare their two first scoring waves and it is clear that Adriano is over scored. He had a section of wave he had to half turn and hit a wobble and did less aggressive turns than Jordy, its that simple, yet he got a score in the 9's. Now take a look at Jordy's last wave, needing over a 9, he gets an 8.8 and I reckon the entire contest site, surfers and all the viewers were calling him getting the score. Now, I dont blame Adriano for this, in fact I think he ripped the whole contest, but the ASP judges need a good wake up klap! Either that or Jordy needs to start going up the stairs and throwing his weight around a little - maybe get some advice from Sunny Garcia...

Anyway, that is my rant. All in all the contest was absolutely amazing. Cooking waves throughout the rounds, including an old fashioned 8ft day at Bells, you could not ask for much more really. Early losses for Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson opened the door for the rest of the field and allowed Adriano, Jordy and Taj to play catchup in the rankings. Stand out for the event must be tour rookie, Nat young, who absolutely caned every wave he got all the way to the final. I thought he had it for a while there. Jordy was looking his sublime and powerful best and must be thinking World Tour run this year.

Anyway, congrats Adriano! (Please dont rape the trophy again, a little decorum goes a long way!)

Next up Brazil, with probable shitty waves and the focus back on the air game. All in all, it looks to be a cracker year on the World Tour...

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2013 Preview

Mick Fanning may have won in 2012, but it was "that air" by Kelly Slater in the final we all remember. (Photo:ASP)

52 Years of iconic contest surfing starts up again tomorrow with the start of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. Stop 2 of the World Tour gets underway in small conditions with the forecasters calling epic conditions for the Easter Weekend, just in time for droves of fans to line the point at Bells.

That man Kelly Slater is in the number 1 slot once again, with Joel Parkinson breathing down his neck. Mick Fanning as defending champion will also be a major threat and after watching his turns at Snapper, you best believe that if Bells is big, Jordy Smith will be taking names! Dust Payne has just come off a win at Margaret River and that confidence may well see his best result on tour happening at Bells. Julian Wilson was also in that final and will be feeling good. Dark horses in my opinion will be Kohole Andino and Philipe Toledo.

Anything can happen at Bells though, so look forward to an exiting event!

Asp World Tour starts in 1 week - you picked your Fantasy Surfer team?

The ASP World Tour kicks off in just over 8 days with the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks. I have always been a fan and love watching the live Webcasts, but I have to admit, that since playing Surfer Magazine's Fantasy Surfer, I am even more focused on the tour. Up until last year we South Africans had to make up our own competitions, done through the Club House section of the site, where we could at least compete against our mates for honors. My friends and I have an annual trip away for a long weekend, where the previous year's winner does not pay. Since 2012 though, anyone can win the main prize on Fantasy Surfer and that just makes it even more serious! So get going and pick your team!

Join my Club (South Africa only) and win great prizes throughout the year! Join HERE

 

Watch the Surfer Magazine Preview and Surfer ratings here...

 

Kelly Slater is still the Boss

'What the...."

Say what you want about the man, he still surfs like no one else on the planet. Kelly Slater is back for 2013 and seems to be ready to surf the ASP World Tour. Interesting to hear him speak about hating missing good waves because of contests though, so be sure that if somewhere on the planet looks epic, Kelly will not be in places like Brazil for the contest. Check out this video of a recent Bali trip and remember why we all want to surf like the Boss!

Volcom Pipeline Pro 2013 - Starts Sunday

The contest season on the ASP World Tour starts with a bang at Pipeline for the 2013 Volcom Pipe Pro. The 5 Star event always brings drama and great action to the start of the year and you can bet that 2012 winner John John Florence will be looking to defend his title! The usual suspects of North Shore chargers and World Tour stars will battle it out for honors, though I am most excited to see how the Saffa boys go. (Well, that's hoping some of them get in...)

Meet Pro Surfer Kelia Moniz

2012 ASP Long Boarding World Champion with a serious Hawaiian Pedigree!

Kelia Moniz, daughter to 80's pro surfer, Tony Moniz, has been fighting her brothers in the lineup for years and it shows in her accomplished results and gorgeous style. She literally dances across the water! Winning the 2012 ASP Longboard Title is just the beginning for this seriously talented surfer...

Captain Kai's World Podcast - The great surf debate!

Who will be the World Champion, Kelly or Parko? One subject covered in the great surf debate.

I have been wanting to do this show for ages! In studio to chat about the ASP World Tour judging, system and future were ASP Judge, Ettiene Buys, Surf Journalist, Andy Davis and our regular man of the industry, Wok. We covered past controversial heat results, the future of the sport, South African surfing's future and of course the Pipeline Masters and the world title race between Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson. Mix this with some great music and you have 2 hours of great radio

Listen or Download the Podcast HERE

Pipeline Masters in memory of Andy Irons 2012 Preview

Ian Walsh, a dangerous Wildcard, charges a big set in 2011. (Photo: ASP)

It is pretty fitting that the final event of the ASP World Tour is Pipeline. So many great stories and rivalries over the years have gone down and many a World Title has hinged on this event. This year is no different, with Joel Parkinson, in the hunt for his first World Title, in a dog fight with Kelly Slater, looking for number 12, and Mick Fanning on the outside needing a miracle to take it, but hey, it has happened at Pipe before! Add to this the pack of wildcards, all Pipe specialists frothing to take down the big names from the World Tour and you have a recipe for an epic surf event. Oh and of course, the most dangerous wave in the world...

John John Florence is going to be deadly. Jamie O'Brian still wants to put this trophy on his mantel and young Sebastien Ziets leading the Triple Crown is going to be holding nothing back. Then you have guys like Kieron Perrow on the border of re-qualification and needing a massive result, well he has won last year and made back to back finals.

This could be the contest of decade with great swell forecast already for the first few days. So sit down, strap in, make sure your internet is working and enjoy...

Adam Melling wins the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach

Adam Melling putting his rail on the line for the win at Sunset. (Photo: ASP)

It was old school versus new school at Sunset as guys like Adam Melling, Ace Buchan and Kiren Perrow fought off the charge from the young guns like Perth Stanlick, Gabriel Medina and Sebastien Ziets. When the VOG (Volcanic Smoke Mist apparently.) had settled though, it was Melling who came out on top and took the win, confirming his place on the World Tout for 2013 in the process. Ziets made his second final in the Vans Triple Crown, putting him way out in front for the title and earning him a wildcard for Pipeline. Travis Logie made it to the Round of 32 and Jordy Smith got one round further to the Quarter Finals.

Captain Kai's World on www.2ov.fm Podcast - Surf, Skate and Mountain Bike

The Mo is growing!

After a week off in sympathy to our hangovers from Jordy Smith's "Bending Colors" premier, we came back strong! Warren Talbot from Vans joined me with skater, Wong, to chat about the premier of the awesome new skate doccy, Bones Brigade. After that it was Tyrone Rawlins, Craig Kolesky and Oliver Munnik, pro Mountain Biker and radio virgin, who came to tell us about their fund raising efforts for One Sight, as they prepare for the fright of their lives in the Cape Epic next year. We also chatted Hawaii anf the ASP World Tour as Craig is normally there for the Pipe Masters, but he just got depressed!

Bones Brigade will show in Jozi tomorrow night, Thursday in Durban and in Cape Town on Friday.

To win 2x Tickets for CT, JHB or Durban, just tweet me, @KapteinKai with the Hashtags #Vans #BonesBrigade #Rules (T&C's apply.)

Listen or Download the Podcast HERE

O'Neill Cold Water Classic Preview - Santa Cruz returns to the World Tour

Jordy Smith needs a win and a change of fortune. He has won at Steamer lane before, could this be his moment? (Photo:Miller)

The penultimate event of the World Tour and we welcome back that cold water haven, Santa Cruz. Steamer Lane has produced some legends over the years, specifically in the new school air movement and one of its leaders, Ratboy Collins has a wild card. The other wildcard was won by Nat Young on his backhand and this is a good time to mention that this is one right hand point where the Goofy Footers often trump the naturals!

The last 3 contests were won by two Goofy Footers, Miguel Pupo and Matt Wilko as well as our very own power house, Jordy Smith. The wave has a big shoulder and runs through a couple of Bowl Sections that suit surfers on their backhand. While the natural footers really have to force their turns and keep super tight to the pocket, the Goofys can drive off of the bottom and go vertical into the narrow window for snaps. This is really going to suit surfers like Pupo, Wilko and Travis Logie. Hell, if the surf stays below 5ft, Travis could just cane this contest, the wave is built for his backhand. Gabriel Medina , on his current form, is going to open a can of whoop ass on the wave at Steamer Lane!

In the World title hunt Joel Parkinson needs to win. If Mick, Kelly and John  John don't make semis and Joel wins, the title is done. John John, like Jordy, knows the wave well after coming here for years as an O'Neill team rider. Mick and Joel should have few problems at the Lane, but Kelly, it should be noted, has only ever surfed one event here and got knocked out in the first round. Makes for interesting choices on Fantasy Surfer...

SANTA CRUZ, California/USA (Wednesday, October 31, 2012) – The world’s best surfers have arrived in Santa Cruz, California for the penultimate event of the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) season, the O’Neill Coldwater Classic at the iconic Steamer Lane. A staple of the ASP’s qualifying circuit, the O’Neill Coldwater Classic has been sanctioned at the elite level of competition this season, celebrating the brand’s 60th anniversary of operations. The event will play a crucial role in both the 2012 ASP World Title Race and the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers and could commence as early as tomorrow.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, current No. 3 on the ASP WCT rankings, has two victories under his belt this season, but suffered two relatively early exits over his European campaign. After recharging his batteries at home following the last event Portugal, the polished natural-footer is out to rebound his ASP World Title hopes at the O’Neill Coldwater Classic. “I like to sneak under the radar, but the last couple of events haven’t been the greatest for me,” Fanning said. “It was great to go home and readjust and refocus. I have a new quiver of boards and I’m excited to be here.” Fanning’s appearance at this year’s event marks his first return to Santa Cruz in over a decade and the two-time ASP World Champion (2007, 2009) is excited to take on the challenges brought on by Steamer Lane’s ever-changing conditions. “I think it’s great having this event on the schedule this year,” Fanning said. “The past few years, we’ve had The Search event and you go to new places and it’s great to have a new wave every time and learn the spot as you go through the rounds. This event has been around for a long time, but personally, I haven’t been here since 2000. It’s great to be back and every surfer will be learning, so it’s going to be exciting.” Fanning will face Kieren Perrow (AUS), 35, and Dusty Payne (HAW), 23, in Round 1 of competition.
John John Florence (HAW), 20, current ASP WCT No. 4, has extensive experience in the Steamer Lane lineup despite being one of the youngest competitors in the event. Despite his history with the venue, Florence made it a point to arrive early and reacquaint himself with the break. “To prepare for this contest I arrive a few days early to get used to the cold water,” Florence said. “I’ve been coming here since I was pretty little to surf in the event and Santa Cruz is a cool place. Every year that I come here is a new learning curve for me and that’s why I came here a few days early to get used to it again. To be able to come here and watch everyone adapt to the colder water, and the Lane, it’s not an easy wave to surf, so it’s fun to watch everyone surf it.” Florence has drawn Heitor Alves (BRA), 30, and Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 26, in the opening round of competition.
Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, winner of last year’s ASP Prime rated O’Neill Coldwater Classic, returns to Steamer Lane as a Sophomore among the world’s best surfers and is ready to defend his title against his fellow ASP WCT competitors. “It’s just great to be back,” Pupo said. “I love this place. Last year was a pretty challenging contest because we had a couple of days at Steamer Lane and a couple of days at Waddell Creek. I’m happy to be back in the water with my booties on.” Pupo admitted that the younger surfers may have more recent experience at Steamer Lane via the ASP Prime rated event of the past, but the top level of competition on the ASP WCT will level the playing field. “I think it’s good because I’ve been coming here the last four years and the young guys have as well because of the Prime,” Pupo said. “We kind of have that advantage, but the veterans have surfed here in the past too. Steamer Lane is a tricky wave and they probably know what to expect. Realistically, it’s the top 34 guys in the world, they surf every wave well, so I think it’s even.” Pupo will face Owen Wright (AUS), 22, and Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26, in Round 1 of competition.
Nat Young (USA), 21, was electric in today’s local trials, stringing together a series of impeccable backhand performances to earn his berth in the main event, marking his first appearance in an ASP WCT. “I knew it was going to be tough in the local trials,” Young said. “We have so many good surfers up here and everyone is capable of doing well and getting big scores. It was a long day and I’m really stoked. I’m against Kelly (Slater), so to be able to surf against my hero at my home break in my first WCT, it’s pretty special.” Young joins Jason Collins (USA), 38, as the two wildcards into the O’Neill Coldwater Classic.
Event organizers will convene tomorrow at 7:15am to assess conditions for a possible 7:45am start. Surfline, official forecasters for the O’Neill Coldwater Classic, have called for: Fun size WNW swell is on track for the first day of the waiting period, Thursday the 1st, although morning wind conditions look problematic before improving over the afternoon. A slightly larger WNW swell is lining up for the afternoon of the 4th through the 6th along with favorable conditions, if the storm behaves as forecast in the next few days.
When competition commences, up first will be Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, and Taylor Knox (USA), 41, in the opening heat of Round 1.

The O’Neill Coldwater Classic will be webcast LIVE via www.oneill.com/cwc/ 

The Friday Mix - Portugal freesurf, Red Bull Stratos & Greg Long at Jaws

Greg Long getting a serious shack at early season Jaws. (Photo: Billabong XXL)

Its Friday and that means peeps everywhere are stoked! So to make you even happier here are three videos from the world of action sports to amp you for your weekend.

First off is Greg Long, getting an early entry into the Billabong XXL awards with this massive tube at early season Jaws. The world was going crazy for Shane Dorian's wave, but then this one came along and blew it out of the water.

Red Bull Stratos was called off during the week due to wind conditions, but has been rescheduled for this Sunday, so watch this space.

The Rip Curl Pro in Portugal has had 2 lay days already, but may go live at 1pm today. Check out all the best surfers having a warm up session on Day 1.

Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2012 - Preview

Adriano is always dangerous and will be up in Heat 1 of Round 1. (Photo: ASP)

After the crazy mutant tubes in France, we need to prepare for more of the same in Portugal for the Rip Curl Pro. Supertubos is a wave that can deliver insane tubes and great punt opportunities on the smaller days. Just check the videos to see the wide variety of wave on offer at one beachbreak.

With 2 wins on the trot, Kelly Slater is definitely back in the Title hunt and he will be pretty confident going to Supertubos. Joel Parkinson is the number 1 surfer on the ratings, but he knows Kelly is breathing down his neck and after losing in the semis to Kelly in France, he may fold. Mick Fanning has done well at this event in the past and needs a solid result to put his campaign back together after a horrid result in France. Mick was looking so good all year, but wave choice let him down at the last event.

John John and Julian Wilson are my dark horses along with the Frenchman, Jeremy Flores. Jordy Smith has been ripping, but sometimes the luck is not with you. That's been his year in 2012! It will only take one win to change everything, so here is hoping both the judges and that fickle bitch, luck, go his way in Portugal.

Day 1 Review Hurley Pro at Trestles

Yadin Nicol finally found his form and destroyed the fun waves at Trestles. (Photo: ASP)

The waves were fun, the light onshore allowing massive air attempts, and the surfers were pumped for Day 1 at the Hurley Pro. Surprise of the day was Yadin Nicol absolutely blowing up in his Round 1 heat with 2 of the biggest airs of the event so far. World number 1, Mick Fanning, showed why he is controlling the top spot this year with a clinical display. Kelly Slater and Jordy Smith were also in impressive form. Surprises aplenty as John John, Julian Wilson, Miguel Pupo and Kohole Andino were knocked into Round 2, after most would have thought these guys would dominate at Trestles. We now see a stacked Round 2, with many big players. Travis Logie was on fire, but unfortunately, he was unable to meet the power turns of a rampant Jordy.


HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.30, Jadson Andre (BRA) 11.10, Brett Simpson (USA) 7.94
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.00, Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 12.57, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 7.37
Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.66, Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.90, Taylor Knox (USA) 8.10
Heat 4: Dusty Payne (USA) 12.47, Kai Otton (AUS) 12.00, John John Florence (HAW) 9.00
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.16, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.87, Evan Geiselman (USA) 12.50 Heat 6: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.60, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.60, Conner Coffin (USA) 12.16 Heat 7: Yadin Nicol (AUS) 17.57, Owen Wright (AUS) 17.17, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.67
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 13.20, Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.63, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 8.00
Heat 9: Michel Bourez (PYF) 16.20, Kolohe Andino (AUS) 13.30, Jeremy Flores (PYF) 12.70
Heat 10: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.50, Adam Melling (AUS) 13.57, Julian Wilson (AUS) 9.66
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.30, Travis Logie (ZAF) 15.87, Heitor Alves (BRA) 13.83
Heat 12: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.90, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.17, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.20

UPCOMING HURLEY PRO AT TRESTLES ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Conner Coffin (USA) Heat
2: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Evan Geiselman (USA)
Heat 3: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 5: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 6: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 7: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)
Heat 8: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 10: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 11: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 12: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)

Jordy Smith is looking his old self.  Check this video of his build up to the event training at Trestles.

Mick Fanning claims the Billabong Pro Tahiti Title 2012

Fanning just got better and better as the contest progressed. (Photo: ASP)

After we had to wait for a full week between Round 2 and 3, thanks to no surf in Tahiti, the contest fired on the last 2 days of the waiting period. Mick Fanning charged hard to beat his good friend, Joel Parkinson, in the final and solidified his Number 1 spot on the 2012 ASP rankings. Joel did well to make it past John John Florence in the semi finals, as the kid from Hawaii was charging hard. John John will be stoked as his 3rd place puts him into 3rd on the World Tour Rankings. Joel now sits in 2nd place behind Mick and Kelly Slater, after being knocked out in Round 2 by Ricardo Santos, the wildcard, is in 4th place with Taj Burrows in 5th. Ricardo beat Kelly, Jordy Smith and Taj Burrows on his way to the Quarters and won the Andy Irons Award in the process. It was a solid performace from Mick though for the win and he will be seriously looking at a 3rd World Title now.

TEAHUPO’O, Taiarapu/Tahiti (Monday, August 27, 2012) – Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, has claimed the 2012 Billabong Pro Tahiti over compatriot and Gold Coast stablemate Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in classic four-to-six foot (1 – 1.5 metre) waves at Teahupo’o. Event No. 5 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti culminated in dynamic fashion today, with swell pulsing for the all-Australian Final. Fanning was put on the ropes early in the Final bout with Parkinson collecting a 9.50 and an 8.87 on his opening two rides. However, former event runner-up fought back mid-heat with an impressive 9.37 before backing it up with a nail-biting 9.50 to take the lead and hold it as the buzzer ran out. With today’s win, Fanning has become the first Australian since Mark Occhilupo (AUS), 46, in 1999 to claim the Billabong Pro Tahiti title and has further cemented himself into the frontrunner spot on the 2012 ASP WCT rankings. “It’s a 35 minute Final so I knew the waves were going to come,” Fanning said. “I just had to be patient. It’s Teahupo’o so it goes on and off. You can get two 10s in two minutes so I knew I just needed to keep my composure throughout the Final. Joel (Parkinson) is such an incredible surfer and he’s gotten so good out here. He raced out to an early lead and I knew I needed to focus on my own game plan. I got that good score about mid-heat and then was able to sell him when he had priority on one that didn’t pan out for him. The second wave was the one and it’s an incredible feeling to come back and get the win. I’m stoked.” Today’s win marks the 15th elite victory of Fanning’s career, and the second of this season (after a win at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in April). The two-time ASP World Champion is now firmly in the frontrunner spot on the ASP WCT ratings heading into the back half of the season. “Teahupo’o is one of the spots that I’ve worked hard on throughout my career to improve at,” Fanning said. “I made a Final out here before, but to come away with the win is great for my confidence and I’m in a good position heading into the next half of the year. Early days though and there are a lot of guys right up there. It’s still anyone’s game at this point.” Throughout the event, Parkinson consistently established himself as one of the preeminent backhand tube-riders on the planet. Despite an early lead in the Final, Parkinson priority decision in the dying moments opened the door for Fanning to pounce. “I held the lead in a 35-minute Final until the four minute mark,” Parkinson said. “It’s frustrating to lose that way, but you cannot fault Mick (Fanning). He’s been a true champion through the event and has proven that he’s one to watch out at Teahupo’o for sure.” Parkinson currently sits at No. 2 on the ASP WCT rankings at the halfway mark on the 2012 season. “It’s the second Final of the year for me and another good result,” Parkinson said. “I feel like I’m strong at all the remaining events on tour and I’ll shake this one off and start focusing on Trestles.” John John Florence (HAW), 19, competing in his first-ever Billabong Pro Tahiti, led the rookie charge at this year’s installment, confidently cruising into the Semifinals where he matched up with Parkinson. Despite locking in an impressive 9.67 out of a possible 10 for an impressive backhand tube, Florence was unable to find a solid backup score and finished the event with an Equal 3rd. “I’m stoked to have made the Semifinals,” Florence said. “I would have loved to make the Finals and it’s not the funnest way to lose without a lot of waves in the heat, but it’s still a good result for me. Thanks to all the Tahitians for letting us come here and surf their wave for the week. It’s a beautiful place and I always love coming here.” Florence moves from 5th to 3rd on the current ASP WCT rankings. Owen Wright (AUS), 22, last year’s event runner-up, looked poised for another Final’s berth today, posting an 18.96 to eliminate compatriot Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and an 18.90 to oust former champ C.J. Hobgood (USA), 33, en route to his Semifinal match against Fanning. The young Australian continued his forehand dominance at Teahupo’o, netting an 18.10 in the process, but was unable to overtake the current ASP WCT frontrunner. “The waves were so perfect today that you can’t really be to disappointed in a loss,” Wright said. “I felt like I was surfing well all day and I put up a couple of 9s in my heat against Mick (Fanning) so there’s not too much to be upset about. Congrats to Mick on the win though. He’s been super impressive all event with his backhand tube-riding and hopefully I get the opportunity to return the favor at the next stop at Trestles.” Wright’s Equal 3rd finish today moves the young goofy-footer from 9th to 7th on the current ASP WCT rankings. Ricardo dos Santos (AUS), two time Trials winner and wildcard into the Billabong Pro Tahiti, was awarded the Andy Irons Forever Award for his inspirational performance at Teahupo’o this year. Despite bowing out in the Quarterfinals this morning to Fanning, Dos Santos was very emotional upon being awarded the prestigious honor. “Andy (Irons) was…is my hero,” Dos Santos said. “This Award means just as much, if not more than, winning the event for me. He is my inspiration and he is the reason I surf. He is the reason I surf Teahupo’o. To be awarded this by the Irons’ family is the biggest honor. Thank you.” Highlights from the Billabong Pro Tahiti will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com The Billabong Pro, Tahiti is made possible with the valued support of international partners Air Tahiti Nui, Sony, Xperia Sony Smartphone and Red Bull, along with our friends at Nixon, VonZipper, Mana and Hyundai. The next stop on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour will be the Hurley Pro at Trestles from September 16 – 22, 2012. For more information, log onto www.ASPWorldTour.com

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.87
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.37

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.93 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 18.10
QF 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.14 def. John John Florence (HAW) 15.17 BILLABONG PRO

CURRENT ASP WCT TOP 5 (After Billabong Pro Tahiti)
1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 34,750 pts
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 31,700 pts
3. John John Florence (HAW) 27,450 pts
4. Kelly Slater (USA) 25,450 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 24,950 pts

Bianca Buitendag beats Alana Blanchard to win the 6 Star Movistar Pro

Bianca Buitendag on the charge to victory. (Photo: ASP)

I was back paging through a Zigzag Magazine the other day and they had the surfers rated by the other surfers in SA. Bianca Buitendag was there, but she had Sarah Baum ahead of her as best Junior Lady and she was not even on the next surfer to make the premier tour list. I remember scratching my head in confusion thinking, how could the pro surfers think this girl is not our best bet at a World Champion in the next few years? She is absolutely caning it! Just to back up my opinion, she went and defeated a loaded field of the world's best female surfers at the Movistar Pro in Peru this weekend. The win moved her into 5th place on the women's world rankings. Sarah Baum did well to make the semi finals. Alana Blanchard, the world's hottest surfer, did well to make the final, but she had no chance against Bianca...





LOBITOS, Piura / Peru (Saturday, Jul, 28, 2012) - Waves in the 2-3 foot range (1 meter) were on hand Saturday for the final day of the ASP 6-Star Movistar Women’s Pro presented by Rip Curl and Petrolera Sapet at the lefthand pointbreak of Lobitos, in Piura, Peru. Bianca Buitendag, 18, (ZAF) defeated Alana Blanchard, 22, (HAW), by displaying a powerful frontside attack to clinch her victory and win U$ 8,000 in prize money and 3,500 points, moving her up to 5th place on the ASP World Star ranking. Six surfers on the ASP World Star rating qualify for the group of top-17 ASP Women´s Tour.
Bianca Buitendag scored a heat wave total of 15.00 points (out of a possible 20) by scoring a 7.0 and an 8.0 on her two best rides over Blanchard’s 12.90 on her two highest scoring waves (7.9 and 5.0). Buitendag sealed her victory by catching a long lefthander where she showed a variety of snaps, cutbacks and roundhouses.
“I feel really emotional and very happy with my victory,” said Bianca Buitendag. “I never thought that I would make it past the Quarter-Finals, let alone past Sofia (Mulanovich) in the Semi-Finals. So to make it to the Finals and win the contest is such an incredible feeling. Alana (Blanchard) surfed really well, the waves were excellent throughout the whole week and this is the most important moment for me in my early career.”
By surfing on her backside, Blanchard was not able to keep up with the Buitendag’s rhythm throughout the Final heat. However, her Runner-Up finish in Peru secured U$ 4,000 and 2,640 points which places her in 10th place on the ASP World Star ranking and remains in the race for qualification for the 2013 ASP Women’s Tour.
“This was such a fun contest and I’m thankful for making it to the Finals,” said Alana Blanchard. “It’s a shame I never got a good second wave to backup my score, but Bianca (Buitendag) was unstoppable throughout the entire event and she deserved the victory. This was my best result so far this season and I hope this event remains on the calendar for years because the waves are spectacular and it was a great experience for all of the surfers that participated in the contest.”
Buitendag’s path to the Finals at the Movistar Women’s Pro was filled with obstacles. She defeated Philippa Anderson (AUS), 20, in the Quarter-Finals and followed by taking out the event favorite, 2004 ASP Women’s Tour champion, Sofia Mulanovich (PER) with his best performance on the last day, almost beating the records of the Peruvian in the semifinals.
“It was an excellent contest with good waves all week and I’d like to thank the Peruvian fans for all of the support they showed me,” said Mulanovich. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the Finals, but congratulations to Bianca (Buitendag) who surfed well during the whole contest and deserved to be in the Finals. I’m sure this 3rd place finish gives me some good ASP Star ranking points and now it’s time to start thinking about the event next week at Huntington Beach.”
The Movistar Women’s Pro was event number 6 (out of 11) of the 2012 ASP Women’s World Star Series. The next event will be held from August 9-12 at Oceanside, California, right after the final event of the 2012 ASP Women’s Tour during July 30-August 5th at Huntington Beach. The remaining ASP 6-Star events will be held in Europe on consecutive weeks. The first will be held in Spain from September 12-16 and the following two will be in Portugal, in Estoril from September 21-23 and the last event will be on the Azores Islands from September 27-30, where the top six athletes on the ASP World Star Series will qualify for the 2013 ASP Women’s Tour.
The 2012 ASP Movistar Women’s Pro presented by Rip Curl and Petrolera Sapet and is brought to you by Nosotras, Sony, Powerade, Tasa, Alojamiento Peru Hosting, Barena, Star Peru, Burn, Ron Cartavio, San Jose Rent a Car, Tablas Wayo Whilar, Xtreme Fujita Japan, Cirujano Roberto Valdivia, Mapfre Seguros and Estructuras Aro.
MOVISTAR WOMEN´S PRO FINAL RESULT:
1st – Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) – 15.00 (8.0+7.0) – US$ 8,000 and 3.500 points
2nd – Alana Blanchard (HAW) – 12.90 (7.9+5.0) – US$ 4,000 and 2.640 points
MOVISTAR WOMEN´S PRO SEMI-FINALS RESULTS – 3th place – US$ 1,900 and 2.080 points:
SF 1: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) 16.25 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 15.50
SF 2: Alana Blanchard (HAW) 13.95 def. Sarah Baum (ZAF) 11.40

CURRENT ASP WOMEN´S WORLD RANKING – TOP 10 (After Movistar Women´s Pro):
01: Courtney Conlogue (USA) – 9.730 points
02: Malia Manuel (HAW) – 8.280
03: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) – 7.000
04: Sage Erickson (USA) – 6.750
05: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) – 6.663
06: Rebecca Woods (AUS) – 6.530
07: Pauline Ado (FRA) – 5.980
08: Paige Hareb (NZL) – 5.910
09: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) – 5.640
10: Alana Blanchard (HAW) – 5.400

Volcom Pro Fiji - The first 2 Days

Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, ASP Dream Tour sophomore, put in a sensational performance, netting the event high heat total of an 18.57 out of a possible 20, in Round 2 of the Volcom Fiji Pro. (Photo: ASP)

We wanted it back, the surfers wanted it back and Volcom came to the party. The first weekend of the Volcom Fiji Pro did not disappoint as the world's best surfers were treated to solid 8-10ft Cloudbreak for Round 1 and 2. There are still 2 heats left to surf in Round 2, but the focus is now on Round 3. Yesterday is was a lay day, but there is a massive swell tracking towards Fiji and most of the guys will have probably phoned home to order bigger boards.

The surfers to impress so far in Round 1 were Jordy Smith, who in the first heat of the event scored a 9 for a really good backhand tube ride. Enter, Mitch Coleburn, the wildcard, who surfed an incredible heat to beat Kelly Slater and Kai Otton. The kid is not really known as a competitive surfer, being from the new school, free surfing, lifestyle, making video parts, but he out classed the other 2 surfers scoring the highest heat total of the round. He is definitely worth keeping an eye on as the competition progresses. John John, Mick, Joel and Owen all comfortably through to Round 3.

In round 2, the swell dropped a little but got way cleaner and it was Julian Wilson setting the pace with the highest heat score of the event and some amazing tube riding. Matt Wilkinson found himself losing with a heat score that would of won most of the other Round 2 heats, against an on fire Miguel Pupo. Josh Kerr, who tore his ankle the day before, strapped up and grinned through the pain to ride an epic tube and progress to the the 3rd Round. Kelly Slater also made short work of the local Fiji wildcard. Gabriel Medina scored the first 10 Point ride of the event with an incredible tube that had the commentators thinking he had not made it, when he blew out the section with the spit.

Next up is Round 3 and with the swell expected to boom the big question is, will they keep the guys at huge Cloudbreak or shift to Restaurants in front of the Tavarua Lodge? i am hoping for massive 10-15ft Cloudbreak with the best surfers in the world on it, but we will have to wait and see. Match ups in Round 3 to look out for are John John versus Adrian Buchan, Kerr versus Damien Hobgood, Parko versus Coleburn and Kelly Slater versus Freddy P. 

The Friday Mix - Surfing in Rio, Jeremy Jones Snowboard, Road to XFighters & Freeride MTB

Julian Wilson caning Rio (Photo: ASP)

Welcome to the Friday Mix where I give you the pick of the week's action sports video online. This week we look at "Life Behind Bars" the new movie on the way from Red Bull and Freeride Mountain Bike star, Brandon Semenuk. Then we head down to Rio, for Day 1 of the Billabong Pro surf event. Next up, the Road to Xfighters with Ronnie Renner and the gnarliest Dunes this side of the Mississippi. Last but not least, we join Jeremy Jones behind the scenes of his new snowboard film, "Further", as he takes back country snowboarding to the next level. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

Fore more of the Friday Mix, check out the archive...

Wilko Whiplash in Sumbawa

Wilko has been hot and cold on the WCT, but when he has fired it has been a pleasure to watch. He thought he would prepare for the start of the tour later this month, with a short trip to Sumbawa in Indonesia. There, he proceeded to annihilate every wave, whether left or right, that came across his path. Trust me on this - Wilko is going to surprise some folks on the WCT this year!



For more from Wilko follow his blog - Out 2 Brunch

Volcom Pipe Pro Day 2 - swell dropped, but still cooking!

Costa Rican, Carlos Munoz on his way to a 10 Point Ride. (Photo: ASP)

Another day and another tube fest from the North Shore. Costa Rican youngster, Carlos Munoz, came out of nowhere to get a 10 point ride and impress the Pipe community. Chris Ward was back from injury and charging both Backdoor and Pipeline. For the South Africans, Rudy Palmboom Jnr secured a well deserved 2nd place to proceed to Round 3, where he joins Brandon Jackson and Shaun Joubert. The 2 Saffers find them selves in the same Round 3 heat, so we can only hope they lock out the other 2 guys and proceed to round 4. For more on the contest go to the Volcom Pipe Pro or the ASP Website.



These guys need to add some tunes and editing to their video, but some great behind the scenes footage and interviews...