ASP PRIME Mr Price Pro Ballito....

Six talented South African surfers have been granted wildcard entries into the prestigious R1.7 Million ASP PRIME Mr Price Pro Ballito from July 4-10, 2011.

Greg Emslie (East London), Davey Brand (Cape Town) and Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay) will make their way into the event courtesy of Mr Price wildcards while Klee Strachan (Winklespruit), Brendon Gibbens (Cape Town) and David Weare (Durban) will take on the worlds’ best courtesy of ASP Africa wildcards.

Slotted directly into the round of 96, these six surfers will take on the event’s top seeds right from their first heat where they will be guaranteed a minimum of R5000 (US$ 750) should they bow out early and an enormous R270 000 (US$40,000) should they win the entire event!

The Mr Price Pro Ballito’s exclusive 96-man field means only the top ranked surfers on the ASP World Rankings qualify for a place in the main event, making a wildcard entry invaluable for non ASP World ranked surfers.

ASP World Tour retiree Greg Emslie, who flew the South African flag for a record nine years at the elite level, knows just how exceptional an opportunity like this one is. The powerful natural-footer (left-foot forward stance) will have the hopes of South Africa on his shoulders as the most experienced of this year’s wildcard deck.

“I can’t wait,” Emslie said. “To have the chance to compete against the top surfers in the world is always special. I feel I am surfing better and more progressive than ever now that I am retired and I look forward to taking on the internationals in a few weeks time.”

Another skilled international campaigner is David Weare. Weare competed at elite level for two years in 2006 and 2009 and although now retired from international competition, Weare remains a fierce competitor capable of causing any number of upsets at this year’s event.

“I'm super excited to have made it into this event,” Weare said. “It'll be good to see all the crew again and get to surf against them again. I'm still a competitor at heart so I'll definitely be giving it my all at this event!”

Young, up-and-coming talent Davey Brand, 18, will attract plenty of attention when he hits the water for his first heat. Captaining the South African team to the ISA Quiksilver World Games to Peru recently where he placed third in the U18 division, Brand welcomes the opportunity to put his skills to the test against some of the ASP World Title Tour surfers.

“I am so gratefully for this opportunity,” Brand said.” I’m taking it on with a nothing to loose everything to gain attitude and will give it everything I’ve got to make it as far as I can in the competition.”

A total of seven South African surfers have also qualified for the main event via their ASP World ranking. They include World No. 2 Jordy Smith (RSA), former ASP World Tour campaigner Travis Logie (Dbn), Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay), former ASP World Tour campaigner Royden Bryson (Cape Town), Brandon Jackson (Durban North), Rudy Palmboom (Bluff) and Dale Staples (St Francis Bay).

Eight South African surfers will compete in the trials for the remaining two spots into the main event. The trialists are Beyrick De Vries (Umhlanga), Chad Du Toit (Dbn), Kyle Lane (Umhlanga), Frankie Obherhozer (Scottburgh), Mathew Bromley (Cape Town), Alan Johns (Ballito), Sean Holmes (CT) and Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay).

The eight trialists will compete in two, four man heats with the top two from each heat advancing into a four-man final. First and second place finalists will advance into the main event.

The Mr Price Pro Ballito includes an action packed beach festival including beach entertainment; extreme sports, dedicated children’s programmes and a lifestyle and retail area provide plenty of daytime fun. The ever-popular Mr Price Pro Music concerts will take place on the evening of 8 and 9 July at Salt Rock at no cost to festivalgoers.

World’s best surfers battle out round 2 at the Billabong Rio Pro...

Round 2 kicked off at the lefthand pointbreak of Arpoador on Wednesday May 18, 2011.
The scene was set, two-to-four foot waves, crowded beaches, beautiful weather and babes in bikini’s.
Stop number 3 of The ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro commenced yesterday with round 2 after a week of waiting for swell to arrive.

Up first  was  2010 ASP World Runner-Up Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, against Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18 in Heat 1 of Round 2. Jordy looked uncharacteristically sluggish in his Round 2 heat against event wildcard Peterson Crisanto, but found the scores needed to keep his Billabong Rio Pro campaign alive.
“I don’t know what was going on, usually I kind of go out there and let loose and I was nursing everything,” Smith said. “I was surfing really careful because I didn’t want to blow the waves I got but I ended up blowing them anyway. I’m happy that I made the heat though.”

C.J. Hobgood (USA), 39, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, earn the highest scores of Billabong Rio Pro Competition in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) lefthanders to complete to Round 2.
Hobgood collected the highest heat total of the event with a telly of 16.50 (out of a possible 20) to claim victory over rookie Julian Wilson. “That’s what makes those heats fun to surf and it’s exciting to watch,” Hobgood said. “I have so much respect for Julian (Wilson) because these kids can come back so easily no matter what scores they need. I had a good start and had to be comfortable with my performance win or lose. It was exciting and I’m stoked to make it, I have so much fun surfing against these guys.”

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current ASP World Title No. 2, stuck to his strategy of waiting for the outside set waves and matched the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9 out of 10 for powerful backhand surfing to eventually eliminate fellow countryman Kai Otton (AUS), 31.
“A strategy is a strategy and I had seen a few waves out there,” Parkinson said. “Yesterday the tide came in and just kind of killed me. The wave is pretty tricky here and it’s kind of a dog fight to try and get a wave.”

The Billabong Rio Pro will return to Barra da Tijuca tomorrow morning for a 7am call for a potential 7:30am start for Round 3. To watch the event LIVE log on to http://www.billabongpro.com

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Billabong Rio Pro Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.67 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 7.10
Heat 2: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.60 def. Igor Morais (BRA) 10.17
Heat 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.50 def. Simao Romao (BRA) 12.10
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.43 def. Ricardo Santos (BRA) 12.66
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.33 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.77
Heat 6: Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.77 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 11.07
Heat 7: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.50 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.40
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.74 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.17
Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.53 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.40
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.50 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.70
Heat 11: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.44 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.40
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 15.00 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.27

Upcoming Round 3 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 3: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 4: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 7: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 10: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)

Billabong Rio Pro hosts World's Best Surfers...

Billabong Rio Pro - Round 1

Rio de Janeiro, new hosts to the Billabong Pro has kicked off with a quiet start. Barra da Tijuca will serve as the main site for the Billabong Pro Rio 2011, utilizing its consistent and rippable beachbreaks as a base for the world’s best surfers to push the boundaries of high-performance. The historic lefthand pointbreak of Praia da Arpoador will serve as the secondary site, and the protected beachbreaks of Canto do Recreio will be called upon should the winds not cooperate with the two former.

After a week of lay-days, round one eventually commenced as the veterans dominated on the day with the highest scores,  while defending event winner Jadson Andre (BRA), 21, made an impressive entrance in the Billabong Rio Pro’s opening round.

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, got off to a strong start to open his Billabong Rio Pro campaign. Slater flaunted two furious tail-drifting backhand turns to collect the day’s highest single-wave score of a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) midway through his bout to overtake ASP World Tour rookie Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, and event wildcard Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 18, after nearly missing the start of his heat.
“That 9 felt good,” Slater said. “I went down to grab my jersey and there was some confusion. By the time I got out, the heat had already started and Julian got that first one. It wasn’t a good start. I knew there were going to be some good ones and I just had to be patient. That one good wave actually let me bottom turn and hit the lip, most of the waves were soft and had a lot of horizontals.”

Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, opened his Billabong Rio Pro campaign with a sharp backhand attack by belting two Arpoador lefthanders to the tune of a 16.83 (out of 20) on his first two waves to earn the highest heat-total of the day. The Australian veteran notched his Round 1 heat win over dangerous Brazilian rookie Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and event wildcard Ricardo Santos (BRA), 20.

Jadson Andre, defending event winner, reveled in Arpoador’s lefthanders with a combination of aggressive carves and snaps to take a convincing Round 1 heat victory with the support of the Brazilian crowd behind him.
“Brazilian fans are so passionate and vocal,” Mick Fanning, reigning two-time ASP World Champion, said. “Sport is a huge part of their culture and that reflects in the crowds we get to the beach. I’m excited about bringing the World Tour back to Rio.”
“I’m so happy to be here competing in Brazil and I love Arpoador, I feel like a local,” Andre said. “I’ve competed here several times before and have friends here. I know everyone says I should feel pressure as defending champion, but I’m not worried about it. I’m just thinking about the next heat. That’s what I did last year.”

Billabong Rio Pro event organizers will reconvene at Aproador at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible 8am start.

To watch the Billabong Rio Pro LIVE log on to http://www.billabongpro.com

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Billabong Rio Pro Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 13.60, Heitor Alves (BRA) 7.67, Bobby Martinez (USA) 7.47
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.84, Adam Melling (AUS) 11.16, Kai Otton (AUS) 7.90
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.33, Ricardo Santos (BRA) 11.17, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.60
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.07, Simao Romao (BRA) 12.36, Dusty Payne (HAW) 11.66
Heat 5: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 8.13, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.07, Igor Morais (BRA) 6.34
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.17, Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.37, Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 3.84
Heat 7: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.33, Gabe Kling (USA) 10.66, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 7.90
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.56, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.80, Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.43
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.00, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 11.10, Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.93
Heat 10: Cory Lopez (USA) 11.54, Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.00, Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.57
Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 14.90, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 8.96
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.03, Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.70, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8.34

How waves are formed...

The oceans are in constant motion. The gravitational pull of the sun and moon oscillates the surface of the oceans twice a day while the wind agitates it into waves.
The surface of the sea exerts a frictional drag on the bottom layer of a wind blowing over it, and this layer exerts a frictional drag on the layer above it, and so on. The top layer has the keast frictional drag exerted on it which means that the layers of air move forward at different speeds. The air tumbles forward and finally develops a circular motion. This motion causes a downward pressure (DP) on the surface at its front, and an upward pressure (UP) at its rear, and this causes the surface to take on the form of a wave.
The back of the wave tumbles forward but it moves back later and slows the forward movement at the front of the wave. The wave now grows bigger.

The shape of the ocean floor and the direction of the wind are the two main factors that cause a wave to break (crash). The best surfing waves are usually caused by underwater features like sand banks, rocky points or reefs. To get the hollow tubes that surfers love, the ocean floor has to slope steeply. Waves tend to break more gently and farther out if the slope of the ocean floor is gradual. Surfers also prefer it when the wind blows from the beach out to the sea, which is called offshore because it helps to maintain clean waves, which are better to surf. If the wind blows from the ocean to the beach (onshore) or across the beach (cross-shore), it will cause the waves to be messy and choppy.

Joel Parkinson victorious at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach...

Joel Parkinson was victorious at the 2011 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach after defeating Mick Fanning in an electrifying Final in solid six-to-eight foot (2 – 2.5 metre) waves at Bells Beach.

Fanning was the in-form surfer of the event, consistently notching the highest single-wave scores and heat totals from Round 1 onwards. However, the lightning-fast natural-footer was unable to overtake his Gold Coast sparring partner in the Final.
“It was a tough Final,” Fanning said. “For some reason overtime we have a heat he gets in sync real early. I tried to fight back but it was too little too late. Surfing against your mate is just like surfing against anyone else you’ve just got to go out and think about yourself and catching waves and getting scores."
The Australian clash was the perfect celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic surfing event. The historical swell, the huge crowd and the quality of the surfers couldn't be better.
Parkinson opened up with an 8.53 on the first ride of the heat and drove the nail into the coffin with a Perfect 10.

“To me, Mick (Fanning) has been the form surfer of the event and I was never going to take him lightly,” Parkinson said. “I think we both had the same game plan of getting the first good one that came through and putting the momentum behind us. We scrapped for that first wave and I got the nod. Even though it was a mid-8, I knew I needed a lot more to hold him off so I just kept the pressure on from there.”
Today’s victory marks the third Bells title for the Gold Coaster and his 10th elite tour wins overall.
“It’s incredible,” Parkinson said. “It’s not so much the fact that I’ve won the event, but more so that it’s the 50th anniversary. It feels that much more special. We’ve had such good waves too. I can’t remember the last time that Bells had such good waves. I’m so excited. I can’t believe this.”
Parkinson, who’s last two ASP World Title campaigns have been marred by injuries, is adamant that he is 100% healthy this season and surfing better than ever.
“I definitely feel like I’m back,” Parkinson said. “I feel like I’m surfing better than I was back in ’09 before I hurt my ankle. I’m feeling fit, I have some really good boards under my feet and I’m excited for the rest of the year.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, suffered surprise elimination at the hands of De Souza in this morning’s Quarterfinal clash.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, 2010 ASP World Runner-Up, cruised through to the Semi-finals of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach despite admittedly feeling out of rhythm throughout the event.
“It was a nice last wave, but it was a pity I didn’t get any before that,” Smith said. “I’ve felt off all week so to get a 3rd is pretty good. I’ve got two 3rds now, which is kind of frustrating because you want to make the Final, but that’s how it goes sometimes. 3rd is better than 5th.”
Smith further cements his position at ASP World No. 3.
 

The next stop on the 2011 ASP World Title season is the Billabong Pro Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from May 11 – 22, 2011.
 

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.53
2 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.26

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.33 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.00
SF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.87 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.23
RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.66 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 13.16
QF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18.00 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.24
QF 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.16 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 11.10
QF 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.46 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.03

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) 14.17 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 9.26

Sally Fitzgibbons wins at Rip Curl Woman's Pro Bells Beach...

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, claims her maiden ASP event at the 2011 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta.

BELLS BEACH, Victoria/Australia (Saturday, April 23, 2011) – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 20, claimed her maiden ASP Women’s World Title event win today after a hard-fought Final with current ASP Women’s World No. 1 Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, taking out the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta and firmly announcing herself as a threat to the 2011 ASP World Title race.
The second stop of the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title season, the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach enjoyed some of the best conditions ever offered to the ASP Top 17, culminating in this afternoon’s epic clash in glassy three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) waves at Rincon.
Fitzgibbons, who finished Runner-Up in three events in 2010 as well as finishing the season in the Runner-Up spot, consistently outshined her fellow ASP Top 17 members at Bells Beach, launching into incredible high scores from the opening round of competition.

“This is so overwhelming,” Fitzgibbons said. “It’s been a long journey for me to finally win and this is incredible. I can’t feel my arms or legs and I’m just trying to keep from crying right now. It’s been a really long time coming and I want to thank all the girls for pushing me as well as all my family and friends who have supported me over the years.”
Today’s maiden victory was made all the more emotional for the young Australian, clinching the title in the event’s 50th year of operation, surrounded by her heroes and sporting icons.

“It’s extra special to win it this year for the 50 years event,” Fitzgibbons said. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always watched my heroes surf and win here and I’ve always dreamed of ringing the Bell and now that it’s happened, I don’t know what to say. The other night at the 50-year ball, I saw all my icons on stage and I was so inspired. So to win right now is a dream come true.”
Fitzgibbons now sits at ASP Women’s World No. 2 with today’s win.
Moore continued her rampage amongst the world’s best here at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, only falling short to Fitzgibbons in the Final. The gracious Hawaiian remains firmly in the driver’s seat in this year’s hunt for the ASP Women’s World Title, and will look to further cement her position at next week’s event in New Zealand.
“I’m stoked to have made the Final with Sally (Fitzgibbons),” Moore said. “For her to come out on top was awesome. We’ve have a lot of good clashes last year and this year, and her win’s been a long time coming so congrats to her. Of course I would have liked to have rung the Bell, but that may have to happen next year.”
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 23, reigning four-time ASP Women’s World Champion, enjoyed more of a return to form at Bells Beach, but the former three-time event winner was unable to overcome a rampaging Fitzgibbons in their Semifinal clash. Today’s Equal 3rd place finish has Gilmore sitting in ASP Women’s World No. 4 heading into the New Zealand event.

“I felt really good this event, my surfing felt more confident,” Gilmore said. “I’m happy with my performance, but hopefully I’m just building towards No. 1. Sally (Fitzgibbons) was so in form, she was throwing away scores that I was keeping as my top two, she’s well deserving of the win.”
Silvana Lima (BRA), 26, past event winner, put on a valiant effort in today’s conditions but ultimately fell to eventual winner Moore in her Semifinal heat.
“Very happy with my performance at Bells and that we had good waves for the girls,” Lima said. “I’m sad that I couldn’t make the Final, but Carissa (Moore) was surfing really well and she deserves it. I’m looking forward to New Zealand.”

The next stop on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title season will be the Subaru Pro TSB Bank Women’s Surf Festival in Taranaki, New Zealand from April 27 – May 1, 2011.
Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by FORD will be available via www.live.ripcurl.com and broadcast live on Fuel TV in Australia and ESPN in Brazil.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Ranger completed Round 4 of competition this morning with Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, Kelly Slater (USA), 39, Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, and Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, all taking out wins and advancing straight through to the Quarterfinals.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
When the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Rangers resumes, up first will be Owen Wright (AUS), 21, against Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, in the opening heat of Round 5.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.77
2 – Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.40

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.10 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 12.60
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.37 def Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.60

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Silvana Lima (BRA) 15.57 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 9.60
QF 2: Carissa Moore (HAW) 13.34 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 5.90
QF 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.00 def. Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.44
QF 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.56 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 14.53

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 14.50 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 8.50
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.50 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.04
Heat 3: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.60 def. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 12.47
Heat 4: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 18.83 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 11.50

ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TITLE TOP 5 (After Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach):
1. Carissa Moore (HAW) 18,000 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16,400 pts
3. Tyler Wright (AUS) 13,200 pts
4. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 11,700 pts
5. Silvana Lima (BRA) 11,700 pts

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.26, Owen Wright (AUS) 13.84, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 9.14
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 13.67, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.17, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.04
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.27, Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.37, Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.63
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 19.10, Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.17, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.40

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 5 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 2: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 4: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)

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Round 2, Heat 1 - Jordy Smith vs Adam Robertson

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach off to a flyer...

Today marks the commencement of the 50th Anniversary of competition surfing at Bells Beach as Round 1 of the 2011 Rip Curl Pro Bells presented by Ford Ranger got underway in clean four-to-six foot (1.5 – 2 metre) surf.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the second stop on the 2011 ASP World Title season, enjoyed consistent surf throughout the day as the world’s best surfers unleashed a barrage of high-performance ripping on the classic canvas of Bells Beach.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, 2009 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Champion put in a sensational performance this afternoon, electing to sit up at Rincon to secure the day’s highest scores.. Parkinson locked in the highest wave score and the highest heat score of the opening day of competition scoring 17.74 (out of a possible 20.00) to advance directly through to Round 3 of competition.
“I fell off twice on the bowl,” Parkinson said. “It was really hard to ride. Then CJ (Hobgood) went across to Rincon and got a score, so we followed him over and it worked out for me. It’s great to get that opening heat win, especially at Bells. You never know what conditions you’re going to get in a heat, so to be able to skip round two and maybe get a day off is a huge advantage.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion and defending event winner, was clinical in his attack in his Round 1 heat. Slater had his fellow competitors Adam Robertson (AUS), 28, and Kai Otton (AUS), 31, on the ropes only minutes into the heat, scoring an impressive 16.00 (out of a possible 20.00) on his opening two rides.

“I don’t free surf out at Bells a whole lot,” Slater said. “When the waves are good the comp is on and outside of that it’s pretty crowded. So I’m still learning with each heat out there still, surfing against a guy like Robbo (Adam Robertson) you’ve got to watch where he’s sitting, how far our and how deep.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, currently equal 13th in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title, went into today’s competition with renewed vigor after a shock early exit at the last event on the Gold Coast. The past two-time ASP World Champion came out and dominated his Round 1 battle over Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, and Gabriel Medina (BRA), 17.
“I’m stoked to get a good start,” Fanning said. “It’s been 10 years since I won here as I wildcard, I got close last year but Kelly Slater got me in the final. You want to win every event, but being the 50th Anniversary and so much history at this event, it’s like the Wimbeldon of surfing, it’s a hard one to win but it’s the one everyone wants.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, led today’s rookie charge, continuing his sensational run after the and equal 5th on the Gold Coast, and dispatching of fellow Brazilian Ranoi Monterio (BRA), 28, and Australian Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28 in this morning’s opening round heat.
“It’s so good out there!” Muniz said. “This is my first time surfing at Bells and it’s the most amazing place. It’s got perfect rights, and it’s the kind of wave that I love to surf. It’s the best place ever, best waves, best weather and I love surfing in wetsuits.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 22, bounced back after missing the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast with a knee injury, to score a comprehensive win over Taylor Knox (USA), 39, and Cory Lopez (USA), 34.
“I wasn’t very confident before the heat,” Flores said. “But I got that first wave and did a big turn at the end and got a good score. I think that’s what you need to do these days, finish the wave strong. My knee still isn’t 100%, but I went for it and it’s good to win. Big thanks to everyone at the Gold Coast Suns Football Club for helping with my knee, it’s feeling much better now.”

Stu Kennedy (AUS), 21, scored a last minute wildcard into the event and caused the upset of the day, eliminating 2010 ASP World Title runner-up Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, and Dusty Payne (HAW), 22.
“I’ve been coming here for years,” Kennedy said. “I won a Pro Junior here in 2008 and I know where to sit. I don’t think Dusty and Jordy know the break as well as I do so that helps. I’ve been up since 3am because I’m jet-lagged from coming home from Scotland. I woke up with a bunch of energy it’s my shaper’s birthday so I woke him up at 5am to go surfing. I had to win my heat for him for his birthday.”
When men’s competition resumes, up first will be 2010 ASP World Runner-Up Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, up against Trials Winner Adam Robertson (AUS), 28, in the opening heat of Round 2.

Following the completion of the men’s Round 1 today, the ASP Top 17 hit the water for Round 1 of the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta.
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 23, reigning four-time ASP Women’s World Champion and defending three-time Rip Curl Women’s Bells Beach winner, returned to her winning ways today, after bowing out early at the last event, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast.
“My first two years on tour I didn’t have great results on the Gold Coast,” Gilmore said. “I always bounced back at this event and then finished the year well, so hopefully I’ll do that again this year. The Gold Coast was a fine showing of what women’s surfing is up to now and everyone has to try and keep up. It really pushes me and I think anyone who wins an event from now on will be a very deserving winner because of that fact.”

Pauline Ado (FRA), 19, the French rookie caused the upset of the women’s event, defeating current ASP World Title front runner Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, in a nail biter of a heat.
“I’m really happy, I had a lot of fun out there,” Ado said “I got one of my good waves in the first few seconds so after that I felt confident and knew I could be more selective and wait for the right wave. A heat against Carissa is always a tough one, so I’m really stoked to win.”

When women’s competition resumes, up first will be Paige Hareb (NZL), 20, and Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), 24, in the opening heat of Round 2.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by FORD will be webcast available via www.live.ripcurl.com and broadcast live on Fuel TV in Australia and ESPN in Brazil.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com


RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.23, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.26, Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 7.37
Heat 2: Adam Melling (AUS) 14.50, Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.30, Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.00
Heat 3: Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.36, Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.14, Owen Wright (AUS) 10.60
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.60, Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.07, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 9.27
Heat 5: Stu Kennedy (AUS) 11.70, Dusty Payne (HAW) 10.50, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 9.00
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.00, Kai Otton (AUS) 10.13, Adam Robertson (AUS) 8.53
Heat 7: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.17, Cory Lopez (USA) 5.83, Taylor Knox (USA) 4.67
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.60, Kieren Perrow (AUS) 10.20, Gabe Kling (USA) 3.50
Heat 9: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.60, Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.23, Daniel Ross (AUS) 11.07
Heat 10: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.74, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.44, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 8.17
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.60, Chris Davidson (AUS) 10.83, Julian Wilson (AUS) 9.83
Heat 12: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.40, Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.43, Brett Simpson (USA) 8.93


RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Adam Robertson (AUS)
Heat 2: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 7: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 9: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 11: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)


RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.93, Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 8.70, Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) 8.66
Heat 2: Silvana Lima (BRA) 14.94, Laura Enever (AUS) 8.84, Melanie Bartels (HAW) 7.54
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (HAW) 14.60, Carissa Moore (HAW) 14.44, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 10.63
Heat 4: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.30, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 9.00, Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 6.50
Heat 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.10, Alana Blanchard (HAW) 12.83 Paige Hareb (NZL) 7.47
Heat 6: Coco Ho (HAW) 12.90, Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.00, Pauline Ado (FRA) 6.37

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Paige Hareb (NZL) vs. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
Heat 2: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Heat 4: Chelsea Hedges (AUS) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)
Heat 5: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Alana Blanchard (HAW)
Heat 6: Courtney Conlogue (USA) vs. Rebecca Woods (AUS)

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2011 Day 2 commences...

“We have good-looking surf on offer this morning and have called the men’s on at 7:30am,” Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge said. “We’ll have the women on standby, and we anticipate an excellent day of surfing. Good luck to all the competitors.”

Up first will be Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 28, in Heat 1 of Round 1.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by FORD will be webcast LIVE via www.live.ripcurl.com and broadcast live on Fuel TV in Australia and ESPN in Brazil.

The Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented Ford Fiesta is on standby today and will open up with Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 27, Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 27, and Rebecca Woods (BRA), 26, in Heat 1 of Round 1 when competition commences.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2011 Lay Day called...

Day one approaches, but a lay day was called for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford, second stop of the ASP 2011 World Title season offering one-to-two foot (0.5) metre surf.

“We went on hold until 10am this morning to see if the swell would fill in but as it hasn’t, we’ve called competition off for the day,” Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “We’re looking at some fairly promising swell models that are projected to fill in over the coming days so we’ll be back tomorrow morning to see what Bells has to offer.”

Event organizers will reconvene at 7am tomorrow morning to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start. When competition resumes, up first will be Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 28, in Heat 1 of Round 1.

When the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta kicks off, up first will be Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 27, Sofia Mulanovich (PER), 27, and Rebecca Woods (BRA), 26, in Heat 1 of Round 1.

Coastalwatch, official surf forecasters for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, are calling for a new 3-4 foot groundswell with clean mostly offshore to begin building on Wednesday. On Thursday, a stronger building trend with wave heights increasing throughout the day before peaking at 4-6 foot on Friday, gradually easing off into the weekend, but still 3-5 foot surf until mid-next week.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by FORD will take place at Victoria’s pristine Bells Beach from April 19 – 30, 2011 and be webcast LIVE via www.live.ripcurl.com and broadcast live on Fuel TV in Australia and ESPN in Brazil.

RIPCURL PRO BELLS BEACHROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)

Heat 2:Taj Burrow (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS)

Heat 3:Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)

Heat 4:Mick Fanning (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT), Gabriel Medina (BRA)

Heat 5:Jordy Smith (ZAF), Dusty Payne (HAW), Stu Kennedy (AUS)

Heat 6:Kelly Slater (USA), Kai Otton (AUS), Adam Robertson (AUS)

Heat 7:Jeremy Flores (FRA), Taylor Knox (USA), Cory Lopez (USA)

Heat 8:Michel Bourez (PYF), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Gabe Kling (USA)

Heat 9:Damien Hobgood (USA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)

Heat 10:Bede Durbidge (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Joel Parkinson (AUS)

Heat 11:Adriano de Souza (BRA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS)

Heat 12:Brett Simpson (USA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

RIP CURL WOMEN’S PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1:Chelsea Hedges (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER), Rebecca Woods (AUS)

Heat 2:Silvana Lima (BRA), Laura Enever (AUS), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)

Heat 3:Carissa Moore (HAW), Jacqueline Silva (BRA), Bethany Hamilton (HAW)

Heat 4:Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Courtney Conlogue (USA), Alana Blanchard (HAW)

Heat 5:Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Paige Hareb (NZL), Melanie Bartels (HAW)

Heat 6:Coco Ho (HAW), Tyler Wright (AUS), Pauline Ado (FRA) 

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2011 Official Trailer

Only two days....

The much anticipated launch of The West Coast Boardriders Event Number 1 is just two days away from commencement.
Founded  in March 2011 in Big Bay, West Coast Boardriders is a non profit organization with the intention to develop and grow surfing as a sport on the West Coast of Cape Town.
For more info visit...West Coast Boardriders

A dreamlike wave found in an Indonesian river is stunning surf world

A dreamlike wave found in an Indonesian river is stunning surf world

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach prepares for 50-Year Celebration

Time is near and the stage is set, as Victoria prepares to shine for the 2011 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The event presented by Ford.

The second stop on the 2011 ASP World Title season, this April, will celebrate its 50-year anniversary.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2011, running from April 19 through 30, will host the ASP Top 34 which is presented by Ford Ranger. As well as the ASP Top 17 in the Rip Curl Women’s Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta.

“It’s going to be a very exciting Easter at Bells Beach this April, with some special events planned to celebrate the amazing half-century anniversary of the Rip Curl Pro and the Bells Beach Easter Rally,” Brooke Farris, Rip Curl International Event Manager, said. “This year’s event will really be a ‘gathering of the tribe’, with each of the world’s best ASP surfers keen to etch their name in the history books by winning the anniversary Bell and most of our former competitors and past champions in Torquay to re-live many of the amazing moments and stories they created over the past 50 years.”

The golden anniversary of professional surfing at Bells Beach will be marked this 2011 and the world’s best surfers will be there to honor this auspicious occasion, as well as battle it out for the World Title.

Kelly Slater , reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, has bagged four Bells titles (’94, ’06, ’08, ’10) and with a win at the opening event of the season on the Gold Coast, will have his sights on defending his title this at Victoria

“The Bells trophy is probably one of – if not the – most sought after trophies in professional surfing,” Slater said. “Anyone who has ever gotten a Bell has talked proudly of it. It’s like winning a World Title trophy.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, former two-time ASP World Champion (’07, ’09), posted his first elite tour victory as a wildcard at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach in 2001.

“Fifty years at Bells is huge,” Fanning said. “It has so much history, from the first days with MP to MR to up until now. So many great surfers have won the Rip Curl Pro because it’s one of the hardest ones to win.”

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by FORD will take place at Victoria’s pristine Bells Beach from April 19 – 30, 2011 and be webcast LIVE via www.live.ripcurl.com and broadcast live on Fuel TV in Australia and ESPN in Brazil.

Surfboard repair/ding repair....

Regardless whether you a pro, intermediate or beginner surfer, you are going to ding your surfboard. For small minor dings, instead of dropping it off at your local surf shop for repairing, you could fix it yourself. After all, it could be costly and it could take days to be repaired. So I’ve posted a few tips on how to repair a surfboard and save money.

Step1
Clean the board. Make sure the fibreglass is wax free and perfectly clean. Make sure the ding is completely dry and clean as well (you could use a hair dryer to speed up the process). Take a knife or razor blade and trim the ding, cutting off broken edges of fibreglass and sand the immediate area with a rough sandpaper to ensure that the resin will bond. Tape the section off an area about 3cm around the ding to stop any resin from dripping onto other parts of the surfboard.

Step2
Cut a piece of fibreglass to cover the ding area, which will help secure the brittle resin and seal the repair from water entering the board.

Step3
Mix some resin and a few drops of catalyst. The more catalyst you add the faster it will harden. However, if you add to much catalyst into the mix it could heat up and become dangerous as it may catch on fire.

Step4
Then pour the resin into the ding, covering all the corners and make sure they are filled. Don’t fill it to overflowing. Then place the cloth over the ding. The cloth will absorb the resin and adhere to the ding.

Step 5
Wait for about 1-2 hours. The ding area should be completely covered and the resin totally hardened. Then sand the ding with dry sandpiper to get it flat, smooth and flush with the board.(be sure not to over-sand the board and re-open the ding). If you are a perfectionist, you can use an extra layer of gloss over the top to produce a nicer finish.

Adam Melling wins O’Neill Cold Water Classic.....

The first event of the 2011 O’Neill Cold Water Classic at Gisborne, New Zealand was clinched by Aussie surfer Adam Melling today, claiming the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) six-star event over Brazilian surfer Willian Cardoso.

The Pines on Wainui Beach was the set stage for the final in clean 1.5m waves. Despite a horrid forecast of gale force onshore winds for today, a miraculous turn around in weather had the beach crowded with spectators, witnessing and absorbing the action that unfolded in the last seven heats.

Melling pulled off a 15.20 out of a possible 20 points to secure the win, and it made the win even more special given he was celebrating his 26th birthday. “I am 26 today and I won the final… I am stoked” said Melling.

“Pretty fun out there, it turned on for the final.  Even though the tide come up there were still sets.  It was a little slow at the start but came on in the end, last 90 seconds anyway” added Melling of his last minute victory after scoring an 8.03 point ride for two huge forehand turns with only seconds to spare.”

“At the start of the heat there, I was looking back in at the beach and I was thinking wow I don’t have any waves.  I missed one at the start and I was freaking out a bit and Willian was down the beach but I knew I was in a good spot and if a ‘sucky’ one came in I knew I could bang out the turns and get the score.”

Melling received $20,000 USD for the win and moves up one place on the ASP One World Rankings to 23rd and hopes to be able to attend more O’Neill Cold Water Classic events in a bid to win the Series and claim the $50,000 USD prize money for the Series win.

Despite placing second scoring 13.67 points after holding the lead for more than 29 minutes, Cardoso was still happy with his result today. “I am so stoked, it was a really really fun day.”

  “I did my best in the final and I take an 8.5 on my first wave and only need a backup and I got 5.0 on my second wave.  Adam is a great surfer and on the world tour.  The last second he changed the result but I am stoked to get a great start to the year” said Cardoso who has been travelling in motor homes with eleven of his Brazilian friends enjoying waking up at the beach each day and enjoying the New Zealand coastline.

In third place were Australians Tom Whitaker and Stu Kennedy. By way of his third place, Whitaker jumped one place on the ratings to 32nd pushing Bobby Martinez (USA) to 33rd.

Final results from the O’Neill Cold Water Classic – Gisborne completed today (Tuesday 29th March).

Quarterfinals

Heat 1 - Adam Melling, AUS defeated Gony Zubizarreta, ESP

Heat 2 - Tom Whitaker, AUS defeated Joan Duru, FRA

Heat 3 - Willian Cardoso, BRA defeated Thiago Camarao, BRA

Heat 4 - Stu Kennedy, AUS defeated Miguel Pupo, BRA

Semifinals

Heat 1 - Adam Melling, AUS defeated Tom Whitaker, AUS

Heat 2 - Willian Cardoso, BRA defeated Stu Kennedy, AUS

Final

Adam Melling, AUS defeated Willian Cardoso, BRA

Sion Milosky, Big Wave Surfers Dies...

Late Wednesday evening, professional big-wave surfer died after the colossal wall of water at Mavericks plunged him deep into the ocean and would not let him go.


35 year old big wave surfer from Hawaii apparently pummeled by a set wave in the waning daylight. Conditions were sloppy and not really large by Mavrick's standards with 20 to 30 feet faces. He was really deep and apparently was caught in a two-wave-hold-down of the coast, south of San Fransisco.
 "He was really deep and he makes the drop, and the end section comes and just explodes behind him as he straightens out," said Chris Killen. "I'm looking over just devastated. His head's flopping, and I could tell he was blue from far away."

Big-wave surfer, Ken Collins, who witnessed the accident said that the wave that killed Milosky was atleast 50 feet tall. Despite the tragedy surfers were back in the water, back in the towering barrels. And on the beach, written in the sand "WE LOVE YOU DADDY" by his kids.

RIP Sion Milosky....

Kelly Slater opens Season with Quik Pro win

Ten-time defending ASP World Champion started his campaigne winning the Quicksilver Pro 2011 at Snapper Rocks Gold Coast today. He became the first surfer to win three Quik Pro titles. Kelly pulled off his 46th career ASP World Tour victory by beating defending Quick Pro Champion, Taj Burrow. "i still don't know what is possible." said Slater earlier in the event.
Slater earned 10,000 rating points and $75,000 as well as world no. 1 ranking going into the next event of the ASP World Tour season, which kicks off at Bells Beach in Victoria on April 19, The Rip Curl Pro.
Tiago Pires finished equal third place falling to Slater and South African Jordy Smith-who finished runner-up to Burrow last year was the other third place finisher.

Quarter Finals Set at Snapper

Rounds 4 and 5 of the Quick Pro 2011 was completed today.  With electrifying suring conditions and clean two-to-three foot waves at the Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast.    


Defending Quick Pro champion Taj Burrow again showed that he was the man to beat with the highest heat total of the event, a 19.06 out of a possible 20 to elimiate Adriano de Souza in round 5.  This was a blow by blow contest and probably the most electrifying nailbiting heat of the day.  "I just wanted to get back in that heat,"  Burrow said.  "Adriano (de Souza)  raised it by getting that 9 at the start and it made me hungry.  It's awesome when you dig deep and it goes your way at the end,"  Burrow said.  


The highflying South African Jordy Smith surfed a sensational heat coming from behind to eliminate local stand-out Joel Parkinson in round 5.  Jordy needed a big score in the dying moments pulling off a 7.50 out of a possible 10 to secure the win and to show why he was 2010 ASP World Runner Up. "I'm really stoked right now," Smith said.  "Finally something good came.  I had a bummer of a morning and I was kind of down after losing my first heat.  He (Parkinson)  always beats me and I've looked up to him forever.  I don't know what to say, I'm rattled right now."  


Matt Wilkinson posted a career-best this morning beating ten time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater and Michel Bourez to advance directly to the quarter finals. 


Slater, although relegated to the elimination round 5, recovered well to take down an in form Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, to advance through to the quarter finals.  "I feel a little better,"  Slater said.  "I just felt a little weak and off of my game today.  I didn't sleep great and ate late last night."


Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Dusty Payne (HAW), 22, up against Kelly Slater (USA), 39, in the first Quarterfinal.
Highlights from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be available via this website.

The event will also be broadcast LIVE free-to-air on One HD.


QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Dusty Payne (HAW) 14.07, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 11.83, Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.80
Heat 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.53, Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.14, Kelly Slater (USA) 11.06
Heat 3: Brett Simpson (USA) 16.60, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.63, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.87
Heat 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.23, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.76, Taj Burrow (AUS) 11.56

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.80 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.60
Heat 2: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.27 def. Michel Bouez (PYF) 12.94
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 19.06 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 18.94
Heat 4: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.67 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.17

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Dusty Payne (HAW) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
QF 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
QF 3: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)
QF 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

Quick Pro Round 2

ASP’s Worlds best surfers fighting it out at the tested Snapper Rocks for Round 2..
After a week’s worth of lay days, The ASP World Title season has recommenced on the 6th March with Round 2 eliminations. Top surfers battling it out at the tested two-to-three foot waves at Snapper Rocks Gold Coast, home to the opening ASP 2011 event, The Quicksilver Pro.

Although conditions were not favouring surfers with strong currents and unfavourable swell direction, they still however pulled off an electrifying session and provided a good show for the capacity crowded coast.
Top honours for the day, collecting 16.73 out of a possible 20 eliminating Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 25, was Brett Simpson (USA), 26. “I’m definitely happy with my performance; I started with that fall on my first wave but was able to get those smaller ones and I knew i just had to push it,” Simpson said. Simpson will take on Frederick Patacchia (HAW), 29, in Round 3 in The Quicksilver Pro 2011.

Adrian Buchan (AUS), 28, bagged 14.17 out of a possible 20 and opened with a convincing win over wildcard Mitch Crews (AUS), 20. “ I knew Crews is capable of getting big scores and that the last wave was the best that came through in that heat,” Buchan said. “I got that six for one turn and it looked like he had three or four on that wave, so who knows.” Buchan will battle Gold Coast fly boy Josh Kerr (AUS), 26, in Round 3 of competition.

Matt Banting (AUS), 16, produced a blistering show in minimal conditions, causing the biggest upset of the day. He eliminated ASP World Title contender Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, in the opening heat of the day. “I knew when he (Durbidge) fell on that last barrel that I had it, “ Banting said. “Istarted getting the shakes, it’s everything I ever dreamed of to surf in World Tour events and now I have Kelly in Round 3.
Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 06:30.

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1:Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Matt Banting (AUS)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Marc Lacomare (FRA)
Heat 4: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 5: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 6: Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 8: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 9: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 10: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 12: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)



QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 RESULTS:

Heat 1:Matt Banting (AUS) 9.43 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4.00
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.17 def. Mitch Crews (AUS) 13.10
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.83 def. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 8.66
Heat 4: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.40 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 4.80
Heat 5: Cory Lopez (USA) 7.83 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 4.77
Heat 6: Jadson Andre (BRA) 10.17 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 9.00
Heat 7: Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.33 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.83
Heat 8: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.60 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.27
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.73 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 7.06
Heat 10: Brett Simpson (USA) 16.73 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 9.90
Heat 11: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 11.50 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 10.50
Heat 12: Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.50 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.83