Surfs Up Alert » Adrian Buchan

Top 45 surfers for the 2010 ASP World Tour have been decided

Editor at SurferToday.com — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:21 +0000

With the culmination of the 2009 ASP World Tour and ASP Women’s World Tour in Hawaii, the qualifiers for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour season have been decided.

Taking the Top 27 surfers from the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Top 15 from the 2009 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and three ASP wildcards, the 2010 ASP Top 45 are as follows:

ASP Top 27 (ASP World Tour)
Mick Fanning (AUS)
Joel Parkinson (AUS)
Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Taj Burrow (AUS)
Adriano de Souza (BRA)
Kelly Slater (USA)
C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Bobby Martinez (USA)
Damien Hobgood (USA)
Dane Reynolds (USA)
Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Taylor Knox (USA)
Tom Whitaker (AUS)
Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Dean Morrison (AUS)
Kai Otton (AUS)
Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
Mick Campbell (AUS)
Chris Davidson (AUS)
Michel Bourez (PYF)
Ben Dunn (AUS)
Adrian Buchan (AUS)
Tiago Pires (PRT)
Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Roy Powers (HAW)
Drew Courtney (AUS)

Billabong Pro Mundaka Called Off, Swell Forming for the Weekend

ProSurfing.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Pro Surfing: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 – Another lay day has been called for the Billabong Pro Mundaka with little swell on offer this morning and swamping high tides.

Event No. 8 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Mundaka completed the opening eight heats of Round 1, opting to run the man-on-man elimination format. While the past two days seen the event run, developing swell on the horizon is looking promising for a recommencement in the next couple of days.

“Obviously we’re off today with little-to-no surf today,” Mike Parsons, Billabong Pro Mundaka Contest Director, said. “We’re looking at a possible bump tomorrow afternoon, looking better on Friday. We’re also monitoring a better-looking swell set to arrive for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. We’ll be back tomorrow to have another look though.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 9am to assess conditions for a possible recommencement.

When competition resumes, up first will be ASP Dream Tour veteran Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, up against event wildcard Dean Bowen (AUS) in Heat 9 of Round 1.

Highlights from past days’ Billabong Pro Mundaka will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/mundaka09/

The Billabong Pro Mundaka will host the world’s best surfers from October 5 through 17, 2009.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 13.60 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 11.10
Heat 2: David Weare (ZAF) 13.50 def. Tim Boal (FRA) 7.17
Heat 3: Drew Courtney (AUS) 11.67 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 10.17
Heat 4: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.66 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 13.17
Heat 5: Ben Dunn (AUS) 13.16 def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 9.10
Heat 6: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 15.80 def. Hodei Collazo (EUK) 10.96
Heat 7: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.34 def. Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 10.00
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.84 def. Reubyn Ash (GBR) 11.50

REMMAINING BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Dean Bowen (AUS)
Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) vs. Marcos San Segundo (EUK)
Heat 11: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 12: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 13: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 14: Dustin Barca (HAW) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 15: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 16: Jay Thompson (AUS) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 2: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBA
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. TBA
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBA
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 13: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 14: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 15: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBA

Pro SurfingBillabong Pro Mundaka

Lay Day Called For Billabong Pro Mundaka

ProSurfing.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Pro Surfing: (Tuesday, October 6, 2009) – A lay day has been called for the Billabong Pro Mundaka, with only small one-to-two foot (0.5 metre) waves and high tide conditions on offer this morning.

Event No. 8 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Billabong Pro Mundaka commenced competition yesterday at the primary venue, running the first eight heats of the man-on-man elimination Round 1.

“The surf we enjoyed yesterday has dropped substantially since then and we’ve called competition off for the day,” Mike Parsons, Billabong Pro Mundaka Contest Director, said. “We’re tracking some models for the end of the week that look promising, but we’ll be back tomorrow to make another call.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 9am to assess conditions for a possible recommencement.

When competition resumes, up first will be ASP Dream Tour veteran Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, up against event wildcard Dean Bowen (AUS) in Heat 9 of Round 1.

Highlights from yesterday’s Billabong Pro Mundaka will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/mundaka09/

The Billabong Pro Mundaka will host the world’s best surfers from October 5 through 17, 2009.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 13.60 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 11.10
Heat 2: David Weare (ZAF) 13.50 def. Tim Boal (FRA) 7.17
Heat 3: Drew Courtney (AUS) 11.67 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 10.17
Heat 4: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.66 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 13.17
Heat 5: Ben Dunn (AUS) 13.16 def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 9.10
Heat 6: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 15.80 def. Hodei Collazo (EUK) 10.96
Heat 7: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.34 def. Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 10.00
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.84 def. Reubyn Ash (GBR) 11.50

REMMAINING BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Dean Bowen (AUS)
Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) vs. Marcos San Segundo (EUK)
Heat 11: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 12: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 13: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 14: Dustin Barca (HAW) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 15: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 16: Jay Thompson (AUS) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 2: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBA
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. TBA
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBA
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 13: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 14: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 15: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBA

Pro Surfing

Kekoa Bacalso and Tiago Pires Turn It On During Billabong Pro Mundaka Elimination Round 1

ProSurfing.com — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:29:27 +0000

Pro Surfing: Monday, October 5, 2009) – The Billabong Pro Mundaka, Event No. 8 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, completed the opening eight heats of Round 1 today in clean three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at the primary venue.

Opting to run the man-on-man elimination Round 1 format, the Billabong Pro Mundaka played witness to some incredible drama today, with surfers fighting for both requalification and solid footing on the ASP World Tour ratings.

Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 24, former ASP World Junior Champion (2005) and 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie, was the standout on Day 1 of competition, netting the high heat total of a 15.80 out of a possible 20 for a barrage of backhand turns, eliminating wildcard Hodei Collazo (EUK).

“Hodei Collazo is really dangerous,” Bacalso said. “I know the mindset of the wildcard, and when I used to be one, all I wanted to do was shatter dreams. This is his home spot and to be honest, I was really scared going into this heat. Hodei got the one at the start, then I got one, then I had to wait until the end to pick up my second score. Stoked I did though and avoided the go-home elimination Round 1.”

Currently ranked No. 19 on the ASP World Tour ratings, Bacalso currently leads the charge in the hunt for 2009 ASP World Tour Rookie of the Year, and will look to consolidate in the remaining three events this season.

“Michel (Bourez) and I are embroiled in a little Rookie of the Year race but it’s all in good fun,” Bacalso said. “I had a shocker in France, got a 33rd, and this event is all about redemption. I’m pretty happy with how this year is going, but I’m definitely looking to finish strong in these last few events.”

Tiago Pires (PRT), 29, current No. 23 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, also brought fireworks to today’s Billabong Pro Mundaka, eliminating tour veteran Phillip MacDonald (AUS), 30, in a hard-fought Round 1 heat. After nearly splitting his head open on an opening ride, Pires would rally, securing an 8.33 for solid backhand barrel before nailing the coffin shut with a 6.33 on the buzzer.

“At the start of my heat, the lip came down on me and my board hit me in the face,” Pires said. “Fortunately there is no blood, but it’s a good lump. There are definitely good waves on the bank, but they are a little inconsistent making things very stressful. I was able to dip into that little barrel for the 8.33 and I still needed another score. I just did my best to be patient and it paid off.”

Finishing 3rd at the previous ASP Dream Tour event in France, Pires moved up 10 spots on the ASP World Tour ratings prior to today’s debut at the Billabong Pro Mundaka, and the powerful natural-footer will look to improve even further as the European leg continues.

“The European leg is super important to me,” Pires said. “I feel very comfortable at all of the spots and it’s very important that I do well here. I had a good result in France and I’m trying to keep the momentum going through the rest of the season.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 8am to assess conditions for a possible recommencement.

When competition resumes, up first will be ASP Dream Tour veteran Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, up against event wildcard Dean Bowen (AUS) in Heat 9 of Round 1.

Highlights from today’s Billabong Pro Mundaka will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/mundaka09/

The Billabong Pro Mundaka will host the world’s best surfers from October 5 through 17, 2009.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 1 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 13.60 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 11.10
Heat 2: David Weare (ZAF) 13.50 def. Tim Boal (FRA) 7.17
Heat 3: Drew Courtney (AUS) 11.67 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 10.17
Heat 4: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.66 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 13.17
Heat 5: Ben Dunn (AUS) 13.16 def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 9.10
Heat 6: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 15.80 def. Hodei Collazo (EUK) 10.96
Heat 7: Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.34 def. Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 10.00
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.84 def. Reubyn Ash (GBR) 11.50

REMMAINING BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 9: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Dean Bowen (AUS)
Heat 10: Mick Campbell (AUS) vs. Marcos San Segundo (EUK)
Heat 11: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 12: Tim Reyes (USA) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 13: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 14: Dustin Barca (HAW) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 15: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Dayyan Neve (AUS)
Heat 16: Jay Thompson (AUS) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)

BILLABONG PRO MUNDAKA ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 2: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. TBA
Heat 4: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 9: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. TBA
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. TBA
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 13: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. TBA
Heat 14: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 15: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. TBA
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. TBA

Aranburu, Emslie and Otton Battle Elements in Round 2 Quik Pro, Buchan Ousted

Quiksilver Pro France — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:35:09 +0000

Pro Surfing: Thursday, September 24, 2009 –The Quiksilver Pro France presented by Orange, Event No. 7 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, got back in motion today at the event’s main venue of Les Bourdaines in consistent-but-testing five-foot (1.5 metre) waves.

Battling against elements with strong currents coming into the equation, Round 2 competitors put on a show of strategic game plans and athletic skills, holding their line-up positions and taking off on fast-breaking five-to-six foot wave faces to grab their Round 3 tickets.

With most top seeds getting the job done in various ways, from solid scores to tight heat results, surprise came with the eliminations of highly-touted competitors Jeremy Flores (FRA), 21, and defending champion Adrian Buchan (AUS), 27, losing to Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 23, and ASP Dream Tour veteran Greg Emslie (ZAF), 32, respectively, creating the biggest upsets of the day.

Emslie eliminated Buchan in the dying minutes of their exchange, netting a solid 8.00 point score to stamp his authority and get away with the win. Emslie, ASP World No. 33, was able to catch-up with Buchan’s early lead using his experience and patience to wait for a good opportunity and rush to victory.

“It’s super challenging out there and I knew that we’d be getting 4s and 5s and it would come down to whoever got that one smoker,” Emslie said. “That wave came to me right at the end of the heat and was able to stand-up for me really well. I was stoked when I heard the score.”

Emslie, a former runner-up in the Quiksilver Pro France (2007), has not had any stellar results on tour this year, the South African sitting on four 17th places and a couple of 33rds, and will be looking to get through another few rounds to get back into the ASP Top 27, the re-qualifying group for next year’s ASP World Tour.

“For sure, I was definitely thinking about Ace winning here last year,” Emslie said. “I was also thinking about when I was in the Final the last time I came here to so that gave me a bit of confidence. I’m currently sitting 33rd right now, but Europe is a great place for you to bang out a few good results and if you can remain consistent, you can really make some ground up.”

Aranburu caused the other major upset of the day by eliminating current ASP World Tour No. 19, Flores, in Heat 8, and advancing through to Round 3 for the second time this year. Aranburu, who tamed the fast lefthanders of Les Bourdaines using his powerful and vertical backhand attack, led the exchange from start to finish to defeat national surf star Flores, peaking with a 7.50 point ride en route to victory.

"I was warming up my legs before the heat because I knew I would need them strong for the heat,” Aranburu said. “There are some heavy sections out there and you have to complete your maneuvers to get the bigger scores."

Aranburu, who has finished a disappointing 33rd in all ASP World Tour events but one this year (in Tahiti where he reached the Semifinals), gave himself a bit of air today his result guaranteeing an equal 17th place finish at least in the Quiksilver Pro France. The only Basque surfer to ever qualify for the ASP World Tour, Aranburu’s backhand talent will be a threat to any of his upcoming opponents in the event.

"I knew Jeremy (Flores) would be really tough in these conditions,” Aranburu said. “Although he's hurt a little bit, he's still very dangerous out here. It's an important part of the year for me. I have had only 33rds and one 3rd so I think 3 isn't necessarily my lucky number. I'm happy to advance through to Round 3 and hopefully I can keep going."

Kai Otton (AUS), 28, current ASP World No. 16, was another of today’s standouts, the renowned goofy-footer putting on a solid performance to oust ASP Dream Tour rookie Nathaniel Curran (California, USA), 25. Otton, who chose the inside lefthanders to show his skills to the ASP judging panel, surfed twelve waves throughout the 30-minute heat finding his rhythm despite the strong current washing down the beach.

“I just tried to keep busy, it is a tricky rip and there is a lot of water moving around and obviously I didn't want to paddle against it and would rather catch waves. So that's what I did, kept catching waves.”

Posting a convincing 14.26 point score to Curran’s low 5.17 point combination of two scores, Otton stuck to his game plan and will surf in Round 3 of the Quiksilver Pro France.

“Obviously I didn't start very well this year but I feel I am in form now and surfing pretty good,” Otton said. “I had a good result at Jeffreys Bay and got through a few rounds at Trestles so it would be good to keep it going here. I love France and there's some swell so it's looking good.”

Event officials will re-assess conditions and make a call tomorrow at 7:30am for a possible 8am start.

First out will be Heitor Alves (BRA), 26, up against Jay Thompson (AUS), 26, when Round 2 of the Quiksilver Pro France resumes.

Highlights from today’s Quiksilver Pro France will be available at www.quiksilverlive.com

The Quiksilver Pro France will host the world’s best surfers from September 23 to October 4, 2009.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Pro Surfing

Quiksilver Pro France Round 1 ON at Les Bourdaines

Quiksilver Pro France — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:17:07 +0000

Pro Surfing: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 – The Quiksilver Pro France, Stop No. 7 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, in ON this morning with Round 1 of competition heading out in clean three-to-four foot (1 .5 metre) waves at Les Bourdaines.

“We have some very clean three-to-four foot waves this morning at the main site of Les Bourdaines and we’ll be getting underway at 8am,” Rod Brooks, Quiksilver Pro France Contest Director, said. “

Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 6, has been clawing his way back into contention over the last three events, following an uncharacteristically slow start. With four events left on the 2009 ASP Dream Tour, the Floridian admits that France is critical to his bid for an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title.

“This is probably my last shot to get back in this thing,” Slater said. “The idea is to just focus on one heat at a time and one event at a time, but I definitely need to make up some ground in these next events.”

Slater will face veteran Mick Campbell (AUS), 35, and trials winner Alain Riou (PYF), 26, in Round 1 today.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 23, 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie and current ASP World No. 21, is into his first Quiksilver Pro France as a full-fledged member of the ASP Top 45, but the powerful natural-footer did some damage at last season’s event as a wildcard.

"Good to be back in France and catch-up with all former team mates and people I’ve known for years now,” Bourez said. “It’s great to come back to the event, I’ve had good results in the past here and I am coming with the same relaxed state of mind as when I was a wildcard last year and got 5th.”

Bourez is looking to gain some ground on fellow rookie and current ASP World No. 15 Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), 24, in the race for 2009 ASP Rookie of the Year, and the Tahitian’s results in the past two events are building an impressive momentum for him.

“It’s been going good for me in the last couple of events and I think I’ve found a good rhythm,” Bourez said. “The turning point for me was when we went to the Mentawaiis for the Red Bull trip. That surf trip gave me a lot of time to focus on my boards, my surfing and see the others push their limits, which motivated me so strong. Then I went back there with Nike 6.0 and that was another crucial training. I have great boards that really suit my style and I am enjoying competing right now. That event at Trestles was good and I am super happy to be getting closer to the Top 20 right now. It was my goal when the year started and to see things go my way is really satisfying. I’ve worked hard and I am looking forward to keeping that good roll going."

Bourez takes on current ASP World No. 3 Adriano de Souza (BRA), 22, and fellow 2009 ASP World Tour rookie Marlon Lipke (DEU), 25, in the opening round of Quiksilver Pro France competition today.

Up first this morning will be Taylor Knox (USA), 38, Chris Ward (USA), 30, and David Weare (ZAF), 29, in Round 1 of competition.

The Quiksilver Pro France will host the world’s best surfers from September 23 to October 4, 2009.

The event be webcast LIVE in French, English and Portuguese at www.quiksilverprofrance.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Chris Ward (USA), David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS), Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 3: Damien Hobgood (USA), Timmy Reyes (USA), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 5: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dean Morrison (AUS), Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Joan Duru (FRA)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), Kiron Jabour (HAW)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Campbell (AUS), Alain Riou (PYF)
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Patrick Beven (FRA)
Heat 11: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 12: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA), Jay Thompson (AUS), Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Tim Boal (FRA), Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 16: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dustin Barca (HAW), Greg Emslie (ZAF)

Pro Surfing

Quiksilver Pro France Awaits World’s Best Surfers, Good Swell Expected

Quiksilver Pro France — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Pro Surfing: (Sunday, September 20, 2009) – The Quiksilver Pro France, Stop No. 7 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, will kick off in three days on the South West Coast of France, settling down between the world famous beach breaks of Hossegor and Seignosse, and the famous Basque reef break of Lafitenia. A fully mobile event with 42 km at its disposal, the Quiksilver Pro France (the only French stop of the ASP World Tour) will give the world’s best surfers two weeks of tube-riding, high-performance waves and big surf possibilities.

While 2009 the ASP World Title race remains wide open and very close amongst the top contenders (including reigning and nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37), the Quiksilver Pro France will also stage the highly-anticipated battle between ratings’ front-runners and struggling ASP Top 45 re-qualifiers.

Adrian Buchan (New South Wales, AUS), 27, defending Quiksilver Pro France champion, will be back on the battlefield where he clinched his first and only ASP World Tour victory in 2008 after defeating Slater in an exciting Final – postponing the Floridian’s 9th ASP World Title claim. Buchan, a.k.a. “Ace”, whose season has been interrupted by a serious knee injury that forced him out of two events already, will be eager to get back to his best level when he competes in France next week.

“This year has been different for me,” Buchan said. “I started out really well on the Gold Coast [at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, first event of the year] and then struggled at the next two events before injuring myself in Bali on a surf trip. Being sidelined gives you incredible clarity and the break has been great for me. I got to do some different things and now I’m fresh and excited. My knee is getting better every week and is close to 100% so I’m feeling pretty confident for France.”

Buchan, who is sitting on a 5th and three 17th places in 2009 thus far, is considered a threat at all locations on tour and could get back to the front stage next week in France, the Quiksilver Pro France being one of the man’s favorite places on tour for its waves and lifestyle.

“Even before I won the event there, France felt like a special place to me,” Buchan said. “I love the laid back vibe and the scenery and French culture and it’s such a great time of year too. Crisp mornings and beautiful days – it’s a tricky place to surf where you have to be very aware of the changing conditions and I like that. Hopefully we have some swell!”

Buchan will take on former ASP World Champion (2001) C.J. Hobgood (USA), 30, and 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Marlon Lipke (DEU), 25, when competition commences.

While all eyes will be on surfing’s greatest celebrities for two consecutive weeks in France, the biggest French contingent ever to compete on the ASP World Tour will be in the spotlights of national media. Local residents Michael Picon (Capbreton, FRA), 30, and Tim Boal (Anglet, FRA), 26, along with French Polynesian Michel Bourez (Tahiti PYF), 23, and world famous Jeremy Flores (New Caledonia/Capbreton, FRA), 21, are ready to shine in front of thousands of fans.

Picon, the most experienced French surfer on tour and already on his third year among the elite ASP Top 45, will be looking to clinch valuable ratings’ points towards his 2010 ASP World Tour re-qualification campaign after a tough first part of the season. Picon, presently ranked outside the re-qualifying Top 27 prior to the Quiksilver Pro France, is considered a talented tube-rider, having placed ninth at Tahiti, Bali and Mundaka in 2008, and will be a serious contender if the swell reaches the six-to-eight-foot range during the Quiksilver Pro France.

”I'm feeling pretty good and I think my boards are really working well,” Picon said. “I lost early in California so got back home with some time to practice and get used to the event location. It was good as well for the jet lag, and I am in rhythm right now. The location chosen for the event looks very fun and I think it is going to be a good contest.”

Picon will face Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, and Chris Davidson (AUS), 33, in Round 1 of the Quiksilver Pro France.

With the ASP World Title race raging as the tour hits the European leg, beginning September 23 with the Quiksilver Pro France, will be the theater of intense battles. ASP World No. 1 and former event winner (2006), Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, will have a chance to seal his inaugural ASP World Title in France while other top contenders will look to put a stop to his juggernaut season.

The Quiksilver Pro France will host the world’s best surfers from September 23 to October 4, 2009.

The event be webcast LIVE in French, English and Portuguese at www.quiksilverprofrance.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 3: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tim Reyes (USA), Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 5: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dean Morrison (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), TBA
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Campbell (AUS), TBA
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), TBA
Heat 11: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 12: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW), Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Jay Thompson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Tim Boal (FRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 16: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Dustin Barca (HAW)

Pro Surfing

Josh Kerr Wows As Hurley Pro Trestles Moves Into Elimination Rounds

Hurley Pro Trestles — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Pro Surfing: Monday, September 14, 2009 – The Hurley Pro Trestles re-ignited today with the elimination rounds of competition running in pulsing three-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at Lower Trestles.

Stop No. 6 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Hurley Pro Trestles awoke to cleaner conditions today, but inconsistency would create a minefield of challenges for the world’s best surfers. Despite the difficulties, the ASP Top 45 put on an incredible show, posting some of the highest scores of the event.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 25, current ASP World No. 25, stunned spectators today with his diverse repertoire of progressive surfing, blending rotation aerials with power hacks to net the highest heat total of the day, a 17.17 out of a possible 20, to defeat an in-form Dayyan Neve (AUS), 31, in Round 2 of competition.

“I'd been here the last couple of hours and in the heat before I saw that there were a few nice rights shaping up,” Kerr said. “There seemed to be a few in our heat. Dayyan (Neve) got a couple as well. That one wave wasn't the biggest wave, but it looked like it was going to connect down the line and that's exactly what it did. I raced down the line and popped a little air, came around, up and down, and it stayed wally for me and I gave it a little bang off of the end.”

Inverse to the high-flying action of the Round 2 heat, Kerr’s afternoon bout against compatriot Adrian Buchan (AUS), 26, was a wave-starved affair. Sitting quiet for the majority of the heat, Kerr would only advance in the dying moments, ending Buchan’s Hurley Pro Trestles run and advancing through to Round 4.

“I guess they’re both exciting because both heats came down to the wire, just in different ways,” Kerr said. “I had a good day though. I had a good heat earlier and got to sit around and get cold in the second one, but I still came through with the win. This year has been a bit slow for me so far, so it'd be good to get a good result here at Trestles. I'd like to get on a bit of a roll with this big leg we have coming up.”

Kerr will face current ASP World No. 3 Adriano de Souza (BRA), 22, in Round 4 of the Hurley Pro Trestles.

Kai Otton (AUS), 29, current ASP World No. 19, enjoyed a career first in yesterday’s Round 1, besting ASP ratings’ leader Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, and continued the momentum through today’s Round 3. In one of the more exciting heats of the afternoon, Otton flared electric on his backhand this afternoon, netting solid scores to take down a rampaging Jay Thompson (AUS), 25.

“I was actually a little bit shaky at the start of that heat,” Otton said. “I don’t really think I felt nervous, I just felt a bit tired. I had to calm myself down and luckily I picked off two good ones. I’m coming off of a good result in Jeffreys Bay, and if I can get through a few more heats here I’ll be feeling really good.”

Otton will take on former event winner Bede Durbidge (AUS), 26, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

Day 2 of the Hurley Pro Trestles was not without upsets though. Highly-touted favorites Bobby Martinez (USA), 27, Jordy Smith (AUS), 21, and Chris Ward (USA), 30, were all bundled out in Round 2 of competition, garnering equal 33rds and shifting their attention to the European leg.

Surfline, official forecaster of the Hurley Pro Trestles, is calling for today’s fetch of Northwest swell to drop slightly today and are still tracking a south swell for later in the week.

When competition resumes, first up will be California wunderkind Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, against Ben Dunn (AUS), 23, in Heat 7 of Round 3.

Highlights from today’s Hurley Pro Trestles will be available via www.hurley.com/hurleypro/

Downloadable media is available at www.hurley.com/downloads/hurleypro

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.16 def. Kai Barger (HAW) 9.93
Heat 2: Rob Machado (USA) 15.16 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.00
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 15.84 def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 11.33
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.40 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 8.53
Heat 5: Luke Stedman (AUS) 12.70 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 11.00
Heat 6: Nic Muscroft (AUS) 13.24 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 12.16
Heat 7: Taylor Knox (USA) 12.93 def. Drew Courtney (AUS) 12.83
Heat 8: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.50 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF)13.24
Heat 9: Greg Emslie (ZAF) WIN, Mick Campbell (AUS) Injured
Heat 10: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 11.56 def. Jihad Khodr (AUS) 8.90
Heat 11: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.50 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 11.60
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS) 10.50 def. Nathaniel Curran (USA) 8.93
Heat 13: Roy Powers (HAW) 12.13 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 11.57
Heat 14: Jay Thompson (AUS) 16.26 def. Chris Ward (USA) 11.26
Heat 15: Josh Kerr (AUS) 17.17 def. Dayyan Neve (AUS) 15.23
Heat 16: Ben Dunn (AUS) 8.23 def Dustin Barca (HAW) 7.67

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.33 def. David Weare (ZAF) 12.83
Heat 2: Kai Otton (AUS) 16.67 def. Jay Thompson (AUS) 13.50
Heat 3 Josh Kerr (AUS) 8.23 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.76
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.07 def. Nic Muscroft (AUS) 12.26
Heat 5: Taylor Knox (USA) 13.17 def. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 9.77
Heat 6: Roy Powers (HAW) 13.06 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 12.00

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 7: Dane Reynolds (USA0 vs. Ben Dunn (AUS)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Rob Machado (USA)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 10: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 11: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 12: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 13: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 14: Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 15: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Tim Boal (FRA)

Pro Surfing

Hurley Pro Trestles ON As World’s Best Battle Through Round 1

Hurley Pro Trestles — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:20:20 +0000

Pro Surfing: Sunday, September 13, 2009 – Round 1 of the Hurley Pro Trestles is on this morning with the world’s best surfers tackling the two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves on offer this morning at Lower Trestles.
Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Hurley Pro Trestles will be running the tradition format, with all 48 competitors contesting Round 1 today.

“We’ve got some two-to-four foot waves today and plan on running as many heats as we can,” Pat O’Connell, Hurley Pro Trestles Contest Director, said. “Although we have some south-wind and the swell is out of the northwest, we’re really lucky to have waves since there is not much activity in the South Pacific. Today’s conditions are really consistent and there will be plenty of opportunity for surfers to get several waves in there heats.”

Surfline, official forecasters of the Hurley Pro Trestles, is calling for a small fetch of Northwest swell in the next couple of days before a possible south swell later in the week.

The Hurley Pro Trestles is hosting the ASP 45 from September 13 – 19, 2009.

Up first this morning will be Tom Whitaker (AUS), 29, Ben Dunn (AUS), 23, and Michael Picon (FRA), 30, in Heat 1 Round 1 of the Hurley Pro Trestles.

The event will be webcast LIVE via www.hurley.com/hurleypro/

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS
Heat 1: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA), Dustin Barca (HAW), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Dayyan Neve (AUS), David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Dane Reynolds (USA), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), Kai Barger (HAW)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Rob Machado (USA)
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS), Dean Morrison (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Michel Bourez (PYF), Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Josh Kerr (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 14: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Jay Thompson (AUS), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 15: Mick Campbell (AUS), Tim Boal (FRA), Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Roy Powers (HAW)

Pro Surfing

Hurley Pro Trestles Readies for Onslaught by World’s Best Surfers

Hurley Pro Trestles — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:55:17 +0000

Pro Surfing: Thursday, September 10, 2009 – The Hurley Pro Trestles, Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, is just days from commencing and the Southern California air is electric with the arrival of the world’s best surfers at one of the world’s most high-performance waves.

Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning nine-time ASP World Champion and defending event winner, came into the 2009 season surrounded by heavy expectations for an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title. However, a slow start to the year has prevented the Floridian from ascending to his usual place atop the rankings. Aside from an impressive victory in Brazil, Slater is holding three 17ths and a 9th, resulting in his present ASP World No. 8 rating.

“There’s a slight but distant possibility (for a 10th ASP World Title),” Slater said. “I've dedicated my year to a different direction than last year. It's taxing to have that focus all year and I'm learning more about what it takes to win mentally and physically and with equipment. My goals are to surf better than I ever have and push others to do the same. I want people to leave the beach or shut off their computers not having wasted their time watching us. At the same time, when you’re not winning is a good time to see how different things appear around you. It's been an interesting year for me.”

A threat at any and all venues on the ASP Dream Tour, Slater is certainly capable of rallying in the back half of the season, but standing in his way is runaway ratings’ leader Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28. Parkinson’s juggernaut season has seen him net three victories, a 3rd and a 9th en route to what could be his first ASP World Title.

“Joel Parkinson doesn't seem as happy this year to many of us, but his priorities are clear,” Slater said. “I've felt like that some years that I've been really focused, and it's easy for people to mistake that and what it is. This year is expansion for me and figuring out new directions to take what I can do.”

Ratings aside, Slater’s rapport with the cobblestone A-Frames of Lower Trestles is that of legend, and the defending event champion is easily one of the favorites at the upcoming Hurley Pro Trestles.

“It was the first wave I really got to surf when I came to California as a 12-year-old kid and I've always really loved it.” Slater said. “The wave has a great right and occasionally punchy left that could offer a barrel and good airs. It's probably the most high-performance wave overall of the tour waves we surf. Rarely does a guy get lucky to win a heat there. Lots of surf history that has happened here and I've got a few good memories of my own, too. I love this event.”

Slater will take on Adrian Buchan (AUS), 26, and former ASP World No. 2 Rob Machado (USA), 36, in Round 1 of the Hurley Pro Trestles.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, former ASP World Champion (2007) and current ASP World No. 7, has been blowing minds this season with his incendiary performances, but the excellent results the Australian has been accustomed to in years past have evaded him so far in 2009.

“It's been a strange year for me because I honestly feel like I'm in great condition and surfing my best and my heat score average this year backs that up,” Fanning said. “I've had a few shocking heats for waves and I've come up against guys that have had the heats of their lives. I'm not making excuses though; Mother Nature is an obstacle everyone on tour has to overcome. I'm comfortable with how I'm surfing and I'm psyched to surf harder and faster for the rest of the year. I'm going to really enjoy this next half of the season.”

Heightening the prestige and excitement surrounding this season’s event is the winner’s prize purse increase from US$40k to US$100k, bringing the total purse to a historic US$400k. The added monetary incentive, combined with the high-performance nature of the wave at Lower Trestles, will only serve to provide a dynamic new element to this year’s event.

“I think that it is great that Hurley have come to the party with the extra prize money,” Fanning said. “Obviously Bob (Hurley) does it because he's of the opinion the winners should be earning more and I totally agree. It's added incentive for the surfers to get the win which probably results in more radical more committed surfing, but I think it generates a lot more hype and excitement for fans too. I know when I'm watching two athletes battle it out for a decent amount of money, I get a real buzz, it doesn't matter what sport I'm watching.”

Fanning will take on local Chris Ward (USA), 30, and 2009 ASP Dream Tour rookie Nic Muscroft (AUS), 27, in Round 1 of the Hurley Pro Trestles.

Kai Barger (HAW), 19, reigning ASP World Junior Champion, will contest his first elite ASP World Tour event at the upcoming Hurley Pro Trestles, earning one of three wildcards, along with Machado and current ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) No. 8, Brett Simpson, 24.

“I always surf my best when everyone expects me to lose,” Barger said. “I'm the rookie – okay. But if it's overhead rights on a south, look out."

Barger will face the ratings’ leader Parkinson and Kai Otton (AUS), 29, in Round 1 when competition commences.

Surfline, official forecasters of the Hurley Pro Trestles, is calling for a small fetch of Northwest swell in the next couple of days before a possible south swell later in the week.

The Hurley Pro Trestles will host the ASP 45 from September 13 – 19, 2009.

The event will be webcast LIVE via www.hurley.com/hurleypro/

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

HURLEY PRO TRESTLES ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS
Heat 1: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA), Dustin Barca (HAW), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Dayyan Neve (AUS), David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 5: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Dane Reynolds (USA), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), Kai Barger (HAW)
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Rob Machado (USA)
Heat 10: Taj Burrow (AUS), Dean Morrison (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 11: Taylor Knox (USA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Michel Bourez (PYF), Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 13: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Josh Kerr (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 14: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Jay Thompson (AUS), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 15: Mick Campbell (AUS), Tim Boal (FRA), Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 16: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Roy Powers (HAW)

Pro Surfing