Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy
ASP World Junior Tour
North Narrabeen, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
January 8 – 16, 2011

 
South Africa’s Dale Staples (St Francis Bay) is the second seed for the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships which starts at North Narrabeen beach in Sydney, Australia, tomorrow (10.30pm tonight, South African time) and runs until 16 January.

Staples finished second to Jack Freestone (AUS) in the first stop on the ASP Junior Tour in Bali in October and will be pushing hard to topple the Australian from the top of the ratings heap and become only the second-ever South African to claim the ASP World Junior title since compatriot Jordy Smith won in 2006.
 
Staples, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Tuesday, was just metres from beating Freestone on a heart-stopping last minute ride in the final in Bali.
 
“I had a pretty good wave, a solid tube which I didn’t come out of and it could have been the winning ride, for sure,” Staples said. “But, I was happy to make the Final and we’ll see what happens at Narrabeen.”

“It’s (the Billabong ASP World Junior Championship) easily the most important event of any junior surfer’s career, it’s the one to win for sure. Narrabeen is a high performance wave. There’s not much you can’t do out there. It’s a beach break and I’m sure every surfer in the event will be going hard and pushing it. I’m looking forward to it,” added Staples.
 
The 48 man field features the world’s top 20-and-under surfers from the seven ASP regions, along with three sponsor’s wildcards, all of whom are capable of forcing their way into contention for the title.

Surfers to watch out for include defending champion Maxime Huscenot (FRA) and the likes of Nat Young and Keanu Asing, the top seeds from the USA and Hawaii respectively, alongside a host of Brazilians who have an amazing rapport with the waves at Narrabeen, having annexed the title four times and provided three runners-up.

However, despite never having competed at Narrabeen, history favours Staples in his head-to-head battle with Freestone as no Australian has clinched the title there since Joel Parkinson 10 years back (2001) and no Aussie has even reached the semifinals since Matt Wilkinson in 2006!

Staples will be joined in the event by compatriots Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay), Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga), Brendon Gibbens (Kommetjie) and ASP Africa Pro Junior champion Chad du Toit (Berea, Durban).

The Billabong ASP Women’s Junior Championships, which runs in conjunction with the men’s event, will feature South Africans Bianca Buitendag (George) and Chantelle Rautenbach (Melkbosstrand).

The SA girls will be up against the likes of Tyler Wright (AUS), the winner of the Bali leg, and fellow ASP World Tour rookies Laura Enever (AUS), the defending champion, and Sage Erikson (USA).

A traditional Aboriginal ceremony will open proceedings. The Koomurri Performance Group will perform from 07:15am, Saturday 8th January. The performance includes a “Welcome to Country” & “Smoking Ceremony”, and face painting of competitors representing the various world surfing regions.

The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com
 
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
 
The Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy is made possible with the support of Sony, Volkswagen, VonZipper, Nixon, Australia’s Surfing Life Magazine, Manly Warringah Council and NSW Sport and Recreation.

Upcoming Round 1 Billabong ASP World Junior Championships Heats:
Heat 1: Shaun Joubert (ZAF), Tyler Newton (HAW), Ty Watson (AUS)
Heat 2: Maxime Huscenot (FRA), Krystian Kymerson (BRA), Evan Thompson (USA)
Heat 3: Marc Lacomare (FRA), Chad Du Toit (ZAF), Takumi Nakamura (JPN)
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA), Luke Davis (USA), Andrew Doheny (USA)
Heat 5: Miguel Pupo (BRA), Evan Geiselman (USA), Hiroto Arai (JPN)
Heat 6: Granger Larsen (HAW), Nic Von Rupp (DEU), Enrique Ariitu (PYF)
Heat 7: Caio Ibelli (BRA), Alex Smith (HAW), Ramzi Boukhiam (MOR)
Heat 8: Jack Freestone (AUS), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Keala Naihe (HAW)
Heat 9: Dale Staples (ZAF), Charles Martin (GLP), Tom Cioarec (FRA)
Heat 10: Mitch Crews (AUS), Chris Salisbury (AUS), Arashi Kato (JPN)
Heat 11: Jesse Mendes (BRA), Albee Layer (HAW), Conner Coffin (USA)
Heat 12: Kiron Jabour (HAW), Dean Bowen (AUS), Ian Gentil (HAW)
Heat 13: Davey Cathels (AUS), Guillermo Satt (CHL), Ryan Callinan (AUS)
Heat 14: Kolohe Andino (USA), Kaimana Jaquias (HAW), Kaishu Tanaka (JPN)
Heat 15: Beyrick De Vries (ZAF), Keanu Asing (HAW), Kaito Onashi (JPN)
Heat 16: Brendon Gibbens (ZAF), Fillipe Jervis (PRT), Peterson Crisanto (BRA)

Upcoming Round 1 Billabong ASP Women’s World Junior Championships Heats:
Heat 1: Justine Dupont (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Camila Cassia (BRA)
Heat 2: Sage Erickson (USA), Chantelle Rautenbach (ZAF), Malia Manuel (HAW)
Heat 3: Laura Enever (AUS), Alessa Quizon (HAW), Minato Takahashi (JPN)
Heat 4: Tyler Wright (AUS), Diana Cristina (BRA), Ellie-Jean Coffey (AUS)
Heat 5: Felicity Palmateer (AUS), Leila Hurst (HAW), Nao Omura (JPN)
Heat 6: Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), Alizee Aranaud (FRA), Airini Mason (NZL)

ENDS

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact:            Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel:                   021 534 5738
Email:               colin@aspafrica.com

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

The Billabong Girls Get Out There will conclude their 3 week- long summer tour with two highly anticipated back-to-back events in Cape Town.

Muizenberg will host the first of two action packed events on Tuesday 21 December, immediately followed up with one final activation at Cape Town’s famed Camps Bay on Wednesday 22nd December.

The three week long summer tour kicked off in fine style on Ballito’s Willard Beach last Saturday 11th December and was followed up the next day (Sunday 12th December) at Durban’s Suncoast Beach.  It was then the turn of the South Coast holiday town of Margate to deliver a hugely successful conclusion to the KZN leg with the third activation on a sun-soaked, jam-packed Margate main beach.

After heavy rain unfortunately enforced the cancellation of the Port Elizabeth’s activation, the Billabong Girls Get Out There Summer tour redeemed the garden route crowds with two sun-soaked events in the bustling holiday towns of Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay respectively.

All eyes are now on Cape Town as the Billabong Girls Get Out There prepares to wrap up the summer roadshow after almost three weeks touring the country’s coastline.

Starting at 10am and wrapping up at 3pm, each event promises a fun-filled day for the entire family, with a primary ploy to get girls onto the beaches and experience the healthy, energizing Billabong lifestyle.

Whether it’s free surfing lessons, art workshops, beach games, or give-aways; the Billabong Girls will spice up those long sunny beach days this Summer.

At every activation, Billabong, in collaboration with 8.ta, will be holding FREE Learn to surf classes throughout the day with professional surfer, Tarryn Chudleigh. These classes will happen every hour on the hour and numbers are limited so be sure to get there early. Every girl who partakes in the surf school will receive a goodie bag containing Billabong and 8.ta give-aways

Bevcan will be fronting the fun on their giant inflatable slide and chill out area, they’re also hosting a competition where anyone can win a uniquely designed surfboard at each event!

Seventeen Magazine is focusing on all the things girls just love such as Hula hoop games; Twista; Celebrity Quiz, Bingo; UrbanScout sign ups; Pamper Corners as well as the Ava A-List girl search.

A free creative corner is also available throughout the day, where girls can express their creative side with paints on canvas, beading and sand art.

As if that’s not enough, Billabong, Seventeen, Sony, and Nixon will be giving away awesome prizes at each event so make sure you fill out as many entry forms as possible at the beach to stand the chance of winning.

The day is all about fun with the Billabong beach DJ keeping the happy summer sounds coming your way while MC, Marius Roberts, will get you involved in games and activities with heaps of prizes to give away.

So be sure to join the Billabong Girls Get Out There Summer tour at one of their remaining  four FREE beach day activations as they travel the country’s coastline through the Garden Route and on to Cape Town.

Remaining Billabong Girls Get Out There Itinerary:

Muizenberg, Cape Town
Tuesday 21st December 2010

Camps Bay, Cape Town
Wednesday 22nd December 2010

Using Sony Bloggie’s, daily photographs will be uploaded onto www.billabong.com.
You can follow the tour and check daily uploads on facebook – /Billabong Girls-sa and twitter – /BbgGirlsSA

Thanks to Bevcan, 8.ta, Seventeen, Sony, Von Zipper and Nixon, who have all contributed to making this the coolest beach activation this summer.

/ENDS

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Contact: Brendon Kegel
Telephone: +27 (0) 42 200 2747
Email: brendon.kegel@billabong.co.za

Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

Monday 20 December 2010 – Jordy Smith has ended the 2010 ASP World tour Season ranked No. 2, the best result by a South African surfer since 1977 World Champion Shaun Tomson finished second in 1984.

Smith won his maiden event title at the Billabong Pro in Jeffreys Bay in July and also reached the final in two other events, finishing runner-up to Taj Burrow (AUS) in the season opening Quiksilver Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast and to newly crowned 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal in October.

The 22 year-old Durbanite started his break-through third year on the Dream Tour, the highest level of competition surfing, with an entirely new strategy. Realising that he performed at his best when relaxed and not under pressure to get results, his mantra became “I’m just going to go out there and have fun and let the results take care of themselves.”

And the new approach really worked as a more relaxed Smith employed his patented aerial attack and futuristic manoeuvres to defeat the cream of the world’s top competitive surfers on a regular basis, only failing to reach the last eight once in the 10 events – when he was bundled out in the Round of 32 by wildcard Manoa Drollet at Teahupoo in Tahiti.

His one victory, two seconds, six fifth place finishes and one 17th, plus a couple of good results in Prime and Star rated events, saw Smith amass US $235 150 (approximately R1.64 million) in prize-money in 2010, taking his career prize-money earnings to just over $526 000 and signing up a slew of new sponsorship deals along the way.

Slater, 38, undeniably the best competitive surfer of all time, reached the final in six of the 10 events, winning four titles, and accumulated $416 000 in 2010, including a bonus of $100 000 for winning the ASP World Title.

The other five event titles were won by Burrow, rookie Jadson Andre (a 20 year-old Brazilian whose father is two years younger than Slater!), the late former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), two-time and 2009 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and Jeremy Flores (FRA) who became the first European surfer to win an event in Hawaii by capturing the Billabong Pipeline Masters in memory of Andy Irons.

The 2011 ASP World Tour will get underway with the Quiksilver Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast at the end of February.

ASP World Title Race
2010 Final Rankings
1 Kelly Slater (USA)  69 000 points
2 Jordy Smith (ZAF)  52 250
3 Mick Fanning (AUS)  44 750
4 Taj Burrow (AUS)  42 000
4 Dane Reynolds (USA) 42 000
6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) 39 000
7 Adrian Buchan (AUS) 37 250
7 Owen Wright (AUS)  37 250
9 Jeremy Flores (FRA) 35 750
10 Adriano De Souza (BRA) 32 000

South Africans
29 Travis Logie (ZAF)  13 000 points

++++++++++++++++

Smith the only South African on 2011 ASP World Tour

Jordy Smith will be the sole South African on the 2011 ASP World Tours after fellow Durbanite Travis Logie amongst the men and Rosanne Hodge and Nikita Robb (both East London) amongst the women all failed to finish inside the cut-off criteria for requalification.

Logie, 31, did well to survive the mid-year cut from 44 to 34 on the ASP World Tour and was on the cusp of requalifying for 2011 through both the ASP World Title Rankings, where the top 22 automatically requalify, and on the ASP World Rankings, where the top 10 who have not already qualified via the World Tour rankings join the Dream Tour.

However, following a Round 1 loss in the Pipe Masters, Logie ended the year ranked No. 29 on the World Title Race Rankings and even closer on the World Tour Rankings where his 36th place saw him end just 1 723 points (less than 1 750 earned for a 13th place finish) behind Dusty Payne (HAW) who grabbed the No. 32 and final qualifying spot.

Hodge was the model of consistency in 2010, her fourth consecutive year on the ASP Women’s World Tour, reaching Round 3 in the first six events but not managing to advance to the quarterfinals, before placing 17th in the final event. She ended the year ranked No.13, significantly adrift of Rebecca Woods (AUS) who grabbed the 10th and final spot.

Robb struggled to impress the judges in her rookie season at the highest level, only posting two heat tallies of over 10 out of 20 in 14 attempts, and bowed out with three 9ths, three 17ths and a 19th which gave her a yearend ranking of No. 15.

The pair also finished well off the pace in the ASP Women’s Star rated series where the top 6 qualify for the following year’s top tier. Robb was the highest placed SA woman at No. 14 while Hodge ended her season ranked No. 22.

Royden Bryson fared best of the South African campaigners in the Prime and Star rated events, ending the year ranked No. 76. The former East Londoner now living in Cape Town won the 6-Star rated O’Neill Cold Water Classic in Scotland and put himself into contention for the US $50 000 bonus for the five-event Col Water Classic Series title before missing the next two events in that series in Canada and Santa Cruz, California.

Brandon Jackson (Durban North), who came within a whisker on qualifying for the 2010 ASP World Tour, was the only other SA surfer in the top 100, finishing at No. 100. Rudy Palmboom (Bluff) came in at No. 106 in his third campaign and Shaun Joubert, 19, from Mossel Bay, ended his first season at No. 118, achieving his objective of placing amongst the top 120 who are virtually guaranteed a start in all of next year’s Prime rated events.

ASP World Tour Rankings
2010 Men
1 Slater,Kelly   USA 69000 points
2 Smith,Jordy  ZAF 52350
3 Burrow,Taj   AUS 45432
4 Fanning,Mick  AUS 44750
5 Durbidge,Bede  AUS 42463

South Africans (Top 200 of 1089)
36 Logie,Travis  ZAF 16327 points
76 Bryson,Royden  ZAF 9601
100 Jackson,Brandon  ZAF 7015
106 Palmboom,Rudy ZAF 6653
118 Joubert,Shaun  ZAF 5884
154 Fahrenfort,Damien  ZAF 4087
155 Strachan,Klee  ZAF 4072
160 Weare,David  ZAF 3799
170 De Vries,Beyrick  ZAF 3512
172 Gibbens,Brendon  ZAF 3443
173 Basnett,Ricky  ZAF 3432

ASP Women’s World Title Race
2010 Final Rankings
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
3 – Carissa Moore (HAW)
4 – Silvana Lima (BRA)
5 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER)

South Africans
13 – Rosanne Hodge (ZAF)
15 – Nikita Robb (ZAF)

ASP World Tour Rankings
2010 Women
1 Fitzgibbons,Sally  AUS 12120 points
2 Enever,Laura  AUS 11520
3 Wright,Tyler   AUS 10920
3 Conlogue,Courtney  USA 10920
5 Ho,Coco   HAW 10380
6 Silva,Jacqueline  BRA 10320

South Africans (Top 50 of 130)
14 Robb,Nikita   ZAF 8520 points
19 Buitendag,Bianca  ZAF 8160
22 Hodge,Rosanne  ZAF 7680
26 Chudleigh,Tarryn  ZAF 7200
36 Baum,Sarah   ZAF 6000
48 Rautenbach,Chantelle  ZAF 4953

+++++++++++++++++++

ENDS

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact:            Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel:                   021 534 5738
Email:               colin@aspafrica.com

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Thursday, December 16, 2010) – Jeremy Flores (FRA) 22, won the Billabong Pipe Masters in memory of Andy Irons over Kieren Perrow (AUS), 33, in a come-from-behind victory in firing four-to-six foot (1.5 metre) backdoor barrels, marking his first career ASP World Tour victory.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 29, was another to stand atop the Billabong Pipe Masters podium, clinching his third, consecutive Vans Triple Crown title to conclude the 2010 ASP World Tour season.

Flores, who was in need of a solid 8.60 single-wave score in the dying moments, clawed his way back into the Final against Perrow and threaded the needle on a beautiful righthand barrel to earn a 9.37. Making history as the first European to ever win the Billabong Pipe Masters in the event’s 40 year history, Flores punctuated his season with his career-best result.

“This is such a dream,” Flores said. “I’ve been coming to Hawaii for so long and this is my favorite place in the world, the waves, the people, everything. I just knew I couldn’t give up in the Final even though I was behind. It’s the Pipe Masters and it’s everything. I’m so stoked.”

Flores’ impressive showing in the Final wasn’t his only come-from-behind win of the day, as the young Frenchman also topped reigning 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 38, in the dying minutes of their Semifinals match-up, marking a significant turnaround in the young Frenchman’s career.

“I’m so stoked to be here and to have made this result,” Flores said. “I’ve been surfing a lot again in all conditions, small or big and I kind of lost that at the start of the year. I think that’s what has helped my rhythm. I’ve just been surfing three times a day no matter what the conditions are and I think that’s the biggest thing that changed this year for me. I just feel like I’ve found my rhythm again.”

Flores Finished at No. 9 on the ASP World Tour Rankings for 2010.

Perrow dominated the tricky Backdoor Pipeline conditions throughout the event’s entirety, weaving through several tight barrels to drop some of the event’s top scores including a 9.90 a 9.83 and a 9.70, However the hard-charging Australian saw his Billabong Pipe Masters title slip from his grasp in the final minutes of his match up against Flores.

“You never think you’ve won until the hooter goes I guess,” Perrow said. “I know Jeremy (Flores) is capable of getting great scores which he showed throughout the event and I wanted to be patient and wait for that good one. I went on that one that wasn’t so good and Jeremy got that 9 and all credit to him. It’ been a fantastic week though, the support from everyone has been amazing.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, reigning ten-time ASP World Champion, appeared to be the form surfer of the event, notching the event’s only perfect 10-point ride in his Round 4 heat, but made an uncharacteristic priority mistake in his Semifinals bout against Flores, allowing the young Frenchman to find the score needed to overtake Slater in the final minutes of their heat to leave the Floridian icon with a 3rd place finish overall.

“I thought there was a bigger one behind but there have only been one wave sets and I didn’t even think about it in the moment. As soon as it went over I was like ‘oh no,’ but that’s the way it goes. I’ve had it go that way for me before, but good for Jeremy he’s a great tube rider and I’m sure he’s stoked to be in the Final. To start the heat off I fell and Jeremy was just getting barreled across and I said ‘you know, I’m going to come back and win this heat.’ I let my guard down in the end and that’s the way it goes. You can get 18 or 20 points at Pipeline in the last two minutes.”

The 2010 Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons also represents Slater’s historic 20th event at the Banzai Pipeline and the ASP World Tour veteran took the time to reflect on his many years in Hawaii.

“I have a lot of good memories here at Pipeline,” Slater said. “I think I’ve surfed in 20 of these things. I think my first one (Pipe Masters) was my best memory, just because of the guys I was surfing against. I saw people like Tom Carroll, who won that year, and I just sat on the beach in awe. He was just amazing that year.”

Dane Reynolds (USA), 25, was another talent to shine in the racy Backdoor Pipeline conditions. The innovative natural-footer topped fellow Americans Taylor Knox (USA), 39, Damien Hobgood (USA), 31, and Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 25, but fell to Perrow in the Semifinals to match his best result of the 2010 ASP World Tour season with an equal 3rd place finish.

“It was funny because my Semifinals heat turned a total flip-flop for me,” Reynolds said. “In my Quarterfinals heat I was in the spot every time a wave came and in the second heat it just went flat. I think in the end it was a pretty good morning with a few tubes at Backdoor. It doesn’t happen every morning for me. It’s a good way to end the year and I’m looking forward to Snapper.”

Joel Parkinson returned to Hawaii to defend his Vans Triple Crown title after a brutal laceration to his foot sidelined him for nearly the entire 2010 ASP World Tour season. The stylish natural-footer put on a memorable performance despite the injury, posting a victory at the ASP PRIME Reef Hawaiian Pro, a 9th at the O’Neill World Cup at Sunset Beach and a 13th at the Billabong Pipe Masters to secure his third consecutive Vans Triple Crown Title.

“I’m excited,” Parkinson said. “This year’s Triple Crown didn’t go how I thought it would go. I was just hoping that I would make a few heats because I only felt like I was surfing at 60 percent at home, but everything changed when I got to Hawaii. The Triple Crown has always been really prestigious to me. It was always dominated by the best Hawaiians and it’s something that I’ve always held high. To get one was great, so to get three is amazing. I hope that next year I’m just injury free and that this win is just a stepping stone.”

Highlights from the Billabong Pipe Masters will be available via http://triplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters/
 
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Billabong Pipe Masters Final Results:
1 – Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.54
2 – Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.77

Billabong Pipe Masters Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 17.50 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 17.23
SF 2: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 15.03 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 6.83

Billabong Pipe Masters Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 14.00 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 7.43
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.94 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 3.16
QF 3: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.00 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.00
QF 4: Dane Reynolds (USA) 17.00 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 3.37
 
ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10 (Following Billabong Pipe Masters)
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 69000 Points
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 52250 points
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 44750 points
4. Taj Burrow (AUS) 42000 points
4. Dane Reynolds (USA) 42000 points
6. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 39000 points
7. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 37250 points
7. Owen Wright (AUS) 37250 points
9. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 35750 points
10. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 32000 points
 
ENDS

Visit the Press Room on www.aspworldtour.com for news, images, transcribed athlete interviews and more.
 
ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) MEDIA
ASP International Media Manager
Dave Prodan
email: dave@aspworldtour.com
USA mobile: +1 949 678 0987
AUS mobile: +61 (0) 400 455 228
 
Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department – please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com
 
About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Cape Town surfer Dene Botha is at it again! The 28 year-old surf coach, commentator, actor and entrepreneur has been selected as one of 50 finalists in the 2010 Cleo Bachelor of the Year that will crown the country’s ‘most eligible bachelor’ in December.

Having already been awarded the Axe Sweet Life ‘Most Irresistible Man’ and Mamba-online ‘Sexiest Man’ titles in 2009, as well as featuring as Mr March in Cosmo’s ‘12 Sexiest Men’ last year, your vote can help Dene clinch the 2010 Cleo award.

Currently No. 4 in the rankings, he needs to make the top 15 to qualify for the glittering final awards function in Johannesburg on 4 December where a judging panel will decide the Cleo Bachelor of the Year.

The winner takes home prizes totalling around R130 000 including a Suzuki Alto 1.0 GLS car, a Canon Digital PowerShot SX20 camera, an XBOX 360 gaming console and a Paco Rabanne Black XS hamper along with becoming a Brand Ambassador for The Cross Trainer group.

As the judging panel will take the number of votes cast by the public into account when deciding the winner, you can assist by SMS’ing ‘DENE’ to 35915 before the 15 finalists are selected on 30 November.

To make it worth your while, voting for Dene makes you eligible to win one of two great prizes – either a hamper of VonZipper eyewear and accessories or a two night stay for two at the upmarket Almasi guest house in Sea Point.

To become a prize-winner just add Dene’s number – 082 687 8434 – to the SMS you send to 35915 when voting, or find ‘Dene Botha’ on Facebook and leave a message on his Wall notifying him that you have voted. Winners will be announced on Facebook and contacted personally.

For further details see www.cleobachelor.co.za where you can also enter to win one of five hampers of Paco Rabanne his and hers fragrances.

You can only vote once so to prove the adage that ‘Surfers Rule!’ send ‘DENE’ to 35915 and help to get him elected as the Cleo Bachelor of the Year!

Ends

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

Be sure to join the Billabong Girls Get Out There Summer tour at one of their eight FREE beach day activations as they travel the country’s coastline from KZN right through the Garden Route and on to Cape Town.

Each event promises a fun-filled day for the entire family, with a primary ploy to get girls onto the beaches and experience the healthy, energizing Billabong lifestyle.

Whether it’s free surfing lessons, art workshops, beach games, or give-aways; the Billabong Girls will spice up those long sunny beach days this Summer.

At every activation, Billabong, in collaboration with 8.ta, will be holding FREE Learn to surf classes throughout the day with professional surfer, Tarryn Chudleigh. These classes will happen every hour on the hour and numbers are limited so be sure to get there early Every girl who partakes in the surf school will receive a goodie bag containing Billabong and 8.ta give-aways

Bevcan will be fronting the fun on their giant inflatable slide and chill out area, They’re also hosting a competition where anyone can win a uniquely designed surfboard at each event!

Seventeen Magazine is focusing on all the things girls just love such as Hula hoop games; Twista; Celebrity Quiz, Bingo; UrbanScout sign ups; Pamper Corners as well as the Ava A-List girl search.

A free creative is also available throughout the day, where girls can express their creative side with paints on canvas, beading and sand art.

As if that’s not enough, Sony, Von Zipper and Nixon will be giving away awesome prizes at each event so make sure you fill out as many entry forms as possible at the beach to stand the chance of winning.

The day is all about fun with the Billabong beach DJ keeping the happy summer sounds coming your way while MC, Marius Roberts, will get you involved in games and activities with heaps of prizes to give away.

Starting at 10am and wrapping up at 3pm, join the Billabong Crew for plenty of free fun in sun with the Billabong Girls Get Out There Summer Tour 2010.

Billabong Girls Get Out There Itinerary:

Ballito, KZN
Saturday 11th December 2010

Sun Coast, KZN
Sunday 12th December 2010

Margate, KZN
Monday 13th December 2010

Hobie Beach, PE
Thursday 16th December 2010

Main Beach, Plettenberg Bay
Friday 17th December 2010

Dias Beach, Mossel Bay
Saturday 18th December 2010

Muizenberg, Cape Town
Tuesday 21st December 2010

Camps Bay, Cape Town
Wednesday 22nd December 2010

Using Sony Bloggie’s, daily photographs will be uploaded onto www.billabong.com.
You can follow the tour and check daily uploads on Facebook – /Billabong Girls-sa and twitter – /BbgGirlsSA

Thanks to Bevcan, 8.ta, Seventeen, Sony, Von Zipper and Nixon, who have all contributed to making this the coolest beach activation this summer.

/ENDS

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Contact: Brendon Kegel
Telephone: +27 (0) 42 200 2747
Email: brendon.kegel@billabong.co.za

Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

Puerto Del Sol, Puerto Rico (Saturday 6 November 2010) – Kelly Slater (USA), 38, enhanced his reputation as the greatest surfer of all time when he clinched an historic 10th ASP World surfing title in Puerto Rico yesterday and then went on to win the Rip Curl Pro Search, his 45th career elite level event victory.

In as comprehensive and dominant a performance as the sporting world has ever borne witness to, Slater secured the ASP World Title by defeating Adriano de Souza (BRA) with two near-perfect scores in their quarterfinal clash and amassing sufficient rankings points to ensure that current World No.2, South African Jordy Smith, could not overtake him in the 2010 ASP World Title Race.

“The wave that did it for me was that first one in the quarterfinal against Adriano (de Souza),” Slater explained. “That was the heat I needed to win to get the title, and after that first wave, I felt this wave of relief. I still had to win the heat, but I was so relaxed and everything just started going my way. I was in the best possible headspace I could have been in for the rest of the day. This is a dream.”

Despite the emotional and dramatic celebrations after the momentous achievement, Slater regained his focus to overcome an inform Taj Burrow (AUS) in their semifinal encounter before posting another stellar performance against Bede Durbidge (AUS) in the final, posting a perfect 10 point ride that left his opponent in a combination situation and needing to improve on both his scores.

“This is the only event close to my home and I spent a lot of time in Puerto Rico when I was a kid,” Slater said on the podium. “It was a special time. To be close to Florida and to win the 10th and get that wave (the perfect 10) in the final, there is nothing else I could add to it.”

The 38 year-old Floridian, who won his first professional event in 1990 and annexed the first of his ASP World Titles in 1992, owns virtually every record in the sport including being both the youngest (19 years) and oldest (38) ASP World Champion, most event victories, highest prize-money and dozens more.

He set yet another milestone yesterday when he earned the biggest single payday in surfing history, collecting US $175 000 (approx. R1.2 million) with $75 000 coming from Rip Curl for the event victory and $100 000 from the ASP for the World Title.

Jordy Smith (Durban), 22, who went into Puerto Rico, the penultimate event on the 2010 ASP World Tour, as the only surfer who could take the title race to the final event in Hawaii next month, ultimately finished fifth in the Rip Curl Pro Search to retain his No. 2 spot in the rankings.

In a moving tribute between the king and the rising star, Smith and Slater exchanged high-fives as Smith was in the water waiting to start his quarterfinal against Michel Bourez (PYF) and Slater rode past on a wave while clinching the crown against de Souza.

Highlights of all the action from the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico can be found at http://live.ripcurl.com

The ASP World Tour now moves to Hawaii for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing comprising Prime rated events at Haleiwa and Sunset Beach before the final ASP World Title Race event of the year, the Billabong Pipeline Masters, which runs from December 8-20.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 18.77
2 – Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.43

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1:Kelly Slater (USA) 16.34 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.87
SF 2:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.87 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 10.36

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.50 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 14.17
QF 2:Kelly Slater (USA) 18.87 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.36
QF 3:Michel Bourez (PYF) 13.50 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 13.10
QF 4:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.97 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.47

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.70 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 11.40
Heat 2:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.77 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 6.50
Heat 3:Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.20 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 9.73
Heat 4:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.34 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 7.37

CURRENT ASP WORLD TITLE RACE TOP 5 (After Puerto Rico)
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 66250 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 52250 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 44750 pts
4. Taj Burrow (AUS) 40000 pts
5. Dane Reynolds (USA) 37250 pts

South Africans
29. Travis Logie (ZAF) 13000 pts

Ends

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact: Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel: 021 534 5738
Email: colin@aspafrica.com

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax: +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Puerto Del Sol, Puerto Rico (Saturday 6 November 2010) – Kelly Slater (USA), 38, moved to within one heat win of an unprecedented 10th ASP World surfing title by advancing to the quarterfinals of the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico yesterday.

The former nine-time ASP World Champion and current World No. 1 is now guaranteed of a minimum 5th place finish in the event and only needs to advance to the semifinals and third place to clinch the title and a spot in the annals of global sporting history.

Even if Slater loses in his next encounter, South Africa’s Jordy Smith (Durban), 22, the current World No. 2, will have to win the contest to extend the ASP World Title Race to the last event of the year in Hawaii next month.

“I’ve always had it in my head that Jordy (Smith) is going to win this contest so I need at least a 3rd,” Slater said. “He’s been the most consistent guy all year and he’s in really good form. I’m not thinking about Jordy losing at all. I’m just focused on what I have to do.”

The Rip Curl Pro Search, Event No. 9 of 10 on the 2010 ASP World Tour, completed Rounds 3 and 4 yesterday following a two-day suspension of competition out of respect for former ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW), 32, who tragically passed away on Tuesday.

Slater survived a hard-fought battle against local wildcard Dylan Graves (PRI), 24, in Round 3 and then defeated Adriano de Souza (BRA), 23, and Jeremy Flores (FRA), 22, in their non-elimination Round 4 clash to advance directly to the quarters.
.
Smith halted any ASP World Title celebrations yesterday by blending impressive tube rides, massive rail turns and fin-free manoeuvres to dispatch Gabe Kling (USA), 30, in Round 3.

“The wind actually switched right at the start of our heat and it really opened up the waves,” Smith said. “I knew there was the potential for barrels out there and I was fortunate to sneak into a few. No pressure, I’m just going out and doing what I love.”

Despite the monumental task ahead, Smith remains positive about his approach to the remainder of the event, citing his enjoyment for the sport as a major motivation in his continued performance.

“I’m just trying to prove that I can surf pretty well,” Smith said. “I think we all learned a lesson from Andy (Irons): never have a down moment, always smile and enjoy what you do. I’m having fun and surfing the way I want to. I’m not really thinking about what Kelly (Slater) is thinking, but I’m here to make him work for it.”

Smith then produced a sensational late charge in Round 5, sending Owen Wright (AUS), 20, and Chris Davidson (AUS), 34, to Round 5 while he advanced directly to the quarterfinals.

When the contest resumes, Slater will be up against the winner of the Round 5 heat between good friend and ASP World Tour stalwart Taylor Knox (USA) and Brazilian rising star Adriano de Souza in his bid to wrap up what would be a momentous achievement.

Event organizers will reconvene today at 7am (1pm in South Africa) to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am (1.30pm) start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, up against Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the opening heat of Round 5.

All the action from the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico will be webcast LIVE via http://live.ripcurl.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.16 def. Dusty Payne (USA) 9.00
Heat 2:Taylor Knox (USA) 14.10 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.73
Heat 3:Dane Reynolds (USA) 16.04 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.70
Heat 4:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.70 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 9.90
Heat 5:Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.06 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.84
Heat 6:Kelly Slater (USA) 14.50 def. Dylan Graves (PRI) 13.07
Heat 7:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.83 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 11.43
Heat 8:Chris Davidson (AUS) Advances Over Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) N/S
Heat 9:Owen Wright (AUS) 17.50 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 10.27
Heat 10:Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.37 def. Dan Ross (AUS) 11.80
Heat 11:Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.33 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 14.54
Heat 12:Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.60 def. Roy Powers (HAW) 12.10

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1:Dane Reynolds (USA) 18.57, Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.23, Taylor Knox (USA) 13.70
Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 13.20, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.42, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.60
Heat 3:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.80, Owen Wright (AUS) 14.26, Chris Davidson (AUS) 8.16
Heat 4:Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.70, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.53, Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.30

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 5 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Jeremy Flores (FRA)
Heat 2:Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 3:Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Michel Bourez (PYF)
Heat 4:Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
Q1: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 1
Q2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 2
Q3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 3
Q4: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Winner of Round 5, Heat 4

Ends

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact: Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel: 021 534 5738
Email: colin@aspafrica.com

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax: +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

SOMEWHERE, Porta Del Sol/Puerto Rico (Wednesday, November 3, 2010) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), Rip Curl and surfers unanimously decided to cancel competition at the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico today out of respect for yesterday’s unexpected passing of surfing icon and current ASP World Tour competitor Andy Irons (HAW), 32.

Irons, a three-time ASP World Champion, withdrew from competition citing illness and was en route back home to Kauai, Hawaii yesterday when he passed away. The loss of one of professional surfing’s greatest icons has sent shockwaves through the international sporting community.

A paddle out memorial service was held on-site in Porta Del Sol, attended by the world’s best surfers and hundreds of admirers.

Reactions from those in attendance:

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, nine-time ASP World Champion:

“We had a nice paddle out for Andy,’ Slater said. “It was a huge a group of people that got together – a couple hundred people paddled out. Obviously everyone is very somber and it’s just devastating news for everyone.”

“Everyone had their own connection with Andy on so many different levels,” Slater said. “He was a classic guy. Although he and I butted heads a lot a few years ago, I have so many good memories of Andy and we have become pretty good friends since. Generally, we just sit around and don’t even talk about surfing. We just have dinner and talk.”

“We’re just baffled that he’s gone.”

“It was nice for everyone to be together to have a chance to talk about him, about our memories: a little laugh, a little cry,” Slater said. “We just want to send some positive thoughts out to his family – to his wife, to his brother, and to his child that is coming next month. We’re all just thinking about that.

“You know, Andy was a pretty dynamic guy,” Slater said. “He could be fierce in the water, the nicest guy on land – anything in-between. There were just so many sides to Andy. I’m going to have a million different memories of AI.”

“A few weeks ago I had a friend going over to Kauai to see Andy, and I said send him a message: When Andy surfs angry he smashes people and tell him to come to PR angry, focus that energy and use it,” Slater said. “So my friend called him and said he told AI the message and AI said he’s ready and I was so looking forward to see him surf this week. Just to see him.”

“There aren’t words to describe,” Slater said. “Unfortunately I’ve been through this with friends. There’s nothing that can make it better. You just have to feel it and process all those memories.”

“Andy was an absolutely gifted individual,” Slater said. “I’m lucky to have known him and had the times we had together. I feel blessed that we worked through the differences we had and I was able to learn what I’m made of because of Andy. We enjoyed many quiet times together with our girls in the last year and I got to know a happy, funny, innocent kid who was happy to live every second with the people he loved. I’m so sad.”

“My thoughts are with Bruce and Lyndie and their parents and all of his many friends around the world,” Slater said. “It’s a huge and far too premature loss for all of us. He was the most intense competitor I’ve ever known and one of the most sensitive people. He had so much life left in him and it hurts to think about. We look forward to his memory living on with our memories of him and his child on the way. There are a lot of uncles awaiting his arrival. I really miss Andy. He had a really good heart.”

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning four-time ASP Women’s World Champion:

“It’s a really sad day and I think everyone is still in shock,” Gilmore said. “It’s crazy how the world works in mysterious ways. Luckily we’re all here together.
All the girls were down here. We all did the paddle out and to remember Andy.”

“We didn’t see the guys that often on Tour, but Andy in particular is one of the most beautiful human-beings,” Gilmore said. “Such an incredible competitor, but always so gentle and so kind. Always gave you the time of day. No matter where you were or how busy he was, he’d stop and say hi and ask how you were going. He’s going to be really really missed by everyone.”

“I think everyone admires him so much and he’ll never be forgotten.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 29, reigning ASP World Champion:

“It was good having the paddle-out, getting everyone together,” Fanning said. “We’re a surfing family. We all look out for each other. Just for us to paddle out and show our respects to Andy, to his family, to all his friends on Kauai and Hawaii – it’s good. We are all hurting right now and we’re just wanting to pay our respects.”

“Andy was incredible,” Fanning said. “I think he was a person that always wore his heart on his sleeve. He didn’t try to impress anyone. He was just all about what he wanted to do. He was an amazing competitor; he was an amazing friend. And also, he was a brother. I haven’t just lost a friend, I’ve lost my brother here. It’s hard to take.”

C.J. Hobgood (USA), 31, current ASP World No. 14:

“All the surfers are here today and we were able to paddle out together,” Hobgood said. “Imagine taking all of the emotion in your body and putting it into one pot; it was so crazy out there. One second I just felt so mad, and then the next second I was just so happy.”

“The biggest thing was that the whole [WT] family was together and we were able to paddle out as one and show our love for another brother,” Hobgood said. “There are no words to say how we all feel, but in time there will be.”

“I think that the biggest thing is that we’re thankful for so much,” Hobgood said. “I’m thankful to be a surfer because we are family and I’m thankful to be a part of Andy’s family. I’ve traveled with him since I was 12 years old. Just the person that he was, it made me a better person. It made everyone around him a better person.”

“I’m thankful for so many great, wonderful years,” Hobgood said. “I think every surfer here today is just thankful that they could be here for Andy and show their respect for him, because we all understand that you can’t ever know when your time is up. So it’s comforting to know that all the other surfers would be there for you.”

Following the service, ASP, Rip Curl and the surfers opted to postpone the recommencement of the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico until Friday, November 5, 2010.

“Out of respect for the passing of Andy Irons yesterday, the ASP, event organizers and the surfers have all decided to postpone the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico until Friday,” Renato Hickel, ASP World Tour Manager, said. “This is a terrible loss for the ASP family and one we’ll be working through for many years to come. We need time to grieve and we will return on Friday.”

“We called an official lay day today in memory of Andy Irons and also to give the ASP professional surfers the space they needed to clear their heads, get their arms around each other and just take it all in,” Neil Ridgway, Rip Curl Global Marketing & Advertising Chairman, said. “On the event side, we feel that the best thing to do is to continue to prepare to run the Rip Curl Pro Search the best we can.We want to give these guys the type of event environment that they’re used to, because at some stage we believe that they will want to return to what they know best and that is pro surfing and that is winning heats and this time in honour of Andy Irons.”

Event organizers will reconvene Friday morning at 7am for a possible 7:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, up against rookie Dusty Payne (HAW), 21.

Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico will be available via http://live.ripcurl.com

The Rip Curl Pro Search Puerto Rico will be televised LIVE in Australia on FUEL TV. For more information, check out www.foxsports.com.au/fueltv

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

RIP CURL PRO SEARCH PUERTO RICO ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1:Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Dusty Payne (USA)
Heat 2:C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 3:Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 4:Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 5:Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 6:Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Dylan Graves (PRI)
Heat 7:Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8:Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 9:Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 10:Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Dan Ross (AUS)
Heat 11:Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 12:Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)

Ends

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) MEDIA
ASP International Media Manager
Dave Prodan
email: dave@aspworldtour.com
USAmobile: +1 949 678 0987
AUS mobile: +61 (0) 400 455 228

TV NEWS FEEDS
Many McKinnon
email: mandy.mckinnon@bigpond.com

Digital Photographs:
High-resolution digital images for newspapers and Internet sites are available via the ASP Digital Images Department – please contact kirstin@aspworldtour.com

________________________________________
About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Three-time ASP World surfing champion, Andy Irons, 32, from Hawaii, passed away yesterday en-route from Puerto Rico to his home on Kauai from complications due to illness, thought to be Dengue fever.

Irons, whose failure to appear for his Round 1 heat in the Rip Curl Search event in Puerto Rico caused consternation on Saturday, withdrew from the event on Sunday, citing an illness he had contracted at the previous stop on the ASP World Tour in Portugal.

He checked into a hotel in Dallas, Texas, on Monday and was found dead in his room by hotel staff the next morning.

Renowned for his incredible ability in all types of surf, but particularly in big, hollow waves such as those in Hawaii and Tahiti, Irons began his career on the elite ASP World Tour in 1998 and went on to collect 20 elite tour victories, four Hawaiian Triple Crown of Surfing titles, three consecutive ASP World titles (2002-2004) and changed the sport forever with his unparalleled approach to surfing.
 
Well known in South Africa for his titanic tussles at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay with local wildcard Sean Holmes, Irons’ victory there in 2004 and his part in one of the most dramatic finals in ASP World Tour history with nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) in 2005 are part of surfing folklore.

Back in the competitive mix after taking a one year sabbatical from the ASP World Tour in 2009, Irons won Stop No. 5 of 10 at Teahupoo in Tahiti, one of his favourite waves, in August. He also featured in numerous films and videos, including Blue Horizon and Trilogy, and his passing will be mourned by the entire global surfing community.

Irons is survived by his wife Lyndie Dupuis, who is due to give birth to their first child, a boy, next month.

Official Irons Family Statement:
The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii’s Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion.
 
Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness, and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with Dengue Fever, a viral disease.
 
At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.
 
Ends

Issued on behalf of:

ASP Africa
Contact:            Colin Fitch – Operations Manager
Tel:                   021 534 5738
Email:               colin@aspafrica.com

Compiled & Distributed by:

Life’s a Beach Communications
PO Box 48272, Kommetjie 7976, South Africa
Tel:              +27 (0) 21 783 4965
Fax:             +27 (0) 86 684 6250
Mobile:         +27 (0) 82 423 1964
Email:           lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the recognized world governing body of professional surfing and has been crowning surfing’s undisputed World Champions since 1976. The ASP sanctions and crowns World Champions for the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, ASP World Junior Tour, ASP World Longboard and Masters Championships.
The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts and other media platforms. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.