Billabong team rider Shaun Joubert won the Oakley Pro Junior title for the third time in as many years on Saturday to write his name into the ASP Africa record books as the first surfer to win the same event three times in succession since the local tour was inaugurated in 1988.

“That’s pretty cool and an honour when you consider how many other great surfers have competed in Pro Junior and Open events over the years,” Joubert commented when informed of his historic achievement.

The superstar from Mossel Bay, who turns 19 today, posted a stellar performance to defeat reigning ASP Africa Pro Junior Champion Chad du Toit in the final of the ASP Grade-2 rated event at Port Alfred.

Competing in outstanding 1.5 metre waves at Eastern Beach, Joubert fell behind early in the final as du Toit surged into the lead. Needing a substantial 8.25 points for the lead at the halfway point, Joubert scored exactly that on an inside wave that he worked all the way through to the inside. But du Toit regained the lead with a 7.50 before the champion clinched the title on a set wave where he used his full repertoire of high performance manoeuvres to record a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10.

“Whenever we get to surf a contest in good waves I’m sure not too many guys complain,” Joubert said of the excellent conditions, adding “I’m just happy to be back and get a good result. It was pretty obvious that Chad was the man to beat and he put me under pressure with his first seven (point ride). I blew my first two waves, so I was lucky more waves came to me.”

Having set winning the ASP Africa Pro Junior title as his main goal for 2010, Joubert’s haul of 1 500 points from the event has consolidated his lead at the top of rankings after three of the four events have been completed.

“It’s not always possible to achieve your goals, and I haven’t done the maths, but it looks like I’m well placed to achieve that goal this year, which will be great!”

He also earned an early birthday present of US $2 500 (approx. R18 750), taking his 2010 Pro Junior winnings to R37 000 after his victory in the first event of the year in Durban at Easter.

The ultra-talented teenager from the Southern Cape also placed highly in several ASP Pro Junior events in Australia earlier in the year and attended a Billabong high-performance training camp in Hawaii. On the ASP World Tour he has recorded results of 37^th and 17^th in 6-Star rated events in Tasmania and Scotland to be ranked No. 146 on the combined ASP World Rankings list with further earnings of R24 000.

“I’d like to really thank Greg Emslie (former ASP World Title contender) for looking after me in the lead-up to this event. And also Billabong and all my other sponsors for supporting me over the years, even when I wasn’t doing as well,” Joubert said.

Joubert leaves next week for Brazil where he will compete in several ASP 5 and 6-Star events during May before competing in the 6-Star event in Sri Lanka in June and the Mr Price Pro Ballito in July in an effort to boost his ASP World Ranking and make the cut-off for the ASP Prime rated events, which are held in premium venues with a restricted field, in the second half of the year.

Joubert’s Billabong team mates also fared well at Port Alfred where Australian Ryan Callinan placed third after losing to the champion in the semifinals while Dale Staples (St Francis Bay), the winner of the Billabong Pro Junior Dolphin coast on Tuesday, placed 5^th overall.

Ends

Distributed on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Contact:            Ryan Payne
Tel:                   042 200 2600
Email:               ryan.payne@billabong.co.za

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

Dale Staples won the narrowest of victories in the Billabong Pro Junior men’s event at Westbrook today, tying with Australian Ryan Callinan in the final of the ASP Grade-1 rated contest before being awarded the victory on a countback to each surfer’s best ride, with Staples’ top score of 8.5 better than Callinan’s 7.0.

The organisers took the first Billabong Junior Series event to use a mobile event format back to Westbrook for the third and final day where 1-1.3 metre glassy waves produced the ideal scenario for high performance surfing by the country’s top 20-and-under competitors.

The final of the US $5 000 (approx R37 000) Pro Junior men’s event was a thrilling finale to a great event with Staples establishing his superiority right on the opening siren. Taking off on a set wave, the 17 year-old from St Francis Bay seamlessly combined a full repertoire of manoeuvres with powerful bottom turns punctuated by a fins-free tail-slide and a roundhouse cutback before successfully completing a vertical close-out re-entry.

With Staples awarded 8.5 out of 10 by the judges, which ultimately became the title-winning ride, Callinan had to play catch-up for the rest of the heat. The Australian’ netted a 6.0 at the 10 minute mark before Staples secured a 4.5 and leaving his opponent needing 7.01 for victory. With 10 seconds remaining Callinan took off on a wave and, as the siren sounded to end the heat, he produced a series of backhand bashes to earn 7.0 and tie the heat at 13.0 points each.

Staples was chaired from the water’s edge and earned US $2 000 (approx. R15 000) along with a Nixon 42-20 PU Watch valued at over R3000 and a case of Monster Energy drink for his victory while Callinan pocketed $900 and a pair of Von Zipper sunglasses for the runner-up spot.

Equal third after losing out in their respective semifinals were Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay), who was competing in both the Pro Junior and U16 boys divisions and contested five heats on the day, including back to back finals, and David van Zyl, the lone Durbanite in any of the four finals.

The first final contested was the U12 boys where reigning Billabong Junior Series champion Jordan Maree (Kalk Bay) stamped his authority on proceedings from the start by posting an excellent 8.0 point score on his first ride. Maree added a 3.5 later and his total of 11.50 out of 20 was sufficient to give him victory over talented newcomer Jake Elkington (Llandudno), Adin Masencamp (Somerset West) and Donovan Wichmann in an all Cape Town final. 

Clearly exhausted from his earlier efforts, Maree could only manage fourth place in the U14 boys final. Matt McGillivray (Port Elizabeth) whose fearless charging in the larger surf yesterday was impressive, had to settle for third as Kommetjie friend and rivals Max Armstrong and Benji Brand went head-to-head. When the spray settled it was Armstrong with his fully committed forehand attack that recorded the highest heat total of all four finals on the day – 15.50 out of 20 – who triumphed over Brand’s vertical backhand manoeuvres.

Not to be outdone, Brand stayed in the water after also qualifying for the U16 boy’s final. Steven Sawyer led for the first 18 minutes despite snapping the nose off his surfboard early in the heat and having to collect a replacement from the beach. However, a flurry of rides in the closing minutes saw Sawyer overtaken by fellow JBay ripper Dylan Lightfoot and then Diran Zakarian (Melkbosstrand).

But saving the best for last, Brand came up trumps with rides of 5.0 and 5.5 in the last five minutes to snatch the U16 title from Lightfoot, Zakarian and Sawyer, who finished in that order.

As the results were totaled and the cheques written, a dozen of the country’s best junior exponents of aerial manoeuvres paddled out for the 30 minute Von Zipper Air Show. The winner-takes-all R2 000 prize-purse was decided in the opening minute as former Kommetjie resident, Thomas Woods, now living in Australia, boosted himself more than a metre above the lip of the wave, effortlessly completed a full 360 degree turn in the air and landed successfully. While Umhlanga local Beyrick de Vries came closest to matching Woods’ aerial, the Aussie was the clear victor and pocketed the cash.

The Billabong Junior Series Dolphin Coast was the first of two events and the Series champions will be crowned for the 14th successive year at stop No. 2 at Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape from 1-4 September.

Images, results and news from the event will be available at www.billabong.com and a TV documentary, produced by Silver Bullet Productions, will be broadcast post event on Vuzu – DSTV Channel 123.

The Pro Surf Tour (PST) events in the Billabong Junior Series are sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national controlling body for the sport, while the internationally rated Pro Junior men’s event is sanctioned by ASP Africa, the regional office for ASP International.

The series is proudly supported by Von Zipper, Kustom and Nixon and fueled by Monster Energy.

Billabong Junior Series
Westbrook, KwaZulu-Natal Dolphin Coast

Results
Pro Junior boys

1. Dale Staples (St Francis Bay) $2 000 + Nixon watch + Case of Monster Energy
2. Ryan Callinan (Australia) $ 900 + Von Zipper eyewear
=3. David van Zyl (Glenashley) $ 550
=3. Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay) $ 550
=5. Matt Bromley (Kommetjie) $ 250
=5. Devin Lane (Umhlanga) $ 250
=5. Mikey February (Kommetjie) $ 250
=5. Slade Prestwich (Scottburgh) $ 250

U16 boys

1. Benji Brand (Kommetjie) R2 000 + Nixon watch
2. Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay) R1 200 + Von Zipper eyewear
3. Diran Zakarian (Melkbosstrand) R 800 + Nixon watch
4. Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay) R 500 + Kustom footwear

U14 boys

1. Max Armstrong (Kommetjie) R1 500 + Nixon watch
2. Benji Brand (Kommetjie) R1 000 + Von Zipper eyewear
3. Matthew McGillivray (Port Elizabeth) R 600 + Nixon watch
4. Jordan Maree (Kalk Bay) R 400 + Kustom footwear

U12 boys

1. Jordan Maree (Kalk Bay) R1 000 + Nixon watch
2. Jake Elkington (Llandudno) R 750 + Von Zipper eyewear
3. Adin Masencamp (Somerset West) R 500 + Nixon watch
4. Donovan Wichmann (Marina da Gama) R 250 + Kustom footwear

Von Zipper Air Show

1. Thomas Woods (Australia) R2 000

\ends

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Tel: 042 200 2600
Fax: 042 293 2478
Email: laureen.payne@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Issued by:

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

The final day of the Billabong Junior Series event on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal will be staged at Westbrook where clean 1 – 1.5 metre hollow waves are on offer and clear skies and windless conditions are expected throughout the day.

The event gets underway at 8am and will conclude with the event champions crowned in the ASP Grade-1 rated Pro Junior men’s event, the U16, U14 and U12 boys divisions and the spectacular Von Zipper Air Show.

Bianca Buitendag (George) won the Billabong Pro Junior women’s event on Monday, defeating Chantelle Rautenbach (Melkbosstrand) in the final.

Images, results and news can be viewed at www.billabong.com and a TV documentary, produced by Silver Bullet Productions, will be broadcast post event on Vuzu – DSTV Channel 123.

The Pro Surf Tour (PST) events in the Billabong Junior Series are sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national controlling body for the sport, while the internationally rated Pro Junior men’s event is sanctioned by ASP Africa, the regional office for ASP International.

The series is proudly supported by Von Zipper, Kustom and Nixon and fueled by Monster Energy.

The 2010 Billabong Junior Series starts on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal from 25-27 April and concludes at Victoria Bay (1-4 September) where the series champions will be crowned for the 14th time.

\ends

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Tel: 042 200 2600
Fax: 042 293 2478
Email: laureen.payne@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Issued by:

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

Bianca Buitendag showed the benefit of her international experience by selecting the best waves and riding with speed, flow and control to record a comfortable win over Chantelle Rautenbach (Melkbosstrand) in the Pro Junior women’s final at the Billabong Junior Series event on the Dolphin Coast on Monday.

The well traveled 16 year-old from George, who won the Gromsearch International Final at Bells Beach in Australia at Easter, was in a class of her own throughout the event as epic 1.5 to two metre waves peeled through the lineup at Westbrook.

“I’m stoked to win and the waves were epic, so well done to the organisers for completing the girl’s event today even though it was starting to get dark,” Buitendag said after being awarded the R2 000 winner’s cheque and raft of prizes that included a case of Monster Energy drink, a Nixon watch and a pair of Kustom footwear.

Heather Klug (Durban) and Alice McGregor (East London) placed equal third, losing to Buitendag and Rautenbach in their respective one-on-one semifinals as they struggled to find waves with good scoring potential. The upset of the day came when event favorite Tarryn Chudleigh (Kommetjie) let an early lead slip away as first Rautenbach and then McGregor overtook her in the Round of 8.

The competitors in the premier ASP Grade-1 rated Pro Junior men’s event reveled in the pristine early morning conditions. Matt Bromley (Kommetjie) and Devin Lane (Umhlanga) advanced to the man-on-man quarterfinals from Heat 1 with full commitment late drops and deep tube rides while Australian Ryan Callinan led throughout his encounter to progress along with heat runner-up Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay).

Mikey February (Kommetjie) waited for 11 minutes before catching his first wave in Heat 3 but then bagged pair of sixes to run out the winner with 13 year-old Slade Prestwich grabbing the runner-up spot from fellow Scottburgh surfer Haydn MacNicol, 19.

Heat 4 produced the encounter of the day as the lead changed hand on virtually every wave before Dale Staples (St Francis Bay) took off inside the barrel, tucked in and then emerged from under the lip which the judges rewarded with an excellent 8.5 out of 10. From then the battle was on for second place and when the siren went to end the clash it was David van Zyl (Glenashley) who was ahead of Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay) and Shawn Dennis (Durban).

The scene is set for an exciting conclusion to the Pro Junior event with R37 000 at stake, of which R15 000 plus a Nixon 42-20 PU Watch valued at over R3000 goes to the winner, along with priceless ratings points towards the Billabong and ASP Africa Pro Junior series titles and invitations to the inaugural ASP Junior World Championship Series later this year.

The U16 boys had the benefit of taking to the surf first and the six of the top eight seeds – Jarred Veldhuis (Kommetjie), Slade Prestwich (Scottburgh), Steven Sawyer (JBay), Mikey Venter (Warner Beach), Benji Brand (Kommetjie) and No. 8 Dylan Lightfoot – won their heats to progress to the last 16.

Joshua Smit (Athlone Park), the No. 6 seed, placed second behind Wade Simkiss (Durban) to also advance while No. 7 Simo Mkise (Umzumbe) was the only casualty, placing third behind on-fire U14 standout Matt McGillivray (Port Elisabeth), who charged into some of the gnarliest waves of the day, and Diran Zakarian (Melkbosstrand) who snagged the runner-up spot despite incurring an interference penalty by dropping in on Max Armstrong (Scarborough) on the first wave of the heat.

The U14 boys division was dominated by a performance from Benji Brand that was simply mind blowing. After slipping out of the Pro Junior event and quietly winning his U16 heat, the stockily built 14 year-old from Kommetjie posted rides of 9.0 and 7.5 in the first five minutes of his U14 heat. He followed that up with an 8.75 and an 8.15 in the next five minutes before tailing off with a 7.0 and a couple of short rides towards the end.

Yet even with a heat tally of 17.75 out of 20, Brand was less than two points ahead of runner-up Matt McGillivray as the youngster from PE posted excellent scores of 8.5 and 7.5 of his own to stay in contention for higher honours. Others to move into tomorrow’s semis included heat winners Jordan Maree (Kalk Bay), Max Armstrong and Steffen Burrows (Somerset West).

Competitors in the youngest division – the U12 boys – also charged in the classic conditions with Cape Town surfers Jordan Maree, Ethan Fletcher (Kommetjie) and Donovan Wichmann (Marina da Gama) taking the heat victories. They will be joined in the semis by David Burrows and Aiden Masencamp (both Somerset West) and newcomers Jake and Max Elkington from Cape Town and sole Durbanite Bevan Willis.

The swell is forecast to drop further for the final day and the organisers will be checking all the breaks for the best waves between Umhlanga and Ballito on KZN’s Dolphin Coast before making the call on where to stage the finale of the mobile event.

The location for each day of competition can be accessed throughout the contest via the Event Hotline at 071 179 9813.

The finals in all divisions will be followed by the Von Zipper Air Show where the surfer completing the most futuristic aerial manoeuvre will pocket the R2 000 winner-take-all prize-purse.

Images, results and news will be available daily during the event at www.billabong.com and a TV documentary, produced by Silver Bullet Productions, will be broadcast post event on Vuzu – DSTV Channel 123.

The Pro Surf Tour (PST) events in the Billabong Junior Series are sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national controlling body for the sport, while the internationally rated Pro Junior men’s event is sanctioned by ASP Africa, the regional office for ASP International.

The series is proudly supported by Von Zipper, Kustom and Nixon and fueled by Monster Energy.

The 2010 Billabong Junior Series starts on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal from 25-27 April and concludes at Victoria Bay (1-4 September) where the series champions will be crowned for the 14th time.

\ends

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Tel: 042 200 2600
Fax: 042 293 2478
Email: laureen.payne@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Issued by:

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

Top Australian junior surfers Ryan Callinan and Thomas Woods have arrived in South Africa to take on the cream of SA’s U20 surf stars in the Billabong Junior Series event that will be run on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal from Sunday to Tuesday, 25-27 April.

Callinan, who won the trials and went on to finish 17th in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships in Sydney in January, and Woods, the former Capetonian who won the opening leg of the Open Men’s division in the Queensland State Titles last weekend, will add an international interest to the ASP Grade 1 rated Billabong Pro Junior event.

The Ozzie pair, both 17, will be up against the likes of top seeds Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay), Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga), Matt Bromley and fellow Kommetjie resident Brendon Gibbens who placed 1st through 5th respectively in the opening ASP Africa Pro Junior event in Durban over Easter.

The local quartet have all just returned from competing in Scotland and were fortunate to get back in time due to the travel chaos in Europe caused by the volcano in Iceland that has grounded all air traffic since last weekend.

They will be joined by the likes of reigning ASP Africa Pro Junior champion Chad du Toit (Durban), Eastern Cape standouts Dale & Dane Staples (St Francis Bay), Bertie Stuurman (Jeffreys Bay), Kommetjie’s Davey Brand and a host of others in chasing the US $5 000 (approx. R37 000) prize-purse plus Billabong and ASP Africa Pro Junior series ratings points and now international pride in the premier division in the event.

International campaigner and Billabong team rider Tarryn Chudleigh (Kommetjie) heads a strong field that includes reigning ASP Africa and Billabong Junior Series champions, Sarah Baum (Athlone Park) and Bianca Buitendag (George) in the PST sanctioned Pro Junior girl’s event with the champion crowned on Monday afternoon.

A huge entry of the country’s top Under 16, U14 and U12 boys will also be in action over the three days with the contest being staged at the beach between Umhlanga and Ballito providing the best waves on each day.

All competitors will receive an SMS with the venue and start time for each day of the contest while the location and daily event updates can be accessed throughout the event via the Event Hotline at 071 179 9813.

The VonZipper Air Show where the surfer successfully completing the most innovative aerial manoeuvre earns the winner-takes-all R2 000 prize-purse, will be run after the boys finals on Tuesday.

Images, results and news will be available daily during the event at www.billabong.com and a TV documentary, produced by Silver Bullet Productions, will be broadcast post event on Vuzu – DSTV Channel 123.

The PST events in the Billabong Junior Series are sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national controlling body for the sport, while the internationally rated Pro Junior men’s event is sanctioned by ASP Africa, the regional office for ASP International.

The series is proudly supported by Von Zipper, Kustom and Nixon and fueled by Monster Energy.

The 2010 Billabong Junior Series starts on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal from 25-27 April and concludes at Victoria Bay (1-4 September) where the series champions will be crowned for the 14th time.

\ends

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Tel: 042 200 2600
Fax: 042 293 2478
Email: laureen.payne@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Issued by:

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

The Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal between Umhlanga and Ballito will be the venue for the opening event on the 2010 Billabong Junior Series, the premier national tour for surfers aged 20 and younger, which will crown series champions for the 14th consecutive year in September.

Scheduled for Sunday to Tuesday, 25-27 April, the Dolphin Coast event will use a mobile format that takes the contest to the best waves available on each day. Breaks like Salmon Bay and Surfers in Ballito, Westbrook or Main Beach in Umhlanga have been identified as potential venues with the competitors and public notified of where the contest will be staged at 7am daily.

The event features an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade 1 Pro Junior men’s event with US $5 000 (approx. R37 000) in prize-money. There are also invaluable ratings points at stake that count towards the prestigious Billabong Junior Series title, the ASP Africa Pro Junior crown and for the four-man squad who receive coveted invitations to compete in the inaugural ASP World Junior Series that starts in Bali in October.

Alongside the men’s event are Surfing South Africa sanctioned Pro Surf Tour events for Pro Junior girls and Under 12, U14 and U16 age categories for boys that determine the series champions and count for the annual SSA PST age group titles.

Shaun Joubert, the 18 year-old standout from Mossel Bay who won the first Pro Junior men’s event of the year in Durban over Easter, heads a stellar line up that includes Billabong team mates Dale and Dane Staples (St Francis Bay), the Kommetjie pair of Matt Bromley, third in Durban, and Davey Brand and JBay local Bertie Stuurman.

Other top contenders who will be striving to overtake Joubert at the top of the 2010 rankings and pocket the Nixon 42-20 PU Watch valued at over R3000 that goes to the event winner are reigning ASP Africa Pro Junior champ Chad du Toit and fellow Durbanite Shawn Dennis, Beyrick de Vries and Devin Lane from Umhlanga and Brendon Gibbens (Kommetjie).

Billabong’s Tarryn Chudleigh returns from campaigning on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), where she reached the final in her opening event of the year in Australia, and will be the one to beat in the Pro Junior girls.

The 20 year-old from Kommetjie faces stiff opposition from 2009 Billabong Junior Series champion Bianca Buitendag (George), perennial standout Chantelle Rautenbach (Melkbosstrand), Faye Zoetmulder (Port Elizabeth) and the Smith sisters, Emma and Gina, from Jeffreys Bay.

Reigning series champion Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay) will be going all out to defend his U16 boy’s title from a group comprising Mikey Venter (Warner Beach), Jarred Veldhuis (Kommetjie), Diran Zakarian (Melbos) and Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay), amongst others.

Benji Brand (Kommetjie) heads a super competitive U14 boy’s field that features Dylan Wichmann (Marina da Gama), Steffen Burrows (Somerset West), Jason Harris (Scottburgh) and Dolphin Coast local Shane Sykes (Salt Rock).

The youngest division – the U12 boys – will see a shoot out between 2009 champ Jordan Maree (Kalk Bay) and Cape Town rivals Ethan Fletcher (Kommetjie), Donovan Wichmann (Marina da Gama) and Jake Elkington, the Somerset West pair of Adin Masencamp and David Burrows, PE’s Matthew Hobson and Bevan Willis (Durban).

Each event in the Billabong Junior Series also features a spectacular VonZipper Air Show where the surfer successfully completing the most innovative aerial manoeuvre earns the winner-takes-all R2 000 prize-purse.

The format for the Dolphin Coast event sees the opening rounds of all divisions staged on Sunday with the Pro Junior girls champion crowned on Monday and the boys titles decided on Tuesday, along with the VZ Air Show.

All competitors will receive an SMS with the venue and start time for each day of the contest while the location and daily event updates can be accessed throughout the event via the Event Hotline at 071 179 9813.

Images, results and news will be available daily during the event at www.billabong.com and a TV documentary, produced by Silver Bullet Productions, will be broadcast post event on Vuzu – DSTV Channel 123.

The PST events in the Billabong Junior Series are sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national controlling body for the sport, while the internationally rated Pro Junior men’s event is sanctioned by ASP Africa, the regional office for ASP International.

The series is proudly supported by Von Zipper, Kustom and Nixon and fueled by Monster Energy.

Entries for the event have officially closed but there is still space for late entries in several divisions. Please contact Billabong Events & Contest Coordinator, Laureen Payne, at 042 200 2600 or laureen.payne@billabong.co.za before entering online.

The 2010 Billabong Junior Series starts on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal from 25-27 April and concludes at Victoria Bay (1-4 September) where the series champions will be crowned for the 14th time.

\ends

Issued on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Tel: 042 200 2600
Fax: 042 293 2478
Email: laureen.payne@billabong.co.za

Compiled & Issued by:

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

Billabong team rider Shaun Joubert used superior heat strategy and his patented fins free surfing ability to literally fly to victory in the opening event on the 2010 ASP Africa Pro Junior calendar – the Quiksilver Pro Junior presented by Durban and Resolution at North Beach – in Durban on Sunday.

The 18 year-old standout from Mossel Bay was unstoppable on the final day of the Grade 2 internationally rated event, dispatching Billabong teammate Dale Staples (St Francis Bay) in the quarterfinals before convincingly outscoring reigning ASP Africa Pro Junior champion Chad du Toit (Durban) in the semis to set up a highly anticipated final against Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga).

Joubert took control of the final from the outset, posting a solid 7.0 points out of 10 on his first ride in the small but rippable right-handers before slamming the door on his opponent at the death with an outstanding 8.25 that included a trademark hands free, high-flying aerial.

“It’s so great to win an event again,” said an ecstatic Joubert on the podium. “I’m surfing in all the Pro Junior events in South Africa this year, so I want to keep the momentum going from this win and hopefully get some more good results in the rest of the events.”

The win earned Joubert R19 000 and a precious 1 500 ratings points, rocketing him into the early lead in the rankings that will determine the ASP Africa representatives to compete in the inaugural ASP World Pro Junior Series starting in Bali in October.

“My main goal for the this year is to win the ASP Africa Pro Junior title and I’m also trying to make the top 100 on the WQS ratings,” explained Joubert who matriculated with a B average at the end of last year and turns 19 next month.

“I’m off to Scotland on the weekend to compete in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, a 6-Star rated WQS event from April 13-19, then its straight back to SA for the Billabong Pro Junior Dolphin Coast that starts on 25 April.”

The super-talented surfer, who was born in Bloemfontein but has grown up and honed his surfing talent in the Southern Cape, has already had a busy start to the year, placing ninth in a Pro Junior and earning a Round of 48 finish in a WQS event in Australia after spending a week of intensive training in Hawaii with Billabong Australia team manager and coach Sasha Stocker.

Joubert’s fellow Billabong SA team riders also shone in all the categories of the Quicksilver Pro Junior event on the weekend with Matthew Bromley (Kommetjie) taking third and Dale Staples fifth in the Pro Junior division, Steven Sawyer (Jeffreys Bay) placed third in the U16 division of the King Of The Groms and Benji Brand (Kommetjie) the runner-up in the U14’s and fifth in the U16’s.

And in the Resolution Health Expression Session, Davey Brand (Kommetjie) produced the best aerial to pocket the R 1 500 Red Bull Got Wings award while Dale Staples won the Resolution Best Wave Award and R1,500 for a wave that opened up across the inside and enabled him to flare with a series of progressive manoeuvres.

Ends

Distributed on behalf of:

Billabong South Africa
Contact:            Ryan Payne
Tel:                   042 200 2600
Email:               ryan.payne@billabong.co.za

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

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 9 February, 2010 : – - In a significant moment for South African Surfing, Billabong has announced the resigning of three of SA’s top junior surfers onto their Pro Junior Team. Dale Staples, Matt Bromley and Shaun Joubert have all resigned contracts with Billabong thus ensuring their respective positions on the fabled Billabong Surf Team for another few seasons to come.

Shaun Joubert (18), who hails from Mossel Bay in the Eastern Cape has been heralded as a contest and freesurfing freak. His 3rd place in the U16 divsion of the ISA World Surfing Games, multiple Billabong Junior Series Titles, as well as multiple SA Championship wins all bear testament to his calculated, polished approach.

Yet Shauns’ freesurfing is where he also excels and his highly acclaimed section in Billabong’s latest international film, Still Filthy, as well as numeorus magazine cover spreads and video sections have gained Shaun both local and international respect and one of the worlds top up and coming junior surfers.

After recently completing matric and having just returned from a magazine surf trip to Morrocco, Shaun now heads off to Australia to compete in the Australian Pro Junior Tour as well as a select number of World Qualifying Series events.

On top of his competetive schedule, Shaun has alo been invited to attend the Billabong International Pro Junior Camp in Hawaii later this year, after which he returns to South Africa to compete in the Pro Junior Tour as well as secure a place in the the Von Zipper wildcard trials for a spot in on one of the most antcipated W.C.T events of the year; The Billabong Pro J-Bay.

“I’m really happy to resign with Billabong,” said Shaun. “I hope together we can reach the top and achieve great things on the way there.”

When asked what his objectives looking forward were, “My main goals for the year are to win South Africa’s pro junior tour, and gain as many WQS points as possible – aiming to at least end in the top 80.” answered Shaun.

Long time friend and equal charger, Dale Staples (19) who resides in the picturesque town of St.Francis Bay is arguably one of the most naturally gifted surfers to come through the SA Junior Ranks. An incredibly stylish, clean boosting, barrel-master, Dale has the full repertoire and natural-born talent to really turn heads in international competitive and free surfing circles.

Dales numerous competitive accolades are as well established as his free surfing ability and include the Rip Curl International Grom Search Champion title, the inaugural Billabong Challenge Champion as well as multiple Billabong Junior series wins.

Perhaps his most acclaimed competitive success came this past year when Dale ploughed his way past some of the best Junior Surfers in the world to claim 3rd place in the Billabong Junior Series event in the cooking barreling waves of Keramas in Bali.

Like Shaun, Dale now heads to Australia to ply his trade in the highly competitive Australian Pro Junior Series. He then returns to South Africa to compete in the local Pro Junior Series as well as Battle it out in the Von Zipper Wildcard Trails for a spot in the highly anticipated Billabong Pro J-Bay W.C.T event in July this year.

“I’m amped to secure my future with Billabong again” said Dale. “Apart from the incredible privilege of surfing with such amazing surfers, I’ve always loved the Billabong Brand, particularly the product so I’m stoked to know I’ll be wearing Billabong clothing for the next couple years”

Local Big Wave charger and Barrel Master, Matt Bromley (18) completes this illustrious Billabong Junior Surf Team. The Capetonian Charger from Kommetjie, like Shaun, has also just completed school, although his age belies his credibility as one of Cape Town’s most prominent big wave, cold water barrel riders.

Matt has also established a highly successful competitive track record and has managed to notch up a O&E U16 International Rampage Championship win, has consistently found himself in multiple Billabong Junior Series Finals, is the reigning 2X SA u18 Champion and is the former South African Surfing Team Captain. Yet it is perhaps in the big cold dredging barrels of Cape Town, where Matthew truly excels.

Amongst the local underground big wave crew in Cape Town, Matt has gained huge respect for constantly charging in solid surf. His groundbreaking session at Dungeons late last year in macking 15-25 ft surf at the famed big wave reef break off Hout Bay, has cemented his reputation as a legitimate up and coming big wave charger, in much the same mould as current big wave team rider, Grant Twiggy Baker.

“I’m super psyched to have Billabong behind me this year once again” said a frothing Matt. “I’m going to be focusing on building my profile big time this year in the photo and contest departments in local waters.” With regards to surfing big waves Matt claims, “I’m getting into the big wave scene, and so I am organizing a training program to give me confidence in the bigger stuff and lift my performance in the contests.”

Matthew has also not disregarded his academic ambitions claiming, “All this will be combined with a bit of UNISA studying to keep my mind working and focused”

Billabong Team Manager, Ryan Payne was delighted with the announcement, stating, “All of us here at Billabong are genuinely stoked to re-sign Shaun, Dale and Matt to the team. Collectively, they have a 25 year representation with the Billabong brand and they are true ambassadors to the sport and company.

Each of them bring something unique and special to the party, whether it’s Shaun’s contest savvy, Dale’s free surfing ability, or Matthew’s big wave feats, they all have matured into great surfers, in and out of their strengths. I’m very excited to be working with all three of them to ensure their true potential shines through.”

Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy
Incorporating the Von Zipper Trials
North Narrabeen, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
January 9 – 17, 2010

Huscenot and Enever Take Out Billabong ASP World Junior Championships
 
NORTH NARRABEEN, New South Wales/Australia (Saturday, January 16, 2010) – Maxime Huscenot (REU), 17, and Laura Enever (AUS), 18, have claimed their respective ASP World Junior Titles, dominating the punchy two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves on offer at North Narrabeen for the final day of the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy.
 
Huscenot, who received entry into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships as an ASP International wildcard, wowed spectators and surfers alike today, besting an in-form Jadson Andre (BRA), 19, in the hard-fought Final to claim the ASP World Junior Title.
 
“This is the biggest day of my life and it’s absolutely unbelievable,” Huscenot said. “It feels like I just won a heat, not the ASP World Title – it’s incredible. Jadson (Andre) is an amazing surfer and the whole Brazilian team rips so hard. I cannot believe it is my day. I am at a loss for words.”
 
A relative unknown at the international level prior to this year’s showdown at North Narrabeen, Huscenot bested a bevy of the world’s hottest up-and-coming surfers to take the prestigious title and emphatically announce himself as a force on the world surfing stage. 
 
“I knew I was not a big name coming here,” Huscenot said. “Jadson was the best surfer, doing massive air reverses that I cannot even dream of doing. But I just surfed the best I could and I guess the judges appreciated it. I never dreamed I would be here. I was injured in October and couldn’t surf for a month. But I trained hard and got the wildcard here and once I made it past the fourth round, I knew it was going to be a good event for me. It feels amazing to be the first Frenchman to claim the ASP World Junior Title.”
 
Andre, 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie and the No. 1 seed into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, was arguably one of the form surfers of the event, consistently executing mind-blowing aerials and posting excellent scores. However, the wiry goofy-footer was unable to match Huscenot’s panache in the Alley righthanders during their Final bout, finishing Runner-Up for the second year in a row.
 
“I’m disappointed to surf so well all week and fall short in the Final again,” Andre said. “The conditions were challenging and Maxime (Huscenot) was surfing very well. It’s okay though. I am happy with my performance here and am looking forward to my first year on the World Tour.”
 
Gabriel Medina (BRA), 16, the youngest competitor at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, was another Brazilian to wow in North Narrabeen. The young goofy-footer exhibited the form that garnered him praise the world over in 2009, but his electric aerial repertoire was not enough to best Andre in the Semifinals.
 
Alejo Muniz (BRA), 20, who nearly qualified for the 2010 ASP World Tour following a solid performance on the 2009 ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS), was a major standout in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. Despite a juggernaut run through the back half of the draw, Muniz fell to eventual winner Huscenot, finishing equal 3rd at the event.
 
While the men’s Final featured overseas powerhouses, the women’s Final had a girl directly from North Narrabeen.
 
Enever’s hometown victory came as no surprise to those who witnessed her progression through the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. The explosive natural-footer consistently posted the highest scores each round, and with the help of some massive scores courtesy of a blistering forehand attack, Enever posted an insurmountable lead in the Final against Alessa Cuizon (HAW), 16.
 
“I just wanted to go out and have fun and that’s what I did,” Enever said. “This is my home and I’m so stoked to be here with all my friends and family giving me so much support. This is the best day of my life. It’s been my dream forever to win here at home and now that I’ve done it, I’m at a loss for words.”
 
Joining such renowned past ASP World Junior Champions like Pauline Ado (FRA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Nicola Atherton (AUS) and Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS), Enever now boasts the most prestigious accolade in junior surfing, and will hope to follow in their footsteps en route to the elite ASP Women’s World Tour.
 
“It’s been my goal to win the World Juniors since I can remember and now that I have I just want to enjoy it,” Enever said. “I just want to have fun this season. I’ll be doing the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series and start getting into the WQS events. The goal to qualify for the Dream Tour, but I just want to have fun this year.”
 
Despite surfing in her first event at North Narrabeen, Cuizon’s performance at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships was nothing short of impressive. A powerful forehand and backhand approach proved to be Cuizon’s signature offering amongst the world’s best, but the young Hawaiian was unable to find a rhythm in the Final.
 
“I’m happy with my performance and just want to thank my mom and dad and Coach Rainos (Hayes) for all the support – I couldn’t have done it without them,” Cuizon said. “It was really difficult out there this afternoon. I had a hard time in the conditions, but tried my best and I’m happy with how I went.”
 
Pauline Ado (FRA), 18, last year’s ASP World Junior Champion, failed to find her stride at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships and went down to eventual Runner-Up Cuizon, finishing equal 3rd.
 
Joanne Defay (REU), 15, relative unknown on the international stage before the event, was a surprise dark horse at North Narrabeen, taking several high-profile scalps en route to an equal 3rd place finish.
 
For making the final in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, Huscenot, Andre, Enever and Cuizon will be awarded preferred seeding on this season’s ASP WQS, given spots into the second-to-last seeded round of all ASP WQS events.
 
Highlights from the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy will be available via www.billabongpro.com
 
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
 
BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL RESULTS (Men):
1 – Maxime Huscenot (REU) 14.17
2 – Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.60
 
BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMIFINAL RESULTS (Men):
SF 1: Jadson Andre (BRA) 15.06 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.77
SF 2: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 15.56 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.27
 
BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS QUARTERFINAL RESULTS (Men):
QF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 9.66 def. Clay Marzo (HAW) 1.60
QF 2: Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.27 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 12.36
QF 3: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 15.50 def. Nat Young (USA) 13.10
QF 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.73 def. Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.07
 
BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL RESULTS (Women):
1 – Laura Enever (AUS) 18.33
2 – Alessa Cuizon (HAW) 11.10
 
BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMIFINAL RESULTS (Women):
SF 1: Laura Enever (AUS) 17.33 def. Joanne Defay (FRA) 9.84
SF 2: Alessa Cuizon (HAW) 14.30 vs. Pauline Ado (FRA) 8.97

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – ASP AFRICA RESULTS
Men
=9th  Casey Grant (Scottburgh)
=17th Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga)
=17th Chad du Toit (Durban)
=17th Klee Strachan (Winkelspruit)

Women
=9th Sarah Baum (Athlone Park)
=9th Bianca Buitendag (George)

PAST ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONS:
2009: Maxime Huscenot (REU), Laura Enever (AUS)
2008: Kai Barger (HAW), Pauline Ado (FRA)
2007: Pablo Paulino (BRA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
2006: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Nicola Atherton (AUS)
2005: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS)
2004: Pablo Paulino (BRA)
2003: Adriano de Souza (BRA)
2002: N/A
2001: Joel Parkinson (AUS)
2000: Pedro Henrique (BRA)
1999: Joel Parkinson (AUS)
1998: Andy Irons (HAW)

Ends

Visit the Press Room on www.aspworldtour.com for news, images, transcribed athlete interviews and more.

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 governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy
Incorporating the Von Zipper Trials
North Narrabeen, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
January 9 – 17, 2010

Casey Grant places 9^th at Billabong ASP World Junior Surfing Championships 

NORTH NARRABEEN, New South Wales/Australia (Friday, January 15, 2010) – Casey Grant was the highest placed South African surfer in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy in Australia, finishing equal 9^th overall after losing his Round 4 match-up with top seed Jadson Andre (BRA). 

Andre’s spectacular aerial skills in the tiny half-metre waves at North Narrabeen saw last year’s runner-up post an impressive heat total of 18.57 out of a possible 20 points which eclipsed Grant’s total of 11.83. 

Grant, 20, from Scottburgh, defeated Luke Davis (USA) and compatriot Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga) to reach Round 4, earning US $900 (approx. R6 750) for his final event in the Pro Junior division. 

 ASP Africa Pro Junior champion Chad du Toit Durban) suffered a narrow loss at the hands of Chris Friend (AUS), the final tally being 9.83 to 9.66, and Klee Strachan (Winkelspruit) was eliminated by Cory Arrambide (USA) leaving Grant the sole SA representative to advance to the last 16. 

The final eight in the quarterfinals of the world’s most prestigious event for surfers aged 20-and-under comprise three Brazilians, two Hawaiians and one each from the USA, Reunion Island and Australia. 

Maxime Huscenot (REU) caused the upset of the event when he outsurfed Owen Wright (AUS), the highly rated local favourite who many are touting as a future World Champion. 

The women’s quarterfinals were dominated by North Narrabeen local Laura Enever (AUS) who will meet Joanne Defay (FRA) in the first semi with Hawaii’s Alessa Cuizon and defending event champion Pauline Ado (FRA) contesting the second semi. 

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start (11pm Friday, South African time) 

Highlights from today’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships fuelled by Monster Energy are available via www.billabongpro.com and the action will be webcast LIVE during the event. 

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com 

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS QUARTERFINAL RESULTS (Women):

QF 1: Laura Enever (AUS) 14.50 def. Felicity Palmateer (AUS) 12.33
QF 2: Joanne Defay (FRA) 8.96 def. Gabriela Leite (BRA) 5.33
QF 3: Alessa Cuizon (HAW) 12.57 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.53
QF 4: Pauline Ado (FRA) 13.60 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.57

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMIFINAL MATCH-UPS (Women):

SF 1: Laura Enever (AUS) vs. Joanne Defay (FRA)
SF 2: Alessa Cuizon (HAW) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS REMAINING ROUND 3 RESULTS (Men):

Heat 13: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.47 def. Luciani Heremoana (PYF) 10.26
Heat 14: Medi Veminardi (REU) 12.16 def. Jatyr Berasaluce (ESP) 11.50
Heat 15: Granger Larsen (HAW) 15.50 def. Hiroto Arai (JPN) 7.14
Heat 16: Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU) 14.00 def. Albee Layer (HAW) 7.60 

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND 4 RESULTS (Men):

Heat 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.93 def. Cory Arrambide (USA) 10.03
Heat 2: Clay Marzo (HAW) 14.10 def. Wiggolly Dantas (BRA) 9.16
Heat 3: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 12.33 def. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 10.37
Heat 4: Jadson Andre (BRA) 18.70 def. Casey Grant (ZAF) 11.83
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 14.74 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 11.73
Heat 6: Nat Young (USA) 13.00 def. Chris Friend (AUS) 12.33
Heat 7: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.50 def. Medi Veminardi (REU) 12.47
Heat 8: Granger Larsen (HAW) 13.66 def. Nicolau Von Rupp (DEU) 9.84 

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS (Men):

QF 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Clay Marzo (HAW)
QF 2: Stuart Kennedy (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
QF 3: Maxime Huscenot (REU) vs. Nat Young (USA)
QF 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Granger Larsen (HAW)

Ends

Visit the Press Room on www.aspworldtour.com for news, images, transcribed athlete interviews and more.

 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 governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior 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. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.