ISA PRESS RELEASE JANUARY 2004 1. ISA NEWS ISA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING January 24 – 25, 2004, La Jolla, California, USA ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, ISA Vice-Presidents, Maile H. Aguerre, Alan Atkins and Ramon Gil Jimenez-Facio, ISA Contest Director, Marcos Bukao and ISA Office Manager, Lindsay Nelson had a very productive ISA Executive Committee meeting over the weekend at the ISA Headquarters. ISA Vice-President, Robin de Kock was unable to attend this meeting, however the group was able to communicate via teleconference. 2. ISA EVENTS ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES 2004 March 19th – 28th, 2004 Playa de FAE, Salinas, Ecuador The FES, the ISA and its member NGBs are looking forward to a great event on Ecuador’s world premier Pacific Coast. The FES and ISA are certain that the attending teams and visitors will take home some unforgettable experiences from this historical event that will be part of their lives forever. The ISA WSG 2004 Official Invitation & Information Packet was sent out via E-mail in November. It contains important information that each attending team must be familiar with. Please contact the ISA as soon as possible if you did not receive it or if you have any questions or concerns. ISA WSG 2004 meeting, January 19, 2004 in San Diego, California at the ASR (Action Sports Retailer) Tradeshow. Left to right: ISA Vice President, Maile H. Aguerre, Federacion Ecuatoriana de Surf President, Manuel Lozano and ISA President, Fernando Aguerre. ANTI –DOPING CODE / PREPARATION FOR WSG 2004 For the last 3 years the International Olympic Committee, (IOC) has been revising their anti-doping code and in doing so, has joined forces with the World Anti-Doping Association, (WADA). The Code was studied, changed where needed and was finalized this past year, and is now as of January 2004, in full force. WADA has been working closely at several different levels with all of the International Sports Federations, different Games Associations, and Governments to implement a single comprehensive code worldwide. As noted in the December 2002 ISA Newsletter, after being reviewed by ISA Attorney, Mr. Mittermiller, and approved by the EC, the ISA has signed the Anti-Doping agreement with WADA, (World Anti-Doping Agency), in accordance with the IOC Code. One of the requirements was to supply WADA with a list of ISA competitors. They were given the list of competitors from the last WSG in Durban. In accordance with this agreement, there will be from time to time what WADA calls, "out of competition testing", which means that they may contact any surfer that has competed in former WSG's for testing at any given time without former notice. WADA asks that the NGB's keep in contact with these surfers so that they may contact them for where-about information for out-of-competition testing. Maile Aguerre explained to WADA that due to the nature of the sport of surfing that it might be very difficult to track some surfers as they could be on a boat in the Mentawais and not be available for testing. In this case they said they would probably show up at a competition site before the competition starts to do their out of competition testing. The Anti-Doping Code and rules have changed since the last WSG and now operates as follows: In regards to any positive doping, the competitor will loose his/her team points and any medals won. Another change is that the list now includes CANNABOIDS, (which were tested for before but not penalized). If there are any positive tests for CANNABOIDS, that team member WILL loose his/her points, any team points that he/she has contributed to the team and any medals won. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Maile Aguerre at maile@isasurf.org ISA JUDGING COURSE The ISA is hosting a one-day ISA Level One Judging Course on March 18th, before the start of the event. The Course will be held at one of the WSG hotels in Salinas. This is an excellent opportunity for gaining valuable knowledge and experience from the world's top judges to bring back to your nation for the further development of your NGB's level of Judging. The Course is free for all WSG Judges and US$40 for all other interested individuals. At the end of the course, participants will be receiving a diploma and Booklet with the Course materials. For those interested in taking this course, please email the ISA Head Office (lindsay@isasurf.org) as soon as possible to confirm your attendance. REVISED SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES (updates in bold) March 17, 18, and 19: Arrival Days March 18: ISA Judging Seminar March 19: Managers, Coaches, Contest Director Meetings Parade of Nations / Opening Ceremony (evening) March 20-28: Competition Begins March 22 (evening): ISA BGM March 23 (evening): ISA AGM March 27-28: Finals March 28: Closing / Awards Ceremony March 29-30: Departure Days IMPORTANT CONTACTS Federacion Ecuatoriana de Surf Juan Miguel Salvador, WSG 04 Event Director E-mail 1: jmsalvad@interactive.net.ec E-mail 2: fesurf@coe.co.ec Manuel Lozano, President FES E-mail: manolo72@porta.net Tel: 593 4 2295838 Fax: 593 4 2690911 International Surfing Association Lindsay Nelson, Office Manager E-mail: lindsay@isasurf.org Tel: (858) 551 - 5292 Fax: (858) 551 - 5290 3. ISA CALENDAR Year Event Location Dates 2004 ISA Executive Committee Meeting San Diego, California USA January 24 - 25 2004 ISA World Surfing Games 2004* Salinas, Ecuador March 19 - 28 2004 ISA Judging Course Level 1 Salinas, Ecuador March 18 2004 ISA Biennial General Meeting 2004 Salinas, Ecuador March 22 2004 ISA Annual General Meeting 2004 Salinas, Ecuador March 23 2004 ISA World Kneeboard Titles* Papara, Tahiti June 28 – July 8 2004 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships* To be confirmed To be confirmed *An ISA Sanctioned Event The ISA Calendar is available on the ISA website. Click here. 4. CONTACT UPDATES FEDERACION MEXICANA DE SURF (FMS) New Website: http://www.surfer.com.mx/ For the full and updated list of the ISA National Governing Bodies, please go to the ISA website, www.isasurf.org, or simply click here. Please inform the ISA Headquarters (lindsay@isasurf.org) if there are any updates to your NGB contact information. Thank you. 5. ON THE OLYMPIC FRONT On behalf of the ISA, Ms. Maile H. Aguerre, ISA Vice President, will be attending the International Olympic Committee’s World Conference on Women and Sport in Marrakech, Morocco from March 7 – 9, 2004. Under the overall theme, “New Strategies, New Commitments,” the conference will analyze progress made in the field of women’s advancement at all levels in sport generally, and in the Olympic Movement in particular. The Conference will also outline priority issues still facing women in sport and address relevant strategies and policy guidelines to meet these challenges in the years to come. For more information, please contact Maile Aguerre at maile@isasurf.org 6. ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS No El Niño Nor La Niña Predicted for 2004 December 19, 2003 The United Nations World Meteorological Organization has stated that neither an El Niño nor a La Niña weather phenomenon are expected to happen in 2004. El Niño is a weather pattern where warmer ocean waters occur in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean; La Niña is the converse. Both are disruptive and cause storms, flooding, and drought in regions of the world that normally don't experience that. The most devastating of the last occurrences were in 1997-98 - when hundreds of people were killed in storms along the coast of Ecuador, Peru and Colombia - and in 2002-2003 when Australia had its worst drought in a century. “Most of the indications are that we'll stay in a neutral condition for the foreseeable future. So there's no forecast at this moment for a La Niña or El Niño," said Paul Llanso, chief of the WMO's World Climate Data and Monitoring Division. More info. El Niño in 1998 also fueled the ’98 ISA Reef @ Todos Big Wave event. Waves of 20 -25 feet (40 - 50 feet on the face) and occasional waves of 30 feet (60 feet face) slammed into the coast of Northern Baja Mexico due to the relentless "El Nino" winter. The huge waves, combined with many of the best big wave surfers in the world, caused for some of the most memorable surfing, and wipeouts, ever witnessed. Excerpt from the Surfrider Foundation website. For more information about the Surfrider Foundation or its Respect the Beach program, please visit www.surfrider.org 7. REGIONAL SURF ASSOCIATION NEWS ASOCIACION LATINAMERICANA DE SURF (ALAS) ALAS LATIN PRO 2004 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS ALAS has the pleasure to confirm the realization of the “Triple Crown of Surfing - Peru 2004,” as the beginning of the Latin Pro Circuit 2004. For the first time, Peru will carry out the first 3 events. These events will have about 100 surfers each from Latin America. Categories are Open, Bodyboard, Longboard, Junior and Ladies. Confirmed dates: Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, OP Latin Pro, Playa Punta Roquitas, Peru Feb. 6 – 8, Billabong Latin Pro, Playa Senoritas, Peru Feb. 12 – 14, Quiksilver Latin Pro, Playa los Pulpos, Peru The 4th event in the circuit, the Montanita OP Latin Pro, is confirmed for Montanita, Ecuador from February 21 – 24. Calendar submitted by Alicides Guerrero, alcides@alastour.com For more information on ALAS’ Latin Pro Tour, please visit www.alastour.com 8. INTERNATIONAL NEWS AUSTRALIA DIPLOMA OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT (SURFING STUDIES) Proudly endorsed by Surfing Australia Southern Cross University – Tweed Gold Coast Campus – Coffs Harbour The Diploma of Sport Management (Surfing Studies) is an exciting and challenging one-year course that will commence in February 2004. The course, developed in conjunction with Surfing Australia, the ISA’s National Governing Body for Australia, aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required of employees and managers in the global surf industry. In 2004, Southern Cross University will take 40 students for the one year full-time, or two year part-time course, covering subjects such as marketing, events management, sport media, business and sport management and technology. There is no need for applicants to be able to surf, although it would help. Vice-Chancellor of SCU, Professor John Rickard, said that the course had been through a rigorous process of academic evaluation to ensure it had integrity. “This is not a degree in surfboard riding, but rather a vocationally-focused professional development program,” he said. “We hope it as a forerunner to more comprehensive programs- perhaps even a degree.” Surfing Australia’s CEO and ISA’s Vice President, Alan Atkins, said that the sport and the industry are right behind the initiative. “Surfing is a billion-dollar-plus industry in Australia and eight billion dollars worldwide, and it brings in millions in exports and tourism,” he said. “There are almost two million Australians actively participating in surfing. We need to be more professional and competitive with other sports,” Mr. Atkins said. “The fact that students will be paying full fees for this course indicates how important it is to those involved in the sport.” The “Direct Application for Admission 2004” form and instructions for completing the application form are available at http://www.scu.edu.au/admin/stuadmin/forms/. For advice regarding the Diploma and Certificate Courses: Mr. Jak Carroll jcarroll@scu.edu.au For information on all Southern Cross courses: http://www.scu.edu.au/courses Media Contact/General information: Surfing Australia – Renee Marshall reneem@surfingaustralia.com Report submitted by Alan Atkins, SA alana@surfingaustralia.com SURFING AUSTRALIA HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAINING CENTRE & CASUARINA BEACH SURF SCHOOL The High Performance Training Camps have open a short time and already programs have been conducted for local elite surfers and international junior surfers from Portugal. Tony Pope [National High Performance and Coaching Manager] and Sasha Stocker [Head Coach] have moved into their offices, which are linked into the Recreation Centre complex. A group of training professionals is being assembled to deliver the services from the centre, which will include physical conditioning, biomechanics of surfing skills, diet, event preparation and rehabilitation. It is expected that various research projects will also be delivered from the Centre in association with Southern Cross University's School of Sports Science and Human Movement. A marketing plan is underway to promote the Centre worldwide. Enquiries are being made from Japan, Britain, Ireland, Portugal and Brazil for programs in early 2004. Already a number of Surfing Australia meetings and seminars including its AGM have been held at Casuarina. Excerpt from Surfing Australia website (www.surfingaustralia.com), click here for the direct link. Services Include: -Live in, all inclusive High Performance Training Camps -Athlete services: physical and skill assessment, testing and training -Sports clinic: physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage, general practitioner, and naturopathy -Diverse range of cross training activities such as adventure sports, fight club, tennis, swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi/tai gong and Pilates -Catering for elite team champs (all sports welcome) -University supervised research into elite athlete performance -Casuarina Beach Surf School offers Learn to Surf and Surf Safety programs year round For further details, information on booking and prices, please contact Ruth Muschinski, SA High Performance Administration Officer at ruthm@surfingaustralia.com Ph: (02) 6674 9888, Fax: (02) 6674 9887 BRAZIL In 2003, CBS created the Roberto Valerio Cup for the Brazilian Amateur Circuit in honor of Roberto Valerio, who was the biggest supporter of amateur surfing in Brazil. (Mr. Valerio was also the major sponsor of the WSG in Rio in 1994). The trophy rotates going to the winning, until a team wins the Brazilian title 3 times, then they get to keep it. The Taka Roberto Valerio will take place in 2004 with 4 competitions: The 1st one will be from the 5th through the 7th of March in the Northeast The 2nd will be from the 9th through 11th of July in the Southeast The 3rd will be from the 4th through the 6th of September in Ilheus, Bahia And the last will be from the 30th of October through the 1st of November in the South. The Conferderacao Brasileira de Surf confirms the Brazilian Surfing Circuit’s Roberto Valerio Cup for 2004: 1st Circuit March 5-7 2nd Circuit July 9–11 3rd Circuit September 4-6 4th Circuit October 30-November 1 Locations of these events are to be confirmed. Calendar submitted by Juca de Barros, CBS cbsurf@terra.com.br For more information, please visit the CBS Website: www.cbsurf.com.br COSTA RICA FEDERACION TICA DE SURF (FTS) – 4th NATIONAL CIRCUIT OF SURF COSTA RICA The following is a short summary of the 4th National Circuit of Surf Costa Rica. Should you require further information, please contact Valerie Raust, FTS Secretary at surfingcr@hotmail.com or visit FTS website at: www.surfingcr.com Feb. 14 – 15, Mail Pais, 5 star Mar. 13 – 14, Playa Hermosa, 4 star Apr. 3 – 4, Playa Hermosa, 6 star Report submitted by Marcelo Herrero, mherrero@racsa.co.cr JAMAICA JAMAICA’S NATIONAL QUALIFYING SERIES December 27, 2003 at Long Bay, Portland, Jamaica Saturday December 27th 2003 marked the end of the race for places on Jamaica’s National Surf Team when the Jamaica Surfing Association’s final event in the three event National Qualifying Series (NQS) was concluded at Long Bay in Portland. The event, originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Boston Beach, was relocated to Long Bay due to a lack of contestable waves. The waves at Long Bay were 2 to 3 feet with a light crosswind. 18 surfers registered for the men’s division of the event and 5 for the women’s division. In the Men’s Final, the top 6 surfers, Icah Wilmot, Inilek Wilmot, Ishack Wilmot, Drum Drummond, Luke Williams and Alton Smith faced off for 30 minutes, best 2 waves from a maximum of 10. The stage was set. The judges were ready and the horn sounded. The surfers caught 44 waves amongst them. Inilek scored the highest wave from the judges with a 6.3 but was not able to find that second high scoring wave and had to surrender the lead as Icah came up with a couple of 6.2’s that gave him the edge. Ishack, who is noted for his big wave riding ability surprised every on his tiny 5’8’ squash tail and destroyed the shoulder high sets placing him firmly in third. Drum unanimously was adjudicated fourth with Luke and Alton trading places all the way to the horn where Alton, after a judges recount took fifth from Luke in sixth. In the Women’s Final, Danielle O’Hayan, Alicia Wilmot, Elim Beckford, Nathalie Zenny and Esther Beckford paddled out for a spirited 20-minute encounter that would put names to Jamaica’s women’s team to the World Surfing Games. The horn sounded and the ladies rode 26 waves between them. Danielle and Alicia struggled with Elim for the lead with Nathalie in close touch. Esther, victim of a nasty fin gash that put a halt on her efforts, had to retire early. Danielle scored a 6.0 on her third wave and tipped the scales in her favor taking first, Alicia held on to second from a close finishing Elim. Nathalie took fourth and Esther fifth. Report and results submitted by Billy Wilmot, JSA billymystic@cwjamaica.com MEXICO FEDERACION MEXICANA DE SURF – SAYULITA, NAYARIT 2004 February 5 – 8, Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico This event will determine the competitors who will go to Ecuador to compete in the ISA World Surfing Games 2004. Playa de Sayulita this located to approximately to 35 kilometers to the north of Puerto Vallarta and has the whole infrastructure necessary for services such as hotels, bungalows, camping, restaurants, food and diverse prices. Conditions of the beaches are beach breaks. The water oscillates between 15 – 22 centigrade, which makes it unnecessary to wear a wetsuit. The categories of this event will be Juniors, Open, Ladies, Seniors and Masters Report by Alejandro Vega Meza fmpresi@hotmail.com For more information, please visit http://www.surfer.com.mx/ NEW ZEALAND RARO GROMMET SUMMER SERIES 2004 Surfing New Zealand are please to announce that Raro have joined the Surfing New Zealand family of sponsors. Raro will be the major sponsor of the Raro Grommet Summer Series for 2004. The series comprises three events over the summer period. Surf companies Globe and Gallaz who have teamed up with Raro to present these events will also support the three event series. The Raro Grommet Summer Series will form part of the growing grommet event schedule in New Zealand. The 2004 event schedule also includes the four Rip Curl GromSearches, which have been run since 2002. The dates and venues for the Raro Grommet Summer Series are as detailed below. Raro Grommet Summer Series Event One – January 24th, 25th Mount Maunganui Raro Grommet Summer Series Event Two – February 28th – 29th Whangamata Raro Grommet Summer Series Event Three – April 20th, 21st Murawai The success of the Grommet events in 2003 has been phenomenal with over 100 entrants at each event. The grommet events cater for the Under 12, 14 and 16 age divisions for both boys and girls. The level of surfing throughout these three age groups is amazing and the structure that is currently in place continues to develop these surfers at a young age. Greg Townsend, CEO of Surfing New Zealand commented, “Development programmes have to be in place if New Zealand is to compete against the rest of the surfing world. This programme, aimed at youth and the introduction of competitive surfing at a young age is what the sport needs to be competitive”. The events aren’t totally contest orientated either. “These events are also designed to introduce youngsters into the sport. The events are fun to attend. Friendships are made through travelling around the country meeting grommets from Northland to Invercargill. This provides one of the best educations a kid can have” commented Townsend. Raro Brand Manager at Cerebos Greggs, Kerry Loughran, also sees the opportunity as exciting for both surfing and the Raro brand. “It is great to be involved with a sport such as surfing. To have the Raro brand-supporting surfing at this age level is great. We are sure that the partnership with surfing and Raro is going to be very successful in 2004”. Results from the first Raro Grommet Summer Series Event One, January 24th- 25th at Mount Maunganui are as follows: Under 16 Boys: Jason Hayes, WGM, 1, Billy Stairmand, Rag, 2, Richard Christie, Mah, 3, Kierin Van Der Helder, Rag, 4 Under 16 Girls: Airini Mason, Gis, 1, Daisy Thomas, ChCh, 2, Jessica Welch, Gis, 3, Paige Hareb, Tara, 4, Nina Thompson, Gis, 5 Under 14 Boys: Karne Pitcher, WGM, 1, Mathis Smith, Tara, 2, Ryan Hawker, Piha, 3, Ryan Pickett, WGM, 4 Under 14 Girls: Paige Hareb, Tara, 1, Airini Mason, Gis, 2, Sharnae Van Der Helder, Rag, 3, Maddy Phillips, Auc, 4 Under 12 Boys: Karne Pitcher, WGM, 1, Canning Mason, Gis, 2, Johnny Hicks, Gis, 3, Greg Ranga. Waihi, 4 Under 12 Girls: Sarah Mason, Gis, 1, Johanna Brebner, BoP, 2, Grace Spiers, WGM, 3, Georgia Cooper, Piha, 4 Report and results submitted by Ben Kennings, SNZ ben.kennings@surfingnz.co.nz Surfing New Zealand Pro Series Confirmed for 2004 Six events have been confirmed for the 2004 Surfing New Zealand Pro Series. The Pro Series kicked off in early January with the 2004 National Championships and will follow with four events over the summer months. The final event of the year will be held in November - one week before the Surfing New Zealand Annual Awards Dinner. The Series commenced with the Watties Creamed Rice National Championships. Valuable points were on offer as well as New Zealand’s most prestigious surfing accolade of National Champion. The second event in the SNZ Pro Series will be the Hot Buttered/Dragon Optical SNZ Pro, also to be staged at Piha. The event has run for the past 10 years under the sponsorship of Hot Buttered and also Dragon in recent years. The event holds a 2A rating and is always hotly contested as New Zealand’s top surfers accumulate early ratings points for the series. The third stop is the Tairawhiti/Bodyline/Blitz Surf Shop SNZ Pro. A SNZ Pro Series event has been staged in Gisborne for more than a decade. Back in the early 90s the event was labeled the Cold Water Classic being held on Queens Birthday. In recent times the event has been brought forward to coincide with warmer water temperatures. The event this year has been upgraded to a 4A rating. With huge points on offer, a good turn out is expected to travel southeast for the event. The Easter holidays boasts two events on the SNZ Pro Series. The Billabong/Sunset Point Bar and Bistro Mahia Pro will be held on the Mahia Peninsula while the Lion Red South Island Champs will take place in Dunedin. The Billabong Mahia Pro holds a rating of 5A, the highest rating possible in this series. The Mahia Peninsula stakes a good claim for some of the best surf breaks in New Zealand. To be able to stage events in this region is amazing for the sport of surfing. The Easter Holiday is renowned for good waves and the 2004 event will surely offer the goods for all surfers who enter the event. Meanwhile at the same time down south, the 2A rated Lion Red South Island Champs are held in the frigid waters of Dunedin. The event has a long history with Lion Red becoming the main event sponsor in 2002. Surfers from both islands contest the event, which is often held at St Clair Beach. The SNZ Pro Series takes a break over the winter months before it kicks back into action with the last event of the year, the Rip Curl Raglan Classic. The event also holds the highest rating of 5A. For the SNZ Pro Series to climax at a surf location like Raglan is the ultimate finish to the year. Surfers get the chance to test the lefthanders of Manu Bay with four guys in the water often letting their surfing do the talking. The event signifies the end of the competitive year. A week later the Lion Red Surfing New Zealand Awards are held and New Zealand’s best surfers are presented the sports top awards. The Awards, in association with Smokefree are held in the first weekend of December. As well as the SNZ Pro Series, there are a number of other major surf events held throughout New Zealand. Key events such as the Smokefree/Arnette Women’s National Champs and the New Zealand Scholastic Championships are held in 2004. National teams also compete overseas at the ISA World Surfing Games, ISA World Junior Championships and the ISA Kneeboard Championships. The 2004 World Surfing Games will be held in Ecuador from the 19th – 28th of March. New Zealand will be sending a full strength team to these Games. Report submitted by Ben Kennings, SNZ 2004 WATTIES CREAMED RICE NATIONAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS January 3 – 10, Piha Beach, Auckland The first National Champions have been found at the 2004 Watties Creamed Rice National Championships. The 2004 Watties Creamed Rice National Championships was held at Piha Beach Auckland for the first time in 13 years. This was the 7th time the event has been held at Piha in its 41-year history, the last time being in 1991. Full Results: OPEN FINAL: Maz Quinn, Gis, 1, Jay Quinn, Gis, 2, Jos Kennings, Cor, 3, Bobby Hansen, Gis, 4 JUNIOR FINAL: Nathan Welch, Gis, 1, Morehu Roberts, Rag, 2, Richard Christie, Mah, 3, Owen McMillan, Gis, 4 UNDER 16CADET BOYS FINAL: Richard Christie, Mah, 1, Ryan Hawker Auc, 2, Gauranga Ormond, WGM, 3, Jos Hadfield, 4 BOP OPEN WOMEN FINAL: Airini Mason, Tara, 1, Kara Stevenson, Rag, 2, Mischa Davis, Auck, 3, Jessica Santorik, Rag, 4 OVER 28 SENIORS FINAL: Larry Fisher, Auc, 1, Matt Bennet, Bop, 2, Rueben Noble, Rag, 3, Mark Dovey, Bop, 4 OVER 35 MASTERS FINAL: Geoff Hutchison, Rag, 1, Matt Bedford, Piha, 2, Gary Ewing, Waihi, 3, Andrew Mann, Piha, 4 OVER 50 LEGENDS FINAL: John Gisby, Gis, 1, Ross Moody, Gis, 2, Mike Jolly, Piha, Paul Brown, Piha, 4, Clive Barron, Piha, 5 OVER 40 VETRANS FINALS: Glenn Shuker, Chch, 1, Gary Pike, Piha, 2, Trevor Medcalf, Waihi, 3, Geoff Hutchison, Rag, 4 OPEN BODYBOARD FINAL: Floyd Smith, Piha, 1, Gavin Murdoch, Auck, 2, Robert Banfield, Auck, 3, Sam Forgie, 4 OPEN LONGBOARD FINALS: Michael Fitzharris, Gis, 1, Lynden Kennings, Piha, 2, Daryn McBride, Mnt, 3, Kelly Ryan, Gis, 4 Report and Results submitted by Ben Kennings, NNZ BILLABONG PRO TEEN JUNIOR In Association with Vans and Von Zipper Feb. 7 – 8, Piha Beach, Auckland A $6000 Billabong Teen event is set for action at Piha in early February. The premier attraction is the Under 20 age division. Also featured is the Under 16 age division. Both boys and girls will contest each division with four winners being crowned at the end of the event. The new initiative follows the lead of the ever-growing Pro Junior Series in Australia. Catering for the Under 20 age bracket provides New Zealand’s top surfers with another stepping-stone toward the national SNZ Pro Series or the Australasian Pro Junior Series. Piha has been throwing up fantastic summer surf and we can be confident that the boys and girls will put on an awesome display of surfing. Report by Ben Kennings, SNZ CALENDAR OF EVENTS – SURFING NEW ZEALAND Jan. 24 – 25, Raro Grommet Summer Series, Mt. Maunganui Jan. 24 – 25, Taranaki Longboard Classic, Taranaki Jan. 24 – 25, Surfing NZ Level One Coaching Course, Auckland Jan. 30 – 31, Quiksilver Airshow, Piha, Auckland Feb. 6 – 7, Blue Revolution Northland Longboard Classic, Whangarei Feb. 6 – 8, Canterbury Surfing Champs, Christchurch Feb. 7 – 8, Billabong Pro-teen Junior, Piha, Auckland Feb. 7 – 14, Oceania Surfing Cup, Fingal, Australia Feb. 7 – 17, NZ Junior Kneeboard Test Series Tour, Australia Feb. 14 – 15, Hot Buttered / Dragon / SNZ Pro, Piha, Auckland Feb. 28 – 29, Raro Grommet Summer Series, Whangamata Calendar submitted by Ben Kennings For more information, please visit www.surfingnz.co.nz SOUTH AFRICA RIP CURL ROOKIE PROGRAMME January 12 – 16, 2004 Mossel Bay, Southern Cape The Rip Curl Rookie Program junior surfers and their mentor 1990 world champion Dave Malherbe connected with the local Mossel Bay development surfers at Diaz beach in the Southern Cape for a fun afternoon of surf coaching. The Southern Cape Surfing Association and Billeon SA have sponsored training surfboards which Son surf use to run fortnightly surf clinics for members of the JCC and Kwanonqaba townships. They welcomed the hands-on support rendered by the Rip Curl crew. “We had a great day it was good to see the enthusiasm of the kids, it was fun helping youngsters that are so keen to learn,” enthused former world champion Dave Malherbe. “Involvement in these activities gives one a deeper appreciation for the sport, also given the SA emerging scene. Any input is appreciated and the Rip Curl rookies’ support today has really been inspirational!” commented Nick Krone who is a member of the Southern Cape Surf Association committee as well as Son Surf and has who been instrumental in holding the clinics. Nine-year-old Zukile Gentswana was one of the youngest surfers present and he thoroughly enjoyed meeting rising superstars Cuan Prytz (CT), Josch Schmeltzer (Dbn), Clinton Gravett (EL), Chad du Toit (Dbn), Kate Matthews (Dbn) and Rosanne Hodge (EL). The Rip Curl Rookie Programme involves six of the country’s top under 16 division ‘super grom’ surfers who were selected from eight one-off Rip Curl Gromsearch events held along the South African coastline last year. The programme is not only about the invited surfers benefiting but is also about giving back to the community by providing inspiration for the local surfers. The grommets are being treated like surf-stars under the guidance of Malherbe who acts as a role model to his six young charges giving guidelines on how to become a professional surfer and how to interact with the media. ASP World Tour photographer Karen Wilson from Tostee.com has been on hand to shoot all of the action as the surfers embark on a daily search for perfect surf at a variety of spots in the Southern Cape. Designed by Rip Curl as a unique program to develop future national surf talent, the inaugural road trip is a unique opportunity for the six under 16 surfers to prepare for a busy 2004. The Rip Curl Rookie Programme concludes on January 16. The 2004 Rip Curl Gromsearch contest will start in February, with the first of eight events set for Cape Town. Report and results submitted by Robin de Kock, SSA, rosadian@iafrica.com 2003 BILLABONG JUNIOR SERIES PRESENTED BY Hip2b2 Five Event National Surfing Series March – August 2004, East London, Durban, Victoria Bay, Cape Town and Jeffreys Bay The Billabong Junior Series, South Africa’s hugely popular annual surfing circuit for competitors under the age of 20, will enter its seventh consecutive year in 2004 with new co-sponsors in Hip2b2, the brand born out of Mark Shuttleworth’s trip to space in 2002. To be known as the Billabong Junior Series presented by Hip2b2, the five event national surfing series that has produced the country’s current crop of world beating young surfers, will now add to their aspirations by introducing them to savvy and smart ways to live their lives. "We are stoked with our new association with Hip2b2,” says Billabong SA marketing manager Brad Bricknell, adding “They really understand what we want to achieve through our Junior Series and we share the same vision going forward. The social responsibility angle they bring will also contribute to uplifting the image and profile of the sport." He was also complimentary about the role of the series’ previous co-sponsors, explaining "We’ve had great support from Polar Ice over the years and they really helped us grow and establish what has become the country's premier junior surfing series. Now, together with Hip2b2, we hope to take it to another level." Craig Drysdale, spokesman for Hip2b2, was equally as enthusiastic about the association, commenting, “We are excited about our future involvement with the Billabong junior series as surfing is a wonderful sport that epitomizes clean living.” “Our aim is to target the youth of South Africa and stimulate interest and activity surrounding Maths, science and technology,” he explained. “Through hard work and dedication in the class room, the best junior surfers can realize even greater dreams in the future. Our brand represents intelligence and savvy. It's hip to be square. Just ask Sean Holmes,” he concluded, referring to one of the country’s best all round surfers who recently completed a university degree with honours. In keeping with the innovative social responsibility aspects introduced for 2004, the series champions, runners-up and bronze medallists will each have their share of the series prize-pool paid into bank accounts opened in their names to serve as a nest egg for the future. The 2004 series will again cater for the premier U/20 boys’ category, sanctioned by ASP Africa, and the Surfing South Africa (SSA) sanctioned U/12, U/14 and U/16 boys and U/20 girls. The 2004 Billabong Junior Series presented by Hip2b2 starts in East London on the weekend 5-7 March followed by Durban (2-4 April), Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape (14-16 May) and Kommetjie in Cape Town (11-13 June) before all the champions are crowned at the final event staged in Jeffreys Bay over the weekend 7-9 August. Report submitted by Life’s a Beach Communications, lifesabeach@mweb.co.za DEDICATED SURF SERIES FOR GIRLS IN 2004 Leading international ladies surf wear brand Roxy has announced their association with Surfing South Africa (SSA) in the first ever dedicated surfing series for girls, The Roxy Surf Jam, scheduled for 2004. “Girls surfing has really come of age and we have decided to launch a national series to cater for the competitive demand placed on the sport by the gender,” says Marketing Manager for Roxy, Elsje Jacobsen. The series will cater for Novices, under 14, under 16, under 18 and under 20 divisions at each of the respective venues. “We are very excited about this new property and believe it is groundbreaking not only in our sport but will entice other sports to give girls the recognition and respect they deserve” said SSA General Manager Robin de Kock. Report submitted by Robin de Kock, SSA. SURFING SOUTH AFRICA (SSA) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, Regional National Team Trial #2, KZN/WC/EC Jan. 31 – Dec. 31 2004 Quiksilver Good Wave, Durban Feb. 7 – 8, Rip Curl Gromsearch #1, Cape Town Feb. 7 Volcomstone Qualifying Series Final, Durban Feb. 14 – 15, Billabong – I’m a Surfer Girl, Contest #1, Cape Town Feb. 14 – 15, SA WSG Team Trial & Training Camp, KZN Feb. 14, Surfers Marathon, East London Feb. 21 – 22, SA WSG Team Trial & Training Camp, KZN Feb. 28 – 29 Roxy Surf Jam #1 Feb. 28 – 29, SSA “Lets Go Surfing” Clinic, Umzumbe Calendar submitted by Life’s a Beach Communications 9. CONTACT THE ISA International Surfing Association 5580 La Jolla Blvd. PMB #145 _ La Jolla, California 92037 USA Tel: (858) 551 – 5292, Fax: (858) 551 – 5290 www.isasurf.org Lindsay Nelson, Office Manager: lindsay@isasurf.org