ASP NEWS ASP NEWS
Surfer Profiles for the 2005 World Tour are now available on the web http://www.aspworldtour.com/profiles/
12/31 BOBBY HANSEN WINS VONZIPPER TRIALS
BILLABONG JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AIMING TO START TOMORROW
Despite the conditions being somewhat tiny at North Narrabeen Beach, Sydney,
Australia, the action was hot as competitors in the vonzipper Trials put on a
tremendous display of small wave surfing as the waves slowly built throughout
the afternoon.
The vonzipper Trials event is held prior to the main event - the men's Billabong
World Junior Championships - and determines the four remaining wildcards to join
the best 44 under-20 surfers on the planet, who are already slotted into the
first round draw.
The four finalists, and now main event competitors, included Bobby Hansen (NZ),
Beau Walker (AUS), Blake Thornton (AUS) and Jean Estienne (FRA).
They finished the final in that order with Hansen claiming the victory after
dominating all day. Showing brilliant flair he demolished almost every wave he
rode and will certainly be one to watch when he attacks round one of the main
event.
Organisers are hopeful to get underway again with either the men's or ladie's
tomorrow as forecasts are looking positive over the next few days with a decent
north-east swell predicted.
"It's looking like being one of the best starts to the event that we have
had in years," said Contest Director Luke Egan. "We should see a kick
in swell tomorrow [Sunday, New Years Day] before a southerly change, then we
should see a new swell build from that. It's also forecasted to get reasonably
solid later next week."
Organisers will convene at 7.30am tomorrow with the hope of there being an 8am
start.
The event is the premiere ASP International junior competition and both the men
and women divisions follow contest formats identical to those of the elite World
Championship Tours.
In the men's there are 48 surfers who will compete in a man on man format after
the first round of three man heats while in the women's there will be 18 surfers
who will also compete in a man on man format.
Surfers in the draw come from the seven ASP regions including North America,
Europe, Asia, Hawaii, South Africa, South America and host region Australasia.
12/23 JUNIORS TO ROCK DOWN UNDER IN BILLABONG WORLD JUNIOR
CHAMPIONSHIPS
While the big boy and girl pro surfing tourers have headed home for a
well-deserved Christmas break after all tours (both at World Championship Tour
level and World Qualifying Series level) concluded in Hawaii, the future stars
of the sport are headed "Down Under" to compete in the coveted
Billabong World Junior Championships.
Held at Narrabeen, a world class beach break in Sydney, Australia from 31
December 2005, the event will host the best junior (under 21 years of age)
surfers both male and female from North America, South America, Hawaii, Europe,
Asia, South Africa and Australasia.
On the men's front, 48 surfers will do battle while on the women's two from each
region plus a wildcard (18 in total) will compete in a draw identical to that of
the ASP Women's World Tour.
The Billabong World Junior Championship is seen as the most prestigious junior
event in the world and has given rise to some of the world's biggest surfing
super stars including three-time Foster's ASP Men's World Tour winner Andy Irons
(HAW) and former ratings number two, Joel Parkinson (AUS).
Brazilians have also been a dominant force at the Billabong World Juniors in
recent years with Pablo Paulino (BRA) claiming victory this time last year while
Adriana De Souza claimed a win in 2003. De Souza just recently qualified for the
2006 Foster's ASP Men's World Tour. Another Brazilian in Pedro Henrique took the
trophy back in 2000. He too has now qualified to surf against the ASP's finest
next year.
Professional surfing legend Luke Egan (AUS), who recently officially retired
from competition after 21 years on tour, will assume the role of contest
director.
During the event www.billabongpro.com
and www.aspworldtour.com will be
providing comprehensive online coverage. The webcast will include live scoring,
high-quality streaming vision, heat results, video updates, press releases and
photographic images.
Billabong Junior World Championships Honour Roll
1998: Andy Irons
1999: Joel Parkinson
2000: Pedro Henrique (Brazil)
2001: Joel Parkinson
2002: Non Event
2003: Adriano De Souza
2004: Pablo Paulino
12/17 ANDY IRONS WINS THE RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS
Andy Irons (HAW) had a day to remember today when he claimed victory in the Rip
Curl Pro Pipeline Masters and the coveted Vans Triple Crown Of Surfing.
For Irons it was a fantastic ending to an amazing year and a tremendous
finishing reward after relinquishing his Foster's ASP Men's World Tour crown to
Kelly Slater (USA) back in Brazil.
Finishing behind Irons was Mick Fanning (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW) and Kalani
Chapman (HAW).
Irons never looked like losing the final. Despite Fanning getting off to an
early lead he looked solid and at home in the somewhat tricky conditions. Half
way through the final he dropped into a freak set and scored a perfect 10 after
he slipped inside two deep tube rides and finished with a massive but
unsuccessful flying air.
"The wave came off the reef and doubled up a bit," said Irons. "I
pulled in behind the section and came through it then managed to get back in
another little barrel. I then tried a flying air and landed on the reef. It was
one of the only waves in the final that came in clean."
Irons then held onto first place until the final hooter as his brother Bruce and
Fanning desperately attempted to real him in. Chapman meanwhile struggled to
find quality waves, but proved all event that he certainly has the skill to
match it with the world's best.
Irons was extremely happy and looked almost relieved that the year was over. For
him it has been a roller coaster ride as he did his utmost to stay in the title
race right up to Brazil. To win today was obviously satisfying for him.
"This definitely has made it a lot easier that's for sure," said Irons
of not retaining his world crown. "I was one heat away from bringing it to
Pipe in Brazil and now I've got in the back of my mind a lot of what ifs. But I
really wanted to do well here in the Triple Crown and Pipe and I achieved my
goal.
"It's such a great event. I was also stoked to get to surf with my brother
out there in the final. This was like a world title in itself. Everyone knows
about it through the news and magazines. There's so much hype around the
Hawaiian events. To do well here means a lot and it's almost a world title so
I'm over the moon."
Fanning and Bruce Irons were obviously hoping to claim a Pipe victory here today
but like Andy they seemed relaxed and content after good seasons this year.
Fanning will finish in third place on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour Ratings
while Bruce Irons will finish in ninth.
The Irons brother's duels are always exciting and the crowd weren't
disappointed.
"I'm stoked with the third, sure I would have liked to win but I'm happy to
get this trophy and end the year on a high. I'm just looking forward to having a
really good holiday," said Bruce.
Fanning meanwhile was just enjoying the moment and like the others was looking
forward to the post event celebrations.
"It was good to have three mates in the final," said Fanning. "I
was a bit pissed when Andy got that 10 but what can you do. Between Andy and
Bruce they pretty much dominate Pipe. It was great to finish the year in a
final. It's just a little more cash to party with tonight!"
For Kalani Chapman it was a dream come true. The Pipeline local made it all the
way through from the Rip Curl Code STL Trials and certainly made an impact when
mixing it with the best of the best. It was a great learning experience for him
and no doubt he'll be back bigger and better next year.
"I'm just really stoked to surf with them and against them," he said
referring to the top 45. "It's always been a dream to surf in this event
and it's been a gnarly contest right from the start, even from the trials. I'm
tired but it's mad to be here right now. I learned a lot from this - everything
from positioning myself in the water to managing time in a heat. I'm a lot more
confident for next time."
While the finalists will be celebrating till the early hours of tomorrow
morning, none will be celebrating harder that Sunny Garcia (HAW) and Luke Egan
(AUS) who both ended their sterling pro surfing careers after being eliminated
in semi-final two.
Both have been on the tour since 1986 and 21 years later they were bracketed to
surf their last ever heat together in some tremendous waves at Pipe.
"It was really cool to surf in the semis with Sunny in my last heat,"
said Egan while on stage with good friend Garcia. "But not only that, to be
mixing it with the young guys here, well I'm just really stoked with this old
guy's effort [pointing to Sunny] and my effort."
"For me it's pretty much the same," said Garcia "It's insane!
Luke and I started off on the tour together way back in 1986. I met him in 1984
in an event in Japan and we've been good friends ever since. What better way to
end my career than to surf here today with my best friend. and losing to the
future of Hawaiian surfing [laughs as he looked at Bruce and Andy] I just
couldn't picture going out any other way."
They join Shane Beschen (USA), Lee Winkler (AUS), Renan Rocha (BRA), Kalani Robb
(HAW) and Tim Curren (USA) on the retiree list.
Winning the best tube prize in the Foster's Expression Session was Makua Rothman
(HAW) with Miles Padaca (HAW) coming in in second.
Final results:
1. Andy Irons (HAW) 17.33
2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.33
3. Bruce Irons (HAW) 11.33
4. Kalani Chapman 6.37
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings top five finished as follows:
1. Andy Irons (HAW)
2. Mick Fanning (AUS)
3. Pancho Sullivan (HAW)
4. Jake Paterson (AUS)
5. Sunny Garcia (HAW)
With the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters now over, the ratings on the Foster's ASP
Men's World Tour have been finalised.
The top 10 finished as follows:
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 7962
2. Andy Irons (HAW) 7860
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 6650
4. Damien Hobgood (USA) 6148
5. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 6060
6. Trent Munro (AUS) 5748
7. Taj Burrow (AUS) 5512
8. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 5426
9. Bruce Irons (HAW) 5294
10. CJ Hobgood (USA) 5248
12/16 CHELSEA GEORGESON IS 2005 ASP WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPION
Chelsea Georgeson achieved the ultimate trifecta today to become the only
athlete in the history of women's surfing to win the Billabong Pro Maui, the
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
Women's World Championship Tour (WCT) title in one fail swoop. Her earnings
today alone eclipsed $US20,000.
Defeating Jacqueline Silva (BRA) in solid eight foot (two and a half meter)
waves in the final at Honolua Bay this afternoon, the 22-year-old from Tweed
Heads, NSW, Australia cemented her status as female surfing's new superstar.
"I'm so happy. It's been one of the best days of my life and to have all of
my friends and family here is just amazing!" Georgeson said after winning
the event and subsequently, the Vans Triple Crown title - the honor bestowed
upon the surfer who places highest overall in the three Triple Crown events held
in Hawaii in November and December.
Georgeson, who is also the defending Billabong Pro Maui champion, succeeded her
best friend and the only competitior capable of challenging her for the world
title, Sofia Mulanovich (PER), as the ASP Women's World Champion today. The
crown changed hands when reigning world champ Mulanovich fell to a last minute
charge from Silva and was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Catching a wave with
28 seconds left in the heat, Silva garnered a score that put her three
tenths of a point ahead of Mulanovich, earning her a semifinal showing and
Georgeson a world title.
"I couldn't believe Jacqueline got that last wave. I wasn't really
expecting it!" said Georgeson in disbelief when the upset occurred and her
title was secured.
"I knew Sof was surfing so good and I thought it was going to come down to
the final for sure. I was just thinking, 'Oh whatever, if she gets through
that's sick (great) and if not that's good too,' It's been a really good year
for both of us but it ended up a bit better for me!" Georgeson said.
We kept saying to each other, 'Keep going, keep going let's take it all the way
through to the end,' because it would have been a really good end to the year if
we both got through to the final. It would have been that much more exciting but
it would've been really nerve racking too."
Mulanovich, who ended former world champion Layne Beachley's six year
stranglehold on the title last year, surfed a tough defending title campaign and
led the ASP ratings until the second to last event of the year. The
Peruvian was gracious in defeat.
"I'm stoked for Chels. I tried not to think about it, but I thought about
it a lot after Haleiwa and I was kind of prepared for it. I'm just stoked for
her that she made it because she's the most amazing surfer ever and she deserves
this a lot," Mulanovich said.
Several scenarios hinged on second-place Billabong Pro Maui finisher Jacqueline
Silva's surfing today. In addition to defeating Mulanovich and cementing
Georgeson's world title win, her fate in the final meant that Claire Bevilacqua
(AUS) retained the tenth and final WCT qualifying spot for the 2006 ASP Women's
World Tour. Had Silva won the final, she would have bumped Bevilacqua from the
number 10 spot to qualify via the WCT instead of using her World Qualifying
Series (WQS) result. Melanie Bartels (HAW) would have then been next in line to
qualify from the WQS.
Current WCT competitors who did not qualify for the 2006 ASP Women's World Tour
include Maria Tita Tavares (BRA), Melanie Bartels (HAW) and Laurina McGrath
(AUS). Tavares has been a staple on the Women's World Tour for the past
seven years and usually enjoys great success on the WQS as well.
Unfortunately, because the 30-year-old is now sponsorless, she could not afford
to contest both tours this year and was unable to use the WQS as a safety net.
Bartels and McGrath, who have competed on the WCT for the past two years, tried
to cover their tracks on the 'QS too, but occupying the two spots just below the
cutoff on that tour, narrowly missed requalification. All three surfers will be
eager to regain their spots in 2007 and will do their best to earn them via the
WQS next year.
Though Heather Clark (ZAF) did not requalify via her WCT or WQS results, she was
awarded the 2006 ASP Wildcard and will be on tour again next year. Both Clark
and McGrath had applied for the wildcard citing injuries, but strong cases from
both parties heralded a decision from the ASP Board of Directors to give the
wildcard to the highest placing surfer in this event. Joining the 2006 Women's
World Championship Tour roster from the qualifying series will be Silvana Lima
(BRA), Jessica Miley-Dyer (AUS) and Julia Christian (USA).
Logon to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com
to see all of the event photos and highlights!
FINAL: 1st = 1200 ratings points and US$10,000, 2nd = 972 ratings points and
US$6,000
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
SEMIFINALS: 1st advances to FINAL, 2nd finishes equal 3rd and receives US$4,250
H1: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 11.50 def. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 11.25
H2: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 14.75 def. Heather Clark (AUS) 14.25
QUARTERFINALS: 1st advances to SEMIFINALS, 2nd finishes equal 5th and receives
US$3,500
H1: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 16.00 def. Maria Tita Tavares (BRA) 8.00
H2: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 14.90 def. Trudy Todd (AUS) 11.50
H3: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 12.80 def. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 12.50
H4: Heather Clark (AUS) 12.75 def. Laurina McGrath (AUS) 11.25
ROUND THREE: 1st advances to QUARTERFINALS, 2nd finishes equal 9th and receives
US$2,750
Heat 1: Maria Tita Tavares (BRA) 11.75 def. Megan Abubo (HAW) 7.10
Heat 2: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 12.75 def. Serena Brooke (AUS) 9.65
Heat 3: Trudy Todd (AUS) 10.10 def. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 7.75
Heat 4: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 11.50 def. Silvana Lima (BRA) 6.90
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 13.75 def. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 12.00
Heat 6: Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 13.25 def. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 7.75
Heat 7: Laurina McGrath (AUS) 14.75 Keala Kennelly (HAW) 14.50
Heat 8: Heather Clark (AUS) 15.45 def. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 12.75
FINAL 2005 ASP WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR RATINGS
1. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 7080 points
2. Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 6012 points
3. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 4704 points
4. Megan Abubo (HAW) 4614points
5. Layne Beachley (AUS) 4308 points
6. Trudy Todd (AUS) 4128 points
7. Rochelle Ballard (HAW) 4104 points
8. Keala Kennelly (HAW) 3876 points
9. Samantha Cornish (AUS) 3786 points
10. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 3720 points
11. Jacqueline Silva (BRA) 3708 points
12. Serena Brooke (AUS) 3324 points
13. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 3312 points
14. Laurina McGrath (AUS) 3100 points
15. Heather Clark (ZAF) 3108 points
16. Maria Tita Tavares (BRA) 2622 points
17. Melanie Bartels (HAW) 2340 points
VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING RESULTS
1. Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 2838 points and $US10,000
2. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) 2712 points
3. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) 1986 points
4. Jacqueline Silva 1692 points
5. Megan Abubo (HAW) 1566 points
12/16 BANZAI PIPELINE STEALS THE SHOW AT THE RIP CURL PRO
PIPELINE MASTERS
The Banzai Pipeline, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, stole the show today as
it turned on deep tube ride after deep tube ride for the competitors in rounds
two and three of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.
In what many have described as being one of the best days ever seen for the
event, Pipe consistently pumped at around two to three metres (six to 10 feet)
all day despite the wind slightly affecting the wave faces later in the
afternoon.
Surfers revelled in the conditions with five-time event winner and newly crowned
Foster's ASP Men's World Tour champion Kelly Slater (USA) scoring the highest
total heat score of 18.67 out of 20 in heat four of round three, with the
soon-to-be-retired Luke Egan (AUS) scoring a 17.73 in round two and defending
event champion Jamie O'Brien (HAW) staying on their heels with a combined score
of 17.04.
Overcoming a chest illness he'd been suffering during the past week, Slater was
back to his best pulling into what one commentator called "possibly the
roundest 10 foot keg seen at Pipe." On that particular wave, Slater stood
tall behind the curtain as the masses hooted long and loud. When he magically
appeared before the wave slammed down on the reef it didn't take the judges long
to award him a 10.
Slater attributed his win to all the hours he has put in over the years surfing
at the famed break.
"All those years of surfing here all day long paid off in that heat,"
said Slater. "I could see where the waves were going to pop up and I could
see where the wedge was going and whether it was going to pit on the reef or on
the sandbar.
"When I got that 10 I had a clean line and I took off pretty deep. It broke
on the second reef and I got a little bit of a ramp in and then had to pump to
get speed. It almost threw me off and I was kinda partying in there. Then it let
me out."
Slater who had had a run of second places earlier in the event felt like he was
now starting to wind up.
"I finally got myself in synch in that heat," said Slater. "I
don't mind getting a couple of seconds early in the event but as it goes on you
want to have some bigger and better performances and not mess around. Hopefully
I didn't use up all my good fortune and I'll have a few more good heats."
Egan, who is set to retire from competition after this event turned back the
clock and looked more like a crazed grommet as opposed to a veteran as he
launched himself into tube ride after tube ride in both his round two and three
heats.
Egan claimed his motivation to charge into each and every wave was coming not
only from him wanting a win to cap off his amazing two decades-plus career but
more from the fact that it will be his last opportunity to surf one of his
favourite waves with only four guys out.
"It's so good to see a big swell come up out of the west for this
place," said Egan beaming after his round two heat. "I don't do too
well at Pipe until it starts looking like this today and I'm just glad that at
this tender age of 36 I've still got a bit of form in me. This is my kind of
spot and this is the last event I'll ever surf and... well actually it's
the last time I'll ever surf out here with only three other guys, and that's the
main thing that's driving me on."
Egan went on to finish behind Andy Irons (HAW) in round three.
O'Brien meanwhile really threw down the challenge to the big guns of the tour
when he blasted through to win in front of Mick Fanning (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA)
and Fred Patacchia (HAW).
O'Brien's local knowledge really came to the fore today as he dropped into a
true three metre (10 foot) Pipeline beast with his back facing the wave. He then
grabbed his rail and hung on under a huge lip of water as it crashed around him.
The wave then sensationally "spat" or "blew out" a fine mist
of water behind him as he emerged into the channel.
Up to that point O'Brien was sitting in third in the heat and was looking like
he was going to be beaten. After the wave he was raring to go, and wasn't
showing any signs that any pressure he is feeling to maintain his trophy is
getting to him.
"I was kinda deep and I saw it doubling up," said O'Brien about his
excellent wave. "I got as much speed as I could and just sat in there. It
started to spit so hard and I was telling myself 'you've gotta make it'. I was
really stoked after it and really fired up. I'm just taking it heat by heat at
the moment. There's a little bit of pressure, but there are a lot more worse
things going on in the world other than hanging out at Pipeline surfing the best
waves in the world."
Tomorrow's forecast indicates that Pipeline will again be pumping. The swell is
expected to hold out and like today the surface will be oil smooth until a light
onshore breeze blows up around lunch time.
With that in mind we can expect a monumental finish to the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline
Masters and the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour.
The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is the third and final event on the Vans
Triple Crown Of Surfing and the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour.
Results Round Three:
Heat 1:
1. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 17.04; 2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.50; 3. Tim Reyes (USA)
13.84; 4. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 8.83
Heat 2:
1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.00; 2. Lee Winkler (AUS) 7.90; 3. Victor Ribas (BRA)
4.17; Bruno Santos (BRA) 1.43
Heat 3:
1. Cory Lopez (USA) 14.16; 2. Trent Munro (AUS) 5.34; 3. Luke Stedman (AUS)
4.07; 4. Greg Emslie (ZAF) 2.07
Heat 4:
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 18.67; 2. Kalani Chapman (HAW) 8.56; 3. Tom Whitaker (AUS)
2.40; 4. Danny Wills (AUS) 1.27
Heat 5:
1. Andy Irons (HAW) 11.00; 2. Luke Egan (AUS) 9.50; 3. Paulo Moura (BRA) 5.83;
4. Makua Rothman (HAW) 4.23
Heat 6:
1. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 13.00; 2. Tim Curren (USA) 9.16; 3. Jake Paterson (AUS)
8.76; 4. Kalani Robb (HAW) 6.14
Heat 7:
1. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.67; 2. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 9.27; 3. Dean Morrison
(AUS) 9.17; 4. Phil MacDonald (AUS) 5.17
Heat 8:
1. Bruce Irons (HAW) 15.84; 2. Sunny Garcia (HAW) 8.24; 3. Shane Beschen (USA)
5.00; 4. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 4.74
12/16 A WORLD TITLE WILL BE WON AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI TODAY
Your 2005 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women's World Champion, as
well as the winner of the Billabong Pro Maui, will be crowned this afternoon.
An almost full moon setting over Honolua lit up the perfect four to six foot
waves making their way into the Bay this morning. Contest director Mike Parsons'
has made an 8am call for competition. The final will run around roughly 4pm
today, though the World Title could be decided prior to that.
If current world champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) bows out before the final,
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) will win her maiden title in Maui. If Georgeson bows out
early and Mulanovich can make the final today, the young Peruvian could continue
her reign.
Make sure to logon to www.aspworldtour.com
and www.billabongpro.com now!
Round Three Heats
Heat 1: Megan Abubo (HAW) vs. Maria Tita Tavares (BRA)
Heat 2: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) vs. Serena Brooke (AUS)
Heat 3: Trudy Todd (AUS) vs. Claire Bevilacqua (AUS)
Heat 4: Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) vs. Silvana Lima (BRA)
Heat 5: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) vs. Melanie Bartels (HAW)
Heat 6: Samantha Cornish (AUS) vs. Jacqueline Silva (BRA)
Heat 7: Keala Kennelly (HAW) vs. Laurina McGrath (AUS)
Heat 8: Rochelle Ballard (HAW) vs. Heather Clark (AUS)
12/10 RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TO A STUNNING
START
The Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii turned on with some solid two-metre (five to six
foot) barrels to play host to round one of the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.
It was a day of mixed fortune as the handful of locals and Foster's ASP Men's
World Tourers battled with the challenging and changing conditions with former
event champions Bruce and Andy Irons (HAW) and Jamie O'Brien (HAW) claiming wins
while seven times world champion Kelly Slater was soundly defeated by Danny
Wills (AUS).
O'Brien, who literally lives in front of the famed Pipe wave, used his local
knowledge to great effect when he snagged a wave in the last 20 seconds to come
from behind to win against CJ Hobgood (USA) and Travis Logie (ZAF). He looked at
ease on the wave as he sat underneath the lip and was elated to ride the wave to
victory.
"I was really happy to get that wave at the end," said O'Brien.
"I knew the other guys were too far inside and that I only need a small
score to get through. So I just took off and luckily I got that barrel."
O'Brien, who won the event 12 months ago, paid respects to the wave and the
event's past champions as he knows only too well that the wave can give, but it
can very quickly take away.
"I really was only a Pipe Master on that day," he said. "There
are so many great surfers out there that there is a Pipe Master every time this
place pumps. I was just lucky at that time."
Creating a huge stir in his upset of Slater, Wills was happy to be competing
against his favourite surfer and as expected, was rapt to get a win over him.
Slater had not been defeated in round one of an event so far this year.
"I was just glad to get some good waves out there. It's harder conditions
today compared to yesterday, so I'm happy," said Wills. "I like to get
a good start quickly because I then get into a good rhythm. I felt really
relaxed after I got a good wave at the start. Any time you get to beat Kelly is
always good. It's never intimidating coming up against him, it's more exciting.
He's such a good competitor and a great surfer so any chance to compete against
him is always good."
Both members of the brothers Irons team were solid in their respective heat
victories with both standing solid on the left hand waves at Pipe and the rights
which form at Backdoor Pipe.
With the title race having now been decided, Andy looked relaxed but stated he
was eager to finish his 2005 campaign with a win.
"With the race already over I don't really care about how Kelly goes
now," laughed Irons. "It was just good to have a win out of the three
man heat as the waves were really hard today and getting one wave was really
important. Pipe is probably the heaviest wave in the world so to win here means
you get a lot of respect from other surfers. To win here again would be a dream
come true."
Bruce Irons, who last year was fighting for his Foster's ASP Men's World Tour
life, was much less stressed this time around and he really looked at home.
"The waves were tough out there and it was good to get through that first
round," said Irons. "I'm a lot less stressed this year. I'm just keen
to get some good waves and hopefully make the final."
Going to press tour rookie Tim Reyes (USA) notched up a perfect 10 in the last
heat of the day. With the giant score he left his more seasoned rivals, Luke
Egan (AUS) and Sunny Garcia (HAW), needing combination scores (two good scoring
rides) to catch him.
The young Californian was obviously extremely pleased with his performance in
his first ever Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters. The perfect 10 was also his first
ever.
"It's funny, I was just talking the other day how I'd never had a perfect
10 so to get that one today and in my first Pipe Masters I was really super
stoked," said Reyes. "It was even better to get the score against
those guys [Luke and Sunny] because they are so good out here and have so much
experience."
The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is the final of the 2005 season and is also
the last on the Vans Triple Crown Of Surfing where the most consistent over the
Hawaiian pro surfing tri-series of events is rewarded. At present the
frontrunner include Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and Jake Paterson (AUS). With no
eliminations from the event today both are still well and truly in the race for
the prestigious prize.
With the swell direction swinging throughout the day and with a north-west swell
predicted to become more prevalent overnight organizers will assess conditions
at first light tomorrow morning and decide on the proceedings for the day.
Results Round One:
Heat 1:
1. Cory Lopez (USA) 13.50; 2. Shane Beschen (USA) 8.33; 3. Darren O'Rafferty
(AUS) 6.00
Heat 2:
1. Trent Munro (AUS) 14.33; 2. Shea Lopez (USA) 5.90; 3. Troy Brooks (AUS) 5.47
Heat 3:
1. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 11.33; 2. Renan Rocha (BRA) 4.24; 3. Taylor Knox (USA)
3.14
Heat 4:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.50; 2. Richard Lovett (AUS) 7.60; 3. Bernado Pigmeu
(BRA) 5.74
Heat 5:
1. Jamie O'Brien (HAW) 11.17; 2. CJ Hobgood (USA) 11.00; 3. Travis Logie (ZAF)
4.50
Heat 6:
1. Bruno Santos (BRA) 13.67; 2. Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 9.77; 3. Mick Fanning (AUS)
8.44
Heat 7:
1. Damien Hobgood (USA) 17.33; 2. Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 14.10; 3. Peterson Rosa
(BRA) 1.83
Heat 8:
1. Danny Wills (AUS) 12.56; 2. Kelly Slater (USA) 11.17; 3. Kalani Chapman (HAW)
6.84
Heat 9:
1. Andy Irons (HAW) 11.84; 2. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 6.16; 3. Makua Rothman (HAW)
2.83
Heat 10:
1. Paulo Moura (BRA) 11.10; 2. Dustin Barca (HAW) 9.63; 3. Phil MacDonald (AUS)
9.43
Heat 11:
1. Jake Paterson (AUS) 15.17; 2. Kirk Flintoff (AUS) 11.74; 3. Marcelo Nunes
(BRA)
Heat 12:
1. Bruce Irons (HAW) 15.30; 2. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 10.67; Tim Curran (USA) 8.50
Heat 13:
1. Fred Patacchia (HAW) 14.67; 2. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 9.10; 3. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
6.44
Heat 14:
1. Victor Ribas (BRA) 14.66; 2. Mick Lowe (AUS) 13.50; 3. Luke Stedman (AUS)
7.27
Heat 15:
1. Lee Winkler (AUS) 17.00; 2. Kalani Robb (HAW) 15.83; 3. Dean Morrison (AUS)
13.90
Heat 16:
1. Tim Reyes (USA) 17.17; 2. Luke Egan (AUS) 9.17; 3. Sunny Garcia (HAW) 3.90
12/9 RIP CURL CODE STL TRIALS COMPLETED IN EXCELLENT CONDITIONS
ROUND ONE OF RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS LOOKING TO BEGIN TOMORROW
With the completion of the Rip Curl Code STL Trials today in incredible three to
four metre (10 to 12 feet) Pipeline barrels, the focus now will shift to the
main event - The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.
The four surfers to weave their way into and out of some of the deepest tube
rides seen on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour 2005 season include Hawaiians
Dustin Barca, Makua Rothman and Kalani Chapman plus Brazilian Bruno Santos. They
will now be seeded into the first round to compete against the best of the best.
Leading the charge today scoring numerous perfect 10 point rides was Kalani
Chapman. Notching up three of the top four best overall scores, he was solid and
will certainly throw a cat amongst the pigeons when the events continues.
Dedicating each heat victory to his good friend Malik Joyeux, who tragically
passed away last week after a surfing accident at Pipe, he showed no fear.
"It means the world to me to get through the trials but it will mean more
if I win the main event," said Chapman. "It helps a lot to have the
local crowd behind me too and it send tingles down my back every time they
cheer. It makes me want to go harder. But I said right from the start that this
was for Mailik. He was a dear friend, he changed my life and he's probably
helping me right here today."
Youngster Rothman was over the moon with his progression to the main event.
There was nothing that could wipe the large grin from his face. He was
particularly eager to take it to the more established surfers in the main event.
"I've watched this contest my whole life and have seen all my heroes like
Johhny [Gomes], Dane [Kealoha], Sunny [Garcia]. the best Hawaiian surfers have
been such a great inspiration to me and to contest with them is too much,"
said Rothman. "I've got nothing to lose! The guys [on the tour] are all
human and are all beatable. They haven't won every heat they've ever surfed so
if I could do what Johnny and Mike [Ho] did in 1997 and come from the trials to
the final, it would be a dream come true."
For the full run down of results and the full main event draw head to www.ripcurl.com
or www.aspworldtour.com
Organisers are extremely confident that the first round of the main event will
be contested tomorrow as the swell forecast looks positive. The shape of the
wave and its consistency depends a lot on the swell direction and tomorrow it is
hoped that the west swell dominates as it is the most suited direction.
"What we have seen today was a mix of a west and north-west swell,"
said forecaster Bernie Baker. "Through tonight the north-west swell is
supposed to drop out and let the west take over. The west swell may not have the
size of today but it is a better swell direction for the break. Over the next
few days another northerly component will mix in so we need to be on our toes
regarding the quality of the wave over the weekend. As long as that west swell
is still running in the morning we are about 80 per cent certain of running but
Sunday we'll reassess things depending on whether the northerly kicks in."
Tonight the main stars of the event both present and past will be attending a
fund raising dinner at the Audubon Center, Waimea Falls. The night will feature
on stage performances from former Foster's ASP Men's World Tour champion Tom
Curren (USA) and all proceeds from an auction will go to the North Shore
Lifeguards Association who patrol the coast and save many lives every year.
Semi final results:
Semi final1:
1. Dustin Barca (HAW) 14.90
2. 2Bruno Santos (BRA) 11.90
3. Mikey Bruneau (HAW) 11.00
4. Ola Eleogram (HAW) 6.70
Semi final 2:
1. Kalani Chapman (HAW) 17.00
2. Maukua Rothman (HAW) 13.40
3. Even Valiere (HAW) 9.67
4. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 6.36
12/9 RIP CURL CODE STL TRIALS UNDERWAY IN AMAZING CONDITIONS
All eyes are fixed on the water at Banzai Pipeline today as the Rip Curl Code
STL Trials are about to hit the water in amazing eight to 12 feet (four metre)
and building waves.
The trialist field, made up of 40 hot Pipeline locals mixed with a smattering of
legends and second tier WQS surfers, will be whittled down to a final four who
will then be pitted against the best on offer on the Foster's ASP Men's World
Tour in the main event - The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, which has
appropriately been dubbed "The Greatest Show on Earth".
For the full draw head to www.ripcurl.com
or www.aspworldtour.com The event will
also be webcast live to the world from heat one.
The trials will be completed today.
12/7 2006 ASP WOMEN'S WORLD TOUR QUALIFICATION ON THE LINE IN
MAUI
The Billabong Pro Maui, the final event on the 2005 Association of Surfing
Professionals (ASP) Women's World Tour, will enter its 12-day waiting period
Thursday, December 8. Set in Honolua Bay from December 8-20, the Billabong
Pro Maui will feature the world's best women surfers, each eager to cap their
2005 campaigns with a win.
While the majority of the limelight will shine upon world title contenders
Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER), a different sort of scramble
will transpire just below the surface. For many girls currently sitting in
critical World Championship Tour (WCT) and World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings
situations, the outcome of the Billabong Pro Maui will prove the deciding factor
on whether or not they qualify for the 17 top tier WCT spots.
The top 10 surfers on the WCT after Maui will automatically secure their 2006
berths. The top six women on the WQS join them. If a surfer qualifies on
both tours, their WCT result is taken and the next surfer down on the WQS makes
the cut.
Because WQS number two Melanie Redmann-Carr (AUS) has already qualified via her
WCT result, the surfer sitting in spot number seven on the WQS, Serena Brooke
(AUS), automatically earns a spot. WCT surfers Brooke, along with Brazil's
Jacqueline Silva, are safe citing their WQS results, but could potentially open
the door for the girls below them on the WQS if they jump into the top 10 on the
ASP Women's World Tour after Maui.
Hawaiian Melanie Bartels is next in line to qualify courtesy of her 8th place
WQS finish, and as she is not mathematically capable of qualifying via her WCT
results regardless of her performance in Maui, she'll be hoping Brooke and Silva
garner solid results on Honolua Bay's rights.
Laurina McGrath is teetering on both tours, but is fortunate in that she could
potentially qualify on either. She can only qualify via the WQS if both
Brooke and Silva crack the top ten on the WCT. A good result in Maui will get
her there too. If she qualifies on both tours, then Caroline Sarran of
France could qualify with her 10th place WQS result.
Rebecca Woods, who is rated 13th but was forced to withdraw from the final two
events of the year due to a shoulder injury, will qualify with her first place
WQS rating. Woods' fellow 2005 tour rookie Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) who
currently sits in 10th place on the WCT, needs to stay there if she hopes to
contest the ASP Women's World Tour next year.
Trudy Todd (AUS) and Samantha Cornish (AUS) also need good results to keep them
in the top 10. Todd has voiced a desire to retire at the end of the year,
but has not formally done so. If she does and is still in the top 10, the
next girl in line on the WCT will qualify.
Log on to www.aspworldtour.com and www.billabongpro.com
to see who makes the cut!
WCT RATINGS GOING INTO THE BILLABONG PRO MAUI
1. Chelsea Georgeson 6432 points
2. Sofia Mulanovich 5820 points
3. Megan Abubo 4614 points
4. Layne Beachley 4308 points
4. Melanie Redman-Carr 4308 points
6. Rochelle Ballard 3924 points
7. Keala Kennelly 3876 points
8. Samantha Cornish 3786 points
9. Trudy Todd 3756 points
10. Claire Bevilacqua 3720 points
11. Serena Brooke 3324 points
12. Rebecca Woods 3312 points
13. Laurina McGrath 3108 points
14. Jaqueline Silva 3096 points
15. Heather Clark 2532 points
16. Maria Tita Tavares 2250 points
17. Melanie Bartels 2160 points
2005 FINAL WQS RATINGS
1. Rebecca Woods (AUS) - will qualify with her WQS result
2. Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS) - will qualify via the WCT
3. Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) - will qualify with her WQS result
4. Julia Christian (USA) - will qualify with her WQS result
5. Jaqueline Silva (BRA)
6. Silvana Lima (BRA) - will qualify with her WQS result
7. Serena Brooke (AUS)
8. Melanie Bartels (HAW)
9. Laurina McGrath (AUS)
10. Caroline Sarran (FRA)
12/2 RIP CURL PRO PIPELINE MASTERS BRIEF HISTORY
Steeped in tradition, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters event has played host to
many incredible battles. Many have been man against man, but most significantly
the best have been man against ocean.
In its 35th anniversary year all and sundry are expecting the event to be the
ultimate climax to a dramatic Foster's ASP Men's World Tour season and the Vans
Triple Crown of Surfing - especially since the pressure cooker chase for the
coveted world crown has already been won by Kelly Slater (USA).
Expect the likes of defending champ Jamie O'Brien (HAW) plus former winner Bruce
Irons (HAW) to be standouts. Plus be prepared for Andy Irons (HAW) to come out
all guns blazing as he seeks revenge on Slater for upsetting his 2005 world
title campaign.
Also expect world numbers three and four, Australians Phil MacDonald and Mick
Fanning, to put on a solid showing in an attempt to salvage some lost ground on
the front finishers in order to put themselves in better "grid"
positions for 2006.
In fact, there's a host of the elite tour's best plus a swag of local wildcards
who are guaranteed to put on fantastic displays, but the most anticipated show
will hopefully come from Pipeline the wave. If it serves up the majestic lines
that have made it one of the most famous surfing locations on the planet,
viewers will be treated to some of if not the best surfing of the year.
Before we embark on the finale of the year, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters,
it's important to look at the history and the stories which have lead to the
event being dubbed "the greatest show on Earth".
Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters Brief History
. The initial Pipeline event was founded by 1968 world champion Fred Hemmings in
1977. It was then named the "Hawaiian Masters".
. It was designed for TV with only six surfers being invited. And when only 50
spectators were on the beach to watch the ABC buzzed in 100 people create the
illusion that there was a festive environment for the awards.
. The original judging criteria consisted of: ". the win will go to the
surfer who can ride the deepest in the tube for the longest period of time,
reappear and then complete the wave without falling off his surfboard."
This is still the basis for getting big scores at Pipeline today.
. Jeff Hakman (HAW) took the first prize of $US500 and became the first Pipeline
Master.
. Gerry Lopez wins the second event in 1972 and with incredible waves prompting
a stunning performance from Lopez, broadcaster Jim McKay from the ABC wipes
tears from his eyes on air. Lopez goes on to win again in 1973 then announces
his retirement to the stunned media.
. Only two US east coasters have won the event. Jeff Crawford in 1974 and of
course Kelly Slater. Slater has won in 1992, 1994,1995,1996 and 1999.
. After Hawaiian Rory Russell scores back to back wins in 1976 and 1977 a brash
Larry Blair becomes the first Aussie to win. He goes back to back in 1978 and
1979.
. Mark Richards wins in 1980 while three-finned Thruster inventor Simon Anderson
wins in 1981.
. In 1982 Hawaiian Michael Ho, complete with a cast on a broken arm, slides down
the face of some monster swells and wins. He returns to make a final again in
1997 at age 40. He was defeated there by fellow Hawaiian Johnny Boy Gomes. Ho's
younger brother Derek would also claim titles in 1986 and again in 1993.
. In 1985 19-year-old whiz kid Mark Occhilupo claims victory in wild conditions.
"Occy" is still one of the most popular members competing on the tour.
He is now aged 39.
. 1991 and Tom Carroll receives devastating news concerning the passing of a
family member. He paddles out in the finals and attacks the wave with pure aggro.
He completes what is known as "the snap that was heard around the
world". A huge gouge in the pocket of a beast of a wave - a manoeuvre very
few have the courage to attempt. Carroll had won previously in 1987 and in 1990.
. Jake Paterson (AUS) and Rob Machado (USA) pigeonhole wins in 1998 and 2000
respectively in between Slater's rampage of victories. Machado's victory,
particularly was a masterful display in pristine Pipeline conditions.
. 2001 and younger brother Bruce begins three years of Irons Brothers domination
of Pipe. Andy wins in 2002 and 2003. The '03 victory will be remembered
particularly because of the showdown for the world title race where Andy Irons
came from behind in the ratings to win Pipe and the world title in front of a
shattered Slater.
. 2004, wildcard Jamie O'Brien whips the field of better known elite tier
tourers and claims victory in front of a ranting home crowd.
Pipeline Event Champions Year by Year
Year Champion Home Country
2003 Andy Irons Hawaii
2002 Andy Irons Hawaii
2001 Bruce Irons Hawaii
2000 Rob Machado California
1999 Kelly Slater Florida
1998 Jake Paterson Australia
1997 John Gomes Hawaii
1996 Kelly Slater Florida
1995 Kelly Slater Florida
1994 Kelly Slater Florida
1993 Derek Ho Hawaii
1992 Kelly Slater Florida
1991 Tom Carroll Australia
1990 Tom Carroll Australia
1989 Gary Elkerton Australia
1988 Robby Page Australia
1987 Tom Carroll Australia
1986 Derek Ho Hawaii
1985 Mark Occhilupo Australia
1984 Joey Buran USA
1983 Dane Kealoha Hawaii
1982 Michael Ho Hawaii
1981 Simon Anderson Australia
1980 Mark Richards Australia
1979 Larry Blair Australia
1978 Larry Blair Australia
1977 Rory Russel Hawaii
1976 Rory Russel Hawaii
1975 Shaun Tomson South Africa
1974 Jeff Crawford USA
1973 Gerry Lopez Hawaii
1972 Gerry Lopez Hawaii
1971 Jeff Hakman Hawaii
SLATER WINS AN UNPRECEDENTED SEVENTH FOSTER'S ASP MEN'S WORLD
TOUR CROWN DURING NOVA SCHIN FESTIVAL, BRAZIL
Spectators on the beach and those watching the live webcast from the Nova Schin
Festival presented by Billabong witnessed one of the most phenomenal acts in
surfing and sporting history today when Kelly Slater from Cocoa Beach, Florida,
USA claimed an incredible seventh Foster's ASP Men's World Tour crown.
Despite being eliminated in round four of today's event, by stable-mate Travis
Logie (ZAF), all things fell into place for Slater when his only rival for the
title, Andy Irons (HAW) was eliminated by Nathan Hedge (AUS) in the quarter
finals. In order to keep the title race alive going into Hawaii - with Slater's
early elimination - Irons had to finish at least third in this event.
After a shaky start to the Nova Schin Festival, Slater looked to be back to his
best in round three where he defeated wildcard Guilherme Ferriera (BRA) but in
the heat against Logie he stalled, falling on a few occasions and perhaps making
some wrong decisions regarding wave choice.
After the heat he admitted being an emotional ball of knots as he felt huge
disappointment in himself plus an overwhelming anxiousness. He was about to jump
into a car and leave the beach as he couldn't bear to watch how the Irons/Hedge
affair would unfold.
Good friend CJ Hobgood (USA) then talked Slater into returning to watch and with
all eyes upon the soon to be champion he joked and looked at ease for the masses
of cameras focussed on him recording his reaction.
In the dying stages of the Irons/Hedge encounter he zipped his jacket over his
head as the anticipation became unbearable. But as soon as it was confirmed that
Irons was eliminated Slater threw his arms in the air and cheered long and hard
in tune with the massive crowd who were present to support him.
It was a fantastic year for the 33-year-old as after getting off to a slow start
on the first two events on this year's calendar, he came back with a victory in
Tahiti scoring the first perfect 20 out of 20 total in the final.
He claimed that it took him until that victory to revamp his title ambition
after narrowly losing his crown in 2003 when Irons came from behind in the last
event of the tour at Pipeline.
In 2005 he has claimed four event victories in Tahiti, Fiji, California and
South Africa. His battles with Irons in two finals - in Jeffreys Bay where
Slater was victor and in Japan where Irons won the silverware - have been noted
as being some of the best surfing finals of all time.
Slater was in the box seat in the last event in France and could have
potentially wrapped up the title there. But Irons win in that event held off
Slater's celebrations until today here in Brazil.
Slater's Stats:
In winning his seventh Foster's ASP Men's World Tour crown Slater has broken his
own record of six titles.
He won his first title here in Brazil at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. He then lost
the following year to Derek Ho (HAW) but reclaimed his crown in 1994 and held
onto it with a firm grip until 1998 - seven years ago.
Slater left the tour before the start of the 1999 season to go into
semi-retirement until 2001. He is the only surfer in the history of the sport
who did not have to return to the World Championship Tour through qualification
on the second tier World Qualifying Series. Each tour event granted him a
wildcard so he could return in 2001.
Slater was the youngest to claim the title at 20 years of age and is now the
oldest champion at 33 years of age. He takes the oldest record from Mark
Occhilupo (AUS) who also claimed a title in 1999 when he was also 33. He beats
Occhilupo because he was born in the month of February. Occhilupo was born in
June.
Kelly Slater is the highest prizemoney winner in the history of the sport now
having amassed an amazing $US1,303,105.
The only record Slater is yet to smash is the most number of competition
victories held by Tom Curren (USA). Curren has 33 event victories while Slater
has 31.
The following quotes were recorded directly after he claimed his crown.
His immediate reaction:
"I'm feeling pretty good. I've just been through a complete emotional
roller coaster from being really sad thinking of my dad [who passed away in
2002] to being really happy after talking to my family and just thinking about
the whole big thing. I really need a little time alone just to sit and dwell on
everything I think. I'm just super relieved it's over. It was an amazing year.
Andy didn't really get in gear until the end of the year and I knew at some
point he was going to make a rush and really didn't expect him to go out early
here. I thought he was going to win. I'm feeling for Andy at the moment."
On returning to compete on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour in 2006:
"I probably won't make that decision until Bells in April next year. I will
definitely surf the first event of the year on the Gold Coast no matter what. As
to whether I continue and surf all the events. If I surf Bells, if I go to
Tahiti and Fiji it is very likely that I will continue as I love those events
and won last year. I just don't know at this point. I will see when I get there.
I'm not too worried about that now."
On his feelings after his defeat to Travis Logie in the Nova Schin Festival
Brazil:
"I was going to leave the beach. We were packing the car and my friends
were putting the boards on the roof. Then CJ Hobgood looked at me and said, 'You
know what? It is better that this is happening, this should go to Hawaii. It is
better for surfing. It's better for everyone to see it come down to the last
event - it just makes sense.' I instantly relaxed about it. I thought to myself
that I should stick around to watch Nathan and Andy's heat and if I win today I
should be at the beach. It was the right thing. I had a really good feeling.
Then Nathan Hedge looked at me and said, 'I am going to win this heat, it's
going to end today.' I thought to myself, there's a man with confidence, and I
was pumped up and totally relaxed at the same time. Then he went out and did his
thing and beat Andy. Hedgey and I need to sit down and have a talk. [laughs] He
thought I was hating him these past four months and he goes to me, 'We're
friends again now aren't we?'"
On his head space:
"I have to sit back and dwell on it all for a while. It's all hit me right
now. I need to assess how I feel as a person as opposed to just winning. Prior
to today I wasn't just thinking about the next contest, I was thinking about the
rest of my life and where I can improve in other parts of it. It all has me
pumped up and humbled all at the same time. In some ways I just want to build a
house, surf a lot, play golf, travel, play music and have more time for my
personal life. That may happen, that might be my next year."
On him smashing records:
"I don't know about the records just yet. Again I need time to sit back and
think about things. I would love to win Pipe and finish off on a win after
having such a great year. Potentially I can still catch Tom Curren's record for
event victories next year if that is the case. I didn't win a whole event during
last year and this year I came up and won four. I could easily go next year and
not win one again or I could win a few so we will see how my mind is and how
determined I am on tour next year."
On the anxiety he felt at the end of the Irons/Hedge heat that resulted in his
zipping up his jacket and hiding:
"I was pretending I was playing poker and I didn't want anyone to see my
poker face. I was hiding! Trying to contain the excitement, the nervousness. the
anxiety!"
On 2005 being the best year of his life:
"In a lot of ways I feel like my life is getting better and this just
really capped off the back half of my career in a great way."