Surfing Place

Nusa Dua - Bali - Indonesia

2018-04-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is an area in the southern part of Bali, Indonesia, known as an enclave of large 5-star resorts. It is located 22 kilometers from Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali, and administered under Kuta South District. Nusa Dua means two islands (nusa 'island', dua 'two'), because there are 2 islands in the bay of Bali Tourism Development Corporation area. On the southern side lies Peninsula Island, and on the northern side lies Nusa Dharma Island, which is smaller but shadier, and which contains the Pura/Temple Nusa Dharma.

Geger Beach is located in Sawangan, about 3 kilometers from the southern area of Nusa Dua. The sea here is calm, so farmers grow seaweed here and tourists swim here.

Water Blow is a spot where a giant splash of sea water occurs resulting from waves hitting a rock. It is located in Indonesia Tourism Development Centre (ITDC) area.

Tanjung Benoa

The Peninsula of Tanjung Benoa, with the village of Benoa in the foreground and Nusa Dua in the background.

Immediately north of the Nusa Dua enclave is the peninsula of Tanjung Benoa, which includes cheaper hotels as well as Benoa village. A multi-denominational area, it includes a mosque and Chinese and Hindu temples in close proximity to each other. Much of the beach's sand was eroded away following the mining of the nearby barrier reef for construction materials.

Benoa Port, also located here, was previously for yachts and small ships. In December 2012, it became Benoa Cruise International Terminal's turnaround port, serving as both embarkation and debarkation point for cruise passengers. As turnaround port, tourists can arrive or leave Benoa Port by either plane or cruise ship

On December 26, 2012,

the Bali Governor signed a permit to utilize, develop and manage the Benoa Bay area. 838 hectares reclaimed by PT Tirta Wahana Bali International will be used for luxury tourist facilities such as hotels, villas, apartments, an international hospital, and entertainment centers such as a Disneyland-like theme park.

Tips to Buying Surfing Board

2018-04-03T06:16:00.001-07:00

HOW TO BUY A SURFBOARD

YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR NEXT MAGIC STICK

1. Design

The first way to narrow down the universe of boards you are looking at is to define the type of performance you are seeking and match it to the right shape. Small waves? Big waves? Single travel board? By clearly, realistically, and honestly assessing what you need the board to do, you will take 75 percent of the boards off the table and narrow your focus to just a few. Design trumps everything else, so focus on this first.

2. Volume

A few years back, everyone thought volume was kooky. Now everyone knows their volume range by heart. If you don't yet have a board with its volume written on it, you can use one of the many volume calculators available online. There are a lot of variables when using these calculators, but one often missed by customers is that you'll need less volume in punchy surf where you're getting "flicked" into the wave and more volume in flat-faced, gutless surf when you have to paddle harder to plane into the wave. When you're building out a quiver, your groveler should have the most volume, your shortboard the least, followed by your step up with more again. This makes sense, as foam is your friend in tiny surf and macking surf, but when it's perfect, you don't need as much. Think of this as an upside-down bell curve. To give you a real life example, I'm 6'2″ and weigh 215 pounds and ride 41-42 liters for grovelers, 38-39 liters for shortboards, and then back up to 41-42 liters for step ups. Each surfer will have a volume range that works for them depending on the board and wave conditions. Once you match your volume to your design, this will lead to tip #3.

3. Dimensions

This used to be the primary set of numbers we looked at when picking boards. Now it almost seems like they're a means to an end. Once you have the design and volume picked out, the dimensions are the numbers that get you to the volume of your choice. Make sense? When deciding between two designs, narrower boards will be faster rail to rail, while wider boards will have more horsepower, glide, and stability. Thinner boards will allow you to turn harder at higher speeds, while thicker boards will give you more foam to "push" against in average surf and have more float. Longer boards will have more rail line and typically provide more drive (forward momentum out of the turns) where shorter boards will fit better tight in the pocket. Design - Volume - Dimensions: Use this thought process and it will help you weed through the choices and pick your next perfect stick.

Maurice Cole Protow in PU/Poly, showing dimensions and volume. Photo: Osmond

4. PU/Poly or Alternative Tech

PU/Poly is the tried and true surfboard construction. PU/Poly boards are reasonably light, strong enough for most, and are a constant among the majority of board builders. If you're looking for the safe bet, look no further. However, alternative techs are on the rise, especially with grovelers, hybrids and domesticated shapes. Some of the newer techs are also making their way into the shortboard category.

In comparison to their PU/Poly counterparts, alternative tech boards are typically lighter, more durable, and provide more "spring" out of the turns. Also, many of the alternative tech constructions utilize recycled foam blanks and bio-friendly cloths and resins, making them eco-friendly. The goal of most alternative tech constructions is to make a board as light as a disposable pro board, but with greater durability than a standard PU/Poly. Higher tech comes with a higher price tag, but these boards are a blast to ride in the right conditions, and their light and lively feel can be addictive.

5. Durability

Everyone seems to think there is one type of durability. However, there are actually three.

Ding resistant durability — Useful for when you accidentally drop your board in the parking lot. Sandwich constructions with hard foam shells are the best for this.
Board breakage durability — Choosing the right blank density, stringer thickness, and glass schedule helps this one out.
Performance durability — How long the board will retain its flex/spring before it goes flat like a wet noodle. Knowing what type of durability suits your needs the best is key. For example, a board with performance or breakage durability may not be the best choice for bouncing around on a boat.

2015-03-02T03:22:00.000-08:00

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is located in coastal side of Beraban countryside, Kediri sub district and Tabanan Regency. It is situated in 30 Km in west side of Denpasar town and about 11 Km in south side of Tabanan town. The temple is built on the rock with 3 acre size and reachable in a few minute by walk, because it is just 20 meters from the coastal lip. This temple is very famous among tourist destinations in Bali with spectacular view of sunset. At some nooks of coral reef around Tanah Lot Temple there are holy tame snake in black and white color where according to the local society believe that it as a deity property and as the guard of the temple from the bad influence.

The word of Tanah Lot is consisted of two words that are Tanah word interpreted as a reef looking like gili or isle. Lot or Lod word has meaning the sea. So Tanah Lot is meaning the small island floating on the sea. The location is now called as Tanah Lot has been used at a Megalithic period as a place that looked into holy, proven from the existence of menhir. Pursuant to environmental condition, hence the structure of Tanah Lot Temple is built at irregular reef plain of its angle which is only consisted of one plain yard as Jeroan.

Function

The function of this temple can be realized from the function of the main temple building which is located in the temple main area. In this place, there is a main temple to worship the god in form of Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, the sea power. The media of worship to this god is the temple building with 5 storied meanwhile the 3 storied temple building in north part of this area is purposing to worship to Dang Hyang Nirartha.

In order to know the status of Tanah Lot Temple can be realized from the temple history, function and also incoming devotee existence pray when temple ceremony is held. In this case can be realized as follows:

Tanah Lot Temple as dang Kahyangan(the big Holy Temples in Bali ), because the history and the Penyiwi (The people taking care of the temple) are from the local people from Tabanan regency and surrounding area
Tanah Lot temple as Segara Temple, because its function as sanctum to worship the Bhatara Segara, the God with manifestation as the ocean Power Deity

The unique animal can be seen in this temple area is the snake which are generally can be met in the coast. Part of its stomach there are no athwart skin, there is only small skin, but this sea water snake very noxious but snakebite case are very seldom happened, because the sea water snake generally very passi

introducing !! Biak Island, the Beautiful Small Island

2014-09-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

Noemfoor Biak district consists of two small islands, namely the island of Biak Island and Noemfoor as well as more than 42 very small islands, including islands that are excellent Padaido development activities of various parties. The overall area Biak Noemfoor is 5.11% of the total area of Papua province

At the time of the Dutch government in power in Papua region until the early 1960s that the name is used to name the Biak Islands-Noemfoor is Eilanden Schouten, according to the name of the first European Dutch, who visited the region in the early 17th century other names often encountered in older reports for local residents and this is Kepuluan Noemfoor or Wiak. W phonemes in the word actually comes from the phoneme wiak v which then turned into cud b so came the word as it is used today. Two last names that are then combined into one name is Biak-Noemfoor, with mark horizontal line in between the two words as a hyphen between the two words, which is used to formally named the area and inhabited islands are located in the north Cenderawasih it. In everyday conversation people are just using the name implies Biak are the same as mentioned above.

About the origin and meaning of the name there are several opinions. The first is that the name is derived from the word Biak v`iak that which was originally a word used to call residents who live in remote areas of the islands. The word implies the people who live in the hutan`, `people who are not good at kelautan`, such as not capable to catch fish in the sea, not good at sailing in the sea and across the vast ocean and others. The name given by the inhabitants of the coastal islands that do have high proficiency in maritime matters. Even though the name implies initially insulted certain segments of the population, then that name is accepted and used as the official name for the residents and the area.

Another opinion, the information derived from the oral stories of the people in the form of myth, which tells that the name is derived from the people who left the clan Burdam Biak Island due to their quarrel with the citizens Mandowen clan. According to the myth, the people left the clan decided Burdam Warmambo Island (the original name of the island of Biak) to settle in a place so far away Warmambo Island of sight. So they set out, but every time they turned around they saw the island appear Warmambo above sea level. This situation causes them to say, v`iak wer`, or `v`iak`, meaning he appears again. V`iak word is then used by those who go to the island named Warmambo and until now the name that is still used

Raja Ampat Island - Wonderful Place of Indonesia

2014-03-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Back in Manokwari ,we called Yoris who is listed in the LP . Met him and went on a birdwatching tour with him. He was not , in our opinion,a good guide . He was expensive and didn't know any of the few birds that we saw. We were not impressed. To give Manokwari its due, it is the base from which to explore the Arfak Mountain area which is renowned for its birdlife. I have just read another report on T Adviser and see a man called Charles Roring does guiding in that area . Looks as if it would be fantastic

The motto of the story is - if you want to go birding in Papua with a local guide, set it up before you go, as that is where we came unstuck. But when we left home in July, we didn't even know if we would end up in Papua !

Anyway ,we finally made it back to Sorong after 5 days of flight issues. and got met by a representative of the Raja Ampat Dive Resort . He took us to the ferry terminal where the boat was about to set off for Waigeo island - our destination.

The boat trip took 3 hours and then we were transferred to the resort by speedboat.

The resort sits right on an idyllic beach with clear clear water , and great snorkelling right off the beach .

The resort is owned by the government and was not cheap - It cost as much as if we were divers, but still cheaper than the private resorts. But the service was shocking - they had no coca cola, or any other soft drinks - let alone beer . Then when they did get some it was a constant battle to get them to keep it chilled.

The accommodation was very nice- a big bungalow just metres from the water. We had resident KusKus in the trees in the gardens and many many gorgeous birds.

we went out snorkelling a couple of times with the dive boat but found that the snorkelling was not as rewarding as we had found in other places. Not because the marine life is not there, it is one of the BEST dive areas in the world, but the reefs are shallow and have strong currents flowing across them which makes snorkelling less easy.

Anyway we found there was a road at the back of the resort which provided amazing birdwatching potential . So every morning for the week we were there we got up at dawn,5 a.m, and set off . We had some fantastic finds, like a Red Bird of Paradise pair just feeding nonchalantly in a tree by the roadside !! We had planned to make a special boat trip/ trek in search of these while we were there , and there they were , just for us .

Then we found out from the manager that there was a quite a colony of Wilson's Bird of Paradise - the little fellow with vibrant colours who clears a bower ., quite near to the resort. He showed us where and we sat in 2 different hides, several times and had great sightings of several birds of the species. It was a fantastic week , and if we were to go again , same thing applies, - we would find out about a good local guide , but doubt we would go through one of the expensive tour companies , because the birds are there, everywhere, and not at all hard to find .

Our time in Papua was over and we had done and seen more than we had ever imagined. What a great adventure and still a place untouched by mass tourism

Surfing In Nias - Great Place of Indonesian

2012-10-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

Nīas (Indonesian: Pulau Nias, Nias language: Tanö Niha) is an island off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Nias (Kepulauan Nias) is also the name of the archipelago, containing the Hinako archipelago.
Nias Island covers an area of 5,121.3 km² (1,977.3 sq mi) (including minor offshore islands). It is mostly a lowland area rising to around 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level. There were 756,762 inhabitants on the island (including minor offshore islands) at the 2010 Census.

Nias is an internationally famous surfing destination. The best known surfing area is Sorake Bay, close to the town of Teluk Dalam, on the southern tip. Enclosed by the beaches of Lagundri and Sorake, the bay has both left and right-hand breaks. As they wait for waves, surfers can often see sea turtles swimming below. There are also two consistent, world-class waves in the nearby Hinako Islands, Asu and Bawa. Many lesser-known, high-quality surf spots with low crowds await adventurous travelers.
Nias was part of the famous Hippie trail of the 1960s, particularly traveled by surfers, which led to Bali. Some claim that the waves at the southern beach of Sorake are better than the ones in Maui. It has been the site of several international surfing competitions in the past, particularly before the 1998 Indonesian Reformation Movement.
Despite the storied history of surfing in Nias, international surfing in Nias has slowed down especially (but not specifically) due to the recent earthquakes.The situation is slowly changing, however.
This Whice one videoin Nias.

My Experience in Bali

2012-06-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of me when in bali
bali amazing place, this is not a promotion but this is the fact that I get when I was in Bali, not all my images blog input in this, I hope you liked my picture.
thank you

Surfing in Chiba,Japan

2012-03-08T04:10:00.001-08:00

In Chiba, where the weather is warm even in winter, spring and its flowers arrive a step early. Winter is not for snow, but for narcissus, poppy, and plum. The prefecture overflows with yellow when the nanohana bloom starting in February. As the season turns to early summer, vivid irises color our botanical gardens, and as summer turns to autumn, cosmos and roses color the land. Throughout the year, every region flourishes with flowers of every shade and hue.

The ocean that surrounds us, too, shows us different faces with each season, giving opportunities for fishing, surfing, and scuba diving, and refreshes our minds and bodies with a sharp sea breeze.

The Best Beaches of Bali

2012-01-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

The famous Island of Gods is a place where every sight can be considered divine. The island has them all: a real variety of mountainous and volcanic landscapes, a unique mixture of a rough coastline and sandy beaches, friendly and welcoming locals and impressive cultural habits. It is said that the hotels in Bali are even among the most luxurious in the whole world. Here are some of the best beaches you can find on the island.

Bali has many great beaches for all kind of visitors. If you want to swim, surf or just catch the sun, Bali has the perfect beach for you. The best period for enjoying Bali’s amazing beaches is the dry season, from April to October. During the wet season, though, you might experience heavy rains and dirty beaches, especially on the West Coast.

Kuta Beach

This is well known for the long sandy beach, the varied types of accommodation and for the great waves that made Kuta the number one destination for all the experienced Australian surfers. The surfing mecca of Bali is also known for the fine restaurants and most of the people recommend the seaside cafes in Kuta for admiring the sunset.

Nusa Dua

This particular South Bali peninsula is a famous host for the luxury hotels in Bali. The shiny beach is perfect for swimming and if you think you had enough of this amazing sand and water, you could try the golf course nearby. Once you’re here, make time to visit some of the greatest museums on the island.

Sanur

This is Bali’s first beach resort and one of Bali’s largest traditional villages. It’s one of the best diving spots on the island and it has a natural, untainted beauty that other beaches on the island seem to have lost. For an authentic Balinese experience and an unforgettable tropical day, Sanur is the best option.

Fuerteventura beach - Spain

2012-01-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

Without doubt Fuerteventura has some of the most impressive beaches in the whole of Europe.

There is such a vast expanse of sand here. From the Golden sand dunes of Corralejo in the north to the miles of flat beaches in Jandia in the south. This makes Fuerteventura an ideal destination for the beach lover.

These are the beaches that charm thousands of tourists to this beautiful island every year.

Naturist Beaches

Almost all of the beaches outwith the resorts can be considered unofficial naturist beaches

Blue Flag Beaches

Blue Flags are awarded each year to European and South African beaches that meet certain standards.

There are several Fuerteventura beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag. As this can change from year to year to find out exactly which beaches check out the Blue Flag Website.

The Standards The award of a European Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 27 criteria covering the aspects:

1) Water Quality

2) Environmental Education and Information

3) Environmental Management

4) Safety and Services

Some criteria are imperative (i) whereas others are guideline (g). All imperative requirements have to be fulfilled, and in addition a maximum number of guideline criteria.

All Blue Flags are only awarded for one season at a time.

If some of the imperative criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn.

For more and current details go here www.blueflag.org

Safety

It is a tragic fact that every year people do drown while bathing in apparently safe waters.

Most of the major beaches in Fuerteventura have lifeguards on watch.

Make sure to check if there's a red flag hoisted. If there is, the water isconsidered dangerous.

Undertows can pull you away from the shore and prevent even the strongest swimmers from returning.

Surfing in Samoa

2012-01-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

Samoa has some of the most secluded and pristine beaches in the South Pacific - long stretches of palm-fringed, powder-white sand lapped by turquoise lagoons - just perfect for a beach holiday or romantic getaway.a

Many beaches boast a beachfront resort while others host a traditional fale (typically owned by the nearest fishing village).

Alternatively, hire a car and discover your own secluded beach. Many are privately owned so don't be surprised if you are asked to contribute a small 'fee' to use the beach - usually STD2 to STD5. Discover your best honeymoon beach in Samoa from this selection:

Lalomanu Beach (Upolu) - This narrow stretch of powder-white sand is considered one of the best beaches in the South Pacific. Pick a spot to sunbathe on the soft sand and enjoy views across the lagoon to four, small, uninhabited islands. Relax in the shade of swaying palm trees, swim or snorkel the calm, clear waters of the turquoise lagoon and when you feel hungry, enjoy fresh seafood snacks from one of the beachside restaurants.

Lalomanu Beach is located in southeast Upolu among a string of fabulous beaches that lie on the edge of a beautiful lagoon. Come for the day or stay longer at one of the beachside fales, such as Taufua Beach Fales at Lalomanu village.

Namua Beach (Upolu) - Dig your toes into the sugar-white sand of this gorgeous palm-fringed beach that shelves into a gentle cove flanked by jungle-clad headlands. Sunbathe on the unspoiled beach, enjoy exceptional swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise lagoon and follow forest trails in search of native birds.

Come for a few hours or stay longer in a traditional beach fale at Namua Beach Fales. Namua Beach is located on the island on the same name, one of four offshore islands that lie in a sheltered lagoon just 10-minues by speed-boat from Lalomanu Beach.

Vava'u Beach (Upolu) - Play Robinson Crusoe on this secluded stretch of palm-fringed, powder-white sand that gentle shelves past three towering, jungle-clad outcrops into a sheltered bay, with perfect swimming and snorkelling in the calm lagoon. Come for a day or stay longer at Vavau Beach Fales. This hidden beach is located near Vavau village, on the southeast coast of Upolu.

Paradise Beach (Upolu) - Discover this unspoiled, palm-fringed white-sand beach on the classic 3km-long walk between Salamumu and Paradise Beach – renowned as one of the finest beach walks in the South Pacific – and more commonly known as Return to Paradise Beach, because of its use in the 1953 Hollywood film 'Return to Paradise' starring Gary Cooper.

Framed by black-lava rock headlands, this idyllic beach is located along the southwest coast of Upolu, near Matautu village in the Lefaga district. Note: you may be asked to pay a ST5 per-person custom fee to use the beach.

Salamumu Beach (Upolu) - Make your own footprints in the powder-white sand of this gorgeous palm-fringed beach that also features in the scenic beach walk to Paradise Beach.

Matareva Beach (Upolu) - Unwind on this crescent of palm-fringed sugar-white sand set amid black volcanic rocks and shelving into an idyllic lagoon. Explore the shallow rock pools and experience excellent swimming and snorkelling. Matareva Beach is located on the southwest coast of Upolu.

Manono Beach (Upolu) - Dig your toes into this crescent of sugar-white sand, nestled between soaring palm trees and an idyllic lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Choose from several small luxury resorts, including Sinalei Reef Resort and Coconuts Beach Resort. Manono is located on the southwest coast of Upolu.

Le Lagoto Beach (Savaii Island) - Dig your toes into the powder-white sand of this gorgeous beach that gently shelves into a calm, turquoise lagoon offering excellent swimming and snorkelling with scenic mountain views. Relax in comfort at Savaii Island's only up-market resort, Le Lagoto Resort, which provides a range of creature comforts and water activities. Le Lagoto beach is located along the northeast coast at Fagamalo.

Manase Beach (Savaii Island) - Sunbathe on this crescent of sugar-white sand that gently shelves into the turquoise waters of a sheltered lagoon, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Manase Beach is located on the northern coast near Manase Village and offers a choice of accommodation at several beach fales, including Vacations Beach Fales.

Ananoa Beach (Savaii Island) - Enjoy the island tranquility of this gorgeous white sand beach that lies sandwiched between swaying palm trees and the blue waters of a sheltered lagoon, offering excellent swimming and snorkelling above the offshore coral gardens.

Satuiatua Beach (Savaii Island) - Pick your own secluded spot on this long crescent of sugar-white sand nestled in front of soaring palm trees and fronting a calm, turquoise lagoon, with excellent swimming, snorkeling and occasional surfing. Satuiatua Beach is located at Satuiatua on the southwest coast of Savaii, with a choice of several beach fales.

Ofu Beach (Ofu Island, American Samoa) - Check out one of Samoa's best beaches – a picture-perfect sugar-white beach framed between an aquamarine lagoon and towering palm trees that merge with the jungle-clad slopes of an extinct volcano. Pick a secluded spot to sunbathe on this 4km-long beach and enjoy excellent snorkelling among the more than 300 species of fish and 150 species of coral found in the sheltered lagoon. Later, visit the prehistoric 3000-year-old To'aga Site that stands just behind the beach.

Ofu Beach is located on the south coast of Ofu Island in the Manu'a group of American Samoa and is best visited on a day trip as there are no beach resorts – legends still persist that spirit ghosts, or aitu, haunt the To'aga at high noon and at night.

Arpoador -Rio de Janeiro

2011-11-28T19:57:00.000-08:00

Arpoador is mostly known for being one of the best metropolitan surf spots in Rio de Janeiro. The rock outcropping creates stable left breakers up to 7–10 feet high (wave face measure, as Brazilians do).

Given its metropolitan location, crowds are ferocious and competitive. Given the fact that waves start to break against the rock on a good day, and that a strong riptide along the promontory creates a quick re-entry, the take-off point is very small and only locals (or visiting professional-level surfers) have a shot at it.

Sunset : During some time around midsummer it is possible, from Arpoador, to see the sun setting over the sea, a rare event on the generally eastward-facing Brazilian coast. In these occasions crowds gather around the place and cheer when the sun disappears.

Surfing Bali 2011

2011-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

snorkeling at Rajah Ampat islands

2011-11-19T01:40:00.000-08:00

RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS

The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.

The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.

Survey Confirms Highest Marine Biodiversity on Earth
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and its partners conducted a scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect information on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests. The survey brought Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species— an incredible 75% of all known coral species. In addition, 899 fish species were recorded, raising the known total for Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands of sea turtles.

Though human impacts here are less severe than elsewhere in Indonesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are endangered by over fishing and destructive fishing, turtle poaching, and unsustainable logging. The Indonesian government recently established Raja Ampat as a separate administrative unit, which will give communities a greater say in managing the natural resources upon which their livelihoods depend. This structure also offers an important opportunity to include conservation in the spatial planning of the newly formed local government.

Ensuring Conservation through Partnerships
To address these issues, the Conservancy launched a new project to protect Raja Ampat, working in close partnership with the government and communities to: 1) contribute to a comprehensive conservation action plan to protect Raja Ampat’s reefs and forests; 2) help incorporate marine protected area management into long-term planning and policy; and, 3) establish a network of marine protected areas for Raja Ampat.

The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to protect Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while sustaining the livelihoods of local people. Raja Ampat includes the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands. The archipelago is part of an area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.

WORLD’S BEST SURFERS DESCEND ON MANLY FOR MAJOR YOUTH EVENT

2011-06-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hurley and Billabong have joined forces with Events NSW on behalf of the New South Wales Government today to announce a brand new global event for Sydney, the Australian Open of Surfing, sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). The event, set to take place at Sydney’s iconic Manly Beach 11 – 19 February 2012 is a global, multifaceted youth and sporting event that will showcase the best in surfing, skate, music, fashion and art with an expected spectator audience of 125,000.

The Australian Open of Surfing is an extension of the world’s largest action sports festival, the US Open of Surfing. The annual event held at Huntington Beach, California, celebrates inclusion and creativity while inspiring the next generation of athletes and artists.

Bob Hurley, Chairman and Founder of Hurley International, and Derek O’Neill, CEO of Billabong International, spoke about their collaborative vision for the event. They were joined by surfing greats including two time World Surfing Champion Mick Fanning and surf icons and former world champions, Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Barton Lynch and Mark Occhilupo who all welcomed the event enthusiastically to Manly.

Widely known as the birthplace of Australian surfing, Manly was the location for the first World Surfing Championships held in 1964. Member for Manly, Mike Baird said the Australian Open of Surfing will reaffirm Manly’s position on the global surfing circuit.

“This event will also go beyond the surf and embrace other youth culture and lifestyle elements. By working closely with Manly Council we will make this event a global success,” he said.

Events NSW estimate the Open will drive more than $6 million in new money into NSW and showcase both Manly and Sydney to a global audience.

Chairman and Founder of Hurley, Bob Hurley says:

“The idea for the Australian Open of Surfing was conceived in our home town of Huntington Beach, California, three years ago. In the midst of challenging economic times, our team had the courage to bring world class artists, athletes and musicians to ‘Surf City USA’.
“After the incredible success of the US Open of Surfing, our next thought was that it would be amazing to do an event at the ground zero of modern surfing, Manly Beach in Sydney.

“We desire to work with ‘Best in Class’ partners and brands when we do things, hence the alliance with Billabong. Collaboration for the benefit of consumers is what we enjoy. We seek to be inclusive and innovative. The opportunity to work on the Australian Open of Surfing is not only a personal pleasure, but will clearly be a career highlight."

In a world first, Hurley and Billabong will join forces to launch the Australian Open of Surfing. Billabong will move the final event of the Association of Surfing Professionals World Junior Championship Tour from Narrabeen to Manly, bringing the event into the Australian Open of Surfing fold.

CEO of Billabong, Derek O’Neill says:

“The ASP World Junior Championships provides a window into the future of surfing and by wrapping the season-deciding event into the broader Australian Open of Surfing, we now provide the competitors with an incredible opportunity to showcase their talents.

Billabong, through its global retail platform, already works closely with Hurley and Bob and I have often discussed ways that we can build on the existing relationship.

Hurley has a great event in the US Open of Surfing and Billabong has the premier event in world junior surfing so it made sense to bring those properties together to celebrate both the history and future of one of Australia’s greatest sports.”

The Australian Open of Surfing will be Australia’s first national surfing championship and will fuse action sports, fashion, art and live music to attract Australia’s core youth culture for the nine day event produced by IMG. It will include Association of Surfing Professionals six-star events for men and women and the season-ending World Junior Championships for boys and girls. Other event features will include the Skate Challenge, the Australian Open Music Stage, Hurley Walk the Walk for young fashion designers, and the Festival Village.

Tom Whitaker 2nd Place At ASP SuperSurf International Prime Brazil

2011-06-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

Young Brazilian, Gabriel Medina, 17, wins the ASP PRIME Supersurf Internacional Prime with a perfect 10 in spectacular conditions with sunny skies, no wind and long left-handers breaking in the 6-8 foot range (2-3 meters) along Praia da Vila in the final day of competition against veteran Australian surfer, Tom Whitaker, 31. Boosting two big airs in the Final heat, an emotional Medina thanked the crowd on the beach for cheering him on.

"I don't know what to say," said Gabriel Medina. "I won the event two years ago in Florianopolis when I was 15, but this is unbelievable! It's the first time I surfed here at Praia da Vila and I wanted to do well. I brought my entire family and I felt right at home. I just wanted to thank everyone here in Imbituba and my sponsors, because without them, I wouldn't be here."

Tom Whitaker (AUS) started off the final heat scoring a 6.83. But Medina came back by paddling into a wave and began by throwing a big frontside air, followed by consecutive turns ending in another big air, scoring a 9.10 out of a possible 10 points. With the support from the crowd on the beach, an inspired Medina added on a perfect 10 point ride on a wave that saw him start off by boosting another big frontside aerial followed by a cutback and another series of sensational turns at Praia da Vila.

"Gabriel was the best surfer of the event, without a doubt," said Tom Whitaker. "Nobody was able to beat him today. It's nice to see a young surfer winning such an important event as this one. I think the future of Brazilian surfing is guaranteed and I think everyone should be proud to have such a talented surfer. I love this place, I've had good results here (Whitaker was the Runner-Up at the Brazilian ASP World Tour event in 2004) and so I'm happy with a good finish."

In the semifinal heat against Richard Christie (NZL), Gabriel Medina was able to show his speed and vast repertoire of progressive surfing by throwing a Superman aerial and several stylish laybacks, carves and off-the-tops.

"I really wanted to make it into the Final, but there wasn't much I could do with Gabriel (Medina) surfing the way he did," said Richard Christie (NZL). "I watched his heat against Damien (Hobgood) and he was throwing one crazy air after another. I knew he was going to do the same thing against me. He deserves congratulations and I’m happy with my result here because I earned some valuable ranking points."

Christie went from number 55 on the ASP World Ranking to number 44. Gabe Kling (USA) who also made it to the semifinals jumped from 47th to 41st with the 4,225 points he received with his equal 3rd place finish at Imbituba.

"It was a tough heat,” said Gabe Kling. "I even thought I won on that last wave I caught. I think maybe I needed a stronger first turn, but a 3rd place is great for me. The waves were great the whole day and I think it made up for the difficult conditions yesterday (Saturday)."

The SuperSurf Internacional Prime 2011 is presented by Peugeot and produced by Editora Abril. This ASP Prime event is also sponsored by the State of Santa Catarina and FUNDESPORTE and with the support of The City of Imbituba, FECASURF and the Surfer’s Association of Imbituba with exclusive coverage by ESPN Brasil.

FINAL HEAT – SUPERSURF INTERNACIONAL PRIME:
Champion: Gabriel Medina (BRA) – 19.10 points – US$ 40,000 and 6,500 points
Runner-up: Tom Whitaker (AUS) – 10.66 points – US$ 20,000 and 5,200 points

SEMIFINALS – 3rd place – US$ 11,000 and 4,225 points:
SF 1: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 13.73 def. 13.10 Gabe Kling (USA)
SF 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.60 def. 15.20 Richard Christie (NZL)

TravelSIM Team Australia Motivated by Former World Champions En Route to the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

2011-06-10T00:56:00.001-07:00

TRAVELSIM Team Australia has received some extra motivation by past World Champion’s Barton Lynch (Narrabeen, NSW) and Peter Townend (Huntington Beach, California) en route to the prestigious Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.

As the first key preparation initiative for the country’s athletes, the Australian junior team were presented with their team uniforms as well as treated to a motivational talk from Lynch (1988 World Champion) to help prepare for the high-stakes tournament.

“It has been a pleasure to be able to engage with the Australian team and present them with their respective team uniforms before they head off to represent Australia,” said Lynch.
“Following on from the ISA World Surfing Games in Peru in October, 2010, I was able to offer the junior team insight into the geography of the event location as well as motivate the team to bring home the gold medal to Australia.”

“There are some extremely talented kids in this year’s team and hopefully they can continue the tradition of Australia dominating the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship,” he said.

Following on from the pre-event preparations with Lynch, all team members and coaches were welcomed on arrival in Los Angeles, USA by surfing legend and 1976 World Champion Townend for a team preparation camp.

The reigning ISA World Surfing Champions hit the beach against Townend’s NSSA (National Scholastic Surfing Association) / HBHS (Huntington Beach High School) Surf Team in Orange County, California for some pre-event practice.

Australia is well represented heading into the championship boasting a 12-strong field of Australia’s top class junior surfers who will wear the green and gold and compete for their nation in the quest for the prestigious mantle of the “World’s Best Surfing Nation”.

Surfers selected across the team’s three divisions (under 18 boys and girls and under 16 boys) include:

U/18 Boys
Creed McTaggart (Margaret River, WA)
Jake Sylvester (Bar Beach, NSW)
Cooper Chapman (North Narrabeen, NSW)
Connor O’Leary (Cronulla, NSW)

U/16 Boys

Kai Hing (Wurtulla, QLD)
Mitchell Parkinson (Tweed Heads, NSW)
Soli Bailey (Suffolk Park, NSW)
Eli Steele (Moffat Beach, QLD)

U/18 Girls

Nikki Van Dijk (Cowes, VIC)
Ellie-Jean Coffey (Cresent Head, NSW)
Codie Klein (Kingscliff, NSW)
Brodie Doyle (Rainbow Bay, QLD)
Accompanying our TravelSIM Team Australia athletes is a dedicated support team which will ensure the success of team, these include:

Head Coach– Martin Dunn Assistant Coach– Mark Richardson
Team Manager– James Eggington
Medical Practitioner– Matt Butel
Sports Science Manager– Jeremy Sheppard
Security Manager for Team Australia– David Wood

Surfing Australia would like to show its support to the athletes selected into the 2011 TravelSIM Australian Junior Surfing Team as they head into the fast approaching Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, which will be held at the wave rich Costa Verde, Lima, Peru, from May 21 to May 29, 2011.

The 2011 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship has gathered the finest surfers from over 60 nations to compete in the Boys Under 18, Boys Under 16 and Girls Under 18 divisions. As members of their respective National Surf Teams, surfers will compete for the glory of winning Team and Individual Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper medals.

With the support and coaching of Surfing Australia’s High Performance Centre (HPC), TravelSIM Team Australia will be fighting to defend their current world title and would like to recognise the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), TravelSIM, Suncorp and BASE for their continuing support of the Team Australia Junior Program.

Surfing in hawaii

2011-06-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hawaii has been long known as one of the best surf spots in the entire world. Beach and water lovers blend electrifying physical activity with seaside relaxation creating a fantastic vacation combination. The beauty of Hawaii surfing is that it appeals to every ability, from neophytes to the most skilled professionals. Beginners have a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to lessons. To surf Hawaii lessons come in really handy and can make a mediocre experience into an unforgettable one. Several Oahu resorts, Big Island resorts, Maui hotels and other exemplary hotels in the islands employ surfing professionals offering several types of lessons from week-long group camps to private instruction.

The best surf spots in Hawaii vary from season to season as wind directions change. Oahu's North Shore features a number of beaches with the best Hawaii surfing conditions of all the islands in the winter months. Each winter the rugged coastline serves up massive and imposing ocean surf. The island storms take credit for generating giant swells as they make the long journey from the northern Pacific Ocean to pummel reef breaks on the northern coastline. From May through October surfers head to the south shores of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Beach for the best summer surf.

To best enjoy the north's surf Hawaii lessons are available from a number of qualified professionals. Since the huge, often treacherous waves are best left to pros, instructors take beginners to numerous protected coves where the surf is great for beginners and intermediate level surfers. Guests staying at Turtle Bay Resort can take free lessons at the pool with surf pro Hans Hedemann or group and private lessons out on the ocean. When choosing Oahu surfing lessons, visitors should select from reputable instructors licensed through the Department of Natural Land and Resources. They are not only total pros, they are also properly trained in all safety measures.

Kauai also has some of the best surf spots in Hawaii including Poipu Beach, Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach and Nawiliwili Harbor. Consistent with all the islands, Hawaii surfing is best on the North Shore from November through April. Kauai surfing at Hanalei Bay is world famous and a favorite spot for locals and visitors. Three areas of Hanalei Bay feature excellent surf but larger crowds of people, all with the same idea. Head around the corner to Hideaways where there's a nice right break and it's much more secluded. To the east there are huge swells at DumpTtrucks, Tunnels Beach and Cannon's. From May through October Hawaii surfing is best at Kuhio Shores on the

south side. Swells vary from three to fifteen feet in eight separate spots. Hit the surf during the morning and evening hours for the best conditions.

Maui is also an excellent place for all surfing levels. During the winter the best surf spots in Hawaii around Maui include Honolua Bay, Ho`okipa, Rainbows and D.T. Fleming Beach Park. On the flip side, the summer surf is best around Lahaina Harbor, Maalaea, Laniapoko Beach Park and Puamana. Other great outdoor pursuits include Maui snorkeling, hiking and fishing, all terrific ways to explore more of the island. The Big Island isn't a very popular destination for surfing but there are opportunities for some good swells. The best surf spots in Hawaii on the Big Island include Upolu, Pinetrees Kahalu`u Beach Park and Kealakekua Bay.

To really surf Hawaii lessons provide the few basics needed for successful results. Instructors summarize board balancing, paddling and standing techniques essential to getting out on the water and staying up. Many instructors guarantee that new surfers will be standing by the end of the lesson which is an easy feat with the right tools. Hawaii surfing is a very strenuous activity and most people tire after two hours or so. Be aware of companies offering three and four hour lessons. They tend to be disappointing as most people are too exhausted to continue.

Hawaii surfing lessons include all the necessary surfing equipment, full instruction and sometimes even breakfast or lunch. A large group normally affords a cheaper rate but most instructors will only take a maximum of six people. If you want the most out of your surfing experience for the least cost, take one surf lesson and find a cheap board rental to continue on practicing. Even with minimal experience, surfing can add a really exciting outdoor element to Hawaii holidays. Riding your first wave without bailing is one of the most satisfying and memorable experiences to revel in when visiting Hawaii.

Saquarema Run And Won

2011-05-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Oakley Saquarema Prime was taken out overnight by Aussie madman Kai Otton, though unless you follow any number of pro surfers in Twitterland, you’d struggle to know. If you could make it past the awful commentary, which lagged some five minutes behind the stop-go animation that masqueraded as the live feed, you’d have seen what appeared to be the perfect storm going down: ten foot closeouts, unmanned jetskis washing around in the impact zone, and if you squinted at just the right time the occasional rash vest in survival stance gunning for a (non-existent) shoulder.

Wasn’t a bad run for the Aussies, with Kai Otton, who has been struggling for results in the Big Leagues this year claiming a huge win, and perennially almost-qualified West Aussie Yadin Nicol making the semis. A bit of scouting has uncovered the following: Otto has jumped from 56th to 38th in the World Rankings, Yades has gone from 39th to 33rd, and quarter-finalists Adam Robertson and Lincoln Taylor are now 62nd and 71st respectively.

So, some huge moves for the Aussies. But, with three more WT events and two more Primes before the mid-year chop, whereby the Top 32 on the Rankings become the new Top 32 and get to compete in 2011’s remaining WT events (c’mon, you understand all this by now, right?) nobody is claiming anything. Hopefully be an official press release out soon, to tell y’all what actually went down. And will no doubt include a million "Victory At Sea" lines.

Final Results:

1 – Kai Otton (AUS) 15.43
2 – Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.93

Semifinals Results:

SF 1: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.70 def. Yadin Nicol (AUS) 10.84
SF 2: Kai Otton (AUS) 14.27 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 5.04

Quarterfinals Results:

QF 1: Yadin Nicol (AUS) 15.63 def. Gabriel Medina (AUS) 12.10
QF 2: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.04 def. Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 12.10
QF 3: Willian Cardoso (BRA) 10.53 def. Adam Robertson (AUS) 9.50
QF 4: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.06 def. Jesse Mendes (BRA) 11.40

Mentawai Beach

2011-05-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

Since the early 1990's surfers from around the globe have been visiting the Mentawai islands to experience untouched rainforest and superb waves. More than a dozen "worldclass" reefbreaks exists making it one the most surf infested regions in the world. Most spots host mechanical perfection and vary in intensity for all level of surfer, making it an ideal surf vacation location.

Indonesia is such a great place for surf. It has got the classic waves, the crystal clear warm water and the balmy days. What more could anyone want. The Mentawai islands are a relatively new surfing location, having only been surfed since the early 90's. Although the main island has loads of spots probably the best way to surf the Mentawai islands is by boat.

Our good friend the South Indian Ocean produces the swells that have the islands pumping from March through to November at 6-12ft, and the cyclone swells keep the surf rolling in throughout the remainder of the year. You go to Mentawai, you get surf! The calm winds ensure that the swells that do arrive are always of a high standard.

Mentawai Islands, famous for its beautiful beaches. High waves can be used for activities surfing (surfing). Mentawai Islands Surfing is an icon recognized around the world. Sometimes the international surfing competition is held here. No less than 400 “Surfing spot (spot surf) that can be used as a navigation path. Surf can do this task in different beaches located in the Mentawai Islands

Bali is great place for surfing

2011-05-26T03:22:00.000-07:00

Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago of 18,700 islands and lies approximately 8°C south of the equator. The majority of the population of Bali are (Balinese) Hindu, a unique mixture of Hinduism & Buddhism. The unique religion and culture of the Balinese people is one of the reasons the island remained an oasis of peace and calm throughout the chaotic times in Indonesia since the fall of the Suharto dictatorship in 1999 and has helped sustain the spirit of the island during the last few years as Bali and the Balinese people have suffered their own turbulent times of unbelievable sorrow and the resulting economic hardships.

Bali is blessed by nature with a short, hot wet season and a longer, cooler, dry season and tourists flock here all year round. Many tourists choose to arrive in the dry season - which nowadays appears to cover a longer period from April to late November. The busiest period is during the holiday season of August, which is also the coolest month on this Island of the Gods.

Contrary to popular belief, Bali's waves were being surfed by both visiting and local surfers as early as the late 1930s and not, as popular surfing legend has it, that the island of Bali was first discovered as a great surfing destination by a group of Australian surfers. Although, when these first Australian surfers began arriving on the island of Bali in 1967 they introduced the island to the first serious surfing equipment.

While Bali may no longer be a "frontier" surf destination, it still lies at the heart of the Indonesian surfing experience and is a mandatory stopover for anyone on their first surfing trip to Indonesia. Bali is also the first and last stop for most of the surfers traveling on to some of the legendary breaks in G-Land, Lombok or Sumbawa, or the more distant areas of East Nusa Tenggara, Mentawais and North Sumatra.

Adriano De Souza Wins The 2011 Billabong Rio Pro

2011-05-26T02:54:00.000-07:00

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Friday, May 20, 2011) – Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, has won the Billabong Rio Pro over Taj Burrow (AUS), 32, in tricky two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Barra Da Tijuca and the win catapults the Brazilian atop the ASP World Title Rankings.

The Billabong Rio Pro, stop No. 3 of 11 on the men’s ASP World Title Series, saw the world’s best surfers tackle a variety of conditions after a week of lay days and ran at both the lefthander of Arpoador and the tricky beachbreak of Barra Da Tijuca over four consecutive days to decide the 2011 Billabong Rio Pro winner.

De Souza, who was a standout throughout the Billabong Rio Pro, won several close heats on the final day of competition before scalping a commanding victory over Burrow with the support of a massive Brazilian crowd behind him.

“There are no words to express how I feel right now,” De Souza said. “Thanks to my manger for pushing me every day, I couldn’t have done this without him. Thanks so much to my fans, who have been on the beach supporting me from the beginning to the end and to my sponsors. I’m happy to keep the title in Brazil one more time.De Souza, who is now the frontrunner on the ASP World Title Rankings, was also apprehensive in announcing his current position atop the elite standings.

“It’s still very early days and next event will be J Bay so I’m going to be pushing myself,” De Souza said. “Kelly (Slater) and all of these guys are such amazing surfers and have been on tour for such a long time, but I’m going to try my best.”

Taj Burrow looked deadly throughout the Billabong Rio Pro and posted the highest scores on the final day of competition, but despite opening his account with a 7-point ride in his bout for the title against De Souza, was unable to find a second score to surpass the local favorite and finished runner-up.

“I didn’t even really start that well and it really slowed up in the Final,” Burrow said. “Adriano had a good tactic in that heat and connected with two pretty good waves. I just couldn’t find a wave out there.”

Burrow, who finished runner-up on the Gold Coast to Kelly Slater (USA), 39, was admittedly distraught after coming painfully close to another elite event victory.

“I’m pretty devastated right now, but eventually I’ll be able to smile about it,” Burrow said. “Two seconds is good, but I didn’t want to lose that one, I wasn’t planning on losing that one.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, returned to form after a severe knee-injury forced him to withdraw from the season opening event on the Gold Coast. The young Frenchman was a standout throughout the entirety of Billabong Rio Pro competition and went on to eliminate current ASP World Title No. 2 Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, before losing to Burrow in their Semifinals heat and finished equal 3rd overall.

“I was really motivated for this event because it’s really my first event of the year where I’m feeling good physically,” Flores said. “I did everything right. I rested and I’ve trained, I did everything I could to do well. This result feels great. The waves have been tough the whole event, but when we could get two or three good turns in we got some big scores. I’m happy with the result, but I wish I could have got some more waves in the Semifinal.”

Flores’ equal 3rd place finish puts him at No. 11 on the men’s ASP World Title Series.

Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, quietly advanced through the early rounds of Billabong Rio Pro competition before taking both his Round 5 and Quarterfinal heats with some of the day’s top scores, but the Australian powerhouse was unable to find the scores needed to surpass De Souza in their close Semifinals heat.

“Adriano’s got the whole crowd going for him with a lot of energy and he’s fired up and we just had the worst heat,” Durbidge said. “If I knew I only needed a 4 at the end I probably would have surfed differently. A 3rd is the best result of the year for me and it’s good to get some momentum going and know I can win heats again and build some confidence going into J Bay.”

For Billabong Rio Pro highlights log on to http://www.billabongpro.com

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Billabong Rio Pro Final:
1 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.63
2 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.17

Billabong Rio Pro Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.27 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.50
SF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 9.00 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 8.40

Billabong Rio Pro Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.26 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.43
QF 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 15.60 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.17
QF 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.03 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 6.27
QF 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.23 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 14.10

Billabong Rio Pro Round 5 Results:
Heat 1: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.60 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.63
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.60 def. Dan Ross (AUS) 11.63
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 13.43 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.67
Heat 4: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.73 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.90

Top 10 on the ASP World Title Series After the Billabong Rio Pro:
1. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 20,500
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19,200
3. Kelly Slater (USA) 16,950
4.Taj Burrow (AUS) 16,500
5. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14,750
6. Owen Wright (AUS) 12,150
7. Michel Bourez (PYF) 12,000
8. Mick Fanning (AUS) 11,500
9. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11,000
9. Tiago Pires (PRT) 11,000

Arugam Bay

2011-05-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 2004 tsunami. Due to its popularity among tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery by private initiatives only. As late as 2010 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community. Although there is a huge demand for an international school, one huge new building donated by the people of Japan remains largely unoccupied since the grand 'opening' ceremony in 2007.
The bay hosts a large fleet of fishing boats which operates off the beach. Many organizations donated boats after the tsunami and as a result there are far more fishing boats than ever before. The main beach is a bit dirty as it is used as a garbage dump and a toilet by some locals. Nearby beaches are more esthetically pleasing and also have excellent waves. Arugam Surf Point has a very long, consistent, sectiony right hand break. In mid 2010 ASP hosted its first international surf contest in the Bay. The winner of such was Australian Julian Wilson . Many organizations claim to have done extensive work in the area. No notable progress can be observed locally and on close inspection, as late as New Year's Day, 2010. The main road, shown below in 2004 still looked the very same at the end of 2009. Despite calls for a walking street contractors have recently (September, 2010)completed construction of a fast trunk road through the hamlet. Repeating the mistakes made in other seaside tourist resorts such as Negombo and Hikkaduwa. US 'Mercy Corps' has been the most active of any organization. Funded by Oprah Winfrey's 'Angel Network', following a huge fund-raising TV series in the United States. Sadly, none of their projects survived the first year of operation.
A new bridge has been constructed by USAID. It was opened for traffic in 2008. It replaced the 1960s, original landmark box girder construction linking Arugam Bay with Pottuvil. At km 313 on the main A4 (the famous Colombo High Level Rd. - PottuVille), an excellent shortcut side road exists, which ends up in the very middle of Arugam Bay itself. This picturesque drive avoids the dusty town of PottuVille. Also no bridges need to be crossed. Raising questions regarding the wisdom for the need of the so-called 'high tech' USAID bridge construction. There is excellent elephant viewing nearby, incl. on this mentioned jungle road and the surrounding lagoon, as well as two types of monkeys wandering around the area.

Source : www.wikipedia.org

Equipment surfing

2011-05-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Equipment !

Surfing can be done on various equipment, including surfboards, longboards, Stand Up Paddle boards (SUP's) , bodyboards, wave skis, skimboards, kneeboards, surf mats and macca's trays.

Surfboards were originally made of solid wood and were large and heavy (often up to 12 feet (3.7 m) long and 100 pounds (45 kg)). Lighter balsa wood surfboards (first made in the late 1940s and early 1950s) were a significant improvement, not only in portability, but also in increasing maneuverability.

Most modern surfboards are made of polyurethane foam (PU), with one or more wooden strips or "stringers", fiberglass cloth, and polyester resin. An emerging board material is epoxy (EPS) which is stronger and lighter than traditional fiberglass. Even newer designs incorporate materials such as carbon fiber and variable-flex composites.

Since epoxy surfboards are lighter, they will float better than a fiberglass board of similar size, shape and thickness. This makes them easier to paddle and faster in the water. However, a common complaint of EPS boards is that they do not provide as much feedback as a traditional fiberglass board. For this reason, many advanced surfers prefer that their surfboards be made from fiberglass.

Other equipment includes a leash (to stop the board from drifting away after a wipeout, and to prevent it from hitting other surfers), surf wax, traction pads (to keep a surfer's feet from slipping off the deck of the board), and fins (also known as skegs) which can either be permanently attached (glassed-on) or interchangeable.

Sportswear designed or particularly suitable for surfing may be sold as boardwear (the term is also used in snowboarding). In warmer climates, swimsuits, surf trunks or boardshorts are worn, and occasionally rash guards; in cold water surfers can opt to wear wetsuits, boots, hoods, and gloves to protect them against lower water temperatures. A newer introduction is a rash vest with a thin layer of titanium to provide maximum warmth without compromising mobility.

There are many different surfboard sizes, shapes, and designs in use today. Modern longboards, generally 9 to 10 feet (3.0 m) in length, are reminiscent of the earliest surfboards, but now benefit from modern innovations in surfboard shaping and fin design. Competitive longboard surfers need to be competent at traditional walking maneuvers, as well as the short-radius turns normally associated with shortboard surfing.

The modern shortboard began life in the late 1960s and has evolved into today's common thruster style, defined by its three fins, usually around 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m) in length. The thruster was invented by Australian shaper Simon Anderson.

Midsize boards, often called funboards, provide more maneuverability than a longboard, with more floation than a shortboard. While many surfers find that funboards live up to their name, providing the best of both surfing modes, others are critical.

"It is the happy medium of mediocrity," writes Steven Kotler. "Funboard riders either have nothing left to prove or lack the skills to prove anything."[10]

There are also various niche styles, such as the Egg, a longboard-style short board targeted for people who want to ride a shortboard but need more paddle power. The Fish, a board which is typically shorter, flatter, and wider than a normal shortboard, often with a split tail (known as a swallow tail). The Fish often has two or four fins and is specifically designed for surfing smaller waves. For big waves there is the Gun, a long, thick board with a pointed nose and tail (known as a pin tail) specifically designed for big waves

source : www.wikipedia.org

Drowning

2011-05-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Drowning
Surfing, like all water sports, carries the inherent danger of drowning. (Anyone at any age can learn to surf, but must have at least intermediate swimming skills.) Although the board assists a surfer in staying buoyant, it cannot be relied on for floation if it becomes separated from the user. The leash, which is attached at the ankle, keeps the surfer connected to the board for convenience but does not prevent drowning. Surfers should be careful to remain in smaller surf until they've acquired the advanced skills necessary to handle bigger waves and challenging conditions.
           Top surfers have drowned in extremely challenging conditions. Some drownings occurred as a result of leashes tangling with reefs, holding the surfer underwater. In very large waves such as Waimea or Mavericks, a leash may be undesirable, because the water can drag the board for long distances, holding the surfer underneath the wave.

Collisions

Under the wrong set of conditions, anything that a surfer's body can come in contact with is potentially a danger, including sand bars, rocks, reefs, surfboards, and other surfers.Collisions with these objects can sometimes cause injuries such as cuts and scrapes and in rare instances, death.

Surfers often jump off jetties, bridges, wharves and other structures to reach the surf.(citation needed )If the timing is wrong they can hurt themselves or damage their equipment.   A large number of injuries, up to 66%, are caused by collision with a surfboard (nose or fins). Fins can cause deep lacerations and cuts, as well as bruising. While these injuries can be minor, they can open the skin to infection from the sea; groups like Surfers Against Sewage campaign for cleaner waters to reduce the risk of infections. Local bugs and disease can be a dangerous factor when surfing around the globe.

Falling off a surfboard or colliding with others, is commonly referred to as a wipeout.

Marine life

Sea life can sometimes cause injuries and even fatalities. Animals such as sharks,stingrays, seals and jellyfish can sometimes present a danger
         surfers do the "Stingray Shuffle," where they shuffle their feet in the sand as they head out to catch waves to scare away the stingrays that may be relaxing in the warm, shallow water

Rip Currents

Riptides endanger both experienced and inexperienced surfers. Rip currents are water channels that flow away from shore. Since these currents lurk in seemingly calm waters, tired or inexperienced swimmers or surfers can be swept away. A riptide usually has a width of forty or fifty feet. By paddling parallel to the shore, a surfer can escape the rip current

Seabed

The seabed can pose dangers for surfers. If a surfer falls while riding a wave, the wave will then toss him around, usually downwards. Whether it'd be a reef break or beach break, plenty of surfers have been seriously injured or even died because of the great collision with the bottom of the sea. Seabeds can get very shallow, especially on beach breaks during low tide. Cyclops, Western Australia, for example is one of the biggest and thickest reef breaks in the world, with waves measuring up to 10 metres high. Yet the reef below is only about 2 metres deep.

source : www.wikipedia.org