HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Wednesday, March 28, 2012) – The opening day of the ASP 4-Star Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack’s Surfboards and hydrated by Vitaminwater saw a melting pot of talent including veteran competitors, local standouts and international up-and-comers as they put on strong performances in clean two-to-four foot surf at Huntington Beach Pier while completing Rounds 1 and 2.

Asher Nolan (Jacksonville, FL), 33, a former standout on the international stage, dominated the lineup in his Round of 128 heat, unloading the day’s highest single-wave score of 8.50, out of 10, while accumulating the highest heat-total of a 15.67, out of 20.

“I’ve had a few results here over the last few years on and off,” Nolan said. “I just got out here on Monday and surfed and felt terrible. I put it together for my heat though. I don’t know, I switched my wetsuit, my boards and my fins right before my heat because nothing was going right. I think that helped. I’m just out here competing for fun, not stressing about making heats and it’s great to see some old friends I haven’t seen in awhile.”

Jason Harris (Huntington Beach, CA), 23, was another leader on the opening day of Vans Pier Classic competition. The local standout’s high-score came in the dying seconds of his heat, when he locked in to a steep lefthander and delivered a series of committed backhand bashes to vault from third to first to consolidate the win.

“I lost so many times last year in the last 30 seconds and I knew the rights were fat and if I stuck to the lefts I could force a couple of backside turns,” Harris said. “I’m just stoked. It’s never over until it’s over. It was good to have that Round 1 heat. I have a little bit of a seed, but to get my feet in the wax this morning and get a few waves was really good for my confidence. “

Harris, a Huntington Beach native, admitted that despite years of time in the local lineup, the wave can still be deceptive to figure out.

“This wave is so tricky that sometimes it feels like it doesn’t matter how much time you put in out here, you’ve got to find that little peak and hopefully get lucky,” Harris said.

Hiroto Arai (JPN), 17, an ASP World Junior Tour competitor, has been gaining priceless international experience over the last year while competing in additional ASP Pro Junior regional events. The young Japanese standout turned heads in the opening rounds of the men’s Vans Pier Classic competition with powerful turns to take out two strong heat wins.

“I’m so happy, the waves are really slow out there but I could get a couple and get a few scores,” Arai said. “I’m doing the Pro Juniors in Australia and America, but I only get points from the events in Japan, so I’m doing the Pro Junior here too for practice.”

Phillip Goold (Virginia Beach, VA), 20, started his Vans Pier Classic campaign in strong fashion, taking out two convincing heat wins while posting one of the day’s highest heat totals, 14.10 out of 20, to advance to Round 3.

I’m stoked, my first heat was the first heat of the whole contest so that was a little nerve wracking, but this heat was much more consistent with waves,” Goold said. “I just sat to the south of everybody and sat there by myself and picked off a couple of rights that I saw. They were running a bit more, not just offering one hit on the outside.”

Goold, who entered the Vans Pier Classic via the alternate list, was relieved to capitalize on the crucial points gained by advancing to Round 3 of the ASP 4-Star event.

“It feels good to get through those first two rounds,” Goold said. “I was eighth alternate last week and kept moving up and I was pretty psyched to get into the event and not have to wait on the beach. I’m using this event to ramp up for my year and hopefully I can get in to the 6-Star at my hometown in Virginia Beach later this year.”

Running in conjunction with the Vans Pier Classic is the ASP 4-Star Vans Pro Junior, which represents the third stop on the 2012 ASP North America Pro Junior Series. The Vans Pro Junior plays a vital role in regional surfers’ campaigns towards qualification for the ASP World Junior Tour.

The 2012 Vans Pier Classic and Vans Pro Junior presented Jack’s Surfboards and hydrated by Vitaminwater will run from March 28 through April 1, 2012. For LIVE HD webcast log on to www.vans.com/pierclassic.

Surfline, official forecasters for the 2012 Vans Pier Classic, are calling for the current WNW swell to fill in further with small SSW swell in the background. Surf for tomorrow is expected to be in the 3-6’ range, with occasional larger sets.

For additional ASP information go to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org

Vans Pier Classic Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Phillip Goold (HAW) 14.10, Blake Jones (USA) 9.87, Freddie Meadows (SWE) 7.80, Makai MmcNamara (HAW) 5.77
Heat 2: Tayler Brothers (USA) 9.50, Rikiya Kitada (JPN) 8.80, Dane Bird (AUS) 5.93, Dillon Perillo (USA) 3.63
Heat 3: Izuki Tanaka (JPN) 13.60, Tim Curran (USA) 12.27, Cody Thompson (USA) 11.33, Kilian Garland (USA) 10.40
Heat 4: Jeremy Johnston (USA) 12.27, Fisher Heverly (USA) 9.70, P.J. Raia (USA) 7.33, Davey Brand (ZAF) 6.97
Heat 5: Hiroto Arai (JPN) 13.23, Dege O’Connell (HAW) 10.14, Evan Thompson (USA) 6.99, Cheyne Willis (HAW) 3.20
Heat 6: Koa Smith (HAW) 11.17, Travis Southworth (MEX) 10.10, Eric McHenry (USA) 6.57, Liam McNamara (HAW) 5.90
Heat 7: Jason Harris (USA) 14.60, Hunter Lysaught (USA) 14.10, Kaito Ohashi (JPN) 11.70, Ethan Egiguren (EUK) 9.13
Heat 8: Robert Patterson (HAW) 11.27, Derek Peters (USA) 10.74, Arashi Kato (JPN) 8.23, Matt Myers (USA) 6.24
Heat 9: Aaron Cormican (USA) 11.10, Miguel Tudela (PER) 11.10, Parker Coffin (USA) 5.77, Keala Naihe (HAW) 1.49
Heat 10: Asher Nolan (USA) 15.67, Kaimana Jaquias (HAW) 12.37, Chris Tucker (HAW) 8.91, Diego Naranjo (CRI) 7.27
Heat 11: Caue Wood (BRA) 11.00, Marcelo Rodriguez (ARG) 9.67, Keetin Devine (USA) 8.83, J.D. Lewis (USA) 6.87
Heat 12: Kalani David (HAW) 11.60, Dylan Southworth (MEX) 10.36, Keto Burns (USA) 9.60, Eli Olson (USA) 7.10
Heat 13: Anthony Petruso (USA) 14.06, Michael Powell (USA) 13.00, Alejandro Moreda (PRI) 9.50, Carlos Munoz (CRI) 9.34
Heat 14: Chase Wilson (USA) 10.27, Oliver Kurtz (USA) 10.00, Charlie Carroll (HAW) 9.04, Jensen Callaway (USA) 8.57
Heat 15: Colin Moran (USA) 12.43, Alex Smith (HAW) 10.10, Daniel Karren (AUS) 7.94, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 5.30
Heat 16: Bobby Morris (USA) 12.00, Jonah Morgan (HAW) 8.73, Jun Shiba (JPN) 6.67, Johnny Norris (USA) 5.63

Vans Pier Classic Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Phillip Goold (USA) 9.70, Tayler Brothers (USA), 8.54, Mark Dawson (USA) 8.44, Dane Zaun (USA) 5.17
Heat 2: Cody Thompson (USA) 9.33, P.J. Raia (USA) 8.00, Rob Kelly (USA) 7.60, Eala Stewart (HAW) 2.74
Heat 3: Hiroto Arai (JPN) 13.67, Travis Southworth (MEX) 8.13, Taishi Kawabata (JPN) 5.27, Ezra Sitt (HAW) 5.34
Heat 4: Jason Harris (USA) 11.16, Matt Myers (USA) 10.86, Dean Randazzo (USA) 10.17, Lucas Santamaria (ARG) 6.50
Heat 5: Aaron Cormican (USA) 9.33, Diego Naranjo (CRI) 9.13, Tayuki Wakita (JPN) 8.63, Yosuki Dodama (JPN) 3.83
Heat 6: J.D. Lewis (USA) 9.43, Eli Olson (HAW) 8.16, Levi Gonzales (HAW) 7.60, Diego Salgado (PAN) 4.24
Heat 7: Alejandro Moreda (PRI) 10.86, Jensen Callaway (USA) 7.70, Kaisa Kawamura (JPN) 6.34, Michael Bailey (USA) 3.53
Heat 8: Colin Moran (USA) 9.23, Bobby Morris (USA) 8.80, Willie Safreed (USA) 7.84, Morgan Faulkner (HAW) 2.60

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Clean Conditions Deliver for Opening Day of ASP 4-Star Vans Pier Classic Clean Conditions Deliver for Opening Day of ASP 4-Star Vans Pier Classic

photo by: Quicksilver/Troyer

The Mel family has a deep history in the surfing industry starting with John Mel Sr., owner of Freeline Surf Shop on 41st ave in Santa Cruz.  He paved the way for his son Peter Mel who is no stranger to the surfing world.  When John Mel Sr. started Freeline he had no idea the legacy that he was creating but as the years went on it became apparent that the Mel family produced rippers!

His son Peter Mel proved that with his ability to surf anything from 2ft – 20+ft… He charges and is still to this day winning contests most recently in 30 foot surf at Pico Alto.  And now, there is a new Mel hitting the surf scene and making a name for himself early in his career.

John Mel Jr. is only twelve years old but his surfing is maturing quickly.  He is already traveling the world to places that we would only dream of going to.  John is young, ripping, and having fun that combo is a perfect recipe for becoming the 2011 – 12 & under US Champ (See footage below of his heat).  We had a chance to steal a little bit of John’s time and asked him a few questions.  Enjoy ~

———————————————————————————————–

NCS: How about an introduction?
JM:John Mel, twelve years old. I’m from Santa Cruz, California but moved to Newport Beach with my mom and dad last year.

NCS: How old were you when you started surfing?
JM: Two or three but I actually started paddling into waves and surfing on my own at six in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

NCS: So, I heard you just got back from Hawaii.  How was it?
JM: Yeah, I stayed at the pipe house. It was really fun, I got to surf perfect waves with all my friends. That’s as good as it gets!

NCS: Who helps you with getting you to contests, your sponsors, interviews, and traveling?
JM: My dad is my surfing coach and helps me with contest. My mom is my manager and learning coach for CAVA. She drives me everywhere too. My parents work like business partners’ getting my life organized, which pretty much revolves around surfing. My sponsors also help me with travel and support my career.

NCS: Were you one of the younger kids out at pipe?
JM: Not sure, I surfed Pipe with friends who are similar in age. I pretty much got hooked on it this winter. My friend Leo got me out on the big day, maybe ten foot Hawaiian.

NCS: Where have you traveled?
JM: All over Europe, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

NCS: Where would you say has been your favorite place?
JM: Fiji, I stayed on Tavarua Island for a week and didn’t want to leave. The people are super nice and the waves are amazing.

NCS: What are your top songs on your ipod?
JM: Wildfire, Sierra Leone and Youngblood

NCS: Who is your biggest influence in surfing?
JM: My dad, Peter Mel, he taught me everything I know.

NCS: Are you looking to follow your dad’s footsteps and charge big gnarly waves?
JM: Of course, I want to be able to do what he does. To rip two foot to twenty foot.

NCS: When was the last time you were scared out in the water?
JM: It was at Pipe this winter.

NCS: Do you have any goals for 2012?
JM: I want to win another National title, if not two.

NCS: Where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now when you are an old man?
JM: Umm, hopefully winning pro Junior’s and maybe on the WCT like Gabriel Mendina.

NCS: Do you have any advice to any of the younger kids out there that might be thinking about making surfing their career?
JM: Try your hardest and try to improve on your weak spots. Be passionate about your goals and have fun too.

NCS: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
JM: Yes, I thank my mom and dad, all of my competitors and friends and my sponsors who helped me get to where I am now.

[Show as slideshow]

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Rider Profile – John Mel

COOLANGATTA, Queensland/AUS (Monday, January 2, 2012) – 2011 has come and gone, delivering nothing short of one of the most exciting and talked about seasons the tour has ever witnessed. We saw bombing conditions at Teahupo’o and Pipeline, rippable surf in New York and San Francisco, and landmark swells at Bells and Supertubos. We saw the ascension of Kelly Slater (USA), 39, to the annals of sport history with an unprecedented 11th ASP World Title. We saw the announcement of a new guard of challengers including Owen Wright (AUS), 21, Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21. We saw the continued adaptation and high-performance of perennial threats such as Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, and Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23. We saw the preternatural performances of rotation kids Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, and John John Florence (HAW), 19. 2012 is now upon us and 2012 is a question mark. Will we see the end of the Slater era? Will the world’s greatest surfer continue to outperform the next generation of talent? And if not, who will challenge for the throne? What follows is a breakdown of the 2011 ASP World Title Top 10…Watch the Throne…

KELLY SLATER (USA): 39 years old. 48 elite tour victories. 11 ASP World Titles. Robert Kelly Slater has been surfing’s “next best thing” for the past two decades. He is considered one the most dominant figures in all of sport…and he’s exhibited no sign of slowing down. Boasting incredible fitness and an ability to adapt to the ever-evolving performance level on the ASP World Tour, Slater is as dangerous as he has ever been in his career. However, the motivation to contest an entire season may be lacking as the iconic Floridian looks to transition to the next phase of his life. A guaranteed appearance at the season opener on the Gold Coast will see the great one don a singlet once again and his result at the Quiksilver Pro will likely set Slater’s pace for the season. Question is, when (IF) Kelly walks away, who will be next to ascend the throne?

JOEL PARKINSON (AUS): With 11 seasons amongst the world’s best under his belt, 30-year-old Joel Parkinson has finished Runner-Up four years (’02, ’04, ’09, ’11). The concept of being within grasp of the ASP World Title four times in one’s career is near unfathomable and would break most mortals. Fortunately for the surfing world, the man with arguably the greatest rail game in the world is not “most mortals”. Parkinson is hungry, fit and surfing at the height of his powers. If he can stay injury free in 2012, we may very well see what so many have waited to see for so long…a Parkinson atop the year-end ratings.

OWEN WRIGHT (AUS):In 2011, 21-year-old Owen Wright announced his intentions to the world when he made the Finals in back-to-back-to-back events against Slater, taking him out in New York and narrowly losing at Teahupo’o and Trestles. That said, Wright has well and truly proven himself capable of taking out events in any and all conditions. One of the most well-rounded surfers on the planet, the progressive goofy-footer will be licking his chops at the addition of Tavarua to this season’s schedule and the rest of the ASP Top 34 will have to collectively lift their games if they’re to keep up with the kid from Culburra in 2012.

TAJ BURROW (AUS): Burrow was once quoted as rhetorically pondering his affection with the ASP World Tour as “how do you get off this ride?”. And “ride” may very well sum up the 33-year-old’s 13-year tenure challenging for the title. Burrow is one of those rare individuals who has been considered an ASP World Title threat since his rookie year, but the ageless natural-footer from West Oz has only gotten as close as Runner-Up twice (’99, ’07). From the start of 2011, the remainder of the Top 34 fixed their gaze on Burrow as he was “surfing better than he ever has” (to quote virtually every surfer on tour). While Taj continued to amaze surf fans around the world last year, he didn’t reach the podium until the ASP Prime event at Haleiwa. These days, to win the title, consistency isn’t always enough. One needs podium finishes at the elite level to break the spirits of his/her fellow challengers. Taj is more than capable of this and we may just see it in 2012.

ADRIANO DE SOUZA (BRA): In a word: “passion”. De Souza has single-handedly changed the way the world views Brazilian surfing while clearing the path for the next generation of South American talent. Adept at airs, turns and barrels, the former ASP World Junior Champion is entering into his sixth consecutive year amongst the world’s elite (at only 24 years young too). De Souza has the drive and ability to be an ASP World Champion. The challenge for him over the coming years will be maintaining his dominance as the talent level continues to soar.

MICHEL BOUREZ (PYF): Ever since ‘The Spartan’ rampaged through the qualifying series in 2008, the world has been expecting big things from the powerful Tahitian. After finding his feet throughout his rookie and sophomore years, Michel Bourez was a picture of consistency in 2011, finishing Equal 9th in the first five events of the season. After a midyear slump, Bourez punctuated the remainder of the year with back-to-back Quarterfinal finishes in Europe and an Equal 3rd at Pipeline. Owner of one of the most powerful turns in the business, Michel is especially lethal at the reef passes (oh hello Tavarua!). Bourez has finished 21st, 11th and now 6th in his tenure amongst the world’s elite and if he can get off to a speedier start in 2012, we may see the Spartan challenge for the throne.

JORDY SMITH (ZAF): There are not too many surfers out there that can blow past the world’s best surfers at only 80%, but Durban’s Jordy Smith is one of these surfers. The big South African was once again in the title hunt throughout the first half of the season, but a mid-season injury in Tahiti derailed his campaign as he had to sit out at New York and Lowers (two events we would have liked to see him at). Throughout his four-year tenure amongst the ASP Top 34, Smith has shown the world many faces: progressive rookie, disinterested party boy and now a legitimate ASP World Title contender. His fitness level has never been higher and his talent is undeniable. We’ll have to wait and see what face Jordy turns up with in 2012.

JOSH KERR (AUS): From fly boy to…well…fly boy. Australian Josh Kerr has long been considered one of the best aerialists in the world, but his tube sense and big wave bravado have long been overshadowed by his above-the-lip prowess. Until now of course. Kerrzy proved himself at the 2011 heavy water spots and his rail game has improved significantly since he first took a shot at the ASP World Title back in 2007. Now well inside the ASP Top 10, Kerr will have to deal with the expectation of his fans and the judges while figuring out where he goes from here. Is the headline “Josh Kerr Claims 2012 ASP World Title” outside the scope of reality? We’ll have to wait and see.

JULIAN WILSON (AUS): Some people are given a lot in this world. Some people have to work for everything they get. The Sunshine Coast’s Julian Wilson is someone who can fall into both categories. Oozing with natural ability, it was Wilson’s work ethic and determination that saw the young natural-footer rebound after a slow start to the season to bag an ASP Prime win in Portugal and then post a Quarterfinal finish at Jeffreys Bay before blitzing the back half of the season. His efforts garnered him the ASP Rookie of the Year title and his charging at the season-ending Billabong Pipe Masters has been burned into the memories of the world’s best surfers. Wilson makes no apologies about his motivation at the top of the sport: he’s here for the ASP World Title. 2012 may be the year we see something special.

ALEJO MUNIZ (BRA): The second rookie to crack the Top 10 on the ASP World Title rankings and the man no one saw coming. Of course, anyone who had spent some water time with Muniz prior to the 2011 season would attest to the fact that the young Brazilian is the complete package. Solid fundamentals with the ability flare his fins at will, the thing that sets Alejo apart from other newcomers is his ability to put up big results in a variety of conditions. Muniz made the Quarterfinals at Snapper Rocks, Jeffreys Bay and Hossegor and the Semifinals at New York and San Francisco. The one thing that plagued Alejo’s rookie season was inconsistency: for every Quarters and Semis finish, he would suffer a Round 2 or 3 loss. The kid’s smart and well aware of this and we expect a marked improvement in 2012, but he is a challenger for the throne?

This list obviously fails to mention the remainder of the ASP Top 34, but they should not be discounted. As Slater said, “At this level, any of these guys can win any heat,” and when that’s the case, the 2012 ASP World Title is truly up for grabs. With the deactivation of the midyear rotation for 2012, the current ASP Top 34 will compete for the entirety of the season, starting with the season-opening Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast from February 25 – March 7, 2012. Watch the throne…

2012 ASP WORLD TITLE SCHEDULE:
- Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (February 25 – March 7, 2012)
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (April 3 – 14, 2012)
- Billabong Rio Pro (May 9 – 20, 2012)
- Volcom Fiji Pro (June 3 – 15, 2012)
- Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (July 11 – 21, 2012)
- Billabong Pro Tahiti (August 16 – 27, 2012)
- Hurley Pro at Trestles (September 16 – 22, 2012)
- Quiksilver Pro France (September 28 – October 8, 2012)
- Rip Curl Pro Portugal (October 10 – 21, 2012)
- O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz (November 2 – 12, 2012)
- Billabong Pipe Masters (December 8 – 20, 2012)

For more information, log onto ASPWorldTour.com

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Who Are the Contenders for the 2012 ASP World Title?

he Northern Pacific power of Steamer Lane will host the world’s best surfers next year as the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz joins the 2012 ASP World Title schedule.

SANTA CRUZ, California/USA (Thursday, December 22, 2011) – The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz has been confirmed as an elite ASP World Title event for 2012. The world’s best surfers will journey to Northern California next November for the 10th of 11 stops on next season’s ASP World Title Series.

“We’re very happy to confirm the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz as an ASP World Title event in 2012,” Renato Hickel, ASP World Tour Manager, said. “Santa Cruz offers a variety of world-class waves for our surfers to perform on and we’re hopeful that conditions will deliver for the world’s best to do battle in.”

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic has a long-standing history of competition, previously as an ASP World Title event (before the two-tier system) and then as an ASP Star and ASP Prime event. Next year’s status as a returning elite ASP World Title event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the O’Neill family’s contribution to surfing.

“We are excited to see a World Tour level event return to Santa Cruz as part of O’Neill’s 60 Year anniversary,” Pat O’Neill, President & CEO of O’Neill Wetsuits, said. “Santa Cruz, with its rich surf history and tradition, is the perfect venue for this pivotal event. Mainland surfing started in Santa Cruz, Jack O’Neill developed many pioneering surf inventions here and it’s been home to the O’Neill brand for over half a century. Santa Cruz has always been regarded as a true surf community and was named the number one surf town in the U.S. by Surfer magazine. With a World Tour event in 2012 and the possibility of the World Champion being crowned, we expect to see an exciting chapter in surfing history written right in our front yard.”

An ASP event for over three decades now, the O’Neill Coldwater Classic has been championed by California standouts such as Tom Curren and Bobby Martinez from Santa Barbara, Kieran Horn, Adam Replogle and Nat Young from Santa Cruz, Richie Collins from Newport Beach and San Clemente’s Nathan Yeomans.

Illustrating the global impact of the event, the winners’ dais has also hosted international standouts Martin Potter (GBR), Joel Parkinson (AUS), Toby Martin (AUS), Jordy Smith (ZAF), Matt Wilkinson (AUS) and most recently Miguel Pupo (BRA). When the ASP Top 34 hit Santa Cruz next November, you can expect another worthy name to be added to such a historic list.

“Joining the other great events on the ASP World Tour makes celebrating O’Neill’s 60th anniversary in 2012 even more exciting,” Toby Bost, CEO of O’Neill Clothing USA, said. “With such a prestigious event, coupled with the amazing group of past winners and new crop of incredible talent on the Tour, there will definitely be a lot of anticipation and energy heading into Santa Cruz next year.”

The world’s best surfers will contest the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz from November 2 – 12, 2012

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz Confirmed for 2012 ASP World Title Series

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Saturday, December 10, 2011) – Kieren Perrow (AUS), 34, has won his inaugural ASP World Tour event, taking out the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons over fellow countrymen Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, in four-to-six foot waves. John John Florence (HAW), 19, also found his way to the podium as the overall winner of the 2011 Vans Triple Crown.

Perrow, who finished runner-up to Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, in last year’s Billabong Pipe Masters, returned to form again this year and charged the massive Pipeline conditions on the opening two days of competition to solidify his position on the 2012 ASP World Tour. The Australian was equally deadly in the smaller conditions on the final day and commanded the Final against Parkinson in a backdoor shootout to secure his maiden ASP World Tour victory.

“It took me up until now to get over getting second to Jeremy last year” Perrow said. “It’s so good to get back here. I just felt so comfortable the whole time. I’ve had such a great event anyway and coming in to today, it was just amazing. The waves have been phenomenal. I haven’t surfed Pipe like that in my entire career. This is pretty much the pinnacle for me.”

Parkinson, a multiple Vans Triple Crown Winner, came close to clinching his first Billabong Pipe Masters Title, but was unable to find a rhythm in the Final against Perrow.

“It’s a hard one to lose because you’ve only got one guy to beat and you’ve beaten so many, but it’s the hardest one to win,” Parkinson said. “I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Kieren (Perrow). He’s a true Pipe Master and one of the best guys out there and I’m so glad he won.”

Parkinson battled his way into the Final with a hard fought victory over Kelly Slater (USA), 39, in their Semifinals clash. After a series of exciting exchanges, the Australian was in need of an 8.21 with just minutes remaining and Parkinson drove through a barrel on his backhand to secure an 8.60 and his Final berth.

“I knew my work was cut out for me,” Parkinson said. “Surfing against Kelly (Slater) is the biggest thing you can do. After he got that 9, I thought, ‘here we go.’ I thought he peaked against John John and he was just at it again. That wave just came to me. It was one of those situations where you forget about everything else, am I in the right position, am I doing anything right. Conditions are not perfect at all, but there are some really good waves.”

Kelly Slater took an amazing come from behind heat win in his Quarterfinals matchup against lethal Pipeline local John John Florence (HAW), 19. The Floridian was in need of a combination of 16.70 to overtake Florence with just three minutes remaining on the clock, and maintained his composure, threading the needle on two back-to-back backdoor barrels for a 9.70 and a 7.83 to surpass the young Hawaiian en route to the Semifinals.

“I was just going to try and have some fun because I didn’t want to run and I thought we’d find another day,” Slater said. “I figured I’d try and get in that head space and I’d ride a short board and I actually got a really good left and my board was wrong for it. I thought it was going to cost me the heat. It just came to me in last three-or-four minutes. I’m just trying to hold John John (Florence)at bay because he’s going to rule Pipe for the next 20 years. I just want to get a couple before I’m done. He’s been the man to beat out here. He’s had two 10s and a couple of high 9’s.”

Slater put on another strong effort in his Semifinals clash against Parkinson, but was unable to surpass the Gold Coast native and finished equal 3rd overall.

“Joel controlled it from the beginning with a 7 to start,” Slater said. “He was holding position from there. I got the 5 and we were in the cycle where he had priority besides that one that I got that 9 on. I’m super surprised that he got both of his good scores on the lefts because we’re usually looking at the right on days like today. He was just in sync with it and there’s not much you can do about that.”

Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, who was rated 3rd on the Vans Triple Crown ratings entering the Billabong Pipe Masters, needed to advance to the Final to surpass Florence on the ratings, but finished painfully close when he lost to Perrow in the Semifinals. Despite falling short of the Vans Triple Crown Title, the equal 3rd place finish marks the Tahitian’s best result of the year.

“It was a painful way to lose, especially when there weren’t many waves out there,” Bourez said. “I wish I won the Triple Crown, but it happens sometimes. It’s good for the confidence and a good result for the end of the year. It’s good to make the Semifinals, but I just wanted one good barrel out there and it never happened.”

John John Florence put on an amazing show at this year’s Billabong Pipe Masters, taking the event’s only two perfect 10-point rides, but fell to Slater in the Quarterfinals. Florence’s overall effort including a win at the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach and a 5th place at the Reef Hawaiian Pro secured his first Vans Triple Crown win, making him the youngest competitor in history to win the prestigious series.

“I’m so stoked to be here, I’ve been surfing these waves my entire life and watching everyone over the years,” Florence said. “I’m so happy that I won this and to have my name with everyone else who has won over the years. I just want to say thanks to my Mom and Pancho Sullivan and John Pyzel and all my sponsors. Thanks to everyone.”

For highlights of the 2011 Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons log on to www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011

Billabong Pipe Masters Final Result:
1 – Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.17
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 7.00

Billabong Pipe Masters Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.23 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 16.83
SF 2: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 12.00 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 4.07

Billabong Pipe Masters Quarterfinals Results:
QF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.00 def. Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 9.43
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.53 def. John John Florence (HAW) 16.70
QF 3: Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.70 def. Evan Valiere (HAW) 3.66
QF 4: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 17.23 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 9.26

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Kieren Perrow wins Billabong Pipe Masters and John John Florence Overall Winner of the 2011 Vans Triple Crown

BANZAI PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Thursday, December 8, 2011) – The opening day of the Billabong Pipe Masters witnessed historic 10-to-15 foot (4-5 metre) surf at the iconic Hawaiian barrel of the Banzai Pipeline to complete Rounds 1 and 2 of competition in arguably the biggest surf in the event’s history.

The Billabong Pipe Masters, the final stop on the 2011 ASP World Title Series, not only represents a crucial event for ASP Top 34 surfers looking to requalify for the 2012 season, but also marks the third jewel of the prestigious Vans Triple Crown.

John John Florence (HAW), 19, navigated the massive Pipeline lineup with ease to eliminate Maui native Kai Barger (HAW), 22, in a commanding Round 2 performance while securing the first perfect 10-point ride of Billabong Pipe Masters competition.

“I got that barrel right off of the takeoff and it pinched and I couldn’t see anything,” Florence said. “It was really sketchy and then I pulled in to that other barrel. It was fun. The waves were firing. It’s the best Pipe has been in so long. There are so many waves that people don’t really see. There are ones going underneath and wide ones, they’re just everywhere.”

Florence, current leader on the Vans Triple Crown ratings, furthered his lead over the field by advancing out of Round 2 and was admittedly relieved to get off to a strong start at the Billabong Pipe Masters.

“There is definitely a lot of pressure to do well with all of my friends and family here,” Florence said. “I want to do well. I was pretty nervous before that first heat and I’m glad I got it out of the way.”

Evan Valiere (HAW), 28, who is competing in the Billabong Pipe Masters as a Hawaiian Wildcard, drove through several Pipe barrels on his forehand to deliver the day’s highest heat-total, a remarkable 18.16, out of 20, in his opening heat and eventually went on to solidify a Round 2 victory as well.

“There were only a couple of waves ridden, but the ones I got felt good for sure,” Valiere said. “It’s just so big. There are a lot of waves coming in on the inside, but it’s not like you’re going on those. When you’re out there, it takes a lot longer to get the ones you want. That 9.33 just felt really good. The takeoff always takes longer than you think and once you get to the bottom, you just set your line. Pipeline is the best feeling in the world.”

Valiere was another native to contribute to the Hawaiian giant-killing spree of the opening rounds, eliminating ASP Top 34 members Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), 30, and Brazilian rookie Miguel Pupo (BRA), 19, to secure his position in Round 3.

“It’s unfortunate, I really think Fred’s an incredible surfer,” Valiere said after his Round 1 win. “I definitely did not want him in my heat out here this morning because I knew he was going to be a major threat. I was just fortunate to get my waves. If Freddy wants to get back on tour he’ll get back and do it.”

Ian Walsh (HAW), 28, was impressive in his 2011 Billabong Pipe Masters debut, eliminating ASP World Tour surfers Kai Otton (AUS), 31, and Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, while threading the needle on a massive barrel of his own for one of the day’s highest scores, 9.70 out of 10, to advance through to Round 3.

“I got pounded and that wave came and it had such a steep tee pee wave on the point that when I took off I was really late,” Walsh said. “I had a similar feeling to the wave I didn’t make before and I got pounded. I let go of my rail and it sucked back before it spit and I almost didn’t make it. When I came out I just had that ecstatic feeling.”

Walsh, who is renowned for his big-wave capabilities, was elated to have big Pipeline conditions on offer for this year’s event.

“You forget you’re even in a heat, you’re just psyched that you’re getting barreled,” Walsh said. “This is the real Pipe Masters. It’s so fun to watch and it’s entertaining for us to surf.”

Adam Melling (AUS), 26, current No. 2 on the Vans Triple Crown ratings, was one international competitor to escape the wrath of the event locals by defeating Mason Ho (HAW), 23, in Round 2 of competition.

“It’s pretty exciting to be in second and have John John just in front of me,” Melling said. “Seeing the way he surfed out there today I’d say it’s not going to be easy to beat him. I’m just excited to be out there and making heats.”

Kieren Perrow (AUS), 34, current No. 25 on the ASP World Ranking and runner-up in last year’s Billabong Pipe Masters, is in need of a result at Pipeline to requalify for the 2012 ASP World Tour and is hungry to finish on the podium again this year.

“I was really nervous before that heat because I need to do well here to stay on tour,” Perrow said. “As the comp goes on it’s going to get harder for sure and the guys out there at the moment are pushing the level. I’m just going to go out there and try and get my waves and see if that puts me in first. Hopefully I can go one better than last year.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible Round 3 start at 8am.

For all of the LIVE Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons action log on to www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011

For additional information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 2 Results:
Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) 16.50 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 9.30
Heat 2: Evan Valiere (HAW) 16.50 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 3.70
Heat 3: Ian Walsh (HAW) 16.06 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 10.17
Heat 4: John John Florence (HAW) 18.07 def. Kai Barger (HAW) 14.67
Heat 5: Aamion Goodwin (HAW) 2.20 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 2.13
Heat 6: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 5.33 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 2.83
Heat 7: Shane Dorian (HAW) 10.50 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 1.90
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) 9.64 def. Mason Ho (HAW) 8.84
Heat 9: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 14.50 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 5.90
Heat 10: Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.20 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 6.57
Heat 11: Travis Logie (ZAF) 5.80 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 5.67
Heat 12: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 9.70 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 9.27

Billabong Pipe Masters Round 1 Results:
Heat 1: Marcus Hickman (HAW) 13.67 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 9.46
Heat 2: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 6.50 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 0.60
Heat 3: Evan Valiere (HAW) 18.16 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 6.00
Heat 4: Travis Logie (ZAF) 3.57 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 2.70
Heat 5: Ian Walsh (HAW) 13.00 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 11.63
Heat 6: Kai Barger (HAW) 9.93 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 6.33
Heat 7: Aamion Goodwin (HAW) 10.34 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 2.84
Heat 8: Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 14.77 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 3.24
Heat 9: Kolohe Andino (USA) 5.27 def. Laurie Towner (AUS) 1.17
Heat 10: Shane Dorian (HAW) 6.40 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 1.94
Heat 11: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 4.76 def. Jack Freestone (AUS) 2.63
Heat 12: Mason Ho (HAW) 9.00 def. Hank Gaskell (AUS) 3.93

Upcoming Billabong Pipe Masters Round 3 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Aamion Goodwin (HAW)
Heat 2: Kalani Chapman (HAW) vs. Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 3: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 5: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Marcus Hickman (HAW)
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 8: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Evan Valiere (HAW)
Heat 10: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 11: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)
Heat 12: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Hawaiian’s Dominating Opening Day at Billabong Pipe Masters

The Banzai Pipeline in all its glory awaits the world’s best surfers for the 2011 Billabong Pipe Masters in Honor of Andy Irons.

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii/USA (Monday, December 5, 2011) – The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, the final stop on the 2011 ASP World Title Series, will commence its waiting period this Thursday, December 8, 2011 and a solid West Northwest swell is expected to see competition get underway in the opening days of the window.

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, clinched a historic 11th ASP World Title at the previous event in San Francisco and the focus for this Billabong Pipe Masters will be the Vans Triple Crown Title (an ASP Specialty Series) and the requalification campaigns of the world’s best surfers.

John John Florence (HAW), 18, newcomer to the elite ASP Top 34 after the September rotation, is currently leading the hunt for the 2011 Vans Triple Crown Title after an impressive win at Sunset last week.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, and defending Billabong Pipe Masters champion Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, have withdrawn from competition due to injury and have been replaced by first alternates C.J. Hobgood (USA), 32, and Adam Melling (AUS), 26, respectively.

Due to the expanded competition at Pipeline, the ASP has awarded two wildcard spots to surfers next in line on the ASP World Rankings, Kolohe Andino (USA), 17, and Willian Cardoso (BRA). Both surfers will receive ASP World Rankings points for their campaigns at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

BILLABONG PIPE MASTERS PRESS CONFERENCE:
Who: Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, Gabriel Medina, Jeremy Flores, John John Florence, Bruce Irons
When: Tuesday, December 6, 2011 – 11am sharp
Where: Surfer Bar, Turtle Bay Resort

The Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons will run from December 8 – 20, 2011 and will be webcast LIVE via http://vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com/billabongpipemasters2011

For additional information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

VANS TRIPLE CROWN TOP 3 (Heading into Billabong Pipe Masters):
1. John John Florence (HAW) 9,780 pts
2. Adam Melling (AUS) 9,650 pts
3. Michel Bourez (PYF) 8,480 pts

ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 5 (Heading into Billabong Pipe Masters):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 63,350 pts
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 48,600 pts
3. Owen Wright (AUS) 47,900 pts
4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 43,700 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 42,200 pts

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu/Hawaii (Friday, December 2, 2011) - Hawaii’s John John Florence has stood on the sand here at Sunset Beach watching the crowning of surfing champions since he was 6-years-old. Today, at 19, he stood on the podium, having realized his childhood dream of winning the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach, and taking the lead on the coveted Vans Triple Crown presented by Rockstar Energy Drink series ratings. It was an overwhelming victory for Florence, who surfed in his first Vans Triple Crown event at the tender age of 12.

Today was also a dream come true for the Vans family, who brought John and the Florences into the fold when he was eight years old. At that time they recognized a child with prodigious talent, a gentle nature, and a genuine appreciation for the ocean and the fortunate opportunities it represented.

“Vans has a long tradition of family, from the Van Dorens to the Florences, and John has been part of our family since he first learned to surf,” said Doug Palladini, Vans’ VP of Marketing. “We are so proud of what John accomplished today, what he has done to live up to his potential this year, and we marvel at the possible impact he will ultimately have on surfing beyond his 19th year.”

In the final, Florence led a spectacular tube-riding battle in perfect 10-foot surf against Michel Bourez (Tahiti, 2nd), Adam Melling (Australia, 3rd), and Hank Gaskell (Maui, 4th) to win $40,000. His two-wave heat total of 17 points (9.5, 7.5) eclipsed the field, leaving the other three in need of a two-wave combination of scores to overtake the lead.

Florence began his Vans Triple Crown campaign two weeks ago at Haleiwa, where he placed fifth. The third and final leg of the Vans Triple Crown now awaits him on his home doorstep at Pipeline. The Billabong Pipe Masters will get underway on December 8. Florence began his 2011 campaign at the Banzai Pipeline in February, winning the 5-star Pipeline Pro. From there, he leapt off onto the global ASP tour with hopes of securing a berth among the elite Top 32. He has achieved that, now ranked 19th in the world.

“I’m having fun, I surf for a living and that’s a dream in itself,” said Florence.

“This is my first 6 star Prime win, it’s at home, it’s one of my home breaks and all my family and friends are here, so it’s one of the best moments of my life, for sure. It means everything. I’ve watched these guys since I was so little growing up here and coming to events when I was six years old, getting their autographs.”

On the upcoming Pipe Masters: “I live right there at Pipe and I surf there almost every day in all conditions. Its going to be fun, for sure.”

There was as much adrenaline on the beach as there was on the waves for the final. Sunset turned on like a giant wave machine, pumping out a succession of rides that saw every finalist get barreled. But Florence’s performance was astounding; he covered an expansive lineup seemingly picking off waves at will with every one of them offering an impossible amount of tube time. Bourez and Melling fought hard to catch him in the 30-minute final. At one point, Melling found himself inside a game-changer of a tube ride, traveling for more than 100 yards and disappearing for six seconds, but he failed to emerge through the curtain of whitewater. After his runner-up finish at Haleiwa, and his third here today, Melling is ranked second on the Vans Triple Crown ratings and will follow John John to Pipe.

“It would have been good to go one better than the last contest, but I guess that’s how it is,” said Melling, from Australia’s Lennox Head. “But if there’s barrels and John John’s around I’m sure he’s in them somewhere.”

On his tube ride that was the longest of the final: “It wasn’t that great! I didn’t make it! But it would have been good. I was coming through it, I raced, and I got through one hard bit and then just into the next and it dropped out on me. I thought I had it there for a little bit. It would have been nice to come out of it.

“The Triple Crown means everything. Since I was young coming over here I’ve always wanted to win it, which would be amazing. Last year I did alright out at Pipe but I’m guessing this year’s going to be a little bit different. I think it’s going to be big Pipe. I’ll have to get out there this week and get a bit of practice in.”

Bourez is the most successful Tahitian surfer in the 29-year history of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. A former champion of the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, his powerful surfing style is a natural fit for the North Shore’s famous winter waves. Now rated third on the Vans Triple Crown rankings, and headed to Pipe, 2011 has seen him reach a new high.

“It’s such a good feeling just to be on the stage right now, to have made the final with all the boys,” said Bourez. “I’m just glad to be on tour and be in the final with them today.

“My first wave, oh my god, that was a bomb. Just right at the end I didn’t make it and I thought if I made that one, it was close to a 10 maybe. To start the heat with a 10 would have put so much pressure on the others, but it didn’t happen.”

Fourth-placed Hank Gaskell is an underdog fairytale. A quiet achiever who doesn’t travel on the tour, Hank lives for waves like those he rode at Sunset today. From the neighboring island of Maui, Gaskell found his way into the Triple Crown by virtue of winning the local Hawaii series this year. He made good on the opportunity and now gets his second wildcard to Pipeline.

“This is really special to me,” Gaskell said. “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. I’ve never done this well in the Triple Crown before so I’m so happy to do this good and make a final. Now Pipe. I’ve got to get psyched for that. I think I’m ready. I’ve surfed in Pipe twice before, not in a few years tho so I’m really happy to be back in that event. I’ve had a little luck and put in a lot of hard work, so it’s paying off. I’m proud of myself.”

Brazil’s Raoni Monteiro, the defending champion of this event, lost out in the semi-finals to Florence and Gaskell, placing equal 7th overall.

Florida’s Evan Geiselman, 18, was eliminated in the round of 32 today but emerged as the JN Automotive Rookie of the Vans Triple Crown – a prestigious title that signals a stellar surfing future.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink is a three-event series staged on Oahu’s North Shore. It is famous for its three equally challenging venues of Haleiwa, Sunset Beach and Pipeline that represent the ultimate test of a surfer’s ability. To win the Vans Triple Crown is second only to winning the ASP World Title.

FINALS:
1st - John John Florence (HAW) 17.00pts, $40,000
2nd - Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.30pts, $20,000
3rd – Adam Melling (AUS) 11.96pts, $12,000
4th - Hank Gaskell (HAW) 11.53pts, $10,000

SEMI FINALS
HEAT 1 : Michel Bourez (PYF) 12.03pts ; Adam Melling (AUS) 8.00 ; Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 7.60pts ; Dusty Payne (HAW) 4.60pts
HEAT 2 : John John Florence (HAW) 18.40pts ; Hank Gaskell (HAW) 14.50pts ; Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.57pts ; Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.77pts

QUARTER FINALS
HEAT 1 : Adam Melling (AUS) 12.86pts ; Michel Bourez (PYF) 11.33pts ; Evan Valiere (HAW) 7.16pts ; Nat Young (USA) 7.16pts
HEAT 2 : Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 17.83pts ; Dusty Payne (HAW) 17.50pts ; Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.16pts ; Travis Logie (ZAF) 6.16pts
HEAT 3 : Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.77pts ; Hank Gaskell (HAW) 11.67pts ; CJ Hobgood (USA) 11.50pts ; Joel Centeio (HAW) 4.87pts
HEAT 4 : Adrien Buchan (AUS) 14.84 ; John John Florence (HAW) 14.23pts ; Ian Walsh (HAW) 13.37pts ; Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 9.43pts

ROUND OF 36
HEAT 1 : Evan Valiere (HAW) 12.53pts ; Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.40pts ; Jesse Mendes (BRA) 6.57 ; Jamie O’Brien (HAW) 6.50pts
HEAT 2 : Adam Melling (AUS) 14.84pts ; Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.97pts ; Heath Joske (AUS) 6.50pts ; Josh Kerr (AUS) 6.23pts
HEAT 3 : Olamana Eleogram (HAW) 12.90pts ; Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.47pts ; Kai Otton (AUS) 7.40pts ; Kieren Perrow (AUS) 5.10pts
HEAT 4 : Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.23pts ; Nat Young (USA) 10.77pts ; Evan Geiselman (USA) 8.30pts ; Taj Burrow (AUS) 6.94pts
HEAT 5 : CJ Hobgood (USA) 12.27pts ; Ian Walsh (HAW) 9.50pts ; Dane Gudauskas (USA) 8.66 ; Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 3.10pts
HEAT 6 : Joel Centeio (HAW) 13.54pts ; Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.03pts ; Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.50pts ; Tonino Benson (HAW) 7.14pts
HEAT 7 : Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.26pts ; Hank Gaskell (HAW) 10.27pts ; Chris Davidson (AUS) 8.63 ; Sunny Garcia (HAW) 7.96pts
HEAT 8 : John John Florence (HAW) 16.33pts ; Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 12.83pts ; Mitchel Coleborn (AUS) 11.67pts ; Dane Reynolds (USA) 9.83pts

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Hawaii’s John John Florence Wins Vans World Cup to Take Vans Triple Crown Lead

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Amazing Surf Adventures – Operation Surf Central Coast 2011 Video

Santa Cruz local Kirk Mcginty of L41 surfboards has created a niche for himself and as a result the L41 logo is starting to litter the waters of Santa Cruz with some rad alternative shapes due to Kirk’s creativity.   Sit down, relax, and read up on the birth and the future of L41 Surfboards.

Warning:  Reading this article will make you want to call L41 Surfboards and order a board.  Perfect timing… Christmas present to yourself!

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NCS: How and when did you start shaping surfboards?
KM: I made my first board in 1996 while working at an industrial design firm in Sunnyvale, CA. My degree is in product design and I’m a CAD designer by trade. I’ve always been interested in forms, surfaces, clean curves, etc.. That combined with my surfing background made designing a surfboard inevitable. My first board was made using hi-end software and was cut on a 500K CNC milling machine. This was before anybody was using machines to produce surfboards. I had it glassed at Full Metal Jacket by Don Hicks and Vince Collier and it worked great! I followed up with a few more and eventually got curious about hand shaping. After a handful of bad attempts and some coaching by a good friend and pro shaper I was able to make something that worked. I’d hand shaped a few dozen boards when I met Marlin Clegg at Cybershapes. He ran the first cutting center in Santa Cruz and spoke my language in terms of CAD/CAM and its role in surfboard manufacturing. I quickly realized that I could get much better results by using a mouse and a milling machine than I could with a planer. Eventually, KKL, AKU Shaper and Shape 3D came along and it got much easier to deliver files to cutters in return for next to perfect pre-cut shapes.

What is the name of your surfboard brand?
KM: L41 Surfboards, short for “Lower 41st Avenue” — one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Santa Cruz and home to some of my favorite waves . It started out as a sort of inside plug to my friends, then as it grew I liked the idea of capturing some of the energy of the area and translating it through my brand.

NCS: What is your favorite aspect of shaping?
KM: Hands down the greatest thing is handing off a custom shape to a stoked customer. Second is to be creating something functional with the tools I have and receiving positive feedback from the people who ride it. There’s also the therapeutic aspect and hands-on creative value to getting in the shaping room with some good music and dialing in a foam sculpture.

NCS: How about your least favorite?
KM: Tough question. Probably the learning curve involved in designing good boards. It’s taken years and endless tweaks to get to where I am now. As soon as I think I’ve got a winner, a subtle change to rocker, fin placement, thickness flow, etc. can make it better. This can be frustrating but then I have to remind myself that there’s a natural evolution to everything. This constant learning and change is vital to the design process.

NCS: Is there a certain shape you sell more of?
KM: I do a fair share of performance shortboards but have to say alternative shapes are my niche. Anything short, wide and flat and any variety of non-standard quads are a staple. I also do a lot of performance SUP designs, long boards, eggs – anything really.

NCS: Is most of your clientele from Santa Cruz?
KM: Yes. However I’ve also made boards for people on the east coast, in southern California and Canada.

NCS: Do a lot of your customers come in knowing what dimensions they want already or do they tell you their skill level and type of waves they surf and then let you run with it?
KM: I’d say half of my custom orders are from people with a particular design in mind. With the advent of model names (i.e., dumpster diver, rocket, flyer, etc.) it’s gotten much easier to interpret a customer’s wants. Of course there are also customers who don’t know exactly what board to order. Using my skill set and experience it can be fun and challenging to determine what would be best for them. I also get orders from folks who have an idea that maybe goes beyond what is considered “normal”. These are the projects I like best. An example would be a high performance SUP based on the Mini-Simmons platform.

NCS: Where is your local surf spot?
KM: The Hook. However it really depends on the time of year and wave conditions. I basically surf anywhere between Rockview and Trees with occasional jaunts down to the beaches and Moss Landing.

NCS: What do enjoy most about living Santa Cruz?
KM: The best thing is the consistency and quality of the waves here. Every day is surfable given the right equipment. I also love how accessible the ocean is and the geography.

NCS: Where would you like to see yourself five years from now?
KM: Retired and living in Costa Rica would be nice but probably not realistic. I hope to be happy, secure in my job and still crankin’ out good boards for people!

NCS: Who are your influences?
KM: If I had to pick any particular people in the industry whose craft or skill I especially respect and appreciate I’d say Gerry Lopez, John Carper and Rich Pavel. But being self-taught and a naturally creative person I never really aspired to be like anyone else or make something “as good” as or better than another guys.

NCS: How should people contact you if they want to order a board from you?
KM: I can be contacted through my website and Facebook page:
www.l41online.com
or by phone at 831.251.0322

NCS: What would you say to the individuals that are just are thinking about shaping or just started?
KM: There’s no better feeling than riding a board that you made yourself. No matter how crappy you may think it looks it’ll always be magic.

NCS: Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
KM: I’d like to thank Mark Brown and the crew at Paradise Fiberglass for years of amazing glassing. Also David Vernor for sharing his tips, tricks and industry contacts with me.

[Show as slideshow]

Post from: NorCalSurfers.com

Shaper Profile – Kirk Mcginty of L41 Surfboards