Quanto a Tiago "Saca" Pires, mostrou-se ao mais alto nível na prova brasileira. Um começo intermitente na primeira ronda da prova, ganha pelo brasileiro Miguel Pupo, relegou-o para a fase de repescagens, isto apesar de ter feito a onda mais bem pontuada da bateria, um 9.07. Tiago não desperdiçou mais oportunidades e, numa segunda ronda disputada em condições de mar exigentes, o surfista da Ericeira bateu o australiano Kai Otton somando como duas melhores ondas um 6 e um 4.90.

Na terceira ronda, Saca derrotou o australiano Owen Wright, 3º classificado no World Tour de 2011, com uma pontuação combinada de 10.40, (5.17 + 5.23) nas duas melhores ondas, naquela que foi mais uma prestação sólida perante um adversário difícil que motivou o atleta português para a fase seguinte da prova. Na quarta ronda, e perante dois adversários de peso, o taitiano Michel Bourez e o sul-africano Jordy Smith, Tiago voltou a conseguir um 9.07 num tubo praticamente inventado do qual parecia não ter condições para sair, numa demonstração da sua técnica apurada de tuberider. A vitória na bateria seria carimbada com o back-up score de 5.33, que consolidou uma liderança que não viria a perder.

A combinação de power, variedade nas manobras e um controlo táctico superior levaram Tiago Pires directamente para os quartos-de-final, onde viria a perder para Joel Parkinson, apesar da excelente réplica que ofereceu ao australiano até aos últimos instantes da bateria.

Com este 5º lugar, Tiago Pires ascende ao 13º lugar do ranking do Circuito Mundial de Surf ASP 2012. A quarta etapa do WT decorre nas Ilhas Fiji, de 3 a 15 de Junho.

As previsões para os primeiros três dias do período de espera são auspiciosas, com atletas e público à espera de boas condições para o melhor desenrolar da prova.

Tiago Pires, representante nacional entre a elite do surf mundial e actual 25º no ranking, procura neste evento melhorar a prestação do ano passado e chegar à primeira metade da tabela classificativa. O atleta do team Quiksilver já conhece os seus adversários na primeira ronda, o brasileiro Miguel Pupo e o taitiano Michel Bourez, ambos em 13º no ranking mundial. Será a décima bateria de uma primeira ronda que entra hoje na água (fuso horário: -4 hrs ).

A prova pode ser acompanhada ao vivo em http://wctbrasil.com/rio12

O maravilhoso cenário da primeira Reserva Mundial de Surf europeia está pronto para receber a disputa pelos quatro lugares na final europeia do Quiksilver King Of The Groms, que este ano se realiza também na Ericeira, de 24 a 26 de Agosto.

Os atletas que se qualificarem para a final europeia irão discutir com surfistas de outros vinte países do Velho Continente o acesso à final internacional do Quiksilver King Of The Groms, que irá acontecer durante a passagem do Circuito Mundial de Surf pelo sul de França, para o Quiksilver Pro France, de 28 de Setembro a 8 de Outubro.

A final internacional reunirá dezoito surfistas apurados nas diversas competições regionais espalhadas pelo globo. Entre a galeria de vencedores do Quiksilver King Of The Groms estão nomes como Jeremy Flores, Maxime Huscenot, Matt Banting e Gabriel Medina.

As inscrições para a edição portuguesa do Quiksilver King Of The Groms 2012, que conta com o importante apoio da Microsoft Windows Phone, podem ser feitas a partir desta semana no site da Federação Portuguesa de Surf (http://www.surfingportugal.com) até 48 horas antes do começo do evento.

Espera-se um fim-de-semana com muito surf, festa e igual dose de talento dentro de água. O evento arranca no dia 4, sexta-feira, com a Opening Party na Boardriders Ericeira e a presença dos The Glockenwise, banda rock portuguesa nomeada para o prémio de melhor álbum europeu em 2011. No mesmo dia, será também inaugurada a exposição com os melhores desenhos do passatempo "Desenha o Saca". Tiago Pires marcará presença para entregar os prémios aos grandes vencedores deste passatempo.

O evento conta ainda com uma Expression Session dos team riders Quiksilver Vasco Ribeiro, Pedro Ferreira e Miguel Blanco, que no ano passado venceu a final portuguesa do KOTG, realizada em Ílhavo.

Para além da Microsoft Windows Phone, o Quiksilver King of the Groms 2012 conta com o apoio da Câmara Municipal de Mafra e do Ericeira Surf Clube e tem, como media partners, a Mega Hits, a SURFPortugal e a Go-S.TV.

O surfista do team Quiksilver, integrado na Selecção Nacional que disputou a prova, disputou a final do evento com os brasileiros Matheus Navarro (1º classificado), Deivid Silva (2º classificado) e o australiano Josh Hay.

The 3rd place marks a superb start to the season for Jérémy Florès, and 2012 is already shaping up to be a fine year for the Frenchman. Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, posted two massive wins today over lethal rookie John John Florence (AUS), 19, and form goofy-footer Owen Wright (AUS), 22. The young Frenchmen dissected the Bells walls with unmatched precision, but a priority interference in his Semifinal bout with Slater would see Flores bundled out with an Equal 3rd.

The 3rd place marks a superb start to the season for Jérémy Florès, and 2012 is already shaping up to be a fine year for the Frenchman.

"I'm disappointed with the result," Flores said. "I feel like I was surfing really well and I didn't agree with the interference call. That's surfing though so I just have to brush it off and focus on the next one."

In the final round, the American Kelly Slater displayed his full range of talent with a full-rotation aerial that earned him a magnificent 10/10. The legendary natural-footer backed it up moments later with an 8.07 to take the lead, but would only hold it briefly after an assault from Fanning.

"I was moving around trying to get active and I was just finding my feet," Slater said. "I knew Mick (Fanning) was going to be real patient. I knew he got that start and then I tried to talk to him and he put his serious head on and pissed me off, so I thought I'd throw a big rotator on him and it wasn't enough. That was pretty exciting for me. Even when he had the 9 and 8-something, I had a feeling I was in it. I felt like something good was going to come my way and it started to. I had one more chance and that was about it. I knew it was going to be a bit of a struggle with the waves out there, with the long intervals and long lulls, but that's just the way it goes."

America's 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, meanwhile, qualified for the final where he found himself up against Australia's Mick Fanning. The Aussie finally edged a tight contest, winning by just 8 tenths of a point (18.80pts to 18.07 pts for Kelly Slater).

Slater's Runner-Up finish moves him back to the No. 1 spot on the ASP World Championship Tour ratings.

First 5 Star TTR event 2012/2013 with innovative video judging system

For ten years the Quiksilver Spring Battle has made a reputation as one of the most popular snowboarding events in Europe. An accomplished combination of the premium setup at the perfectly shaped Absolut Park with an innovative video judging system has been thrilling riders and spectators at this year´s 5 Star TTR Big Air snowboard competition. In the Qualification round on Thursday, all riders were showing off on the perfectly shaped 22 metre Big Air kicker, even if the weather conditions were getting worse due to strong winds. With the actual start list it was hardly surprising that double corks and 1260´s have been stomped even in the first round. The best ten competitors advanced to the subsequent Semi Finals. Together with ten invited riders out of the TTR Top 10 World Tour Ranking, they kept on pushing it to the limits, ignoring the upcoming storm in the Semis. The Finals were supposed to go down on Friday, 31^st of March but had to be in the true sense of the word blown off in last-minute. The ten best Semi Finalists were automatically nominated for the final Video Judging on Friday Night. They had the opportunity to pick their favorite run for the Video Juding, which was conducted on a video screen from different viewing angles.

International Podium and local Superstars in the top 10

Again, previous year´s winner Seppe Smits could not be beaten. Despite tough conditions due to strong winds, the Belgian convinced the judges and audience stomping a clean Cab 1260 Mute Grab over the Big Air kicker. Seppe won the Quiksilver Spring Battle for the second time in a row. Beside honour and glory, he took home 15.000 Euro prize money and 850 TTR points counting towards the 2012/2013 season. Nuutti Niemelä from Finnland was close on his heels and became second with the same trick, a Cab 1260 Mute Grab for which he was rewarded with 9.000 Euros. The American Eric Willett took 3rd place on the podium with his Frontside Doublecork 1080 Mute Grab, that brought him in 5.000 Euros of prize money. Finnish rider Ville Paumola missed the podium, but raked in 2.000 Euros for the 4^th place. Clemens Schattschneider was the best Austrian rider in the final round, reaching 5^th position. He took home 1.500 Euros as well as Markku Koski from Finland for his 6^th rank.

Another Austrian snowboarder, Michael Macho, became 7^th before Max Buri (SUI), Jan Necas (CZE) and Sven Thorgren SWE). They all got rewarded with 1.000 Euros each for their spot in the Top ten of the Quiksilver Spring Battle 2012.

After the prize giving, FM4/Texta DJ Dan took the tiller for the FM4 Club Aftershow-Party at  the ceremonial hall of Flachau. Riders and party people celebrated the 10th Spring Battle Anniversary properly until the break of dawn.

O português Tiago "Saca" Pires prepara-se para defrontar na primeira ronda da prova o brasileiro Alejo Muniz e o havaiano John John Florence. O surfista da Ericeira competirá na décima primeira bateria do round inicial deste histórico campeonato que se realiza na mítica praia de Bells Beach, em Torquay, no estado australiano de Victoria.  

Ao contrário do que tem sido norma nos últimos anos, este ano o surfista português regressou a Portugal depois da primeira etapa, também ela disputada na Austrália. Uma mudança que o atleta considera ter sido proveitosa, já que o regresso a casa foi brindado com um dos melhores Invernos de sempre em Portugal em matéria de ondas. "Este ano optei por voltar a Portugal entre os campeonatos na Austrália e aproveitei para competir em algumas provas enquanto estive em casa. Tive três semanas intensas de treino físico e ainda consegui competir, apanhar grandes tubos e visitar a Madeira numa pequena viagem para a Quiksilver. Enfim, acho que foi muito produtivo. O mais importante é que chego a Bells faminto por um bom resultado."

Quanto à prova que aí vem, bem como o facto de Bells Beach ser em teoria uma onda que favorece o seu estilo de surf mais poderoso, Saca não enjeita a responsabilidade.

"Penso que Bells pode potencialmente ser uma prova diferente das outras, na medida em que se as ondas aparecerem, o estilo de surf pedido é de linhas longas e curvas no rail, mais conhecido como power surf. É verdade que esse é o meu estilo de surf, e por isso tenho que o apresentar da melhor maneira possível aqui em Bells Beach. Estou motivado para fazer um bom campeonato e agora é rezar por boas condições para haver espectáculo!"

A prova pode ser acompanhada ao vivo em http://live.ripcurl.com/?bells2012#popup-1

This innovative system conceals the connection between the earphones and the MP3 player, located in the jacket's front pocket.

Now available online, click here!

Just 18 years old, Mikyska from Prague was the only one to win the battle against the bad weather at this years Quiksilver Snowjam. Although Friday was sunnier, his ride on Saturday was still flawless, finishing with a Frontside 900 on the kicker at the end of course. Throughout the year, Martin showed excellent form at all competitions in which he took part. He was able to use those experiences from throughout the year to dominate Quiksilver Snowjam. Martin told us, „It was amazing, there were tons of insane tricks, though it's too bad the weather was less than ideal. But the atmosphere overall was great like every year here. I got first prize thanks to the combination of all the features of the course. I got a really strong half pipe score, a pretty good score on the jib, and one of the best tricks on the kicker. It's one of the most amazing feelings to win. It's hard to find the words. Thank you."

Young Finnish rider Ville Paumola took second place at Spindleruv Mlyn. Third place was seasoned Quiksilver Snowjam rider Thomas Franz from Switzerland. Although there were bad weather conditions, 3,000 spectators came to the slopes at Svaty Petr to witness world class snowboarding.

Pretendemos transformar o "puro skate" numa actividade lúdica transmitindo valores construtivos para o dia a dia, na escola como em casa, e procuramos ainda reactivar antigas brincadeiras de rua que incentivam a união de grupo e a realização de novas amizades.

Desta forma apelamos à construção de confiança, respeito e união entre todos os skaters de diversas idades e géneros sociais e físicos. Os professores da escola têm a capacidade e os conhecimentos necessários para acompanhar e desenvolver a evolução do aluno enquanto decorrem as aulas curriculares. As aulas são dirigidas para pessoas de todas as idades, e todo o equipamento necessário para a aula é fornecido pela escola. 

Os locais de realização das aulas são no skatepark da Quiksilver Boardriders Ericeira, e skateparks de Torres Vedras e Lisboa.

Contacto:

Telemóvel: 91 963 5220

Email: osorioskateboard@gmail.com

Site: http://osorioskateboardacademy.wordpress.com

Quiksilver's Thomas Krief today clinched his first Winter X Games medal in front of a massive crowd (31700 people), his family and friends. At the age of 19, the French skier, recognized as one of the most talented riders of his generation and sponsored by Quiksilver since he's a kid, finally gets a medal after finishing in 5^th position twice (last year in Aspen and Tignes). Just behind the untouchable US phenomenon Torin Yater Wallace (USA), 16, who gets a well deserved first gold medal.

"Toto" was overwhelmed to be on the Winter X Games podium for the first time: " It took me some time... I got 4^th, 5^th places. It's hard to realize, I have to look at my medal to believe it. What happened tonight is fantastic. I'm overwhelmed. Usually I cry when my friends win, this time I can cry for myself. It was my goal to get a podium on a big event. It took me some time to find my rhythm at the beginning of the season. Thanks to my friends Xavier, Kevin, Ben and Greg, and the public supporting me, I made it."

Earlier today, another Quiksilver rider, Eric Willett jumped on the Winter X Games podium. Eric Willett took the third place of the Slopestyle Snowboard competition won by Shaun White (2 gold medals in Tignes). Winner in 2010, bronze medallist last year, Willett stays on the Winter X Games podium for the third year in a row.

These Winter X Games Tignes were a great edition for the Quiksilver Team with 3 medals. Iouri Podladtchikov took bronze in SuperPipe Snowboard, Eric Willett who also took bronze in Slopestyle Snowboard, and Thomas Krief with his silver medal in SuperPipe Ski.

Bobby Brown rose to the challenge and took the gold with a massive Rodeo 450 in his second run (95 points). And even if Bobby Brown's run was fluid and flawless, the other competitors runs where just as impressive. But still, riders like Tom Wallisch, Quiksilver's rookie James Wood or Andreas Hatveit couldn't reach Bobby's level today.

In the Men's Snowboard SuperPipe final, the tension was maximum with Shaun White, Iouri Podladtchikov and Louie Vito in course for the win.

For his first attempt, Shaun White threw one of his best runs ever in competition. He almost killed the contest with this first run (98 points) achieved with an impressive and effortless amplitude. Today White was flying. Iouri Podladtchikov and Louie Vito had to battle to secure silver or bronze. After winning gold in 2010, silver last year, Quiksilver's Podladtchikov finally took bronze with a score of 88 points behind Louie Vito (92 points).

In the last event of the day, Quiksilver's Thomas Krief did a very good job in the Men's Ski SuperPipe elimination. Thomas took the second place of the qualifications just behind David Wise. Tomorrow the final will be held at 8:10pm.

The strongest contender for gold, Tom Wallisch (USA) won the qualifications (with a 95.66 points score) despite a first bad run. Talented UK rookie, part of the Quiksilver team, James Wood goes through with a 5th place finish (9 points).

The women's ski Slopestyle finals also took place today. The event was held on the same course as the men's, just one hour later. Kaya turski, singled out as favourite for the event, remained untouchable and claimed a third consecutive gold medal in Tignes. The young Norwegian Roxy rider Tiril Sjastad Christiansen took the 10th place.

As for snowboarding, in the SuperPipe Snowboard final, Kelly Clark stole the show. After winning everything this season, she got a new Winter Games gold medal with a score of 95 points. Elena Hight takes silver while the Gnu rider Kaitlin Farrington wins bronze. Roxy's Olympic medallist Torah Bright gets 4th.

In the final event of the day, the Men's SuperPipe Snowboard elimination, Shaun White (two Olympic half pipe gold medals and 12 Winter X Games gold medal) looked impressive with 2 solid runs. Without tapping in to all his talent, Quiksilver's Iouri Podladtchikov took the 5th place with a score of 70 points. Tomorrow, the 2010 Winter X Games Tignes gold medallist will be stepping it up to make the top 3.

Including Superpipe, slopestyle ski and snowboard for men and women.

The best winter Quiksilver and Roxy athletes are invited to compete : Iouri Podladtchikov, Eric Willet, James Woods, Thomas Krief, Mathieu Crepel, Torah Bright, Kjersti Buaas et Aimee Fuller

    Wednesday, March 14

1:25 – 2 :30pm         Skiing Slopestyle Women's Final

6:10 – 7 :30pm         Snowboard Superpipe Women's Final

Thursday, March 15

1:25 – 2 :45pm         Skiing Slopestyle Men's Final

6 :30 – 8 :00pm        Snowboard Superpipe Men's Final

Friday, March 16

10 :25 –11 :45am     Snowboard Slopestyle Men's Final

12 :55 – 2:00pm       Snowboard Slopestyle Women's Final

6:10 – 7:30pm          Ski Superpipe Women's Final

7:55 – 9:30pm          Ski Superpipe Men's Final

Iouri Podladtchikov wins the Burton Global halfpipe overall and TTR halfpipe overall title. After a great season and finishing in 7th at the US Open Iouri came out on top winning both these titles and getting ready for the Euro X-games in Tignes this week.

Ulrik Badertscher Finishes 2nd at the US open Slopestyle in Stratton Vermont.(I already sent these press shots). He also took a nasty fall at the big air/ rail event on the final night and ended up with a nasty concussion and broken arm but in his true Viking spirit says he will be back soon although gutted to miss the Euro X-games. We wish you a speedy recovery our Viking friend!

Jonathan Charlet claims another win at the World freeride tour in Fieberbrunn leaving him on top of the tour and the roll into the last event of the tour in Verbier which takes place from the 24th of march. Jonathan has been riding strong all season and is looking good for the last event , so lets hope the snow holds up for there final stop of the tour.

Mathias Weissenbacher finishes 2nd and Freddy Austbo 3rd at the Quiksilver new star  4 star TTR Slopestyle in Russia. After finishing second last week in Leysen Switzerland TTR slopestyle event Mathias who just came back from a nasty injury to his leg looks like he has been training hard and its payed off with another podium for him as he gets ready for the 5 star Quiksilver Spring battle taking place at the end of the month in Austria.

Quanto a Tiago "Saca" Pires, começou por encontrar o norte-americano Damien Hobgood e o havaiano John John Florence na primeira ronda da prova. Apesar de ter marcado um 7.60 e um 4.90 nas suas duas melhores ondas, o surfista da Ericeira viu Hobgood superiorizar-se ligeiramente e Florence obter uns quase perfeitos 9.90 e 9.70, num desempenho que Saca considerou "endiabrado" e o relegou para a segunda ronda.

Nessa fase de repescagem, Tiago Pires defrontou e foi derrotado por Bede Durbidge, tendo considerado que o australiano foi, nessa bateria, "um competidor mais inteligente". Saca sai assim da Austrália no 25º posto da classificação.

Tiago Pires está agora de regresso a casa onde vai, ao longo das próximas três semanas, preparar a segunda etapa do Circuito Mundial de Surf ASP, o Rip Curl Pro, em Bells Beach, também na Austrália, cujo período de espera começa no dia 3 de Abril.

The opening stop on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast enjoyed sunny weather, light winds and a capacity crowd for the final day of competition, with the world's best surfers putting on a spectacular display of high-performance surfing.

Burrow defeated dangerous South American Adriano De Souza (BRA), 25, in a Final that came down to the wire. De Souza caught a wave in the dying minutes and launched into a massive air-reverse, requiring a 7.87 out of a possible 10 to take the lead. The judges deliberated until after the siren sounded and when it was announced that De Souza came a mere 0.27 short, Burrow was chaired up the beach and declared the 2012 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast champion.

"I feel so good now!" Burrow said. "I had a really good event last year, but came up short in the Final against Kelly (Slater). Then today when I found myself against Adriano (De Souza), I was really nervous because he got me in a Final in Brazil last year. He's really tough and I don't like competing against him to be honest. There was a lot of weight on my shoulders in that Final so it's pretty rewarding to come out on top."

The ASP World Championship Tour will next head to Victoria, Australia for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, stop no. 2 of 10 in the race for the 2012 ASP World Title.
"I've been going for the ASP World Title for a while now," Burrow said. "I don't know what to say. I just want to surf my best and hope that the rest falls into place. I love Bells. I love throwing on a full wetsuit and doing some big arcs in the Bells Bowl."

De Souza finished runner-up at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast for the second time, after coming 2nd to Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, in 2009. De Souza was easily one of the event's top performers this season with gouging turns and inverted aerials taking him to a podium finish.

"I'm really happy with my result here today," De Souza said. "It was such an amazing Final. Last year Taj (Burrow) and I had such a great heat here as well. It was one of the best heats of my life and he beat me. It's amazing to be on the podium here again. In 2009, it was me and Joel (Parkinson). It's a great way to start the year and I'm happy to be back up here."

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, reigning four-time ASP Women's World Champion, her fourth Roxy Pro Gold Coast title after defeating ASP Top 17 sophomore Laura Enever (AUS), 20, in a hard-fought Final. Gilmore was dominant throughout the event, posting scores in the excellent range in every encounter throughout the draw. Gilmore jumps back to No. 1 on the ASP Women's World Championship Tour ratings, a spot she lost at this event last year after holding it for four years.
"To be carried up the beach with your friends underneath you with thousands of people around has got to be one of the best feelings in the world," Gilmore said. "It took me back to 2005 when I won here as a grom. Last year went so quickly and it felt like I didn't even exist on the rankings and that fire wasn't really there. This year it's so good to have that back! My cheeks are so sore from smiling already."
Enever, who defeated Gilmore in the Quarterfinals of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast last year, today was unable to replicate last year's magic but managed a career-best Runner-Up today against Gilmore. This is the first ASP Women's World Tour final appearance for Enever, who finished 10th on last year's ratings.

"Coming into this event I felt like a new competitor," Enever said. "I'm so stoked to make it all the way to the Final. It was so good to be out there with Steph (Gilmore). She's coming back now which is great to see. It's a good way to start off the year. I'm in the ASP Women's World Title race and it's not a fluke. I want to be up here for the rest of the year and hopefully go one better next event."

Kelly Slater (USA), 40, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion and last year's Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast winner was eliminated in the Quarterfinals this morning by Josh Kerr (AUS), 27. Slater had previously defeated Kerr four times on the 2011 ASP World Championship Tour and was a favourite to take the heat today. However, it was Kerr who advanced thanks to one of a massive forehand air-reverse in the final minutes of the heat.

"If the waves were better I would be really bummed that I lost," Slater said. "I got one at the end that I thought would be good, I went for the carving 360 and got stuck. Then I turned around and Josh (Kerr) was on a pretty nice one and he got that air at the end. He's always going to be a threat in conditions like this where he can throw big airs. I got Josh a few times last year, we had four Quarterfinal battles last year where I got him, so he owed me a couple. It never feels good to lose, but I'm happy for Josh. I'm not sure if I'm going to Bells. I'm just going to go find some good waves in the next few weeks. Then I'll figure out what I'm going to do for the year."

Iouri's winning run was made of Frontside 9 tail to backside 900 mute to frontside 1080 double cork and a cab 1080 double cork to finish. This victory puts him in perfect conditions for the US Open to be held from March 7th to 10th and the Winter X Games Tignes which will be held from March 14th to 16th.

The opening stop of the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour season, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast enjoyed incredible action throughout the first four days of the waiting period, narrowing the fields down to the men's Quarterfinalists and women's Semifinalists, and will recommence competition when conditions improve.

"The wind has swung back Southerly and cleaned conditions up significantly," Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. "However, we haven't had the swell fill in properly yet so competition is off for the day. We expect to get a start tomorrow with the potential to finish both the men's and women's event."

Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30am tomorrow to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.

Os melhores trabalhos serão escolhidos pela Quiksilver e pelo Tiago. O primeiro classificado vai ganhar uma prancha do Saca, enquanto que o segundo classificado será presenteado com um fato da Quiksilver. Os restante lugares do pódio serão brindados com booklets do Dream Team da TMN assinados pelo próprio Tiago Pires. Os melhores trabalhos estarão ainda em exposição na loja a partir de Abril. Para celebrar o seu 32º aniversário, Tiago Pires e a Quiksilver vão ainda oferecer uma festa na Boardriders Ericeira aos seus fãs e amigos. 

Liga-te a https://www.facebook.com/BoardridersEriceira para ficares a saber tudo sobre este passatempo e sobre aquela que será uma das festas do ano. 

Os trabalhos devem ser enviados para: Avenida São Sebastião, 36 A, 2655-319 Ericeira, ao cuidado do Departamento de Marketing da Quiksilver. 

The opening stop of the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour season, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast enjoyed incredible action throughout the first four days of the waiting period, narrowing the fields down to the men's Quarterfinalists and women's Semifinalists, and will recommence competition when conditions improve.

"There's not much out there that you would classify as ‘contestable' today and we've called a lay day for the men and women," Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. "It looks like we'll see a directional change in wind and some swell materialize over the next 24 hours so we'll be back tomorrow morning to reassess conditions and make another call then."

Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30am tomorrow to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.

"The swell is on the decrease and the onshore winds are scheduled to get worse throughout the day so we've called a lay day," Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. "I cannot remember a time when we've ran the first four days of a combined event and we're in a good position to capitalize on the remainder of the waiting period. The swell forecast for this weekend looks promising but we'll be back tomorrow morning to assess conditions and make a call then."

Adriano De Souza (BRA), 25, won the first three-man, non-elimination heat of Round 4 of the Quiksilver Pro. The lead changed multiple times between De Souza, Owen Wright (AUS), 22, and Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, with the Brazilian taking out the two Australians and advancing directly into the Quarterfinals.
"I just tried to concentrate on my myself because Owen (Wright) is one of the form surfers of this event and Josh (Kerr) can also do some damage out there," De Souza said. "I tried to catch the best waves and sometimes luck is on your side and it worked out for me in that one. I'm stoked to skip Round 4 and move straight into the Quarterfinals."

De Souza will once again face Owen Wright (AUS), 22, who went on to win his afternoon Round 5 heat, in Quarterfinal 1 when competition resumes.

Kelly Slater (USA), 40, reigning 11 x ASP World Champion and last year's Quiksilver Pro winner, didn't take his foot off the gas in his morning Round 4 heat win. The iconic Floridian built momentum throughout the affair, even changing equipment mid-heat to adjust to the conditions.

"On that first wave I could tell my board didn't have the pop I wanted," Slater said. "Because the waves are so small, you need a small board to fit in the pocket, so I switched to a shorter, wider board. None of us really got in sync in that one. It was really tough to pick the right waves. I only woke up 40 minutes before my heat. I thought we were going to be off today so I was sleeping in and I got a call saying ‘get up, we're on.'"

Slater will now face Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, in Quarterfinal 2 when competition resumes.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, edged out Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, and Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, in an exciting Round 4 exchange at Snapper Rocks. Smith and Parkinson put on an epic show for the crowd and finished the heat with only 0.14 separating their score lines.

"I wanted to beat Joel (Parkinson) bad," Smith said. "He has beaten me pretty much my whole life, so I've got a lot to get him back for. He's also one of my favourite surfers so it's tough to come up against him. Miguel (Pupo) is another tough one because he's got all the tricks in the book. Choosing the right waves is pretty key out there."

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, two-times Quiksilver Pro event Champion posted the event's first perfect 10-point-ride in 2012 in his afternoon Round 5 match. Parkinson battled Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, for a Quarterfinal berth in glassy conditions this afternoon and the local natural-footer was in unbeatable form.
"I got stung by a blue-bottle and that fired me up!" Parkinson said. "There's still some good waves out there and I thought we were going to have an air-off. Julian (Wilson) did some, and I tried a few, then that one came through and it had some good air sections, but they were better turn sections. I've got some rivalries going today – I surfed against Jordy (Smith) and we have a good one going, now Julian and I are one building too. That's what makes healthy competition. You're happy to get involved in a real rivalry."

Parkinson will now re-match Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in Quarterfinal 3 when competition resumes.

Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, former Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast winner and last year's event runner-up, once again showcased his familiarity and affinity with Snapper Rocks by posting a massive heat total – 17.34 (out of a possible 20).

"It was pretty much a 9-point-wave by itself and I just rode it," Burrow said. "I got one good turn out the back and then one good one on the end. The judges like a good start and a good finish, so I knew it would be up there. Once I had that 9, I just really wanted to back it up with something solid. It's pretty tough out there, but I managed to find another good score."

Event organisers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am to access conditions for a possible 7:30am start.

Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, 2012 ASP Top 34 sophomore, found form in his Round 3 heat against Adam Melling (AUS), 26, posting the highest heat total of the day, an 18.57 out of a possible 20. On his third different board in as many heats, it appears that the young natural-footer has dialed in his equipment moving forward.
"I lost in this round last year in a close one against Taj (Burrow) and went on to lose a bit early in the next few events so I was nervous before that one," Wilson said. "I did want to make a statement. In my first two heats I wasn't myself – it didn't feel like it was coming together for me. Then in that heat I felt a lot better, felt solid on my board and good to get some high scores."

Wilson will take on Adrian Buchan (AUS), 29, and Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, in Round 4 of competition.

Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, caused the biggest upset of the event thus far by eliminating perennial event favourite and two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 30. Pupo put pressure on Fanning early in the heat by posting a 7.60 (out of a possible 10), and the local Queenslander was unable to recover from a slow start.

"I just tried to find good waves because it's pretty tough out there," Pupo said. "I had to win that one, to be on tour you have to beat the big boys. Mick (Fanning) surfs so good. He's got a couple of ASP World Titles and I knew that it would be a tough one. I tried my best."

Pupo faces Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, and Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in Round 4 when competition resumes.

Owen Wright (AUS), 22, opened the day with an exciting match-up against compatriot Matt Wilkinson (AUS), 23. The pair of goofy-footers gave the crowd a sensational display of backhand surfing at Snapper Rocks, with Wright getting the better of the exchange by a mere 0.40.

"That was our first man-on-man heat on the world tour," Wright said. "I was really nervous before the heat, but once I got out there I felt comfortable. I knew he was going to get an 8-point-ride, and I knew I could answer straight back. We went wave for wave, score for score, there was nothing much in that heat. We were paddling in and none of us knew who won and I was just happy that one of us was going through to the next round."

Wright will battle Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, and Adriano de Souza (BRA), XX, when competition resumes Kelly Slater (USA), 40, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion and defending Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast winner, once again put on a dominant performance at Snapper Rocks over Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), 30. Slater's signature searing forehand carves saw him earn two scores in the excellent range to easily advance to Round 4.

"I could see that Freddy's (Patacchia) game plan was to sit and wait for those open faced waves," Slater said. "I just wanted to get moving. There are a few sneaky ones that don't look good at the peak, but grow down the point. At the start I fell on a couple of good ones, and either one of those could have been a good score. Then I got into a couple of good ones and got some scores, and Freddy never really got into it. Everyone always makes a big deal about weather I'm going to keep going on. When I'm going to quit I'll tell everybody, how about that?"

Slater will take on Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, and Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, in Round 4 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

Adriano De Souza (BRA), 25, used his experience in his seventh appearance at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast to take the Round 3 win over ASP World Championship Tour rookie Kolohe Andino (USA), 17.

"It was a tough heat for sure," De Souza said. "I respect Kolohe (Andino) a lot, he's only 17-years-old, but he can do a lot of damage out there. I'm feeling good and trying to concentrate on myself, I came here 10 days early and really know the wave out there, and I think my experience from 7 years on tour helped me in that heat. I was trying defend my position in the top 5 and he's trying to do well in his first event, it was a good heat."

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, came flying out of the gates in his this afternoon, scoring an 8.33 (out of a possible 10) and a 9.10 on his opening two waves. Smith surfed smooth and fast to eliminate veteran powerbroker Taylor Knox (USA), 40.

"I just had to make sure I was on the waves that allowed for those big power turns," Smith said. "If I could do that and mix it up with some explosive stuff, I knew I'd get the scores I wanted. After losing yesterday, I promised myself I'd go out there and have fun. I'd built this contest up way too much in my head and now I'm feeling more relaxed."

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, 2011 ASP World Runner-Up, was back to winning form today after a shock Round 1 loss at his home break yesterday. Parkinson eliminated trials' winner and runner-up to the 2011 ASP World Junior Title Garrett Parkes (AUS), 20, in a one-sided affair.

"Snapper always has a bit of morning sickness, and being a local helps me to know where to sit," Parkinson said. "Yesterday I knew no one loses in Round 1, it was a great heat to be in and a good warm-up for the event. I walked away thinking I didn't have a shocker and the tour is all about man-on-man heats. Then today I expected Garrett (Parkes) to throw out some big scores, the kid has a big future, it's only a matter of time before he takes down a big name and I'm glad it wasn't me."

Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 26, had the Sunday Snapper crowd on their feet in their epic Round 2 clash this morning. Both surfers unleashed big aerials and monster carves, but it was Burrow who was able to find the lengthier waves and link his turns together to advance to Round 3.

"It was good to get that one out of the way because I was tossing and turning last night thinking about what I was going to do against Dane (Reynolds)," Burrow said. "His approach to surfing is kind of the same as mine, so I'm glad we put on a show. Before that heat I hadn't really had a good wave out there yet this year, because yesterday I only caught one piddly two footer. I was just finding my feet today at the start of that heat, then I saw Dane hang his board out on a couple of turns and it got me pumped."

Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26, 2012 ASP Top 34 rookie, won his first ASP World Championship Tour heat at the Quiksilver Pro today over highly-touted fellow rookie Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18. Nicol qualified for the elite ASP World Championship Tour during last year's mid-year rotation (as did Medina), but was forced to give up his spot due to an ankle injury.

"It was a frustrating six months being injured and missing the events," Nicol said. "The last five minutes of that heat was nerve-racking, so to get the win, I'm over the moon. I'm stoked. I wasn't really nervous, but I was focused on winning that first heat on tour. I didn't want to be the guy who goes the whole year without a win, and now I don't have to worry about that now I'll see what I can do from here."

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, snuck through a tight heat against Jadson Andre (BRA), 21. Flores and Andre both pulled into multiple tubes but failed to find exits, until Flores threaded a classic behind-the-rock barrel to score an 8.17 (out of a possible 10) and take the win.

"I knew there was going to be some barrels on the low tide," Flores said. "I wanted to get barrelled, I got a few and was so close to coming out and didn't make any except the one. Maybe it was the pressure. I'm feeling a lot of pressure at this event, like I'm a rookie again. I don't know why, this is my sixth year on tour. I'm only 23-years-old, but kind of feel like an old guy with all these rookies. It's good it makes us work more. I've been trying to push myself and do some turns that I haven't done before."

Kolohe Andino (USA), 17, battled fellow Californian Brett Simpson (USA), 27, in the final heat of the day, with young Andino taking a first win in his highly-anticipated ASP World Championship Tour debut. Andino showed rookie nerves, falling and catching the wrong waves at the start, but managed to pull it together and lock in some impressive scores in the back half of the heat.

"I'm stoked to win my first heat on tour," Andino said. "I don't think I was surfing too good though. I was kind of jittery out there with all my nerves and stuff. The end of the waves were kind of tweaking me because they were dumping in shallow water. I didn't see to many people doing airs today, so I just tried to go for one out the back and I'm stoked that I did."

(Photo credit: ASP)

Kelly Slater (USA), 40, reigning 11 x ASP World Champion and defending event winner, sent a clear message to his fellow competitors by posting a massive 18.80 (out of a possible 20) in the first 10 minutes of his opening heat of 2012. Slater was matched up against 2012 ASP rookie sensation Kolohe Andino (USA), 17, and event trials' winner Garrett Parkes (AUS), 20.

 "30 seconds before our heat started I saw a really good one behind the rock," Slater said. "So my plan was to wait for the deep ones. If you watch the heats and see who won and how they won, it's all about wave quality. The waves are fun when you get them, you just have to catch the second wave of the set because the first waves comes through and cleans it all up." 

 John John Florence (HAW), 19, fresh from his maiden Vans Triple Crown win, posted the highest heat total of the day, a near perfect 19.60 (out of a possible 20). This is Florence's first Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and he was the only 2012 rookie to notch a Round 1 win today.

 "Last night was my first time surfing at Snapper, it's an amazing wave!" Florence said. "I knew there was some good ones out there, I was out at this time last night and I got a couple. I so happy right now, I was stoked to just get those two waves, but to win the heat with some good scores is even better. I'm having a lot of fun." 

Owen Wright (AUS), 22, scored an epic come-from-behind victory in an all-Australian heat against Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28, and Kai Otton (AUS), 32. Durbidge took control of the heat early, but failed to find a backup score after posting the highest wave score of the heat and was overtaken by Wright who managed to find two good scores.

"It was a really tough heat!" Wright said. "I was out of position for a while at the start, I tried to get a couple of quick scores but it didn't really work out. Then in the last 15 minutes I decided to wait and be more selective, and I got that wave that I got the score on and I was stoked because it had a nice wall on it. There was a couple of sections to do finners, so I thought I'd fin it to win it."

Adam Melling (AUS), 26, took out an action packed heat against Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, and Dane Reynolds (USA), 26. All three surfers lit up the Snapper lineup with massive turns and deep tubes, but it was Melling who put his Lennox Head pointbreak experience to good use by catching the best waves.

 "It's feels great to win that one!" Melling said. "I saw in the news and they were calling it the Dane (Reynolds) verse Parko (Joel Parkinson) heat and I was thinking - what about me, I'm in this one too. Both of those guys surf unreal and I happy to get the win, my boards are feeling good and my body is fit and I'm hoping for a big year."

Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 29, was ecstatic after his heat win against ASP World Championship Tour rookies Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, and Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26.

"It's looking good out there on the low tide," Monterio said. "I'm very happy to go straight to the 3rd Round, relax a bit, surf some different boards. I'm happy to be here again, I've got no sponsor so I'm going to try and get a good result. Gabriel (Medina) is the guy to beat, I don't think he's too happy right now, but he will get used to it, someone loses and someones wins. He's been doing great, winning contests and he's going to well again this year, for sure."

Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, advanced directly into Round 3 after an incredible tube that netted him a 9.67 (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave score of the day.

"I waited for that wave for about 15-minutes, it was such a good feeling," Bourez said. "I knew I needed a big score and I knew I needed to wait for the big waves to get a barrel. After the barrel you just have to hit the lip as hard as you can to get a good score and I'm so stoked. I'm glad to be here, it's a blessing to be on tour surfing against the world's best surfers." 

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-times ASP World Champion and former event winner, was on point in his Round 1 heat at the Quiksilver Pro today. Fanning used his local knowledge to position himself in the best spot to capitalise on the available tube rides, finishing the waves off with his signature speed carves.

"It's great to be at home," Fanning said. "The neck injury at the end of last year wasn't great, I missed Pipe and spent a lot of time on the couch. Coming in to this event I guess you never know what to expect until you hit the water, Kerrzy (Josh Kerr) and I have had some great battles out here over the years. I didn't have the best start to that one, but after a few waves, run arounds and rock jumps I got a couple of scores."

(credit photo: ASP)

A partir do mês de Abril, os participantes estarão semanalmente acompanhados pelos team riders da Quiksilver, Roxy e Moskova, entre os quais Jeremy Flores, Aritz Aranburu, Marc Lacomare, Lee-Ann Curren, Bixente Lizarazu, Lisa Andersen e Robby Naish. A super dupla de portugueses Tiago Pires e Vasco Ribeiro estará na Boardriders Week entre 28 de Julho e 4 de Agosto. Esta é uma oportunidade única para conviver e aprender com o melhor surfista português de sempre e com a maior esperança do surf nacional.

Durante a semana, os participantes terão cinco horas por dia de treino para melhorar ou aperfeiçoar a sua técnica de surf, ao lado dos atletas do team Quiksilver, sempre apoiados pelo inexcedível staff do Hossegor Surf Club, com supervisores a tempo inteiro para os mais novos. Para além de surfar nos incríveis beachbreaks franceses com alguns dos melhores surfistas do mundo numa das mais impressionantes surf cities do planeta, estão ainda previstas uma série de outras actividades, desportivas e culturais, para os participantes nesta Boardriders Week.

Informações e reservas em www.boardriders-week.com.

Para já, o tempo é de antecipação neste regresso da Fórmula 1 do surf aos grandes palcos, como refere Tiago Pires, o único português entre a elite. "Este primeiro campeonato é sempre  muito antecipado, pois toda a gente tem curiosidade em saber como os surfistas se vão apresentar e também ver o novos membros do Tour a iniciarem o ano. Há ainda a habitual Gala da ASP, onde se entregam os troféus aos Campeões do Mundo, por isso ainda há muito para acontecer antes do início da prova".

Quanto à prova em si e à preparação para mais um ano, o quinto, entre os melhores surfistas do mundo, Saca destaca o factor experiência na antecipação do evento. "Esta foi uma das pré-épocas mais curtas e intensas que já fiz. Só estive quatro semanas em treino intensivo ao invés das habituais seis. Considero-me em plena forma e muito motivado para começar a competir. O campeonato de aquecimento aqui na Austrália não correu tão bem como no ano passado mas mesmo assim estou confiante no modo como me vou apresentar no Quiksilver Pro. Esta vai ser a minha quinta temporada no Tour e, parecendo que não, a experiência também ajuda a preparar melhor as frentes de ataque."

O campeonato pode ser seguido em directo em http://quiksilverlive.com/progoldcoast/2012/.

Matt Banting (AUS) went back-to-back at the Australian Open of Surfing after claiming the Pro Junior division title yesterday and today winning the blue ribbon ASP 6-Star division. Banting battled hard in the Final against American Evan Gieselman (USA), with both surfers going for broke in the small, but fun surf. The 17-year-old from Port Macquarie took to the air and landed some massive air-reverses that saw him post some big scores and claim the USD$25,000 1st prize and 3,500 ASP World Tour ratings points.

"This has been the best week of my life!" Banting said. "I'm so happy, this is the best feeling I've ever had! I'm shaking so much I can hardly talk. Evan (Gieselman) is a really good surfer, he was blowing up for the whole final, I was really scared. I was just lucky to start off well with a couple of good waves. I just want to thanks my Dad and Mum for supporting me, I love them!"

Iouri also expressed the support from the swiss time and his sponsors and would like to thanks everyone for there support.

At the age of 23, Iouri clinches his first World Champion title in front of a massive crowd and his parents. With the trophy he was awarded with a 40,000 USD purse.

Iouri Podladtchikov is now heading to France for the Winter X Games Tignes with his sights set at winning gold again and ending his season in a blaze of glory.

Depois de muitas semanas de treino, na Ericeira, é já em ritmo de competição que Saca entra na última fase de preparação para a reentré na arena maior do surf mundial, já que a primeira etapa do Circuito Mundial de Surf ASP, o Quiksilver Pro começa já no próximo dia 25.

O campeonato pode ser acompanhado ao vivo em http://australianopenofsurfing.com

Foto © Ricardo Bravo / Quiksilver

Quiksilver swiss rider was beaten by American Louie Vito, runner up on the Dew Tour ranking before the last event in Snowbasin (Utah, USA). The American pulled off his victory in front of his home crowd with the highest score ever set in the Dew Tour (98 points) and finally took the trophy for the second year in a row. After winning the last Dew Tour event in Killington (Vermont, USA) and getting Silver at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Iouri is heading to Oslo for the world champs then Tignes X-Games with his sights set at winning both.

No quadro de semi-finalistas estavam nomes como os de Bede Durbidge, Julian Wilson, Mick Fanning e Josh Kerr, para além de Frederico Morais, outro português com uma óptima prestação na prova.

Depois de várias baterias de grande qualidade ao longo da prova, no seu heat das meias-finais Vasco discutiu uma presença na final taco a taco com o australiano Julian Wilson. O surfista de São João do Estoril marcou um 7 e um 6.17, perfazendo uma pontuação total de 13.17 pontos, contra os 13.43 de Wilson. O também australiano Bede Durbidge venceu a bateria, depois de ter marcado um 6.67 e um 8.10.

Julian Wilson acabou por vencer este Breaka Burleigh Pro.

Parabéns ao Vasco por este magnífico resultado!

O surfista do team Quiksilver perdeu apenas nos quartos-de-final da prova para Peterson Crisanto, surfista que acabaria por vencer o evento. Apesar de ter marcado um 8.6 e um 7.5 nas suas duas melhores ondas nessa bateria, Vasco esbarrou no óptimo momento de forma do surfista brasileiro.

Depois do nono lugar em Burleigh Heads, o surfista de São João do Estoril continua assim a dar cartas e a mostrar-se muito bem entre os juniores mais competitivos do planeta surf, deixando antever um grande ano de 2012. 

Foto © Ricardo Bravo / Quiksilver 

Italian young prodigy Leonardo Fioravanti won this week end the Ocean & Earth International Teenage Rampage Final, a competition gathering Australia's under 16 best groms. Quiksilver's wonderkid wowed crowds with his phenomenal surfing. Winning all three rounds in the lead up to the semis, Fioravanti seemed unstoppable, with Sam Bond knocked out in the semi's and Broulee event winner Matt King (Ulladulla) going down to Mikey Wright and Luke Hynd, the final was packed with talent.

At the age of 14, the youngest contender of his category appreciates his performance : "Surfing against Australia's best teenagers was awesome, these guys ripped out there all day and it came down to the last minute it was unreal. It's so good being in Australia, I love the culture and the people here in Cronulla have been so friendly, I've made some good friends here and would love to come back and surf again", said a super excited Fioravanti.

The Swiss Russian born snowboarding star won the final throwing a Cab 720, frontside crippler into back 1260 into front 1080 to cab 1080 all perfectly landed with an impressive amplitude and his tailor made smooth style. Despite an engaged second run, Vito could not overtake Iouri, declared the winner by the judges with a 96,75 points score out of 100. After his third place finish in Breckenridge last month, Iouri takes the lead of the Dew Tour Rankings with 182 points in front of Louie Vito, second with 180 points. With one week to go before the X Games, I-Pod looks in a terrific shape !

Vasco arrasou no seu heat, marcando um 9.5  - a melhor nota do evento até ao momento - e um 6.90 que eliminaram da prova o brasileiro Deivid Silva.

Aplicando a sua fórmula de solidez e power com manobras progressivas, o surfista de São João do Estoril encaixou o seu surf como uma luva nas ondas de Burleigh, avançando assim para a terceira ronda da prova.

Esta é a terceira etapa do Circuito Pro Júnior Mundial da ASP, que irá definir o Campeão Mundial Júnior da ASP.

Foto: ASP/ Dunbar

After he pulled out of The Quiksilver Pro and Peniche events, the surfer from Reunion Island was also forced to withdraw the Pipe Masters where he hoped to defend to defend his title.

He still achieved an impressive 13th in the World Ratings despite missing 3 events.

In spite of his intensive rehabilitation program, he traveled to Hawaii to honor his invitation and attend the opening of the Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Event. He is the sole European entrant in the competition that will only run when the waves reach the required size.

On Christmas Eve, Jeremy took part in a trip to Morocco, which was organized by Quiksilver alongside Ramzi Boukhaim and Dimitri Ouvre, to see if his ankle had recovered. A solid swell hit Taghazout near Agadir, which allowed Jeremy and the boys to surf the famous spots of Killer, Anchors Point and the surrounding beaches.

Between Christmas and New Years Day there were some epic sessions at Graviere as well as Peniche and Ericeira in Portugal, where he surfed alongside Aritz Aranburu and Patrick Beven.

After returning to Hossegor, Jeremy Flores is preparing to travel to Hawaii this week in preparation for the start of the 2012 season, which begins with the Quiksilver Gold Coast event held during the 25thFeburay and the 7th March.

©Testemale

This international competition sanctioned by ISA Federation crowned Peru's Roxy Girl Sofia Mulanovich in the Open Women's division while DC surfer Marc Lacomare (France) grew on the 3rd step of Men's Final followed by Quiksilver's Nic Muscroft (Aus) for copper. The Australian was also rewarded with the Oz National Team, winner of the team contest ahead of the French selection.

Open Women Final
Gold – Sofia Mulanovich (PER) – 15.27
Silver – Sarah Baum (RSA) – 13.70
Bronze – Diana de Souza (BRA) – 12.60
Copper – Justine Dupont (FRA) – 10.76

Open Men Final
Gold – Heath Joske (AUS) – 17.50
Silver – Cory Lopez (USA) – 12.33
Bronze – Marc Lacomare (FRA) – 12.30
Copper – Nic Muscroft (AUS) – 4.13

Final ISA China Cup Team Rankings
1. Australia – 12,930
2. France – 11,658
3. USA – 10,690
4. Peru – 10,028
5. Brazil – 9,760
6. South Africa – 8,880
7. Argentina – 7,690
8. Venezuela – 7,460

Quiksilver Skate Team 2011 from Quiksilver.pt on Vimeo.

A Quiksilver Skateboarding apresenta os skaters Duarte Pombo e Zé Maria como team riders da equipa de skate da Quiksilver Portugal.

Estes dois skaters juntam-se assim a Rodrigo Albuquerque para formar uma equipa que promete dar que falar no panorama do skate nacional, representando a Quiksilver nos principais eventos de skate em Portugal.

A consistência do Rodrigo Albuquerque no aperfeiçoamento de manobras, a agressividade do Duarte Pombo nos corrimões e a técnica do Zé Maria no street serão os pilares do primeiro team português da Quiksilver de skate.

Team Quiksilver Skateboarding Portugal

Duarte Pombo

O Duarte é um dos skaters mais carismáticos da actualidade e é mais conhecido pelo homem que domina o corrimão. A sua personalidade, consistência e agressividade no  skate foram os factores determinantes que contribuíram para a entrada no team Quiksilver. Está sempre bem disposto, e disponível para sk8tar a qualquer hora e em qualquer lugar.

Rodrigo Albuquerque

Os resultados obtidos em 2011 falam por si. Rodrigo foi Campeão Nacional 2011 e é um skater determinado e com objectivos bem definidos. É um skater completo, com um nível técnico elevado, muito consistente e anda em qualquer tipo de obstáculos.

Zé Maria

O Zé Maria é um skater da cidade do Porto. É o membro mais novo do team, e com apenas 15 anos apresenta um repertório de manobras com um nível técnico muito elevado. É um skater com muito talento!

Agora, após vários meses de recuperação e treino, o francês surge em boa forma no nosso país, tendo-se destacado ontem no lineup de Supertubos, em Peniche, que mais uma vez revelou toda a sua potente perfeição.

Bem-vindo Jeremy!

Foto © Ricardo Bravo / Quiksilver

From January 6 to 14, China will become the international surfing capital with the world's top surfers competing on their National Teams in the ISA China Cup followed by a second surfing competition, the Hainan Classic, an ASP Men's 4-Star contest. It will be the first time ever in the history of the country that surfing events of this magnitude take place.

More info and live coverage of the event on http://hainaninternationalsurfingfestival.com

With wind and snow issues in the morning, the contest had a rocky start. Hurricane Joachim created quite a stir, canceling Friday's training session and causing the organization to seal off the event site. The crew was challenged to prepare ideal conditions for today's competition, but as the winds calmed today the contest took off and presented some top notch snowboarding to the 6000 spectators.

“It's obviously super cool to win in your home country, the crowd went wild. It's both the first and last contest for me this season, as I will concentrate on filming. Therefore it couldn't have been a better day,” says favorite Elias Elhardt, who won the contest with his Frontside 360 Stalefish - Frontside Boardslide run for style, and  a Frontside 900 Melon - 270 Frontside Boardslide on his technical run. With these two runs combined, Elias had the highest score in the super final.

With another 5Star TTR Big Air contest wrapped up, Roope Tonteri is still solidly leading the TTR Big Air World Tour Ranking. German Ethan Morgan moved up into the Big Air second place. There were no changes in the Overall ranking results, Roope Tonteri is still ranked 3rd. Quiksilver rider Markku Koski (FIN) was ranked 9th, the Austrian talent Mathias Weissenbacher made it to rank 11, and team fellow Felix Georgii from Rettenberg/Germany took rank 22.

In anticipation of the World Snowboarding Championships from 10-19 of February in Oslo, Norway, riders have another few chances in the last days of 2011 to qualify for the Halfpipe and Slopestyle disciplines. 4Star Events US Revolution Tour and the Burton Pro-Test give opportunities in the USA. The O'Neill Evolution, from 2-8 January in Davos (SUI) features a 5Star Halfpipe and 6Star Big Air contest. The 6Star Big Air for men and women will count as a Slopestyle result for WSC qualification. The RedBull Nanshan Open in China is the next 5Star Slopestyle opportunity. WSF 1-3Star events also count for the TTR Points lists.

The riders line-up for the second round of “Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart presented by Quiksilver” promises a competition on the highest level. The actual number one in TTR's world tour ranking, Finn Roope Tonteri, is taking part, as well as his fellow countrymen, sixth in the Olympics and Quiksilver team rider, Markku Koski. Also attending: Quiksilver team-mate and Austrian Master in Halfpipe & Slopestyle Mathias Weissenbacher, Janni Korpi, who managed to win “Relentless Freeze” last week in London, Swedes Nils Arvidsson and Kevin Backstrom, Mario Käppeli from Switzerland, and highly acclaimed crowd pleaser and last Relentless BIGAIR Stuttgart's second placed rider, Austrian Werni Stock.

For more information, go to: www.bigair-stuttgart.com

(photo: KevinMetallier)

Vasco, de 17 anos, tornou-se assim no mais jovem Campeão Nacional de sempre, encerrado em beleza um ano em que esteve sempre nos lugares cimeiros nos rankings dos Circuitos em que participou, para além de ter assegurado o título de Vice-Campeão Mundial no Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship no Peru.

Parabéns ao Vasco por mais esta brilhante vitória!

Hosting The Tony Hawk & Friends Show in Mumbai gives Quiksilver a unique and sensational opportunity to celebrate the launch of the brand in India and the recent openings of the first 3 stores in the country in a 5 months period.

Tony's latest appearances with Quiksilver included his show in the majestic surroundings of the Grand Palais in Paris (nov 2009), the European Tour where the greatest skateboarder ever and his crew headlined four amazing performances in Berlin, Rome, Barcelona in front of 25 000 spectators (picture) and Brighton in 2010... Last September, Tony Hawk made a rare exhibition for the Quiksilver Pro New York opening with an unprecedented vert demo held in Manhattan. The Mumbai show promises to be one of the most spectacular and unusual of the Skateboarding Master.

Quiksilver is also thrilled to announce that English artist and producer/DJ Scott Nixon will be performing live during the Tony Hawk & Friends Show in Mumbai. The British deck star is a man of many talents. From his debut at London's superclub - Fabric back in November 05, he's now a regular on the scene playing at clubs nationwide, including Heaven, Ministry of Sound and a host of international festivals. Scott Nixon has been mixing before he first stood on a snowboard over 20 years ago. Being a pro-rider on the European snowboard scene for over 15 years opened up a huge freesport audience to his mixing talents and he's been a regular at massive surf & snowboard events for years, including the Freeze Festival takeover of Battersea Power Station and the Tony Hawk Show in Brighton.

A prova disputou-se entre o palco principal, o point de Steamer Lane e a praia alternativa, o beachbreak de Wadell Creek. Saca, com uma prestação sólida ao longo de todo o evento, perdeu somente na final para o brasileiro Miguel Pupo, depois de eliminar o sul-africano Jordy Smith nas meias-finais. O surfista português garantiu assim 5200 pontos para o Ranking Global da ASP, naquele que é o seu segundo melhor resultado do ano, saltando assim para o 20º lugar nesta classificação.

Este resultado representa uma entrada fortíssima do português na última sequência de provas do ano, onde vai dividir presenças entre eventos do Circuito Mundial e eventos das séries Prime e seis estrelas. O objectivo é, por um lado, atacar o Top 10 no ranking da corrida pelo título e, por outro, cimentar a sua classificação no Ranking Global, objectivo para o qual este resultado se revestiu de grande importância.

Quanto ao Circuito Mundial de Surf, regressa já no próximo dia 1, terça-feira, com o Rip Curl Search, algures em São Francisco, também na Califórnia. Um evento sempre envolto em grande expectativa, pelo cenário do campeonato não ser desvendado ao grande público até ao seu começo. Algo que não parece afectar Tiago e a sua expectativa táctica para o campeonato.  “Penso que pouca gente deve ter surfado a onda do campeonato. A mim parece-me um beachbreak potente em que vai ser preciso estar em forma. As ondas parecem rebentar bem fora e não vai haver assistência com as motas de água. A minha táctica é estar preparado para tudo e não fazer muitos julgamentos daquilo que tiver que surfar.”

O período de espera do Rip Curl Pro Search estende-se até ao dia 12 de Novembro e terá transmissão ao vivo em http://live.ripcurl.com/?search2011.

If the Quiksilver team surfer goes through the event's Round 3, neither Owen Wright nor Adriano won't be able to catch him up anymore and Kelly Slater will get the 2011 crown, 20 years after his elite inception. His main contender for the title this year, Owen Wright, was just 1 year old, then.

With limited swell and unfavorable tides on several days of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic California waiting period, Tiago Pires had to perform at both the iconic pointbreak of Steamer Lane as well as the beachbreak of Waddell Creek in order to earn a top result.

Pires relied on impeccable wave selection as well as classic rail-to-rail power-surfing en route to his equal 3rd place finish, topping ASP World No. 6 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, in his Semifinals bout, but was unable to surpass Pupo for the win.

“I'm stoked, with these kinds of conditions I didn't see myself in the final today and I was just really happy to be out there,” Pires said. “Miguel (Pupo) put on a show and I have to take my hat off to him. He's one of the best surfers in the world in these conditions and he deserves it. I'm stoked I got second and this result is going to help my result on the World Rankings so I'm really happy.”

More info on aspworldtour.com

Com um EP e dois álbuns, “Beg a Dime” (2007) e “Work in Progres” (2010) no currículo e várias participações em festivais como o Rock in Rio, a banda vai trazer o seu coolness melodioso a mais uma noite junto ao mar ericeirense.

Este é já o quarto mês da programação musical das sextas-feiras na loja da Quiksilver na Ericeira, que tem recebido a presença de um cada vez maior número de público. Com um cenário único e uma banda sonora de qualidade, as sextas-feiras têm sido de muita diversão na Tiago Pires Boardriders. Venham confirmá-lo amanhã, em mais uma noite de Quik Sessions!

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Com um EP e dois álbuns, “Beg a Dime” (2007) e “Work in Progres” (2010) no currículo e várias participações em festivais como o Rock in Rio, a banda vai trazer o seu coolness melodioso a mais uma noite junto ao mar ericeirense.

Este é já o quarto mês da programação musical das sextas-feiras na loja da Quiksilver na Ericeira, que tem recebido a visita de um cada vez maior número de público. Com um cenário único e uma banda sonora de qualidade, as sextas-feiras têm sido de muita diversão na Tiago Pires Boardriders. Venham confirmá-lo amanhã, em mais uma noite de Quik Sessions!

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Esta foi uma etapa que ofereceu ondas espectaculares aos melhores surfistas do mundo e aos milhares de espectadores que se deslocaram até à praia do Medão para assistir in loco à terceira edição deste evento. Tubos espantosos e performances avassaladoras marcaram os três dias de competição.

Tiago Pires perdeu na segunda ronda da prova. Depois de na primeira fase ter perdido frente aos brasileiros Gabriel Medina e Raoni Monteiro, Saca voltou a encontrar um brasileiro na fase de repescagem. Heitor Alves foi o seu adversário e apesar da atitude e garra do surfista português, que lhe valeram um 7.60 e um 5.60, o brasileiro encontrou o caminho de saída num tubo poderoso para a esquerda que lhe rendeu um 8.93, ao qual somou um 6.57 como onda de backup.

O representante português entre a elite do surf mundial saiu assim de Peniche com um 25º lugar e em 18º lugar no ranking da corrida pelo título mundial. Saca tem ainda mais dois eventos, em São Francisco e no Havai, para atacar uma melhor posição na classificação do Circuito Mundial. A estes irá somar participações nos eventos das séries Prime de Santa Cruz, na Califórnia, e Sunset, no Havai e ainda no evento de seis estrelas de Haleiwa, que também vai oferecer uma pontuação valiosa. Bons resultados em todos estes eventos vão solidificar a classificação do português no Ranking Único da ASP, que definirá os surfistas que estarão no Circuito em 2012.

O próximo evento em que Tiago Pires vai participar é o O'Neill Coldwater Classic, em Santa Cruz, Califórnia, a partir do próximo dia 26, ao qual se seguirá o regresso ao Circuito Mundial com a etapa “Somewhere in San Francisco”.

A contenda do título mantém-se em aberto depois do brasileiro Gabriel Medina ter vencido de forma surpreendente a última etapa, o Quiksilver Pro France, que terminou ontem. O português Tiago Pires obteve um décimo terceiro lugar nos beachbreaks franceses.

Classificado em 17º lugar no ranking da disputa pelo título, Saca quer ultrapassar a malapata dos maus resultados na etapa portuguesa do Circuito Mundial de Surf. Para Tiago, o factor mental será fundamental para que à terceira seja de vez. “Os elementos para a equação de um bom resultado em Peniche são, simplesmente, eu conseguir surfar sem pressão. É sabido que em Peniche tenho sucumbido muito à pressão acrescida que ponho em mim devido ao fantástico apoio do público. No entanto, isso é algo sobre o qual me tenho debruçado bastante e tentado perceber como evitar. É claro que no dia da competição as coisas são sempre diferentes, há sempre novas variáveis em jogo mas o mais importante é eu chegar a Peniche ciente disso, e tentar abordar o campeonato o mais calmamente possível,” declara Saca.

O melhor surfista português de todos os tempos parece assim ter encontrado o caminho para encarar e inspirar-se no apaixonado apoio com que o público português o brinda em areias nacionais. “Talvez a chave do sucesso esteja em conseguir lembrar-me que o mais importante de tudo é divertir-me e aproveitar tudo o que ali está, que são apenas frutos dos meus feitos.”

A prova pode ser acompanhada em directo em http://live.ripcurl.com/index.php?portugal2011

A banda, que inaugurou em Julho a programação musical do espaço da Quiksilver na Ericeira, volta a espalhar a sua vibração num dia muito especial para a vila e a sua costa. Esta sexta-feira é o dia marcado para a consagração oficial da Ericeira como Reserva Mundial de Surf, estatuto esse que será assinalado com uma série de actividades ao longo dia.

As Quik Sessions desta semana, com uma banda sonora bem disposta, cortesia do ska e reggae dos Groove Mood, prometem ser um extra surpreendente a juntar às celebrações que terão lugar durante o dia, com um paddle out matinal e uma cerimónia oficial a meio da manhã e inspirar a festa pela noite fora na discoteca Ouriço. Este é um grande dia para celebrar a Ericeira, a sua costa e magníficas ondas. O cenário não podia ser melhor, na Tiago Pires Boardriders, junto ao mar, com o espírito de partilha e diversão que estas noites têm oferecido a quem por lá tem passado.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Stop No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Quiksilver Pro France culminated today in exciting fashion as the next generation of ASP World Title contenders announced their intentions on the world stage.

Medina, in only second event as an ASP Top 34 member, cut a swathe through the world's best surfers, securing three of the top five highest single-wave scores of the event en route to his emotional win.

“This is the best feeling ever,” Medina said. “I beat some great guys on the way to Final and I'm very stoked now. I want to thank all my friends and family and god for their support. It has been an amazing week for me. Just two years ago, I was here competing in the King of the Groms and I won that event and now I'm here in the main event and I've won it. It doesn't seem real.”

Opening their final clash with a strong 7.83 for a full-rotation forehand aerial, Medina was put on the back foot by an in-form Wilson until the dying moments, when the young Brazilian blasted several high-risk maneuvers on a lengthy lefthander to secure a 9.17 and regain the lead.

“The start of the heat was slow and it was going high tide so it was a challenge,” Medina said. “It was a fun heat. It was a hard hat as well. Julian (Wilson) is an incredible surfer and I know he wanted to win very badly. I knew I needed a big score on that final wave and I had to throw everything I had to get it. I'm very happy right now.”

Wilson built momentum throughout the final day of competition, dispatching of the tour's heavy hitters and posting some impressive scores. The young Australian's Runner-Up finish today marks a career best and is indicative of his recent run of improvements amongst the world's elite (5th and the 3rd previously).

“Everything feels good and I'm very happy to be here on the podium,” Wilson said. “It's been a great event for me and congrats to Gabriel (Medina) for his incredible run here in France. I have so many amazing memories of watching this event as a kid, seeing Andy (Irons) and Kelly (Slater) go for it and to be in it now is a very special feeling. I'm hoping to improve in the coming events and looking forward to Portugal.”

Taylor Knox (USA), 40, posted his best result of the year today, finishing Equal 3rd and bolting from 32 to 21 on the ASP World Title rankings. Knox, who was in searing fashion throughout the event, eventually fell to the high-flying antics of Medina in the Semifinals.

“This is one of the best events I've had for a while but yeah I definitely ran into ‘Medina Airlines' there in the Semifinals,” Knox said. “It's a huge result for me and I felt like my surfing was really coming together. I have some really good boards right now and I'm hoping to keep the momentum up. We're looking at maybe getting some big barrels in Portugal next week so that will be exciting and we have a lot of interesting events to finish the year with.”

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, back in his first event since injury in Tahiti, exhibited an impressive return to form throughout the event, but was unable to overcome Wilson in their Semifinal clash.

“I'm really happy with a 3rd and it's a good result for me,” Smith said. “To be honest, I'm just happy to be back in the water. It feels great to be back and I just couldn't get into the right waves until the end of that Semifinal there. Julian (Wilson) got off to a good start and he's been ripping so I hope he posts a win here.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 1, was ousted in today's Quarterfinals by an on-fire Medina. The iconic Floridian looked out of sorts in the shifting morning conditions as the young Brazilian dominated on both his forehand and backhand.

“Not much of a performance by me,” Slater said. “I guess he surfed well, I didn't really see much as I was just floating out the back. Unfortunately, I was out of synch the whole time and didn't really have a chance to battle it out with him.”

With the dust settled in the south of France, it has been determined that the 2011 ASP World Title cannot be decided at the next event in Portugal and will go to at least San Francisco.

Photo Credit: Cazenave

Event No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title series, the Quiksilver Pro France bore witness to some impressive surfing this afternoon with the Quarterfinalists being determined in picturesque conditions.

Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, current No. 6 on the ASP World Title rankings, blitzed his afternoon Round 4 heat today, comboing both Owen Wright (AUS), 21, and Damien Hobgood (USA), 32, with explosive surfing on his backhand and forehand.

“I did have fun in that heat,” Burrow said. “It went my way towards the end and I got some really nice rights and some good lefts too. I'm sure Owen (Wright) would have loved to have been on a couple of those lefts as they really lined up nicely. It felt great to post some good scores and hopefully the conditions remain fun and consistent for the rest of the event.”

Burrow will take on Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, in Quarterfinal 4.

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, continued his surgical dismantling of the La Graviere peaks today, generating unmatched speed and flow to claim his Round 4 victory and advance directly into the Quarterfinals.

“The waves are pretty fun out there and I have a good board under my feet,” Slater said. “I guess I'm comfortable out there. I've been coming to France for so many years that I'm used to the waves here and I know what to look for when it's changing.”

The current ASP World No. 1 was characteristically hesitant when probed about his 2011 ASP World Title campaign.

“Quarterfinals is another good result for me and a lot of the guys that were threatening have fallen out early in this event,” Slater said. “I haven't worked the numbers out, but they may be too far behind at this point. Owen (Wright) is obviously still in there and he's really strong at the remaining events so I wouldn't be surprised if it came down to the wire. There is still a lot that can happen.”

Slater will face Gabriel Medina (BRA), 17, when Quiksilver Pro France competition resumes. Medina advanced directly through Round 5 of competition after Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, withdrew from the event following an ankle injury sustained in Round 3.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, back in his first event since sustaining a rib injury in Tahiti, caused a major upset today, ousting current No. 2 Owen Wright (AUS), 21, from competition in Round 5 and shaking the 2011 ASP World Title race to its core.

“I had a great time out there,” Smith said. “I just approached it as a free surf. Obviously, Owen (Wright) is in the title race and he has a bit of pressure on him. My girlfriend actually gave me the best advice as I didn't have the best heat before. She said, ‘babe, if it ain't working, change it up.' That's what I did and it worked really well.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, continued their ASP Rookie of the Year battle, both battling through Rounds 4 and 5 and into the Quarterfinals.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, current No. 10 on the ASP World Title rankings, continued his solid run at La Graviere, posting an impressive 14.57 out of a possible 20 for powerfully dismantling the clean lefts and rights on offer this afternoon.

“This is a huge relief for me,” Bourez said. “It's my best result of the year so far. I started the season with five ninths in a row so I'm very happy to finally crack the Quarterfinals. I'm feeling healthy and strong and hopefully we continue to get fun waves for the rest of the competition.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 8am to assess conditions for a possible 8:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, and Taylor Knox (USA), 40, in Quarterfinal 1.

Highlights from the Quiksilver Pro France will be available via http://www.quiksilverlive.com

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Michel Bourez (PYF) 14.57, Taylor Knox (USA) 11.17, Jeremy Flores (FRA) N/S

Heat 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.83, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.80, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 7.83

Heat 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.10, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 11.10, Julian Wilson (AUS) 10.03

Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 17.43, Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.13, Owen Wright (AUS) 11.10

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 5 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA) 13.50 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 12.53
Heat 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) Advances Over Jeremy Flores (FRA) *Flores withdraws due to ankle injury sustained in Round 3 of competition.

Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.74 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 10.53

Heat 4: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.16 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 9.86

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:

QF 1: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs. Taylor Knox (USA)
QF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
QF 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

QF 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)

Event No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Quiksilver Pro France rampaged through 12 heats of competition today that saw a number of upsets as well as impressive performances by the event's top seeds. Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, posted a convincing win over wildcard Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), 17, in Round 3 of competition. The iconic Floridian was all business for his midday bout, closely analyzing the conditions and posting the highest heat total of the day, a 16.90 out of a possible 20, for an impressive display of backhand surfing. “I was nervous before the heat because there have been a few that have been slow and guys haven't been getting waves,” Slater said. “I started loosening up there at the end. With the tide changing, I was somewhat confident that the lefts would begin offering better scoring opportunities and that's where I got my two best waves.”

The past three events have seen the historic exchange between Slater and young Australian Owen Wright (AUS), 21. The two have made the last three, consecutive Finals (an ASP first) and have ignited one of the greatest ASP World Title races in recent years.

“I've always known Owen (Wright) to be building up and building up,” Slater said. “By the way people talk, I'm stoked to still be standing. These young guys are incredible. The stuff that Dane (Reynolds), Jordy (Smith), Julian (Wilson) and Owen do is amazing. When I was younger, I was always looking up to the older guys and now I'm looking to the younger guys to see what kind of lines they're taking.”

Wright wasted no time in the final heat of the day, smashing a 7.00 and an 8.17 in the opening minutes to dispatch of Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, and advance through to Round 4, setting up another thrilling chapter in the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, into his third season amongst the world's elite, dominated the morning righthanders with unmatched power on his forehand. The powerful Tahitian posted a 13.76 heat total in his Round 3 victory over Kieren Perrow (AUS), 34.

“The waves are very fun out there today,” Bourez said. “The bank is good and there are some really rippable rights coming through. I have a great board at the moment and I'm feeling strong. I've been doing a lot of stretching and just focusing on surfing better.”

Current No. 10 on the ASP World Title rankings, Bourez has had an impressive run this season, but has yet to crack Round 5 of an elite tour event – an oversight he hopes to remedy at the Quiksilver Pro France.

“Last year I finished 11th and this year my goal was to finish Top 10,” Bourez said. “I've had a pretty good year so far and my results are going pretty well right now. Hopefully I'm able to reach my goal by the end of the year.”

Bourez will face Taylor Knox (USA), 40, and Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, in Round 4 of competition.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, is back competing in his first event since a rib injury sidelined him in Tahiti in August. Today's Round 3 bout against Dane Reynolds (USA), 26, was one of the most anticipated of the events and the two progressive surfing stalwarts didn't disappoint. Smith opened up strong with two solid waves on his forehand and was able to stave off a late charge from Reynolds.

“There were a few waves out there but the tide got a little bit high so it was inconsistent,” Smith said. “I'm pretty stoked right now. There are some pretty good ramps and I think Dane (Reynolds) found one in the heat. I just tried to find some good waves and put in some good scores early. It was pretty relaxed out there, we've been surfing together all week so it was just another surf for us.”

Smith was sitting at No. 2 on the ASP World Title rankings prior to injury and is hesitant to commit to chasing the ASP World Title in 2011.

“A miracle would have to happen for me to get back in the race,” Smith said. “I'm not looking at the World Title right now as I've missed two events. Kelly (Slater) has a good chance at winning it at the moment. Owen (Wright) is right there too. The rest of us are all just looking to get back in the game.”

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 17, newcomer to the elite ASP Top 34 following September's midyear rotation, scored an impressive victory in the dying moments of his Round 3 bout with veteran Australian Bede Durbidge (AUS), 28. The young goofy-footer took to the air on his forehand to net a 7.73 out of a possible 10 in the final moments of the heat to advance through to Round 4 of competition – his best result to date.

“It was a very tough heat for me,” Medina said. “Bede (Durbidge) is an excellent surfer. I was only able to turn the heat in the last seconds. France is a special place for me. I won the ‘King of the Groms' event two years ago and now I'm in the main event. It's a great feeling. The waves and weather are great and I'm very stoked to have the support of my family here with me.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, posted a Round 3 victory over Kai Otton (AUS), 30, but reinjured his ankle before the heat was finished. Although current scheduled to compete in Round 4 of the Quiksilver Pro France, the young Frenchman's status is undetermined at this point.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, defending Quiksilver Pro France winner, was eliminated this morning in a low-scoring affair against teammate Knox in Round 3 of competition meaning a new winner will be crowned this year.

Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, punctuated the afternoon's action with some electric surfing on his backhand. The lightning-fast Western Australian ran riot on the inside bank lefthanders, pipping Travis Logie (ZAF), 32, with a final wave in the final moments.

“It was pretty intense there at the end,” Burrow said. “We were the first heat to go try down on that bank so we were the guinea pigs. Travis (Logie) was absolutely ripping too so it was really close. Stoked to get through and feel like I'm settling into France nicely and I think we have swell turning up in the next couple of days so I'm looking forward to it.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 8am to assess conditions for a possible 8:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taylor Knox (USA), 40, Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, and Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, in Heat 1 of Round 4.

Between two calls, the public had the opportunity to watch at the Rugby World Cup game France vs UK on the Orange big screen, on the beach.

In the afternoon, the huge crowd had the chance to see the world's best surfers in action during the Moskova Expression Session. In the first heat, Kieren Perrow (AUS) took the best wave and Aritz Aranburu (EUK) the best move. In the second, Kelly Slater (USA) got the best wave and Gabriel Medina (BRA), the best maneuver.

Event organizers will reconvene at 8am tomorrow morning to assess conditions for a possible 8:30am start.

When competition recommences, up first will be Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 29, and Miguel Pupo (BRA), 19, in Heat 9 of Round 2.

Kelly Slater – Crédits : Sylvain Cazenave/ Quiksilver

Inclement winds have forced event organizers to call a lay day at the Quiksilver Pro France, but improved conditions are projected for the weekend.

Event No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title Series, the Quiksilver Pro France has completed Round 1 and the opening eight heats of Round 2 and will look to recommence as early as tomorrow.

“There's plenty of swell in the water but we have about a 20 knot cross shore wind that's cutting the lineup to pieces today,” Rich Porta, ASP International Head Judge, said. “We've called competition off for the day and will be back tomorrow morning for a call at 8am.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 8am to assess conditions for a possible 8:30am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 29, and Miguel Pupo (BRA), 19, in Heat 9 of Round 2.

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE REMAINING ROUND 2 RESULTS:

Heat 4: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.10 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.76

Heat 5: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.00 def. John John Florence (HAW) 11.86

Heat 6: Kai Otton (AUS) 12.60 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 12.13

Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.43 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 7.60

Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.57 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 11.50

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE REMAINING ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)

Heat 10: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

Heat 11: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)

Heat 12: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)

As músicas do Filho da Mãe são de um nível técnico impressionante mas também se enquadram bem em ambientes descontraídos, quase desligados do momento tão único e isolado como o que é convocado por um guitarrista a tocar sozinho na sua cadeira em frente aos seus pedais. Temas como “Pomada 1” foram feitos para ouvir na confusão, desligados da realidade musical, e mais ligados à realidade quotidiana. O que significa que todos podem aproveitar na noite de amanhã: quer aqueles que vão para ouvir música e aproveitar a magnífica zona de lounge e bar do espaço, ou os que vão para conhecer as novas colecções das várias marcas da Quiksilver enquanto são surpreendidos pelo som da guitarra do Rui Carvalho.

Não percam a oportunidade para ouvir esta guitarra com um som tão original e ao mesmo tempo tão reconhecivelmente português daquele que tem sido uma das surpresas do ano no panorama musical nacional. É já amanhã, na Tiago Pires Boardriders, o espaço por excelência para se ouvir música junto ao mar.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

LA GRAVIERE, Hossegor/France (Thursday, October 6, 2011) – The Quiksilver Pro France completed Heats 4 through 8 of Round 2 this morning in shifting four-to-six (1.5 – 2 metre) waves this morning before calling competition off for the day due to onshore winds.

Event No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro France plays a vital role in both the hunt for the 2011 ASP World Title and the requalification campaigns of the world's best surfers, and has already bore witness to some major upsets in the opening days of competition.

Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, navigated this morning's tricky conditions to upset current No. 5 on the ASP World Title rankings, Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, in the opening heat of the morning.

“It's really hard out there this morning,” Pires said. “There are some really good ones, but the water is moving so much. It's challenging. I was fortunate to find a really good one that stayed open and I got a pretty decent barrel. Josh (Kerr) has been in really good form the last few events so I'm happy to get past him.”

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 17, newcomer to the elite ASP Top 34 following September's rotation, utilized his lethal backhand to take down Dusty Payne (HAW), 22, in Round 2 of competition.

“Dusty (Payne) is such a good surfer and can get the score at any moment,” Medina said. “The lineup is very shifty and it's very difficult to be in the correct spot. You just have to take off on waves and surf what you have. I'm very thankful to get through and hope the conditions clean up.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 8:30am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start. When competition resumes, up first will be Raoni Monteiro (BRA), 29, and Miguel Pupo (BRA), 19, in Heat 9 of Round 2.

Highlights and LIVE from the Quiksilver Pro France on www.quiksilverlive.com

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE REMAINING ROUND 2 RESULTS:

Heat 4: Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.10 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.76

Heat 5: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.00 def. John John Florence (HAW) 11.86

Heat 6: Kai Otton (AUS) 12.60 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 12.13

Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 12.43 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 7.60

Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.57 def. Daniel Ross (AUS) 11.50

QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE REMAINING ROUND 2 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)

Heat 10: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) vs. Patrick Gudauskas (USA)

Heat 11: Brett Simpson (USA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)

Heat 12: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)

Tiago Pires - Crédit : Eric Chauché

La Graviere delivered heaving 2 meters lefts and rights today for opening day of competition at the Quiksilver Pro France.

Event No. 8 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season, the Quiksilver Pro France saw the world's best surfers do battle in the shifting beachbreaks of Southwest France, completing Round 1 and the opening three heats of Round 2 before day's end.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-time ASP World Champion (2007 and 2009) and defending Quiksilver Pro France winner, scored a sensational 9.37 out of a possible 10 for an incredible forehand barrel to take the victory in the dying moments of his Round 1 heat.

“It was a wild end to that heat,” Fanning said. “Brett (Simpson) surfed great. He started with an 8 and got a 7 to take the lead and he was really looking in form. He pushed me deep really deep at the end, but I saw the wave had double up and had to put the rocket boots on when I stood up. It had a great line and I was stoked to make it out.”

Fanning's combined wave total of an 18.20 out of a possible 20 marked the highest of the day, clearly announcing the defending champ's intentions for the European leg of the ASP World Title Series.

“You have to be able to adapt in France,” Fanning said. “The wave changes so much and shows you so many different faces. I have a great board now that Simon (Anderson) shaped for me and it felt really good out there. Looks like there will be waves throughout the waiting period and I'm looking forward to the next heat.”

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 23, returned to elite ASP World Title competition today, after missing two events due to a rib injury sustained during the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Although still suffering from soreness, the powerful South African muscled his way to a Round 1 victory.

“It's so good to be back,” Smith said. “I'm not 100% at the moment – about 75%. It still hurts to lie down on my board and paddle, but it's time for me to be back in the water. I want to be here and I'm happy to have come away with a win in my first heat back.”

Smith was ranked No. 2 in the world prior to injury, and although the injury may have sidelined a 2011 ASP World Title run, South Africa's favourite son is thankful to be back in the game.

“I'd love to give a big thanks to everyone around the world who was supporting me through that tough time,” Smith said. It's been the toughest thing in my life to go from being second in the world to having to watch those two events happen. I'm psyched to be back though and am working on staying positive.”

Michel Bourez (PYF), 25, current No. 10 on the ASP World Title rankings, posted a convincing Round 1 win today, threading glassy barrels and blasting serious turns to advance past South Americans Alejo Muniz (BRA), 21, and Miguel Pupo (BRA), 19.

“The waves were very fun in my heat today,” Bourez said. “France is like that. The waves can be bad one minute and good the next. I got in a good rhythm and I have a really good board. It feels great to get Round 1 win as I've had a couple of slow events. I'm hoping for a big result in France.”

Today's shifting conditions provided plenty of action for the world's best surfers today, but were, at times, challenging with the ever-shifting lineup.

Kelly Slater (USA), 39, reigning 10-time ASP World Champion, survived a difficult heat this morning in a wave-starved Round 1 affair.

“It was a nightmare out there,” Slater said. “I wouldn't be surprised if they called it out there. The tide is really high. It was a bummer and not very competitive. That's the way France is sometimes though. Sometimes it's on, sometimes it's off.”

Also surviving a challenging Round 1 heat was current No. 2 on the ASP World Title rankings, Owen Wright (AUS), 21. Both Slater and Wright will re-launch their Quiksilver Pro France campaigns in Round 3 of competition.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 30, current No. 3 on the ASP World Title rankings, suffered a shock elimination this afternoon at the hands of wildcard and trials winner Ramzi Boukhiam (MOR) in a wave-starved Round 2 heat.

Dane Reynolds (USA), 26, competing in his first ASP World Title event of the year, punctuated the afternoon's action with a come-from-behind victory over Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24. In need of a solid score at the business end of the bout, Reynolds tore the roof off a ledging lefthander with two powerful backhand turns, attaining a high 8-point ride and the heat win.

When competition resumes, up first will Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, against Tiago Pires (PRT), 31, in Heat 4 of Round 2.

Photo credit : Eric Chauché / Quiksilver

A prova terá lugar no melhor banco de areia possível dos vários de qualidade das praias do Sudoeste francês, entre as localidades de St. Jean de Luz, Capbreton, Hossegor e Seignosse.

Depois de uma série de resultados menos bons, os beachbreaks franceses surgem como cenário ideal para o regresso à melhor forma de Tiago “Saca” Pires, actual 17º classificado no Circuito Mundial de Surf.  “França é como uma segunda casa para mim. Estou muito à vontade aqui, quase como se estivesse em Portugal, e tenho bastante menos pressão em cima. Depois de uma série de derrotas inesperadas, tive que parar e tentar perceber o que não estava a funcionar para que as coisas se tenham tornado tão complicadas. É bom poder passar por casa, reflectir um pouco e neste momento sinto-me com uma confiança e motivação extra para atacar esta próxima série de campeonatos.”

Depois de uma derrota amarga no evento das séries Prime nos Açores, Tiago assume o momento menos bom mas promete atacar em força o ranking nesta última fase do ano. “Sempre fui um surfista algo inconsistente, mas também sempre fui aquele que aprendeu a digerir as derrotas e torná-las numa força positiva. Não tenho qualquer problema em assumir que não estive à altura nos últimos meses, bem como de afirmar que estou pronto para dar a curva e iniciar um processo ascendente.”

Saca vai enfrentar o australiano Joel Parkinson e o brasileiro Jadson André na segunda bateria da primeira ronda. A prova terá transmissão em directo em http://quiksilverlive.com/profrance2011/

A cantora e compositora britânica está em digressão para promover o seu álbum de estreia, “For Kenny”, produzido em parceria com a Quiksilver. O carisma, talento e a beleza de Charlotte tornaram-na numa embaixadora da Quiksilver Women, uma marca desenhada para mulheres com espírito independente, amantes da praia e das últimas tendências. Apaixonada por moda e dona de um estilo único, Charlotte colaborou com a Quiksilver na criação da sua linha de roupa feminina, lançada em 2008. A marca tem vindo a incentivar e apoiar mulheres jovens e talentosas de todo o mundo que representam o espírito da Quiksilver, acompanhando-as ao longo do seu percurso criativo.

Charlotte O'Connor tem 20 anos e nasceu em Blackburn, Inglaterra. Para além do glamour da sua presença em palco, o soul hipnotizante da sua voz e o seu sentido de humor tipicamente britânico prometem inspirar o público nacional na noite de sexta-feira. Depois de muito trabalho e horas no estúdio, Charlotte está agora prestes a lançar o álbum de estreia. Produzido por Mario Caldato Jr., produtor dos Beastie Boys e Jack Johnson, o primeiro álbum de Charlotte será lançado em Outubro de 2011. Esta será uma oportunidade excepcional para o conhecermos em primeira mão e para nos deixarmos enfeitiçar pela magia cativante de Charlotte O'Connor.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

A condecoração, com o Grau Prata, foi entregue pelo Ministro da Economia, Álvaro Santos Pereira, e pela Secretária de Estado do Turismo, Cecília Meireles.

Para além de Saca, a outra personalidade ligada ao desporto a receber um galardão foi o treinador José Mourinho. Muitos parabéns ao Tiago por mais esta enorme conquista e imensa honra!

Foto © Ricardo Bravo / Quiksilver

Tiago “Saca” Pires perdeu na segunda ronda da prova, para a qual foi relegado depois de ter perdido na ronda inaugural do evento para os australianos Matt Wilkinson e Adrian Buchan. Na fase de repescagem, o surfista português perdeu para o também australiano Kieren Perrow.

O atleta da Quiksilver terminou assim esta prova em 25º lugar e caiu para o décimo sétimo lugar no ranking máximo do surf mundial. No Ranking Único, por seu turno, Saca desceu um posto, para o 33º lugar, posição que espera corrigir com a sua participação no evento das séries Prime que terá lugar nos Açores na próxima semana.

A próxima etapa do Circuito Mundial de Surf, o Quiksilver Pro France, terá lugar em Les Landes, na Costa Sudoeste de França, a partir do dia 4 de Outubro.

Ranking Circuito Mundial ASP 2011

1. Kelly Slater (EUA)                   44950
2. Owen Wright (AUS)                 39900
3. Joel Parkinson (AUS)                35400
4. Adriano de Souza (BRA)            31950

5. Josh Jerr (AUS)                       30800

(...)

17. Tiago Pires (POR)                  16750

A banda, com raízes no mítico e musicalmente vivo bairro de Campo de Ourique, em Lisboa, e no Cartaxo, trará uma brisa rock a mais noite descontraída que convidará à diversão com uma vista privilegiada sobre o incomparável cenário do mar da Ericeira.

“Milene”, “Brincar” e “Finais (in)felizes” serão temas que irão constar do alinhamento deste que é o décimo primeiro concerto da programação musical da Tiago Pires Boardriders. A entrada é livre.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Slater and Wright's third consecutive Final bout marks a first in ASP history, as no two competitors have faced off in three successive ASP Dream Tour Finals – a noteworthy statistic in sparking this new rivalry in the battle for the ASP World Title.

Slater roared to life on the Final day, unloading the highest heat-total of competition, 18.40 out of 20 in the Semifinals, and maintained his lethal form throughout the day's entirety with a consistent display of new-school airs and patented carves to clinch his unprecedented 48th elite ASP World Tour victory and third of the season.

“Owen (Wright) is tough and he's been surfing great,” Slater said. “There really are no weak points to his surfing and he's going to be a standout in every spot. A lot of the guys tried to get him this week and I got lucky in that last exchange. I was taking the first wave of the set under his priority and once I got priority I wanted to wait. It almost looked like there wasn't a wave after Owen's. It's been fun surfing against Owen and surfing Lowers. It's been a great week and thanks everyone for the crazy support, it's been wonderful.”

Wright, current No. 2 on the ASP World Title rankings, has continued to build momentum throughout his sophomore year amongst the ASP Top 34 and dispatched of a rampaging Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, and rookie prodigy Julian Wilson (AUS), 22, en route to his rematch against Slater, but was unable to solidify the victory over the veteran in the Final.

The next stop on the 2011 ASP World Title season will be the Quiksilver Pro France from October 4 – 13, 2011.

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

Following his impressive performance in Teahupoo's massive waves this year, Jeremy got a spot (a first for a French surfer) for the prestigious big-wave surfing contest gathering the world's best chargers. Winner of the Pipe Masters, ranked world n°6 on the ASP World Ranking (after NY), the Frenchman now gets to a new dimension while entering the big wave surfers club.

The Eddie waiting period will start on Dec 1^st, 2011 till February 29^th, 2012. The event will be launched if waves reach a minimum of 20 feet (40 feet face). Since its inception in the winter 1984/1985, the contest has only been held 8 times. The Eddie was last held in December 2009 (and won by Californian Greg Long).

Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 13.67 Def. Santiago Muniz (ARG) 8.93

Cabreiroa Pantin Classic Pro Men's Semi-final Results

Heat 1: Santiago Muniz (ARG) 14.06 Def. Chris Friend (AUS) 9.07

Heat 2: Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 16.84 Def. Glen Hall (IRL) 11.84

O português Tiago Pires vai enfrentar na segunda bateria da primeira ronda o australiano Taj Burrow e o brasileiro Jadson André. Saca, actualmente classificado no 13º posto do ranking máximo da ASP, conseguiu ficar entre os 32 atletas que compõem este Circuito, um grupo que ficou definido através do Ranking Único da ASP depois do recente momento de rotação. Saca assume que esta segunda metade do ano pode ser encarada como um “novo começo”. Tudo porque na segunda metade do ano passado o atleta português obteve resultados menos positivos no Circuito, que agora poderão começar a ser descartados nesta derradeira fase da temporada, até ao próximo momento de rotação, no final de Dezembro. “Penso que poderei assumir esta segunda metade do ano como um novo começo. Não tenho resultados altos do ano passado para trocar, por isso posso facilmente ganhar muitos pontos no ranking.”

Tiago Pires projecta assim uma subida no Ranking Único da ASP que o deixará a salvo de novas mudanças no final do ano, enquanto que no Circuito Mundial mantém as aspirações de ficar entre os dez melhores classificados. Até porque, diz, o seu surf está num bom momento e Trestles oferece todas as condições para um bom resultado. “Tenho sentido o meu surf a um nível muito bom. Tive alguns momentos em que andei um pouco perdido com pranchas, mas penso que agora encontrei finalmente o meu caminho. Trestles é uma onda muito fácil de surfar, por isso os "new schoolers" gostam de andar muito pelo ar mas sei que se mostrar o melhor do meu power surf, os júris vão apreciar e sou capaz de chegar a pontuações muito altas na mesma. Venham as ondas e venham as paredes lisas!”

A prova pode ser seguida ao vivo em http://www.hurley.com/hurleypro/live.cfm

Foto © Testemale/Quiksilver

Acabam de chegar às lojas os novos modelos de fatos Quiksilver por Tiago Pires e Kelly Slater.

Pela primeira vez poderás utilizar um fato desenhado exclusivamente pelo melhor surfista português de todos os tempos, Tiago Pires. Os dois modelos Cypher, de edição  absolutamente exclusiva e limitada, estarão disponíveis em doze lojas de Norte a Sul do país, nas espessuras de 3/2 e 4/3.

Os fatos podem ser encontrados na Caparica Surf Center, na Boardculture Ericeira e Viana, na Dr.Ding e na Bana em Carcavelos, na 58 em Peniche, na Waimea Surf Shop no Porto, na Surfoz nas Caldas da Rainha, na Park Division em Vila Praia de Âncora, na X-Cult em Cascais, na SW Surf Shop em Aljezur, na Surf Lagos e , claro, nas Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira e Aveiro.

Melhora a tua performance e supera todos os limites. Com o novo fato Quiksilver de design Tiago Pires ou Kelly Slater vais ser tu a dominar o pico!

A variedade de influências da banda resulta numa fusão sonora que é condimentada pelas letras que sublimam a iluminação espiritual e a crítica, muita vezes mordaz, aos cânones da sociedade. Os Tête Plongeant passeiam entre o rock, o funk, o grunge e o pop, e chegam agora à Ericeira para celebrar essa mescla musical em mais uma noite que se adivinha muito especial na Tiago Pires Boardriders.

Com o Verão longe de terminar, esta é mais uma grande oportunidade para visitar a Ericeira e conhecer este espaço da Quiksilver, cuja zona de lounge e bar, que conta ainda com um magnífico terraço com uma vista sobre o mar, promete mais uma vez ir ao rubro.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

The Quiksilver Pro New York Final marked a rematch between the pair from the previous stop on the ASP World Title Series in Tahiti. But today belonged to Wright and the monumental nature of the moment was not lost on the New York crowd who passionately rooted on a kid they'd never heard of before this week.

Wright wasted no time in the Final, belting a 7.00, a 9.23, and an 8.00 in the opening minutes of the heat against Slater with a savage forehand attack on the clean left-hand walls. Slater never made it off the ropes, unable to tap back into the brilliance that blinded opponents Josh Kerr (Australia) and Taj Burrow (Australia) in his quarter- and semi-final heats – heats that were worthy of being finals in themselves.

As the clock counted down, Slater made one last push, throwing everything he had into a last ditch effort that ended in a broken board.

“Firstly all my friends and family came to mind,” said Wright. “I'm just as stoked as they are. It just overwhelmed me thinking of them.

“The conditions were perfect for me. I knew I'd do everything I could to get to the final with Kelly and I knew he'd be there anyway. Once I got the final I went, no, this is payback for last week! But I've watched Kelly my whole life. He's been a huge inspiration to me.

“I walked for six hours one day in the city just looking around. I've seen nothing like it before. I went to the top of the Empire State building and looked down and I was thinking Central Park was just some small park, but it's like central forest! It's the biggest thing I've ever seen. But that's just New York. Everything's huge. Huge prize money, hell trophy and perfect surf.”

Prior to the final, Slater was in deadly form. His ultimate loss was taken graciously and he seemed to revel in the opportunity to share the moment with Wright. It was 20 years ago that Slater stood in the place that Owen stands today. Wright was 1-year-old that year.

“Owen's first win – this is going to be a memory for his whole life and I'm stoked to be in that final with him. I'm a hundred per cent confident that he's going to at least one world title. He's basically still a rookie and in my opinion he's probably the most well-rounded guy on tour.

“I felt off from wave one. I took off on the first wave and just misread it.”

On his heat with Taj: “It's funny, because I get nervous until somebody gets a good ride and then I know what I need to do. I almost enjoy it more when somebody gets a big score because it brings you to a level. It opens the flood-gates for you.”

In his semi-final heat against Burrow, Slater was in need of a near-perfect ride in the dying minutes. Of course, he rose to the occasion like no-one else could, launching the event's only perfect 10-point ride with a gigantic frontside full-rotation slob grab on a closeout section. It was a hard defeat for Burrow, who had the crowd in his corner with a ballistic display of both tail-busting power turns and sky-scraper aerials.

“Even with my 9 and a 7.8, I still didn't feel safe because Kelly's capable of (a perfect 10) and he did it,” said Burrow. “He tried lots of wild airs and the wind wasn't cooperating with him… and I was like, I hope he doesn't stick one of these things. But sure enough, he gets a big wedge and I let him have it. It looked too big and dumpy. But he did the best air of his life! I don't know how he does it. It won't even do it justice explaining how freakish that actually is, what he just did. That's the best air he's ever done in his life and he did it when he needed, with a minute to go, and it had to be against me. It hurts. It's awful.”

Josh Kerr leaves New York as another sentimental favorite. He came here with no expectations, hot off a performance in Tahiti that marked his true arrival to the top ranks. Third place today solidifies him in the top 10 – now 6th in the world.

“It's a little frustrating…but maybe it was fate, because what happened with him and Taj was meant to be,” said Kerr. “That's good for our sport what just went down. I was stoked to see it. Still bummed on losing, but bitter sweet.

“Being in the big city and getting a big result, and getting good waves… there's a lot of people watching this. Having heats verse Kelly is obviously a good thing because people will wake up in the middle of the night to watch those.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, currently competing in his rookie year on the ASP World Title Series, was in impressive form throughout the entirety of Quiksilver Pro New York competition, but was unable to trump Wright in their Semifinals heat. Muniz's equal 3rd place finish marks his career-best result.

Fundamental para a manutenção desse objectivo foi o facto desse resultado, conjugado com o de outros surfistas, ter garantindo a presença de Saca na segunda metade do ano deste Circuito. Isto porque esta prova marcou o momento da rotação na composição desse grupo de elite, definido neste momento do ano pelos 32 melhores classificados no Ranking Único da ASP, classificação que contabiliza os resultados de todas as provas da ASP ao longo dos últimos doze meses. O surfista português está classificado em 32º lugar nessa classificação. Será este grupo, maioritariamente composto por surfistas que já estavam no Circuito Mundial mas com alguns atletas estreantes que se qualificaram pelos acumular de resultados obtidos nas outras provas de cotação elevada ao longo do último ano, que estará no próximo evento, em Trestles, na Califórnia.

A prova começou bem para o único representante nacional entre a elite do surf mundial, que venceu a sua bateria da ronda inicial, frente a Matt Wilkinson e Damien Hobgood, depois de somar um 7.83 e um 4.93 nas suas duas melhores ondas. Este resultado foi crucial, visto que colocou Saca na terceira ronda, objectivo primário para que o português concretizasse os seus objectivos de permanência entre os melhores do mundo. Nessa ronda, no entanto, Tiago acabou por perder para o francês Jeremy Flores. Mesmo marcando um 7 e um 5.73, o atleta da Quiksilver veria o francês ser pontuado com um 7.27 e um 6.33 que o eliminaram de prova.

As derrotas precoces de alguns adversários directos no Ranking Único acabaram por confirmar a presença de Tiago no que resta deste ano do Circuito Mundial, abrindo assim a porta para que o português continue na senda do tão almejado Top 10. É de realçar ainda que o computo deste resultado contabiliza ainda a segunda metade do ano passado, que não correu da melhor forma ao surfista português. Este ano tem sido muito mais consistente a nível de resultados, o que terá implicações na próxima rotação, que terá lugar no final deste ano, após a temporada havaiana.

A próxima etapa será disputada em Trestles, na Califórnia, a partir de 18 de Setembro.

Ranking Circuito Mundial ASP 2011

1. Kelly Slater (EUA) 34950
2. Owen Wright (AUS)           31,900
3. Joel Parkinson (AUS)          30,200
4. Jordy Smith (AFS)              27,000
5. Adriano de Souza (BRA)     26,750

(...)

13. Tiago Pires (POR)             16,250

A banda lisboeta traz consigo um rock vibrante e poderoso, com um alinhamento que poderia facilmente apimentar a banda sonora de um filme de surf. Os Mad Catz são assim mais um ingrediente para acrescentar ao caldeirão de diversidade que compõe o ADN sonoro destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, a programação musical da Tiago Pires Boardriders.

Músicas como “Biscuit”, “Johnny T”, “Sempre a perder” e “Scared” desfilarão, entre outras, nesta noite junto ao mar aquecida pelo espírito único que a Tiago Pires Boardriders tem oferecido todas as semanas a quem por lá tem passado.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

The world's best surfers took to the air boosting high-flying maneuvers that kept their audience highly entertained.

Wildcards BALARAM STACK and ASHER NOLAN both fell to their more experienced counterparts, as did Hawaii's KEANU ASING, who got a start in the event after the injury withdrawal of Dane Reynolds.

With several surfers on the bubble of re-qualification, it was an intense day on the water. The elimination of CORY LOPEZ (Florida, USA), GABE CLING (Florida, USA), and TRAVIS LOGIE (South Africa) ended their term on the ASP World Tour for 2011.  They are now relegated to the ASP star and prime events where they would need to re-qualify.

Standouts on the water included the day's top scorers ADRIANO DE SOUZA (Brazil) and TAJ BURROW (Australia). De Souza posted 17.93 out of 20 in Round 2, defeating Logie, then returned in Round 3 with an inspired performance against PAT GUDAUSKAS (California) to post 17.1. Like De Souza, Gudauskas had put on one of the best air shows today.

Burrow eliminated Adam Melling (Lennox Head, Australia) in Round 3 with a score of 17.1 and is through to Round 4.

Others with convincing wins today included MICK FANNING (Qld, Australia), BRETT SIMPSON (California), FRED PATACCHIA (Hawaii), and OWEN WRIGHT (NSW, Australia).

Competition will resume tomorrow as the surf continues to build at the hands of Hurricane Katia. Organizers expect waves of up to 8 feet with improving weather and winds.

(Photo - Credit : ASP / ROWLAND)

A traditional 6-man Hawaiian canoe draped in flowers was the focal point as Pu'u explained that in order to set a canoe into motion, it takes the cohesive efforts of all aboard. And that has been the saving grace of the Quiksilver Pro New York. Despite a direct hit from a hurricane and a seemingly impossible cleanup and rebuild, the event is alive and well because of the synergy that developed between local surfers, the Long Beach City community, the ASP World Tour and the global Quiksilver family.

Local wildcard Balaram Stack, who turned 20 today, received an enormous ovation when he was presented to the crowd. Stack will face the world champ Kelly Slater straight off the bat.

Slater spoke enthusiastically today about being on the East Coast to surf: "I like being on the East Coast, I sort of feel like I'm home. Even today on the beach the crowd just seemed so into it and there's nothing going on yet. Everyone's just cheering it on and I think there'll be an impressive crowd when Balaram paddles out because he got a pretty big welcome on the beach today. I've never surfed a world tour contest since I've been a pro on the East Coast."

With a solid Surfline forecast in hand, organizers anticipate an 8am start tomorrow with competition running four consecutive days to a Friday climax, when waves are expected to peak at eight feet.

Check www.quiksilverpro.com at 7am each day for the status of competition.

Nolan took out the final of today's trials event ahead of Hawaii's Keanu Asing, Australian Garrett Parkes, and Jeremy Johnston, from New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Waves were in the shoulder-high range and all four surfers traded waves for the full 25 minutes, much to the satisfaction of a hugely supportive Long Beach crowd of more than 20,000.

Nolan now joins local Long Beach wildcard Balaram Stack, who he is staying with this week, in the main event of the Quiksilver Pro New York. Nolan will be drawn against two-time world champion Mick Fanning (Australia) and Heitor Alves (Brazil) in his first round heat. Stack is drawn against 10-time world champion and current ASP World Tour ratings leader Kelly Slater (Florida), and Daniel Ross (Australia) in his first heat. The pair are guaranteed a minimum prize purse of $11,000 but will be aiming to work their way closer to the winner's $300,000 pay day.

"I knew it was going to be really difficult today because of the conditions," said Nolan after winning the final. "The 15 other surfers (in the trials) were really good surfers too. I was just taking it one heat at a time, I wasn't thinking about winning the wildcard.

"I'm excited to come to NY. I'm ready to hang out with my friends, surf, go to the city, have a good time, so it's really a win-win situation no matter what.

"I knew I could surf these waves. I've done well here before. I don't compete as much as I used to, but I know that I can do it. This is awesome."

Nolan has been a three-time finalist of the UnSound Pro, an annual rated event at Long Beach, so has plenty of experience at the break.

Main event competition could start as early as tomorrow, when a new swell will start filling in. The surf forecast looks very promising for four consecutive days of competition that could mean a final as early as Thursday.

Check www.quiksilverpro.com at 7am each day for the status of competition.

A praia nova-iorquina foi recentemente devastada pela passagem do Furacão Irene, o que motivou o cancelamento de várias actividades paralelas ao campeonato, mas a realização deste foi já confirmada pela organização. Depois de ter sentido as consequências de uma grande ondulação de uma tempestade no Pacífico Sul, Tiago Pires chega a Nova Iorque na ressaca de mais uma grande demonstração de força da Natureza. Sobre o facto da sua vida de competidor ao mais alto nível ser tão influenciada, e a tantos níveis diferentes, pelo poder da Natureza, e antecipando o cenário que vai encontrar, um cenário de metrópole em contraste com a paisagem polinésia, Tiago responde com a voz da experiência. “Acho que são momentos como estes que tornam a nossa vida única. O nosso desporto é um jogo de constante adaptação à Natureza, e desta vez somos obrigados a passar de pólos opostos, mas não é nada que não tenhamos vivido antes. O campeonato do Taiti é sem dúvida o mais paradisíaco do ano e Nova Iorque vai ser uma novidade, embora todos nós saibamos mais ou menos o que vamos encontrar. Acho que em termos técnicos vai ser uma mudança muito radical, pois no Taiti nem toquei nas pranchas que vou utilizar em Nova Iorque. A força das ondas não tem relação alguma.”

Quanto a pontos, classificações e rankings, Saca continua a sacudir a pressão com tranquilidade e optimismo. “Tento pensar o menos possível em factores externos. Sei mais ou menos que condições de mar vou encontrar e tenho andado a mentalizar-me e a visualizar-me a competir nesse tipo de condições. Sei que é na hora e no momento que as coisas se decidem, por isso o mais importante é andar relaxado, positivo e confiante.”

O Quiksilver Pro Nova Iorque poderá ser acompanhado em directo em http://quiksilverpro.com.

Foto: Ricardo Bravo / Quiksilver

Apadrinhados por uma das editoras mais criativamente fervilhantes do país, a Amor Fúria - Companhia de Discos do Campo Grande, e acompanhados por Manuel Fúria, d'Os Golpes, foi na noite de lançamento do primeiro álbum destes últimos que Os Capitães da Areia fizeram a sua estreia. Se essa inolvidável noite de 2009 no Santiago Alquimista baptizou a sua primeira vez, desde aí que outros palcos, um pouco por todo o país, têm visto a banda de Lisboa espraiar o seu pop.

Em 2010, a banda participou com "Capitão Bomba" no disco Novos Talentos Fnac 2010 e editou a música "Bailamos no teu Microondas", na compilação Depósito de Inúteis, da Optimus Discos. Para este ano espera-se a edição do seu primeiro álbum. Esta é uma oportunidade perfeita para conhecer este novo movimento pop português – do Campo Grande para o mundo – aqui representando pelo imaginário à beira-mar plantado  dos Capitães da Areia que promete encaixar como uma colorida luva musical em mais uma noite de Quik Sessions na Tiago Pires Boardiders, na Ericeira.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

A prova foi disputada em condições entre o muito crítico e o épico, resultado de uma ondulação extraordinária no Pacífico Sul que se abateu sobre o perigoso recife de coral de Teahupoo. Ondas poderosíssimas, potencialmente letais mas também geradoras de grandes tubos, foram desafiadas pelos melhores surfistas do mundo. Entre o drama e o êxtase, muitos foram os momentos para recordar neste campeonato.

Tiago Pires entrou em prova na quarta bateria da primeira ronda, tendo perdido nesta para Mick Fanning e Gabe Kling e sendo assim relegado para a ronda de repescagens. Nessa fase, e num mar difícil, encontrou e derrotou o australiano Kieren Perrow com uma prestação segura face às condições registadas. Na terceira ronda do campeonato, o surfista português acabou por perder para Chris Davidson. Um 4.83 e um 6.03 não foram suficientes face a um 6.00 e um 5.77 do australiano.

Com este 13º lugar no Billabong Pro, Saca sai do Taiti na 12º posição do ranking da disputa pelo título mundial e em 27º no ranking único, que engloba todos os surfistas que participam em provas da ASP e que está prestes a definir os 32 surfistas que estarão presentes no Circuito Mundial já a partir da sua sétima etapa, em Trestles, na Califórnia. Antes, porém, realiza-se o crucial Quiksilver Pro New York, cujo período de espera começa já no próximo Domingo, dia 4 de Setembro.

Ranking Circuito Mundial de Surf ASP 2011

1º Kelly Slater (EUA) 26950

2º Jordy Smith (Afs) 26500

3º Joel Parkinson (Aus) 26200

4º Adriano de Souza (Bra) 22750

5º Owen Wright (Aus) 21900

(...)

12º Tiago Pires (Por) 14500

A inauguração juntou muitas pessoas que se reuniram para passar um adrenalizante domingo num espaço excepcional como é este da Quiksilver na Ericeira, situado junto à praia e magnificamente enquadrado no cenário local. O terraço da Tiago Pires Boardriders, com uma vista privilegiada sobre todo este panorama, teve lotação esgotada. O caso não era para menos, já que depois de muito e bom free skate, teve lugar um “Clothes for Tricks” para a categoria de Amadores, em que as melhores manobras foram premiadas com t-shirts e bonés Quiksilver e um “Cash for Tricks” para alguns dos skaters do Top Nacional, jurados por um painel de prós internacionais dos teams da Quiksilver e da DC. Estes últimos foram os convidados de luxo desta espectacular festa no cimento e não deixaram os créditos por pés alheios, oferecendo uma demo absolutamente explosiva. Javier Mendizabal, Dominik Dietrich, Manuel Margreiter, Ignacio Morata, Cristian Cortizo, Daniel Cardone e Marc Haziza, da Quiksilver, e Anthony Lopez, Bruno Aballay e Javier Paredez da DC, brindaram os presentes com momentos mágicos de skate e radicalidade pura.

Quanto aos portugueses presentes, na classe open street estiveram Hélder Lima, Nuno Relógio, Pedro Roseiro, Duarte Pombo, Jorge Simões, Filipe Cordeiro, Pedro Carreira, Valter Sousa, André Pereira, Joca, Francisco Perdigão, João Neto, Rafael Alves, Luís Coutinho e José Piteira. No bowl brilharam Narciso “Mr. Miyagi”, Francisco Lopez, Bernardo Osório, João Sales, António Boavida, Pedro Roseiro e André Costa. Também alguns dos melhores amadores da actualidade marcaram presença e destacaram-se no meio desta imensa concentração de talentos. Afonso Neri, Aníbal, Gabriel e Gustavo Ribeiro, Bruno Senra, João Santos, Filipe Mendes, Simão Menezes, Bernardo Gomes e Pedro Silvestre foram alguns deles.

Sobre o Skate Park da Quiksilver Boardriders Ericeira

O Skate Park da Quiksilver Boardriders Ericeira está aberto à prática de Skate, InLine e BMX e tem entrada livre. Durante o Verão, o Skate Park estará em funcionamento das 9:30 até às 21:30. O Skate Park é mais um valor acrescentado ao edifício da Quiksilver na Ericeira, onde estão sediados os escritórios do grupo em Portugal, a Tiago Pires Surf School e o ginásio Moskova. No primeiro andar deste complexo está a Tiago Pires Boardriders, uma mega store com uma área de 540 metros quadrados e um conceito único dedicado às várias marcas do grupo – Quiksilver, Moskova, DC, Roxy e Quiksilver Women. Esta tem ainda uma zona de bar e lounge, que tem uma programação regular de concertos, sendo um espaço que combina surf, skate, arte e moda, conceito que se reforça com a abertura do Skate Park.

O complexo da Quiksilver na Ericeira fica localizado na Avenida de São Sebastião, entre a vila e a praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas, junto ao parque de campismo local.

Foto © Ricardo Bravo/Quiksilver

Click on the thumbnails to watch his top scoring rides and interview.

Quiksilver's Jérémy Florès was the standout surfer yesterday winning his round two heat against Heiarii William (who had a scary wipe out) and then his round three heat. Flores posted the day's highest two wave combined heat score of 18.63 out of a possible 20 in his big win over Cory Lopez (USA).

Flores goes to round four where he will face Australian surfers Josh Kerr and Kai Otten.

Tomorrow and Sunday, ASP Europe Pro Junior final event and crowning of the 2011 European Champion

French surfer NELSON CLOAREC, today, won the European final of the Quiksilver King of the Groms in 3 to 5 feet fun waves at Newquay's famous Fistral Beach.

Nelson Cloarec , 15, who's brother Tom (17) is also a great hope of french surfing, was born in Brittany, France but lives in Capbreton (South West of France).

The young french ripper who already has a National Champion title in 2009 and a European Champion title in 2010 under his belt, had won his ticket for Newquay's Euro Final thanks to his second place in the French qualifying stop in La Torche a few weeks ago.

In Newquay, the Frenchman ruled this second day of competition posting the event's highest best two waves (a 9,67 and a 9,17 ride in semi final). His domination upon Europe's best 16 and under surfers is awarded by a first King of the Groms win even if Euskadi's Natxo Gonzalez battled hard for the crown until the very last seconds of the heat. As he was leading the final, Natxo (15, coming from Plentzia near Bilbao) let Cloarec take a nice left awarded by a 7,23 score out of 10 and the victory.

None the less, both of them will fly to France to take part to the Quiksilver King of the Groms International final to be held during the Quiksilver Pro France (an ASP World Tour event) gathering the world's best surfers on the Landes coast. An extraordinary experience for these two groms.

Tomorrow, Saturday, at 7am, Europe's best junior surfers will hit the water to compete in the last and most crucial event of this year's European Junior circuit. Among the 80 surfers (under 21 division) participating in the event, tomorrow's surfing stars will fight for the 2011 European Junior Champion crown. Quiksilver's Portuguese team rider, Vasco Ribeiro is the current leader of the ASP European rankings for now but nothing is settled yet. With a victory comes 1000 points, meaning 6 other surfers can still claim the European title. Among them, Carribean surfers Dimitri Ouvré 2010 European Champion and William Aliotti, Medi Veminardi (Reunion Island), Portuguese Frederico Morais, France's PV Laborde and Ramzi Boukhiam (Morocco), winner of King of the Groms euro final in Zarautz in 2009. According to the swell forecast, le 2011 European Champion should be crowned in Newquay on Sunday.

ASP Europe Pro Junior final event and crowning of the European Champion (27-29 August)

The elite of junior european surfing has landed in Newquay, Cornwall to compete in the Quiksilver King of the Groms European Final and the final stop of the ASP Pro Junior circuit which will crown the best under 16 surfer on the first hand and the ASP Europe Junior Champion (under 21) on the other hand.

For the next 5 days, the famous and magnificent spot of Fistral Beach has become the European capital of junior surfing.

Today, Thursday 25th of august, the future of professional surfing representatives were the first to hit the water for the Quiksilver King of the Groms European Final's Round 1.

32 young surfers have qualified for the final in Newquay after participating in national qualification events for the past 4 months to earn their ticket for Cornwall.

The youngsters event's Round 1 was ruled by the Italian Quiksilver team rider Leonardo Fioravanti, winner of last year's KOTG European final in Zarautz and owner of a wildcard this year in Newquay.

The young prodigy achieved an exceptional combination of 2 waves (8,83 pts and 8,33 pts out of 10) to win his first heat with a final 17,16 score out of 20. From then on, Leo managed to post the event's best 3 scores. The 13 year old surfer born in Rome and now living in south west of France, is definitely the man to beat and does not hide his deep desire to get a second back to back win in the contest. In the 3^rd round, Leo again displayed strong maneuvers and powerful surfing to dominate his opponents. He won the heat with a solid 15,16 points score and gets through Round 4.

The other Round 3 winners are : Tim Bisso from Guadeloupe, Spanish surfer Marcelino Botin, Euskadi's Alex Iriondo, Frenchman Job Harris and Portuguese rider Joao Kopke.

Tomorrow, the Round 4 will start at 10am (local time) with:

Heat 1 : Tim Bisso (Gua), Leonardo Fioravanti (Ita), Natxo Gonzalez (Euk), Miguel Blanco (Port)

Heat 2 : Marcelino Botin (Spa), Job Harris (Fra), Nelson Cloarec (Fra), Will Davey (Can)

Heat 3 : Alex Iriondo (Euk), Joao Kopke (Port), Tomas Fernandez (Port), Aldric God (Fra)

QUIKSILVER PRO JUNIOR UK 4* (27-29 august)

From Saturday, the best under 21 european surfers will compete in the Quiksilver Pro Junior UK 4* (the only 4* event in Europe). The last of 7 events on the ASP Europe Junior Tour will crown the 2011 European Junior Champion. 80 young international surfers are expected at this event fighting for a share of the $20 000 prize money.

Quiksilver's Portuguese team rider, Vasco Ribeiro is the current leader of the ASP European rankings for now but nothing is settled yet. With a victory comes 1000 points, meaning more than 10 surfers can still claim the European title.

Jasmin Jones, uma cantora do mundo com melodia de praia, nasceu na Austrália e tem ascendência neozelandesa e portuguesa. O seu percurso de vida, por diferentes países, moldou as influências multiculturais da sua música. Um som batido pelo ritmo das ondas e do mar que sugere surf, viagens, partilha, diversão, descoberta, amor e amizade, cenários idílicos e sensações únicas que serão convocados na próxima sexta-feira na Tiago Pires Boardriders.

Em 2010, a cantora lançou “Beyond the Clouds”, o seu álbum de estreia, que teve como primeiro avanço o single “Lost in Rainbows”, ilustrado por um vídeo onde participam algumas das melhores surfistas portuguesas. O álbum pode ser descoberto e comprado online em http://www.myspace.com/jasminj0nes, e ser conhecido esta sexta-feira, num cenário mais do que perfeito para nos perdermos no arco-íris salgado da música de Jasmin Jones.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

“My mentor, Richard Schmidt, came to Peru in the early 80's and he told me about this great big wave. I have dreamed about surfing Pico Alto. Today, I feel really proud to have won my first Big Wave World Tour event here in Peru”, said Peter Mel.

Final Results:

1. Peter Mel (USA)
2. Ben Wilkinson (Australia)
3. Felipe Cesarano (Brazil)
4. Joao De Macedo (Portugal)
5. Jamie Sterling (Hawaii)
6. Kodiak Semsch (Peru)

A banda de Setúbal, que fez a primeira parte do concerto dos Franz Ferndinand no Campo Pequeno em 2009, já participou em vários concursos nacionais e internacionais. Os The Doups foram finalistas no “Fast Track to Heineken FIB”, competição europeia com mais de 900 bandas e 1600 músicas em competição. Tendo ficado entre as cinco melhores bandas em concurso, foram tocar a Londres, ao Pigalle Club, na grande finalíssima do evento, terminando-o em segundo lugar depois da votação do painel de júris composto por elementos da indústria musical. “Six O'Clock Shadow" (2009) é o seu EP de estreia, um trabalho que pode ser ouvido enquanto se espera pelo seu ansiado primeiro álbum.

Esta prevê-se ser mais uma grande noite de Verão na Tiago Pires Boardriders, um espaço cuja zona de lounge e bar, com um belíssimo terraço sobre o mar, tem convidado à festa e à diversão, com uma banda sonora a condizer, todas as sextas-feiras. Este será, por certo, mais um excelente serão na Ericeira, para o qual estão todos convidados. Confirma no Facebook a tua presença no evento e convida os teus amigos!

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Tiago Pires, actualmente classificado no 11º posto do ranking que definirá o  Campeão do Mundo em 2011, tem um historial de boas performances neste evento, disputado numa onda de risco máximo no exuberante cenário da paisagem polinésia. Saca tem mostrado serviço com arrojo e muita técnica naquela que é a manobra rainha de Teahupoo - o tubo. A união destes elementos – o exotismo do cenário e a qualidade da onda - motiva fortemente o surfista português para esta prova. “Esta prova do Taiti faz-nos sentir que temos realmente uma profissão de sonho! A onda em si roça a perfeição. É uma onda curta e muito intensa, que rebenta numa bancada de coral tão perfeita que os barcos podem ficar num canal a poucos metros do fim da onda que a água nunca lhes vai tocar. É o estilo de onda que desenhamos nos cadernos da escola. Adoro estar no Taiti, porque é um lugar muito relaxante, e competir neste estilo de ambiente é algo de único. O campeonato decide-se praticamente só em tubos, excepto caso o mar esteja muito pequeno, o que se tenta sempre evitar ao máximo, porque nesta prova querermos é surf perfeito, tubos e espectáculo. Esta é a prova mais exótica do ano e aquela mais emocionante de acompanhar,” refere Tiago Pires sobre a onda e o cenário do evento.

Antes da entrada na segunda metade do calendário competitivo de 2011, o surfista da Quiksilver faz ainda um pequeno balanço do ano até ao momento. “O balanço continua a ser muito positivo, apesar de ter escorregado alguns lugares no ranking desde o Brasil. Continuo na melhor posição de sempre nesta altura do ano, e continuo a ambicionar o Top 10. Tem sido um ano com muita coisa a acontecer para o meu lado, o que certamente me fez cambalear um pouco na competição. Mas penso que cheguei a um momento da época em que me posso concentrar somente em competir. Estou com muita vontade de iniciar esta longa perna de campeonatos e sinto-me em forma,” afirma Saca, antevendo já a série de eventos que se vão seguir à prova polinésia.

Os Todos Santos, fundados em 2006, contam na sua carreira com vários concertos e participações em concursos, entre os quais o Concurso de Bandas da Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade de Lisboa, no qual ficaram em 3º lugar em 2009. “Rock dos subúrbios com cheirinho a praia” é o tom para o seu primeiro álbum, “O Preço do Vento”, editado em 2010 sob a batuta do produtor Bernardo Barata, baixista dos Diabo na Cruz.

A banda ericeirense promete agitar a noite local com o seu rock made in Oeste e apresenta-se no cenário perfeito para que tal aconteça: junto ao mar, em mais uma noite de Verão que se espera mágica na Tiago Pires Boardriders. O concerto começa a partir das 21:30 e a entrada, como sempre, é livre.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que recebe concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta têm sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Este é um dos melhores Skate Parks da Península Ibérica e representa o desejo da Quiksilver de impulsionar o desporto em Portugal, elevando o patamar do nível do Skate nacional. Nesse sentido, a marca irá organizar eventos neste espaço que está localizado perto da praia e plenamente integrado na paisagem local, criando um cenário único para a prática destes desportos. O Skate Park dispõe de zonas para todos os níveis, desde corrimões a bancos de mármore onde os praticantes poderão demonstrar todo o seu leque de manobras, culminando com um desafiante bowl com copings de pedra para os mais corajosos.

Para todos aqueles que se queiram aventurar na prática do Skate ou melhorar a sua técnica neste desporto, o Skate Park conta também com a Osório Skateboard Academy, gerida por Diogo Osório, um dos mais conceituados Skaters de Portugal. Saibam mais em http://osorioskateboardacademy.wordpress.com ou venham conhecer o Skate Park e solicitem mais informações na loja ou aos supervisores.

Este espaço é mais um valor acrescentado ao edifício da Quiksilver na Ericeira, onde estão, desde Junho passado, sediados os escritórios do grupo em Portugal, a Tiago Pires Surf School e o ginásio Moskova. No primeiro andar deste complexo está a Tiago Pires Boardriders, uma mega store com uma área de 540 metros quadrados e um conceito único dedicado às várias marcas do grupo – Quiksilver, Moskova, DC, Roxy e Quiksilver Women. Esta tem ainda uma zona de bar e lounge, que tem uma programação regular de concertos, sendo um espaço que combina surf, skate, arte e moda, conceito que se reforça com a abertura do Skate Park.

O complexo da Quiksilver na Ericeira fica localizado na Avenida de São Sebastião, entre a vila e a praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas, junto ao parque de campismo local.

Ao longo do fim-de-semana, Vasco brindou a praia com alguns dos melhores momentos da prova, num mix de robustez do seu surf cada vez mais power com um arsenal de manobras aéreas que deixou várias vezes a praia de queixo caído. Miguel Blanco, seu companheiro de treino e de equipa na Quiksilver, mostrou também estar em grande forma, atingindo as meias-finais do evento.

No próximo fim-de-semana Vasco Ribeiro estará em Lacanau para a sexta etapa do Circuito Europeu Pro Júnior da ASP Europe, cujo ranking lidera. Assim sendo, não estará na quarta etapa da Liga Meo Pro Surf, que se realiza na Praia Grande de 13 a 14 de Agosto. Este será, por certo, um resultado a descartar pelo surfista da Poça no final das contas de uma Liga que está cada vez mais ao rubro.

Foto: Ricardo Bravo / Quiksilver

O dia será marcado por uma iniciativa em linha com os objectivos da escola no âmbito social, com a oferta de aulas de surf a crianças carenciadas provenientes da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa. Durante a tarde, a partir das 15 horas, quando a escola abre oficialmente ao público em geral, o melhor surfista português de todos os tempos e respectiva equipa de instrutores darão duas aulas a trinta e dois jovens daquela instituição, após as quais Tiago Pires fará uma sessão de autógrafos.

A inauguração oficial e a sessão de autógrafos estão marcadas para as 18 horas. A entrada é livre para todos aqueles que queiram partilhar este importante momento com o Saca e conhecer este seu novo projecto.

A Tiago Pires Surf School tem o apoio da Quiksilver, Roxy, TMN e Moskova. Todas as informações sobre a escola estão em www.tiagopires.pt e podem ser complementadas com um contacto para surfschool@tiagopires.pt.

Foto: Ricardo Bravo/Quiksilver

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California / USA (Sunday, August 7, 2011) – Reigning 10-Time ASP World Champion and Quiksilver rider Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), 39, has won the 2011 ASP PRIME Nike US Open of Surfing for the first time since 1996, defeating Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26, in a dominant final in two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier.

Slater quickly asserted his dominance in the Final against Nicol when he launched a frontside air-reverse and solidified the ride on the reform to earn an 8.50 and backed the ride up with a 7.77 to put the Australian in an early combination-situation and controlled the heat throughout the entirety of the bout.

“I guess Yadin (Nicol) wanted me to win because he didn't catch any waves,” Slater said. “I was just really frustrated for him because he was sitting out the back waiting for the big sets and the big sets were close outs. The small ones he was just two far outside and I got them. I think what happened is I got the 8.50 to start and he was just going to be patient. If he got a good one he would have thrown a big rotator, but it just never came.”

Slater went on an absolute rampage on the final day of competition and fought his way back into a tough battle to overtake progressive Hawaiian Dusty Payne (Lahaina, HI), 22, by launching a hail-mary, no-grab backside 360 air. The massive punt garnered the highest single-wave score of Nike US Open of Surfing competition, 9.77 out of 10, as well as the highest heat-total of 17.94 out of 20.
“Dusty (Payne) had priority and he had gone on a couple of lefts that kind of fizzled out on him and he was probably thinking that left was going to do the same thing his other ones did,” Slater said. “It just let me get going on the face enough and I just tried to rotate as hard as I could and somehow the board stuck to my feet.”
Nicol fought hard throughout the entirety of the ASP PRIME competition, taking out dangerous South African Royden Bryson (ZAF), 28, and prodigious Californian Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 17, on the Final day of competition, but struggled to find a wave in the Final against Slater.

“Kelly started off strong with the 8.5 and I thought I'd wait for a good wave and I think I waited too long,” Nicol said. “At the start of this week I wouldn't have thought that I'd be in the Final with Kelly. I love it. Sometimes things work out and you make the Final and I'm stoked, I'm over the moon.”

Yadin, who was rated No. 36 entering the US Open of Surfing, now sits at 27th on the ASP World Rankings, moving him inside the coveted ASP Top 32 midyear cut for the halfway mark of the year, but with two events remaining on the ASP World Title Season, Nicol remained guarded in claiming his spot for the final elite events.
“There are still two World Tour events to go so it doesn't completely change my life just yet,” Nicol said. “It definitely helps the vibe though.”

US Open of Surfing Men's Final Result:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 16.27
2 – Yadin Nicol (AUS) 12.40
US Open of Surfing Men's Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.94 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 14.90
SF 2: Yadin Nicol (AUS) 13.44 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.87

A banda lisboeta está a preparar o seu álbum de estreia, depois da gravação do primeiro EP que a levou a actuações de Norte a Sul do país. Na quarta semana de Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, a Tiago Pires Boardriders volta a brindar a Ericeira com uma noite diferente, presenteando-a com mais um género musical, na linha de diversidade que tem desvendado na sua programação.

Durante o concerto, como sempre, a loja estará a funcionar em pleno, tal como o respectivo bar e zona lounge, do qual faz parte um terraço sobre o belíssimo mar ericeirense que convida ao convívio, à diversão e à partilha de bons momentos ao som de mais um momento musical inesquecível.

O concerto começa às 21:30 e a entrada, como sempre, é livre.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que receberá concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta terão sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

A guitarra clássica do Filho da Mãe vai ecoar pela Ericeira e ninguém vai ficar indiferente. Se de um prédio em Lisboa, com vista para o Tejo, se fez o primeiro disco do Filho da Mãe, "Palácio", é com vista para o mar que este será apresentado na Ericeira. Não há dependências urbanas nesta música, esta é universal, porque a guitarra conta-nos histórias atravessando frases contínuas incansáveis e o Filho da Mãe toca com dedos de contos antigos e pés de lendas modernas. Se os dedos são incansáveis, os pés vão marcar o ritmo, escolher sonoridades diferentes e criar ambientes surpreendentes nesta noite junto ao mar.

A utilização da guitarra clássica oferece um conforto sonoro digno de um anoitecer perto da praia, enquanto que os dedos diabólicos do Filho da Mãe nunca vão deixar de surpreender. Passando por frases rápidas mas absolutamente ligadas, qualquer hesitação é frásica e qualquer melodia respirável. Esta é, portanto, uma grande oportunidade para conhecer Rui Carvalho e o seu projecto Filho da Mãe, no ambiente único que as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta tem criado.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que receberá concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta terão sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Tiago Pires terminou a prova em 13º lugar. O português abriu a primeira ronda deste campeonato enfrentando o norte-americano Cory Lopez e o australiano Bede Durbidge, Vice-Campeão do Mundo em 2008 e terceiro classificado em 2009. O atleta da Quiksilver marcou um 5.77 e um 5.27, somando uma pontuação total de 11.04 pontos nas suas duas melhores ondas, contra os 6.66 e 6.0 dos seus adversários. Saca avançou assim para a terceira ronda da prova.

Depois de vários dias de expectativa, com a prova em pausa à espera de melhores condições, o campeonato recomeçou já perto do fim do seu período de espera. Na terceira ronda, Saca encontrou o taitiano Michel Bourez, até então um dos destaques da prova. Bourez colocou-se cedo na dianteira da bateria, marcando um excelente 9.63. Tiago, que já havia feito um 4.00, ainda fez um 6.60, mas Michel fechou a contenda com um 5.67. O português sai assim da África do Sul com um 13º lugar e mais 1750 pontos para a classificação, onde agora está no 11º lugar.

A próxima etapa do Circuito Mundial de Surf decorrerá nas esquerdas tubulares de Teahupoo, no Taiti, a partir de 20 de Agosto.

Ranking Circuito Mundial de Surf ASP 2011

1º Joel Parkinson (Aus) 25700

2º Jordy Smith (Afs) 24750

3º  Adriano de Souza (Bra) 22250

4º Mick Fanning (Aus) 19500

5º Taj Burrow (Aus) 18250

(...)

11º Tiago Pires (Por) 12750

O surfista do team Quiksilver bateu na final Ugo Robin, Frederico Morais e Dimitri Ouvre.  Vasco fez uma onda de 7.67 à qual juntou um 7.33, perfazendo assim uma pontuação total de 15.40 pontos, contra os 13.03 de Robin, os 11.17 de Morais e os 7.80 de Ouvre.

“Estou a sentir-me muito bem, porque antes de vir para esta prova não estava assim muito confiante. Parti todas as pranchas antes do campeonato, estava a experimentar uma nova mas felizmente apareceram algumas ondas na final, consegui boas pontuações e a vitória. Estou muito feliz,” declarou Vasco Ribeiro após a final.

Com esta vitória, a sua segunda neste Circuito em 2011, Vasco, de 16 anos, consolida o primeiro lugar no ranking Pro Júnior da ASP Europe, para surfistas com idade até 21 anos. A próxima etapa será também no País Basco, desta feita em Sopelana e irá decorrer a partir do próximo dia 28.

Lembre-se que os quatro melhores classificados deste ranking qualificar-se-ão para as séries onde se disputará o título mundial Pro Júnior ASP.

Os Groove Mood inauguraram as Quik Sessions com um grande concerto na passada sexta-feira, com um público entusiasmado que se divertiu ao som da banda na zona lounge e no bar do novo espaço da Quiksilver na Ericeira.

Os ComQuest são jovens surfistas da Costa de Caparica e prometem levar os decibéis e a energia da próxima sexta-feira ao rubro com o seu som inspirado pelo grunge. “Não vou deixar”, “Vida Monótona” e “Verdadeiro Sonhador”, são alguns dos temas que desfilarão no concerto de amanhã.

Sobre as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta

A Tiago Pires Boardriders tem uma zona de bar e lounge que receberá concertos todas as semanas. O objectivo destas Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta, é promover a música jovem nacional e descobrir novos talentos, tornando a Boardriders numa verdadeira casa da nova música portuguesa.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Tiago Pires Boardriders, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta terão sempre entrada gratuita.

A Boardriders Quiksilver Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Quem se inscreveu nestas semanas mágicas de treino, diversão e muito surf, tem estado e continuará a estar até ao final do mês de Setembro, acompanhado pelos team riders da Quiksilver, Roxy, Moskova e DC. O cenário para esta fantástica experiência é uma casa – a Boardriders House - situada na belíssima zona de pinhal de Hossegor e que foi toda decorada para o efeito pela equipa criativa da Quiksilver.

Tiago Pires será o anfitrião da Boardriders Week na semana de 30 de Julho a 6 de Agosto. Esta é uma oportunidade única para conviver com o melhor surfista nacional de todos os tempos, que terá a companhia neste período de Vasco Ribeiro, a grande esperança do surf nacional e actual líder do Circuito Nacional e Circuito Europeu Pro Júnior da ASP.

Para além do treino com os surfistas do team Quiksilver, nos melhores beachbreaks do mundo, como são os do Sudoeste francês, estão previstas, para os jovens que se inscreverem na Boardriders Week, múltiplas actividades de carácter desportivo, social e cultural.

O programa completo, preços e os formulários de marcação para cada semana estão disponíveis em www.boardriders-week.com.

Integrar, no mesmo espaço, novidades sobre o seu dia-a-dia com informações sobre os projectos de fundo em que Tiago Pires se tem vindo a lançar, como a sua Escola de Surf, é também um objectivo deste site. “Promover um pouco de tudo o que faz parte da minha vida e que quero transmitir aos outros”, sublinha Saca como um dos desejos para o espaço. Este terá também uma forte componente visual, com um canal vídeo que é resultado do trabalho diário com a equipa da Go-S.TV, núcleo de vídeo da Digital Limits que produziu e desenvolveu este novo site.

Com um design clean e apelativo, navegação amiga do utilizador, versões portuguesa e inglesa, e todos os conteúdos e ferramentas que oferece, este é um website global para um atleta, também ele, cada vez mais global.

Com um ambiente descontraído, e inspiradas pelo encontro vibrante entre surf, skate arte e moda que caracteriza a Quiksilver Boardriders Ericeira, as Quik Sessions – Concertos à Sexta terão sempre entrada gratuita. A banda lisboeta Groove Mood será a primeira a ali actuar, invadindo o espaço com o seu ska e reggae que espalha boa onda e diversão. A banda apresentará temas do seu novo EP “Bear Core” e outras músicas do seu reportório.

A Quiksilver Boardriders Ericeira fica situada na Avenida de São Sebastião, nº36 A, próxima do Parque de Campismo local, junto à estrada ao longo da costa que liga a Ericeira à praia de Ribeira D'Ilhas.

Tiago Pires, o representante português entre a elite do surf mundial, já conhece os seus adversários na bateria de estreia nesta prova. São eles os seus colegas de equipa na Quiksilver, o francês Jeremy Flores e o havaiano Fred Patacchia, que vão defrontar Saca na segunda bateria da primeira ronda da prova.

Após alguns Eventos Prime, em que participou para amealhar pontos para o Ranking Mundial, e que não correram de acordo com as suas expectativas, o atleta da Quiksilver está com vontade de esquecer esses resultados, mostrando-se confiante pelo seu regresso ao formato competitivo do Circuito Mundial, onde a luta é pelo ceptro máximo do surf, o título de Campeão Mundial. “Sinto-me em forma e estou com muita vontade de tirar um grande resultado. Os Eventos Prime não correram bem, apesar de ter apresentado bom surf. Acabei sempre por perder em baterias bem complicadas a nível de condições do mar, e não consegui adaptar-me como devia. No Circuito Mundial, e especialmente em provas onde as ondas são de grande qualidade, como é o caso de J-Bay, os níveis de exigência são outros e penso que nos sobra muito mais tempo para nos concentrarmos no nosso surf. Comecei o ano muito forte, tive pequeno deslizes nas últimas provas, mas quero, sem dúvida alguma, sarar essas feridas. J-Bay é uma onda que se encaixa bem na minha linha de surf, e vou dar tudo o que tenho para inverter o sentido da espiral dos resultados”.

Depois de alguns anos com resultados menos satisfatórios naquela que sempre foi considerada uma onda que encaixa perfeitamente no seu tipo de surf, no ano passado Tiago trouxe da África do Sul um bom resultado, ficando em nono lugar. Saca explica esse desbloqueio e aproveita para lançar os dados para esta prova. “J-Bay é uma onda bem mais complicada de surfar do que parece. Felizmente consegui perceber, no ano passado, que a minha trajectória na onda tinha de ser diferente e a minha vida mudou por completo. Conhecer a onda e saber em que partes devemos arriscar manobras é um trunfo essencial para surfar esta mítica onda. Este ano, consegui chegar cá mais cedo e tenho mais tempo para fazer a preciosa adaptação.”

O atleta da Quiksilver ocupa, neste momento, o nono lugar na corrida pelo título mundial, no Circuito Mundial de Surf, e o vigésimo primeiro posto no Ranking Mundial, que engloba todas as competições da ASP, e que definirá o lote de 32 surfistas que estarão entre a elite do surf a partir de Setembro.

Foto: Ricardo Bravo/Quiksilver

Blanco bateu na final João Kopke, Pedro Coelho e Jácome Correia. O surfista do Estoril somou, na combinação das suas duas melhores ondas, 11.85 pontos, contra os 10.25 de Kopke, o segundo classificado.

Depois desta jornada de qualificação, os quatro finalistas da prova, juntamente com Tomás Fernandes - classificado via TMN Saca Juniores – vão disputar, de 25 a 26 de Agosto, em Newquay, no evento europeu de qualificação do Quiksilver King Of The Groms 2011, o acesso à final internacional desta competição. Esta terá lugar durante o Quiksilver Pro France, de 4 a 13 de Outubro, e reunirá os dezoito surfistas apurados nas diversas competições regionais espalhadas pelo globo.

Parabéns ao Miguel por mais esta vitória!

Final Quiksilver King Of The Groms 2011

1º Miguel Blanco (SCCS)         11.85

2º João Kopke (SCCS)            10.25

3º Pedro Coelho (SCCS)           7.75

4º Jácome Correia (CNPD)        6.25

Foto: Pedro Lopes/Quiksilver

Miguel Blanco venceu na categoria de sub-16, enquanto que Jácome Correia ficou em segundo lugar na sua categoria, os sub-14. Parabéns ao Miguel por esta vitória e ao Jácome pela sua performance na Foz do Lizandro!

Para além de uma forte componente de acção social e da promoção da prática do desporto entre os mais jovens, a escola oferece vários pacotes de serviços, de onde se destacam os cursos de desenvolvimento de aptidões (Extra Speed), para maiores de 16 anos, e um curso para crianças/jovens (Surfer Kids), para jovens entre os 9 e os 18 anos. Está também disponível um pacote de aniversário que visa promover o convívio familiar num cenário e ambiente diferentes como são a praia e o surf.

A actividade da escola pode ser acompanhada diariamente na Página do Facebook da Tiago Pires Surf School e todas as informações sobre o seu funcionamento estarão, brevemente, no novo site do surfista.

Para inscrições ou mais informações: surfschool@tiagopires.pt

Em disputa no magnífico cenário da região aveirense estarão quatro lugares na final europeia do Quiksilver King Of The Groms, que decorrerá em Newquay, Inglaterra, de 25 a 26 de Agosto. A quinta vaga foi já atribuída a Tomás Fernandes, surfista da Ericeira, por via da sua vitória no TMN Saca Juniores 2011. No evento pan-europeu, os surfistas portugueses presentes disputarão, juntamente com surfistas de outros vinte países do Velho Continente, o acesso à final internacional, que acontecerá em plena etapa do Circuito Mundial de Surf, o Quiksilver Pro France, de 4 a 13 de Outubro.

A final internacional reunirá dezoito surfistas apurados nas diversas competições regionais espalhadas pelo globo. Entre a galeria de vencedores do Quiksilver King Of The Groms estão os nomes de Jeremy Flores, Maxime Huscenot, Matt Banting e Gabriel Medina, cuja arrebatadora prestação na final de 2009 deixou caídos os queixos do establishment do surf mundial. Em 2010, o português Vasco Ribeiro ficou em segundo lugar neste evento.

As inscrições na edição portuguesa do Quiksilver King Of The Groms 2011 podem ser feitas no site da Federação Portuguesa de Surf (http://www.surfingportugal.com) até à meia-noite da próxima quarta-feira, dia 6 de Julho.

Vasco, de 16 anos, bateu José Ferreira, Ruben Gonzalez e Eduardo Fernandes na final disputada em Ribeira D'Ilhas. O surfista da Quiksilver marcou um 8 e um 8.5 na derradeira bateria da prova, culminando um excelente percurso na etapa ericeirense.

O surfista da Praia da Poça é agora o primeiro classificado no ranking da Liga Meo Pro Surf, tal como do Circuito Europeu Pro Júnior da ASP.

A terceira etapa da Liga Meo Pro Surf será disputada em Santa Cruz, nos dias 6 e 7 de Agosto.

Final Sumol Ericeira Surf Shop Pro

1º Vasco Ribeiro

2º Ruben Gonzalez

3º Eduardo Fernandes

4º José Ferreira

Foto: Ricardo Bravo/Quiksilver

Wilson looked ominous heading into the final with his momentum and confidence growing with each heat appearance. Repeating his semi-final game plan, Wilson racked up two excellent scores in the opening minutes to place all the pressure on his opponent.

“I am so happy. To put in the hard yards for this one has been unreal. I have had a mediocre start to my year and I have been working so hard to make some heats. I came off four weeks in Brazil without a strong result and I went home to reassess and do a bit of training and got really motivated. I flew over here by myself with just the goal of winning and stayed focused so it worked out.”

Wilson left his best surfing for the final with an impressive mix of fins-out snaps, floaters and power rail-turns to further his lead with a near perfect 9.8 out of 10, the highest single-wave score of the event. To finish off, Wilson hooked into another bomb set to continue his dominance to claim a 9.57 and take the Quiksilver Pro Portugal 2011 title.

“I felt good right from the start when in my first heat of the contest I had a 9 and an 8 and I felt comfortable out there. I never went too much out of my comfort zone and just surfed strong and made sure I was winning heats because I wanted to win this event. I was going to do whatever it took to do it.”

“The waves have been fun all week,” continued Wilson. “I have been surprised at the waves we got because everyone was saying at this time of year it would be small. We have scored with waves, weather, the people are really supportive and you can tell they really love watching surfing. I think it's cool when they get right behind us.”

Gabriel Medina finished runner-up and added another great result to his already excellent season and continues on course to enter the elite ASP World Tour when the midyear cut takes place. Medina showed signs of repeating his recent PRIME victory in Brazil as he cruised through his quarter and semi-final with numerous excellent scores to take on the role as favourite. The backhand approach of Medina was sharp and fast on the long peeling right-handers with savage hooks in the most critical sections of the wave.

“I could not find a good one in the final but I am happy with this result. Julian got two 9's in the final and he surfed really well so congratulations to him. Now I head to my next event in a couple of weeks in Ballito, South Africa and I hope I can do well there like I have done here.”

Miguel Pupo (BRA) 19, in semi nº2, was unable to hold back a rampaging Julian Wilson who got off to a lightening quick start to rack up two excellent scoring rides and put the young Brazilian on the ropes. Despite answering back with a combination of backhand gouges to score 7.87 out of 10, Pupo was left needing a near perfect score to oust the Australian.

“It is a good result but I wanted to make the final. Julian (Wilson) had a quick start and then I was trying to get a good wave but it was bad luck for me. I caught a pretty good one but I fell on the second turn. You never know when the good wave is going to come and Julian did his job well. It is time now to think about the mistakes and go for the next contest.”

Pupo has added to his best results of the year to take one step close to qualifying for the elite ASP World Tour. The added points will edge Pupo higher on the rankings to distance him from the 32-man cut-off mark and place him securely amongst the world's best surfers.

“I was not feeling that good at the beginning of the comp and I was nervous because I needed a result here and now with a 3rd I am happy. My win in Trestles was a good result and a 3rd right now. A couple more results and I will be on the World Tour.”

John John Florence (HAW) finished equal 3rd to receive 4225 ranking points, almost double his previous best result in the last twelve months, to catapult him up the rankings ladder where he was sitting in a low 79th spot before the Quiksilver Pro Portugal.

Florence faced Medina in a classic semi-final clash between the two flamboyant surfers of the event after incredible displays by both athletes in their respective quarterfinal bouts. Florence, in quarterfinal nº2, earned a near perfect 9.70 out of 10 with a massive hack followed by a fins-out forehand reverse demonstrating that he is fully recovered from a back injury suffered earlier this year.

“I was hoping just to make a heat,” explained Florence of his objectives at the Quiksilver Pro Portugal. “I haven't made a heat in the last couple of contests so I am stoked to make it this far.

Definitely a lot more confidence after this contest and it would have been good to make the final but the semis is cool. It is a fun wave and stoked to be here in Portugal. Gabriel (Medina) is so amazing. He is such a good surfer and is a contest machine because he is in such good form and doing the same as he did last week in Brazil.”

Dion Atkinson (AUS) who suffered a knee injury in his final heat yesterday, placed equal 5th being ousted by Miguel Pupo in a close heat despite the injury. Being his second best result of 8 which count for the ASP World rankings, Atkinson currently in 45th position will move closer to the 32-man cut-off mark.

“I am pleased with the result but I almost didn't surf today because of my knee but I thought that I would give it a go. It is my back leg as well so I couldn't get and drive in my turns. I am going home now for a couple of weeks and will get it checked out.”

The ASP PRIME Quiksilver Pro Portugal offered massive points and attracted a selection of the World's finest competitors looking to qualify or maintain their position on the ASP World Tour. European surfers were also out to gain the added points on offer for the ASP European Men's Series.

The ASP PRIME Quiksilver Pro Portugal offers massive points and has attracted a selection of the World's finest competitors looking to qualify or maintain their position on the ASP World Tour. European surfers are also out to gain the added points on offer for the ASP European Men's Series.

Jay Quinn (Gisbourne, NZL) 27, ignited with an explosive display of controlled power surfing with intense forehand snaps and carves to claim a massive combined two-wave heat total of 18.10 to oust Quiksilver Pro Portugal defending champion Hodei Collazo (Zarautz,EUK) 27.

“I feel pretty good after that heat and just opened up with that 6 to get my feet on the board and then I just took it from there and it all fell into place. I was well positioned and Hodei (Collazo) was sitting a bit too wide so I ended up getting a couple of good ones.”

Quinn, a finalist earlier this year in the ASP 6-Star in Scotland, looked for the critical sections to perform his turns on one of his favourite boards that has already taken him to one final.

“I am on the same board I used in Scotland to get to the final so it is going good. There are a few more heats to go before I have to start thinking about finals. First I want to make the quarters and then take it from there.”

Caio Ibelli (Guaruja Sao Paulo, BRA) 17, destroyed a long right-hander with a mix of critical snaps and flowing rail turns in the opening minute of his heat to kick off with a 9.10 out of 10 one of the highest single scores of the day.

“I am so stoked that I found a really good wave in the first minute with a 9.10 ride. I tried to get a good one when the heat started and that happened for me. The waves are good and fun now and I want to keep going.”

Ibelli had to fight off an inform Alain Riou (PYF) 27, who answered back with an excellent 8.10 to leave him within striking distance of the young Brazilian. Riou threw down the challenge with his precise backhand attack however failed narrowly to peg back his opponent.

“I didn't listen too much to the scores,” explained Ibelli. “I heard my scores and then I went out to catch a backup wave and I got a 6 and then nothing after that but Alain (Riou) surfed very well and the pressure was on in the heat.”

Ibelli, who is sitting low on the ASP World rankings in position nº141, has secured his best result in an ASP PRIME event and will face fellow up-and-comer Miguel Pupo (BRA) 19, and Davey Cathels (AUS) 20, in the following round.

“In the PRIMES this is my best result for sure to make it to the No Loser round. Last year I got a 3rd place in a 6-Star and I want to do better than that here if possible.”

John John Florence (HAW) 17, pulled off a pair of savage hits in a relaxed display against Brandon Jackson (ZAF) to claim an 8.67 out of 10 and a combined two-wave heat total of 16.27 one of the highest of the day.

“I was super stoked and it was a good wave and I got lucky because you are sitting way up the point now and you can't tell which ones are going to close out or which ones are going to run through with a bit of a wall. Then when you do get a good one you have to ride it all the way in and then paddle all the way back out again. It is a fun right point and these are the best waves I have had in competition for a while.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA) 23, was pushed all the way by Andre Silva (BRA) 28, with the young Frenchman paddling into his final wave with only seconds remaining and needing a solid score. Flores kept his composure and laid down a combination of snaps and cutbacks finishing with a strong last turn to secure the required score.

“I was behind in the scores the whole heat so I was in second and I needed 6 points and in the last minute I got the wave. It was the only fun wave I got and I thought not to fall off and I got the score so I am happy to make it.”

Junior Faria (Sao Paulo, BRA) 24, currently nº56 on the ASP World rankings, is on a roll with another excellent result in the Quiksilver Pro Portugal to add to an already successful year for the power house natural footer. In a wave starved, low scoring, tactical clash against Heath Joske (Nambucca Heads, AUS) 22, Faria held a slim lead the entire matchup to eventually steer clear with an excellent 7.50 out of ten in the final moments.

“There is a long wait between sets and even when they come it is hard to know which ones are good so it was a matter of patience and looking for the right ones. This is my best year so far and I had a good contest at Trestles and Saquarema so for me it is about making heats and as last year was not a good year for me every heat is going to improve my ranking.

Pat Gudauskas (San Clemente, USA) 25, relied on a series of forehand snaps and carves on his opening ride to take control of a slow heat to oust Travis Logie (ZAF) 32.  Unable to hear scores due to the extreme low tide and wind, Gudauskas kept composed under the situation to find a solid backup ride towards the later end of the clash.

“I didn't hear until the very end what it was. I was trying to do the math based on what Travis (Logie) needed so I was a little stressed out. It is tricky as it is more north the swell and not so much from the west today so it is hard to pick the ones which are going to hit reef. Also the wind is a bit more onshore so it makes it all a little more challenging but still really good waves out there.”

The Quiksilver Pro Portugal will make a first-call at 09h00 tomorrow for a possible start shortly after to Round Four with Cory Lopez (USA) facing fellow Brazilians Gabriel Medina and Junior Faria.

Young was on fire as he attacked the main peak with a savage backhand attack that saw him in total sync with the ocean to consistently find the better waves of the 30-minute clash. After discarding several solid scoring waves, Young amassed a two-wave heat total of 16.97 out of 20 including a near perfect 9.10.

Young, whose heat total is the highest of the event, suddenly finds himself as the form surfer at the Quiksilver Pro Portugal with the added pressure that goes along with a display of such calibre. Young's backhand surfing was lightening fast with massive hacks in the pocket combined with speed and flow to complete the judging criteria to a tee.  “Hopefully I can do the same in the next heat the same as I did now. You can tell which ones have got the good walls and they are the ones you want so hopefully I can do it again in a couple more heats. Sometimes you get a high score in your heat and then there is a bit more pressure in the next one but big scores also give you confidence as well.”

Quiksilver Pro Portugal top seed Jeremy Flores (FRA) 23, current elite ASP World Tour ranked nº11, cruised to a comfortable win in his first-up appearance after opening his account with two consecutive high scoring waves after his heat had been placed on hold for over 4 hours due to the high tide.

“I just arrived last night so I got to have a free surf when I was supposed to surf before and I am stoked to get through that one to start. It is a really tricky wave because with high tide and low tide it is a completely different wave and it has all these sections so you want to make all these connections.”

Flores worked the long right-handers connecting rail-to-rail snaps and speed floaters to link through to the inside bowl. A recent illness was not evident as Flores powered all his turns to their maximum potential.
“I got a blood infection in Brazil and I was stuck there for 10 days and now I have just come back from a week at home on Reunion Island and I was stoked to be back home and see my family and my friends I hadn't seen in several years.”

Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17, recent PRIME event winner in Brazil, who is currently in nº27 position on the ASP World rankings and inside the 32-man cut-off point advanced through to Round Two after a slow start that eventually built momentum to finish his last wave with a series of backhand snaps to secure an 8.00 out of 10 and a combined heat total of 15.10.

“I feel good and it is good to get through that heat. With Jihad (Khodr) with me in the same heat was fun and I have learnt things off him because he was on the World Tour for a long time. I feel confident at the moment but I don't think too much about qualifying right now.”

Pat Gudauskas (San Clemente, USA) 25, managed to brush off a niggling neck injury to rack up a series of forehand gouges to secure an 8.50 out of 10, one of the highest single-wave scores of the day. Failing to find a solid backup score, Gudauskas placed second behind a fired up Tiago Camarao (BRA) eventual heat winner.

“I love this wave but I tweaked my neck a little before the heat,” explained Gudauskas. “I was stoked to be loose out there. The PRIMES and the WT events are all equally important to me at this stage so it is good to surf a lot of heats, have fun and make the most of it. Hopefully have some good performances which adds to your whole vibe and that would be my goal right now.”  

Austin Ware (USA) 30, up first in heat nº1, relied on his experience, wave selection and hard hitting forehand surf, to advance comfortably ahead of Dimitri Ouvre (BRB) 19, in a stacked heat which saw former ASP World champion (2001) C.J. Hobgood (USA) eliminated in fourth position.
Ouvre, an event wildcard at the Quiksilver Pro Portugal, snagged a peeling right-hander in the last part of the heat to lay down several critical snaps to claim a 6.90 and jump into second position. In a wave hungry encounter that saw a total of 36 waves ridden, Ouvre was ecstatic with his pass through to Round Two of competition.  “It is a dream for me to be in a heat with C.J. (Hobgood) and all the other goofy footers. I want to thank Quiksilver for the wildcard into this contest because it is important for my surfing and for my ranking next year.” “It was a tough heat at the beginning,” continued Ouvre. “I made a couple of mistakes because I was sitting out the back and I should have gone inside. After I caught an inside one and just expressed myself on the wave.”

Fellow event wildcard Vasco Ribeiro (PRT) also advanced through to the next round finishing runner-up behind Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) in a tight heat that saw Shaun Joubert (ZAF) and Brett Simpson (USA) finish 3rd and 4th respectively. Ribeiro current ASP Europe Junior rankings leader along with Ouvre who is following closely behind in 3rd  spot will both make the most of their opportunity to continue in the Quiksilver Pro Portugal in Round Two.

The Tiago Pires Surf School is a project focussed on the young kids, looking for and amongst them, to form surfers for the future. The school also has a strong element of social work. This project was born from Tiago Pires's wish to actively stimulate a new generation of surfers in Portugal, sharing what he has been learning in his career at the surf's highest stages. “My goal is to make surf get to the largest possible number of people. To have this lifestyle is a privilege and I want to give young people the opportunity I also had to build my career. I want to give back what I got from this sport.”

At a social level, Tiago Pires Surf School will look to develop social support actions along with institutions of solidarity, to create and put into practice partnerships with other schools, promoting exchanges between them. Among the school's services, we highlight the development of skills (Extra Speed) and a course for kids and teenagers (Surf Bloom).

Tiago Pires Surf School will soon be on Facebook, so that everybody can check out all its novelties.

His mastering performance allows Matt Banting to grab the Sixth rank of the Australian ASP Pro Junior Series.

Dimitri Ouvré clamied in Spain his maiden Asp Pro Junior victory thanks to a fantastic wave, 15 minutes before the end of the heat. The Quiksilver rider achieved a fabulous air reverse followed by a forehand snap to snatch a near perfect 9.00 out of 10 and the win.

Ouvré jumps to nº1 position on the Asp European Men's Pro Junior rankings and now has his eyes set on a repeat performance at the upcoming Asp 3-Star Pro Junior in the Canary Islands.

His team mate Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13, the youngest competitor in the Somo Pro Junior Cantabria Infinita, finished equal 7th claiming his best career result to date. The ever smiling natural-footer who turned heads with his clean flowing rail turns and competitive skills displayed in all his encounters.

« I saw the news on facebook this morning. We've been waiting for this since so many years. It's really nice for our sport. We are going to get more credibility. I'm so happy and excited. I'm stocked. »

Placing 5th at the Winter X Games Europe and US, 3rd at the Dew Tour, the young French prodigy has all the arguments to get his ticket for Russia to enter his first Olympic Games.

In the upcoming weeks, Toto who rides for Quiksilver since he's 9 ( !) will fly to Canada for this season's last contest and then come back to France to take his A level and get his driving licence.

The format of the event was a fun jam session and the final saw ten riders take two runs, with hundreds of people cheering on in the sunny and slushy spring-time conditions. Mathieu Crepel took the victory in the freshly upgraded 4Star Poney Session. It was a treat for the spectators to see him competing in his home region, since he has taken a step back from the competitive snowboarding circuit, focusing on riding powder in the recent years. He was stoked after the event saying,  “It was awesome as usual. I had a perfect day with my good friends and the park was amazing! I rode every line of the slope, I tried new tricks and I landed a Cab Double Under, in the Perfect Jump. I'm stoked to finally get the Pony Title! This event really is worth it's 4 TTR stars and I'll be there for sure for the 10th anniversary next year! "  Mathieu's winning run included a half cab boardslide 270 out on the pole jam, a switch back 900 on the big air, a sweet frontside 1080.

Out of the many Swedish riders competing, it was Isak Björnström who grabbed the second place leaving JJ Roux (FRA) in third. This season has been a good one for Isak, as he has been competing at other European 4Star events, and getting up on the podium at each and every one of them. He took a first place at the 4Star Sony Ericsson Snowboard Fest in Slovakia and a second place at the 4Star Engadinsnow in Switzerland. With his second place at the Pony Session he moved up considerably in the Swatch TTR Tour Ranking. Even though the TTR Tour Champions have been crowned, there are several 1-4Star events coming up on the TTR Tour, where riders like Isak still have the opportunity to collect results in order to determine their Season-End Bonus Points, which will be carried over to the 2011/12 season.

For Iouri Podladtchikov, who didn't compete in Aspen this January due to an injury, this silver medal confirms that he can throw the biggest tricks and can step up when under pressure. The Moscow native incidentally said that this was his “best day of snowboarding this year”. Louie Vito takes Gold and Christian Haller completes the podium.

Unfortunately, Mathieu won't make the final this year. The Frenchman who had temporarily left the pipe to enjoy backcountry and freeriding for more than one month, probably had not enough trainings in his pocket to get out of the eliminations.

Watch on Canal+ Sport at www.winterxgameseurope.com

Iouri Podladchikov
Mathieu Crepel
Thomas Krief
Ulrik Badertsher
Eric Willett

X Fest, the winter X Games, open from 10am – 7pm
The big stage and the bars of Tignes will be hosting events and entertainments organized by X Games partners. Quiksilver and Roxy are opening the doors to its casino: blackjack, poker, roulette and betting on the final podium places… grow your initial stake and win big! Every evening from 6pm to 7pm, Carlsberg cocktails and DJ set with Deezer. Signing sessions with top athletes from the team at the Quiksilver/Roxy store in Val Claret on March 16th at 5pm and on the stand at the X Fest on Thursday March 17th at 5.30pm. Closing evening, Friday March 18th at the Le Couloir bar from 11pm, with team athletes in attendance. Just remember: what happens in Tignes, stays in Tignes!

More info at:

http://espn.go.com/action/xgames/winter/2011/
http://www.deezer.com/fr/winterxgames/

Bronze went to Ville who not only impressed with his flow but also with bs lipslide on down rail, tailslide fs 270 out on the gas pipe, backside nose tap on the quarter rail, fs boardslide on the down rail, sw back side 9 mute to fs 10 indy to bs 7 mute over the kicker line and 50-50 fs 1 out on the pipe.

The young finish Quiksilver rider has been impressing lots of people with his smooth style and large bag of tricks.

Ville will be making his way to the TTR Air and Style events where he will take part in the prestigious rookie challenge against the rest of the worlds top rookies.
Well done Ville and good luck in Innsbruck.

© Ducasse

“I have had exceptional support throughout my career and I am excited to have this bright opportunity with the respected team at Quiksilver,” says Gilmore. “I am looking forward to pushing myself to new levels and feel this is a move which will help me stay inspired while competing at the highest level as a professional surfer on the ASP Women's World Tour. It's thrilling to be a part of an innovative and globally respected brand like Quiksilver.  Its rich history and creative direction are well aligned with my personal ambitions.”

“We are very happy to welcome Stephanie to Quiksilver” says Bob McKnight, CEO of Quiksilver. “Her many accomplishments, at such a young age, are incredible. She is an inspirational role model for young women and a perfect fit for Quiksilver.”

22-year-old Stephanie, who was born and raised in NSW Australia has already become one of the most accomplished surfers in the world. She has won the ASP World Title in each of the last four years, was the youngest ASP Women's World Champion (2007) and has 17 ASP Women's World Tour victories. She will compete in the first event of the 2011 ASP season at next month's Roxy Pro on Australia's Gold Coast, February 26-March 9.

In addition to Quiksilver, her sponsors include Cole Clark Guitars, Ford, Sanitarium and DHD Surfboards. She plays both acoustic and electric guitar, including a Cole Clark lap slide and a vintage Fender Strat, and she documents her world travels with a Hassleblad 501c medium format camera.

Stephanie's philanthropic work includes Australia's youth-focused Black Dog Foundation; and she is a sponsor for two children in Kenya and Ethiopia. This Sunday, January 9th, Stephanie will be part of Channel 9 Australia's telethon to raise money for Australia's devastated areas affected by the floods.

Stephanie will continue to hone her talents and pursue her passions as she joins the Quiksilver family and will creatively contribute to and be involved in marketing efforts for the brand's new collection. Designed for young women with a coastal mindset and an independent spirit, the new Quiksilver collection is built on an understated aesthetic with its primary focus on quality fabrics, fits and finishes. This feminine interpretation of the Quiksilver brand has resulted in a beautiful collection that is authentic to Quiksilver's roots while at the same time introducing a unique, feminine perspective to the action sports apparel industry. The debut season of the collection perfectly blends coastal casual lived-in, loved-in designs with airy feminine details and superior hand-feel.

Congratulations Julian! Look for Julian to take on the world's best in the 2011 ASP World Tour, kicking of with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast!

The 28 prestigious invitees include last year's reigning champion Greg Long and 10 X World Champion and past winner of the 2002 Eddie event, Kelly Slater.  All are ready for the competition, which has a waiting period running from December 1^st through to February 28^th, 2011.

The event marks the global standard of big wave surfing and won't start unless the swell meets the minimum 20 feet (6.5m) size requirement.

In 25 years of its existence, the Eddie has only run 8 times, adding to the legendary prestige of this event.

http://quiksilver.com/eddie

The competition was eventually cancelled, but Victor Fernandez accumulated enough points (4167pts) to claim the PWA World Wave Title for 2010.  He placed ahead of rivals Ricardo Campello and Philip Koster.

“I'm really happy.  I worked really hard from the start on the PWA Tour and especially this year.  I expected a good run here, so it's a little disappointing.  The advantage when you lead from the start is that you never know what can happen and you'll always give it your best.  That's what I did and I feel I deserve this victory.”

This is the first World Title for the Andalusian, which confirms his progression, after previously finishing 6^th on the PWA Tour in 2009.  After taking the international crown, the Spaniard has already set out to defend his title.

“I'm going to continue training hard this winter and will make my second film ‘second life'.  I hope to discover some new spots and come back here (to Cape Verde) to progress some more.  Over the next few weeks I'll return home and celebrate with my family and friends.  I'll be coming back next year to defend my title.'

Member of Team Quiksilver, alongside Antoine Albeau, who is also 2010 World Champion in Slalom and Formula windsurfing, Victor Fernandez has now also sailed into the big time.

© Gille Calvet

RESULTS: REEF HAWAIIAN PRO

FINAL
1ST -  Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.00

2ND -  Joel Centeio (HAW) 7.04

3RD - Julian Wilson (AUS) 6.86

4TH - Heath  Joske (AUS) 3.14

SEMI-FINALS:
H1: Heath Joske (AUS) 13.00; Julian Wilson (AUS) 12.90; Tom Whitaker (AUS) 10.56; Daniel Ross (AUS) 9.80

H2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 12.47; Joel Centeio (HAW) 10.17; Granger Larsen (HAW) 8.90; Adrian Buchan (AUS) 6.84

Kelly clinched the title after putting on an incredible tube riding display in his quarterfinal heat against Brazil's Adriano De Souza.

Congratulations Kelly on your incredible achievement!

Let the party begin!

Click here to see the winning moments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oPBIDWPtOs

“I feel relieved, honestly,” says Kelly. “It's been the most stressful title I've ever had, because it's sort of an unknown place and you know at my age people say ‘you shouldn't be doing this.' And all the young guys are getting better and it's a challenge to believe in yourself and not believe what other people tell you. I know how good Jordy, Dane, Mick, Taj and all those guys are, and it's a marathon, you know? It's not one wave, it's not one maneuver, it's not one contest. It's a year-long thing and I know how to focus and it came together and I'm just so relieved.”

“Kelly's 10^th World Title today will be remembered as one of the most important moments in surf history,” said Bob McKnight, CEO of Quiksilver. “We are honored and proud to have been there to witness and support him over his entire, incredible professional career. Congratulations Kelly!”

Channel Islands Surfboards Founder Al Merrick adds, "I'm just really proud of Kelly right now. Winning a tenth title is such an incredible feat; but being able to do it on a board that he designed himself is a wonderful accomplishment in itself."

Slater, 38, vaulted into the 2010 season points lead mid-way through this year's ASP World Tour title race when he won the Hurley Pro at Trestles (Calif.) in September, taking out 27-year-old Bede Durbidge in flawless 6-foot waves.  The win marked Kelly's 4^th career title at historic Trestles, the site of his first professional win twenty years earlier.

After Trestles, the ASP World Tour continued on to the Quiksilver Pro France at Les Culs Nus Beach, where Kelly took second place to the reigning ASP World Champion, 29-year-old Australian Mick Fanning. Kelly's runner-up finish further extended his 2010 tour points lead as he delivered his first perfect 10 score of the season with a ridiculous freefall drop into a barrel during the semifinals.

In mid-October, the tour continued on to Portugal for the Rip Curl Pro, an event that would play a vital role in determining the 2010 World Champion. Slater stormed to another 1^st place finish in Portugal, earning a career record 44^th Elite Tour victory during some of the highest-performance surfing the world has ever seen. Slater struck stealthily in the final round at epic Supertubos, locking in solid backhand waves in shifting conditions and staving off a late charge from 22-year-old current ASP World #2 South African Jordy Smith.

Kelly won his previous ASP World Championships in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2006 and 2008. His career victories also include 44 WCT wins and two ESPN X Games gold medals.

Official Statement: HONOLULU – (November 2, 2010) — The world of surfing mourns an incredibly sad loss today with the news that Hawaii's Andy Irons has died. Andy was a beloved husband, and a true champion. Irons, 32, withdrew from a professional surfing event in Puerto Rico last weekend due to illness and passed away during a layover en-route to his home in Kauai, Hawaii. He had reportedly been battling with dengue fever, a viral disease. At this time the family thanks his friends and fans for their support, and asks that the community respect its privacy. The family also asks to not be contacted so their focus can remain on one another during this time of profound loss.

Opening his account with an 8.50 out of ten and then backing it up with an 8.17, Collazo had his opponent in a combination situation early in the battle and looked to be on his way to a comfortable win. Zubizarreta had other ideas and answered back with an 8.90, to get back in the fight with five minutes remaining.

Without priority, Collazo had to watch on as Zubizarreta played his last card on his last wave in the final minute. Coming up short by the nearest of margins, a mere 0.20 of a point, the Quiksilver Pro Portugal 2010 title was in the grasp of an emotional Collazo.

“This is an amazing feeling and I can't describe how it feels to win an event like this. I have never gone further than the quarters, so to be in the final with my best friend and to win it is the best thing that has happened to me.”

Taking out World Tour campaigner, Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the quarter-finals, Collazo grew in confidence and knew that this was his moment.

“I have had so much support from all the people here and also from all the people at home. It is really special and I want to say thanks to all of them for their support. I have taken the whole event heat by heat and tried not to think about my opponents and just focus on my surfing and the work ahead to be done.”

In a somewhat different approach to such a major final, Collazo explains their pre-final preparations.

“It was a different final because we tossed a coin to see who would have the first wave. Normally you are really stressed and earlier there was a lot of pressure in the quarters and the semis but in the final we were talking and looking back to the beach amazed at all the people who had come down to watch us.”

Runner-up, Gony Zubizarreta was on a role this morning after eliminating ASP Dream Tour surfer and local favourite Tiago Pires (PRT) in the quarter-finals with another come from behind performance. Smashing out a 9.87, the highest single wave score of the event, Zubizarreta threatened to go all the way.

“The heat against Tiago was amazing. I managed to catch the bomb and get that score which got me back into the heat. For me it was an honour to be up against him at his home break and to win that heat was really special.”

In the final, Zubizarreta managed to claw his way back to create a dramatic final stage to the 40-minute clash. With no remorse, Zubizarreta was pleased with his ‘never say die' attitude.

“I didn't surf so well at the beginning and then I got that good one so I thought I was still able to get another one. The last wave came and I surfed the best I could but it was close. I think the judge's decision in the end was correct. It was close and I am very happy for Hodei.”

Leonardo Neves (Saquarema, BRA) 30, finished in equal third to achieve his best result in Europe this year. Coming up against an inform Hodei Collazo, the Brazilian made a crucial error losing priority and had to stand by and watch as the win escaped from his grasp.

“I ended up losing priority with a 5.00 point ride and I should have stayed out the back and waited a few minutes more because I had to watch the 8.00 point ride of Hodei. I think that wave marked the difference in the heat because it was a wave with more potential and that was the difference.”

More at home in more powerful conditions, Neves has concentrated on his small wave surfing and is starting to see results. Equipment changes as well as technical adjustments to his surfing are the reasons for this improvement.

“This has been a contest in small waves which has always been difficult for me. Bigger waves are a lot easier for me. So now I have a specific board for small waves that is going really well. Each time my results are getting better.”

Now moving on to further events to be held in the Canary Islands, Neves feels that his momentum is pushing him towards an even bigger result in the near future.

“I am having a good run at the moment with many quarter-final finishes and now a semi-final so let's hope a final is coming up soon for me in the next events in the Canary Islands.”

Marc Lacomare (Capbreton, FRA) 20, also finishing equal third, continued with his consistent results achieved throughout the entire year in Europe including a win at the 5-Star Newquay event. Having no luck in finding any rhythm and surfing on his backhand in the tricky conditions, Lacomare had to admit that some errors on his part cost him the victory.

“He (Zubizarreta) has been surfing amazing since the start of the contest so it was a tough heat. Maybe I made a couple of mistakes in that heat but I am still happy with a semi-final result.”

Remaining a clear leader on the ASP European Men's rankings and with two stops remaining on the circuit, Lacomare is looking strong to back up his 2009 ASP Europe Junior title.

“I am really happy with my year and hopefully I can take out the European title after the Canary events and if not I am just really happy with the results I have done this summer.”

Quiksilver Pro Portugal Final Result

Hodei Collazo (EUK) 16.67 Def. Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) 16.47

Quiksilver Pro Portugal Semi-final Results

Heat 1: Hodei Collazo (EUK) 15.43 Def. Leonardo Neves (BRA) 11.33

Heat 2: Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) 10.17 Def. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 5.23

Quiksilver Pro Portugal Quarter-final Results

Heat 1: Hodei Collazo (EUK) 13.00 Def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.27

Heat 2: Leonardo Neves (BRA) 8.10 Def. Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) 7.16

Heat 3: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 11.67 Def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 8.93

Heat 4: Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) 16.90 Def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 15.84

The ASP 2007 European Champion and former ASP World Race contender (2008 and 2009) had already opened his 2010 ASP Star Series campaign with a win in Brazil earlier this year, during the ASP 6-star Maresia Surf International.

The Quiksilver Team surfer, Kelly Slater (USA) today earned his third win of the season in Peniche, Portugal (after wins at Bells Beach and Trestles) taking his ASP World Tour career victories to 44.  Surfing in the final against his biggest rival of the season and current World number two, Jordy Smith (South Africa), Kelly won a crucial battle. The 38 year-old Floridian 9 times World Champion, further widened the gap between him and the 22 year-old South African prodigy who now lies 9250 points behind Kelly Slater.

For Kelly, the possibility of a 10^th World Title becomes even more attainable and he can now mathematically seal the historic dream at the next event in Puerto Rico.  If he makes the semi-final in the Caribbean, the Floridian is assured to be the 2010 World Champion.  If Kelly finishes between 5^th and 9^th place, then Jordy Smith must make the final to deprive him of the title.  The last event of the year in Hawaii (December) would then be the decider.

Surfing at Supertubes, Kelly beat Damien Hobgood in the quarters, Chris Davidson in the semis and Jordy Smith in the final.  It was the 5th final of the year for Kelly Slater.  He won at Bells and Trestles, and finished second in the Brazil event and the Quiksilver Pro France in Hossegor.

After receiving a huge trophy on the podium, Kelly said, ‘Congratulations to Jordy.  He would obviously have liked a different result but he's an unbelievable surfer and him and Dane set the standard for all of us.  I'm trying to learn from them and just hang on.  These guys are the present so I'm glad to get this win over with.  I haven't had the greatest success in Portugal, I haven't won here before and finally I get one.'

Jeremy Flores also had a very successful performance in Portugal, finishing in 3^rd place for the second time this year.  His previous podium finish was in the hollow waves of Tahiti in August.

Winner of his first round heat against Dane Reynolds (USA) and Dean Morrison (Aus), the Reunion Island surfer eliminated Bobby Martinez in the 3^rd round and dominated the dangerously talented American Patrick Gudauskas and the South African Travis Logie in the 4^th round.  In the quarter finals, the Quiksilver team rider beat the young Australian prodigy Owen Wright before losing his semi-final encounter against world number 2, Jordy Smith.

‘I am a bit disappointed, but it's a good result for me, which helps my ranking,' said Jeremy.  ‘I'd have really liked to have beaten Jordy but I also know that everyone wants the dream final between Jordy and Kelly.  Even I can't wait to watch it!'

Asked what he thinks of Kelly, the young Frenchman added, ‘ I really admire Kelly who is an idol for me.  I've had the chance to share many trips with him thanks to Quiksilver.  He always gives great advice and has helped me a lot.  Yes he's a freak but he is also a great example to us all.'

This great result propels Jeremy up to 15th in the World Rankings.  Jeremy will stay in Portugal to take part in the Quiksilver Pro Portugal (ASP 6-Star Event) at Ericeira, which starts next Tuesday.  The Europeans will be there in force.  Alongside local hero Tiago Pires, will be Marc Lacomare, Miky Picon, Patrick Beven, Vasco Ribeiro, Charles Martin, Dimitri Ouvré, and Marlon Lipke etc.  Opposition for the home team will include some serious contenders such as Josh Kerr (Aus) and Brazilians Bernado Pigmeu and Jean da Silva.

Follow the Quiksilver Pro Portugal 19^th - 24^th October live on www.quiksilverlive.com

The next event of the ASP World Tour will be 30^th Oct – 10^th Nov 2010 in Puerto Rico.

The 10th world title perspective is becoming more and more concrete for the Floridian who now has 4500 points advance on his young and talented rival Jordy Smith even if the 2010 season is far from being ended with 4 events to run.

Equal third in Trestles (with Mick Fanning), California's Dane Reynolds is still in the 4th position but now gets closer and closer for the podium, becoming a constant threat for Australian Taj Burrow who now just has 250 points advance.

The world's elite surfers from men's professional surfing will land this week in France to compete in the Quiksilver Pro France, in world-class waves of Seignosse, Hossegor, Capbreton and Saint-Jean de Luz. The swell forecast is announcing a long swell for the beginning of the period and a possible early start of the contest. Quiksilver Pro France waiting period starts on Sept 25th till Oct 5th.

ASP World Title Race (after 5 events)
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 40,000 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 35,500 pts
3. Taj Burrow (AUS) 30,500 pts
4. Dane Reynolds (USA) 30,250 pts
5. Mick Fanning (AUS) 29,500 pts

To relive the event from behind the scenes and follow Kelly Slater, don't miss Belly's blog at www.quiksilver.com (Quik TV section)

Meanwhile, after a hiccup in South Africa (17^th), Kelly Slater got right back on track for the 2010 World Championship. The Floridian is now just 250 points behind the current leader in the world rankings, South Africa's Jordy Smith. A semi-finalist in Teahupoo, Kelly Slater (who scored a perfect 10 in quarters), still as formidable as ever, knocked out Heiarii Williams (PYF) in the 3^rd round, Adam Melling (AUS) in the 4^th and finally Adrian Buchan (AUS) in the quarters, before going down to Andy Irons - who Slater had in fact already beaten in the first round.

Having arrived in Tahiti in 3^rd spot in the rankings, behind Jordy Smith and Taj Burrow, Kelly Slater leaves French Polynesia with a clear lead over the Australian, and just 250 points behind the young South African prodigy. His hopes of an incredible 10^th world title are still burning bright as ever. Slater can now enjoy the relatively pressure-free position of hunter chasing down the top spot, and it's looking good for him going into one of his favourite Tour events at Trestles, California.

The plaudits for the day's other big exploit go to Jérémy Florès. Having made a solid start to the season, the Frenchman was in blistering form in Tahiti. Hugely impressive in the freesurfing session, the Reunionese athlete produced an incisive and tactically astute performance from start to finish in Teahupoo.  After easing past Marco Polo (Br) and Bobby Martinez (USA) in the 1^st round, the Frenchman brushed aside first Luke Stedman (Aus) in the 3^rd, then formidable local wildcard Manoa Drollet (PYF) - who had knocked out Jordy Smith in the 1/8 finals - and finally another Team Quiksilver surfer, Fred Pattachia (Haw), in the quarters.

In the semis, Jérémy Florès was unable to get the better of master tactician and former World Champion CJ Hobgood, eventually going down by 12.93 pts to 15 pts for the American.

This excellent 3^rd place was one of the finest results of his career for the Frenchman, WQS World Champion in 2006 and Rookie of the Year in 2007 (his best ever being a final in Brazil against Bede Durbidge in 2008), and sees him jump into the World Top 20 (19^th). Free of the painful foot problems that ruined his season in 2009, Florès seems sharper than ever and still has time to fight his way up the rankings between now and December.

The next stage of the ASP World Tour will take place in Trestles, California, USA from September 12^th to 18^th, and will be followed by the QUIKSILVER PRO France, from September 25^th to October 5^th 2010.

To relive the event from behind the scenes and follow Kelly Slater and Jérémy Florès, don't miss Belly's blog at www.quiksilver.com (Quik TV section)

The Quiksilver windsurfer took the second place during the PWA World Cup Alacati in Turkey. With this performance, the french rider combines enough points to get the Slalom Word Champion title before the last event in Germany. This is his 6th slalom world crown and his 18th all competitions taken together.

This victory relieves him of pressure : ‘It feels amazing to have finally secured the world title before Germany, he racing this year has gone really well, although it feels like a bit of a short season, but there's still one more event to go, and I will definitely be there giving it my best shot to win like always!”

Next November, Antoine Albeau, 38, will compete in the Speed World Championship, which will take place near Marseille, in France. The windsurfer could use this occasion to reap another title this year.

Then, he will try to outrun 50 kn on The Saintes-Maries de La Mer Canal. A windsurfer has never achieved this before.

Junior Championships after finishing at the  3^rd position of ASP Junior European ranking.

After a brilliant 2010 campain, Ramzi Boukhiam born in Agadir, Morrocco and settled in France, earned his first qualification for an ASP World Championship. He will be then 17 years old.

Finalist of the 3rd European Pro Junior event in Canaria Islands at the very beginning of august, and quarter finalist in Lacanau yesterday, the “pearl of the desert” will join the elite of junior surfing along with DC surfer Marc Lacomare and Maxime Huscenot, 2009 ASP Junior World Champion, invited as a wildcard.

The Quiksilver Team surfer from Reunion Island, Maxime Huscenot had caused majorupset last January when he became the first Frenchman to be crowned ASP Junior World Champion (Pauline Ado did the same in the girls category in 2008).

Marc  Lacomare, 20 years old and 2009 Junior European Champion, is also qualified for the ASP Junior World Championship as being the best European junior on WQS tour this year (he recently won the 5 star WQS event in Fistral Beach, UK).

For the  first time, the next edition of the ASP World Junior Surfing Championships will be held in two phases : in Bali on Keramas spot for October 2 to 13 and then Narrabeen, Australiafrom January 8 to 16 early 2011.

“I'm really proud of this film and grateful I had the opportunity to create something unique in surf filmmaking,” said Julian. “I wanted to make a film before I got sucked into full-time competition and demanding schedule that goes along with it. So instead of competing last year, I put my heart and soul into this project because I didn't know when I'd ever get the chance again.”

Directed by Matt Beauchesne at Irons Brothers Productions, “Scratching the Surface” documents the adventures of Julian, along with friends and fellow professionals Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Dusty Payne, Mick Fanning and others as they spend a year hitting some of the world's most beautiful surf spots. Destinations include South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, California, Hawaii, France, Spain and Brazil.  A large part of the film was also shot in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia on a boat trip with Dane, Dusty and Taj. “Scratching The Surface” also teamed Julian and Matt with Brain Farm Cinema, whose goal was to evolve the way surf films are made by utilizing helicopters and the Phantom camera, shooting entirely in HD, and incorporating an energetic and unique soundtrack.

“Our goal with this film was to be creative, have fun, and enjoy capturing what it is like to be Julian Wilson,” says Matt Beauchesne. “Julian has a bright and vibrant personality that we wanted to carry over into the film's overall feel. He is living every kid's dream and we wanted to shoot this film through his eyes.”

To get an early peek of this groundbreaking film, the “Scratching The Surface” trailer and webisodes can be viewed at www.quiksilver.com & www.julianwilson.com

The winners in each category get free entry to the 2011 World Heli Challenge. Snowboarders also get free entry to King of the Hill event in Alaska while Skiers receive the same for the return of the World Extreme Skiing Championships, also in Alaska. Congratulations to Travis Rice!

Tony Hawk, the greatest skateboarder of all time, tonight made an astonishing performance in Europe's Skateboarding Mecca, Barcelona for the 3^rd stop of the Quiksilver Tony Hawk & Friends European Skateboarding Tour.

In front of more than 25 000 spectators massed on the magnificent Plaza del Mar beach in La Barceloneta, the 10 time X Games gold medallist, along with his friends Jessie Fritsch, Sandro Dias, Neil Hendrix and Kevin Staab and a couple of Birdhouse young riders, surpassed themselves to entertain the massive crowd packed up around Europe's biggest portable vert ramp especially built up for the show.

They all displayed their best manoeuvres : airs and liptricks in both old school and modern styles but the public went mad when the Birdman landed a perfect 900°. After some spectacular attempts, supported by the crowd chanting his name, Tony finally succeeded in nailing the two and a half rotation that he built his legend on.

“It's the biggest crowd I've ever skated for in my entire life” Tony Hawk confessed after the show.

The Tony Hawk European Skateboarding Tour is now heading to the UK for the last stop of the Tour in Brighton on July 21^st.

The 2010 European Youth Surfing Championships ended on Sunday 16th of May on Viana Do Castelo beach located in the north of Portugal.

The week started successfully for the Roxy Team thanks to Maud Lecar's win in the Ladies competition. The 17 year old Saint-Martin Island surfer took her first continental victory and brought Team France its first title of the week.

Sunday was the U-18 Men's final and this time a Quiksilver surfer, Dimitri Ouvré, took the European crown in the main event in front of local surfer Federico Morais (Por).

In the Under 16 category, another Quiksilver boy got the ISA Continental title. Vasco Ribeiro (Por) easily defeated french fellows Andy Criere, 2nd and Tom Cloarec, 4th. The Portugese surfer won the final heat with 17,33 points - almost 5 points ahead of Criere.

The excellent 3rd place of Italian Rookie, Leonardo Fioravanti in the Under 14 final (won by Frenchman Nelson Cloarec) is also a great result for Quiksilver Team, proud to have such a promising surfer in the family.

Who: Stephen Bell - aka "Belly" - is an Australian former pro surfer, who's now turned shaper, entrepreneur and Surf team manager for Quiksilver International. A charismatic figure from the world of surfing, Belly takes us behind the scenes of the ASP elite tour and follows the stars of the Tour.

When: Three episodes for each leg of the ASP World Tour, which consists of ten events in total (from March to December 2010). Two episodes will go online during each competition, with one at the end of each stage of the "Dream Tour". Latest one is posted on April 8 from Bells Beach with exclusive footage of Kelly Slater's foot injury.

How: Belly's blog is a quirky, distinctly Aussie surf magazine, where Internet users can see highlights from each stage of the World Tour, as well as behind the scenes sequences following Kelly Slater, Jérémy Florès and rest of the world's surfing elite.

Where: From Snapper Rocks (Australia), where the ASP World Tour kicked off in late February with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, and Bells Beach, which is currently hosting the 2^nd leg of the World Championships, to Hawaii, which provides the setting for the culmination of the Tour in December every year, Belly's blog will be taking us all over planet surf.

The schedule for the next stages of the ASP World Tour and upcoming episodes of Belly's blog is as follows: Santa Catarina (Brazil) from April 23^rd to May 2^nd, Jeffreys Bay (South Africa) from July 15^th to 25^th, Teahupoo (Tahiti) from August 23^rd to September 3^rd, Trestles (California, USA) from September 12^th to 21^st, Hossegor for the Quiksilver Pro France – sole French leg of the Tour - from September 25^th to October 5^th, Peniche (Portugal) from October 7^th to 18^th, Somewhere from October 30^th to November 10^th, Pipeline/ Ohahu (Hawaii) from December 8^th to 25^th.

Watch Belly's blog: http://quiksilver-europe.com/link/tv/searchVideos/Belly

His warm-up outing at the RedBull Linecatcher in Vars was rewarded with an immediate victory. And so on to the Freeride World Tour…. The skier from La Clusaz began in imperious fashion with a win in the first stage in Chamonix in late January, and followed that up with a 2nd place finish in the second leg of the Tour in early February (which was actually the postponed inaugural stage, originally due to take place in Sotchi but ultimately held in Chamonix). After finishing further down the scoreboard at Squaw Valley (in 17th), Candide arrived in Verbier occupying second place in the provisional rankings, and with plenty of work to do. Poor weather saw the event delayed, and Candide and the rest of the field were forced to wait until Sunday when the conditions improved. And so, this morning, Candide launched himself, for the very first time, from the Bec des Rosses, a dizzyingly high slope chosen as the starting point for the world's top freeriders to display their skills. With a smooth and controlled run, Candide bagged a third podium finish in four events, and gained the ultimate reward as he was crowned as the very best freerider on the planet, alongside fellow Frenchman Xavier De Le Rue, winner of the snowboard category.

From March 1st to March 31st 2010, Quiksilver and Roxy launch a Picture Contest on the theme “No Water Sucks” and invite the web users to post the pictures they will have taken or created, illustrating the lack of water.

Required quality to win: being creative and imaginative!

The winner will be the one who collects the more votes from web users through a simple one-click vote system.
2 checks of 1000€ to win for the winner: 1 for you, and 1 to support the project you will have chosen.

One posted picture = One planted tree

For each picture posted, Quiksilver and Roxy promise to plant a tree. All along the Green Campaign, Quiksilver and Roxy will donate 1€ to the water conservation association for each eco-product bought on their e-trade websites.

PLAY !!!

SNAPPER ROCKS, Queensland/Australia (Friday, March 5, 2010) - Taj Burrow (AUS), 31 has taken out the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover over Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, in rippable two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Snapper Rocks.



The opening event of then 2010 ASP World Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast started the year off with a bang, bringing the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history to one of the most iconic pointbreaks in the world, and the world's best surfers shattered high-performance barriers once again.



"I'm so so happy right now - it's the best feeling on Earth!" Burrow said. "It's unreal. I have a good group of friends with me and my parents are here supporting me. To have everyone cheering me on in the final is really really special."



While the young South African led throughout the first half of the 40-minute Final, it was Burrow who changed the tide with a mid-heat assault, racking up several solid scores in larger set waves amidst the deteriorating conditions.



"I didn't feel like I surfed my best in the Final," Burrow said. "I kind of just did what it took to win. I just waited for the best waves, did a couple nice turns - nothing too wild. I'd rather have taken Jordy's approach - catch lots of waves and just let loose. That's kind of my strategy normally, but it worked fine. Being a bit more patient and ive than usual definitely paid off. But I knew Jordy could unleash and get the big score any moment."



Burrow, who has secured victories in the previous two events entered (Pipeline in December and Burleigh Heads in February), has been in sensational form over the past three months, and will look to continue the momentum in 2010 as he hunts down his first ASP World Title.



"What can I say? I don't know," Burrow said. "I surprised myself really. Obviously, Pipe was the biggest event I could ever win. I was just overwhelmed. I felt like retiring after that event. I just couldn't believe it, and didn't think it could get any better. I guess I've taken the confidence from it and worked on some good boards. Burleigh Heads was a good warm-up. I felt good that there as well - there are fun little rights, and then here, I took a while to get rolling, but I just built up momentum. I felt great out there and here I am on the podium again - it just feels unbelievable."



Smith, who went on a giant-ing spree at the event, eliminating former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 38, in yesterday's Round 4 before posting the best result of his young career.



"It's my first Final so I'm pretty stoked," Smith said. "It's unfortunate that the waves went kind of dead in our heat there, but we tried our best. It's been a great event though and I'm looking forward to the next one."



Long touted as one of the most dominant forces in the surfing world, Smith had yet to realize his potential in the competitive realm, but if this event's performance is any indication, the powerful natural-footer is a near-certain threat for an ASP World Title.



"I just feel a lot more comfortable with myself this season," Smith said. "I'm having a lot more fun with my surfing and everything seems to be coming together for me. I'm amped with a Runner-Up finish here and hope I can keep the momentum up for the rest of the season."



Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, looked the form surfer of the event yesterday, defeating defending event winner Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, with an impressive 19.20 out of a possible 20. However, the young Californian was unable to find a rhythm in today's challenging conditions, bowing out of the event with an Equal 3rd at the hands of Smith.



"I felt pretty good yesterday and it felt like my equipment was finally working," Reynolds said. "Even though the conditions weren't as good today, I thought I could catch an average wave and surf it well enough to get a good score, but that didn't happen. When the other guy gets a good roll going, it's hard to come back - or it is for me anyway."



With his penchant for churning out Earth-shattering performances and a good start to the year, several pundits are considering Reynolds as a legitimate ASP World Title contender, but the humble natural-footer has yet to commit such a goal.



"I've never been in this situation before so it's hard for me to say (in regards to motivation for the ASP World Title)," Reynolds said. "When you're a little kid, everyone always tells you that the ASP World Title is the goal, but there's only one each season and 45 guys going for it. It hasn't been a goal for me yet."



Bobby Martinez (USA), 27, matched his best result on the Gold Coast today, collecting an Equal 3rd (his first in 2006), but the sole goofy-footer in today's event was clearly upset about the deteriorated conditions.



"It's disappointing to finish when it's windy like this today," Martinez said. "We all want to surf when it's glassy, and I'm disappointed that we have to finish today. I did my best to mix it up out there, but it's very challenging out there on your backhand today."



Highlights from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover can be found via www.quiksilverpro.com.au


The next stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour will be the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach from May 30 through April 10, 2010.


QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:


1 - Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.57


2 - Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.56



QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL RESULTS:


SF 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.67 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 13.00


SF 2: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 16.30 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 8.96



ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 5 (After Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast):


1 - Taj Burrow (AUS) 10000 pts


2 - Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8000 pts


3 - Bobby Martinez (USA) 6500 pts


3 - Dane Reynolds (USA) 6500 pts


5 - Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5250 pts


5 - Bede Durbidge (AUS) 5250 pts


5 - Adriano de Souza (BRA) 5250 pts


5 - Kai Otton (AUS) 5250 pts


The opening event of the 2010 ASP World Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast has consolidated the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history, and with one of the most iconic pointbreaks in the world firing throughout the day, the world's best put on an incendiary performance.



Bede Durbidge (AUS), 27, current ASP World No. 3, proved the form surfer of the day, posting a near-perfect 19.30 out of a possible 20, to dispatch of Luke Munro (AUS), 27, in their Round 3 bout. Durbidge blended deep tube rides with progressive forehand gaffs en route to his emphatic victory, even posting the day's highest single wave score of a 9.93 out of a possible 10.



"I just made that barrel and I just didn't even care what happened after that," Durbidge said. "I just went for it. On the ride back on the ski, I was thinking I probably should have finished that wave for the 10, but it's all good."


A former Runner-Up at the event, Durbidge is one of the most dangerous surfers at Snapper Rocks, and will look to post a strong result to open up his 2010 ASP World Tour campaign.



"All my family and friends and here and there's so much hype around this event, being the first of the year, I would love to win this event," Durbidge said. "It makes all the difference. There's a lot more energy for you, and waves come your way."



Durbidge will face current ASP World No. 14 Kieren Perrow (AUS), 33, in Round 4 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.



Kelly Slater (USA), 38, former nine-time ASP World Champion and current ASP World No. 6, negotiated the varying afternoon conditions today, putting in a solid performance against 2010 ASP Dream Tour rookie Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 24, in Round 3.



"It's a tough call sitting super deep because you can take off too deep or get one that doesn't barrel and there are a lot of bumps," Slater said. "My first one looked pretty nice, but I couldn't come out and it went from a 10 to a 2, so it's a challenge out there."



Slater has drawn South African wunderkind Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, in Round 4 of competition.



Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, reigning two-time ASP World Champion, continued his searing form through Round 3 today, besting 2010 ASP World Tour rookie Brett Simpson (USA), 25, with an intimate rapport with the Snapper Rocks sand bank.



"It's pretty tricky out there," Fanning said. "It's high tide and I don't really it. I've seen a couple in the heat before with Dingo (Morrison) and Kai (Otton), and then Steds (Stedman) and Damo (Hobgood). I thought I could have sat a little bit deeper and I was lucky enough just to get two waves like a 6 and I got that good one (9.07). I just looked for waves that would allow two turns at the start."



Fanning will take on compatriot Kai Otton (AUS), 30, in Round 4 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.



Adriano de Souza (BRA), 23, current ASP World No. 5, put on a clinic in the opening heat of the day, amassing a 16.10 out of a possible 20 to eliminate compatriot and travelling partner Jadson Andre (BRA), 19.


'I feel great to get through that heat and the waves are really fun," De Souza said. "It's hard surfing against Jadson (Andre). He's my roommate and team member and he's a really good surfer. He may be a rookie, but he's really smart and he's a dangerous surfer."



De Souza, who finished Runner-Up in the event last season, is enthusiastic about his prospects at the 2010 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, and is confident that a solid result at Snapper Rocks is possible.



"I would love to go one better this year and win on the Gold Coast," De Souza said. "I have been working really hard in the off season, training and with my boards, and I feel ready for 2010."



De Souza will face current ASP World No. 23 Adrian Buchan (AUS), 27, in the opening heat of Round 4 when competition resumes.



Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.


QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.00 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 14.46

Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.10 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 13.70

Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) 11.00 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 9.27

Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.84 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 6.67

Heat 5: Bobby Martinez (USA) 14.16 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 11.26

Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) 14.73 def. Luke Stedman (AUS) 13.40

Heat 7: Kai Otton (AUS) 13.97 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 12.60

Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.74 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 10.43

Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.63 def. Dusty Payne (HAW) 12.20

Heat 10: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 14.17 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 12.64

Heat 11: Daniel Ross (AUS) 13.54 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.00

Heat 12: Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.57 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.23

Heat 13: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 19.30 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 7.37

Heat 14: Kieren Perrow (AUS) 13.06 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.43

Heat 15: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.37 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 7.56

Heat 16: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.23 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.77



QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 4 MATCH-UPS:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Adrian Buchan (AUS)

Heat 2: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)

Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)

Heat 4: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)

Heat 5: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)

Heat 6: Daniel Ross (AUS) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)

Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Kieren Perrow (AUS)

Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

Chamonix again provided the thrills of freeride, hosting the second stage of the Freeride Tour: the Nissan Russian Adventure by Swatch, initially planned to take place in Sochi/Russia, but moved to Chamonix for security reasons and difficult weather conditions. Only the men skiers and snowboarders took part of today’s contest, at the north east face of Aiguille Pourrie at the Flégère ski area. With an extremely high performance level, Candide Thovex finished second and Frenchmen Julien Lopez took victory.

The multiple X-Games medallist skier Candide Thovex is now at the top of the Freeride World Tour Ranking. Once again Candide showed us a very playful line, bouncing down the mountain. He took a more obvious line than Lopez and did not take the highest jumps but he was super fluid and executed all his airs with more speed and landed further down than the other competitors. In the end of the run he pulled off a perfect 360° (a complete rotation), taking about 20 metres of distance in the air, really spectacular!

Copyright: Nissan Freeride Chamonix Mont Blanc 2010 D Carlier

Against the beautiful backdrop of the Mont-Blanc, French Freestyle icon Candide Thovex took his first win in a Freeride World Tour event in Chamonix on 31st of January.

The 50 best freeriders on the planet put on an amazing performance in perfect weather conditions on the 500 metre “Pentes de l’Hôtel” face at the Brévent ski area in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, despite challenging snow conditions.

The most impressive run of the day was the clean victory of French freestyle legend Candide Thovex, debuting in freeride contests, announcing a promising future. After the last few days’ of snowfall the blue skies finally presented a dream like arena for the athletes and spectators of the Freeride de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. However, the snow conditions where tricky for the competitors. A lot of the fresh powder was taken down by the first riders and parts of the face exposed rock hard snow, and at times ice. Control was decisive.

Event winner was the famous French freestyler Candide Thovex’s first Freeride World Tour contest, and with his explosive run he secured a solid victory. Thovex chose a unique line down the face, literally flying through the course at full speed, stomping several solid cliff jumps, cheered on by the excited Chamonix spectator crowd. Swedish Kaj Zackrisson is one of the veterans on the tour, and a Chamonix local since 10 years.

“I couldn’t sleep very well last night as I wasn’t really sure of my line, and I felt a lot of pressure this morning. But I went up early and got a good vision of the course. I looked for good snow and a line I could enjoy. I spotted some nice Alaska-like spines with great snow! I chose not to do some tricks and to focus on fluidity. I wanted to come down safe and sound. It has been really cool and the atmosphere is great, which was very motivating at the start. I am really happy of the victory and to share the podium with my friend Tim Dutton who soon will be at his home town in Squaw Valley. I am really motivated for the coming events!” Candide Thovex said.

2 weeks after an amazing win at Reb Bull Linecatcher in Vars (Freestyle/freeride mix event), and several years after his last contests, Candide Thovex is definitely back to business. Watch out.

http://quiksilver-europe.com/tv

Check the list of invitees here: quiksilver.com/eddie

Joan Duru, despite an equal 25th place that did not make the Frenchman better his overall regional ratings’ points total, claims his maiden regional title after an exceptional year of performances and results that puts him in position to qualify for next year’s ASP World Tour at this stage.

“It’s great to get the title after such a year,” Duru said. “I am super happy to add it to my career and hopefully things keep going the same way until the end of the year for me.”

Duru, who opened his spectacular season with a win at the ASP WQS 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro in April, peaked with his career best win in the ASP WQS 6-Star Sooruz Lacanau Pro becoming the second French ever to win a major event in France, twenty-seven years after Thierry Fernandez (Lacanau, FRA).

“It was amazing to win that event in front of the French crowds and with all my family and friends around,” Duru said. “It was a great moment for me and it was really special out there.”

Considered a world class surfer by many, Joan Duru not only made big impressions at all events in Europe but managed to secure a series of solid results that have rocket him to a promising No. 9 rank on the current ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings.

At 20 years of age only, the former ASP European Junior champion (2006) has been following the footsteps of European leading surfers Jeremy Flores (FRA) and Michael Picon (FRA) amongst others, the goofyfooter building a custom-made mix of explosive progressive maneuvers and massive powerhouse turns.

With two major events coming-up on the world famous North Shore of Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago, Joan Duru will head next to Haleiwa and Sunset where he will try and seal the deal for next year’s ASP World Tour, his dream.

Since the ASP European WQS Tour ratings include all events sanctioned by ASP Europe from 1-Star to 6-Star Prime, every tour winner has been a qualifier for the Elite ASP Top 45 at the end of each season. Joan Duru is on his way…

2009 ASP EUROPEAN WQS BEST RESULTS
1st, ASP WQS 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro
9th, ASP WQS 6-Star Estoril Quiksilver Pro
3rd, ASP WQS 6-Star Prime O’Neill CWC Scotland by Swatch
5th, ASP WQS 5-Star Relentless Boardmasters
1st, ASP WQS 6-Star Sooruz Lacanau Pro
5th, ASP WQS 5-Star Movistar Ferrolterra Pantin Classic

Check the Interview on quiksilver-europe.com/tv

Imagine...
The greatest skateboarder in history, the biggest skate ramp in europe
An historic venue in Paris, an international music line up, an urban trends art exhibition

Quiksilver Tony Hawk Show
Paris - Grand Palais - 20th & 21st November 2009

More info on quiksilverlive.com

SEIGNOSSE, France (Wednesday, September 23, 2009) – Round 1 and the opening four heats of Round 2 of the Quiksilver Pro France got underway today with the world's best surfers detonating in punchy three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) peaks at Les Bourdaines beachbreak.

Event No. 7 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Quiksilver Pro France was treated to some fantastic surfing throughout the opening day of the waiting period, with the world's best surfers letting loose in the playful beachbreaks while the event wildcards stamped their authority as real contenders amongst the ASP Top 45.

Dane Reynolds (USA), 23, current ASP World No. 11, is coming hot off the heals of his best results on the ASP Dream Tour, a 3rd in South Africa and a 2nd in Southern California, and continued to push the limits of high-performance surfing today at the Quiksilver Pro France.

Opening with a blistering 8.83 out of a possible 10 with some rapid-fire forehand surfing, Reynolds then fell behind fellow Venturan Nathaniel Curran (USA), 24, who posted an impressive heat total of a total 15.40 out of a possible 20. Needing a score in the dying minutes, Reynolds detonated another roping righthander for grab and 8.50 and the advancement to Round 3.

"I knew that wave was going to offer up a score for me and all I had to do was surf it as best I can," Reynolds said. "It had a good wall on it and I was able to do a few turns. It's too bad for Nathaniel (Curran) as he was surfing really, really well, but I'm sure he'll do well in his Round 2 heat."

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, current ASP World No. 1, suffered his first setback in an otherwise near-flawless season last event, finishing 17th in Southern California. While the media speculated that a quasi-serious ankle injury was the culprit in Parkinson's poor showing, the Australian showed no signs of injury today.

"Everyone has been talking about it (ankle injury) but I haven't really noticed it," Parkinson said. "It feels fine today and I feel like I have full movement. Obviously, I didn't have the result I wanted at the last event, but everyone has a bad one and hopefully I've gotten mine out of the way already."

With extreme tide fluctuations wreaking havoc upon the consistency of the Les Bourdaines lineup, Parkinson effortless posted excellent scores with both backhand and forehand ripping.


"It's pretty tricky out there but there are definitely some pretty fun ones coming through," Parkinson said. "It can be tricky with the tide changes. The waves looked really fun this morning, but as the tide's dropped, some of the good ones are breaking inside and the others are breaking out the back. Looking forward to a few days off now and excited to get back out there."

Julian Wilson (AUS), 20, led the wildcard charge at today's Quiksilver Pro France, besting veteran compatriots Bede Durbdige (AUS), 26, and Dean Morrison (AUS), 28, inRound 1 of competition.

"I've done a few of these events as a wildcard before and the approach of ‘just go for broke' has kind of gone out the window now. I look at these heats as opportunities to establish myself and good training against these guys. I hope to be up at this level of competition in one to two years and this is great experience."

Joining Wilsonin posting Round 1 heat wins today were fellow wildcards Joan Duru (FRA), 20, and Patrick Beven (FRA), 31.

The afternoon saw some electric surfing as Round 2 moved through the opening four heats, and some big names avoided elimination at the Quiksilver Pro France.

Following the close Round 2 victory of former ASP World Champion (2007) and current ASP World No. 2, Mick Fanning (AUS), 28, another former ASP World Champion in C.J. Hobgood (USA), 30, survived one of the most exciting heats of the year.

The current ASP World No. 3, who had all nine of his surfboards stolen his first night in France, was comboed by wildcard Alain Riou (PYF), 26, before snapping another surfboard in the powerful Les Bourdaines shorebreak. Grabbing a spare board he had never surfed before, Hobgood returned to the lineup where he proceeded to tube-ride his way out of the combination situation and to a Round 2 victory.

"We all have a breaking point and a lot of things went through my mind and I was just wondering how much worse it could get," Hobgood said. "I was comboed, my board was broken and I know my back-up one is not even that good. If the ocean didn't turn on I would have had a nervous breakdown (Laughs). But whatever, I am happy to get through that heat."

Upsets continued through the final heat of the day with journeyman campaigner Phillip MacDonald (AUS), 30, taking down current ASP World No. 3 Adriano de Souza (BRA), 22, inRound 2 of the Quiksilver Pro France. The powerful Australian man-handled the running lefthanders on his backhand, posting an impressive 16.90 out of a possible 20.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 7:30am to assess conditions for a possible 8am start.

Winning the trials, Alain Riou clinches his wildcard for Quiksilver Pro France, ASP World Tour 7th stop.

The Polynesian surfer, scoring a 15,40 during the final has secured his spot for the main event.

Next call, Wednesday, at 7.30AM

Round 1:

Heat 1: Taylor Knox (USA), Ben Dunn (AUS), Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), David Weare (ZAF)
Heat 3: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tim Reyes (USA), Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 4: Taj Burrow (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 5: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Luke Stedman (AUS)
Heat 6: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Dean Morrison (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS)
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Marlon Lipke (DEU)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), TBA
Heat 9: Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Campbell (AUS), TBA
Heat 10: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), TBA
Heat 11: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 12: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW), Nathaniel Curran (USA)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA), Chris Davidson (AUS), Michael Picon (FRA)
Heat 14: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Jay Thompson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Tim Boal (FRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 16: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Dustin Barca (HAW)

Check it out LiveWebcast on quiksilverlive.com

Surfing trhu to the final via the repercharges heats Flores was the form surfer of the event repeatdedly posting the highest heat scores of the entire comptetion . once qualifying into the Grand Final Flores dominated his 3 opponents with a combination score of  17.12 points , the 2 sufers of USA , Ben Bourgerois and Cory Lopez and the Preuvian Gabriel Villaran were left in need of a exceptional wave to over take the Frenchman .

This win for Flores put the French team into a second place on the overall title to team America
Flores Follows on the footsteps of  CJ Hobgood (USA) winner of the previous ISA games.

Credit Photo: Billy Watts

In the final, the Team Quiksilver surfer Ramzi Boukhiam outclassed his rivals with a score of 7.90 and 9.33. With a final total of 17.23 points (out of a possible 20), including one wave judged at 9.33 (out of 10), Ramzi produced the best series of the entire competition.

At the end of the day, at the spot in Zarautz (Euskadi) and for the final series of the event, the quality of the waves improved markedly. For the first few minutes of the final, Ramzi had some trouble perfecting his moves. But with iron patience, the one they call “Ramzouille” gradually gained in confidence and performed a string of rollers, floaters and cutbacks with increasing ease and a radical style. With seven minutes to go in the series, he confirmed his victory with a wave scored at 9.33 that unmistakeably marked the pinnacle of these two days of competition. The young Moroccan richly deserved his win, having remained unbeaten over the two days of surfing. “I’ve changed the way I approach my series, and now I’m more chilled, I don’t put myself under so much pressure. I try to have fun, just let go and it works!” explained the King of the Groms 2009.

His rivals did their utmost to outsurf him, but all in vain. This year, Ramzi was just too good. Tom Neushwanger and Ian Fontaine performed very solidly at the start of the series, but didn’t get the waves they needed to try and keep up with the leader.
In the repechage table, Portugal’s Fransisco Alves and France’s Pierre Rollet saw their hopes of making it through to the final of the main leaderboard slip away. Ian Fontaine and Tom Neushwanger were able to make the most of every one of their waves, giving their two pursuers little chance. The patience shown by Pierre Rollet, waiting for the right wave to arrive, was ultimately to no avail.
Following this final, World Top 45 surfer Aritz Aranburu and the King of the Groms riders performed an expression session for the spectators. For 30 dazzling minutes, all the surfers let their imagination run free, thrilling the big crowd gathered on the beach at Zarautz. Afterwards, Tahiti’s Kevin Bourez emerged victorious with an ollie pop.
Crowned by the competition sponsor Aritz Aranburu, Ramzi will have a major card to play in the International Final. The reward is a wildcard to compete in the trials for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast 2010 and the Quiksilver Pro France 2010.
This evening from 10pm at the Place Munoa square in Zarautz, there will be a special DJ set with Mahara McKay. Later, at 11pm, France’s Joan Duru and Dimitri Ouvré will join Australian Craig Andreson to light up Zarautz for the Quiksilver Air-Show - a unique night-time surfing spectacle, that will see the riders towed out by jetskis, performing aerial moves.
Then at midnight, Helltrip are set to rock the living daylights of the Place Munoa!

King of the Groms final - results
1st: Ramzi Boukhiam (Fra)
2nd: Tom Neushwanger (Fra)
3th: Ian Fontaine (Fra)
4th: William Alliotti (Gua)

Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Hang Loose culminated in a dramatic finale with perennial ASP World Title threats all pushing one other towards the finish line.

Despite the Brazilian smashing his way out to an early lead, Slater found his form mid-heat with a 9.27 out of a possible 10 for a series of high-risk maneuvers, exhibiting a near-perfect variety of repertoire. Not satisfied with only one high score, Slater nailed the coffin shut with an 8.67 in a dying minutes to secure his 41st ASP World Tour victory. “There were much better waves in the Final than there were for my Semifinal,” Slater said. “Adriano (de Souza) found a pretty good rhythm early on and posted some pretty good scores, but I felt comfortable out there and felt that the waves would come to me if I were patient. Both of my scoring rides allowed me to a bunch of maneuvers and I felt that the scores were maybe a little high, but I haven’t had many good scores this year, so it was bound to go my way at some point.”

Nearly pulling out of both the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro and the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay altogether, Slater made a last-minute decision to come to Brazil for the fans, but his journey here was riddled with delayed flights, visa complications and missing baggage. After a Round 1 loss on a borrowed board, the Slater juggernaut built momentum throughout the event, riding everything from self-shaped, asymmetrical quad-fins to epoxies to his bread and butter performance boards.

“I definitely feel like I sharpen as the event moves into the later rounds,” Slater said. “I started out pretty slow in Brazil, and I wasn’t even planning on coming initially. I rode borrowed boards, ones that I shaped, epoxies, everything and I definitely think I found my formula today. I actually called my girlfriend before the Final and said, ‘every time I show up to an event after trying to pull out, I win.’ I guess that held true today. I have less pressure on myself and am free to perform to the best of my abilities.”

Slater’s win today breaks his worst slump ever as an ASP World Tour campaigner, three 17ths in three events in 2009, and rockets the Floridian from 25th to No. 9 on the ASP World Tour ratings. Although a mountain of challenges still stand between Slater and an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title, today’s victory has re-ignited the competitive fire for him.

“I feel like I have all those guys (ASP World Title contenders) right where I want them,” Slater said. “I don’t feel like I have any pressure on me, and I tend to do my best when I have no pressure. We’re coming up on Jeffreys Bay, which is probably my best event historically and hopefully I can build off my result here today.”
Next stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour will be the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay in South Africa from July 9 – 19, 2009.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 17.94
2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.97 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.86
SF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.16 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 6.93

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.67 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.33
QF 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.73 def. Dustin Barca (HAW) 13.04
QF 3: Kelly Slater (USA) 13.60 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.17
QF 4: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.87 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 9.17

HANG LOOSE SANTA CATARINA PRO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.90 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 13.50
Heat 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.60 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.00
Heat 3: Dustin Barca (HAW) 11.17 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 8.80
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.66 def. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 13.33
Heat 5: Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.20 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 12.33
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.10 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 11.67
Heat 7: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.84 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 13.16
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.20 def. Chris Ward (USA) 8.14

CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10:
1 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 3876 pts
2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 3206 pts
3 – C.J. Hobgood (USA) 3072 pts
4 – Taj Burrow (AUS) 3050 pts
5 – Mick Fanning (AUS) 2940 pts
6 – Bobby Martinez (USA) 2625 pts
7 – Tom Whitaker (AUS) 2532 pts
8 – Jordy Smith (ZAF) 2486 pts
9 – Kelly Slater (USA) 2430 pts
10 – Damien Hobgood (USA) 2342 pts

Check it out all episodes on www.quiksilver-europe.com

Broadcast schedule for the Euroforce World Tour 2008/2009:

Episode One – Review of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast 2008 - 21 February 2009
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast 2009 episode broadcast - 14 March 2009

Bells Beach (Aus) 2008 episode broadcast – 1 April 2009
Bells Beach (Aus) 2009 episode broadcast – 21 April 2009

Teahupoo, Taiarapu (Tah) 2008 episode broadcast – 2 May 2009
Teahupoo, Taiarapu (Tah) 2009 episode broadcast – 23 May 2009

Fiji 2008 episode broadcast – 20 June 2009

Santa Catarina (Bra) 2009 episode broadcast – 8 July 2009

Jeffreys Bay (RSA) 2008 episode broadcast – 2 July 2009
Jeffreys Bay (RSA) 2009 episode broadcast – 22 July 2009

Bali 2008 episode broadcast – 10 August 2009

Trestles (USA) 2008 episode broadcast – 6 September 2009
Trestles (USA) 2009 episode broadcast – 22 September 2009

Quiksilver Pro France 2008 episode broadcast – 16 September 2009
Quiksilver Pro France 2009 episode broadcast – 7 October 2009

Brazil 2008 episode broadcast – 12 October 2009

Mundaka (Euk/Spa) 2008 episode broadcast – 28 September 2009
Mundaka (Euk/Spa) 2009 episode broadcast – 20 October 2009

Somewhere 2009 episode broadcast – 1 November 2009

Hawaii 2008 episode broadcast – 21 November 2009
Hawaii 2009 episode broadcast – 23 December 2009

Screening schedule: Click here
The camera follows Kelly as he loses a world title to Mick Fanning in 2007, at which point commentators and Kelly himself questioned whether or not he would retire or continue to compete in the 2008 season. Events transpired against his retirement as he unleashed an unprecedented assault on his rivals and found himself on course for the elusive 9th world title and yet another record to add to the book.

The inspirational story of human endeavour in CLOUD 9 illustrates the dominance and determination of Kelly Slater, the world’s best surfer. Having touched on his past, it then looks to the future. What is next for Kelly Slater? Will he aim for the 10th world title or will he change the shape of the sport in other ways? Can the world’s best surfer get even better…?


Cloud 9

52-Minute Documentary Film

Produced by Quiksilver Europe

Directed by Nicolas Dazet, Concrete Productions. Written by Lauren Davies
Starring - Kelly Slater, Tony Hawk, Mick Fanning, Dane Reynolds, Jeremy Flores, Jeff Hakman, Mark Richards, Miky Picon, Stephen Bell, Adrian Buchan, Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrow, CJ Hobgood, and Tiago Pires

Narrated by Mark Richards
Global Premiere - SURFILM FESTIBAL, San Sebastian (www.surfilmfestibal.com) 14th June 17.00
Screening Details - European Tour July and August 2009 - Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, UK, France, Spain and Germany.

Credit photo: www.aspworldtour.com

Credit Photo : www.aspworldtour.com

This event showed that new generation is stronger than ever. The fourth place went to José Ferreira (16 years old) that reachs as Vasco his first Open final.

Justin Mujica, the venezuelan surfer living in Portugal for years, national champion in 1999, win the TMN pro final.
The waves had 0,5/1m, Justin was the best athlete from the beginning, showing a high surf level and good maneuvers.Alexandre Ferreira "Xaninho" was second, marking his return to the comp.


Final Results TMN Pro:

1st - Justin Mujica
2nd - Alexandre Ferreira
3rd - Vasco Ribeiro (Quiksilver)
4th - José Ferreira

Credit Photo: Hilleman / ASP

ESTORIL, Guincho, Portugal (Sunday, April 19, 2009) - Marc Lacomare (Hossegor, FRA), 18, claimed the ASP Grade-2 Estoril B! Pro Junior today at Guincho, back-up venue of the 2009 edition where consistent wind-blown three to five foot (1 to 1.5 meter) waves were breaking for the final day of competition. Lacomare, who came out on top of four consecutive battles to take top honours on the final day, defeated Joachim Guichard (DNK), 18, in a thirty-minute decider to clinch 1500 ratings' points and take the lead of the 2009 ASP European Junior ratings.

Marc Lacomare, who was coming straight from an equal 3rd finish in the ASP WQS 4-Star event in France, used his building confidence with great tactics throughout the three-day competition, the French wunderkind finishing his victorious run with the highest wave score of the event, an impressive 9.67 point ride during his Semifinal, a good indicator of Lacomare's current form.

"To win that event is another great step and I am really happy to take the win today," Lacomare said. "The waves were hard, the wind was so strong and it wasn't easy out there so I am definitely happy with that 8.17 ride I got. I injured one of my ankles a bit before coming here and I felt a small pain during the event but I was able to push my surfing and get big scores."

Lacomare, who confirms his excellent form with this win, will now compete in the ASP WQS 6-Star Estoril Quiksilver Pro event starting Tuesday, April 21, on Estoril's surf coast.

"I've been on a good roll for the last couple of weeks and I feel really good before starting in the WQS event coming-up," Lacomare said. "Getting two results in a row definitely helps my confidence and I hope I can keep that good karma going next week. I am so stoked right now and enjoying the surf a lot."

Estoril B! Pro Junior runner-up Joachim Guichard (DNK), 18, was left in need of an 8.67 ride to catch-up with Lacomare's 13.50 point overall heat score and could not find any good scoring potential wave to reach his target and win the event. Guichard, who had to defeat his twin brother Luka in Semifinal No. 1 to advance through to his first ever ASP Pro Junior final, goes home with 1290 ratings' points giving him a solid base to start with for his 2009 ASP European Junior Top 10 campaign.

"Marc (Lacomare) got that 8.17 right at the start and kept the lead all the way through to the end of the final," Guichard said. "It is an excellent result for me, my best ever, and I am happy with that runner-up finish. I will now build on this to try and reach the Top 10 at the end of the year before going on the ASP WQS and take my chance."

Guichard, whose finish rockets him to No. 2 on the regional ratings, will take part in the upcoming Estoril Quiksilver Pro as well where he will be an outsider to count with when he paddles out against some the world's best surfers.

French young gun from Bidart David Leboulsh (FRA), 18, suffered Lacomare's unstoppable form and finished equal 3rd in Semifinal No. 2, still his best result to date and very promising towards his comeback on tour. Leboulsh, despite an average 7.26 point heat score due to his lefthanders' choice, will definitely be much awaited when the tour recommences next July.

"I am a bit disappointed because I did not show any good surf during that heat against Marc (Lacomare)," Leboulsh said. "I thought the lefthanders would give me some good potential to score but it kept closing out while Marc was ripping and I could not answer back."

Leboulsh, who started his career when he was fifteen, pulled back from the tour for the last couple of years focusing on school but the young man secures a strong result in the Estoril B! Pro Junior showing he is ready to get back with serious intentions.

"I had a couple of good results when I was younger on tour and I am definitely coming back in 2009," Leboulsh said. "It is one of my last years as a junior so I am aiming at the Top 5 on the ratings. That result is definitely a keeper so I'll go with it and I am looking forward to surfing again this summer."

Joachim Guichard's twin Luka (DNK) was stopped by his brother on his way to the final, Luka needing a second good wave to keep any hopes alive towards his first ASP Pro Junior final. Luka, who has been following closely his brother's progression in the last couple of years, was not able to find the better waves during the encounter and takes an equal 3rd finish for his 2009 ASP European Pro Junior campaign.

"The lefthanders were definitely harder with the strong wind blowing side-shore and I was not really in reach of the win," Luka Guichard said. "Joachim is more powerful surfer and that made the difference on the set waves when pushing the turns hard. I am stoked for him and that equal 3rd is a great start to the year."

Luka, whose best result before today was an equal 5th in the ASP Grade-1 Pro Junior event in Amado, Portugal last year, bettered his career best and secures a serious confidence boost before the 2009 tour gets back into business in July.

"This is my best finish ever and it is an excellent start for my last year as a junior," Luka Guichard said. "My brother and I are aiming at a Top 10 finish this year then take our chance on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and see how things go."

News, photos, results and LIVE scoring are available through http://www.quiksilverlive.com

ESTORIL B! PRO JUNIOR RESULTS
Final
1st Marc Lacomare (FRA) 13.50 pts
2nd Joachim Guichard (DNK) 9.10 pts

Semifinals
Heat 1: Joachim Guichard (DNK) 12.67 pts Def. Luka Guichard (DNK) 8.70 pts
Heat 2: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 16.84 pts Def. David Leboulsh (FRA) 7.26 pts

Quarterfinals
Heat 1: Joachim Guichard (DNK) 10.40 pts Def. Marcos Sansegundo (EUK) 7.50 pts
Heat 2: Luka Guichard (DNK) 12.66 pts Def. Medi Veminardi (REU) 11.77 pts
Heat 3: David Leboulsh (FRA) 15.17 pts Def. Joan Duru (FRA) 13.16 pts
Heat 4: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 12.67 pts Def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.83 pts

2009 ASP EUROPEAN JUNIOR TOP 5
No. 1, Marc Lacomare (FRA)
No. 2, Joachim Guichard (DNK)
No. 3, Luka Guichard (DNK)
No. 3, David Leboulsh (FRA)
No. 5, Medi Veminardi (REU)

Results Final U18:

1. Dean Bowen (AUS) - 17.60 Pts

2. Miguel Pupo (BRA) - 15.06 Pts

3. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) - 13.28 Pts

4. Dylan Goodale (HAW) - 11.18

Credits Photos: Watts et Lobo

Credit photo: Narbe

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.83 def. Nic Muscroft (AUS) 11.07
Heat 8: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.33 def. Kelly Slater (USA) 13.84

ROUND 4 UPCOMING MATCH-UP
Heat 3: Mick Fanning (AUS) Vs Jeremy Flores (FRA)

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile will be webcast LIVE via www.quiksilverpro.com.au 

Credit photo: ASP/Kirstin

ROUND 1, Results
Heat 1: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.67, Dustin Barca 11.87, Dean Morrison (AUS) 9.70
Heat 6: Damien Hobgood (USA) 17.50, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 12.83, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 4.93
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) 12.17, Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.00, Daniel Wills (AUS) 10.67
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 14.10, Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.73, Miky Picon (FRA) 9.06

ROUND 2
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Aritz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 12: Miky Picon (FRA) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Nathaniel Curran (USA)

More info on http://www.fissnowboardworldcup.com

After his career best result, a win at The Reef Hawaiian Pro, held at the notorious North Shore break of Haleiwa.  Michel now lies in second place on the WQS ratings.  Gaining essential points in the penultimate WQS event of the year, the Tahitian surfer is now in the safe zone for qualification for next years Dream Tour. 

Michel posted the highest heat score during the event, an 18.96 on his way to his victory.  The Tahitian surfer was overjoyed with the surf and felt right at home in the powerful North Shore conditions. "Everybody was getting barreled I was screaming my head off. It was so sick. I was having so much fun out there and that's what I call a good contest. It means a lot to just (qualify for) the ASP World Tour. I've been dreaming about this my whole life since I started to surf. I've been watching all the best surfers, like Kelly (Slater) and (Rob) Machado, all those guys. And, right now I can surf with them. It's a good opportunity for me and all the Tahitian surfers. I'm stoked for Tahiti." 

Michel has already made his mark in the big league of the ASP World tour.  Surfing as a wildcard in the Quiksilver Pro France event this year, Michel scalped many of the big names on his way to an impressive Quarter final result.  The young surfer turned a lot of heads and can enter the Dream Tour with confidence.  For one thing is certain, on the 2009 Tour, if the waves are ever big, powerful and hollow Michel is going to be one of the most exciting surfers to watch.  His victory in Haleiwa means he also leads The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Series, one of the most prestigous titles available in the surfing world.  He has nothing to lose going into the last events of the year, he is in form, confident and right at home.  Anyone who has seen him surf knows how dangerous he can be, so it will be no surprise to see him shine again before the year is out.

Winter's getting closer, are you ready to ride?...because the new snow collection is available on Quiksilver-Store.com

Get your favorite riders' technical features, check out the new eco friendly range of products in recycled and recyclable polyester and the Gore Tex line in a few clicks!

Don't miss out on our e-shop offer  : a jacket + snow pant = get a MP4 player for free!

The official online Quiksilver Shop is opened 24/7 and will send your order in less than 72 hours. By subscribing to the newsletter we'll keep you posted on the last special deals. Tell your friends!

Terms and conditions:

Offer open to the residents of metropolitan France (incl. Corsica), Spain, The United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Austria.

Offer valid from November 12th to December 24th 2008, in participating on www.quiksilver-store.com and www.roxy-europe.com

Offer limited to one claim per household (same surname/ same address). While stocks last.

To qualify for this offer you must purchase a complete snowboarding outfit (pants + jacket) from your participating Quiksilver Store and/or Roxy Shop.

The MP4 player shall be posted to the address specified, 6 to 8 weeks following reception of your valid claim. All illegible, incomplete or late claims shall be considered null and void.

It is reminded that to qualify for this offer, claimants must necessarily provide certain personal details about themselves (surname, postal address, e-mail etc.). For a claim to be taken into account, and for the allocation and dispatching of the MP4 players, it is required that this information be recorded and saved onto a computer file. Your personal data will also be processed by Quiksilver Europe so that it can inform you of its offers. You may, at any time, access, request modifications to or have removed any personal data concerning you that is held by Quiksilver Europe or write to laurent.garcia@quiksilver-europe.com or Na Pali, 162 rue Belharra 64500 Saint Jean de Luz, France, expressing your wish not to receive news of our offers.

After two european ASP World Tour contests, a break allowed the boys to meet into barrels made in Landes.

Jeremy said : " It was so sick ! I think some days I surfed around 8 hours ! "

Check out Jeremy Flores, Micky Picon and Patrick Beven in action.

Stay tune, more is coming !

Check it out!

Bourez, who jumps from No. 14 to No. 8 on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings thanks to the 1875 points' reward for his run in Brazil, will land in the Canarian archipelago for the upcoming ASP WQS 6-Star Prime Santa Surf Pro on the island of Lanzarote with great confidence.

"I am out of the "danger zone" and flying out to the Canary Islands with a more confidence," Bourez said. "I hope I can get a couple more good results and secure more points for my ASP World Tour qualification."

In four events, including the Quiksilver Pro France where he accomplished one of the best performances of his career defeating ASP World Tour No. 3 and 4 Bede Durbidge (AUS) and Joel Parkinson (AUS), Bourez has placed 2nd in the ASP WQS 5-Star Movistar Pantin Classic and 3rd in the ASP WQS 5-Star Rip Curl Pro Zarautz, now adding an equal 3rd to his quest.

The Tahitian charger, former 2006 ASP European Champion, finished best European in the event.

Kelly surfed against the odds to pull one of the biggest comebacks ever seen in surfing history to beat the in-form Taj Burrows.  Taj had two great rides early in the final and his scores of 9.00 and 9.63 put Kelly in a combo situation.  Kelly was left searching for two world-class rides just to save face, nevermind win.  With all the work to do, Kelly laid everything on a rail, in the air and put his turns in reverse to manage a comeback from a seemingly impossible position.   He scored a 9.70 then, in the dying seconds, Taj made the fatal error of allowing Kelly to catch a smaller wave, which proved to put the final nail in his own coffin.  Kelly thoroughly destroyed the smaller wave, surfing with huge, committed and radical turns.   His score of 9.27 met his requirements and he stole the win in true Slater style. 

Kelly Slater had been having a great week.  He won the Surfer magazine Poll for the 11th time.  He scored the first 10-point wave and numerous 9-point waves at Trestles, in what turned out to be one of the highlight locations of the ASP World Tour this year.  Besides the invaluable points, Kelly walked away with a massive 75,000$ cheque due to the additional generosity of the event sponsors.

French star and highest placed European surfer, Jeremy Flores, went into the event recovering from an ankle injury rated 13th but rose to 10th after his fantastic semi-final result.  He earned his quarterfinal spot in the last ten seconds of his 4th round heat against reigning World Champion Mick Fanning.  Jeremy pulled a radical high speed reverse to score 8.5 points.  Jeremy then bettered it with a 9.07, linking fast-flowing combination turns that put Mick on the back foot.  Jeremy said, "To beat the best, there is no better feeling than that."  His semi-final placing matched his best result of the year, a 3rd at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast event.  Jeremy will continue his momentum straight into the next event at his home venue in SW France.

Dane Reynolds (rated 26th before but rose to 20th after the event) was the third Quiksilver rider to make it through to the final day of the event.  He had already pulled out some amazing performances in the early rounds including a 9.77 wave score.  He is renowned as one of the best free-surfers, having just won the best manoeuvre at the prestigious Surfer Poll awards, but hadn't yet put in a contest performance worthy of his level. He said, "I try to do a trick 60 times, make it once and get an award for it!"
 
Miky Picon had a 17th place finish losing out by 0.9 points in Round 3, even though he won his first heat. The result will better his rating and count towards his year-end result.  Aritz finished 33rd and lost to Bruce Irons, the previous event winner.  Both surfers can now look forward to home-crowd support when they compete in Europe in the coming fortnight.

Gabe Davies

Come back everyday to check the new podcast !

Take a visually stunning and emotionally powerful journey through his life. See Clay literally come alive in the ocean as he destroys the waves of Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, France, Spain and Australia with his wildly creative surfing. You'll also experience inspiring testimonials about his incredible talent from the most legendary surfers in the world. The story also showcases an awareness-raising glimpse into his life and mind as he comes to understand both the gifts and challenges of living with Asperger's. 
This is a surf film unlike anything you've ever seen.

Oct 31st UK London
Nov 1st     Belgium/Holland Antwerpen
Nov 2nd     France Paris
Nov 4th     Switzerland Lausanne
Nov 6th     Italy    Milano
Nov 7th     Austria Innsbruck
Nov 8th     Germany Munich
Nov 10th Czech rep Praque
Nov 11th Poland    Warzawa
Nov 12th Spain    Barcelona
Nov 14th Sweden    Stockholm
Nov 15th Norway    Oslo
Nov 17th Russia    Moscow

The semis were the tip of the iceberg for a final that had basically everything in terms of gnar and technical prowess. Vans ripper Chris Oliver took the street honours with an array of hammers that included a double backside flip over the entire middle section of the course followed by Ross McGouran and Kris Vile, who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. It was seriously close.

UKSA National championships street final

1 Chris Oliver 472 £2,500
2 Ross McGouran 450 £1,500
3 Kris Vile 434 £1,000
4 Ben Grove 424 £300
5 Dave Snaddon 410 £150
6 Tom Harrison 394 £100
7 Dan Wileman 389 £80
8 Neil Smith 377 £60
9 Ben Nordberg 371 £40
10 Pete King 357 £20
 

"I am happy for William (Cardoso) because he surfed really well in the event and totally deserves to win it," Bourez said. "I could not really hear the scores out there but I knew I had to get a second good wave so I waited for a set but it never came. There was nothing i could do but I am happy with that final."

Bourez, who jumps back to No. 26 on the ratings, will be much awaited at all big events coming up including the Canarian 6-Star Prime rated one and the Hawaiian contests where his shallow-reef experience will be a great assett.

"It is a good moment to get back on track as there is still lots of events coming up and it was time I had a result," Bourez said. "The upcoming events usually suit my surfing well so I will be confident for sure. Nothing is over so I will take this one result as a good start to the end of the year."

www.aspworldtour.com

Wanaka

After 48 hours of flights, lost bags and lost car reservations we finally found ourselves in Wanaka. The weather was wintry as ever and snow conditions were looking good. It was one of the best winters for snow in years so we were all amped to get on the mountains.

Like all great plans and when things seemed to have been timed just right, the wild card of weather came in and the sun vanished.  The forecast was good with more and more snow predicted, but after 5 days of trying to chase the sun, we were starting to get a bit edgy.   Were we going to get a good clear day to profit from the great snow or not? All our efforts to find a weather window seemed to be doomed.

The morning of the 6th day finally dawned with better conditions.  It looked like clear skies and 1m of fresh snow. The crew of Travis, Hampus, Candide and Markku geared up and headed to Mt Cook for some well-awaited heli time. The day turned out to be good, but not great, and the team came in with some shots and motivation for the next day.  Meanwhile the rest of us flew around the Southern Alps with Austin, Brian and Mathieu.

Our luck seemed to be changing as the guys had epic sessions the following day. There were plenty of powder landings on a full-sized kicker, which the guys had got together.  The celebrations continued, as that night it was time to hit the red carpet to check out the awaited movie premiere of Travis Rice and associates.

Beginning of the road trip

Saturday morning it was time to head out and explore NZ country. We hooked up with our guide Mike and headed out to try the traditional way of riding in NZ, the club fields. We'd only heard of the wild rumours of nutcrackers and towropes.

Broken river

The sun was out in the morning when we headed straight out to Craigeburn ski fields. It was a beautiful drive up through the forest to get to the parking area. I was happy to see there was a lift, but my joy was cut short, as we were told it was only possible to send our gear up. No worries, it was only a 20 minute hike up to the start of the lifts, at least that's what the sign said. We were to discover after hiking the initial 20 minutes, another sign that told us we actually had a further 20 minutes to go.

We finally made it to the top, only to be greeted by some curious kea birds, which awaited us at the end of the runs.

For those of you who have never seen a nutcracker before, I can tell you, I wonder why most of the skiers and snowboarders on these fields are not missing some fingers. Try to picture yourself locked in a harness with a metal "hook" attached to it. With this metal hook you are supposed to grab hold of the 3 centimetre thick cable while it pulls you up. After a few spectacular slams we seemed to finally start to get the hang of it and were able to get to the top. Even though the snow was not the best, we still managed to find some packed powder pockets and had a fun day on the hill.

The weather was once again turning bad and we headed to the coast and Kaikoura.

Kaikoura
This was intended to be the place for the traditional Maori experience, whale watching and maybe some surfing, but yet again the weather really turned a trick on us. The rain started pouring and didn't stop for three days. We got 250 mm of rain in 24 hours! Flooding and landslides closed all the roads out of town and we found ourselves stuck. Nonetheless we managed to find surf at a right hand point break with no one around.

The roads stayed closed until midday of our third day. We were all expecting to take the scenic boat trip across the Cook Strait, but because of the delays we missed the boat and had to catch the evening boat.

Mt Ruapehu
Next stop was to be Mt Ruapehu and the Whakapapa ski resort. Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano with the most amazing scenery and terrain. We had sent ahead the world famous Nicolas Marduel who was on orders to shape us up a jump using the second volcano as the backdrop.

We had a sunset session and managed to quickly get a few shots in the can. The jump needed to be changed a bit and we were hoping to score it the next day. Unfortunately just like our previous stops, the weather was against us once again. The next day we suffered thick fog.  We waited until sunset for it to clear, but it was not to be.

It was time to bring the snow part of our trip to an end.  We now headed to the coast and the world famous left hand point break of Raglan.   We hoped to score some waves and for once Mother Nature was with us. We were lucky and scored perfect 2-metre waves for the next 3 days.  It turned out to be a great trip with highs, lows and some incredible adventures.
 

Wigolly Dantas (BRA) was the only rider to qualify for the final, finishing 3rd in the Pro Junior of Ericeira.  Tristan Guilbaud recorded his best performance in the Pro Junior events finshing 7th.
'I'm really stoked to be in the semi,' he said.  'I caught good waves and I surfed at my top level.  I can finally leave a contest with a feeling of pride.  I used to be frustrated but not here!'
Maxime Huscenot lost in the quarter finals in a hard heat against Wigolly Dantas and Charles Martin, the eventual winner of the contest.
Maxime is still leading the rankings but his fellow competitors are chasing him for the 1st place.
'It's the third contest I lost in the quarters in a hard heat.  It's not easy, but that's life.  Now I will be concentrating on the final of the King Of The Groms, which will be at the end of September.  It's one of my main objectives this year.  The last Pro Junior is in October so I will use this break to get some rest and be fit for the last event.'
The basque surfer Igor Munian lost in the quarters while Marc Lacomare, Nicolaus Von Rupp, Dimitri Ouvre and Damien Chaudoy lost prematurely in the round of 32.

The spiritual home European surfing awoke this morning to something of a headache, as an unseasonably large west swell bore down on the famous pine fringed coast of Les Landes and the dust settled on a night of high revelry at the Casino d'Hossegor.

European pro surfers, surf industry bigwigs and assorted good time seekers enjoyed the stellar hospitality of the Casino late into the wee hours last night to celebrate the continued evolution of surfing on our shores, with online voters across Europe and beyond honouring their favourite Male and Female Surfers, Best Video Part, Best Photo, New Kid on the Block and Lifetime Achievement in the Inaugural Surf Europe Readers' Choice Awards.

"I just want to thank everyone who voted for me," a dapper M. Flores said after exiting the stage,"It means a lot not just to try to win contests but to be recognised by the public also. I'm super stoked. I think this is a great night for European surfing, for all of us."

Flores took the top award from TIAGO PIRES (POR) in second place with the voters, who, proudly accepting the honours in front of his mum also echoed Jeremy's sentiments about the growing strength of the European collective.

Fellow Top 45 surfers MIKY PICON (FRA) and ARITZ ARANBURU (EUK) took 3rd and 4th spots respectively, with MARLON LIPKE (DEU) coming home in 5th place with the voters, recognizing his recent stellar performances on the WQS as he attempts to be the first German to qualify for ASP World Tour.

MARC LACOMARE (FRA) took out the New Kid On The Block award as he continues his impressive rise into the pro ranks, the local teenager receiving huge applause from a packed house, as did local charger and French 1988 National Champion SEB ST JEAN (FRA) who picked up a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of decades of performance surfing and dedication to the powerful surf of Hossegor and surrounds.

The ever smooth surfing of JONATHAN GONZALEZ (ESP) was a clear winner for Best Video Part for his section in Euroforce the Actionmentary, the under-spoken Canarian's acceptance speech unsurprisingly being the shortest of the evening, while Biarritz teen sensation LEE ANN CURREN won the no.1 Awards for the Ladies.

Full Honours List:

Men
FLORES
PIRES
PICON
ARANBURU
LIPKE
BOAL
BOUREZ
GONZALEZ
BEVEN
MUJICA

Women
LEE ANN CURREN
PAULINE ADO
CAROLINE SARRAN

NKOTB
MARC LACOMARE

Lifetime Achievement
SEBASTIEN ST JEAN

Best Photo
CARLOS PINTO/PATRICK BEVEN, Coxos. (cover SE58)

Best Video Part
JONATHAN GONZALEZ, EUROFORCE THE ACTIONMENTARY

Surfersvillage Global Surf News
www.surfeuropemag.com

He had the highest scoring wave of the final.  Surfing strongly on a solid 4ft (1.5m) left, he tore three great off the lip manoeuvres and landed a mini air, which added to his 13.17 heat score.   His fellow finalists put on a great show to produce a fitting climax to what has been a truly spectacular event.  "I am proud to win today," he said after his victory.  "I am happy for me and Spain .  We win in the cycling and in the football.  It was a wonderful final.  I'm really looking forward to surfing against the top 16 in the world.  I will go in with no stress, no worries so let's see.  I'm excited to surf alongside Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning." He finished his winner's speech with a "Merci a todos!"  

The final day of competition at this year's KOTG event has again raised the level of junior surfing in Europe .  The sun was scorching, the waves solid, and the crowds lined Le Prévent Beach at Capbreton to watch the action.  President of Quiksilver Europe, Pierre Agnes, at the prize presentation thanked everybody for coming to his home-town to make the event special.  

The best 32 European surfers aged 16 and under fought it out today but only the top two have earned prestigious wild cards into the World KOTG final.  The Europeans will be up against the best young surfers from around the globe who will be here to compete during the Quiksilver Pro France in September.  Joining Vicente as a World KOTG finalist will be Dimitri Ouvré from Guadeloupe , who came second today.  "I know I was first at the beginning of the heat," Dimitri concluded.  "I had two good waves but at the end of the heat I saw Vicente get good waves so I knew I had to do more.  I started to stress."  Dimitri is a fast and stylish surfer and surfed two strong lefts.  He has surfed solidly throughout the event and we look forward to seeing how he fares against global competition.

In third place was the highest rated local surfer, Mark Audo.  Mark's surfing was fast and fluid and he was clearly frustrated in the final, as he couldn't find the waves he wanted.  Mark looked obviously disappointed but said, "I want to applaud the top two.  It was a great competition and I'd like to say thank you and ‘bon surf' to everyone."

Toby Donachie the highest place British surfer really made a name for himself here in France and drew a lot of local support.  He had a great event but in the final things didn't go his way.  He couldn't find the open-faced waves to do his trademark forehand snaps, or bigger power turns.  Yesterday he scored a nine-point ride but after coming through the repercharge rounds today, he couldn't quite continue to find his rhythm.  Toby said, "I was stoked to be in the final against such high level surfing.  I was pretty tired I think I peaked in my last heat, but I didn't mind having to surf all those heats as I just love surfing.'

The expression session was a crazy spectacle.  Surfers were flying through the air trying to outdo each other and the public judged the winner.  The loudest cheers went out to William Aliotti.  He took his place at the prize giving alongside the four finalists.  Colourful confetti and champagne (alcohol free!) was exploding everywhere and the top two surfers went home with limited edition black KOTG surfboards.  The colourful and classy prize giving ceremony watched by a crowd of hugely enthusiastic spectators could easily have been mistaken for an ASP World Tour event.   It is very likely we will see these young guns taking the place of the likes of Kelly Slater et al on that podium in the years to come!

Quiksilver King of the Groms PARTNERS

Orange, partner of the King of The Groms 2008

Energy, creativity and audacity are words that Orange recognises and that have helped it choose to link up with the King of The Groms 2008, a competition for riders under 16.
Orange will use its technological expertise to support the event and will put in place the technical infrastructures it requires (press room equipment, commentators stands, technical areas, web-streaming and ADSL lines...).

About Suzuki

Suzuki makes the next strategic step in rejuvenating the brand. Therefore the cooperation with Quiksilver, one of the world's most successful lifestyle and core sports brands, is just the right step to take. The world market leader in the minicar segment will be present at all sponsored skate and surf events as well as in all communication channels of Quiksilver like www.boardriderstv.com and other selected media. Moreover Suzuki will be providing 20 Suzuki Grand Vitara during all of the skate and surfing events throughout Europe to make sure riders and organizers are at the right place at the right time.