Quiksilver England news

KING OF THE GROMS - IRELAND

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:35:30 +0200

KING THE GROMS SERIES 2009, IRELAND, ROSSNOWLAGH

DATE: 20^th - 21^st June

Despite average conditions of 3ft waves and an overcast setting there was a great turn out of Groms for this years Irish King of the Groms. For the first time in Rossnowlagh, Quiksilver registered 60 enthrusiastic groms - which goes to show's that Irish surfing is on the up! Quiksilver Pro Surfer Spencer Hargraves has been managing the UK KOTGS Series to seek out new young talent for Quiksilver; "It's always a pleasure working with the ISA and a great location for the KOTGS. It was flat for three weeks before this event so great to have some surf for the event!"

Madden who won the KOTGS (ireland) last year and went on to compete in France was unlucky with the waves this year. In the dyeing seconds he was piped at the post by young ripper Coner Maquire who is now taking the trip to Spain. In the Under 14's Gearoid Mc Daid won hands down and would have been a favourite for the U 16's. It was a great contest see you at Fistral.

Interview with Coner Maquire:

1. How does it fee l to win the KOTG ? I am so happy to win such a big event like this at my home beach with all my school friends watching.

2. You are off to Spain to compete in the KOTGS with some of the best surfers in Europe. Have you been outside of Ireland surfing? Not to Spain so l cant wait and to surf against some of the best in Europe it's amazing. Also Jeremy Flores is one of my favourite surfers in the world so it would be great to see him surf in France.

3. Favourite manoeuvre? Tail slide because when l have lots of speed its really easy to push the tail out.

4. Paces where you would like to surf in the world ? I would really like to go to Hawaii one day and surf pipeline and also the super bank where Joel and Mick fanning come from looks sick!!

Ranking : 16's

1. Maquire, Conor

2. Logue, Gan

3. Madden, Iaron

Euroforce World Tour 2008/ 2009 season

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:20:00 +0200

A week prior to each event of the 2009 season, Quiksilver will be airing exclusive retrospective videos featuring the four European surfers on the ASP Tour in 2008. Following each of the 2009 events, up-to-the-minute new episodes will also be uploaded featuring the Euroforce in action.

These highlights take the audience behind the scenes on the elite ASP World tour, following the rollercoaster highs and lows of the competitive year. See the world's best surfers take on the world’s most incredible waves in such dream locations as Australia, Tahiti, South Africa, France and Brazil.

The episodes from the 2008 events tell the story of Aritz Aranburu, Jérémy Flores, Miky Picon and Tiago Pires, friends and rivals, aiming to take European professional surfing to its highest level by becoming contenders on the ASP world tour. Having proved they are the best in Europe, can they go on to challenge the established surfing world hierarchy by beating the best from America, Australia, Brazil and Hawaii?

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

KING OF THE GROMS, JERSEY 09

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:29:23 +0200

With a small onshore swell pulsing through on Sunday afternoon giving Quikilver UK a chance to look at young talent in Jersey during the 50th anniversary year of the Jersey Surfboard club. Good turn out considering conditions with all divisions competing for the KOTG title. The under 16s was the showcase for the weather battered crowd and contest organizers, with outstanding performances from all the competitors. Alex Vibert was able to perform in the small surf with some solid surfing executing at least 3 turns on every wave hotly pursued by Freddie Seymour. Nathan Elms struggled in the small conditions but was able to shrug off the challenge of rising star Josh le Marquand.

The under 14s was dominated by Ben Bates who has won this event for the second time in this age group.

The under 12s, after a weeks training in France during half term put up a good display with both Hayden Bishop and Aaron Rowe getting some snappy turns in. Max Bennett 5yrs with help from mum, Jo, also showed solid control and was able to change direction, which impressed the judges.

Thanks for the sponsor Quiksilver for laying on the event and for the Watersplash for all the catering.

INTERVIEW WITH ALEX:

Alex how do you feel after your win ? so happy it's the biggest conteast ive won to date and cant wait to go to France and Spain for the European KOTGS and surf with some of the best in Europe.

What was the surf like for the event ? it was flat on Saturday but we did a Ion man event which was great fun. Then on Sunday there were small but fun waves l didn't think l would win up against Matt Chapman and Nathan Elms but l did and am so happy.

Any Good music that got you pumped for the day ? King's of Leon they rock and M&M always gets me fired up !

Well good luck in Spain anywhere else in the world you would like to surf ? Hawaii one day Pipeline and the super bank in Australia looks amazing! Mick and Parko are my hero's love the way they surf .

Ranking :

1. Alex Vibert

2. Freddie Seymour

3. Nathan Elms

CLOUD 9 - Kelly Slater Documentary Film

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:52:13 +0200

Kelly Slater the world’s best surfer just got better.

With 8 world titles to his name by 2006, Kelly Slater was considered to be the Tiger Woods or Tony Hawk of surfing. When the man who was the youngest ever world champion aged 20 decided to seek an historic 9th world title at 35, his place in the sporting hall of fame was secured. CLOUD 9 follows the two-year campaign leading up to Kelly Slater’s historic 9th world title. As well as in-depth interviews with the man himself, the film features skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk and surf stars, Mick Fanning, Dane Reynolds, Jeremy Flores, Jeff Hakman, Miky Picon, Taj Burrow and Joel Parkinson who bear witness to Kelly’s incredible career.

The four times world champion Mark Richards narrates the journey. The captivating story follows Kelly Slater’s battle for the title and takes the audience back to his humble roots in Cocoa Beach, Florida, offering a spectacular insight into the mindset of the young Kelly Slater and what drove him from an early age, to succeed. Kelly reveals what still drives him on to compete across generations and reach such peaks of performance. As well as seeing some of the best waves at some of the most beautiful locations on the planet, CLOUD 9 takes us backstage, capturing the highs and lows of life on the World Tour. The audience is with Kelly when he wins world titles and loses them and is taken along for the ride like never before.

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.

Screening schedule: Click here

Aritz goes big in Tahiti, with a ASP World Tour career best 3rd!

Wed, 20 May 2009 11:04:55 +0200

Aritz Aranburu (EUK) surfed the event of his life this week at the Billabong Pro Tahiti. Not only did the injury-plagued Basque surfer have the infamous shallow reef of Teahupoo to contend with, he also seemingly had a mountain to climb as regards his heat draw, which could not have been tougher. However, if anyone doubted the 23 year-old surfer in his second year on tour, they were soon to be proved wrong.

In round one, Aritz faced USA sensation Dane Reynolds, who was to be his first scalp. In Round 2, he drew the 9-times world champion Kelly Slater, a previous winner of the Tahitian Event and a surfer who can never be underestimated until the final hooter sounds. Having failed to win a heat in the first two events of the year, Aritz appeared to grow in confidence with each passing set. He opened with a score of 9.77 for a perfectly surfed barrel and from that moment, the champion was playing catch-up. Aritz then backed up his score with another tube, which bagged him a 7.5. Kelly of course stepped up to the mark and fought until the dying seconds with a huge turn but could not find the same quality of waves and failed to achieve the scores her needed.

With the world champion defeated, Aritz stormed through his Round 3 heat with Damien Hobgood (USA) who is also a former winner of the event. By this point, everybody was taking note of the giant-killing Rookie. Tom Whitaker then failed to hold him back in the quarter finals and Aritz found himself in his first ASP World Tour semi final against Bobby Martinez.

In the semi-final, Aritz did not go down without a battle. His second wave gained him a hugely respectable score of 8.40 and he was just left searching for the all-important supporting score. While Bobby racked up an 8.50 and 8.67, Aritz could only find a 6.83 and as the hooter sounded, his luck ran out. The fact that Bobby Martinez then went on to beat Taj Burrow and take the contest crown only further indicates the heights to which Aritz had risen during the competition.

Speaking of heights, this 3rd place finish in Tahiti shot Aritz up the ASP World Tour rankings from 39th to 19th. This is a career best for the 23 year-old Basque surfer and a dream result for him on the Dream Tour.

Credit photo: www.aspworldtour.com

Aritz Aranburu beats Kelly Slater at Teahupoo!

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:49:32 +0200

Aritz Aranburu (EUK), 23, current ASP World No. 39, caused the upset of the event, eliminating reigning nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 37, in Round 2 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti. For Aranburu, it would mark his first heat win of the 2009 ASP World Tour season the young Basque surfer putting up an impressive 17.27 heat total to Slater’s 15.00.

“Kelly (Slater) is the best competitor and the best surfer in the world and I was just trying to stay focused out there so I could get my own waves," Aranburu said. “Once I got that first score I almost felt more pressure because I was surfing against Kelly and I know what he can do with his priority. I just tried to put the pressure off and luckily I got a second good score and it worked out."

The win was no easy feat as the pair locked in the highest-scoring heat of the event, but Aranburu’s near-perfect 9.77 out of a possible 10, for an extremely deep backhand barrel in the opening minutes of the bout, assisted the European in his landmark victory.

"I was lucky to get that first wave,” Aranburu said. “I paddled deep because I knew I was going to need a big score against Kelly (Slater) and when I was paddling into it, I thought I was going to fall, but I made it, so I’m happy."

Aranburu will now face current ASP World No. 9 Damien Hobgood (USA), 29, in Round 3 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti when competition resumes.

For Slater, today’s disappointing result marks his third, consecutive equal 17th place finish in 2009, leaving many to ponder the iconic Floridian’s state of mind in regards to his campaign for an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title.

“That may have just given me an excuse for a big, long vacation,” Slater said. “I don’t know yet. It’s really decision time for me. With that many 17ths, you’re really hard-pressed to win an ASP World Title. I’m not here to just make up the numbers, but I don’t want to fall off the map either – I guess I kind of have though. Numbers-wise, I’m still within the possibility of getting in late in the year, but I don’t know. I guess I have a lot on my mind.”

Slater has yet to confirm if he will attend Stop No. 4 of 10 on the 2009 ASP World Tour, the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil, from June 27 to July 5, 2009.

Credit Photo : www.aspworldtour.com

Final winners of Quiksilver Welsh championships

Wed, 13 May 2009 11:24:51 +0200

QUIKSILVER Welsh Nationals 2009

Swansea’s Lloyd Cole and Beth Mason bothtook home their respective titles in this year’s QUIKSILVER Welsh Nationals. Inthe Women’s final Beth Mason lead the way and surfed some critical lefthandersto take the title. In the Open, Lloyd’s surfing had flowed throughout the eventand this continued in the final with him nailing two big scores making the Opentitle his for the 3rd time.

After last year’s amazing weather and wavesall at WSF headquarters were bracing themselves this year for a weekend ofhowling onshore gales and rain. Surely we had cashed in ‘luck’ vouchers lastyear …. hadn’t we? Maybe not……someone had had a word with somebody somewherebecause once again forecasts for both weather and waves looked fantastic ….well, at least for Saturday and Sunday… !

Saturday dawned with a chill in the air butthe predicted swell had arrived at Freshwater West right on cue with solid4-5ft, glassy waves breaking into Middle Bay. The contest kicked off at 9.00amwith the ten 1st round Open heats running on twin peaks simultaneously sharingthe Middle Bay arena for an electric start to the contest.

As is so often the case when the swell isoverhead at Fresh West the paddle-out is long and un-forgiving. This no doubtcontributed to a few early round upsets as no one was exempt from Fresh's furyas we saw last years finalists and favourites Greg Owen and Harry Cromwelleliminated early, leaving the door open for some new faces to enter the fold.With the tide pushing in and the swell continuing to build Middle Bay providedthe Open surfers with solid walls in which to perform and a natural amphitheatreoffering spectators a ring side ticket to all the action. Llantwit’s StevePhillips was turning heads with his new school approach, whilst Pembroke's RyanThomas was in giant killing mode beating Owen, Cole and Kibblewhite on route tothe quarters.

With the Open given a well earned breatherit was the Juniors turn to showcase their skills with local lad Jack Crispleading the charge with some committed surfing along with Josh Hughes who wascertainly looking like the man to beat. Attention shifted from the youngstersto the Women's event, so often over looked when the waves are pumping in favourof the men, director Bateman was keen to put our girls through their paces andtest their metal in proper waves. To their great credit the girls put in plentyof effort, Olivia Jones typifying the commitment leaving the water bloodied andshaken and forced to retired hurt. Once again it was British Champ Jo Dennisonand Beth Mason who led the charge with typical gutsy displays. Open Round 3 hitthe water late on in the day. What seemed like some of the best waves of theday saw current champ Cole came up against Vaughan and Newquay based Welsh GromJosh Hughes, who was surfing in his 5th heat of the day! The guys went to towntaking apart the left handers on their forehands with a series of high scoringwaves that saw Cole and Vaughan progress at the expense of Hughes who onlynarrowly missed out. A fitting end to an action packed day of good surfing.

Sunday began as Saturday finished. Finesunny weather and good waves at Freshwater West, although the north-west breezewas taking the edge off temperatures reminding us all it was still early May.

Having studied the charts it was clear thatMonday offered little in the way of quality waves and certainly the potentialfor heavy rain making the 3ft sets on offer on Sunday all the more appealing.The call was made to complete the event by running two peaks for most of theday, which although hard graft for the officials certainly made"surf" sense.

Nine other categories had their firsttaster of competition, with the very young and the very old all keen to stakeclaims as title contenders. With so many heats happening at the same time it’salmost impossible to recall all the action. Standouts include Ryan Tomas, LukeCromwell, Max Payne, Tom Good and Rob Webster Blyth but everyone can be proudof their performances in the testing conditions at Freshwater.

A fitting moment to the whole contest perhaps was when theGroms U12 final paddled out on the north peak as the Masters final paddled outon the south peak. With only 50yards or so separating 50 years of surfingexperience all the hard work over the weekend seemed very worthwhile.

For one young lady this year’s event was aparticularly special moment. Having missed last years event due to "thathead injury" as well as missing the European Championships, Gwen Spurlockwas more determined than ever to prove she was back to her best which she didin spectacular style taking out the Girls U18 title.

The U18 Boys had been some what of a headache from the startwith only the slightest margins separating one from the other. With Schofield,Tucker, Reimnitz, Crisp, Good and Hughes all pushing the performance bar upwith every heat, it was a right old tussle. In the end it was Josh Hughes whoout performed the rest with his powerful style suited perfectly to the head highlefts.

The Women's final saw a three pronged Pembs shot at the titlefrom last years champ Jo Dennison, Siwan Rees and Joanne McHugh hoping to seeoff lone Swansea lass Beth Mason. The low tide sand bars of middle bay wasserving up some sucky long walls to the South ideal for the goofy footedDennison and Mason to go about smashing with their powerful styles. Rees andMcHugh opted for the North rights which proved their undoing as Mason andDennison picked up the consistently higher scores. In the final few minutesMason picked up a left that allowed her to perform a series of solid turnscompleted by a final re-entry that saw her wrestle the crown from Dennison.

The Open final followed a similar patternto that of the Women, with Cole and Vaughan opting to sit further south andMorris and Phillips heading north. Vaughanie got off to a flyer smashing a longleft with trade mark gouges which he quickly backed up with another similarride. Morris and Phillips also started strongly whipping the crowd into frenzywith some smart surfing, before Cole joined the party opting to take thecleaner inside runners. As the final progressed Phillips just couldn't findanother to keep his momentum going and finished up 4th.

Morris perhaps had the greatest opportunityto snatch the title picking off a bomb that clearly caught him in two minds.Having failed to fully capitalize on the first section a short tube followed;he then went for broke with a big close out re-entry but unfortunately Rhysfailed to complete. Vaughanie having got off to a quick start went and satpatiently out the back hoping to build upon his tally, but it wasn't to be asthe set he'd been waiting for caught him out of position and out of therunning. In the end it was Cole's smarter approach, flowing surfing andcommitted turns that sealed the deal. Having started slowly, Cole snuck into atasty one right under the nose of Vaughan taking it to the cleaners with afinal close-out reo landed right at the feet of the judges ensuring the titleremains in the Cole household for another year.

The award presentation began as twilightdescended upon another stunning weekend at Freshwater West. The local residentsea otter even decided to join the crowd to witness the crowning of this year’schampions.

Amongst the champions two special trophieswere awarded, first up was the Matthew Dyson ‘Surfer of the Contest’ award.Rhys Morris of Swansea took this home and seemed a very popular choice judgingby the massive cheer and applause from the crowd.

Legend Fluff, Shane Thomas and Jude Ryderfrom Pembrokeshire Surf Club awarded the Paul Ryder trophy to local surfer,Jack Crisp. Fluff gave a very stirring speech about the legend that is PaulRyder who sadly passed away last year. The trophy is a fitting reminder to anamazing surfer and a great personality who is missed by everyone involved inWelsh surfing.

As the sun finally set all that was left todo was to thank all those who helped to make the event possible with specialmention to Quiksilver – Liam O’Shea and Meena Rajput. The National Trust andPembrokeshire Coast National Park for the use of the beach. The WSF’s ErylMason, Stuart Bentley, Tom Anderson, Mark Vaughan, Lloyd Cole, Alison and DaveWilliams. All of our judges andthose who mucked in to assist with the second peak, with special thanks to TonySampson and Head Judge Bob Freshwater. And finally contest director JamieBateman who once again gave up hours of his time for everyone else when he’drather have been surfing.

Results

OPEN

1. Lloyd Cole
2. Mark Vaughan
3. Rhys Morris
4. Steve Phillips

WOMEN
1. Beth Mason
2. Jo Dennison
3. Siwan Rees
4. JoanneMcHugh

SENIORS
1. Greg Owen
2. Chris Seage
3. Tom Anderson
4. Lee Morgan

MASTERS
1. SimonTucker
2. Brad Hockridge
3. Colin Bright
4. Andrew Pelosi

BODYBOARD
1. Mark Griffiths
2. Jack Hughes
3. James McGregor
4. Tom Hammett

LONGBOARD
1. Elliott Dudley
2. Huw Bentley
3. Martin John
4. Rob Webster-Blythe
5. Steve Horn

JUNIOR U18
1. Josh Hughes
2. Tom Good
3. Jack Crisp
4. Adam Reimnitz

GIRLSU18
1. Gwen Spurlock
2. Olivia Jones
3. Mali James
4. Grace Roberts

LONGBOARD U18
1. Huw Bentley
2. Rhys Poulton
3. Will Pountney

CADETU16
1. Tom Good
2. Max Tucker
3. Josh Hammett
4. OwainBancroft

YOUTH U14
1. Jack Davies
2. Dan Bresnan
3. Nathaniel James
4. Will Pountney

GROMU12
1. Max Payne
2. Aaron Bright
3. Ceiran Hughes
4. Owen Alexander

Vasco Ribeiro the youngest surfer ever in a portuguese OPEN Final

Tue, 12 May 2009 13:59:55 +0200

Quiksilver team rider, VASCO RIBEIRO, with only 14 years old, was third in the 1st National Surf tour - TMN pro-, held this weekend in Porto, in Internacional Beach. Vasco is seriously considered as a potential national champion. And this was the first time that Vasco went so far in a senior championship. Vasco is the youngest surfer ever in an Open Portuguese Senior Final. Tiago Pires "SACA" (the fisrt portuguese surfer in WCT Tour) made it in the past with 16 years old. Vasco win 2 weeks ago the pro junior under-18, and now the final in Open Comp with the seniores, he is in an excellent physical form.

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

BEN HOWARD WINS RED STRIPE MUSIC AWARDS

Wed, 06 May 2009 17:17:54 +0200

Devonshire surfer and singer-songwriter Ben Howard took the music world by storm after a spell binding performance at the finals of the Red Stripe Music Awards in London last night.

Ben wowed the 1600 strong audience at Kentish Town's 'Forum' with his "cracking lyrics, pitch perfect songs and exceptional guitar skills."

Ben defeated some 200 bands from around the UK en route to the final and was awarded 3 slots at leading festivals including The Great Escape.

A spokes person from Red Stripe said "you have to admire the innovative, Ben Howard, who uses his guitar to build swirling, percussive beats around plaintive plucking and melancholic vignettes."

It is real exciting times for 21 year old Ben who got to showcase his talents before a panel of music industry experts. His impressive live performances have helped attract the attention of record labels on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ben recently toured with Austrailian instrumentalist Xavier Rudd and is working closely with leading surf brand Quiksilver, playing at all their European events.

To check out Ben's tunes, tour dates and videos please visit www.myspace.com/benjaminjohnhoward

For press and general enquiries contact owaindavies@gmail.com

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig65hl9XAZs

Photo courtesy of Mike Searle / Carve Magazine

Joan Duru Storms up to 4th on the WQS ratings!

Wed, 06 May 2009 15:49:56 +0200

After a string of fantastic results, Joan Duru, the young 20-year-old Frenchman is now placed 4th on the World Qualifying Series Ratings. His recent 3rd place result at the O‘Neill CWC will count as part of his end of year tally, taking Joan a step closer to a slot on the Dream Tour. The 6 Star Prime Event gave Joan a precious 2625 points as well as $5000 prize money. The points may be more important than anything else as they take Joan a step closer to a slot on the ASP World Tour, the elite level of global surfing.

The recent WQS event, the 12th so far this year, was held in the far North of Scotland and ran in notoriously testing conditions. The cold, heavy reef waves of Thurso, are a long way both literally and metaphorically from Joan’s home in SW France.

Despite the wind and cold Joan performed well, scoring a 9-point ride in the quarters. He was winning his semi final for 29 of the 30 minutes, but made an error in the dying seconds, which cost him a finals place in his first 6 Star event. Trying to better his second score Joan let one wave go in the last second, which cost him severely. Joan describes it as “a hard learnt lesson” but undoubtedly will turn this tactical mishap into a positive. Alongside his power surfing and growing confidence extra experience of life on the tour is only going to better an already polished surfing ability.

This result comes on the back of a string of great results. Joan hasn’t placed lower than 9th in a European event this year and is leading the ASP European Tour Ratings.
”That 3rd is a keeper and I am still happy with that run," says Duru. "I surfed well in the event, felt relaxed and confident and after winning the event in France and getting a 9th last week, I’ve done what I wanted to. I am glad to go home now and rest and spend time with my friends. That strong lead on the European ratings is good news as well and I’ll keep this somewhere at the back of my head because I would love to get that title."

Photo : Aquashot / ASP

Interview with music's up-and-coming sensation Ben Howard

Tue, 05 May 2009 19:58:00 +0200

Where do you come from?

Ben: I was born in Middlesex, i now live in sunny Falmouth.

How did music come into your life?

Ben: I'd say it was probably through my mum. I must have spent 8 or 9 of my younger years listening to her singing and playing the guitar, plus there was always music on in the house like Bruce Springstein, Neil Young and John Martin. A lot of great singer songwriters.

Who or what inspires you to write music?

Ben: John Martin. Definately. His music is incredible. I think you are always influenced by so many different types of music but don't always realise. Its amazing how many different artists you listen to but you're not always aware that the music's being absorbed. The countryside is a massive inspiration too. When i first moved from London to the country, it was a really big shift, a nice shift and that's why i sing about it alot. I like to write about the people i meet or those that have made an impact on my life. My parents come up quite a lot, i guess they've taught me a few things! I love the outdoors, i'm not a big fans of trains and lots of people but i am warming to the London ways!

Who is the person you admire the most?

Ben: Gabe Davies, for sure. He's done so much in the surfing world and has achieved some pretty incredible things but still remains as the most genuine and kind person around in the industry.

How would you describe your music?

Ben: I guess it's sort of acoustic ballads with some percussive guitar and gnarly growling thrown in for good measure.

Describe your clothing style.

Ben: Hoodies, jeans & t shirts. Casual as possible.

Dress code for a night out?

Ben: Hoody, jeans and t shirt... (small pause) Maybe a clean hoody, jeans and t shirt!

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Ben: Yeah, umm... (long pause) Introverted, outgoing, keen. That's going to confuse some people!

What's your favourite quote?

Ben: "Green eyes, green like the sea, pity the one that sees them and doesn't know how to swim." I think it's spanish?

What would you do if you didn't sing?

Ben: If i didn't sing i'd probably hum. No, i'd whistle.

You recently supported Xavier Rudd on his European tour, how was it?

Ben: It was amazing. Xavier is such a nice guy and it was nice to get the opportunity to chill out with him when we weren't performing. The crowds were good too, you could hear a pin drop when i was on stage, the respect they had was just incredible.

Plans for the future? Anything else coming up?

Ben: Just to keep doing what i'm doing really. Making music and getting some more gigs through Quiksilver and hopefully play some tunes on the pro surf tour.

Check out Ben's videos, listen to his tunes and check out new tour dates for 2009 @ www.myspace.com/benjaminjohnhoward

PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Searle / Carve

Euroforce Tahiti 2008 Episode online now!

Tue, 05 May 2009 09:41:50 +0200

Recap on the fates and fortunes of Europe’s best surfers as they take on Tahiti! Aritz, Jeremy, and Tiago all score incredible waves in one of the most visually spectacular locations on the planet. Miky topped the bill with his 9th place finish but Tiago perhaps demonstrates the true highs and lows of life as a rookie. He scored a 10-point tube ride one minute but lost out due to a split second error over priority the next. Mistakes here come fast and furious as our surfers do battle with something more daunting than Tour veterans; the awe inspiring waves of Teahupoo.

Sit back and watch the action as a warm up before this year’s Billabong Pro 9-20th May, which remains one of the most anticipated events of the year for surfers and spectators alike. Last year, two wild cards showed their mettle to take the top two spots, but this year Joel Parkinson is in pole position with 9X World Champion Kelly Slater playing catch up. 2009 is the year that the Euroforce have more guys than ever taking their turn in the gladiator pit! We’ll keep you tuned into their progress and keep your eyes peeled for the Euroforce 2009 Tahiti edition shortly after the event comes to a close!

Watch the new Euroforce episode!!!

Fred Patacchia Wins 6.0 Lowers Pro

Mon, 04 May 2009 10:26:19 +0200

Fred Patacchia (North Shore, HI), 27, won mainland America’s first Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star PRIME event, the 6.0 Lowers Pro, when he defeated defending event champion Ben Bourgeois (Wrightsville Beach, NC), 30, by a score of 16.84 to 14.10 in two-to-four foot (1 metre) surf at the famed cobblestone reef of Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California.

The 6.0 Lowers Pro’s ASP 6-Star PRIME status marks the event as a critical stop on each competitors 2009 ASP WQS campaign because it offers the maximum amount of points towards qualification for the ASP World Tour.

Patacchia demolished the Lower Trestles righthanders in his Final against Bourgeois, opening up his battle against the former ASP World Tour campaigner with a 9.17 out of 10 in the opening minutes of the heat. The Hawaiian talent backed up the score with a 7.67 to solidify the win over Bourgeois.

“I’m psyching,” Patacchia said. “We got fun waves throughout the whole event and to do it at pretty fun Trestles with only one other guy out is even better, so I’m happy.”

Patacchia is currently sitting in the No. 3 position on the ASP World Tour after two events and was using the premier ASP WQS 6-Star PRIME to help his competitive focus before launching into the Billabong Pro Teahupoo next week.

“It’s a good warm up for the Hurley Pro,” Patacchia said. “It’s not a good warm up for Tahiti, but I just want to stay in contest mode, keep my body in shape and keep my mind strong and I’m having a fairly decent year this year so I just want to keep it going.”

6.0 Lowers Pro Final:
1 – Fred Patacchia (HAW)16.84
2 – Ben Bourgeois (USA) 14.10

Credit Photo: Hilleman / ASP

Alejo Muniz Wins the Estoril Quiksilver Pro 2009!

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:16:06 +0200

ESTORIL, Carcavelos, Portugal (Saturday, April 25, 2009) - Brazil's wunderkind Alejo Muniz (BRA) won the ASP WQS 6-Star Estoril Quiksilver Pro 2009 event today finishing on top of the final encounter against fellow finalist Masatoshi Ohno (JPN), clinching crucial 2500 ratings' points and a US$ 25.000 cheque, the richest winner's prize of the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS). Muniz, who went through five rounds today defeating favorites and ASP Dream Tour members Tim Boal (FRA) and Marlon Lipke (DEU) on his way to the final, secured his best result to date in Portugal and gets his 2009 ASP season going with a significant confidence boost.

Muniz, 19, whose talent and performances already rocketed him to the status of Braziliam surfing's next best thing, dominated the Estoril Quiksilver Pro 2009 througout the week coming out on top of the pack with a couple of 9.60 point rides and an impressive 18.60 point heat combination on Day 3 of competition. Despite the tricky conditions of the final day, Muniz not only showed technical skills but came-up with solid tactics and maturity using his natural talent to defeat two of the world's best surfers.

"I am just so happy I cannot even realize what I have done right now," Muniz said. "My only wish coming here was to have fun as much as I could and enjoy my surfing in any kind of waves. It is the perfect day for me and I managed to get the best out of these conditions so I could not have hoped for anymore."

Muniz, who will be surfing a few ASP WQS events this year, remains focused on his preogression as a junior surfer still and will use the precious 2500 points to build his seeding for 2010 where he shall be a serious contender towards a possible ASP World Tour qualification in the near future. Muniz finishes the Estoril Quiksilver Pro with six of the best 10 results under his belt, a good sign of his potential.

"Defeating Tim (Boal) and Marlon (Lipke) is something I will remember for some time," Muniz said. "I felt a bit of pressure facing such good surfers but I really thought that focusing on my pleasure and having fun could get me somewhere. I think that's my biggest lesson from this event."

Fellow finalist Masatoshi Ohno (JPN), 27, became the first Japanese ever to make the final of an ASP WQS 6-Star event, the experienced competitor being another great surprise in the event after he defeated favorites Joan Duru (FRA) and Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) on his run to the final, two of Europe's best chances for an ASP Top 45 inception. Ohno, who was running out of energy in the 30-minute decider, heads to Scotland with another keeper for his ASP World Tour qualification.

"I wanted to win and I lacked this last section on my final wave to grab the 6.00 points I needed to get back in the lead," Ohno said. "It is my best result ever and I am so happy to do well here in Portugal, one of the European countries I like most. Alejo (Muniz) was impressive for sure but I was not far from clinching that crown. Definitely an excellent finish before the next event and a keeper for my main goal which is the ASP World Tour."

Ohno, who was coming from an equal 5th place finish in Tasmania, leaves Portugal's surf coast of Estoril with valuable 2188 ratings' points and will be much expected in the upcoming events where he can certainly cause some damage.

Romain Cloitre (REU), 20, got his best result ever today by reaching the Semifinals of the ASP WQS 6-Star event, the Reunion island born surfer and former ASP European Junior champion confirming his rise in the last couple of years. Cloitre, whose best result was an equal 17 in the ASP WQS 6-Star Prime event in France last year, managed to defeat one of the event's inform men Heat Joske (AUS), 20, in Round 5 before bettering Morocco's representative Abdel El Harim (MAR) in the Quarterfinals.

"It's been a tough week with the waves and I am a bit disappointed not to make the final," Cloitre said. "Masatoshi (Ohno) definitely got the better waves and surfed them well and I think I lacked a bit of luck during the heat and did not have a great wave choice so I did not deserve to win that one heat."

Cloitre, who used his renowned tactics and great competitive abilities to make it all the way through to the final four, heads to Scotland with a serious confidence boost and will be much expected on the hollow reefbreaks of Thurso's area next week.

"It is my best result ever and I am stoked with this equal 3rd still," Cloitre said. "It's been a year only since I am full time on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and eventhough it is sometimes hard to get eliminated first heat, it seems like the experience is paying off. I hadn't had any big result yet and it is just great for my confidence for this year."

Other Semifinalist to miss out on the final today was ASP World Tour member and first German ever to qualify for the elite Marlon Lipke (DEU). Lipke, who was ousted by 19-year-old phenomenon Muniz in a wave-starved heat, left the water disappointed with his Semifinal run.

"I wish I could have got just one good wave to express my surfing and defend my chances," Lipke said. "It's been a good week with a great day at Guincho and I had good fun watching my friends Tim (Boal, equal 5th) and Joan (Duru, equal 9th) surf so well. I think Joan is the revelation this year."

The ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) now move to Scotland for the ASP WQS 6-Star Prime rated competition will start April 29, 2009

Check out all news, results, photos and videos at http://www.quiksilverlive.com/

__________________________________________________________________

ESTORIL QUIKSILVER PRO FINAL
1st, Alejo Muniz (BRA), 13.00 pts
2nd, Masatoshi Ohno (JPN), 12.37 pts

ESTORIL QUIKSILVER PRO SEMIFINALS
Heat 1: Masatoshi Ohno (JPN) 15.67 pts Def. Romain Cloitre (REU) 8.83 pts
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.83 pts Def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 11.73 pts

ESTORIL QUIKSILVER PRO QUARTERFINALS
Heat 1: Romain Cloitre (REU) 13.00 pts Def. Abdel El Harim (MAR) 9.67 pts
Heat 2: Masatoshi Ohno (JPN) 15.67 pts Def. Gony Zubizarreta (ESP) 12.00 pts
Heat 3: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.93 pts Def. Tim Boal (FRA) 11.57 pts
Heat 4: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 11.57 pts Def. Renato Galvao (BRA) 8.40 pts

Norwegian Championships in Twintip

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:03:00 +0200

The Norwegian Championships in Twintip were held this weekend during the Quiksilver Snowcamp at Beitostølen Resort, Norway.

More than 100 participants entered the contest and after a close final it was two Quiky camp instructors who rode away with the win in both the Big Jump and Slopestyle disciplines.

Local hero Steffen Hamre won the Big Jump competition and reputable charger Thomas Dølplads dominated the Slopestyle event.

The fact that both the Big Jump and Slopestyle competitions were won by Quiky camp instructors made a positive impact on the camp participants; “It’s really motivating to train all day with the best riders in the country” said Daniel Helmersen (13) from Asker.

Slopestyle champ Thomas Dølplads has also noticed the positive influence; ”It’s quite obvious that the students are giving it their all and it’s awesome to see how their skills significantly improve after just a few days”, he said.

Each Quiksilver camp rewards the rider who improves the most by camp completion and this time the coveted award was rightfully given to Vebjørn Engseth (16) from Ålesund. He showed an impressive progression from start to finish and was given a Quiksilver Miniramp for his efforts.

Vebjørn was superstoked to end up on top; “I never dreamed I could learn all these new tricks in just a weekend and I’m blown away by winning the award”, he said. As all the participants experience steep learning curves, the competition for this award is fierce. Vebjørn is not shy about his excitement; “The ramp looks sick and I can’t wait to tell the crew at home about our new toy!”, he said.

The camp at Beitostølen is the second and last camp in April. Earlier this month the crew gathered at Trysil resort for some fun in the sun and a casual Big Jump Contest. There were also arranged for a private Quiky camp session at Norway’s only permanent surfing wave at the Radisson SAS Resort, Trysil.

The next camps will be held in June and July at a summer resort named Juvass. The resort is located at the foot of Northern Europe’s highest mountain peak (1850 metres) and provide excellent summer snow conditions.

These camps are hugely popular and Thomas, Vebjørn and Daniel are all headed there this summer. Thomas is really amped about it already; “the park is made to order for the campers and the opportunity to ride wearing just a T-Shirt during the day and go skateboarding, rafting or swimming in the evenings is really special”, he said.
The summer events can also boast a star studded line up of instructors with internationally renowned personalities such as Fredrik Austbø, Tom Wallisch, Stian Solberg and PK Hunder among others.

The intention of a Quiksilver snowcamp in Norway is to meet new and old friends, learn tricks from professional instructors in a safe and positive environment, and most importantly, have a great time!

International campers are welcomed with open arms and if you're interested in further info, please contact info@quiksilvercamp.no

Marc Lacomare wins Estoril B! Pro Junior

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:48:58 +0200

See more at http://quiksilverlive.com/estoril

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)

Joan Duru Wins ASP WQS 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro to Lead European Ratings

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:59:21 +0200

Joan Duru (Ondres, FRA), 19, won the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro today after defeating Australian surfer Lincoln Taylor in the final encounter of the 2009 event. Duru, who took advantage of the tricky three foot (one meter) waves breaking at La Sauzaie, stole the crown from Taylor with a last minute wave, the French man clinching the valuable 1500 ratings’ points counting for the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) International and regional ratings and US$ 12 000 for his run.

Duru, who dominated the quarterfinals and semifinals Satruday, came out on top in a nerve-racking battle until a last-minute exchange that saw him get the lead back and secure his win with an 8.50 point ride (out of a possible 10). The 19-year-old competitor, seen as France’s next best chance for a Dream Tour qualification, unleashed his powerful back and forehand assaults to post a 16.33 point heat result (out of a possible 20) on his way to victory.

“I am over the moon right now and so happy to get that win,” Duru said. “It was such a tough heat with so fewer waves coming-in and it was really close. I got that good 7.83 in the beginning and just waited for twenty-five minutes until I relaized I had to go for anything to get the score and win. I didn’t surf that lastwave at my best but got the score and finished with that 8.50 pointer.”

Duru, who adds a second ASP WQS title to his young career after his first win a couple of years ago in Portugal and an ASP European Junior Crown as well as a runner-up finish in the ASP WQS 5-Star Zarautz event last year, confirms his rise amongst surfing’s current leaders and is targeting a qualification for next year’s ASP World Tour.

“I am targeting the ASP World Tour so I wanted that win to get the momentum and start the year off with a good result,” Duru said. “I had a good run last year on the ASP WQS so I believe I can go for the ASP Top 45.”

Duru’s win rockets him to No. 7 on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) and places him on top of the ASP WQS European Tour before the upcoming ASP WQS 6-Star Estoril Quiksilver Coast Pro.

Maxime Huscenot Takes Third Place in World ISA Under 18 Championships

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:47:33 +0200

Maxime Huscenot (France) took a third place result in the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships. The most prestigious event in junior surfing took place in Ecuador in hot, sunny, surfing conditions. Maxime was the highest placed European in the Under 18 category and helped the French Team reach 5th overall in the World rankings.

Maxime won a host of his qualifying heats in conditions that peaked with a 6-8ft swell. Huge crowds packed Salinas, Ecuador to watch the world’s best battle it out for the glory of becoming World Champion. Maxime had surfed hard over the 8-day period but couldn’t quite win the most important heat of the event, the final. The 3-4 ft surf allowed Maxime a great ride in the final with a fantastic free falling floater, but time ran out before he could back up his wave and challenge for the top spot.

Maxime has been rising to the top echelon of junior European surfing and now the world has seen his talent and any competitors will fear his name when they see his name on the heat sheet. He is part of the next generation of the Quiksilver team and is eager to follow in the footsteps of teammates and friends Jeremy Flores and Kelly Slater.

For more Information on Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships check out
www.isaworldjuniors.com

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

Jakob Wilhelmson wins Quiksilver SnowJam

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:50:54 +0100

Swedish style master Jacob Wilhelmson took home the prize money at the 2009 SnowJam in the Cezch Republic . The TTR 3 star slopestyle event was the climax to the 2009 O2 freestyle tour with prize money of $10 000 on offer . The event had the unusual combination of Big Air , Half Pipe and Rails all in one coarse , challenging the riders to show their all round snowboarding ability .

An international field of 24 contestant battled it out on a sunny Saturday in the resort Spindleruv Mlyn in front of a huge crowd . Quiksilver's Martin Cernik (CZE) traded blow's with Jakob through the rounds and into the final but had to be satisfied with second place after Jakob's Big Air and Rail combintions proved superior . Stefan Karlson (SWE) took third with and outstanding performance in the Pipe but unable to back it up on the rails and Big Air .

Jakob Wilhelmson winning run consisted of a cab 720- frontside air – backside air - frontside 540 lien (half-pipe) - cab180 tailpress (rail) - backside 900 (Big Air).

In true Czech style the afterparty went on into the early hours with plenty of Vodka at hand!

Quiksilver adds Portuguese Super Grom Vasco Ribeiro to its team of champions.

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:02:22 +0100

Vasco Ribeiro, who looks set to be the best Portuguese surfer of his generation, now has the support of Quiksilver, Europe’s leading boardsports company. Vasco and his new sponsor Quiksilver will make a formidable team. Vasco from Poça Beach, Estoril has won Under 18 National Titles even though he is just 14 years old, and has also shone at European level. This success brought him to the attention of Quiksilver Europe who will help to provide a platform from which Vasco can leap into the professional ranks.

Quiksilver is proud to sponsor and support the next generation of young Portuguese surfers. The company will provide Vasco with a network of international support: training camps; coaching and the logistical help with competing at international events. Vasco, by signing with Quiksilver, will be in the same team as some of the greatest surfers on the planet. Kelly Slater (9X ASP World Champion), Dane Reynolds and Jeremy Flores (Top 10 ASP World Tour surfers), have all proudly ridden for Quiksilver since their junior days.

Vasco also has the great support of his parents and the guiding light of Jose Gregorio, who is an ambassador to both the sport of surfing and Quiksilver in Portugal. Together Vasco’s future should be in safe hands!

PROFILE:
Birth: 22/11/1994
Local: Poça Beach, Estoril
Best results:
National Champ under-14
National Champ under-18
National Pro Junior 3rd
European Vice-Champion Europe 2008
Sponsor: Quiksilver
Surfboards: Semente

Quiksilver Chromatophobia

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:45:35 +0100

Quiksilver is creating a brand new winter meeting that will bring together the world's very best freestyle snowboarders in France, on Friday 3 April 2009.

The last Super Pipe competition to be held in France before the Winter Olympics in 2010, the Quiksilver Chromatophobia aims to establish itself as one of Europe's major snowboard meetings.

After historic events like the Quik Cup and the Slopestyle Pro, Quiksilver has opted for La Plagne, the European mecca of freestyle, which will this year be hosting the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup Final from March 18th to 21st, and Urban Plagne (www.urbanplagne.com), from April 1st to 3rd, sponsored by Quiksilver and preceding Chromatophobia

Jeremy Flores Donates Quiksilver Pro Prize Winnings to the Victorian Appeal

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:52:10 +0100

French Professional Surfer Jeremy Flores, rated 9th in the world, has donated his contest earnings from the first ASP World Tour event of 2009, the Quiksilver Gold Coast Pro, to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. Having watched the devastation, caused by the worst disaster in Australian History, from his home in New Caledonia, Jeremy realised how fortunate he was.

He had to act. He said, “I would like to give a donation to the Victoria Bushfire Appeal Fund. I think it’s important to help in these difficult moments while we can.” Jeremy spent his teenage years living in Newport Beach Sydney and so has very close ties with Australia.

The tragic events around the 7th Feb left more than 200 dead and over 7000 homeless. The day, known as ‘Black Saturday’, marks the deadliest Bushfires in the nation’s history. Australia is still coming to terms with the scale of the tragedy, where a combination of high winds and extreme temperatures and, in some cases, acts of arson proved to be a deadly combination.

Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeals Fund can be made via the Australian Red Cross.
www.redcross.org.au

Credit photo: Narbe

Rails, Bails & Large Ales - Good Times...

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:46:59 +0100

Quiksilver UK held the season's first 'Rails, Bails & Large Ales' tour - a series of successful open freestyle nights across the UK in Castleford, Milton Keynes and Manchester.

Throughout March, Quiksilver had the privilege of hosting 3 freestyle sessions - an open concept to both skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. The three contrasting slopes were designed and built by Quiksilver's Shaping crew, headed by Graham McVoy and included Castleford's highly experienced Damien Doyle and MK's Steve Revil. As well as the regular features you would expect from a freestyle session, added extras ensured a more memorable experience for all those envolved. McVoy and his team constructed extravagant features which were both large in size and versatile in design, offering numerous lines and transfers for those creative enough to work them out! Castleford hosted a step up - step down butterbox, integrated with an up rail to street set up, down box and a host of various side-on hip style take offs. Manchester presented what has been quoted as the "biggest and best" indoor kicker in the UK to date where as Milton Keynes offered an entire arena of fun filled with rails, boxes and kickers.

Quiksilver riders including Jamie Nichols, James Thorne, Henry Shackleton and Ollie Jackson set tricks to recreate - similar to the format of the recent Quiksilver 'King Of Snow' contests, with spot prizes thrown out by Jay, the Rails, Bails MC. The freestyle nights were also accompanied by the screening of the epic Travis Rice "That's It That's All" movie. Each event was hugely successful with skiers and snowboarders following the 'Rails, Bails & Large Ales' tour across the UK with many riders asking when the next event will be.

A big thanks to Graham McVoy and his team at GMC, SNO!zones in MK & Castleford and The Chill Factore in Manchester.

Best quotes from the nights:

"This is bar far the most fun event i have been to at an indoor slope."

"I went to Castleford, Manchester and next week i am definately going to Milton Keynes. It's been so much fun, these parks are amazing!"

"I really want that Quiksilver bag. What tricks do i need to land to get it?!"

"It's so good that it's not a contest format, everyone's allowed in and it makes it a lot more fun... especially with the DJ's and Quik Pros doing the sickest tricks."

"This was by far the best indoor kicker i've ever ridden. Thanks for putting this on, it was such a sick night!"

Watch the videos on Vimeo:

http://www.vimeo.com/3597529

Quiksilver Womens Live Gig - A Great Success

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:04:50 +0100

The first ever European Quiksilver Womens live gig on Thursday 12th March 2009, Bush Hall, London was a huge success. The venue reached capacity of over 400 people and the atmosphere was buzzing with guests enjoying Bara Prasilova's artwork, live acoustic sets from our UK Ambassadors; Anna Leddra Chapman, Ellie Lawson & Charlotte O'Connor all introduced by the beautiful face of QSW, Ela. The night was topped off by former Miss Switzerland and QSW's internationally acclaimed DJ Mahara McKay.

Thursday night was also the launch of the UK search to find the next Quiksilver Woman. On the night, 5 girls applied for the UK Ambassador search, displaying their work to the Quiksilver Women's team and the mini site is now live for all creative and independent women to apply online at http://ambassador.quiksilver-women.com

A massive thanks to Gibson Guitars who kindly donated a Les Paul Guitar for the event which was won by the lucky Tilly from Trendstop.

The media who attended this amazing night were:

Glamour

Elle

SuperSuper

Rubbish Magazine

Drapers

Daily Express

Trendstop.com

Cooler

Nollie TV/Huck

Heat Magazine

Quiksilver Womens Live Gig, London.

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:23:17 +0100

Quiksilver for Women

Music, Art, DJ & Good times... Thursday 12th March 09.

Quiksilver for Women are hosting the an evening of entertainment to celebrate female creativity and the talents of Quiksilver Womens ambassadors from across Europe. As part of the night, Quiksilver for Women will be launching a new campaign to find the next UK Ambassador.

Creative, Independent, Timeless, Sophisticated, Adventurous, Romantic, Rock & Roll - if this is you come along to the event and submit your entry to become the next Quiksilver Women's Ambassador. Or apply online, www.ambassador.quiksilver-women.com

QUIKSILVER WOMEN'S LIVE GIG, Preseting the Quiksilver Women Ambassadors from across Europe:

- Meet Ela, creative writer and the gorgeous face of SS09

-Discover the creative eye of Bara Prasilova

- Live acoustic sets from Anna Leddra Chapman, Ellie Lawson, and breaking Columbia artist Charlotte O'Connor

- Former Miss Switzerland and Quiksilver Womens internationally acclaimed DJ Mahara McKay will bring the house down for you to party through the night!

Thursday 12th March, Bush Hall, London W12 7LJ

Joel Parkinson Claims Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in Solid Conditions at Kirra

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:27:26 +0100

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 27, has won the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG Mobile, defeating fellow finalist Adriano de Souza (BRA), 22, in solid six-to-eight foot (3 metre) surf at Kirra.

After a 12-year hiatus, today's action brought the ASP World Tour back to Kirra for the Finals of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Whilst it was not classic Kirra, the challenging conditions at the historic pointbreak offered churning barrels with massive scoring potential.

Parkinson, winner of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast in 2002, was fearless from the outset in the hard-fought Final, collecting an excellent 8.83 out of a possible 10 on his opening ride, breaking his board in the process.

The hometown favorite would return to the lineup to collect a bevy of high scores, including a 7.50 and an 8.17, before nailing his second perfect 10 of the day, pushing his heat total to an unsurpassable 18.84 out of a possible 20.

Parkinson now sits atop the ASP World Tour ratings, in excellent position for his 2009 campaign for the ASP World Title.

Check it out videos and photos on www.quiksilverlive.com and the Belly's Blog

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.83
2. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 11.30

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19.93 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.66
SF 2: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.84 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 5.34

Quiksilver Pro presented by LG Mobile Set For Thrilling Finish

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:23:53 +0100

The Quiksilver Pro presented by LG Mobile is on track for a thrilling finale, with round three completed in rising 1.5-2-metre waves at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast today.

The season-opening ASP men’s world tour event saw the eight remaining heats of round three being completed before contest organiser’s put a halt to competition with Cyclone Hamish expected to generate ideal tubing surfing conditions over the next two days.

Current world no.2 Bede Durbidge (Currumbin, Aus) joined fellow Gold Coast surfers Mick Fanning and Bede Durbidge in round four after posting a sensation win over Burleigh Head’s ace Jay Thompson in the opening heat of the day.

American ace Dane Reynolds was again the standout performer, locking in a 9.4 in his win over Hawaiian Roy Powers.

In round two, Reynolds scored the first perfect 10 of the 2009 ASP World Tour season for an incredible righthander in which he linked a barrage of high-performance manoeuvres including a massive double-grab aerial seamlessly flowing into another exciting air reverse.

Reynolds recording a 15.23 total to Roy’s 13.87.

Full press, video highlight and image updates will be available today... Next call to be made at 7am tomorrow!

Jeremy Flores Through to Round 4, wildcard Julian Wilson Defeats Slater

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:09:19 +0100

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 20, defeated ASP World Tour rookie Nic Muscroft (AUS) today in clean three-foot (one meter) waves at Snapper Rocks, the young Frenchman making the best out of the tricky incoming tide conditions to secure a Round 4 berth in the Quiksilver Pro Gold Goast pres. by LG. Flores came up with good surfing to get rid of Muscroft and will now face former ASP World Champion and double-event winner Mick Fanning (AUS).

"There were some really good waves all day and it kind of stopped for our heat and went flat,” Flores said. “Nic (Muscroft) and I were just struggling to find a good one and I was really stressing out because even if you are surfing well, if you don't get the better wave you are not going to make it."

Flores, who placed equal 3rd in the Quiksilver Pro last year, will be facing one of the crowd’s favorites when competition resumes, still being confident about his chances to create the upset.

"I am going heat by heat right now,” Flores said. “I am going to face Mick (Fanning) in next round so it might be the hardest heat but I have already defeated him and I know it is possible. I'll have to get the good waves and stay focused and relaxed. If I surf at my best, I have a chance to beat him."

Kelly Slater’s bid for an unprecedented 10th world title has gotten off to a shaky start with the nine-time’s world champion eliminated by event wildcard Julian Wilson in the most dramatic heat of the day.

Twenty-year-old sensation Wilson, who is competing in his third consecutive Quiksilver Pro as a wildcard, defeating the reigning Quiksilver Pro champion for the second time in three years.

In 2007, Wilson relegated Slater into the sudden-death round two heats with an opening-heat win.

Highlights from today’s Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast action are available via www.quiksilverpro.com.au and the Belly'sblog

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)

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 2

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:00:53 +0100

Dane Reynolds Leads Charge In Round Two At Quiksilver Pro presented by LG Mobile

The Quiksilver Pro presented by LG Mobile roared back to life after six lay-days today, with the first half of round two staged in clean 1-metre beach break waves at Duranbah Beach.

An afternoon swell increase allowed organizers to relocate to the main contest site of Snapper Rock to hold the remaining 8 heats of round two in point break waves.

World no.2 Bede Durbidge (Currumbin, Aus) and world no.4 Joel Parkinson (Coolangatta, Aus) put their Quiksilver Pro campaigns back on track after opening round losses.

The afternoon action was equally impressive with American ace Dane Reynolds scoring the first 10 point ride at the season-opening ASP men’s world tour event in his round two heat against 2009 rookie Nathaniel Curran.

Putting it all on the line, Reynolds pulled off a huge grab-rail air ahead of an air reverse to lock in the first perfect ride of the event.

Reynolds finishing with a two-wave combined total of an 18.83 to Curran’s 13.24 to easily advance through to round three.

When round three commences, American star CJ Hobgood will take on Hawaiian Dustin Barca in the opening heat.

Other big round three match-ups include 9 x world champion Kelly Slater vs. event wildcard Julian Wilson, world no.2 Bede Dubidge vs. Burleigh Heads ripper Jay Thompson, Snapper star Joel Parkinson vs. Portugal’s Tiago Pires and 2007 world champion Mick Fanning vs. Hawaiian Kekoa Bacalso.

More info, photos and videos about the Quiksilver Pro: www.quiksilverpro.com.au

Watch the first Euroforce Episode: click here

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.00 def. Daniel Wills (AUS) 8.67
Heat 2: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.56 def. Corey Ziems (AUS) 10.27
Heat 3: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 15.33 def. Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 10.06
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.33 def. Marlon Lipke (DEU) 10.50
Heat 5: Drew Courtney (AUS) 13.60 def. Bobby Martinez (USA) 12.53
Heat 6: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 15.53 def. Phillip MacDonald (AUS) 12.73
Heat 7: Dustin Barca (HAW) 11.34 def. Chris Ward (USA) 9.50
Heat 8: David Weare (ZAF) 15.73 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 15.50
Heat 9: Jihad Khodr (BRA) 14.26 def. Tim Reyes (USA) 13.67
Heat 10: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 15.33 def. Gabe Kling (USA) 8.83
Heat 11: Dayyan Neve (AUS) 11.34 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.74
Heat 12: Chris Davidson (AUS) 16.67 def. Michael Picon (FRA) 12.34
Heat 13: Dane Reynolds (USA) 18.83 def. Nathaniel Curran (USA) 13.24
Heat 14: Taylor Knox (USA) 15.00 def. Mick Campbell (AUS) 12.50
Heat 15: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 14.50 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 14.50
Heat 16: Roy Powers (HAW) 14.67 def. Ben Dunn (AUS) 12.23

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Dustin Barca (HAW)
Heat 2: Kieren Perrow (AUS) vs. Jihad Khodr (BRA)
Heat 3: Dayyan Neve (AUS) vs. Chris Davidson (AUS)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS) vs. Kekoa Bacalso (HAW)
Heat 6: Jeremy Flores (FRA) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 7: Damien Hobgood (AUS) vs. Heitor Alves (BRA)
Heat 8: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Greg Emslie (ZAF)
Heat 12: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) vs. Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 13: Taj Burrow (AUS) vs. Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 14: Dane Reynolds (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW0
Heat 15: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Tim Boal (FRA)
Heat 16: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. David Weare (ZAF)

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:27:11 +0100

The opening day of the 2009 ASP World Tour season got underway, with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by LG completing Round 1 in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at the backup venue of Duranbah Beach.

Jeremy Flores, 20, Dream Tour No. 10 in 2008, had opened the contest early in the day in Heat 1 of Round 1 besting former event winner Dean Morrison (Gold Coast, AUS) and Hawaiian rookie Dustin Barca (Kauai, HAW). Flores, who has been Europe's undisputed surf leader for three years now, found one of the few barrels of the day to secure his lead and advance despite his ankle hurting him.

"I just wanted to get a few waves quickly and take the lead and that's what I did so I am happy," Flores said. "That little barrel put me ahead and I was lucky to be there at the right time. You never want to lose that first heat so it’s all good."

Kelly Slater (USA), 37, reigning and nine-time ASP World Champion, took to experimenting with his equipment during Round 1, opting to ride an unconventional self-shaped, 5’4” round-tail quad en route to victory over Dayyan Neve (AUS), 30, and Daniel Wills (AUS), 33.

Miky Picon (Capbreton, FRA) and Aritz Aranburu (Zarautz, EUK) were not able to get away with a win in their respective heats and will surf Round 2 when competition resumes on the Gold Coast of Australia.

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast pres. by LG Mobile will be webcast LIVE via www.quiksilverpro.com.au

And Check Belly's Blog!

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)

WIN! A trip for 2 at the Brits 09!

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:53:05 +0100

Win a week for 2 at the Brits!

28th March - 4th April 2009, Laax, Switzerland!

Quiksilver will be hosting the Big Air Championships - one of the biggest draws of the Brits on Tuesday 31th March & Thursday 2nd April and you could be there to witness the action. We’re giving away accommodation, lift passes, party tickets and VIP Passes to the Quiksessions Funk Night in association with Whitelines.

Not only will you be invited to watch the British Snowboarding Championships but you’ll also get a chance to go riding with Quiksilver team riders James Thorne, Jamie Nicholls, Ollie Jackson, Henry Shakleton and legendary Quiksilver Team Manager James Stentiford.

Click www.whitelines.com/competitions to win your trip NOW!!

check out more info on the www.brits09.com

*The winners must be over 18 (unless accompanied by an adult). Flights are not included.

Photo: Ed Blomfield/Whitelines

Five Finger Death Punch - UK Headline Dates Confirmed

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:57:16 +0100

Modern-metal heavy-hitters Five Finger Death Punch will be playing headline dates in London & Oxford. The details are as follows:

February 6th 2009 @ Islington Academy (LONDON)

w/ Exit Ten, Rise to Remain

February 17th 2009 @ Academy 2 (OXFORD)

w/ Exit Ten, Rise to Remain

Tickets are now on sale and can be bought through: http://livenation.co.uk/ & http://www.seetickets.co.uk/

Spinefarm Records UK will be releasing 'The Way Of The Fist' on January 19th 2009. The UK version comes with a bonus live track plus a cover of Faith No More's 'From Out of Nowhere'. The album will be available for streaming through the band's UK MySpace page on January 7th 2009 - http://www.myspace.com/ffdtukfans

'The Bleeding' will follow on as the second single from the album on February 9th 2009. A video for the track can be viewed on the Spinefarm YouTube page - http://www.youtube.com/spinefarmrecordsuk

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH tour dates:

6th February 2009 @ Islington Academy (London) - HEADLINE SHOW w/ Exit Ten, Rise To Remain

9th February 2009 @ Mandela Hall (Belfast) - w/ Lamb of God

10th February 2009 @ Academy (Dublin) - w/ Lamb of God

11th February 2009 @ Academy (Bristol) - w/ Dimmu Borgir, Lamb of God and Unearth

12th February 2009 @ Academy (Birmingham) - w/Dimmu Borgir, Lamb of God and Unearth

13th February 2009 @ Academy (Manchester) - w/ Dimmu Borgir, Lamb of God and Unearth

14th February 2009 @ Brixton Academy (London) - w/Dimmu Borgir, Lamb of God and Unearth

15th February 2009 @ Academy (Glasgow) - w/Dimmu Borgir, Lamb of God and Unearth

17th February 2009 @ Academy 2 (Oxford) HEADLINE SHOW w/ Exit Ten, Rise To Remain

Victory for Travis Rice at the Winter X-Games

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:10:31 +0100

The winter's biggest alternative sports meeting in the United States, the Winter X-Games, is currently taking place in Aspen. Team Quiksilver rider, Travis Rice, star of the film "That’s it, That’s All", cruised to victory in this weekend's Big Air Final with a double backflip backside 1080, an incredible three full turns.

Travis' performance went down a storm with the spectators, and earned him 78% of the votes on offer in the final, compared with just 22% for his Norwegian rival Torstein Horgmo.

Markku Koski FIS Big Air World Champion

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:38:06 +0100

At the latest leg of the World Snowboarding Championships in Gangwon (South Korea), Finnish rider and Team Quiksilver member Markku Koski took gold in the Big Air event. He emerged victorious in the final, after a very consistent run that included a cab 1080 and a backside rodeo 900.

It's another award for the trophy cabinet of a rider who already has a strong of achievements to his name, including a bronze medal at the Turin Olympics in 2006 (for the Half Pipe), three podium finishes including two victories in the World Cup, and a double world title in the junior Half Pipe championships in 1997 and 1998.

Frenchman Mathieu Crépel, bronze medallist in the Half Pipe at the worlds in 2009, finished in 7th place in the Big Air event.

More info on http://www.fissnowboardworldcup.com

Freddy Austbo Takes Top Honors at China's 7th Red Bull Nanshan Open

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:34:18 +0100

Beijing, CHINA – January 11th, 2008 – As the 12 qualifiers from the previous day's competition took to the Quiksilver Nanshan Mellow Park for day two of the 7th Red Bull Nanshan Open, feelings were mixed as the wind that plagued last year's event threatened to dampen yet another Nanshan Open. However with this year's improved setup and some solid tucking down the in-run by the riders, enough speed was gained in practice to be able to utilize the smaller of the two kicker lines and the competition was on!

Today saw an even larger crowd than yesterday cheering the riders, and proved just how popular this sport is finally becoming in China! With yesterday's field of 24 riders narrowed down to just 12 for the best-of-two-runs Finals, the pressure was definitely on to throw down on the competition's last day.

After the morning session, some radical riding and some heavy deliberation from the judges, the results really were too close to call. Markus Keller and Tyler Chorlton ended up in a dead tie for 4th place, and thus 5 riders would advance through to the Super Finals. Markus and Tyler joined Atsushi Ishikawa, Freddy Austbo and Kalle Ohlson for the afternoon's showdown.

An obvious crowd favourite at the 6th Red Bull Nanshan Open, Freddy Austbo unfortunately failed to place highly in last year's event, unable to gain enough speed against the wind. This year, however, things would be different, and as the winds increased in the afternoon Freddy morphed into the ultimate aerodynamic machine, becoming one of the few competitors to comfortable clear both kickers. "I'm so stoked. This year I didn't use Kalle's wax and bought my own instead, so I was actually able to get some speed! I can't wait to celebrate at karaoke tonight..." Freddy took home first place and 500 TTR points with a winning run consisting of a BS540 off the first hit, a Cab540 off the second, a BS180 up on to the wave box and a Cab540 off. Freddy finished his run with a rock-and-roll to fakie on the wallride and will definitely be rock-and-rolling the mic tonight!

Returning for his third year at this event, Atsushi Ishikawa grabbed 471.15 TTR points with a close second place, ranking one place higher than at last year's Open and only just missing out on a perfect run. "I wanted to get first.. but I will come back and try again next year!" We hope to finally see Atsushi in the center of the podium then!

With the competition side of the trip over, riders will now get to relax and enjoy the rest of what China has to offer – site-seeing at the Great Wall, some delicious local food and of course, the infamous after parties. Zaijian!

7th Red Bull Nanshan Open Results:

1 - Freddy Austbo (Norway), Quiksilver/Nixon/Elm

2 - Atsushi Ishikawa (Japan), Quiksilver/Deeluxe/Flow

3 - Kalle Ohlson (Sweden), Vans/Bataleon/Adidas

4 - Markus Keller (Switzerland), Red Bull/Nitro/Volcom

5 - Tyler Chorlton (Great Britain), Bataleon/Oakley/Vans

6 - Jakob Wilhelmson (Sweden), Quiksilver/Libtech/Level

7 - Yongho Lee (Korea), Salomon/Sugapoint/Electric

8 - Teo Konttinen (Finland), Quiksilver

Credit photo: Lorenz Holder

Marc Lacomare Finishes ASP World Junior No. 3, Huscenot Reaches Quarterfinals

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:57:22 +0100

Marc Lacomare (Hossegor, FRA), 18, placed equal 3rd in the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships at North Narabeen, finishing his great run in the Semifinals of the prestigious event where he lost to Kai Barger (HAW). Lacomare, who secured the best result of his Pro Junior career, was the best European surfer in the event and flew the French flag until the final day.
Lacomare, who finished the year ranked No. 2 on the ASP European Junior ratings, showed how strong his surfing was for his second appearance at the ASP World Juniors getting through four rounds and defeating top seeds Owen Wright (AUS) and Jayke Sharp (AUS) respectively in Round 3 and 4 before besting fellow French surfer Maxime Huscenot (REU) in the Quarterfinals.
At 18 years old only, Lacomare stands as one of Europe's best competitors and confirms his few stellar performances including his equal 9th place at the ASP WQS 6-Star Prime Rip Curl Pro Hossegor/Seignosse in 2007. Lacomare's equal 3rd place finish at Narrabeen still earns him the preferred seeding into several ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) events in 2009, an opportunity to cut his teeth against the world's best surfers chasing a qualification for the coveted ASP World Tour.
"I'm going to stay in Australia for one month and do a few Pro Juniors in Queensland and then maybe some ASP WQS here as well," Lacomare said. "I may be able to get the wildcard because I think Jadson (Andre) and Tanner (Gudauskas) may not need it so it is handed down to me. So I'm not exactly sure what is going on for me this year."

Maxime Huscenot (REU), 16, was stopped by Lacomare in the Quarterfinals of the event but still placed equal 5th, a very promissing result for the Reunion Island born surfer competing for the first time against the world's best Under-21 surfers. Huscenot, reigning ASP European Junior Champion and one of the youngest surfers in the event, expressed his talent during the 3-day event getting through tricky heats against Brazil's Alex Ribeiro and Hawaiian surf phenomenon Dusty Payne (HAW), a contender in this year's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
"I knew it would be hard to beat Dusty (Payne) because he is one of the best guys in the event," Huscenot said. "I was very nervous during the heat but I got a bomb and it helped me stay calm. I was stoked to win that heat and I am happy with the overall result."

More info on www.aspeurope.com

BILLABONG ASP WORLD JUNIORS Results:

ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) FINAL:
1 – Kai Barger (HAW) 15.34
2 – Jadson Andre (BRA) 13.67

ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) SEMIFINALS:
SF 1: Jadson Andre (BRA) 18.00 def. Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.34
SF 2: Kai Barger (HAW) 16.73 def. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 8.84

ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) QUARTERFINALS:
QF 1: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 17.23 def. Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 14.50
QF 2: Jadson Andre (BRA) 18.30 def. Kiron Jabour (HAW) 12.60
QF 3: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 14.00 def. Maxime Huscenot (REU) 13.77
QF 4: Kai Barger (HAW) 17.60 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 13.16

ASP WORLD JUNIORS (MEN) ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Tamaroa McComb (PYF) 13.17 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 8.57
Heat 2: Tanner Gudauskas (USA) 14.60 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.33
Heat 3: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 13.16 def. Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 12.16
Heat 4: Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.50 def. Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.17
Heat 5: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 13.00 def. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) 9.53
Heat 6: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 12.83 def. Jayke Sharp (AUS) 10.50
Heat 7: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 17.83 def. Nat Young (USA) 10.17
Heat 8: Kai Barger (HAW) 14.46 def. Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 14.00

ASP REGIONAL POINTS BREAKDOWN:
1 – Hawaii 2,752 points
2 – Australasia 2,664 points
3 – South America 2,642 points
4 – Europe 2,428 points
5 – North America 2,296 points
6 – Africa 1,455 points
7 – Japan 900 points

Kelly Slater claims the 2008 Billabong Pipeline Masters

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:39:02 +0100

Nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) has won the Billabong Pipeline Masters a record sixth time today. The victory is Slater's sixth of the 11 event 2008 ASP World Tour season.

"It's inexplicable," Slater said of his win and banner season. "I'm just stoked. I wasn't even worried about surfing the event, so to surf it and win and get that board (a Gerry Lopez designed surfboard trophy). I'll cherish that for sure." Slater has made the Pipeline Masters final 10 out of the 17 times he has entered the event winning in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 and again today. His 2008 win comes nine years after he last clinched the Pipeline crown in ‘99.

"My season is all about nines," Slater said. "Winning this event nine years later, I needed a 9th in the ninth event of the year to win my 9th ASP World title, it's crazy."

Slater paddled out in eight to 10 foot waves at Pipeline four times today, beating Chris Ward (USA) 14.00 to 7.23 in the in the first man-on-man final* held at the venue in eight years. Slater's heat totals in the three heats prior to the final were 19.00, 18.63 and 19.40 – all out of a possible 20 points.

"It was disappointing that the waves didn't really turn on for us in the final," Slater said. "That's what we are here for, to put on a show for people – at least give them some big wipeouts or something. In the final there weren't too many waves, but I picked the right ones. It's about time Wardo had a result like this though. He is one of the best barrel riders in the world."

http://www.aspworldtour.com

http://www.surfersvillage.com

Quiksilver launches its first women's blog

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:06:31 +0100

When women blog...

Fashion tips, cheeky gossips, travels around the world, mood notes, artistic windows, cooking corner... women's minds are now online!
Punchy, Spicy and Smart, the QSW blog is an open web space to let all the women talk free.

www.blog.quiksilver-women.com

Mathieu CREPEL King of Grenoble !

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:08:11 +0100

Mathieu Crepel won the 3rd stage of the Big Air World Cup on Saturday in the heart of Grenoble's town centre. The twice world champion (2007) and godfather of the Snow Games, imposed himself against the Austrian Stefan Gimpl, current leader of the World Cup, and Finn Jaako Ruha. Visctor De Le Rue took 4th place.

" If someone had told me this morning (Saturday) that I would win, I wouldn't have believed them " commented the champion.

Since 2007 and his 2 world titles won at Arosa, Mathieu Crepel had left the international circuit and the french team. " I needed to move on to something else " confessed the Pyrenean. " I left to tour around the States and Canada to make Snowboard films for an American production. An amazing experience which was very time demanding. So I left the competition side of things for 2 seasons, to return this year for the World Cup. Its the encouragement of the public that motivated me and allowed me to win. "

Crépel, 24 now climbs to 5th place in the Big Air World Cup.

Results :

1. Mathieu Crépel (FRA)

2. Stefan Gimpl (AUS)

3. Jaako Ruha (FIN)

4. Victor De Le Rue (FRA)

Photo credits: Toine PONCE

The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:41:58 +0100

www.quiksilver.com/eddie

The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world's most prestigious big-wave surfing event and is the only big-wave surf contest sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the governing body of professional surfing.

Scheduled to take place at the hallowed grounds of Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu, between December 1, 2008, and February 28, 2009, the event, otherwise known as "The Eddie", requires one day with a minimum of 20-foot surf (Hawaiian scale) in order to run.

Held in honor of the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Eddie Aikau, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau gathers 28 of the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the world as polled by a comprehensive panel consisting of influential watermen, members of the surf industry, and internationally recognized surfing Associations.

The first memorial event for Aikau was held in 1984 at Sunset Beach, two miles north of Waimea Bay. It was won by local standout Denton Miyamura. Following the inaugural event, The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau moved to Waimea Bay, where it has remained ever since. 2008 marks the event's 24th anniversary; in only seven of those years have the waves been big enough and the conditions right to hold the contest.

In the realm of big-wave riding, the name Eddie Aikau commands as much respect as Waimea Bay itself. Aikau was the North Shore of Oahu's first lifeguard, watching over the Bay when he wasn't charging the biggest waves of the winter. Tragically, he lost his life in 1978, at the age of 33, during a re-creation of the Polynesian voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti. In huge seas, the voyaging canoe Hokule'a was capsized. Eddie paddled off in an attempt to reach help for his fellow crewmen. He was never seen again but his spirit and legacy live on.

The complete list of Invitees and Alternates for this year's event are listed below and available online at www.quiksilver.com/eddie. The website also includes photos and video from previous year's events, Invitee profiles and swell updates. Visitors can sign up to receive text updates for the "Official Contest Call" and watch online when the Bay calls the day.

Collectible limited-edition The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau merchandise, including boardshorts, t-shirts, hats, sandals and backpack, are also available in Quiksilver stores.

Location: Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu, HAWAII

Opening Ceremony: Thursday, December 4, 2008. 3pm.

Event Holding Period: December 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009. To be held on one day when surf measures at least 20 feet (40 feet faces).

The Big-Wave Riders: 28 of the world's best big-wave riders, including defending champion Bruce Irons (Hawaii), nine-time world champion-elect Kelly Slater (Florida), and Aikau's younger brother and former champion Clyde Aikau. US$ 55,000 for first place.

1984 (held at Sunset Beach): Denton Miyamura (Hawaii)
1986: Clyde Aikau (Hawaii)
1990: Keone Downing (Hawaii)
1999: Noah Johnson (Hawaii)
2001: Ross Clarke-Jones (Australia)
2002: Kelly Slater (Florida)
2004: Bruce Irons (Hawaii)

Michel Bourez Wins Reef Hawaiian Pro - Qualifies for 2009 ASP World Tour

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:58:25 +0100

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.

Ibon Amatrian, the big wave rider

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:07:39 +0100

Ibon has begun the winter season with a bang, having already logged some great swells and been recognized for his efforts. However, for Ibon the best and biggest is perhaps yet to come. He is the highest rated European in the alternates list for the world's most prestigious big wave competition, The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory Of Eddie Aikau. The world famous contest will be held only when the waves meet the minimum 20ft requirement so Ibon will be checking charts for signs of a monster swell. The location is the infamous Waimea Bay on Hawaii's North Shore, which is the true gladiator pit for big wave surfers and a long way from Ibon's home in the Basque Country. Ibon will then be relying on invitees above him on the list not taking up their place but, if that happens, he will be ready.

To back up his credentials, Ibon also has an entry into the Billabong XXL Awards. The XXL event runs for a year and the world's biggest waves are compared and judged. Ibon has previously had entries after surfing Planeixa and Playa Gris in Northern Spain, but this year he has already upped the ante by scoring a wave called Schrodinger's Left. The wave was a mutant looking, 20-foot monster! Judging by Ibon's performance at Schrodinger's Left, if there is any chance for Ibon to impress at Waimea Bay this winter, you can be assured the Basque charger will be the first to go!

http://live.quiksilver.com/2008/eddie

Gabe Davies

New Snow Collection Online : Win 100 MP4

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:11:52 +0100

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!

ACCESS WEBSITE: www.Quiksilver-Store.com

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.