Sábado 22 de Noviembre 2003

Australian Troy Brooks Wins Vans Hawaiian Pro For Shot At WCT Tour
Brazilian Neco Padaratz Wins WQS Title

   Saturday, November 22, 2003 - (Haleiwa, HAWAII) -- Australian dark-horse
Troy Brooks (Bells Beach, Victoria) took a 4,000-strong crowd and
international field of professional surfers by surprise when he emerged the
champion of the US$125,000 Vans Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa Beach, effectively
winning the 30-minute final in seven minutes. Earning $15,000, 24-year-old
Brooks bounded from obscurity on the Association of Surfing Professionals
(ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) rankings to now have a shot at entering
the elite 2004 World Championship Tour (WCT), jumping 29 places from 51st to
22nd. This is the first professional victory of his career. The final
qualification verdict for Brooks is dependant upon the performance of other
surfers in the upcoming WCT events - the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach
(Nov.24 - Dec.7) and the Xbox Pipeline Masters (Dec. 8-20).

Second place today was Brazilian Armando Daltro ($8,000), third was
Australian Jake Paterson ($6,000), and fourth was Neco Padaratz (Brazil -
$4,000), who is now the official 2003 ASP World Qualifying Series champion.
Results from today's event had no baring on the elite World Championship
Tour rankings that Kelly Slater (Florida) still leads, trailed closely by
Andy Irons (Haw). Both surfers were in today's competition but lost in the
semi-finals. Irons was eliminated by Daltro and Padaratz, and Slater lost to
Brooks and Paterson.

Difficult conditions persisted, making this a challenging event from the
outset. First battling a flat ocean for over a week, the event has been
staged in uncharacteristic 3-5 foot choppy, challenging waves for the past
four days. But it did nothing to dull the performance level and intensity of
competition and high scores continued to fly throughout the final day's
action.

After chipping away at Slater through the rounds, Brooks was unstoppable by
the final. Opening with a brilliant ride that scored 8.17 points out of 10,
Brooke got straight onto a second ride at the seven minute mark that scored
8.27 points. He never caught another wave. His backhand attack of the long
left-handers was vertical and powerful as he packed in high-risk turns from
take-off to finish. His closest rival Daltro was still in need of a
near-perfect 9.44 point ride by the final horn. The final scores were based
on each surfer's best two rides: Brooke with 16.44 points, Daltro on 12.23,
Paterson on 11.8, and Padaratz with 10.96.

"This is the best day of my life," said Brooks, after being carried from
shore on the shoulders of his Aussie mates. "I never could have imagined
this was how it was going to finish. I don't know what to say. I've never
felt this before.

"There was no point catching anything less than an eight point ride after
(the first two waves), so I just sat out the back and nothing else came
through.

"I came into this event thinking that I didn't have a chance, but that's the
best way, then you're not stressed out. All of a sudden I was in the final
and then I found out I still had a chance (of qualifying for the WCT) if I
could win. I started out poorly on tour this year and then played catch-up.
Now I just hope nothing changes on the ratings and I qualify."

While Brooks is not eligible to compete in the two up-coming WCT events that
round out the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, by virtue of the fact that he
now leads the Triple Crown series ratings, he will be given a start in the
trials of next week's Rip Curl Cup. If he finishes in the top six places of
the trials, he will win a wildcard into the main event against the WCT
surfers.

For Brazilian Neco Padaratz, winning the WQS tour for 2003 was a rewarding
outcome to another grueling year competing on both tours. With an average
collection of results on the WCT, Padaratz needed the backup of a strong WQS
finish to assure him of a place on next year's WCT.

"It's very important to me," said Padaratz. "It has been a very tough
contest and everyone has been surfing well. It was close out there but
thankfully I got the waves I needed to do well."

The top Hawaii finishers in the Vans Hawaiian Pro were brothers Andy and
Bruce Irons. Andy finished in equal 7th place after he incurred a paddling
interference in the semi's, and Bruce finished in equal ninth, losing in the
quarters. Brooke is the first non-Hawaiian to win the Vans Hawaiian Pro
since Tony Ray (Australia) won in 1997. Ray is also from Bells Beach,
Victoria.

The next stop on the men's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is the Rip Curl Cup
at Sunset Beach, Nov.24-Dec.7. The next stop for the women is at the North
Shore's only 5-star hotel, the Turtle Bay Resort, for the 4-star WQS Turtle
Bay Resort Women's Pro, held over the same dates as the Rip Curl Cup. The
third and final stop is Pipeline, for the Xbox Gerry Lopez Pipeline Masters
(Dec. 8-20) for the men, and Honolua Bay, Maui, for the women's Billabong
Pro (Dec. 8-20)

The Vans Triple Crown Series features the world's top athletes competing in
three championship events in each of the following sports: Skateboarding,
Wakeboarding, Surfing, Snowboarding, BMX and Freestyle Motocross. The Series
is made possible through the support of Vans, the Xbox video game system
from Microsoft, Roxy, Rip Curl, The Turtle Bay Resort, Billabong, Mountain
Dew, Ford Trucks, Right Guard Xtreme Sport, Fox Sports Net, Surfing
Magazine, NBC Sports, Road Runner and Pictures Plus.

VANS HAWAIIAN PRO MEN'S FINAL:
1st. Troy Brooks (Aus) 16.44
2nd. Armando Daltro (Brz) 12.23
3rd. Jake Paterson (Aus) 11.8
4th. Neco Padaratz (Brz) 10.96

SEMI-FINALS:
H1: A. Daltro 12.0, N. Padaratz 12.0, Tim Curran (USA) 10.33, Andy Irons
(Haw) 2.67
H2: J. Paterson 13.57, T. Brooks 11.5, Trent Munro (Aus) 11.13, Kelly Slater
(USA) 11.0

QUARTER FINALS:
H1: T. Curran 12.67, N. Padaratz 10.03, Joel Parkinson (Aus) 8.5, Mick
Fanning (Aus) 8.4
H2: A. Irons 15.84, A. Daltro 13.3, Bruce Irons (Haw) 11.76, Damien Hobgood
(USA) 10.0
H3: K. Slater 16.63, T. Brooks 13.37, Victor Ribas (Brz) 12.5, Peterson Rosa
(Brz) 7.9
H4: T. Munro 15.57, J. Paterson 14.5, Richard Lovett (Aus) 13.03, Tom
Whitaker (Aus) 9.7

   Jesse Faen.

Martes 18 de Noviembre 2003

Pro Surfing's Ultimate Endurance Test One Week Away

   Monday, November 17, 2003 (Hawaiian-time) The Rip Curl Cup at Hawaii's
Sunset Beach - the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World
Championship Tournament (WCT) that has crowned the last 2 world champions -
is now only a week away.

"If the Pipeline Masters is surfing's Super Bowl, then the Rip Curl Cup is
our Tour de France: the ultimate endurance test," says USA's Surfing
Magazine Editor Evan Slater in a fitting summary of the extreme challenge
facing the world's best surfers in this year's penultimate WCT, to be held
in the best possible conditions between November 24th and December 7th.

Rip Curl team rider, Pancho Sullivan, a 30-year-old North Shore local, was
today named as the sponsor "wildcard" for the 2003 Cup, with a berth in the
main event alongside the world's top 45 surfers.

Opportunity beckons for Sullivan and lesser-known surfers to upstage the
world's top 45 at Sunset. A one-day Trials event will pit 22 Hawaiian locals
against 10 Rip Curl team members from around the globe, with the winner and
runner-up rewarded with two other "wildcard" slots (besides that given to
Sullivan) in the 48-man main event field.

Two of the past four Rip Curl Cup winners were trialists - Hawaiian Myles
Padaca in 2001 and Australian Zane Harrison in 1999 - showing the potential
impact such surfers can have.

Sullivan is understandably excited by the opportunity presented to him, and
his record in Hawaiian competitions, particularly at Sunset Beach, marks him
as a serious danger to the world's top 45. Runner-up in the 1997 Rip Curl
Cup, Sullivan has competed every year since, without luck. He did win the
2002 Rip Curl Cup Trials, but was beaten in Round Two of the main event in
inconsistent conditions. Less than a month ago he won the World Qualifying
Series event at Sunset Beach, his third victory in that event in the past
six years.

"I'm really looking forward to this chance to take on the world's top 45,"
Sullivan said, adding: "Ever since I started surfing professionally, I've
aimed to win the Rip Curl Cup, but first place has eluded me. To win that
event at Sunset really solidifies your reputation as a surfer because the
quality of the competitors and the waves are so challenging."

While its name sounds benign and romantic, the Rip Curl Cup venue of Sunset
Beach is truly one of the world's most daunting challenges for any surfer,
named in 2002 by the USA's Surfer Magazine as one of the "World's 10
Heaviest Waves".

With a takeoff area the size of a football field, Sunset's deep-water
offshore reef produces waves from four to 15 foot-plus - offering unique
rides that test a surfer's fitness, wave selection skills, courage,
maneuvering, tube-riding and ability to handle the heaviest imaginable
wipeouts.

Add the limited time pressure of competition, the US$250,000 prizemoney at
stake and the Cup's status as one of the most coveted of all event titles in
pro surfing, and it promises a dramatic spectacle, to say the least.

Other important factors add even more intrigue, pressure and potential
surprises.

As the second-last of 12 WCT's in 2003, the Rip Curl Cup will have a major
bearing on this year's world title and final world rankings. For the top 45
male surfers in the world, Sunset could make or break their career.

The Rip Curl Cup is also the second event of the Vans Triple Crown Of
Surfing - the most prestigious event series outside the World Championship
Tour - cranking up the pressure valve a little more.

Also crucially, the Rip Curl Cup is the only WCT this year with four-man
heats, forcing the top 45 competitors to re-think the strategies they have
employed throughout the year in the standard man-on-man competition format
used in all other WCT's.

The Vans Triple Crown Series features the world's top athletes competing in
three championship events in each of the following sports: Skateboarding,
Wakeboarding, Surfing, Snowboarding, BMX and Freestyle Motocross. The Series
is made possible through the support of Vans, the Xbox video game system
from Microsoft, Mountain Dew, Ford Trucks, Right Guard Xtreme Sport, Fox
Sports Net, Surfing Magazine and NBC Sports.

   Jesse Faen.

Sábado 15 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Beau Young Wins Event & Second World Title
Beau Young gana el campeonato y su segundo Título Mundial

   November 15, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) Australian Beau Young today won the Oxbow Pro Longboard championships and by doing so clinched his second ASP world title. The US$50,000 tournament commenced this morning with semifinals, before an Expression Session took place and then the event climax unfolded.

Good 4-5 ft (1.5m) surf was on offer, though onshore winds created bumpy wave faces.

Against Californian Joel Tudor in the 40-minute decider, the 2000 world
champ displayed a committed attack and executed some major backhand
re-entries. With their best three rides counting, the 29-year-old was able
to post a great 8.5 score, together with another 7.6 and 5.5 to seal victory
and achieve the ultimate goal before announcing his retirement from
competitive longboarding.

"It's bewildering," began Young, surrounded by Aussie mates afterward. "Such
a great moment and I seriously can't believe it. Joel's such a great surfer
and I was expecting a nine out of him at any point. I thought I gave my best
on that 8.5 though. It was hard with all the bumps out there, but who cares
(laughs)... I'm tripping right now.

"I guess nothing else came for him, and that always makes it tough," he
continued. "We both had to scramble to find three good waves, but I'm so
stoked. This is pretty much it for me - the best way to top of my career, no
doubt.

Father and four-time world titleholder Nat Young then offer the following
words: "As a proud father I'm just delighted. What a great result. There was
a period when Joel was just like a son to me too, so I wish it could have
been more blow-by-blow during the final, but Beau got those two bombs and
won it. He's in the history books as world champion times two. I'm immensely
proud, as is the entire family. He's put a lot of time into it and deserves
the rewards."

Tudor - the 1998 world champ - had earlier posted the best scores of the
2003 event, but wasn't able to find similar waves when it counted most. The
27-year-old earned two good rides near the start of the final, but never
secured the additional 8.11 he was waited patiently for. Despite having
beaten Young in '89, today's result marks the second time the placings have
been reversed.

"It was cool to surf against Beau and too see him win in front of his dad
was great," said Tudor. "I'm stoked my brother was here, but just wish the
ratings reflected all the events this year more so than just who wins the
last one. You can't cry over spilt milk though. I got second and that's
that. One person had sync and I didn't, while Beau had the rhythm.

"The judging was spot on and Beau deserved to win," he continued. "I'd catch
the smaller ones and then a bigger one would come right to him. These things
happen as you can't control Mother Nature."

Finishing equal third today in the Oxbow Pro Longboard championships were
Mathew Moir (SAfr) and three-time (1999, 2001 & '02) winner Colin McPhillips
(CA, USA). Moir was stopped by a determined Tudor in the first semifinal,
and despite surfing well, required another near-perfect ride worth 9.75
points. The South African still achieved his best ever result in the Oxbow
championships however, finishing the season rated sixth overall.

"I just caught the wrong waves," reasoned Moir. "I knew I needed to catch
the better, cleaner ones to beat him, but they didn't come through. I'm
really happy to have made it so far in the event, as I've been trying since
St. Leu (Reunion Is.) in '95. It's good to be up there now."

McPhillips' hopes of clinching a record equaling fourth world title were
squashed when Tudor reached the final, and then Young put an end to his
event campaign the following semi. The Californian played catch-up
throughout their clash, but after his opponent posted a final 8.25 ride,
McPhillips ultimately needed another worth 8.4 points. He finished the year
rated third.

"Some days you do good and others you do badly," said a disappointed
McPhillips. "Congratulations to Beau though. I was all fired up paddling out
for the match, as it looked really good, but every time I went to turn I hit
a bump. I felt super wobbly out there, but I guess you just had to be more
selective. I'll take third though."

An Expression Session gave the strong Raglan crowd more to enjoy, with 12 of
the world's best longboarders hitting the lineup. Jeremias da Silva (Brz)
won the best nose ride; Jye Byrnes (Aus) the best manoeuvre; Jason Ribbink
(SAfr) picked up the overall award, while Grant Thomas (Aus) was deemed the
most entertaining for his nude ride down the line. All earned an additional
US$500 for their efforts.

Oxbow Pro Longboard Final Results
1st Beau Young (Aus) 21.6 - US$7,000
2nd Joel Tudor (USA) 18.0 - US$ 3,500

Semifinals (1st>Final; 2nd=3rd receives US$1,750)
SF1: Joel Tudor (USA) 17.5 def. Mathew Moir (SAfr) 14.4
SF2: Beau Young (Aus) 15.4 def. Colin McPhillips (USA) 12.9

Final 2003 ASP Longboard Ratings
1. Beau Young (Aus) 2,455
2. Joel Tudor (USA) 2,400
3. Bonga Perkins (Haw) 1,923
4. Colin McPhillips (USA) 1,905
5. Taylor Jensen (USA) 1,860
6. Mathew Moir (SAfr) 1,770
7. Alex Salazar (Brz) 1,643
8. Paulo Kid (Brz) 1,540
9. Marcelo Freitas (Brz) 1,525
10. Jye Byrnes (Aus) 1,518
11. Amaro Matos (Brz) 1,500
=12. Grant Thomas (Aus); Jamie Viudes (Brz) 1,485
14. Phil Rajzman (Brz) 1,470
H16: Kekoa Uemura (Haw) vs. Jamie Viudes (Brz)

   Jesse Faen.

Viernes 14 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Tudor Leads World Title Charge Into Semifinals

   November 14, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) Californian Joel Tudor
today stormed into the Oxbow Pro Longboard semifinals and now leads this
year's world title race. Remaining round three heats of the US$50,000
tournament commenced this morning, with round four and quarterfinals
following this afternoon. The final day of this year's all-important event
is expected to climax tomorrow morning.

Clean 4-5 ft (1.5m) surf was on offer this morning. Onshore winds increased
throughout the day, but good waves persisted.

Tudor - the 1998 world champ - overcame ratings leader Taylor Jensen in
their anticipated round four clash this morning, posting a great 9-point
ride first wave. He then upped the ante against Hawaiian Duane DeSoto in the
quarterfinals, earning the event's best single score for a near-perfect
9.75. Together with another 8.0 ride, the 27-year-old secured the
tournament's highest combined total and holds the ratings advantage as the
final day looms.

"It was really difficult out there and the chops were like devil wind at
J-Bay (SAfr)," began Tudor, of conditions during this afternoon. "I've just
got to cross my fingers, gain momentum and hope I do well tomorrow. I'm
stoked though, and think I've got a pretty good shot. I'm not making any
claims, but we'll see what happens.

"He beat me in Biarritz, so I wasn't going to let that happen again," he
added, of eliminating Jensen. "He's only a grommet still - just 19 - so he's
still got a lot of experience to gain. It took me seven years to win a world
title. He'll definitely win one though, as he's the only kid on tour to
really give Bonga, Colin and myself a run for our money the past year."

Mathew Moir (SAfr) then created a major upset by eliminating 1996 world
champ and this year's #1 seed Bonga Perkins (Haw). Perkins, who finished
runner-up last year in Mexico, collected two eight plus scores in their
quarterfinal, but his South African opponent took control with a great 9.25
ride and commanding lead. He'll now face Tudor in a crucial semifinal bout,
though is unable to overtake his ratings lead.

"I was happy just to make the round I did last year in Mexico," explained
Moir, of reaching the quarterfinals. "I was so relaxed then, as I didn't
really have anything to lose. I just tried everything and it all paid off,
so I'm really happy.

"I'm just happy to make it this far and every heat I take as it comes," he
continued. "Joel's really good and getting a lot of great scores, so I'm
just going to try and do my best."

Reigning three-time (1999, 2001 & '02) winner Colin McPhillips (CA, USA) was
also in devastating form, eliminating Sam Bleakley (GB) and Lucas Proudfoot
(Aus) with some of the day's top scores, before edging out three-time Oxbow
runner-up Alex Salazar (Brz) in one of the closest of heats. The Californian
can only win a record equally fourth world title if he wins the event and
Tudor bows out prior to the final.

"That's definitely got to be my closest heat ever," reasoned McPhillips,
after the quarterfinal. "It didn't go as planned, or like my other heats. I
think we both let some good waves go by, thinking there would be more sets.
It was hard to figure out, but it sure was fun when you got a good one. I've
just got to keep the roll going and that's my plan."

2000 world champ Beau Young (Byron Bay, Aus) secured the fourth semifinal
spot. The Australian won three tight matches today, eliminating Brazilian
Augusto Saldanha in round three, fellow Australian Grant Thomas next, and
then Jamie Viudes (Brz) in the day's final heat. He'll face McPhillips in
the semifinals, and currently poses the greatest threat to Tudor's lead.
Should he reach the event climax against the Californian however, the winner
will take all the glory.

"All of my heats were really close," admitted Young. "It's been a little str
essful, but I'm through and feel like my scores are going to come. If I
actually get my act together for two more heats, I'll get some really high
scores.

"It was really nice to make some heats on his birthday, and pretty awesome
just to have him here with all my friends," he added, of his famous father
and four-time world longboard champion Nat, who celebrates his 56th birthday
today at Raglan.

A decision will be made tomorrow morning at 7am (local time) as to the final
day's schedule, with an Expression Session also planned to run.

Oxbow Pro Longboard Quarterfinals (1st>Semifinals; 2nd=5th receives
US$1,400)
QF1: Joel Tudor (USA) 17.75 def. Duane DeSoto (Haw) 14.75
QF2: Mathew Moir (SAfr) 17.5 def. Bonga Perkins (Haw) 16.5
QF3: Colin McPhillips (USA) 14.1 def. Alex Salazar (Brz) 14.0
QF4: Beau Young (Aus) 14.25 def. Jamie Viudes (Brz) 11.0

Round Four (1st>Quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$1,000)
H1: Joel Tudor (USA) 16.75 def. Taylor Jensen (USA) 10.1
H2: Duane DeSoto (Haw) 14.1 def. Danilo Rodrigo (Brz) 12.9
H3: Mathew Moir (SAfr) 15.15 def. Jeremias da Silva (Brz) 9.5
H4: Bonga Perkins (Haw) 15.6 def. Paulo Kid (Brz) 13.55
H5: Colin McPhillips (USA) 17.0 def. Lucas Proudfoot (Aus) 5.6
H6: Alex Salazar (Brz) 13.75 def. Amaro Matos (Brz) 12.0
H7: Beau Young (Aus) 13.85 def. Grant Thomas (Aus) 13.65
H8: Jamie Viudes (Brz) 14.5 def. Lee Ryan (GB) 12.7

Remaining Round Three Heats (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=17th receives US$800)
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw) 12.15 def. Justin Redman (Aus) 11.0
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA) 16.75 def. Sam Bleakley (GB) 9.75
H10: Lucas Proudfoot (Aus) 12.0 def. Sebastein Wilson (Aus) 9.8
H11: Amaro Matos (Brz) 12.5 def. Olimpio Batista (Brz) 10.5
H12: Alex Salazar (Brz) 15.25 def. Elliot Dudley (GB) 9.5
H13: Beau Young (Aus) 10.1 def. Augusto Saldanha (Brz) 8.65
H14: Grant Thomas (Aus) 13.75 def. Phil Rajzman (Brz) 12.65
H15: Lee Ryan (GB) 13.5 def. Jason Ribbink (SAfr) 13.25
H16: Jamie Viudes (Brz) 13.25 def. Kekoa Uemura (Haw) 12.75

   Jesse Faen.

Miércoles 12 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Competition Again Postponed

   November 12, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) The Oxbow Pro Longboard
was again postponed today due to continued small surf. Remaining third round
heats of the 12th annual US$50,000 tournament will meet again tomorrow
morning for a possible start if conditions improve overnight.

Small 1-2 ft (0.5m) waves were on offer at Raglan this morning, with onshore
winds and heavy rain.

Many of the world's top longboarders turned their competitive skills to
other mediums yesterday, with some hitting the local golf course, while
world champion father and son act - Nat and Beau Young - attacked a nearby
Hamilton tennis court with the same determination they've applied to their
surfing over the years.

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning at 7am (local time).

Remaining Round Three Heats (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=17th receives US$800)
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw) Justin Redman (Aus)
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA) vs. Sam Bleakley (GB)
H10: Sebastein Wilson (Aus) vs. Lucas Proudfoot (Aus)
H11: Amaro Matos (Brz) vs. Olimpio Batista (Brz)
H12: Alex Salazar (Brz) vs. Elliot Dudley (GB)
H13: Beau Young (Aus) vs. Augusto Suldanha (Brz)
H14: Phil Rajzman (Brz) vs. Grant Thomas (Aus)
H15: Jason Ribbink (SAfr) vs. Lee Ryan (GB)
H16: Kekoa Uemura (Haw) vs. Jamie Viudes (Brz)

   Jesse Faen.

Martes 11 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Competition Postponed Due To Small Surf

   November 11, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) The Oxbow Pro Longboard
was postponed today due to small surf. Remaining third round heats of the
12th annual US$50,000 tournament will meet again tomorrow morning at 7am
(local time).

Small 1-2 ft (0.5m) waves are on offer at Raglan today. A new swell is
predicted for later in the week, but organizers will evaluate conditions
each morning in the hopes of finishing the third round and then only having
one day left in which to complete the prestigious event in great waves.

Remaining Round Three Heats (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=17th receives US$800)
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw) Justin Redman (Aus)
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA) vs. Sam Bleakley (GB)
H10: Sebastein Wilson (Aus) vs. Lucas Proudfoot (Aus)
H11: Amaro Matos (Brz) vs. Olimpio Batista (Brz)
H12: Alex Salazar (Brz) vs. Elliot Dudley (GB)
H13: Beau Young (Aus) vs. Augusto Suldanha (Brz)
H14: Phil Rajzman (Brz) vs. Grant Thomas (Aus)
H15: Jason Ribbink (SAfr) vs. Lee Ryan (GB)
H16: Kekoa Uemura (Haw) vs. Jamie Viudes (Brz)

   Jesse Faen.

Lunes 10 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Competition Continues in Good Waves

   November 10, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) The Oxbow Pro Longboard
continued today in good waves. Remaining second round heats of the 12th
annual US$50,000 tournament were completed, before the first seven of the
next also unfolded this afternoon.

Clean 4ft (1.5m) surf was initially on offer at Raglan, though onshore winds
increased throughout the day and waves became less frequent on a dropping
swell.

1998 world champion Joel Tudor (CA, USA) continued his run through the Oxbow
Pro Longboard with a great win over Josh Constable (Aus). The Californian
was actually sick following his best 8.75 ride - having eaten lunch just
prior to paddling out - but still put on a fantastic display to move into
round four with the highest combined tally of the day for 16.25-points.

"Just the anxiety of the heat, and the fact I ate lunch beforehand,"
explained Tudor, of what caused him to be sick. "Those waves are really long
and take a lot out of you, but whatever it takes... I'm stoked to be
through."

Duane DeSoto (Haw) eliminated ratings #3 Jye Byrnes (Newcastle, Aus) in the
closest of round three heats, and thus ended the Australians world title
hopes. The pair actually tied on 14-points, but the Hawaiian's best 8.0 ride
was the heat's top score and pushed him through on a single wave count back.
Returning to competition after being out for the year due to a knee injury,
DeSoto is especially eager to secure the Oxbow trophy after being out of
contention for the world crown.

"I injured my knee again just before the European season this year, so it
blew my chances at the crown" explained DeSoto. "I just came to Raglan
hoping to win the contest. It'd be such a pleasure to take the Oxbow trophy.
I just had the meanest heat with Jye and beat him, so it gives me added
confidence. I'm stoked I drew him and made it."

South African Mathew Moir secured his fourth round berth with a great 8.5
ride in the dying moments against Hawaiian Keegan Edwards. The goofy
footer - who finished 5th in last year's Oxbow event - was trailing in the
close match, but then milked his last wave for all its worth to advance.

"I was pretty lucky with that last wave being my best," said Moir. "I needed
a 7.5, so at least I got that to make it. I just want to finish fifth or
better this year (laughs)."

Brazilians Danilo Rodrigo, Jeremias da Silva and Paulo Kid all progressed
into round four. Silva, a quarterfinalist in Mexico last year, was over the
moon following his two wins today. First he accounted for France's Timothee
Creignout with a couple of great rides, before scrapping past Ian Bell (Aus)
in a low scoring match this afternoon. Having borrowed the airfare money off
his brother to compete at Raglan, each round symbolizes a further repayment
for the always-smiling Saquarema resident.

"My brother gave me the money to come to New Zealand, so it's very good I
make the heats," said Silva. "I have no sponsors and it's difficult, so I
have to use the prizemoney to pay him back. It's very important I make the
quarterfinals, but congratulations to Oxbow for having the event here."

Britain's Sam Bleakley created an upset by eliminating seasoned Oxbow
competitor Zack Howard (CA, USA) this morning. The stylish natural footer
sealed victory with his final 7.10 ride, and will now face reigning
three-time (1999, 2001 & '02) winner Colin McPhillips (CA, USA) in round
three.

"It was a little bumpy and not as nice as yesterday, but I really enjoyed
that heat," said Bleakley. "I wasn't really worried about the result, and
was just enjoying the chance to surf one of the best lefts in the world with
only one other guy. I've been doing this tour for the past two years and
haven't progressed past this, so pretty nice to make round three. Zack
Howard is one of the best longboarders in the world and he always does
really well on tour, so to beat him is a great result for me."

Lucas Proudfoot (Cabarita, Aus) took advantage of the long lefthanders to
progress past Antoine Cardonnet (Fra) in round two. The goofy footer snapped
his surfboard prior to competing this morning and was forced to borrow one,
but quickly adopted.

"The whole event started with an awesome ceremony, and we've been getting
good waves," said Proudfoot. "The local indigenous people are really nice
and there's a good feeling here. I'm just happy to be surfing a lefthand
point, coming from the land of rights where I live. I just tried to get two
good waves down past the judging tower and do as much as possible. I snapped
my board clean in half this morning, so I'm borrowing a board now. It goes
well, so I'm stoked."

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning at 7am (local time).

Round Two Heats (1st>Rnd3; 2nd=33rd receives US$600)
H5: Kekoa Uemura (Haw) 15.25 def. Anri Nabeshima (Jpn) 7.75
H6: Jonathan Larcher (Fra) 12.75 def. Luis Bento (Port) 9.4
H7: Sebastein Wilson (Aus) 13.75 def. Diego Rosa (Brz) 12.25
H8: Paulo Kid (Brz) 15.25 def. Dwayne Paenga (NZ) 12.4
H9: Lucas Proudfoot (Aus) 13.8 def. Antoine Cardonnet (Fra) 12.4
H10: Jamie Viudes (Brz) 13.45 def. Antoine Delpero (Fra) 13.2
H11: Elliot Dudley (GB) 11.35 def. Ben Skinner (GB) 11.25
H12: Sam Bleakly (GB) 13.35 def. Zack Howard (USA) 12.0
H13: Jeremias da Silva (Brz) 14.35 def. Timothee Creignout (Fra) 9.8
H14: Augusto Suldanha (Brz) 14.75 def. Bart Wilson (Aus) 11.65
H15: Olimpio Batista (Brz) 12.75 def. Darren Ledingham (USA) 12.25
H16: Lee Ryan (GB) 12.0 def. Thibaut Dussarat (Fra) 11.65

Round Three (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=17th receives US$800)
H2: Joel Tudor (USA) 16.25 def. Josh Constable (Aus) 14.55
H1: Taylor Jensen (USA) 13.9 def. Eduardo Bage (Brz) 12.15
H3: Danilo Rodrigo (Brz) 13.5 def. Jonathan Larcher (Fra) 12.85
H4: Duane DeSoto (Haw) 14.0 def. Jye Byrnes (Aus) 14.0
H5: Mathew Moir (SAfr) 15.5 def. Keegan Edwards (Haw) 14.15
H6: Jeremias da Silva (Brz) 9.25 def. Ian Bell (Aus) 6.65
H7: Paulo Kid (Brz) 14.5 def. Marcelo Freitas (Brz) 11.1

Remaining Round Three Heats (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=17th receives US$800)
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw) Justin Redman (Aus)
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA) vs. Sam Bleakley (GB)
H10: Sebastein Wilson (Aus) vs. Lucas Proudfoot (Aus)
H11: Amaro Matos (Brz) vs. Olimpio Batista (Brz)
H12: Alex Salazar (Brz) vs. Elliot Dudley (GB)
H13: Beau Young (Aus) vs. Augusto Suldanha (Brz)
H14: Phil Rajzman (Brz) vs. Grant Thomas (Aus)
H15: Jason Ribbink (SAfr) vs. Lee Ryan (GB)
H16: Kekoa Uemura (Haw) vs. Jamie Viudes (Brz)

   Jesse Faen.

Domingo 9 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Competition Commences in Great Surf

   November 9, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) The Oxbow Pro Longboard
commenced today in great waves. Round one of the 12th annual US$50,000
tournament was completed, before the first four heats of round two were also
run this afternoon with one major upset unfolding.

A swell increase overnight produced solid 4-6 ft (1.6-2m) surf at Raglan,
with slight onshore winds creating crumbling lips perfectly suited for
re-entries. The world's top rated longboarders put on a great display for
the enthusiasts who ventured down to check out the surfing action.

1998 world champion and prodigious longboarder Joel Tudor (CA, USA) weaved
his classic style across the long lefthanders for a win over Jye Byrnes
(Aus) and Anri Nabeshima - the sole Japanese entrant in the 2003 Oxbow Pro
Longboard championships. Despite having semi-retired from competitive
longboarding, Tudor opted to return this season mainly due to the epic point
break chosen.

"The fact it was going to be held at a left was kind of encouraging to
comeback," explained Tudor. "In the past 10 years it's only been held in two
other lefts. Reunion Island (1995) was last time. I'm somewhat retired from
all this, but my brother also had a break in his work schedule, so its great
to come here together. I've been to New Zealand's airport a bunch of times,
but this is the first trip to Raglan and it's unreal.

"It's great as I get to see Beau (Young) and all the European guys," he
added, of being around the event again. "There's no real jealousy trips
among the longboard guys, so we all have a good time together and just check
out each others surfing."

Brazilian Danilo Rodrigo caused an upset by defeating 2000 world champion
Beau Young (Aus) and fellow countrymen Luis Juquinha this morning. The
stocky natural footer picked off a good ride to take the heat; advancing
directly into round three while his opponents were forced to contest the
'losers' second round.

"It was a hard heat but I was lucky to get a good wave," said Rodrigo. "This
is my first time to New Zealand, but it's so beautiful and such a good
wave."

Young later took on local Raglan wildcard Michael Thomson in round two this
afternoon. Despite a slow start and some initial falls, the Australian
turned on the goods towards the end with some huge backhand re-entries and
one extremely critical floater for a 9.0, equaling the day's highest
combined total of 17-points.

"I was pretty upset with this morning's effort as I couldn't really figure
out where to sit," explained Young. "I felt like I was surfing alright, but
the scores I was getting weren't great, so it was nice to get a few good
ones then and know I'm still surfing OK. You kind of wonder when you're only
getting fours and fives (laughs)."

1996 world champ Bonga Perkins (Haw), who finished runner-up last year,
dominated his opening clash with Lucas Proudfoot (Aus) and local Raglan
wildcard Michael Thomson (NZ). The Hawaiian displayed great form with
committed backhand re-entries and some good nose rides through the inside
section.

"It's great to be here at a world-class lefthander," said Perkins. "We're at
the last event of the tour and we've got some waves, so it's great for
everybody. These are the biggest waves we've had all year on tour, so
everyone is pretty excited and there should be some great surfing."

Reigning three-time (1999, 2001 & '02) Oxbow champ Colin McPhillips (CA,
USA) also advanced directly into round three with a win over Ian Bell (Aus)
and local wildcard Kelly Ryan (NZ). Despite the obvious pressures associated
with be the defending champ, the 28-year-old Californian was relaxed and
just happy to be at Raglan.

"I got the first heat under the belt, so it feels good," said McPhillips.
"It was a bit of a shaky one actually. I opened with a big set, but it was
so bouncy, and then I fell on a couple of waves. I'm happy to just get the
initial shakes out of the way. We'll see what happens."

Current ratings leaders Taylor Jensen (CA, USA) also won a close first round
heat against Justin Redman (West Aus) and Jonathan Larcher (Fra). The
19-year-old admitted feeling somewhat under prepared for a backhand assault
at Raglan, but hopes to find his form throughout the event.

"That heat was tough," reasoned Jensen. "The wind came up, but there was
still a few waves through the inside and I stuck around there and got lucky.
Being the point's leader at the moment is amazing. I didn't expect it this
year at all, but to come here is really fun. I would have rather had a
righthand point break (laughs), but overall I'm happy and will get some work
in on my backhand, which I need."

Redman then went on to create the day's biggest upset, eliminating current
ratings #4 and fellow Australian David Simons in their round two decider.
The West Australian goofy footer laid down some big cutbacks and took an
early lead. Simons fought back toward the end with the heat's top single
score of 6.75, but was unable to secure another needed 5.6 as time elapsed.

"Dave's a great surfer and I'm sure he really wanted to beat me, since it
means a lot more to him cause of the ratings," reasoned Redman. "But I want
to do good as well, so I'm stoked to get through a heat. I didn't want to
come here at get last, even though the level is so high. I didn't want to go
home a loser, so at least now I've got something to say."

South Africans Jason Ribbink and Mathew Moir also secured big wins today.
The 2001 event runner-up earned the best single and combined scores of the
day, with a near-perfect 9.25 first wave, while Moir was convincing against
Dwayne Paenga (NZ) and Zack Howard (USA).

"The waves have been really good," said Moir. "It's a great longboard wave,
and at home there's a place I surf which is similar to here, so it's been
good practice."

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning at 7am (local time) as to the
day's schedule, with a probably 7:30am start for remaining round two heats.

Round One Oxbow Pro Longboard (1st>Rnd3; 2nd,3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Alex Salazar (Brz) 11.5; Jeremias da Silva (Brz) 11.35; Antoine
Cardonnet (Fra) 10.5
H2: Mathew Moir (SAfr) 14.9; Dwayne Paenga (NZ) 11.75; Zack Howard (USA)
10.25
H3: Amaro Matos (Brz) 13.75; Diego Rosa (Brz) 12.3; Elliot Dudley (GB) 6.1
H4: Jason Ribbink (SAfr) 17.0; Jamie Viudes (Brz) 11.9; Luis Bento (Port)
8.25
H5: Grant Thomas (Aus) 13.25; David Simmons (Aus) 12.9; Sam Beakley (GB)
8.05
H6: Joel Tudor (USA) 16.5; Jye Byrnes (Aus) 15.25; Anri Nabeshima (Jpn) 7.0
H7: Danilo Rodrigo (Brz) 13.4; Beau Young (Aus) 13.0; Luis Juquinha (Brz)
8.4
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw) 16.5; Lucas Proudfoot (Aus) 13.65; Michael Thomson
(NZ) 8.35
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA) 14.15; Ian Bell (Aus) 13.4; Ryan Kelly (NZ) 7.9
H10: Jensen Taylor (USA) 13.15; Justin Redman (Aus) 13.0; Jonathan Larcher
(Fra) 11.6
H11: Keegan Edwards (Haw) 13.6; Kekoa Uemura (Haw) 13.15; Antoine Delpero
(Fra) 11.1
H12: Josh Constable (Aus) 14.5; Ben Skinner (GB) 11.0; Bart Wilson (Aus)
10.45
H13: Phil Rajzman (Brz) 12.5; Olimpio Batista (Brz) 12.4; Timothee Creignout
(Fra) 7.1
H14: Duane DeSoto (Haw) 12.75; Sebastein Wilson (Aus) 9.65; Lee Ryan (GB)
4.15
H15: Eduardo Bage (Brz) 14.5; Paulo Kid (Brz) 11.85; Darren Ledingham (USA)
9.5
H16: Marcelo Freitas (Brz) 16.0; Augusto Saldanha (Brz) 9.25; Thibaut
Dussarat (Fra) 8.0

Round Two (1st>Rnd3; 2nd=33rd receives US$600)
H1: Beau Young (Aus) 17.0 def. Michael Thomson (NZ) 7.2
H2: Jye Byrnes (Aus) 16.75 def. Ryan Kelly (NZ) 9.75
H3: Justin Redman (Aus) 12.35 def. David Simons (Aus) 11.75
H4: Ian Bell (Aus) 13.5 def. Luis Juquinha (Brz) 12.75

Remaining Round Two Heats (1st>Rnd3; 2nd=33rd receives US$600)
H5: Kekoa Uemura (Haw) vs. Anri Nabeshima (Jpn)
H6: Jonathan Larcher (Fra) vs. Luis Bento (Port)
H7: Sebastein Wilson (Aus) vs. Diego Rosa (Brz)
H8: Paulo Kid (Brz) vs. Dwayne Paenga (NZ)
H9: Lucas Proudfoot (Aus) vs. Antoine Cardonnet (Fra)
H10: Jamie Viudes (Brz) vs. Antoine Delpero (Fra)
H11: Elliot Dudley (GB) vs. Ben Skinner (GB)
H12: Zack Howard (USA) vs. Sam Bleakly (GB)
H13: Jeremias da Silva (Brz) vs. Timothee Creignout (Fra)
H14: Bart Wilson (Aus) vs. Augusto Suldanha (Brz)
H15: Olimpio Batista (Brz) vs. Darren Ledingham (USA)
H16: Lee Ryan (GB) vs. Thibaut Dussarat (Fra)

   Jesse Faen.

Viernes 7 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand
Competition Postponed Due To Stormy Conditions

   November 8, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) The 12th annual Oxbow World
Longboard Championships were again postponed this morning due to stormy
conditions. Round one of the prestigious US$50,000 is expected to commence
tomorrow, following a swell increase and change of wind direction this
afternoon.

Strong onshore northwest winds and messy 2ft (0.6m) surf was on offer this
morning at Raglan.

Contest director Daniel Kereopa explained winds are predicted to swing to
the south later today however, creating more ideal wave faces as the new
swell arrives

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning at 7am (local time) as to the
day's schedule.

Upcoming Heats in the 2003 Oxbow World Championships (1st>Rnd3;
2nd,3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Alex Salazar (Brz); Jeremias da Silva (Brz); Antoine Cardonnet (Fra)
H2: Mathew Moir (SAfr); Zack Howard (USA); Dwayne Paenga (Aus)
H3: Amaro Matos (Brz); Elliot Dudley (GB); Diego Rosa (Brz)
H4: Jason Ribbink (SAfr); Jamie Viudes (Brz); Luis Bento (Port)
H5: David Simmons (Aus); Grant Thomas (Aus); Sam Beakley (GB)
H6: Jye Byrnes (Aus); Joel Tudor (USA); Anri Nabeshima (Jpn)
H7: Beau Young (Aus); Danilo Rodrigo (Brz); Luis Juquinha (Brz)
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw); Lucas Proudfoot (Aus); Michael Thomson (NZ)
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA); Ian Bell (Aus); Ryan Kelly (NZ)
H10: Jensen Taylor (USA); Jonathan Larcher (Fra); Daniel Redman (Aus)
H11: Kekoa Uemura (Haw); Keegan Edwards (Haw); Antoine Delpero (Fra)
H12: Josh Constable (Aus); Bart Wilson (Aus); Ben Skinner (GB)
H13: Phil Rajzman (Brz); Olimpio Batista (Brz); Timothee Creignout (Fra)
H14: Sebastein Wilson (Aus); Lee Ryan (GB); Duane DeSoto (Haw)
H15: Paulo Kid (Brz); Eduardo Bage (Brz); Darren Ledingham (USA)
H16: Marcelo Freitas (Brz); Thibaut Dussarat (Fra); Augusto Suldanha (Brz)

   Jesse Faen.

Jueves 6 de Noviembre 2003

Oxbow Longboard Championships
2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT)
New Zealand

   November 7, 2003 (Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand) The 12th annual Oxbow World Longboard Championships entered its official waiting period this morning, though competition was postponed due to onshore winds. The prestigious US$50,000 event marks the conclusion of the 2003 World Longboard Tour (WLT) and will be the crowning venue for this year's Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) world longboard champion.

Raglan - New Zealand's perfect lefthander at Manu Bay - is an ideal location for the hugely successful Oxbow championships. Unfortunately onshore winds plagued the 3ft (1m) waves on offer this morning, but many competitors still made use of the practice prior to their opening heats.

Following the four qualifying competitions earlier this year in Brazil, Portugal, Spain and France - 12 of the 48 participants can still hope to take home the illustrious world crown.

The Californians are hot favourites, with three of their finest
representatives currently ranked 1st, 2nd and 4th on the ratings - namely
newcomer Taylor Jensen, followed by longboard prodigy and 1998 world
champion Joel Tudor, and defending three-time (1999, 2001 & '02) winner
Colin McPhillips.

"I'm super excited," said McPhillips, onsite this morning. "Raglan's one of
those places I've always wanted to go to and it's so beautiful here. The
wave is a great longboard venue and I've surfed it for the past three days
now, so am super excited to get the contest going and finish off the season.
Hopefully it will turn out good like the last two years, but however it
goes, I've had fun this whole year and I think everyone's stoked to be
here."

Contrary to previous editions, Hawaii is represented by a single surfer in
the top 12 - 1996 world champ and last year's runner-up Bonga Perkins. This
situation is rare given the strength of the Hawaiians and their team spirit,
which have resulted in five previous world titles. Perkins, who recently won
the Converse Hawaiian Open, is particularly fond of lefthanders though, and
Raglan offers a wave he's itching to ride.

South Africa's Jason Ribbink is in third position, despite a European
qualifying season of small surf. He was a worthy runner-up to McPhillips in
2001, and fully intends to make the most of his current position.

The Australians have four surfers still within range. Their leader, 2000
world champion Beau Young, is currently ranked 6th. His immaculate style
could really make the difference on the long Raglan wave, and fellow
countrymen Jye Byrnes, David Simons and Josh Constable will undoubtedly do
Australia proud.

Among the five nations represented in the top 12, Brazil undeniably boasts
the largest contingent. Alex Salazar, 3-time runner-up in the world
championship, Phil Rajzman - winner of this year's opening competition - and
Marcelo Freitas, the winner of the third leg in San Sebastian and 1999
runner-up. They're ranked 7th, 8th and 9th respectively, and are determined
to ward off the ill fortune that has 'til now deprived them of a world
title.

France has never had so many representatives, with six competitors here in
New Zealand. Although this season's podium is now out of reach, French
captain Jonathan Larcher - 5th in last year's world rankings and current
European leader, and his runner-up Antoine Cardonnet, will lead the French
delegation. The young generation, with Timothee Creignout and Antoine
Delpero, also show great promise.

Finally, two wildcards have been given to New Zealand surfers Kelly Ryan -
the national longboard champion - and the formidable Mike Thomson, member of
the Raglan surf club, acting as host to the event. Their intimate knowledge
of the spot gives them a definite advantage and they could well turn out to
be dangerous contenders up against the worlds' best.

Meanwhile, a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony was held last night to
greet the 2003 Oxbow World Longboard Championships.

Contestants and supporters were welcomed on to the marae (Maori fortress)
where local elders gave a brief history of the land, ocean and tribes of
Raglan. Oxbow representative Thierry Fouchet and three-time world champion
Colin McPhillips spoke on behalf of the surfers, thanking the local
community for allowing the event to take place at such an amazing location.

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning at 7am (local time) as to the
day's schedule, with competition expected to commence.

Upcoming Heats in the 2003 Oxbow World Championships (1st>Rnd3;
2nd,3rd>Rnd2)
H1: Alex Salazar (Brz); Jeremias da Silva (Brz); Antoine Cardonnet (Fra)
H2: Mathew Moir (SAfr); Zack Howard (USA); Dwayne Paenga (Aus)
H3: Amaro Matos (Brz); Elliot Dudley (GB); Diego Rosa (Brz)
H4: Jason Ribbink (SAfr); Jamie Viudes (Brz); Luis Bento (Port)
H5: David Simmons (Aus); Grant Thomas (Aus); Sam Beakley (GB)
H6: Jye Byrnes (Aus); Joel Tudor (USA); Anri Nabeshima (Jpn)
H7: Beau Young (Aus); Danilo Rodrigo (Brz); Luis Juquinha (Brz)
H8: Bonga Perkins (Haw); Lucas Proudfoot (Aus); Michael Thomson (NZ)
H9: Colin McPhillips (USA); Ian Bell (Aus); Ryan Kelly (NZ)
H10: Jensen Taylor (USA); Jonathan Larcher (Fra); Daniel Redman (Aus)
H11: Kekoa Uemura (Haw); Keegan Edwards (Haw); Antoine Delpero (Fra)
H12: Josh Constable (Aus); Bart Wilson (Aus); Ben Skinner (GB)
H13: Phil Rajzman (Brz); Olimpio Batista (Brz); Timothee Creignout (Fra)
H14: Sebastein Wilson (Aus); Lee Ryan (GB); Duane DeSoto (Haw)
H15: Paulo Kid (Brz); Eduardo Bage (Brz); Darren Ledingham (USA)
H16: Marcelo Freitas (Brz); Thibaut Dussarat (Fra); Augusto Suldanha (Brz)

Results of the qualifying events for the 2003 Oxbow World Longboard
Championships
1. Oxbow Pro Longboard - Maresias - Brazil
1st Phil Rajzman (Brz); 2nd Jason Ribbink (SAfr); 3rd Amaro Matos (Brz); 4th
Jye Byrnes (Aus)
2. Caparica Longboard Pro - Portugal
1st Joel Tudor (USA); 2nd Paulo Kid (Brz); 3rd Bonga Perkins (Haw); 4th
Thomas Grant (Aus)
3. Longboard Classic San Sebastian - Spain
1st Marcelo Freitas (Brz); 2nd Beau Young (Aus); 3rd David Simons (Aus); 4th
Danilo Rodrigo (Brz)
4. Biarritz Surf Festival - France
1st Taylor Jensen (USA); 2nd Josh Constable (Aus); 3rd Bonga Perkins (Haw);
4th Beau Young (Aus)

Martes 4 de Noviembre 2003

Nova Schin Festival WCT Brasil 2003
Slater Wins Fourth Title & Extends Lead

   November 4, 2003 (Joaquina, Florianopolis, Brasil) Six-time world champion
Kelly Slater (FL, USA) today moved a major step closer towards clinching a
record seventh crown by winning the Nova Schin Festival WCT Brasil over Mick
Fanning (Gold Coast, Aus). The US$250,000 ASP World Championship Tournament
(WCT) relocated two hours drive south to Imbituba, with round four of
kicking off the action. A capacity beach crowd with tens of thousands then
watched as the final rounds unfolded this afternoon.

Solid 6ft (2m) surf was on offer at Praia Da Vila, with the best waves seen
during the entire event. Long righthanders reminiscent of Haleiwa, Hawaii,
gave competitors plenty of room to perform multiple maneuvers down the line.

Slater, fresh from a third WCT win in Spain last event, marked his territory
throughout today's business end of the draw with incredible surfing. The
31-year-old posted the only perfect 10 of the tournament, together with the
highest combined total of 18.67-points during the quarterfinals. Then in the
main decider he created an early lead. The lead changed midway, but the
Floridian then nailed his 27th event title with the final's top score of
9.37-points.

"This is the craziest crowd I've ever seen in my life," began Slater, over
the deafening sound of thousands surrounding him. "I thought it was mad when
I first started, but this is heavy. Andy was really running away there (on
the ratings), and we were all trying to play catch up, so to match him with
four wins feels amazing.

"I couldn't hear the scores, but I knew Mick got the score he was needing
halfway," he continued, of the final itself. "So I needed a good wave,
basically, and I guess I pulled it off. I didn't see his last wave, but he's
been surfing so well. Neither of us could hear what happened for about
two-minutes after, but it's a pretty awesome feeling to come off the beach
to applause like that.

"I'm excited," he added, of the coming events in Hawaii. "For me personally,
it was real important to try and win this contest after Andy fell out and
Taj lost yesterday. Right now everyone is there together at the top... This
sea of people is incredible though. You come to Brazil and feel like a rock
star."

Fanning had been stopped in four semifinals earlier this season, but finally
broke the voodoo to face Slater today. The 2002 ASP 'Rookie of the Year'
then took it to the champ and held the lead toward the end after his best
8.17 ride. Following his opponent's last wave however, the 22-year-old
required an additional 8.21 score. He caught another, but only posted a 7.93
and was forced to settle with his second consecutive runner-up finish in
Brazil.

"It feels good to have made the final," said Fanning. "I'm a little
frustrated right now, as I thought if I could just get a good wave I could
have done something. I was really tired... but that's just the way it goes.
I'm stoked to have come back to Brazil and made another final, but sick of
getting second here (laughs). I'd just like to thank all the Brazilian
people. They've been incredible and just made my trip so enjoyable.
Obrigado.

"I'm pretty psyched for Hawaii," he added. "But right now I'm going to have
a beer with the boys."

Equal third were Taylor Knox (CA, USA) and Brazilian wildcard Renan Rocha -
both collecting US$10,000. Knox was stopped by an in-form Fanning, who left
the Californian searching for a combination of rides worth 16.95-points. His
third semifinal finish of the year cemented his current #7 position.

"That heat went so badly for me it's funny and I'm not even mad about it,"
said Knox. "I gave him a good wave at the beginning and he was in rhythm and
I never got in it. I'm kind of surprised I did so well in this event since
the airlines broke some of my boards on the way over and I never felt like I
 had the right equipment.

"He's actually going to buy me a business-class seat home because of that,"
he added of Slater's pledge, following Irons elimination to Knox. "Off to
Hawaii next, so the tour goes on."

Rocha, a seasoned WCT campaigner who fell off the elite ranks last year,
continued his great run past fellow countryman Peterson Rosa this morning
and then Kieren Perrow (Bryon Bay, Aus) in the quarters. Against Slater his
tactics of catching lefts resulted in some great rides, but unfortunately
didn't match the scores of his opponent. Nonetheless, he carried the pride
of the massive crowd furthest and did them extremely proud.

"Kelly's the best surfer in the world, as everyone knows," began Rocha. "I
was looking for the lefts to get some nice waves and try to get the big
scores. It was just so unbelievable to be out there with this crowd. I'm so
stoked to feel something like that, with the public sending me such good
vibes. I can't forget this."