ATTENTION: ISA Members, please forward this Newsletter to all of your members, circulate also in any surf related website of your organization, and/or any entity affiliated with your organization. Thank you.

CONTENTS

1. ISA Events

2. ISA Calendar 
3. Contact Updates

5. International News

6. Contact the ISA

The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships 2003 results are posted with photos on the ISA website, www.isasurf.org.

Complimentary high and low-resolution images for newspapers, magazines and Internet sites will be available during and after the event from Pierre Tostee: tostee@tostee.com.

Media related inquiries can be directed to Life's a Beach Communications.

Contact: Paul Botha, e-mail: lifesabeach@mweb.co.za.

All other WJSG inquiries please contact Robin de Kock, WJSC Event Organizer rosadian@iafrica.com or Lindsay Nelson, ISA Office Manager lindsay@isasurf.org.

*An ISA Sanctioned Event

The ISA Calendar is available on the ISA website. Click here.

For the full and updated list of the ISA National Governing Bodies, please go to the ISA website, www.isasurf.org, or simply click here.  Please inform the ISA Headquarters (lindsay@isasurf.org) if there are any updates to your NGB contact information. Thank you.

EUROPEAN SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003
Friday 14 - Sunday 23 November, Gran Canaria - Canary Islands - Spain

For more information, please visit www.eurosurfing.org or contact the Federacion Espanola de Surf at bodyboard@terra.es.

EUROPEAN TOUR OF BODYBOARD 2003 (ETB) - LACANAU BODYBOARD PRO

19 – 21 September, Lacanau, France

1. Kira Llewellyn, AUST
2. Marina Taylor, SPN
3. Rita Pires, POR
4. Heloise Bourroux, FRA

Next Event: Bodyboard Open and Ladies, Portugal – Oeiras Bodyboard Pro – December 12 – 14

All these events are IBA Regional.

Calendar and results submitted by Rui Felix, ESF afelix@mail.telepac.pt.

For more information, please visit www.eurosurfing.org.

INDEPENDENCE PRO CLASSIC

November 8 – 9, 2003 at ‘Soup Bowl’, Bathsheba, Barbados

November 8^th & 9^th are the dates set for the Independence Pro Classic coming off in the world famous "Soup Bowl", Bathsheba. This event has grown to become the largest pro event in the Southern Caribbean. Past winners include Kelly Slater, Dean Randazzo, Asher Nolan and Mark Holder. Total prize purse is US$7500, with entry fee for the event at US$50. Entries will close on Friday, November 7^th on the beach at the Bowl. For further information, please email Andrew Lewis, BSA at bsasurf@sunbeach.net

Excerpt from BSA website, http://www.bsasurf.org/

BRAZILIAN SURFING CIRCUIT’S ROBERTO VALERIO CUP, FINAL COMPETITION

October 10 – 12, Batuba Beach, Ilheus, Bahia

The Roberto Valerio Cup of the Brazilian surfing circuit for the season of 2003 will have its 8th and last competition at Batuba beach in Olivenca, which is in Ilheus, the state of Bahia. This competition will be held from the 10^th - 12th of October. This will be the 2nd year that Maresia Ilheus Open of surfing will be held in Ilheus. There will be the following categories: Open, Junior (up to 18 years old), Grommets (up to 16), womens open, junior and also a beginner’s category (up to 14).

The event will start a week after the 7th competition of the series, which will be held from the 3rd through the 5th, at D'Ule beach in Vila Velha, in the state of Espiritu Santo.

The Roberto Valerio Cup, in honor of one of the biggest supporters of Brazilian surf, will be given to the team that sums up the most points in the ranking at the end of the circuit. A team would have had to participate in at least 3 of the 8 competitions to be in the final ranking. The state of Santa Catarina is leading the way with 5,610 points and could be the first ones to put their hands on the cup, with the team from Sao Paulo close behind with 5,239 points, the team from Rio with 5,059, and the team from Bahia with 3,589 points.
 
 

Attractions: Besides the individual and team competitions, the Maresia Ilheus Open of Surf will have various attractions. Amongst them is a course to be taught by CBS's Technical Director, Jordao Bailo Jr. regarding the different functions of the Technical Commission of a competition, like judging, beach marshal, beach officials and head judges, etc. The course is open to all and costs 100 Reales, (about $45 USD).
 
 

On the 10th and 11th at night there will be course presented by Jorge, (better known as Rasta) regarding life saving techniques, and bringing awareness to the surfers that sense of solidarity, showing them how pleasure could get them involved in a real life saving possibilities.

Also on the 11th, the rock/pop band, Carbono 14 and guests will be there to do a show. The place where the show is to be held is still to be announced.
 
 

The stage of the competition will have such personalities such as one of the ISA's 4 Vice-Presidents, Maile H. Aguerre, the Mayor of Ilheus, Jabes Ribeiro, first lady, Adriana Ribeiro. The Minister of Sports, Agnelo Queiroz, has promised to attend the event, though he hasn't confirmed his presence. .
 
 

The President of the Federacao Baiana de Surf, (FBS), Adalvo Argolo is confident of the success of the event, " Ilheus is a traditional surfing city, with 30 years of experience and have had many glories. This is a prize event for the city, and I am certain that people will come in masses to ...the new generation of Brazilian Surf." commented Adalvo, who also is the Vice-President of the Confederacao Brasileira de Surf, (CBS).
 
 

The Maresia Ilheus Open de Surf is being put on by the Federacao Baiana de Surf, (FBS) under the supervision of the CBS, the Brazilian Olympic Committee, (COB), and the Minister of Sports. The event is sponsored by Maresia, Backdoor, the Mayors office, and co-sponsored by Bullys, Mar Revolto, Surfing Series, Dion, Fetur e Bahiatursa, along with the support of Calango, the newspaper Jornal A Regiao, radios Morena FM and Gabriela FM, and the surf magazine Fluir.
 
 

Report submitted by Ader Oliveira, CBS aderoliveira@fbsurf.com.br

CONFERDERACAO BRASILIERA DE SURF (CBS) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 
3 – 5 October, 7th Brazilian Circuit of Surf, Vila Velha, ES
10 – 12 October, 8th Brazilian Circuit of Surf, Ilheus, BA

FEDERACION TICA DE SURF (FTS) – 4^th NATIONAL CIRCUIT OF SURF COSTA RICA

The following is a short summary of the 4^th National Circuit of Surf Costa Rica. Should you require further information, please contact Valerie Raust, FTS Secretary at surfingcr@hotmail.com or visit FTS website at: www.surfingcr.com

Oct. 11 – 12, Playa Esterillo, 4 star

Nov. 15 – 16, Playa Negra, 5 star

Dec. 13 – 14, Playa Dominical, 5 star

Jan. 10 – 11, 2004, Puerto Viejo, 6 star

Feb. 14 – 15, Mail Pais, 5 star

Mar. 13 – 14, Playa Hermosa, 4 star

Apr. 3 – 4, Playa Hermosa, 6 star
 

Report submitted by Marcelo Blacksmith, mherrero@racsa.co.cr
 
 

JAMAICA SURFING ASSOCIATION - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 29, First NQS Event, Makka Surfing Beach, St. Thomas

December 13, Second NQS Event, Peenie Wally Surfing Beach, Buff Bay, Portland

December 27, Final NQS Event, Boston Beach, Portland
Calendar submitted by Billy Wilmot, JSA billymystic@cwjamaica.com

RIP CURL GROMSEARCH SERIES – EVENT 3

September 27 – 28, Gisborne

Gisborne’s "Stock Route" at the southern end of Wainui Beach was again the contest venue for day 2 of the Rip Curl GromSearch Series, contest 3. Two-foot waves were on offer, which saw some very mature and exciting surfing by New Zealand’s elite and up and coming age group surfers. Age groups contested: Boys and Girls Under 16, 14 and 12. All heats and finals were very close encounters and saw the lead change hands many times, which is an indication of the standard of surfing at this level.
 

The Rip Curl GromSearch series was introduced into NZ in 2002 as part of a talent identification program to provide quality competitive opportunities for junior surfers. Rip Curl has expanded the GromSearch series to four events for 2003 to assist SNZ identify a key group of young athletes who will be NZ’s future high profile surfers.
 

The final contest of the series is scheduled for December 13 – 14 in Muriwai and will decide the series champions for the 6 divisions for 2003. For further information regarding the event, please contact Terry McMillan at terrym@gdc.govt.nz. Results below:

U16 Boys

1. Richard Christie, Mahia
2. Morehu Roberts, Rag
3. Dean Amess, Whmata
4. Joe Nicole, Gis

1. Tim O’Connor, BOP
2. Eli Jacobs, Tara
3. Matt Young, Waihi
4. Levi O’Connor, Kai

1. Karne Pitcher, Whmata
2. Stefan White, Whmata
3. Ryan Pickett, Whmata
4. Braedon Williams, Whmata

1. Jessica Welch, Gis
2. Airini Mason, Gis
3. Clare Thompson, Gis
4. Misha Davis, Piha

1. Airini Mason
2. Jessica Welch, Gis
3. Laura Rishworth, Whtane
4. Wini Paul, Nrthlnd

1. Maddy Phillips, Akl
2. Renee Pearson, Gis
3. Ella Williams, Coro
4. Sarah Mason, Gis

GLOBE 2003 AUCKLAND SURFING CHAMPS
November 8 0 9, Maori Bay

The Globe 2003 Auckland Surfing Champs will be held at Maori Bay on Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th of November hosted by Maori Bay Boardriders. The Four Divisions are Open Men's, Senior Men's (30+), Junior Men's (-18) and Open Women. Please note the date of the Auckland Champs was set on the Surfing NZ calendar for the 1st & 2nd of November at Piha. This has been changed to 8^th & 9th of November at Maori Bay. Enquiries to: Mike Massey mike@pasifikatrading.co.nz

Report submitted by Steve Ria, SNZ

2003 OXBOW PRO LONGBOARD WORLD CIRCUIT TOUR, Grand Final
November 7 – 16, 2003 - Raglan, New Zealand
New Zealand's world-renowned surf break, Raglan, has been identified as one of the six contest venues for the 2003 Oxbow Pro Longboard World Circuit Tour. The peeling left-hand point break has been confirmed as the location for the championship "grand final". The Oxbow World Longboard Tour commenced on May 20 in Maresias, Brazil, followed by a heavy schedule of back-to-back contests in Portugal, Spain and France during July. The grand final will then be hosted in Raglan from November 7th through to the 16th with the 2003 world champion being crowned in Raglan following the final.

For further details contact Greg Townsend, email: surfingnz@xtra.co.nz

Report submitted by Steve Ria, SNZ steveria@world-net.co.nz

SURFING NEW ZEALAND (SNZ) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 11 – 12, South Island Master’s Games, Christchurch

Oct. 25 – 26, Opunake Kneeboard Classic

TBA Quiksilver NZ Big Wave Challenge, Otago / Southland

Oct. 25 – 26, Cape Classic, Westport

TBA O’Neill Blue Light Surfing Challenge, Mt. Maunganui

Oct. 25 – 26, Auahi Kore / SNZ Aotearoa Maori Surfing Titles, TBA

Nov. 8 – 9, Globe 2003 Auckland Surfing Champs, Maori Bay

Nov. 14 – 16, Canterbury Surfing Championships, SNZ Pro, Christchurch

Calendar submitted by Steve Ria, SNZ

FEDERACAO PORTUGUESA DE SURF (FPS) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Oct. 18 – 19, 6th National Circuit of Longboard, Faro
Oct. 18 – 19, 4th National Clubs Championship, Sesimbra
Oct. 31, 4th National Circuit of Bodyboard Open, Sagres
Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 6th National Circuit of Open Surf, Estoril
Nov. 1 – 2, 4th National Circuit of Bodyboard Open, Sagres
Nov. 8 – 9, 6th National Circuit of Bodyboard Esperancas, Sagres

Calendar submitted by Rui Felix, FPS afelix@mail.telepac.pt

RIP CURL GROMSEARCH #6

September 13 – 14, 2003, Mossel Bay, Southern Cape

Mossel Bay surfers Joseph Krone and Shaun Joubert displayed expert local knowledge when they won the Under 16 and Under 12 finals respectively at the Rip Curl Gromsearch, held in difficult 3 to 4 foot surf at Inner Pool in Mossel Bay on Sunday September 14.
 

Krone, the surfer who escaped unscathed from a shark attack while practicing for another Junior event at Jeffreys Bay a month ago, pushed the more experienced Brett Shearer into second place to win his first major contest and qualify for inclusion in the Gromsearch Grand Final in Durban at the end of November.
Dane Morris of Jeffreys Bay was third and Nicolas Christy of St Francis ended fourth in the final.
Shaun Joubert, the current SA Under 12 champion, beat Dale Staples of Jeffreys Bay into second spot with Matthew Bromley of Kommetjie ending third ahead of Indi Rooken Smith of Mossel Bay.
 

Tarryn Chudleigh of the Muizenberg based Girlzone Surf Club again underlined her potential when she cruised to her second Gromsearch victory. Laetitia Lee of Jeffreys Bay improved on her third place to finish in second spot and qualifies for the Grand Final in Durban. St Francis Bay Gromsearch winner, Rene van Aswegen of Plettenberg Bay placed third, with Roxy Louw of Durbanville ending fourth.

Shaun Joubert was unable to add the Under 14 title to his Under 12 win but finished in the runner up position behind Sebastian Coetzee of Jeffreys Bay, This was Coetzee's second Under 14 win in a row. Aaron Moore of Muizenberg was third and Justin Grey of Port Elizabeth came fourth.
 

Report and results submitted by Robin de Kock, SSA, rosadian@iafrica.com

RIP CURL GROMSEARCH #7

September 20 – 21, 2003, The Pipe, Strand, Boland

Brandon Roberts, Linsey Cottrell, Klee Strachan and Brendan Gibbens won the Under 16 Boys, Under 16 Girls, Under 14 and Under 12 titles respectively in the 7^th Rip Curl Gromsearch. Conditions for the first ever-national contest to be hosted by Boland Surfing Association were difficult on both days of competition, but the finals were held in fine weather with contestable 3-foot waves at The Pipe on the Strand beachfront.

In the Under 16 final, SA and WP surfer Roberts beat WP teammate Brett Shearer into second place. Another WP surfer, Cuan Prytz was third. He won the first Rip Curl Gromsearch in Muizenberg at the beginning of the year. All three have qualified for the Gromsearch Final in Durban in November. Boland star Peder Christiansen was forth in the Under 16 final.

Strachan beat fellow Muizenberg surfer Aran Moore into second spot in the Under 14 division with former EP surfer Devon Mundow ending third. Boland surfer Eric Bester was fourth in the final.

In the Under 12 division, Gibbons beat James Woods into second place and Matthew Bromley into third spot. Thomas Marwick of Strand was fourth.

Linsey Cottrell, who represented the USA at the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Durban last August added a second Gromsearch title to her Muizenberg win while Tarryn Chudleigh came second. Lisa Mace was third ahead of fellow strand surfer Bianca Buitendag.

The 8^th Gromsearch will take place at St. Michaels on the KZN South Coast on October 25 – 26 with the Grand Final scheduled for Durban on November 29 and 30.
 

Report and results submitted by Robin de Kock, SSA

2003 O’NEILL SA JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

September 29 – October 4, 2003 at Victoria Bay, Southern Cape, South Africa

Western Province Surfing recorded an historic team victory in the O’Neill SA Junior Championships at Wilderness Beach in the Southern Cape on Saturday (October 4th) when the WP Junior team became the first conquerors of KwaZulu-Natal in the eight-year history of the event.
 
 

Competing in near perfect conditions and excellent 1 – 1.5 meter (3-4 foot) surf at Wilderness Beach, the WP team clinched two of the seven individual titles, two runner up spots and a fourth place to pip KZN. Although KZN surfers won three titles to the new champion's two and provided a number of finalists across the board, WP had enough depth in all the divisions to beat the team from Durban by 1250 points. The win broke the seven year KZN hold on the coveted Team Trophy and gave WP only its second national championship win away from home in senior or junior championships in 39 years.
 
 

Border was third ahead of hosts Southern Cape whose fourth place result were a great team performance and a feather in the cap of coach Mike Sheppard. Eastern Province finished in fifth place with Boland sixth, Southern Natal seventh and the SA Academy team eighth.
 
 

The country’s top teenage surfers produced outstanding surfing and in an all SA Junior Team U/18 final, former U/16 boys champion Keegan Nel (Border) emerged triumphant over the highly rated Ricky Basnett (KZN). Andrew Groenewald (KZN) and Shaun Payne (EP) were third and fourth respectively.
 
 

SA U/20 girls champion Tammy Lee Smith (KZN) added another significant title to her list of achievements when she beat Telana Flanagan (Border), Kate Matthews (KZN) and Lara Humby (Boland), who finished in that order in the U/18 Girls Final.
 
 

World U/16 boys champion Jordy Smith claimed the corresponding SA junior title over KZN teammates Josh Redman and Brandon Jackson, who were second and third respectively, while Brandon Roberts (WP) was fourth in a final that showcased the talents of three of the four U/16 surfers who did duty for South Africa at the recent ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.
 
 

Rosanne Hodge (Border), another member of the SA Team, successfully defended the U/16 girl’s title that she won in Cape Town last year. Sarah Matthews (KZN), twin sister of U/18 runner up Kate, matched her siblings performance by placing second behind Hodge while former SA Academy surfer Lucinda Potgieter became the toast of her EP teammates when she finished third in this division. Nicole Annels (Southern Natal) was fourth.
 
 

The U/14 boys final produced a ding-dong struggle between WP rivals Jaco Steyn and Klee Strachan. Strachan recently won the U/14 division of the 2003 national Junior Series but this time it was Steyn's superior wave selection that deservedly earned him the title. KZN surfers Kyle Lane and Kyle Beach clinched third and fourth respectively.
 
 

WP’s second individual win came in the inaugural U/14 Girls division where Tarryn Chudleigh showed the benefits of intensive coaching at the Muizenberg based Girlzone Club and from SA Open champ Quinton Jones to clinch the title ahead of Nikita Robb (Border), Heidi Palmboom (KZN) and Chloe Humby (Boland). Humby's sister Lara was fourth in the U/18 Girls final in the first National surfing championships where two sets of sisters, Kate and Sarah Matthews and Lara and Chloe Humby, featured in the finals of three different divisions.
 
 

Southern Cape local Shaun Joubert successfully defended the U/12 title he won in Cape Town last year, scoring a huge 18.16 out of a possible 20 points in the final. This was the highest winning score in any of the seven finals and in fact the total scores of the Under 12 Final were just 1.39 lower than the points scored by the U/16 finalists. James Woods (WP) finished second ahead of Dale Staples and Nicholas Godfrey (both EP) in this division, which was deemed the most dynamic of the event. In recognition Surfing South Africa awarded the trophy to the youngest division after the presentation for the U/18 boys, the traditional final award of the ceremony.
 
 

Special awards for Surfer of the Contest were made to 13 year-old Chad Du Toit (KZN) who was the only surfer in the event to score a perfect 10-point ride. Little Heidi Palmboom (KZN) was presented with the Sportsmanship Trophy for her courage throughout the championships and the Best Team trophy, which goes to the side that displays the most spirit and comradeship, went to Eastern Province. The Southern Cape and SA Academy Teams were also considered for this award.
 
 

In the Super Freak Show, a fun "heat" which was held after the finals and prior to the award ceremony, Southern Natal Surfing President Marc "Madiba" Pereira won the cash with "Sticker Boy" Josch Schmeltzer, a short head behind him. "Warrior Boy" and O'Neill team surfer Craig Johnson and "Eco Man" Duncan Scott received honorable mentions for their innovative costumes and strange surfing abilities.
 
 

The 2003 O’Neill SA Junior Championships featured nearly 200 surfers from the seven affiliated provincial associations and a team from the SA Academy and was held over six days using a double elimination format.
 
 

At the awards ceremony O'Neill CEO Phillip Glaser confirmed the company's commitment to the championships and to continuing their partnership with Surfing South Africa and the national junior championships. Next year’s O'Neill SA Junior Championships will take place in East London.
 
 

Press Release distributed by Lifes a Beach Communications, lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

SURFING SOUTH AFRICA (SSA) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 18 – 19, Masters Cup, Seal Point

Oct. 25 – 26, Rip Curl Gromsearch #8, St. Mikes, South Natal

Nov. 15, Volcomstone Baboonfish, Long Beach, Cape Town

Nov. 22 – 23, Industry Cup Challenge, Durban

Nov. 29 – 30, Rip Curl Gromsearch Grand Final, Durban

Calendar submitted by Robin de Kock, SSA

HEADWORX SCOTTISH BPSA SURFING CHAMPS

September 27 – 28, Thurso, Scottland

Llewellyn Whitaker wins his first event on the Headworx BPSA UK Tour. His powerful backhand attaché both at Thurso East and Brims Ness proved decisive in defeating the best surfers from around the UK.

On day 1, the event was held at Thurso East in excellent 3-5 foot surf, the best ever for a BPSA contest. Stand out performances came from Spencer Hargraves and Sam Lamiroy in their early heats, scoring a series of 9 and 10-point waves for their radical power surfing over the shallow Thurso reef. Unfortunately both were to be eliminated in the quarterfinal heats.

Day 2, the event moved to Brims Ness, 5 miles west of Thurso to take advantage of the better conditions. Mark Harris, Nathan Phillips, Steve Winter along with Llewellyn Whittaker pushed their skills to the limits to progress to the final. On a dropping swell Llewllyn and Steve managed to select the better waves and execute critical turns on the waves to dominate the final and finish first and second respectively with Nathan taking third and Mark fourth.
This result puts Mark Harris back at the top of the Headworx BPSA rankings and Llewellyn Whittaker up to 20^th position. The top four Scottish surfers were Iain Mason, Chris Noble, Jason Burnett and John Tranter, all will be invited to compete in the Sri Lankan Airline Champion of Champions Surf Contest at Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka next May.

Report and results by Dave Reed, BSA dave@uksp.fsnet.co.uk

HEADWORX WELSCH BPSA SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

VOODOOO DOLLS WOMEN’S WELSH BPSA SURF CONTEST

October 11 – 12, Llanglenith Bay, Swansea

Sam Lamiroy (Newcastle) won the Headworx BPSA Surfing Championships with a radical display of powerful surfing at Llanglenith Beach, Swansea. Second place went to Russell Mullins (Newquay) third to English Champion Eugene Tollemarche and fourth past Welsh Champion Nathan Phillips. The win takes Sam to within striking distance of ratings leader, and Newquay local, Mark Harris, after five events of the UK based tour. Harris pulled out of the event due to the sudden illness of his father Neil.

The event attracted over 60 of Britons best surfers plus a handful of traveling international surfers to compete at one of Wales best-known beach breaks. Surf conditions were clean 2-3 feet.

Sam said "I would like to congratulate my fellow competitors for surfing so well" adding "I think there was a hole in the draw left by Mark Harris not competing, I would like to wish Neil, Marks father, a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with his family"

In the Voodoo Dolls Women’s event Newquay School teacher, Kay Holt selected the better waves and performed big maneuvers to take the title. Current tour leader, Tracey Boxall (Newquay), finished a close second, British Champion, Robin Davies (Helston) third and forth place went to Sarah Bentley (St Agnes)

Report and results by Dave Reed, BSA
 
 
 
 
 
 

BPSA UK TOUR CALENDAR

Oct. 25 – 26 Surfing Life South Coast Longboard, Challaborough S Devon

Nov. 1 – 2 Headworx North East Open, Cayton Yorkshire

Nov. 1 – 2 C-Skins North East Longboard, Cayton Yorkshire

BRITISH KNEEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS
October 11, 2003, Newquay

The first independent British Kneeboard National Championships are to be staged at the newly built International Surfing Centre, Newquay, on the 11^th October 2003. The staging of this historic event reflects the growing interest worldwide in this alternative approach to surfing.
Although kneeboard riding has been around for many years it has often been hidden behind the glamour of traditional surfing and by the underground nature of those attracted to the sport. But the growth in world
communication seems to have fuelled a new breed of enthusiast who is keen to kneel up and be counted. In recent months kneelos have been meeting up all over the world at premier surf spots, even gracing Oahu's North Shore as they push the boundaries of fun.

In the UK, kneelos have formed their own club (backed by the BSA) with the intention of developing the sport while retaining that fun element and camaraderie commonly found in the kneelo community. The club has grown at a rapid rate and has attracted a surprising number of resident non-nationals and traveling kneelos, as well as the locals to its fold. The club is therefore keen to see a contest, which reflects the need for fun, accommodates non-nationals, and which crowns a British Champion. In addition the club confidently expects to select a strong team to represent the UK in the world championships, while entertaining spectators with progressive top level kneeboarding.

Recent events suggest that the UK has more than enough home- grown talent to make a mark on the world stage. For example, St Ives local Karl Ward surprised the attendees of the recent North Shore gathering by his ability to ride big waves at Sunset and Rockies. There is little doubt though, that Karl will be pushed hard by the likes of "master tube rider" Richard Smith from Polzeath and reigning British Champion Duncan Jones from the Bad Lands. The fight for the top position will certainly be a spectacle. But there will be more to the Nationals: this is to be an event for kneelos of all levels, abilities and nationalities. The organizers are planning other categories and events as an addition to the traditional British Men and Women's Open events. One idea is to run a tag event that will use a seeding or handicap system to even out the results. A category will be run for international kneelos  (to be crowned international champion) which will also be a UK taking on all-comers event.  If you are a kneelo you cannot afford to miss this event. Don't just watch - come and take part. This day belongs to you. Come and explore the inner most limits of pure fun for yourself.

For more details contact the BKC at duncoliver@yahoo.co.uk and visit www.kneeboardsurfing.co.uk

Report submitted by Karen Walton, BSA Karen@britsurf.co.uk

WARSHAW LAUNCHES LONG-AWAITED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SURFING

MANHATTAN BEACH, California—September 25, 2003—Surf legends and dignitaries gathered in Manhattan Beach, CA to celebrate the long awaited release of Matt Warshaw’s Encyclopedia of Surfing (Harcourt Trade; www.encyclopediaofsurfing.com). The massive book, four years in the making, is the first-ever, comprehensive surfing reference book and is already being hailed by reviewers as the new "Bible of Surfing."
 
 

Among those on hand to celebrate the book release were 1976 World Champion Peter Townsend, Australian power surfing legend and Association of Surfing Professionals founder Ian Cairns, Surfers Journal publisher Steve Pezman, Surfrider Foundation founder Glen Henning, and the original Gidget (aka Kathy Kohner).
 
 

Warshaw, the former editor of Surfer Magazine, author of such books as Mavericks: The Story of Big Wave Surfing, Above the Roar, and Surfriders, and a former pro surfer, is widely regarded as the sports foremost historian. With the help of two researchers, he spent four years compiling the largest surfing information database culled from magazines, books, videos, and interviews and distilled this information into 1,500 encyclopedic entries covering the people, places, culture, and technology of surfing.
 
 

At the book launch, Warshaw signed copies of his 800-page tome and took time to discuss the project, "It just seemed like the sport had grown to a level, and had the requisite history, that it was worthy of an encyclopedia. I started this project without really knowing what I was totally getting into and by the end it just grew to be a monster."
 
 

Surfing Magazine has said that Warshaw’s Encyclopedia is "a complete resource tool where any surf-thirsty researcher can get his fill" and that its "biggest surprise is how enlightening it is as a casual read, using wild variety and perfect pacing to offer greater revelations into surfing's vast reach."
 
 

Another reviewer said "the most surprising thing about the book is its terrific readability… In fact, the book is a trap, leading unsuspecting readers on a wandering journey from pioneer surfer Duke Kahanamoku to the development of hollow boards to the lifeguards who used them to lifeguard Eddie Aikau to his home in Waimea Bay to.... Suddenly, hours have gone by and there's still the huge entry on Gidget to read."
 
 

The book launch also included a collection of historic surfboards, spanning the 1940s through the 1990s. The collection was provided by ET Surfboards in Hermosa Beach, CA.
 
 

For more information on the Encyclopedia of Surfing: www.encyclopediaofsurfing.com

For more information on Matt Warshaw (including contact information): www.mattwarshaw.com

Report submitted by surfbooks@yahoo.com
 
 

ATTENTION: ISA Members, please forward this Newsletter to all of your members, circulate also in any surf related website of your organization, and /or any entity affiliated with your organization. Thank you.