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 News 
2. ISA Calendar of Events

4. Contact Updates

5. Environmental News

6. On the Olympic Front

7. Regional Surf Association News

8. International News
 
 

Reminder – Deadline to pay ISA Membership Fees for 2003

NGBs that do not pay their 2003 ISA Annual Membership Fee by June 30^th, 2003 will have to pay the 50% late fee penalty. ISA urges its members to send their fees as soon as possible to avoid having to pay a penalty fee. Thank you in advance and please contact ISA Headquarters should you have any questions.

PASA/APAS a New Member of the ISA

The ISA is pleased to announce that the regional governing body, the Panamerican Surf Association (PASA) / Asociacion Panamericana de Surf (APAS) has been accepted as a provisional member of the ISA. Ratification for full membership of PASA/APAS shall be included in the Agenda for voting at ISA’s 2004 Biennial General Meeting.

The ISA congratulates PASA / APAS and looks forward to working with together for a better surfing future.

Flood of Entries for Quiksilver ISAWorld Junior Surfing Championships 2003

The 2003 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships looks set to produce a spectacular display of surfing at Durban’s North Beach from August 17 – 23 as entries pour in for the inaugural event.

Over fifteen countries have confirmed their entries and these include hosts and defending World Grommet champions South Africa along with Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, USA, Hawaii, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Peru, Barbados, Maldives, Venezuela, Ecuador, Ireland and France. Host nation South Africa will have a distinct psychological and local advantage going into the tournament, having won the Quiksilver ISA World Surfing Games in Durban last year coupled with the fact that they will not be traveling to a strange country. Local knowledge of the venue will undoubtedly add to the ‘Ama Quik Quik' national junior team’s confidence. The preparation for the hosting of the World Junior Championships has been thorough, as have the plans to select the best possible South African team for the tournament.

"A comprehensive series of regional trials has produced good results thus far," says convener of selectors for Surfing South Africa, Mr. Robin de Kock. "Our final selection trial was at Durban's New Pier on May 24 and 25, and we are delighted with the depth of juniors from which to choose our team." However, the battle for medals will be met with strong resistance from leading surfing nations such as Australia, USA, Brazil and Hawaii, with emerging powers Tahiti, New Zealand and France clearly also in the running for silverware.
 
 
 
 

The ISA’s decision to provide a singular focus for world junior surfing has resulted in the junior division being withdrawn from the biennial World Surfing Games and amalgamated with what was the Quiksilver World Grommet Titles, into a single new event. The ISA World Junior Surfing Championships will be held annually, with the 2003 event featuring U18 and U16 Boys World Championship Divisions as well as an U19 Girls World Championship division. The Junior Team World Championship title will also be decided in a separate team contest during the event.

Media Release by Surfing South Africa, rosadian@iafrica.com

Distributed by Life’s a Beach Communications, lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

*An ISA Sanctioned Event

QUIKSILVER ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003

August 17 – 23, North Beach, Durban, South Africa

REMINDERS:

-Official Team Names are due to ISA and SSA on June 17^th

-For payments via Wire Transfer, please include US$18.00 to total payment cover routing bank fees.

PAST DUE:

-Entry Fees: US$125.00 per each team member, due to the ISA.

-Accommodations: If your Team's accommodation fees have NOT been sent, PLEASE contact Robin de Kock immediately via email or telephone at 27 21 674 2972.

Questions? Please contact Robin de Kock (SSA) rosadian@iafrica.com or Lindsay Nelson (ISA) lindsay@isasurf.org

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’s contact information. Thank you.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS

Plastics in the Oceans a Huge Problem

In some parts of the ocean, there is more plastic than plankton! Plastic in the oceans is an already big problem that's growing at an alarming rate. Here's what the Algalita Marine Research Foundation says about plastic: "Plastic in the ocean may be one of the most alarming of today's environmental stories. Plastic, like diamonds are forever! Because plastics do NOT biodegrade, no naturally occurring organisms can break these polymers down. Instead, plastic goes through a process called photo-degredation, where sunlight breaks down plastic into smaller and smaller pieces until there is only plastic dust. But always plastic remains a polymer. When plastic debris meets the sea it can remain for centuries causing untold havoc in ecosystems." More info.

Excerpt from Surfrider Foundation website, www.surfrider.org

GAISF (General Association of International Sports Federations) and its Member Federations have met every year at a Congress and General Assembly, thereby creating a tradition, which is much appreciated by the leading authorities within the International Federations. In the aim of reducing the number of and different dates of meetings, and to cut back on travel time and expenses, the GAISF Council, together with ASOIF and AIOWF, (the Associations of Summer and Winter Olympic International Federations) have decided to create a new concept – SportAccord – the International Sports Convention. This brings all of the Individuals and Organizations together on one occasion and in one venue.

On behalf of the ISA, Maile H. Aguerre, ISA Vice-President attended SportAccord on May 12^th through 16^th in Madrid, Spain. Report to be included in next month’s publications.

4^th PHASE OF THE ALAS LATIN PRO CIRCUIT 2003

May 16 - 18, Playa Venao, Province of the Saints, Panama; 6 star event.

Over the weekend of May 16 – 18, the Asociacion Latino Americana de Surf celebrated the Latin American Circuit of Surf with more than 65 competitors from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. Great enthusiasm was felt by all the competitors since before the event started. The next event of 7 will be in Costa Rica on July 11 – 12. For more information, please visit the ALAS website: http://alas.tripod.com.ar.

Excerpt from the ALAS website.

EUROSURF 2003

The Federacion Espanola de Surf (FES) is organizing EUROSURF 2003 in the Canary Islands from November 14^th – 23^rd, 2003. For more information on this event, please email Lourenzo Chaves or Arantxa Freire of the FES at federacionesurf@terra.es.

For more information on this event, please visit the ESF Website: www.eurosurfing.org

EUROPEAN TOUR OF BODYBOARD, Event #1 of 2003

June 13 – 15 at Ain-Diab Casablanca, Morocco

After guarantees by the local governments and promoters, the European Surfing Federation (ESF) made its final decision to move forward as planned with the ETB in Morocco. The dates for this event remain unchanged: June 13 – 15 in Casablanca, Morocco. The Moroccan Government also confirmed that other international events programmed for June will continue as planned.

Report by Rui Felix, ESF afelix@mail.telepac.pt. For more information, visit www.eurosurfing.org

The International Surfing Association extends its condolences to all the people that were touched by the recent terrorist attacks in Casablanca, Morocco.

The Panamerican Surf Association (PASA) / Asociacion Panamericana de Surf (APAS) World Headquarters is as follows:

PASA / APAS HEADQUARTERS

Attn: Antonio Sotillo, President

Calle Miragua, Residencias Vacacionales El Agua, #9

Playa El Agua, Isla de Margarita

Estado Nueva Esparta

Codigo Postal 6301

VENEZUELA

Tel / Fax: 58-295-249-1070
 

PASA / APAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:

5580 La Jolla Blvd. PMB 145

La Jolla, California 92037

USA

Tel: (858) 551 – 5292

Fax: (858) 551 – 5290

SURFING AUSTRALIA HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAINING CENTER

The Surfing Australia High Performance Training Center is expected to be ready for full operation on the first of September this year. Surfing Australia (SA) and the developers of Casuarina Beach took a successful initial inspection on April 8. SA and Casuarina Beach have both shared the same vision to develop a surfing specific center for; coaching, training and professional development of surfers, coaches, industry and administrators.

"The center is an exciting new business arm for SA" said Jason Blewitt, SA’s Business Manager. The Center will cater for elite athletes as well as school groups, international teams offering fully packaged options to come to enjoy and improve their surfing.

"We intend to run our national team camps, junior development camps and also have had interest from international teams, industry teams as well as other sports who would like to gain access to the wonderful facilities and cross training options that Casuarina Beach has to offer" said Jason.

The center will contain a fully serviced state of the art gym, treatment rooms, 25 meter pool, Surfshool, 250 seat auditorium, self contained and serviced accommodation and is only 200 meters from the beach.

For more information, contact Tom Campbell, Business Development, SA tomc@surfingaustralia.com.

Excerpt from Surfing Australia’s website, www.surfingaustralia.com

THE MINISTER OF SPORTS PROMISES TO HELP BRAZILIAN SURF

On the 12 of May, the Minister of Sports, Mr. Agnelo Queiroz, met at his office with the following CBS representatives: Mr. Juca de Barros, (President) Mr. Marcos Conde, (Executive Director) and Mr. Rico de Souza, (Public Relations), who is a part of the Ministry’s National Athletes Commission.
 
 
 
 

The Directors went to Brasilia to talk about their work of the National Surf Administration entity and solicit funding for the Brazilian National Teams, Surf Schools and Human Resources. CBS gave the Sports Minister the title worthy of the number 500 on his entity card, a crystal sculpture symbolizing surf and a formal presentation of CBS (CD-ROMs of CBS, WSG 2002 in Africa, the Pan American Surfing Games in Ecuador, the Medal from the 5-time winner of this event, pins, stickers, a T-shirt and a Rule Book).

On top of that, Agnelo was given a longboard shaped by Rico de Souza and promised to participate in some surfing classes as the Ambassador for Brazilian Surfing.

According to the CBS President, Juca de Barros, the visit was well worth the effort and the Minister was very satisfied with what he saw.

A Quote from the Minister Agnelo Queiroz,

"Congratulations CBS and Brazilian Surfing, surfing is very well administered in Brazil. The Sports Ministry opens its doors for CBS and without a doubt, we have a very productive partnership for surfing and the Brazilian sporting community. We will be accompanying along with the CBS, the development of surf in Brazil, supporting initiatives like surf schools, the different human resources capacity courses, (technical, surf instructors and judging) and Brazil’s representation in International Competitions. We want to see our country as a primary world surfing potential.

I am happy to see that surfing in Brazil is being taken seriously and being an important instrument in getting kids off the streets and involved in knowing the benefits of this sport.

I will be present at the last date on the Brazilian Surf Circuit this year, which will be held in Ilheus, in my birth state of Bahia. I hope that until then, I will have learned a little from Rico de Souza and be able to surf some waves next to the surfers present at this grand event.

Surfing is growing a lot in Brazil and the Sports Ministry hopes to contribute so that together with the CBS, they can have the mechanism to produce athletes and citizens.

The sport should be included in the state’s policies to improve social standards and human development. The practice of surfing is beneficiary to the public through education, health and helps reduce the consumption of drugs and urban violence."

Agnelo Queiroz is originally from Itapetinga, Bahia. He is 44 years old and is a medical graduate from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA).

He co-wrote with Senator Pedro Piva, the "Agnelo / Piva Law," which establishes the transfer of 2% of gross revenues of the Federal Lotteries of Brazil to be given to the Brazilian Olympic Committee (85%) and to the Brazilian Paraolympic Committee (15%). The Ministry is also responsible for the project, which establishes the Athlete-Scholarship program, a monthly allowance for athletes from school age until they reach the Olympic level.

Report submitted by Juca de Barros, CBS cbsurf@terra.com.br

CONFERDERACAO BRASILIERA DE SURF (CBS) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jun. 6 – 8, 4^th Phase of the Brazilian Circuit of Surfing, Torres, RS

Jul. 4 – 6, 5^th Phase of the Brazilian Circuit of Surfing, Rio de Janeiro

Jul. 10 – 12, 6^th Phase of the Brazilian Circuit of Surfing, Maresias, SP

For more information, please visit the CBS Website: www.cbsurf.com.br

MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP OF SURF
May 2 – 3, 2003, Beaches of the FAE, Salinas, Ecuador
Ex-national champions, Manuel Lozano and Humberto Dapelo won the titles in the Master’s cup tournament in the Masters 35 – 39 category and Masters 40 – 45 categories respectively.  This classic tournament is carried out every year in homage to Alberto Loor, a surfer who has had great influence in the development of this category. The waves of the competition ranged from 4 – 6 feet, which permitted the surfers to execute good maneuvers.  Results below:

Master 40 – 45: 1.- Humberto Dapelo 2.- Jose A. Salvador 3.- Juan C Posada 4.- Luis A Salvador 5.- Juan C Arroba / Joao Ayala 7.- Galo Garcia / Paco Posada / Aurelio Prieto

Womens: 1.- Andrea Vinuesa 2.- Liset Prado 3.- Cinthya Layana 4.- Ma Beatriz Aguirre 5.- Mariuxi Silva
 

Youth Categories:

U14: 1.- Adrian Dapelo 2.- Nicolas de Guzmán 3.- Diego Vargas 4.- Juan J. Moran 5.- Enzo Dapelo / Ricardo Plaza 7.- Pablo Villacrés / Fabio Dapelo

U12.- 1.- Fabio Dapelo 2.- Jose Luis Salvador 3.- Enzo Dapelo 4.- Tomy Andant

  
Results and report by Alcides Guerrero, FES fesurf@coe.org.ec.  For more info, visit www.fesurf.org

3^rd OPEN EVENT AT HARBOUR VIEW

May 17, Zoo Surfing Beach at Harbor View

A number of impressive performances were on display. Worthy of note was Warren Marley, who demonstrated a high level of commitment and skill in the early rounds relegating two of the competition favorites to battle it out in the repercharge round. Joel Lawrence showed marked improvement with a number of high scoring rides that had the beach cheering. Scott Hughes of San Diego California the lone overseas entrant preformed notably making it all the way to the semi finals before being knocked out by the defending champion and his younger brother in a nail biting heat.

But after 15 heats of intense competition, 4 surfers faced off for the grand final. Drum Drummond, Luke Williams, Inilek Wilmot and Icah Wilmot. Icah started out the heat with an aerial, which set the tone for the rest of the 20-minute final. Icah pulled out all the stops and caught a number of good rides, which put him out of reach of the other competitors. Inilek mounted a serious attack on his lead with a number of impressive rides of his own, which brought him to within half a point of the lead. Drum and Luke also put the scare on the Wilmot boys by catching high scoring waves of their own, but it was too little too late as the Wilmot’s stamped their dominance even if it was only barely. The top results are listed below:

1. Icah Wilmot
2. Inilek Wilmot
3. Luke Williams
4. Drum Drummond
5. Scott Hughes
6. Warren Marley
7. Eugene Miller
8. Ishack Wilmot
9. Joel Lawrence / Michael Mair

Report and results submitted by Billy Wilmot, JSA.

JAMAICAN SURFING ASSOCIATION (JSA) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 26 – Grom Fest Series (under 15) Contest #2, Boston Surfing Beach, Portland

August 16, Fourth Open: Makka Surfing Beach, St. Thomas

Calendar submitted by Billy Wilmot, JSA

BILLABONG SOUTHERN TURST MAHIA EASTER CLASSIC, 3A SNZ

April 19 – 20, Mahia Peninsula

Gisborne's Bobby Hansen completed a double whammy winning both the Open Men and Under 18 Junior titles. Hansen is no stranger to the winner's podium having won three titles (under 16, Under 18 and Open) at the 2001 Mahia Easter Classic. Joining Hansen in the Open final, in order of placing, were Damon Gunness, Daniel Kereopa and Nat Day who surfed through to the final from round one. In the Junior final, Matt Scorringe battled strongly to pull back Hansen's lead as set waves rolled through to finish in second just 2 points behind Hansen. Morehu Roberts and Dean Amess finished third and fourth respectively.

Mahia grommet Richard Christie kept the Mahia Boardriders Club flag flying as he walked away with the Von Zipper Under 16 title. Luke Hughes came in second, Morehu Roberts in third position and Gauranga Ormond placing fourth. The Open Women's final was closely fought out between Kelly Clarkson and Lisa Hurunui with Clarkson narrowly taking the title, Hurunui second, Jessica Terrill third and Jessica Santorik in forth position.

Billabong announced their commitment to the growth and development of surfing in the Mahia community by cementing the event into the Surfing New Zealand Calendar for 2004.

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

GLOBE 2003 SNZ NATIONAL SCHOLASTICS

April 22 – 25, Manu Bay, Raglan

Over 150 young surfers gathered from around NZ intent on taking on the best of the best. Grommets earn the right to represent their region by surfing through locally based regional scholastics, ensuring only the top surfers get to compete at the Nationals.

The U18 division was won by Gisborne's Owen McMillan. He was on fire all weekend and just managed to hold off local surfer Nick Hardy, to claim the coveted Junior title. In the U19 girls Hesta Stacey Sutherland of the Bay of Plenty put on a stunning display to claim the title posting one of the highest heat scores of the event; Claire Thomson fished second. The U16 boys division was one of the most hotly contested in the event, in the end Eastland surfer Richard Christie's consistent attack proved too much
for the dynamic approach of local surfer Morehu Roberts. In an explosive final, Christie took the win. In the U16 Girls, local surfer Jessica Santorik put on her best performance of the event to defeat an in-form Mischa Davis of Auckland.

For the full list of results in all divisions, please email steveria@world-net.co.nz; Report and results submitted by Steve Ria, SNZ.

NEW ZEALAND JUNIOR SURFING TEAM ANNOUNCED

Team NZ to compete at the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships 2003 was finalized following the NZ National Scholastics Champs. Team South Africa has scheduled a warm-up contest against New Zealand before the start of the Event in Durban. Earlier in the year SNZ selectors named a squad of 22 members to choose from. In March the squad attended a stringent three-day training camp involving water-based and land-based fitness sessions as well as mock heats to help develop mental toughness and competition strategies. Each participant’s performance was captured on video and then analyzed by top New Zealand and Australian surf coaches to help advance each athletes technical surfing. The camp also focused on sport science, sport psychology sessions specific to heat surfing and tactical surfing workshops.

"At present we have a very high number of highly competitive junior surfers", said Surfing New Zealand Junior Coach Ants Williams. " The camp has allowed us to identify a group of surfers to choose from and we have also taken into consideration each squad members performances from the 2002 and current 2003 SNZ Pro Circuit Series and Grommet Series. The final stage of the selection process was to observe each squad member during the Scholastics to enable us to finalize the 12 members for the team.

New Zealand has traditionally performed well at this event placing in the top three nations in the last few years. However, it is the powerhouse Australian team that has dominated the event winning many of the individual titles as well as 12 team titles.

The 2003 New Zealand Junior Surfing Team is as follows:
 

U18 Boys
Matt Scorringe, Whangamata
Bobby Hansen, Gisborne
Michael Banks, Raglan
Owen McMillan, Gisborne

U16 Boys
Morehu Roberts, Raglan
Dean Amess, Whangamata
Luke Hughes, Raglan
Richard Christie, Mahia
U19 Girls
Jessica Santorik, Raglan
Kelly Clarkson, Raglan
Angie Koops, Kaikoura
Mischa Davis, Auckland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Report submitted by Steve Ria, SNZ

SURFING NEW ZEALAND (SNZ) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jun. TBA, Lion Red Interclub Tag Team Challenge, TBA

Jun. 21 – 22, Gisborne Kneeboard Competition, Northland

Jul. 12 – 13, Rip Curl GromSearch Series, Taranaki

Jul. 11 – 14, Australian Gromfest 2003, Byron Bay, Australia

Jul. 11 – 14, Northland Bodyboard Challenge, Northland

Calendar submitted by Steve Ria, SNZ

FEDERACAO PORTUGUESA DE SURF (FPS) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jun. 7 – 10, 2nd Coaching Course, Level 2, FMH
Jun. 7 – 10, 14a Coaching Course, Level 1, FMH
Jun. 13 – 16, National Circuit of Surf Open, Costa Caparica
Jun. 21 – 22, National Circuit of Surf Esperancas, Praia do Amado
Jun. 26 – 30, 2nd Coaching Course, Level 2, FMH
Jun. 28 – 30, 14a Coaching Course, Level 1, FMH
Jun. 28 – 29, 3rd National Circuit of Longboard, Praia do Amado
Calendar submitted by Rui Felix, FPS afelix@mail.telepac.pt

QUIKSILVER SOUTH AFRICAN SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

April 28 – May 3, 2003 St. Michaels on Sea, KZN South Coast

The 2003 Quiksilver SA Surfing Championships is the premier tournament on the Surfing South Africa (SSA) calendar. This year is the 39th edition, making it the longest running surfing contest in South Africa and one of the longest running surf tournaments in the world. The Quiksilver SA Championships determines the national champions in eight divisions: Open Men and Women, under 20 Boys and Girls, Masters, Grandmasters, Veterans and Superveterans. The National team champions are crowned at this event and win the coveted Presidents Cup, which was presented to SA Surfing by the late John Whitmore in 1968. A Quiksilver Super Surfer, Quiksilver Junior Surfer, Sportsmanship Trophy and numerous other trophies are presented at the Award ceremony.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN) won the Presidents Cup at this event. Western Province (WP), the 2000 winners, were third just 300 points ahead of last years team champions, Border. The new South African Open Mens champion is Quintin Jones of Western Province. Jones, who was runner up in 1992 and 2000, made a great start to the final and although local surfer Michael Roscoe tried his best to catch up, it was the WP surfer who stole the show, capturing the premier title at this event, the Quiksilver Super Surfer Award. Calvin Moore of Southern Natal finished third and Cass Collier of WP repeated the fourth place finish he achieved in the same event at St Mikes seven years ago.

The Open Women's title went to defending champion Tamarys Walters of KZN who beat team mates Sarah Johnston and Tasha Mentasti into second and third place. Kay Holt of Southern Natal was fourth. Eastern Cape surfers dominated the Under 20 Boys final with the title eventually going to Devyn Mattheys of Border. Granville West of Eastern Province was second ahead of KZN surfers Warwick Wright and Jordan Smith. Tammy Lee Smith underlined her potential and the talent in the strong KZN team when she beat Border's Rosanne Hodge, defending champion Tara Hossack of Southern Cape and Border's Nikita Robb in the Under 20 girls division.

In one of the most exciting finals at the contest, local hero Andrew Banks secured the Masters gold medal and the only title to go the way of Southern Natal. Carl Roux of KZN, who was second in the Open Mens division at the Quiksilver SA Championships in 1997 at the same venue, was second once again. Ben Roberts of Southern Natal was third and John McCarthy of KZN was fourth.

A wave count separated the first two surfers in the Grandmasters final, but three time defending champion David Malherbe of Border managed to hang on and beat Rob Bissett of KZN for his fourth title and in doing so made history. Mickey Duffus of WP was third and Judge Oliver of KZN came fourth. Rudi Palmboom of KZN, better known for his big wave prowess, beat fellow KZN surfer and defending champion Grant Reid and captured the Veterans title. Two WP surfers, Colin Buitendag and Howie Gold were third and fourth respectively. The Superveterans division title went the way of Glen Bowles who beat Chris Morris of KZN, Andy Austin of Border and Dave Clark of Southern Natal.

The 2004 Quiksilver SA Championships will take place at Super tubes in Jeffreys Bay next year.

For the full list of results and winners of the Special Awards, please visit www.quiksilver.co.za/sachamps

Report and Results submitted by Olivia Jones, olivia@aspafrica.co.za

RIP CURL GROMSEARCH #4
April 17 – 18, 2003, Dairy Beach, Durban

U/16 Boys

1. Jordan Smith (Durban)
2. Josh Redman (Durban)
3. Brandon Jackson (Durban)
4. Rudy Palmboom (Bluff)

1. Nicole Annells (Warner Beach)
2. Kate Matthews (Durban)
3. Sarah Matthews (Durban)
4. Kate Goldreich (Durban)

1. Rory Gibson (Durban)
2. Kyle Lane (Durban)
3. Kyle Whitaker (Shelley Beach)
4. Dane Monks (Durban)

1. Shaun Joubert (Mossel Bay)
2. Blake Freegard (Durban)
3. Scott Lefevre (Durban)
4. Richie Wulf (Umhlanga)

QUIKSILVER NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM SELECTION TRIALS

May 24 – 25, New Pier, Durban

The 2003 South African Junior team to compete in the Quiksilver ISA World Surfing Championships in Durban from August 17th to 23rd has been selected after two days of grueling trails at New Pier that ended on May 25th. Perfect 3 to 4 foot surf and calm conditions on both days of the contest gave the country's top under 18 and under 16 boys and under 19 girls every chance to make an impression and fill one of the five slots available in each division of the Quiksilver SA Junior Team.

The Quiksilver SA Junior Team are the current World Junior Team Champions and will defend their title against surfers from over 15 countries at the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships at North Beach, Durban from August 17th to 23rd this year. The 2003 Quiksilver SA Junior Team is as follows:

UNDER 18 BOYS

Damien Fahrenfort (WP)

Keegan Nel (Border)

Andrew Groenewald (KZN)

Shaun Payne (EP)

UNDER 16 BOYS

Jordan Smith (KZN)

Josh Redman (KZN)

Brandon Roberts (WP)

Brandon Jackson (KZN)

UNDER 19 GIRLS

Rosanne Hodge (Bor)

Jessica Matthews (KZN)

Stacey Guy (WP)

Kate Matthews (KZN)

Tammy Lee Smith (KZN)

Report and results submitted by Robin de Kock, SSA

SURFING SOUTH AFRICA (SSA) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jun. 2 – 22, Red Bull BWA, Dungeons, Cape Town
Jun. 21, Volcomstone Rhinofish, North Beach Durban
Jun. 28 – 29, SA Junior Team Camp, Durban
Jun. 29 – Jul. 2, SA Students Surfing Champs, Seal Point

OCEANIA SURFING CUP 2003

April 19 – 26, 2003 at Ha’atafu Beach, Kingdom of Tonga

Conditions for the final day of competition were near to perfect with clear sunny weather, light offshore SE tradewinds and a clean 1 – 1.5-meter SW swell. All 4 finals were stacked with the South Pacific’s best surfers and they didn’t fail to produce some spectacular surfing.

In the Open Mens division it was 19yr old Michael Burling of Tonga who took first place to successfully defend his Oceania Open Mens title. Second went to 31yr old Scott Winch of Australia who also produced some strong backhand bottom turn / top turn combos and floaters. In third position was former world amateur champ 31yr old Heifara Tahutini of Tahiti. 24yr old Jamie Andrews of New Zealand came in fourth. Jamie too had surfed strongly throughout the contest but had difficulty finding the better waves during the final.

The Juniors final also produced some fantastic surfing as the lightweights blew-up in the smaller conditions. Young 14yr old Heimoana Zeveront from Tahiti was on fire for most of the 30 minute final and looked to have it sewn up but was piped at the post by team mate 17yr old Michel Bourez, who scored his best wave of the final in the last minute to clinch victory and claim the Oceania Junior title for 2003.

Third place went to 2002 South Pacific Junior champ, 17yr old Rodrigue Kirsch of New Caledonia. 13yr old Issac Coste of New Caledonia who had been surfing strongly earlier in the contest and during freesurfing sessions looked to lose rhythm in the final and had to settle for fourth place. Certainly all 4 junior finalists are outstanding young talents and considering their ages they’re sure to have a big impact on regional surfing in the near future.

In the Open Womens division it was 31yr old Anne-Laure Come of Tahiti who claimed the title for 2003. Second went to 16yr old Anau Burling of Tonga who had looked solid in the larger waves of earlier rounds but struggled to find the higher scoring rides in the smaller waves of the final. In third was 2-time Oceania Womens champ 21yr old Jess Terrill of New Zealand. Fiji’s 2000 Oceania Womens champ 20yr old Carli Lovell filled fourth position putting in a strong effort after she too had surfed through the repercharge round to earn her spot alongside the other finalists.

31yr old Patrick Laux of Tahiti won the Longboard division. In second place was 19yr old Michael Burling of Tonga who had surfed extremely well in earlier rounds and had actually beaten Patrick twice on the way to the finals. 34yr old Ian Muller of Fiji filled third place. Fourth place went to 24yr old Jamie Andrews of New Zealand who like Michael was surfing in two divisional finals and showed a lot of talent in tackling the more traditional longboard discipline of surfing. The Longboard division at the upcoming South Pacific Games at Tavarua in June looks like it will be a highly competitive event indeed.

The Oceania Surfing Cup is awarded annually to the team that accumulates the most points over the 4 rounds contested and the Tahiti Surfing Team are deserved champions for 2003. Also awarded annually is the Pacific Bowl, which goes to the highest placed South Pacific team (excluding Australia and New Zealand). The Tahiti Surf Team therefore also took this award home with them for 2003, confirming their strength and depth of talent as a surfing nation.

Report and results submitted by Surfing New Zealand.

2003 RIP CURL ENGLISH SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 3 – 4, Watergate Bay, North Cornwall

Eugene Tollamache from Padstow used his flowing vertical attack to rack up the points and become this year's English Champion in a variety of demanding surf conditions over the mayday bank holiday weekend. Tollamache, 26, out-whacked the young gun, Johnny Fryer, 19, from the south coast (I.O.W.) and two evergreen chargers and ex-English Team members; Roger Knight, 38, Newquay and Mike Raven, 36, Bude. An emotional Knight also picked up the Randall Davies Memorial Cup for the best placed Newquay local, (Randall was a close friend).

Robyn Davies from Helston took time off from competing on the world professional tour and overcame a virus to retain her title in the Women’s division. European Champion Sam Bleakley overcame a recent dip in form to take the Longboard title from Ben Skinner who came second and Ollie Adams showed why he is the one to watch, picking up the Junior (U-18) crown and also the Dave Gent Memorial trophy for best Newquay junior. All in all, 19 English titles were decided from 350 competitors who did battle over three days at Watergate Bay in north Cornwall. Thanks to Rip Curl who picked up the bill and the Xtreme Academy who provided the infrastructure. The titles will be used to pick the English Surf team that will compete in the European Championships this autumn.

For the full list of results, please visit www.englishsurfingfederation.com

Report by Karen Walton, karen@englishsurfingfederation.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

RED STRIPE BRITISH LONGBOARD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003

May 23 – 24, Fistral Beach, Newquay

Lee Ryan wins the Red Stripe British Longboard Surfing Championships putting him in contention for team selection for the next ISA World Surfing Games. In tricky 3’-4’ surf conditions Lee used his local knowledge and incredible skill to defeat Dan Harris (Wales), Elliot Dudley (Wales) and Ashley Braunton (North Devon) to win the Open Division. The Women’s category had a new winner Louise West. Second went to Emma Fitzhenry, third Dom Munroe and fourth Jane Birch.

This event has been run since 1987 in conjunction with the short board titles and the Bodyboard titles. This year with the support of its sponsors Red Stripe Jamaican Lager it became a stand-alone event with £1,000 prize money in the Open Division, adding financial reward to the surfers who competed. Red Stripe was proud to sponsor the British Longboard Championships and has committed to an ongoing relationship with surfing. The Jamaican lager is a corporate sponsor of The British Surfing Association and also recently sponsored The BUSA Student Surfing Championships in February 2003.

For full list of results, please email dave@britsurf.co.uk

Report submitted by Dave Reed, BSA

May 25 – 26, Fistral Beach, Newquay

The Newquay based business, North Shore Surf Shop, continues its support with the sponsoring of the first BPSA Pro Junior Surf Contest on the BPSA UK Tour this year. North Shore Surf Shop supported the growth of surfing over many years sponsoring several other important events. This event continues their commitment to the sport of surfing. The contest will run alongside the Headworx BPSA UK Tour and the Voodoo Dolls Women’s UK Tour.

Report submitted by Dave Reed, BSA dave@britsurf.co.uk

VOODOO DOLLS WOMEN’S UK TOUR

May 25 – 26, Fistral Beach, Newquay

The first ever Women’s UK Surf Tour started with the Voodoo Dolls BPSA Women’s Newquay Surfing Championships, at Fistral Beach over the Bank holiday weekend (May 25^th - 26^th). The best female surfers from all over the UK and beyond competed for points, prize money and this prestigious title. Dave Reed Event Director said, "With the support the sponsors Voodoo Dolls, women’s surfing in Great Britain will raise its profile and allow female surfers to be rewarded for success in an expanding competitive sport." Adding, "We now look forward to the competition and the establishment of this tour as an important highlight in the surfing calendar"

Report submitted by Dave Reed, BSA

HEADWORX BPSA UK TOUR, Event 1

May 25 – 26, Fistral Beach, Newquay

The top surfers from all over the UK and beyond competed for this prestigious title. Headworx Europe delighted with last year’s tour continues its support of the BPSA UK tour this year, increasing the prize money, adding more incentives to the surfers competing.

Martin Peirce, Headworx European Marketing Manager said," We are delighted to be able to continue our support and commitment to British Surfing at this high level". Dave Reed Event Director said "This is going to be an exciting year, the level of surfing in the UK has had a marked increase, which will, I believe be reflected by the action in the water at the event."

Report submitted by Dave Reed, BSA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LIZZARD SURF CLASSIC BUDE 2003

June 14 at North Beach, Widemouth Bay

Lizzard Surfwear (UK), in conjunction with Surfspot Bude and Christian Surfers UK, are very pleased to announce that after a number of years without an event in the Bude area, they are holding a high profile Surf contest on Saturday 14^th June 2003. There will be 6 categories held: Open and Ladies Surfing, Junior Surfing, Longboard, Open Bodyboard and Softboard Challenge (a fun event). It’s the first time that all 3 organizations have collaborated in this very exciting event in the contest calendar. Christian Surfers will be providing the manpower for the event, with Lizzard and Surfspot providing the finances and prizes.

Report submitted by Christian Surfers UK, Christian.SurfersUK@ukgateway.net

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS BPSA EVENT IN ARUGAM BAY, SRI LANKA

May 14 – 17, 2004, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

BPSA together with TTaL and Sri Lankan Airlines is organizing a professional event in Sri Lanka, as a pre cursor for the British Season. Funding and sponsorship is in place for the first 5 years of the event. The 2004 event will be the beginning of an ongoing program to incorporate Sri Lanka as part of the British Professional Surfing circuit, as well as to promote Arugam Bay in the East Coast and Hikkaduwa and Mirissa on the South West Coast as premier Surfing locations.

Promotional and fact finding trips are planned for the 1^st and 16^th of June 2003 first with Wavelength magazine arriving with John Buchoriski and two promising juniors Reubyn Ash and Lloyd Cole. Then Carve and Surfers Path will arrive with the BPSA officials and Alan Stokes, Mark Harris and Spencer Hargraves. The BPSA is also researching the possibility of running junior winter training camps in Sri Lanka and developing a womens event in the future.

Arugam Bay is famous for its legendary right handers, and receives the same swell’s that hit Indonesia mid year. The best time to visit this part of the country is between May and October when the wind is predominantly offshore. There are three popular Point breaks within 20min of each other, one very good reef, breaks anything from 2-6 feet and provides a wall that will barrel to give you a 400 meter ride and the two other breaks will also provide 4-5 feet waves. Sri Lanka’s southwest coast also has some very good reef and beach breaks especially in Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. Best time to visit this part of the island is from October to April. Hikkaduwa is the location of an annual Japanese ranking event.

Report submitted by Dave Reed, BSA

43^rd ANNUAL UNITED STATES SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 28 – July 6, 2003 in Oceanside, California

The United States Surfing Championships return to Oceanside, Calif. June 28, where the nation’s premier surfing competition will headline the inaugural nine-day Oceanfest beach celebration, announced Paul West, president of the United States Surfing Federation. The country’s top 650 surfers – ranging in age from 8 to 80 years young -- will compete for national titles in 24 divisions at the 43rd annual U.S. Surfing Championships, staged for the 10th consecutive year in Oceanside.
 
 

"Oceanside is one the prettiest beaches in Southern California and in the summer, it has one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world," West stated. "The pier, with the amphitheater, creates a coliseum-like atmosphere and makes it the perfect environment to promote family fun with a variety of beach activities."

 The area’s pristine beauty and modern facilities makes it a natural backdrop for Oceanfest ’03, a nine-day family-style beach festival that offers spectacular entertainment sure to please guests of all ages.
 
 

The breath-taking Fourth of July fireworks display, live music in the amphitheater, art show, skateboarding competition, talent searches, special youth programs and promotional contests and giveaways are all planned with families in mind. The USSF have been told to expect over half a million visitors! They have 14 television stations committed and 9 radio stations.
 
 

Oceanfest ’03 is produced by Beach Festival Promotions in conjunction with the city of Oceanside to provide family-oriented entertainment in a setting that features some of the most beautiful beaches, surf and facilities in Southern California.

Up-to-the minute information is available www.beachfestivalpromotions.com

Report Submitted by Paul West, USSF croatan@infionline.net; USSF website: www.ussurf.org
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

• If you are disappointed that there is no news from your country, all you have to do is send your news via email to Lindsay Nelson at the ISA Head Office (lindsay@isasurf.org) and it will be included in the next newsletter.