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

Message from ISA President, Fernando Aguerre

Dear ISA Friends around the World,

New movies are full of surfing actions, from the James Bond movie, to Blue Crush, from Sheryl Crow videos, to cartoons in TV.

The recognition of the ISA by the IOC in 1995 opened a decade of great events for the ISA and the NGBs. This was followed by recognition of many ISA NGB by their respective National Olympic Committees. In many cases this came along with NOC or Government funding.

Many NGB evolved from Associations to Federations, in the process becoming the true leading force behind the growth of surfing in their countries.

At the same time, the sport of surfing was included, for the first time in history, in multi sport events held under the Olympic Movement: The South Pacific Games (Tahiti), the Bolivarian Games (Ecuador).

Last year surfing finally made it to the other very relevant sport event in the World, the X Games, held in California, and seen by millions of people around the world.

The ISA efforts behind this tremendous work have been enormous, at both Executive Committee (EC) and National Governing Body (NGB) level. The above events are just some of the success stories that have resulted from years of hard work by all of us.

We are in front of the most important growth opportunity for surfing in our lives.

But the benefit for us, from this growth, will only happen if we all put an additional effort in holding more relevant ISA events.

I’m a very firm believer that there are no other surfing events, like the ISA events. The camaraderie, the diversity of cultures, languages, races, religions are totally unmatched by any other event in the world. The National Team environment is just so unique, so ISA, that anything else pales in comparison.

If any one of you would ask me, "Fernando, what should the most important goal for each NGB and for the ISA in the next two years?" my answer would be very simple and to the point: We all need more ISA events. The rest will follow suit.

We need more countries interested in holding our prime events: The World Surfing Games and the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. But also parties interested in holding the Kneeboard or the Masters World Championships, smaller, less complicated events. We totally need an NGB to held the first World Body Board Games (WBBG) for 04 or 05.

But most importantly, we need EACH NGB to hold at least one or two ISA Nations Cup events. These are easier, one or two day events that you can hold with one of your closest NGB. By holding these events, maybe right before or after one of your major surfing events in your nation, you will increase the National Team pride that all people (not just surfers) feel when they see a group of athletes wearing the National Colors…

I do believe that if we succeed in this area, the world of TV and Media will come to us. In turn this will attract better sponsors, which in turn will provide much needed funds for our NGBs and the funding of our activities…

As we approach the next World Surfing Games in Ecuador, and our meeting, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly report to you about some important ISA matters:

World Surfing Games 2004:

We are very glad that the FES (Federacion Ecuatoriana de Surf) under the wise leadership of Manolo Lozano, is going to be hosting the 2004 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG). The ISA believes these WSG will be spectacular, exotic and history making, in a warm weather, warm water location, with great hosts, as seen in their hosting of the Pan American Games in 2003.

World Junior Surfing Championships:

At mid 2002, the ISA wisely decided to hold the Junior division of the WSG in its very own event, to be held annually. The plan was to provide with twice the amount of competitions and opportunities for the younger athletes as well as for a larger number of hosting nations.

The inaugural Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships 2003 held in Durban, South Africa and organized by Surfing South Africa last August was a huge success and one in which the ISA looks forward to supporting and organizing each year. 16 nations with over 170 team members were in attendance.

2004 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships (WJSC)

After securing support from the Tahitian Government as well as Quiksilver and other Sponsors, the FTS (Federation Tahitienne de Surf), has paid the ISA the deposit of the sanction fee.

In November 2003, I met in Papeete with Pascal Luciani, President of FTS, at the Tahitian Olympic Committee HQ. In attendance were several print and TV media and the Tourism Minister of Tahiti.

The event will be held in December of 2004, in a North Swell facing surf break in the island of Tahiti. Accommodations will be provided in a very nice hotel nearby.

The ISA wishes the very best to the FTS and will continue to work with them to insure the success of the event.

World Bodyboard Games:

The ISA is very interested in finding hosts for running the Inaugural World Bodyboard Games. The ISA believes that Bodyboarders deserve an event of their own, including waves that lend themselves better for bodyboarding.

As soon as a host is secured, the ISA plans to increase the amount of surfing athletes in the WSG teams. Some ideas are inclusion of more longboarders, even female longboarders. This will only be decided once the WBBG organizer is found.

ISA World Kneeboard Championships:

To be held in July of 2004 in Tahiti, the ISA World Kneeboard Championship are the response to Kneeboarders worldwide desire to have their very own and specialized event. This event should provide for a great place to highlight the unique characteristics of Kneeboarding, with Kneeboarding judges and officials. Best of luck to all participants.

EDUCATION:

As agreed at the Durban AGM, the ISA focused some resources in supporting the education of NGBs on matters of Judging, Coaching and Technical Direction.

The ISA donated 50% of the costs of funding Seminars at the last Pan Am Surfing Games, 2003.

The Seminars included a Judging, Coaching, Surfschool and Technical Direction seminars. These courses were a huge success and the participants were very pleased with them. These courses will allow NGBs to continue to advance in their development programs, professionalism and in gaining recognition from national sport authorities.

Based on the success of this program, the ISA be will be funding and running a Judging Seminar in the days just before the WSG 2004. The seminar will be free of charge for judges working in the WSG.
We hope to continue these seminars at each ISA major event, since this is a great way to give value back to the attending NGBs as well as creating a uniform technical preparation around the world.

JUDGING:

This EC is assisting in the development and endorsement of an International Accredited Judging System, developed by Surfing Australia. Surfing Australia will appoint a representative to run the ISA Judging Seminar before the WSG 2004.

We have also revised the regulations for the selection of judges and team requirements at major ISA events in order to increase the level of judging, professionalism and expertise to the event. The ISA has created a Selection Panel to be in charge of selecting the best judges for events, based on judge applications submitted to the ISA Headquarters. Because the WSG now has a larger percentage of bodyboarders, the ISA will also select a Bodyboard Head Judge and ensure that the rest of the panel has sufficient number of judges with prominent bodyboard judging experience.

MEMBERSHIP:

As agreed at the AGM 2002, this EC has been working with several potential NGBs in their ISA application process, thus increasing the number of ISA members. There will be new NGBs as well as regional surfing organizations, included on the BGM 2004 Agenda for ratification of membership.
The EC has included (as prescribed in the ISA Constitution) a presentation by a USA based organization, Surfing America that has petitioned the ISA for recognition as ISA NGB for the USA. Their presentation will be given during the BGM. A vote for recognition of Surfing America, will only happen after a motion in this direction is moved by a voting NGB, and is seconded by another NGB.

If no NGB moves for a vote, no vote on this matter shall be held.

The USSF has been advised of the process, and has been given copy of the presentation I advance, to prepare a proper response.

The EC has been assisting several other organizations in finalizing their application package to become recognized ISA members.

Due to the ISA’s acceptance of the 2002 motion to substantially facilitate the admission of smaller, developing NGBs, the ISA has been able to establish communication with many new nations who plan to apply for ISA membership in the near future. The ISA is working with these nations, offering advice and encouragement for the further development of their NGB.

ISA EVENTS:

In 2003, the ISA had some great new events added on the Calendar in addition to the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships. During 2003 the ISA sanctioned the inaugural ISA Masters World Surfing Titles in New Zealand, the Lion Red Trans-Tasman Surfing Challenge and the World Kneeboard Surfing Championships, which will take place next July. The ISA appointed a representative from Australia to attend and assist with the South Pacific Games 2003’s Surfing event in Fiji.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, the ISA is proactively working towards securing hosts for future events such as the WSG 06, 08, WJSC 04, 05, 06.

NGBs interested in hosting any of these events, please come forward and let us know, so we can help you prepare the application.

At the ISA we believe that an important obligation of every NGB is to organize some ISA event in their countries. This is particularly true for the larger, most experienced surfing nations that should be looking at hosting one of the major ISA events, like the WSG or the WJSC.

If your NGB is interested in hosting any ISA event, please contact the ISA Headquarters for more information and an application. This is critical for the future of our sport around the world. We have now more events, all of them smaller than the size the WSG used to be. This makes them more manageable, and less complicated to host so more countries can do it.

OLYMPIC MATTERS:

ISA Vice President, Maile H. Aguerre continues to act as ISA’s liaison for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the General Association of International Recognized Sports Federations (GAIFS), the International World Games Association (IWGA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other regional and multi-sport event organizations. She attended several meetings in 2003 and has developed stronger relationships with key Olympic leaders, including the IOC President and the PASO President (Pan American Sport Organization).

In 2003, the ISA signed an agreement with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and accepted the IOC approved World Anti-Doping Code. The ISA will continue to promote the values of good sportsmanship, particularly on the matter of surfing as a drug-free sport.

This EC is intensively lobbying for inclusion of surfing in the Olympic Games and several other Multi-Sport/Regional Games by submitting applications, reports and attending annual meetings.

The IOC has sent out a new questionnaire to all the Sports Federations for re-evaluation. This is good news for the ISA because the ISA "family" has grown in strength and size since its original application. The IOC will re-evaluate the whole Olympic Programme after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Our medium term goal is to gain inclusion into the Pan American Games, the second largest multisport event in the Olympic World, to be held in Rio in 2007. We are working on this matter with the Federacao Brasilera de Surf and the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO).

COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN EC MEMBERS and STAFF:

The five members of the Executive Committee of the ISA (President + 4 Vice Presidents), and the staff (Lindsay, ISA Office Manager and Marcos Bukao, Technical Director), have remained in weekly and even daily contact working on the multiplicity of issues described in this report, plus the many operational matters that the ISA deals with.

Earlier in 2003, we’ve implemented a daily "calendar" and report. It includes all activities in which the ISA is involved. This provides the best visibility the members of the EC ever had, and allowed us to work as if we all were in the same office every day of the week.

Although the EC did not personally meet in 2003, we had plenty of "online" meetings and remained in constant communication on all topics.

The ISA EC held a very productive meeting in January 24 and 25, 2004 in San Diego. A summary of this very important meeting was sent to all NGBs. In attendance were Alan Atkins, Maile Aguerre, Moncho Gil, Marcos Bukao and Lindsay Nelson. Robin de Kock, joined us via phone from South Africa, as he was unable to attend.

ISA NEWSLETTER & PRESS RELEASE:

The ISA continues to offer its NGBs the monthly ISA Newsletter and Press Releases to the Media, Industry leaders and Sport Organizations to show the surfing world the latest happenings and news from the ISA and its member nations. Both contain information submitted by the ISA NGBs, updates on the Olympic Movement, environmental news, regional news, contact updates, ISA event updates and news from the ISA Headquarters. The ISA encourages all NGBs to submit news to the ISA for inclusion in the Newsletter, as this is a great way to keep current and inform the rest of the surfing world of your NGB activities and achievements.

IN CLOSING:

I would specially like to thank the four Vice Presidents of the ISA Alan Atkins, Maile Aguerre, Robin de Kock and Moncho Gil, our Office Manager, Lindsay Nelson and our Technical Director Marcos Bukao, for all their help, commitment and time put into making the ISA a leader in the work for a better surfing future.

Without their support and hard work, my job as President would have been much harder, and less rewarding, and not as successful.

The current President, and three of the four VP are going to stand for office in the next elections to be held in March, in Ecuador. During the EC meeting in January, ISA VP Moncho Gil (Spain) decided not to run for re-election due to the fact that the workload of this job as President of the Spanish Surfing Federation, as well as other work related commitments did not allow him to perform his VP job, as well as he intended when he was elected in Durban, 2002.

Attached you will find the CV (or resume) from the individuals that can be nominated by ISA members for the next election:

Besides the current President, Fernando Aguerre, and the current three VP: Maile Aguerre, Alan Atkins, and Robin de Kock, CV were received from Juca de Barros (Brazil), Marcos Conde (Brazil), Rui Felix (Portugal), and Paul West (USA).

Finally, the ISA Executive Committee and staff would like to thank all its member nations and staff for your support and participation over the past year, with the prospect of a prosperous continued relationship in 2004.

The ISA looks forward to working with all of you in 2004.

Fernando Aguerre

President

International Surfing Association

ISA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

January 24 – 25, 2004

ISA Headquarters, San Diego, California USA

The ISA Executive Committee (EC), ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, ISA Vice-Presidents, Maile H. Aguerre, Alan Atkins and Ramon Gil Jimenez-Facio, ISA Contest Director, Marcos Bukao and ISA Office Manager, Lindsay Nelson met at the ISA Headquarters for their first EC meeting of 2004. This meeting allowed the EC to meet face to face and discuss some of the most important matters at hand for the ISA. Robin de Kock, ISA Vice-President from South Africa was unable to attend, but was informed of topics before, during (via teleconference) and after the meeting. A report of the EC meeting was sent to the heads of NGBs on February 18.

Of the several items discussed, one was the endorsement of the Judging and Officiating Program, developed by Surfing Australia. The ISA EC also discussed amendments to the ISA Rulebook, future events and the newly adopted IOC approved anti-doping code established by the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). The proposed dates for ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in Papenoo, Tahiti are December 2, 3, 4: Arrivals; December 5 – 12: Opening Ceremony and Competition days; December 13, 14: Departure Days.

The ISA EC and Staff continue in their efforts to work as a team, communicating on a weekly and daily basis. The ISA is looking forward to a great year with the hosting of the ISA WSG 2004 in March, the ISA Annual and Biennial General Meetings in March, the World Kneeboarding Games in July, the ISA WJSC 2004 in December and NGBs hosting International 2 and 3 Team events between their neighboring nations throughout the year.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. As usual, please do not hesitate to contact the ISA should you have any questions or concerns.
 
 

Less than 20 days to go until the ISA World Surfing Games 2004. It is essential that the attending NGBs remain in close contact with the ISA and WSG Organizers (Federacion Ecuatoriana de Surf and Moneda Travel Group) in the next several weeks, disclosing all needed information so they can continue to do a great job to ensure that this is the best World Surfing Games ever.

All competing NGBs and Team Managers are urged to pay close attention to the ‘WSG 2004 Notice’ that the ISA Headquarters sent out on March 2^nd via email. It details the items Teams must bring to Ecuador as well as lists reminders and information on several very important matters.

The ISA and WSG Organizers also wish each nation the best of luck in their final days preparing for this event. The FES and ISA are certain that the attending teams and visitors will take home some unforgettable experiences from this historical event that will be part of their lives forever. See you soon!

Life’s a Beach Communications (LaBC), the Cape Town, South Africa based specialist watersports communications company, has been appointed to handle the English language media services for the 2004 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) in Ecuador. Life’s a Beach Communications provided the media services to the 2002 ISA WSG and the inaugural 2003 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships, both of which were staged in Durban, South Africa.

LaBC will manage the accreditation procedures for international media, operate the onsite media office and compile and distribute English media releases globally in the lead up to and during the event.
 
 

Media entities intending to produce moving images from the event are reminded that the ISA is the rights holder for all international broadcasts while the Federacion Ecuatoriana de Surf (FES), the organizing body, holds the domestic broadcast rights. Please contact LaBC via the details below to establish the implications of these rights and to ensure you have the necessary permissions.
 
 

Media personnel attending the WSG are urged to immediately contact LaBC for accreditation and all other matters regarding pre-event information, onsite facilities, media releases and results during the contest and a post-event wrap up.
 
 

LaBC will be represented in Ecuador by Paul Botha, a veteran surfer, administrator and journalist who has attended numerous international surfing tournaments and has also coordinated and run more than 150 major surfing and beach events.
 
 

The ISA and the FES are very pleased to bring LaBC on board for the World Surfing Games.

Life's a Beach Communications - Paul Botha - lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

Tel / Fax: +27 (0) 21 783 4965 / Mobile: +27 (0) 82 423 1964
 
 

The ISA is hosting a one-day ISA Level One Judging Course on March 18^th starting at 1:00 PM. The Course will be held at the Hotel Calypsso in Salinas. This is an excellent opportunity for gaining valuable knowledge and experience from the world's top judges to bring back to your nation for the further development of your NGB's level of Judging. The Course is free for all official WSG Judges and US$40 for all other interested individuals. At the end of the course, participants will be receiving a diploma and Booklet with the Course materials.

For all those interested in taking this course, please email the ISA Head Office (lindsay@isasurf.org) by March 5^th to confirm your attendance.

The WSG Judges Meeting will take place following the Level 1 Judging Course and is mandatory for all judges to attend.

Any questions regarding the course should be directed to Glen Elliott of Surfing Australia, glene@surfingaustralia.com.

March 17, 18, 19

ISA BGM

Due immediately:
-Team Names and Team Travel Itineraries

-Entry Fees: US$125 per each person on the team, excluding ISA selected judges. Entry Fees are due to the ISA, (deadline was January 15th).
-Accommodation Fees: US$25 per person, per night and are due to Moneda Travel Group’s Bank in Miami Florida, (deadline was January 15).

Please refer to the WSG 2004 Invitation and Information Packet for details and payment information.

If you have any questions or concerns about payment matters, accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, please immediately contact Moneda Travel Group at congresos@lamoneda.com.ec.

ITEM DATE DUE: SEND TO:

ISA Membership Fees:            Immediately                     ISA
Entry Fees:                     Immediately                     ISA

Team Names February 15, 2004 ISA and FES

Team Travel Itineraries: February 15, 2004 ISA and FES

Room Deposits: Upon Arrival Hotel upon arrival

Indemnity Forms: Upon Arrival At team registration

International Surfing Association (ISA) Headquarters

Lindsay Nelson, Office Manager, lindsay@isasurf.org

(858) 551 – 5292 (Office) / (858) 551 – 5290 (Fax)

La Moneda Travel Group* – Ecuador Office Contacts:

Viviana Sotomayor & Maria Isabel Laniado, E-mail: congresos@lamoneda.com.ec

593 4 2690900 (Office) / 593 4 2690911 (Fax) / 593 9 9741899 (Mobile)

*Contact for any questions and all matters relating to accommodations & transportation.

Federacion Ecuatoriana de Surf (FES), Host NGB

Manolo Lozano, FES President, manolo72@porta.net

593 4 2380352 (Office) / 593 4 2690911 (Fax) / 593 99 608 787 (Mobile)

*An ISA Sanctioned Event

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

HAWAII AMATEUR SURFING ASSOCIATION
Wendell Aoki, President new E-mail: hasahawaii@aol.com

JAMAICA SURFING ASSOCIATION
Congratulations to the new Executive Committee of the JSA, as per the AGM January 2004.
President: Eugene Miller, email: jasurfas@hotmail.com

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.

6. ON THE OLYMPIC FRONT

For more information, please contact Maile Aguerre at maile@isasurf.org

Protecting Surf In The National Parks
By Rebecca Beavers and Adam Stein

In many regional surfing circles, national parks are synonymous with excellent surfing. Cape Hatteras, Cape Canaveral, and Gulf Islands National Seashores have abundant opportunities that draw thousands of surfers each year. Ocean Beach in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Malibu in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are two of the numerous West Coast locations visited by many of California's 600,000 surfers. As a recreational resource, surf is of primary importance to surfers and surf-related visitors, but it also influences the aesthetic experience of many other park visitors and in some cases is culturally significant. Unfortunately, the locations, characteristics, and threats to surfing areas in the national parks have not been well documented. The National Park Service has begun to gather information on this valuable natural asset in order to enhance its protection.

In 2002 the NPS Geoscientists-in-the-Parks program and the Surfrider Foundation jointly funded an inventory of surfing resources in the National Park System. This project included surfing locales or breaks from the Great Lakes to American Samoa and identified 85 surfing spots in 25 separate national park units, with 28 units still under study. The inventory documented the type, season, and level of use of each area, along with management issues that could affect the surf. It also identified surfing resources with major cultural significance or especially high levels of use. Many parks were unfamiliar with their surf breaks and will benefit from the findings, such as digital data, which will be reported to managers during this year. The information will be easily applicable to park management issues because the data will also be made available in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database.

A recent case study at Sandy Hook in Gateway National Recreation Area illustrates how one park dealt effectively with a management problem involving a prized surfing resource. The surf in "Big Cove" is the result of a lengthy New Jersey seawall that extends into the southern boundary of the park, producing waves that are prized by surfers. However, this focused wave energy threatens to erode the shoreline along the only road accessing northern portions of the park and other infrastructure. In developing plans to protect this critical area, park staff reviewed shoreline, monitoring data on the erosion problem and discussed management options with surfing organizations. The combination of open communication and scientific information enabled the park to make an informed decision that benefited all parties. In 2002, the park applied a beach fill project to protect park infrastructure, but in small enough quantities and at a distance far enough away from the surf break to ensure its preservation. Russ Wilson, superintendent of the Sandy Hook unit, summed up the positive outcome. "Through an open dialogue we have made several changes in the design to the interim beach fill project. We are pleased that we could work together to design a project to satisfy the needs of the National Park Service, while working to minimize any potential adverse effect on surfing."

Excerpt from the Surfrider Foundation’s MAKING WAVES publication, December 2003. For more information about the Surfrider Foundation or its Respect the Beach program, please visit www.surfrider.org

ALAS LATIN PRO 2004 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS

These events will have about 100 surfers each from Latin America. Categories are Open, Bodyboard, Longboard, Junior and Ladies.

Confirmed dates:
Feb. 6 – 8, Billabong Latin Pro, Playa Senoritas, Peru

Feb. 13 – 15, Quiksilver Latin Pro, Playa los Pulpos, Peru

Feb. 21 – 24, Montanita OP Latin Pro, Montanita, Ecuador

Calendar submitted by Alicides Guerrero, alcides@alastour.com

For more information on ALAS’ Latin Pro Tour, as well as the latest results, please visit www.alastour.com

EUROPEAN TOUR OF BODYBOARD – CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2004
End May/June, Casablanca, Morocco
August 20 – 22, Portugal
September 3 – 5, Ferrol, Spain
September 10 – 12, Figueira da Foz, Portugal
September 17 – 19, Lacanau, France
Waiting Period November 7 – December 5, Oeiras, Portugal
Calendar submitted by Rui Felix at afelix@mail.telepac.pt; www.eurosurfing.org

DIPLOMA OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT (SURFING STUDIES)

Proudly endorsed by Surfing Australia

Southern Cross University – Tweed Gold Coast Campus – Coffs Harbour

The Diploma of Sport Management (Surfing Studies) is an exciting and challenging one-year course that will commence in February 2004. The course, developed in conjunction with Surfing Australia, the ISA’s National Governing Body for Australia, aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required of employees and managers in the global surf industry. In 2004, Southern Cross University will take 40 students for the one year full-time, or two year part-time course, covering subjects such as marketing, events management, sport media, business and sport management and technology. There is no need for applicants to be able to surf, although it would help.

Surfing Australia’s CEO and ISA’s Vice President, Alan Atkins, said that the sport and the industry are right behind the initiative. "Surfing is a billion-dollar-plus industry in Australia and eight billion dollars worldwide, and it brings in millions in exports and tourism," he said. "There are almost two million Australians actively participating in surfing. We need to be more professional and competitive with other sports," Mr. Atkins said. "The fact that students will be paying full fees for this course indicates how important it is to those involved in the sport."

The "Direct Application for Admission 2004" form and instructions for completing the application form are available at http://www.scu.edu.au/admin/stuadmin/forms/.

For advice regarding the Diploma and Certificate Courses: Mr. Jak Carroll jcarroll@scu.edu.au

For information on all Southern Cross courses: http://www.scu.edu.au/courses

Media Contact/General information: Surfing Australia – Renee Marshall reneem@surfingaustralia.com

Report submitted by Alan Atkins, SA alana@surfingaustralia.com

‘South to South’ takes their athletes to Peru

In all sports, for an athlete to improve, he/she needs to train and practice a lot. This word may seem upsetting to some, having to repeat the same movement in order to perfect it. Surf isn't any different. Surfers are always trying to do the perfect maneuver at higher levels of difficulty. For this, they practice in different types of waves and types of beaches (rock bottom, sand bottom, etc.) perfecting their performances in salt water. And it was to this point that Lucinei Mallas (Nei), team captain of the surf team "South to South", went with the "grommet" team to Peru on January 22^nd. This was his first trip to a different country with the other kids. On this trip were, Bruno Marques (14 years old) and William Marroco (11 years old), both from Sao Paulo, and Iage Araujo (9 years old) from Bahia.

According to Marcio Seiji, Marketing Director of South to South, this trip would be very important for the younger athletes, especially the ones starting to compete seriously. The kids are confronting different conditions, rock bottom, cold water and wet suits, as well as adapting to the travel routine and responsibilities in relation to the sport. Competitors and users of Tow In follow the technical side with all of the athletes on the South to South team since March 2003, putting emphasis on the Juniors. "He was chosen to be responsible for the team, especially because he is an athlete that is responsible, competent in taking on the task and incorporating good vibes of the company he is representing."

Besides traveling in Brasil with the athletes, Nei goes with the team members to their pro and amateur competitions, having spent time in Hawaii, Mexico and some Central American countries. They returned to Brazil on the 17th of February. Now, Nei will go with the team to the main competitions.

Report submitted by Wanessa Alves, fama.assessoria@terra.com.br

ROBERTO VALERIO CUP

In 2003, CBS created the Roberto Valerio Cup for the Brazilian Amateur Circuit in honor of Roberto Valerio, who was the biggest supporter of amateur surfing in Brazil. (Mr. Valerio was also the major sponsor of the WSG in Rio in 1994).

The trophy rotates going to the winning team. The Brazilian Team that wins 3 times gets to keep it.

The Taka Roberto Valerio will take place in 2004 with 4 competitions:

The 1^st one will be from the 5^th through the 7^th of March in the Northeast

And the last will be from the 30^th of October through the 1^st of November in the South.

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

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

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

Mar. 13 – 14, Playa Hermosa, 4 star

Apr. 3 – 4, Playa Hermosa, 6 star

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

For further information, please contact Valerie Raust, FTS at surfingcr@hotmail.com or visit FTS website at: www.surfingcr.com

OCEANIA SURF COMPETITION

The Oceania Surf Competition was held at Fingal Heads, northern NSW, Australia in waves ranging from 3-5 feet. The good surf allowed all competitors the opportunity to show their skill, however the Fiji team was rattled when the surfboards of two competitors Paul Chongsue (Open) and Craig McElrath (Longboard) were stolen from the accommodation on the eve of the final day. Despite pledges of support from the team’s sponsors, Wai Tui Surf and Air Pacific, to get replacement surfboards to the team, it was logistically impossible to get them there in time for the finals day.

Fiji’s best results came from Aca Ravulo and Paul Chongsue who made it to the semi final of the open mens. Paul might have gone further but he had to use a borrowed surfboard after his was stolen. Carli Lovell came fourth in womens.

The winning team was Tahiti, who had a first place in he Womens and Open Mens, and a second place in Longboard. The competition attracted 6 nations and will be hosted next year by Tahiti.

Report by Brian McDonald of FSA, b.mcdonald@cqufic.ac.fj

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - JAMAICA SURFING ASSOCIATION 
February 28, First National Open, Lighthouse Surfing Beach, Airport Rd. Palisadoes

April 17, Third National Open, Makka Surfing Beach South Haven St Thomas

June 12, Forth National Open, Zoo Surfing Beach Harbour View, East Kingston

Calendar submitted by Billy Wilmot, jasurfas@hotmail.com

SNZ LONGBOARD CIRCUIT EVENT #1 TARANAKI CLASSIC

January 24 – 25, Taranaki

Auckland Surfer Trent Lillis styled his way to a win in the first full SNZ Longboard Classic of the year.  In the clean 1.0m surf at Taranaki's Fitzroy Beach, Lillis surfed his way to a win with a stylist exhibition of modern and traditional moves. The crowd showed their appreciation with many hoots.

The final was a class act with 2003 National champion Kelly Ryan, former champ Craig Anderson and Tongan / Oceania representative Michael Burling keeping pressure on Lillis throughout the 20 minute final. Kelly Ryan (Gis) consistently threw together clean 'fives' and big 'off the tops'.  Michael Burling surfed with maturity beyond his years and his all round performance was a crowd pleaser throughout the event.  Craig Anderson renown for his vertical attack didn’t disappoint either.  After three months out of the water he showed he is a contender for the rest of the circuit with his fourth placing.
 
 

Meanwhile the Junior Division mustered the biggest field of surfers in its eight-year history. This field produced some great surfing with plenty of action.  Daniel Proctor (Gisborne) was a class act.  At such a young age his domination was apparent.  Second place went to pint sized Mount Surfer Liam Creavey who at 12 years old still has 6 years in the Juniors Division.  Matt Cochaine (Mang) placed 3^rd and first time circuit entrant Dylan Barnhill (Whak) placed 4^th.

In the Women’s Division last years circuit winner Nicky Murden convincingly took the Taranaki title after six years of participating on the circuit. Fellow Mount surfer Cheryl Lowe taking 2^nd place, last years winner Lindi Foster Page 3^rd and Gisborne longboarder Caroline Ryan 4^th. The Over 40’s final was a closely fought affair with the experienced mainlander Glen Shuker triumphantly winning from Hawkes Bay’s Brendon Young. Third place went to Mickey T and he was closely followed by Northlands Roger Hall. The popular Over 50’s division was a local derby with Steve Teague winning from Peter Briscoe, North Auckland’s Paul Browne and 4^th placed Erreur! Signet non défini..

Report by Ben Kennings, SNZ. For complete list of results, please email ben.kennings@surfingnz.co.nz

HOT BUTTERED / DRAGON SNZ PRO

February 14 – 15, Piha Beach, Auckland

Maz Quinn made it two wins from two after winning the Hot Buttered/Dragon SNZ Pro. In huge two meter west coast swells Quinn stamped his authority over the 25 minute final with a clinical display of power surfing. Posting scores of a near perfect 9.0 and a 6.5 (15.5 total), Quinn edged out his opponents in a very tight final.
 
 

It was a win that didn’t come easy for Quinn as fellow finalists pushed him right to the wire. Chris Malone (Gis) opened the finals with the highest single wave score of the finals, a 9.5. The wave had the crowd on their feet and a toppling of the ‘king Quinn’ was on the cards. However, Malone waited for another wave to show the same form and it never came in his direction. To cap things off, while doing a circuit around Partiki rocks, he fell lacerating his toes in the process.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

While waiting to capitalize on his 9.5 Malone let fellow Gisbornite Blair Stewart through the back door with a final ride of 7.0. Along with another earlier ride of 7.75, this was enough to push Stewart into second leaving Malone in third place. Muriwai’s Chris Millet placed fourth in the final after a strong performance in what many spectators described as some of the best competition surfing they had seen this summer.
 
 

Earlier in the day Quinn and Malone edged out Nick White (BOP) and Ben Kennings (WGM) in semi final number one. In semi final number two Stewart and Millet had a close fought battle eliminating Jos Kennings (WGM) and Nick Ngau Chun (Piha).

The women’s final was a one-horse battle with Mischa Davis living up to the pre event expectations taking the title. Davis showed huge commitment to front the huge seas and scored 14.75 (7.75 & 7.0) for the win. This left fellow competitors Hester Sutherland Stacey, Thandi Durham and Pipi Sopp (WGM) battling out for the minor placings and finishing second through fourth in that order.
 
 

In the Junior division it was a roll reversal of last weekends event. This time Dean Amess (WGM) looked to relish the big and powerful surf conditions for the win. Amess surfed his last wave for a score of 7.75 only moments before the hooter and that was enough for him to squeak past Nathan Welch of Gisborne.
 
 

Amess was "stoked" with the win over Welch and their battle is likely to continue throughout the year. Placing third was Maru Pou who had traveled to the event from his hometown of Riverton. Pou was another surfer who looked to enjoy the bigger waves on offer as he progressed through the early rounds to a third place in the final. Also making the final was Joe Nicol of Gisborne who will be happy with his fourth placing.

Report by Steve Ria. For full list of results, please email steveria@world-net.co.nz

TRANS TASMAN JUNIOR KNEEBOARD CHALLENGE 2004

February 20, New South Wales, Australia

The NZ Junior Kneeboard surfing team arrived home victorious after their ten-day tour of Australia.

After a stirring Haka at the start of the teams event, the eight-man NZ team went on to beat the Australians in the first ever Trans Tasman Challenge for Kneeboarding.

The New Zealand team took a commanding lead early on with all surfers showing some excellent skills in the 2-3 foot waves. Jos Hadfield got the ball rolling, followed up by Mal Van Der Helder who scored one of the highest waves of the day to push the kiwis further ahead. The honour of ‘double whammy’ surfer fell to Kelvin Weir after strong surfing in practise all week. Weir surfed the waves on offer brilliantly to bring the team home with 15 minutes remaining while two Aussies were yet to enter the water. Other team members brothers, Cameron, Shaun and Karl Stanley combined with AJ Vaetoru and Jason Farqhar had earlier added valuable points toward the kiwi win.
 
 

After the tallies had been checked and averaged by the three judges the final scores were,

1st New Zealand - 49 pts

Surfs Up for Hyundai

On February 23^rd, Hyundai Automotive New Zealand (HANZ) announced it will be the official car supplier of SNZ. SNZ CEO, Greg Townsend said the organization is grateful for the support from HANZ, which has provided the organization with on of its Santa Fe vehicles to use for a 12-month period. HANZ General Manager, Philip Eustace said the sponsorship of SNZ, which is the NGB for surfing in New Zealand is an ideal fit with the Hyundai Brand. Congratulations Surfing New Zealand.

Report by Ben Kennings, SNZ.

RARO GROMMET SUMMER SERIES #2

February 28 – 29, Whangamata

Richard Christie surfed his way to victory in the Under 16 division of event two in the Raro Grommet Summer Series. Competitors awoke to a solid 1.5m swell in the morning but by the time the finals were surfed, the ocean had trebled in size making conditions treacherous. Cyclone Ivy whipped up huge 3m+ waves that competitors and spectators alike had trouble comprehending. As spectators huddled under the Globe marquee out of the early morning rain the remaining competitors took on the challenge of the ocean.

With the swell peaking at finals time Christie (Mahia) choose to ride borrowed equipment to help his chances of victory.  The change in equipment seemed to work as he posted scores of a 6.0 and back that up with an impressive 8.5 for his last ride to seal the win.  Christie was clearly exhausted after the final as were his opponents who paddled for much of the final trying to maintain their positions 300m out to sea.

The competitors in the other five divisions struggled to cope with the increasing swell, many of them putting on a courageous effort just to enter the water. The under 16 girls division was won by Mischa Davis of Piha who, with an impressive first wave score of 8.0, secured the win early on in the heat. Ryan Hawker (Piha) showed the crowd an impressive display of surfing to win the under 14 boys division by a handsome margin after scoring a total heat score of 16.45. Airini Mason earlier surfed the final of the under 14 girls division. In an effort that may have tired her before the under 16 final, she came away with the win scoring a total of 14.25. The under 12 divisions were reduced to surfing the inside reform waves closer to the beach after the swell increased to near out of control. Nonetheless they got in the water and had nothing but their sights set on the winners prize packs from Globe and Gallaz. Jonny Hicks (Gis) walked away an exhausted winner in the under 12 boys while Renee Pearson also of Gisborne walked away with first place in the under 12 girls.

For further information regarding results from event two, please email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz
 
 

SMOKEFREE/ARNETTE WOMEN’S OPEN SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 6 – 7, Tay Street, Mt. Maunganui

The 2004 Open Women's Surf Champs will be brought back to Mount Maunganui this year.  As the original home of the event, Mount Maunganui, boasts a huge female surfing population and the location is also easily accessible to many other beaches from both coasts of New Zealand. The event attracts the best of the best female surfers New Zealand has on offer.  The event also provides five age-limited divisions for the surfer who is not so familiar with contests or for those who are well seasoned (Over 35 Division).

The two-day event offers something for all female surfers and includes a brilliant festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

For further information please contact Jonette Mead jonettemead@xtra.co.nz.

Report submitted by Ben Kennings, SNZ

For complete and official Ratings of Surfing New Zealand’s Pro Series, please visit www.surfingnz.co.nz
 
 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – SURFING NEW ZEALAND

Feb. 28 – 29, SNZ Level One Coaching Course, Mt. Maunganui

Feb. 27 – 28, Go for Gold, Greymouth

Mar. 6 – 7, Smokefree/Arnette/SNZ Women’s Championships, Mt. Maunganui

Mar. 12 – 14, Kaikoua Longboard Classic, Kaikoura

Mar. 13 – 14, Tairawhiti / Bodyline / Blitz SNZ Pro, Gisborne

Mar. 20 – 21, Raro Grommet Summer Series, Muriwai

Mar. 27 – 28, Sunshine/Mount Surfshop Longboard Classic, Mt Maunganui

For more information, please visit www.surfingnz.co.nz
 
 

ROXY SURF JAM

February 28 – 29, Durban, South Africa

The first event of the Roxy Surf Jam series took to the waters of Durban’s Bay of Plenty and featured the cream of South Africa’s female surfing talent. The national series, consisting of six events, kicked off in Surf City will travel to St. Michael’s on Sea (29 & 30 May), St Francis (24 & 25 July), Bloubergstrand’s Big Bay (4 & 5 September) and Long Beach, Kommetjie (9 & 10 October), ending with the Grand Finale at Durban’s New Pier on the 30 and 31^st of October. "Girls surfing has really come of age and we have decided to launch a national series to cater for the competitive demand placed on the sport by the gender," says Marketing Manager for Roxy, Elsje Jacobson. "Surfing SA and Roxy have had a very successful relationship with the Roxy Wahine Cup and the Roxy Learn to Surf Tour for Girls and we are proud to sanction the Roxy Surf Jam," said SSA General Manager Robin de Kock. "We are very excited about this new property and believe it is groundbreaking not only in our sport but will entice other sports to give girls the recognition and respect they deserve."

Report submitted by Life’s a Beach Communications.

For full list of results from the Roxy Surf Jam, please email lifesabeach@mweb.co.za

SURFING SOUTH AFRICA’S "LETS GO SURFING" PROGRAM

February 28 – 29, Umzumbe, KZN

Surfing South Africa "Lets go Surfing" initiative received a boost from the surfing industry in the form of prizes, surfing magazines, Learn to Surf coaching booklets and much needed equipment. Quiksilver, Island Style, Billabong, Rip Curl, O'Neill, Gotcha, Island Tribe as well as Zig Zag and Amped magazines all provided items for the initiative. Localism Surf Club is made up of surfers from the Umzumbe township near Port Shepstone and is mentored by National Academy coach Bruce Rudling and National judge Sandile Mqadi.

With equipment still one of the major problems facing the development of the sport in the Umzumbe area, Gotcha decided to donate five top quality surfboards to the Localism Surf Club. The surfboards were allocated to those surfers in the Club who have been identified as having the potential to surf at provincial and possibly national level.

The national "Let's go Surfing" clinics are an entry level surfing initiative introduced by Surfing South Africa and supported by Sport and Recreation South Africa and are aimed at attracting grass roots surfers to the sport with the program paying specific attention to coaching, teaching and participation.
 
 

The first clinic was held at Muizenberg in the Western Cape at the end of January and was a huge success. The third in the "Lets go Surfing" series will be held at Jeffreys Bay on March 28 and 29.

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

2003 BILLABONG JUNIOR SERIES PRESENTED BY Hip2b²

Five Event National Surfing Series

March – August 2004, East London, Durban, Victoria Bay, Cape Town and Jeffreys Bay

The Billabong Junior Series, South Africa’s hugely popular annual surfing circuit for competitors under the age of 20, will enter its seventh consecutive year in 2004 with new co-sponsors in Hip2b², the brand born out of Mark Shuttleworth’s trip to space in 2002. To be known as the Billabong Junior Series presented by Hip2b², the five event national surfing series that has produced the country’s current crop of world beating young surfers, will now add to their aspirations by introducing them to savvy and smart ways to live their lives.

"We are stoked with our new association with Hip2b²," says Billabong SA marketing manager Brad Bricknell, adding "They really understand what we want to achieve through our Junior Series and we share the same vision going forward. The social responsibility angle they bring will also contribute to uplifting the image and profile of the sport."

"Our aim is to target the youth of South Africa and stimulate interest and activity surrounding Maths, science and technology," he explained. "Through hard work and dedication in the class room, the best junior surfers can realize even greater dreams in the future. Our brand represents intelligence and savvy. It's hip to be square. Just ask Sean Holmes," he concluded, referring to one of the country’s best all round surfers who recently completed a university degree with honours.

The 2004 series will again cater for the premier U/20 boys’ category, sanctioned by ASP Africa, and the Surfing South Africa sanctioned U/12, U/14 and U/16 boys and U/20 girls. The 2004 Billabong Junior Series presented by Hip2b² starts in East London on the weekend 5-7 March followed by Durban (2-4 April), Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape (14-16 May) and Kommetjie in Cape Town (11-13 June) before all the champions are crowned at the final event staged in Jeffreys Bay over the weekend 7-9 August.

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

SURFING SOUTH AFRICA (SSA) – 2003 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb. 14, Surfers Marathon, East London

Feb. 21 – 22, SA WSG Team Trial & Training Camp, KZN

Feb. 28 – 29 Roxy Surf Jam #1

Feb. 28 – 29, SSA "Lets Go Surfing" Clinic, Umzumbe

Mar. 5 – 7, Billabong Junior Series #1, East London

Mar. 13 –14, Rip Curl Gromsearch #2, East London

Mar. 21 – 27, SA Longboard Championships, Eastern Cape

Mar. 27 – 28, Lizzard Pro, Durban

Mar. 27 – 28, SSA "Lets Go Surfing" Clinic, Jeffreys Bay

Calendar submitted by Life’s a Beach Communications

BUSA UNIVERSITIES SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2004

March 5 – 7, 2004, Fistral Beach / Towan Beach, Newquay

Nick Reid, Bristol University Men’s team and Eleanor Hastings, Exeter University Women’s team, will be defending their individual titles at this year’s BUSA Universities Surfing Championships.

400 Surfers will be descending on Newquay Friday 5^th March to compete for this prestigious title. The event, one of the biggest for entries in Europe, will take place at Towan Beach or Fistral Beach over that weekend, subject to surf conditions.

Organized by UK Surf Promotions and the British Surfing Association on behalf of the British Universities Students Association it attracts a vast amount of competitors and spectators to Newquay at a time of year it would be relatively quiet.

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

SURFPARKS LLC PLANS WORLD’S FIRST SURFPARK IN ORLANDO

Ron Jon Surf Shop and Pro Surfers Cory and Shea Lopez Join Surfparks In The Quest For Perfection...

Surfparks LLC announced the launch of its website today – www.surfparks.com – to introduce a series of purpose-built surfing facilities planned for development. The first Surfpark to create perfect, barreling salt-water waves is estimated to debut in early 2005 at Festival Bay at International Drive in Orlando, Florida.

Perfect Surf in a Pool?

A Surfpark uses three new technologies to generate perfect surf in a consistent, controlled environment:

1. The Groundswell wave system efficiently creates up to six waves per minute with adjustable wave heights up to eight feet. WaveTek/Aquatic Development Group, the leader in wave-equipment manufacturing and waterpark design, developed the Groundswell specifically for surfing.

 2. The patent pending Wedge pool design, developed by the surfer-scientists at ASR Ltd., is designed to compress wave energy along converging walls to maintain wave height and power through the full length of the ride.

3. The patent-pending Versareef, also developed by ASR, is a padded, computer-adjustable pool floor that changes contour at the press of a button. The Versareef can be programmed to create a near infinite variety of wave shapes, keeping the Surfpark experience fresh.
 
 

Ron Jon Surf Shop Partners With Surfparks LLC for the Ron Jon Surfpark^SM, Orlando

Surfparks LLC recently entered into a licensing agreement with Ron Jon Surf Shop, the surf retail powerhouse headquartered in Cocoa Beach, FL, to utilize the Ron Jon brand for the Orlando Surfpark. Ron Jon is also an investor in the Surfpark and will operate the Surfpark Pro Shop, which will stock Ron Jon’s famously deep selection of surfing and bodyboarding equipment.

"Ron Jon Surf Shop has been exploring the idea of a Surfpark for some time," said Ed Moriarty, president of Ron Jon Surf Shop. "It’s a natural complement to the Ron Jon store at Festival Bay, and we can’t think of a more exciting way to bring the beach lifestyle to Orlando than to provide the experience of riding consistently perfect waves." Surfpark executives are delighted to have Ron Jon on board as a partner.

"I can think of no better partner for an Orlando Surfpark than Ron Jon Surf Shop," said Surfparks co-founder Jamie Meiselman. "The store’s management skills are unquestionable, its marketing resources are perfectly aligned to reach the Surfpark customer, and the Ron Jon brand visibility, both in Florida and beyond, is legendary."

Lopez Brothers Headline Surfparks Pro Team

Top Professional Surfers, Cory and Shea Lopez have taken the lead over thousands of Florida surfers eager to ride the waves at the Surfpark, having signed on as the first members of the elite Surfparks Pro Team.  When not competing on the ASP World Championship Tour, Cory and Shea will use the Ron Jon Surfpark as a training base. They will also act as Surfparks’ professional ambassadors, equivalent to resident PGA Golf Pros, and lead customized high performance surf clinics for aspiring surfers.

"It will be a lot easier to stay in Florida between events with a world-class wave down the street," said Shea.  For Cory, the Surfpark is a dream come true. "I'm super stoked. I can't wait to surf it," said the younger Lopez brother. "The idea of a perfect, repeatable wave has been my dream for years."

Get Involved Now!

Surfers are encouraged to visit www.surfparks.com, where a limited number of memberships to the Ron Jon Surfpark^SM, Orlando can be reserved with no obligation or deposit required. Website visitors can also learn much more about Surfparks’ technology, mission, and team, and get a chance to win one of fifty free Surfpark sessions by filling out the Surfparks Survey.

For More Information:

Surfparks LLC: Jamie Meiselman, info@surfparks.com, or email qmintl@tampabay.rr.com

Ron Jon Surf Shop: Heather Lewis, (321) 799-8880, heatherl@rjss.com, www.ronjons.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.