Après une conférence de presse qui a eu lieu vers 12h30 à la pointe fare Mahora, en compagnie de surfeurs étrangers et de notre numéro 7 mondial Michel Bourez, une cérémonie culturelle a été organisée ! C ‘est d’abord un hommage qui fut rendu à l’ensemble des intervenants de la Billabong Pro 2011, puis à un héro parti trop tôt rejoindre ceux qui ne reviendront jamais, Andy IRONS !
Une prière d’ouverture faite par Timi TEUIRA à Vehiatua, anciennement roi de Teahupoo, a précédé un témoignage de respect très émouvant prononcé par notre président de fédération, monsieur KLIMA Philippe, à Andy IRONS, dernier champion de Hava’e ! S’en suivirent diverses prières et souhaits de voir de solides conditions pointer dès demain, exprimés par les maires des communes de Teahupoo et de Taiarapu Ouest, ainsi que par les grands noms du surf polynésien et international, qui ont, tour à tour pris le micro !
On retiendra surtout l’hommage collectif en la mémoire du regretté Andy Irons, ou le public se mêla aux surfeurs et organisateurs dans une ronde silencieuse et poignante.
La place fut ensuite laissée au groupe de danse Manahau, qui a alors assuré un spectacle grandiose, puis le moment le plus attendu de l’après-midi, le concert de Colbie Caillat, venue spécialement des Etats-Unis pour une courte mais non moins superbe performance.
A compter de demain, et ce jusqu’au 31 août, le check in aura lieu tous les matins à 6h00 pour déterminer si la compétition sera lancée ou non. Rappelons que pour la Billabong Pro 2011, quatre jours seront surfés au cours d’une fenêtre de 12 jours d’attente (waiting period). Vous pouvez contacter la Fédération Tahitienne de Surf au 29 68 76 (Sarah Lienard), 77 57 47 (Ingrid Leboucher) ou 77 61 40 (Pascal Luciani).
La composition du Round 1 pour nos Tahitiens est comme suit :
Série 6: Heiarii WILLIAMS (PYF) Vs Daniel Ross (AUS) Vs Kelly Slater (USA)
Série 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) Vs Kieren Perrow (AUS) Vs Dusty Payne (HAW)
Venez nombreux encourager nos 2 seuls enfants du pays !
Une prière d’ouverture faite par Timi TEUIRA à Vehiatua, anciennement roi de Teahupoo, a précédé un témoignage de respect très émouvant prononcé par notre président de fédération, monsieur KLIMA Philippe, à Andy IRONS, dernier champion de Hava’e ! S’en suivirent diverses prières et souhaits de voir de solides conditions pointer dès demain, exprimés par les maires des communes de Teahupoo et de Taiarapu Ouest, ainsi que par les grands noms du surf polynésien et international, qui ont, tour à tour pris le micro !
On retiendra surtout l’hommage collectif en la mémoire du regretté Andy Irons, ou le public se mêla aux surfeurs et organisateurs dans une ronde silencieuse et poignante.
La place fut ensuite laissée au groupe de danse Manahau, qui a alors assuré un spectacle grandiose, puis le moment le plus attendu de l’après-midi, le concert de Colbie Caillat, venue spécialement des Etats-Unis pour une courte mais non moins superbe performance.
A compter de demain, et ce jusqu’au 31 août, le check in aura lieu tous les matins à 6h00 pour déterminer si la compétition sera lancée ou non. Rappelons que pour la Billabong Pro 2011, quatre jours seront surfés au cours d’une fenêtre de 12 jours d’attente (waiting period). Vous pouvez contacter la Fédération Tahitienne de Surf au 29 68 76 (Sarah Lienard), 77 57 47 (Ingrid Leboucher) ou 77 61 40 (Pascal Luciani).
La composition du Round 1 pour nos Tahitiens est comme suit :
Série 6: Heiarii WILLIAMS (PYF) Vs Daniel Ross (AUS) Vs Kelly Slater (USA)
Série 11: Michel Bourez (PYF) Vs Kieren Perrow (AUS) Vs Dusty Payne (HAW)
Venez nombreux encourager nos 2 seuls enfants du pays !
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International
Australia's Owen Wright revelling in the perfect warm-up conditions in Tahiti today as the Billabong Pro Tahiti looks SET to begin tomorrow. HIGH REZ IMAGE ATTACHED
TEAHUPO’O, Taiarapu/French Polynesia (Friday, August 19, 2011) – The world’s best surfers have enjoyed a warm-up surf at one of the world’s most infamous breaks, Teahupo’o in Tahiti, on the eve of event 5 on the 2011 ASP Men’s World Tour, the Billabong Pro, presented by Air Tahiti Nui.
Expert forecasters, US-based Surfline are predicting large to life-threatening conditions in the second half of the event’s two week waiting period, which begins tomorrow, but with the sun shining and a relatively ‘tame’ two-metre swell on offer today, the likes of world champion Kelly Slater (USA), world number two Jordy Smith (ZAF), local Tahitian Michel Bourez (PYF) and current world rated number 1, Joel Parkinson (AUS) traded barrels in idyllic conditions.
Event organisers have welcomed Slater’s return after the reigning and 10-time world champion did a no-show at the last event in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. The 39-year-old spoke openly at the event’s official opening ceremony today, however, when questioned about the late withdrawal of another surfer from the Billabong Pro, Californian Bobby Martinez (USA) Slater felt Martinez had every right to not attend.
" I got enough of that shit last month" said Slater.
" Maybe I'm biased - they're giving someone else a spot and that's cool - whatever - I mean some guy who wants to be here will surf in Bobby's position."
Martinez’s withdrawal opens the door for the next highest seed, South African goofy-foot, Travis Logie (ZAF), who sits on the verge of requalification heading into the mid-year ratings rotation. The other three wildcard positions in the 36 man Billabong Pro draw have been awarded to the winner of the Air Tahiti Nui VonZipper Trials, Ricardo Dos Santos (BRA), runner-up Heiarri Williams (PYF) and injury replacement, Cory Lopez (USA).
Today’s official opening ceremony, attended by local Mayor Marcelle Holozet (PYF) included an emotional tribute to 2010 Billabong Pro champion, Andy Irons (HAW). Irons won the first event at Teahupo’o in 1997 and then twice more before dying of heart complications last November.
The three-time world champion was remembered today with surfers, organisers and well-wishers linking hands in prayer near the break he commanded like no other. A commemorative award has been named in Irons’ honour and will be awarded to the most committed surfer of the Billabong Pro event.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist, Colbie Collait (USA) closed proceedings with a short performance that included songs from her third album release, “All of You” and the internationally recognised hit single “Bubbly”. www.colbiecaillat.com
Organisers of the Billabong Pro presented by Air Tahiti Nui expect to commence Round 1 tomorrow morning in excellent two-to-three metre conditions.
An official decision will be made by 07:00am local time. Full press, including rights-free pictures for media and television newsfeed will be made available.
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Ricardo dos Santos (BRA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Heiarii Williams (PYF)
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 10: Damien Hobgood (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS)
PAST EVENT CHAMPIONS:
2010: Andy Irons (HAW)
2009: Bobby Martinez (USA)
2008: Bruno Santos (BRA)
2007: Damien Hobgood (USA)
2006: Bobby Martinez (USA)
2005: Kelly Slater (USA)
2004: CJ Hobgood (USA)
2003: Kelly Slater (USA)
2002: Andy Irons (HAW)
2001: Cory Lopez (USA)
2000: Kelly Slater (USA)
1999: Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
CURRENT ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 10:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 25700 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 24750 pts
3. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 22250 pts
4. Mick Fanning (AUS) 19500 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 18250 pts
6. Kelly Slater (USA) 16950 pts
7. Michel Bourez (PYF) 16000
8. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15000
9. Josh Kerr (AUS) 13900 pts
9. Owen Wright (AUS) 13900 pts
The Billabong Pro Tahiti is event Stop No. 5 of 11 on the men’s ASP World Title Tour featuring the World's Top 34 surfers plus two wildcards.
The men’s Billabong Pro Tahiti holds a waiting period from August 20 through 31 and is webcast LIVE viahttp://billabongpro.com/tahiti11/
Image Credit: © ASP/ KIRSTIN
Photographer: KIRSTIN SCHOLTZ
www.aspworldtour.com
The attached image is royalty free for editorial use only, no commercial rights granted. The copyright is owned by ASP International. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
High resolution images will also be available for download from the ASP Digital Imagery Website at http://www.aspworldtour.com/aspimagery/. Media must register to login.
For more information and to watch every heat unfold live, visit: www.billabongpro.com
Expert forecasters, US-based Surfline are predicting large to life-threatening conditions in the second half of the event’s two week waiting period, which begins tomorrow, but with the sun shining and a relatively ‘tame’ two-metre swell on offer today, the likes of world champion Kelly Slater (USA), world number two Jordy Smith (ZAF), local Tahitian Michel Bourez (PYF) and current world rated number 1, Joel Parkinson (AUS) traded barrels in idyllic conditions.
Event organisers have welcomed Slater’s return after the reigning and 10-time world champion did a no-show at the last event in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. The 39-year-old spoke openly at the event’s official opening ceremony today, however, when questioned about the late withdrawal of another surfer from the Billabong Pro, Californian Bobby Martinez (USA) Slater felt Martinez had every right to not attend.
" I got enough of that shit last month" said Slater.
" Maybe I'm biased - they're giving someone else a spot and that's cool - whatever - I mean some guy who wants to be here will surf in Bobby's position."
Martinez’s withdrawal opens the door for the next highest seed, South African goofy-foot, Travis Logie (ZAF), who sits on the verge of requalification heading into the mid-year ratings rotation. The other three wildcard positions in the 36 man Billabong Pro draw have been awarded to the winner of the Air Tahiti Nui VonZipper Trials, Ricardo Dos Santos (BRA), runner-up Heiarri Williams (PYF) and injury replacement, Cory Lopez (USA).
Today’s official opening ceremony, attended by local Mayor Marcelle Holozet (PYF) included an emotional tribute to 2010 Billabong Pro champion, Andy Irons (HAW). Irons won the first event at Teahupo’o in 1997 and then twice more before dying of heart complications last November.
The three-time world champion was remembered today with surfers, organisers and well-wishers linking hands in prayer near the break he commanded like no other. A commemorative award has been named in Irons’ honour and will be awarded to the most committed surfer of the Billabong Pro event.
Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist, Colbie Collait (USA) closed proceedings with a short performance that included songs from her third album release, “All of You” and the internationally recognised hit single “Bubbly”. www.colbiecaillat.com
Organisers of the Billabong Pro presented by Air Tahiti Nui expect to commence Round 1 tomorrow morning in excellent two-to-three metre conditions.
An official decision will be made by 07:00am local time. Full press, including rights-free pictures for media and television newsfeed will be made available.
BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 3: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Ricardo dos Santos (BRA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Heiarii Williams (PYF)
Heat 7: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 9: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Taylor Knox (USA)
Heat 10: Damien Hobgood (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 11: Michel Bourez (PYF), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Julian Wilson (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS)
PAST EVENT CHAMPIONS:
2010: Andy Irons (HAW)
2009: Bobby Martinez (USA)
2008: Bruno Santos (BRA)
2007: Damien Hobgood (USA)
2006: Bobby Martinez (USA)
2005: Kelly Slater (USA)
2004: CJ Hobgood (USA)
2003: Kelly Slater (USA)
2002: Andy Irons (HAW)
2001: Cory Lopez (USA)
2000: Kelly Slater (USA)
1999: Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
CURRENT ASP WORLD TITLE TOP 10:
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 25700 pts
2. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 24750 pts
3. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 22250 pts
4. Mick Fanning (AUS) 19500 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 18250 pts
6. Kelly Slater (USA) 16950 pts
7. Michel Bourez (PYF) 16000
8. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15000
9. Josh Kerr (AUS) 13900 pts
9. Owen Wright (AUS) 13900 pts
The Billabong Pro Tahiti is event Stop No. 5 of 11 on the men’s ASP World Title Tour featuring the World's Top 34 surfers plus two wildcards.
The men’s Billabong Pro Tahiti holds a waiting period from August 20 through 31 and is webcast LIVE viahttp://billabongpro.com/tahiti11/
Image Credit: © ASP/ KIRSTIN
Photographer: KIRSTIN SCHOLTZ
www.aspworldtour.com
The attached image is royalty free for editorial use only, no commercial rights granted. The copyright is owned by ASP International. Sale or license of the images is prohibited. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
High resolution images will also be available for download from the ASP Digital Imagery Website at http://www.aspworldtour.com/aspimagery/. Media must register to login.
For more information and to watch every heat unfold live, visit: www.billabongpro.com
