April 2008 Archives

The Red Bull Riders Cup hit Central Florida this week as Satellite High took the win becoming the Central Florida Red Bull Riders Cup regional champions. The eight regional finalists travel to California where they will compete at the Red Bull Riders Cup National Championships June 13-15 at San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente.

Jamie O’Brien has done it again. The 2006 Pipeline Master has added another prestigious title to his list of achievements by winning the Air Tahiti Nui – Von Zipper Trials in heaving 6-8ft slabs at Teahupoo in Tahiti. In the precurser to the Billabong Pro, he defeated talented Brazilian goofy footer Bruno Santos in an epic final that saw the Hawaiian steal the lead in the dying minute with a perfect ten point ride. He was the standout performer of the day, scoring two 10-point rides on the way to the final and a near perfect 19.93 out of 20.00 in his Quarter Final.

And if that wasn't enough, the swell only got bigger, and as  you can see by the photos, there were some especially heavy moments.

Get Your own 10-point ride Inside Tahiti right here.

Think Jamie's nuts? Check out Red Bull USA to meet all the other lunatics.

Looking forward to the madness that is the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, the Red Bull crew  is more than eager to get their feet wet in the South Pacific. Timmy Patterson recently finished a brand new tow-board for Andy Irons with the intention of getting Andy into “some mean ones.” At the time Andy was enjoying a brief respite in mainland Mexico, and after the respite, he’s more than ready to throw himself into the fray. Bruce on the other hand has been enjoying his down days in Bali, surfing and filming for one movie part or another. Will he be ready for Tahiti? As long as it’s pumping, count on it.

And what about our defending world champ and runner-up in Tahiti in 2007? Well, old Mick Fanning's more than a month into his marriage and life is good. With wedding madness behind him he's been back on point, surfing on the Gold Coast when it's on, an enjoying the down days between Bells and Tahiti. Considering how much effort he put into Teahupoo last year, one has to figure going back this year will be a lot like riding a bike and he probably didn't forget the feeling.

First and foremost, a huge congratulations goes out to Maya Gaberia, who last night received the Billabong Girl's Best Overall Performance Award at the Billabong XXL Awards. After her harrowing session at Teahupoo last November it's safe to say she earned it. Now that that's out of the way, after going to these big-wave hootenannies for the better part of 10 years think I’ve finally figured out how to safely navigate this night with a bit of dignity.

Live From Sofia's Blog: This was a cool day at my home beach in Punta Hermosa, Peru. Red Bull created a contest for 25 girls between the ages of 10 and 16 to come out to the beach and paint a blank surfboard shaped canvas, with the hopes of me choosing their design.  Read More From Sofia...

Check out the photos...

See what else is going on with the Bull at Red Bull USA.

After a gnar-cor week of head-to-head games at Pleasure Point Soquel High School emerged as the clear-cut Santa Cruz regional champion. With some classic Beach Boys-esque "Be True to your School" mojo going down, the final game on Thursday between Soquel High School and Harbor High School brought out big crowds for the action packed final. “The kids have fun, it’s all about the camaraderie in and out of the water,” says Harbor High School coach Neil Pearlberg.

With their win Soquel HIgh is the first team to qualify for the national Riders Cup held down in Southern California later this summer. Click here to see the complete blow-by-blow.

Next the Red Bull Riders Cup heads to South Florida, April 15-17, be there or be square.

Check out photographic evidence of Menehunes causing mayhem

The conditions were prime, and the weather was perfect in typical Maui fashion this past Saturday at the Fifth Annual Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Surf Event at Ho’okipa Beach Park, in Maui, Hawaii.  Ian, with the help of his apparel sponsor O’Neill, put on an event to remember for the local kids of Hawaii.  Instead of the normal amateur contest breakdown of six man, 15 minute heats, the finals were divided into four man, 15 minute heats.  “This gives the kids a different type of contest,” said Walsh.  “I want them to get a feel for the competitions they will be involved in if they go pro.”