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The young new-school talent of Julian Wilson prevailed in the third edition of The O’Neill Mission. The edited video he put together of his highlights of the week to be judged, featured endless aerials, 360s, and even included a new-school rap soundtrack.

“I’m so blown away right now,” Julian said. “It’s been such a good week. We have made the best out of all the conditions we faced in France. I want to thank O’Neill for putting on such a good event.”

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.

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.

Ian Walsh has been a busy man. When not out looking for waves that can kill him he's occupied his time thinking about his hometown's next generation. Coming to the Valley Isle Saturday, April 5, 2008, Ian Walsh's throwing his ever-classic 5th Annual Menehune Mayhem.
Entry forms can be picked up at Hi-Tech surf shops on Maui and mailed to 720#5 Hana Hwy. Paia, HI 96779.  The event is first come, first serve.

What's not to like about hanging in Torquay? OK, besides the cold ass weather? But even if it has been a bit stormy, who cares, it hasn't been flat. And the talent level in the water? Lets just say you gotta be at the top of your game if you want to roll with these boys. Mick and Andy have been surfing especially precise as of late. Both have just been quietly going about their business, leaving the hype for Kelly Slater and Dane Reynolds to deal with. The waves at both Bells and Winkipop, where the rest of the Rip Curl Pro's Round Three was moved yesterday, suit both of their styles perfectly. Mick's surfing like a rubber band these days, and Andy, well, the world better look out when the surf comes up. There's a bit more swell in the forecast, so that should help is cause. And then after this, after a couple weeks back in Kauai cruising and running his kids' contest, Andy's off to the South Pacific where he can really flex. And speaking of flexing, considering how much time Mick put in at Teahupoo last year, he'll be fun to watch too. But for now the boys have to get through the rest of blustery Bells. Organizers have five days to run two days of competition, stay tuned.

Check out video highlights from Round One of the Rip Curl Pro...

...And while you're at it, take a look at a few of the photos.

For the most part, the Red Bull crew's survived Round Two of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. Held in tricky four-foot conditions, it was by no means an easy day of competition, but it was interesting. Ben Dunn proved he's definitely back from last year's injury and returning to fine form. A methodical, strategic surfer, he took out South African Travis Logie early in the day. And then in a match-up brother that had a somewhat brother-vs-brother feel, Adriano De Souza knocked out fellow Bull rider Tiago Pires. Unfortunately there have to be a could of losers, and besides Tiago who's still adapting to life on the WCT, Royden Bryson and Bruce Irons were knocked out of competition today. For now the swell's on the decline, so it's not looking like they're be running today, but there's a new pulse in the forecast, so stay tuned.

What's worse than having somebody show up at your secret spot? Well, having somebody build a nuclear power plant would be one thing. So, figuring it's better to let the world know where they've been sneaking off to all these years, a dedicated pack of locals from South Africa's Pearly Beach area, a wave-rich zone a couple hours outside of Cape Town, are trying raise awareness about a planned nuclear power plant that would effectively ruin their perfectly perfect hideaway. Every year Red Bull plays host to the Big Wave South Africa event held at Dungeons, and recognizing we're all swimming in the same ocean together, if you aren't backing of idea of nuclear power plants replacing secret spots, email: nuclear1@acerafrica.co.za

Surf videos are great. Turn one on, sit down, and watch away until you find the motivation to go surf. But up until now even the most diabolically choreographed water shots didn’t put you solely in the drivers seat. Well, that’s all changed with Red Bull’s latest brainchild: Inside Tahiti.