09
Mar
Lindsey Vonn and Ellen DeGeneres Team to Help Haiti
Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) has teamed with TV host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres to continue the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti by auctioning a signed pair of skis and poles on eBay.
The Head skis and Leki poles, which feature Ellen's face and Vonn's autograph, are up for grabs at www.ebay.com until 3:12 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 9 with all proceeds from the auction benefiting the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.
The equipment was gift to Vonn during her March 2 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show following her Olympic gold and bronze medals at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Vonn, in turn decided to donate the skis and poles to aide Haiti.
Earlier in the season, Vonn contributed her signed race bib from the Cortina d'Ampezzo World Cup to assist in the relief effort through an auction organized by teammate Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA). The bib sold on eBay for $8,600.
Currently, Vonn is wrapping up the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season with the final two weeks of racing beginning this weekend in Crans Montana, Switzerland followed by World Cup Finals in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
Vonn has mathematically clinched her second consecutive super G title and is also in the hunt for the super combined, downhill and overall crystal globes.
Race action is streamed live daily at www.UniversalSports.com.
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- 39 reads
09
Mar
Gilmore Retains ASP Women’s World No. 1 Spot with Roxy Pro Gold Coast Win
Pictured: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP Women’s World Champion, claims the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, retaining the ASP Women’s World No. 1 spot. Gilmore (left) showers Runner-Up Melanie Bartels (HAW), 27, on stage after their Final.
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 22, reigning three-time ASP Women’s World Champion and defending event winner, has taken out the 2010 Roxy Pro Gold Coast in punchy two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at Snapper Rocks over fellow Finalist Melanie Bartels (HAW), 27.
The opening event of the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour season, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast enjoyed an exciting final day of competition, culminating in Gilmore’s emphatic win in front of a raucous hometown crowd.
In a déjà vu version of last year’s event, the Australian and Hawaiian squared off once again in the Final, with Gilmore taking the win and the dream start to her 2010 campaign for a fourth ASP Women’s World Title.
“It’s definitely a dream start,” Gilmore said. “I didn’t really expect to win here. The waves weren’t so great. I definitely didn’t put in as incredible performance as I would have wanted to, and I’m sure Mel (Bartels) has the same feeling, but at the end of the day, I’m happy to win – that’s awesome!”
Today’s win marks the 3rd win on the Gold Coast for the young Australian (2005, 2009, 2010), giving the natural-footer the record for most event wins at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast.
“I was definitely really relaxed but kind of nervous at the same time - just a little mixture of feelings,” Gilmore said. “As defending event champ and defending world champ, I guess it put some pressure on me to win this event so it feels good to win.”
While Gilmore retains her ASP Women’s World No. 1 ranking heading into the second event of the year, the collectively raised level of surfing on the ASP Women’s World Tour will stand in her way.
“It’s really tough,” Gilmore said. “They’re hungry and I think when you start off the year with not the result you were looking for, you just go into the next event even more focused and more hungry and it’s just getting harder and harder from here and then. She (Bartels) was one of the few girls really pushing us towards progressive maneuvers and really using that judging criteria to her advantage, so I’m definitely going to have to surf it up for the next events.”
Bartels, who went on a giant-killing rampage throughout the event, is surfing with renewed vigour and purpose and has announced herself as a legitimate threat in 2010.
“I’m very stoked,” Bartels said. “I tried to stay focused and did my best but couldn’t get there for the Final. My surfing is feeling really good, but I couldn’t really find the waves to let me open up there for the Final. I’m still stoked though and happy with my result.”
The progressive Hawaiian, who has long been touted as a legitimate ASP Women’s World Title contender, has employed a coach for 2010 to help her with her headspace as she battles the best female surfers in the world.
“I’ve been having trouble mentally,” Bartels said. “It’s not my surfing that I need help with. It’s more mentally so she (Coach Nancy Emerson) is helping me keep positive and surrounding me with positive vibes, and everyone has been supporting me and just believing in me. I’m beginning to believe in myself now, so you will see a different Mel on tour this year.”
Coco Ho (HAW), 19, 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour Rookie of the Year, put in a solid campaign at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, before going down to Gilmore in this morning’s Semifinals. Posting an Equal 3rd in the opening event of the season, Ho has established herself as a major contender in the hunt for the ASP Women’s World Title.
“Good start to the year so I’m definitely stoked.” Ho said. “To be out at Snapper Rocks with Steph (Gilmore) is really special for me. She’s a big inspiration to me and I’m happy with my performance at this event. Looking forward to Bells Beach.”
Chelsea Hedges (AUS), 26, former ASP Women’s World Champion (2005), saw a sensational return to form throughout the course of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, but fell short against Bartels in today’s Semifinals.
“I’m a bit disappointed with my wave selection out there,” Hedges said. “I feel like my surfing is there, but I couldn’t find a rhythm out there this morning. It’s disappointing for sure, but all you can do is shake it off and look towards the next event.”
Highlights from the Roxy Pro Gold Coast will be available via www.roxypro.com.au
The next stop on the 2010 ASP Women’s World Tour will be the Rip Curl Women’s Pro presented by Ford New Fiesta at Bells Beach from March 30 through April 5, 2010.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 12.40
2 – Melanie Bartels (HAW) 10.35
ROXY PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.00 def. Coco Ho (HAW) 9.17
SF 2: Melanie Bartels (HAW) 13.00 def. Chelsea Hedges (AUS) 10.30
ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR TOP 5 (After Roxy Pro Gold Coast)
1 – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
2 – Melanie Bartels (HAW)
3 – Coco Ho (HAW)
3 – Chelsea Hedges (AUS)
5 – Silvana Lima (BRA)
5 – Sofia Mulanovich (PER)
5 – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
5 – Rebecca Woods (AUS)
- 27 reads
09
Mar
Layne Beachley & Rabbit join Surfing Australia's board
Layne Beachley : photo Surfing Australia
Surfing Australia is proud to announce that Layne Beachley has accepted a position on the Board of Surfing Australia concurrently with Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew also accepting the position as the first ever Patron of Surfing Australia.
Both former World Champion surfers, Layne a seven-time world champion, their influence on the sport has been enormous during and post their competitive careers. Surfing Australia Chairman Norm Innis commented on both appointments by saying,
“Rabbit was a hero of mine when I was a teenage surfer in the mid seventies, and I count myself extremely fortunate that I was able to work with him directly over the years in a number of different capacities – particularly with ASP International when he first came on board as CEO in 1999 and 2000. Rabbit has done so much in surfing I wouldn’t know where to begin describing his achievements.
Rabbit is “Mr Surf” in Australia! As such, he was the obvious choice as Patron of Surfing Australia – the first ever person appointed to this position. I know Rabbit will continue to work for the betterment of the sport of surfing as long as he is able – and to have him allied to Surfing Australia as Patron shows the high regard in which he is held, not just by surfers, but by the whole community in Australia.”
Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew : photo Surfing Australia
“I first met Layne almost 20 years ago when she was just starting out on her career. Even then she was super focused, and that determination not only eventually resulted in 7 World Surfing Titles, but also in Layne becoming a talented businesswoman, a philanthropist, and a role model for female surfers everywhere.
Layne obviously brings a much needed female perspective to the Board of Surfing Australia, but in addition she brings her professional surfing experience, her immense range of contacts, and her personal vision for surfing in Australia. I take great pleasure in welcoming her to the Board.”
Their appointments are effective immediately and both are set to tackle their roles enthusiastically. Layne has just returned from the Winter Olympics in Canada and commented on her position saying,
"I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience on the Board of Surfing Australia. This role will allow me to maintain a position of influence and assist the board to continue supporting the growth of Women's Surfing."
For Wayne Bartholomew the position of Patron adds to his incredible history in the sport which encompasses competitor across all levels through to Administrator of the highest level.
“I’m pleased to take on this honorary role as Patron, it’s like a cycle of involvement as I began surfing for Queensland and then representing Australia through Surfing Australia and was once the Surfing Australia National Coaching Director - I’ll always have views on the sport and the direction it can go and this maintains a healthy involvement for me.”
Andrew Stark Surfing Australia CEO said “We are very pleased to have Layne and Rabbit join Surfing Australia in their respective roles. We are working hard towards becoming a main stream Australian sport and their combined involvement will be crucial towards the achievement of this vision”
www.surfingaustralia.com
- 11 reads
09
Mar
Surfer Tyler Wright will be on Oz teen site Thursday
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Tyler Wright : photo courtesy ISA
In anticipation of the Boost Surf Sho on March 12th 2010, Australian surfing prodigies Tyler and Mikey Wright will be joining Habbo Australia – the world’s most popular virtual world for teenagers – live on Thursday 11th March 2010 at 6PM AEST to discuss life in between the waves.
This unique opportunity will give fans the chance to discuss all things surfing with two of Australia’s youngest and most talented female and male junior surfers, as they prepare to surf with the world’s best at the largest aerial surf event, The Boost Surf Sho. At only 15 years of age, Tyler is the youngest ever winner of an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women’s World Tour, the Beachly Classic.
Mikey, now at age 13 was one of the world’s youngest sponsored surfers at age 8. Both Mickey and Tyler will discuss with Habbo users their dreams to follow the success of their brother Owen Wright, who is seeded 32 in the world.
Jeff Brookes, Regional Director Asia Pacific, Sulake, says “We are excited to have two of Australia’s up and coming female and male surfing talents visit Habbo. A lot of our Habbo’s are eager to learn about what it takes to make it in the surfing world and we are certain Tyler and Mikey will provide insight and inspire Aussie teens to earn wave success.”
www.habbo.com.au
- 9 reads
09
Mar
Rip Curl's Stephanie Gilmore starts season with a bang
Steph Gilmore : photo ASP/Kirstin
Rip Curl’s Stephanie Gilmore has kick started her quest for a fourth consecutive world crown in perfect style by taking out the season-opening event at Snapper Rocks today in front of a raucous hometown crowd.
In punchy 2-3 foot waves, the reigning three-time ASP World Champion was able to capture an early heat lead and defeat Hawaiian veteran Melanie Bartels in the final, claiming her third title at Snapper Rocks.
"It's definitely a dream start," Gilmore said. "I didn't really expect to win here. The waves weren't so great. I definitely didn't put in as incredible performance as I would have wanted to, and I'm sure Mel (Bartels) has the same feeling, but at the end of the day, I'm happy to win, that's awesome!"
Gilmore first won her hometown event as a 17-year-old wildcard in 2005 and claimed top honors again in 2009. The defending event champion led from start to finish in the 30-minute decider, posting a solid 6.83 on her very first ride and later adding a 5.57 to give her a combined two-wave score of 12.40 out of a possible 20.
Bartels tried hard but never seriously challenged the champ, managing only a 6.33 and a 4.03 for a combined two-wave score of 10.36. "I was definitely really relaxed but kind of nervous at the same time - just a little mixture of feelings," Gilmore said. "As defending event champ and defending world champ, I guess it put some pressure on me to win this event so it feels god to win."
Gilmore maintains her lead on the ASP Women’s World Tour rankings as she heads into the second event of the year, the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival at Bells Beach from March 30 to April 5.
www.ripcurl.com
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- 9 reads
03
Mar
Roxy Invitational Mozambique gearing up for May launch..
The Roxy Invitational event is one of the most popular female surfing events in the country, and an entry is one of the most coveted. Only ten of the best female surfers in the country get the nod and are invited to surf in an event at a remote location for a first prize of R10,000. It’s a very different contest, with the girls hanging out at a secluded yet epic wave, waiting for one day of firing surf to battle it out.
The girls who will make it into the event are the best of the best, and they will only be the core, dedicated surfers who are determined to succeed in the world of competitive surfing. This event is not about small waves and loads of spectators on crowded town beaches, it is about perfect waves and no one watching apart from the other competitors and the seagulls. It’s just going to be pure surfing and fierce competition amongst the girls.
The entries are open for the month of March, surfers will be selected mid-April and the event will take place from 23 May – 01 June 2010. This will be the fourth year of this popular event, and this year the event is presented by Saltwater GIRL Magazine. For all surfers who are invited to the Roxy Invitational, Roxy guarantees the road trip of a lifetime and a surfing event which is one of a kind.
This year the event is going to take place at Tofinho, a classic right-hand sand bottom point break. The water is warm, the waves are fun and get epic when the conditions are all aligned. The contest waiting period is during the prime swell window for the year, so there is an excellent chance that the girls will ride some perfect waves in this secluded paradise.
The Roxy Invitational is an adventure as much as it is a surf contest. The drive to the Turtle Cove Resort in Tofinho is as long as it is fun, and there are all sorts of activities at the resort apart from surfing. Yoga, skin diving, horse riding and swimming with whale sharks are just some of the activities awaiting the girls.
Past winners include Stacey Guy, Heather Clark and Canelle Bulard from Reunion Island. This year Roxy promises that the standard of girls surfing will be as high as ever. So fill in the entry form, tell Roxy South Africa why you should be invited, add in some cool photos of yourself ripping and posing, and hold thumbs that you’re one of the lucky ones.
Entries are now open on the Roxy Invitational website - if you want a chance to go on the surf trip of a lifetime and also be in the running for the R10k first prize, best you get entering. Log onto the website, look for the ‘Enter Now’ link and click through to enter.
www.swg.co.za
www.roxy.co.za
www.turtlecovetofo.com
www.roxy.co.za/invitational
- 53 reads
