OFFICIAL “NO GO” ISSUED FOR QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU

Waimea Bay, Oahu, HAWAII - (Monday, January 20, 2014) -- Organizers of the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave invitational at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, have officially announced that the event is a “NO GO” for this Wednesday, January 22.

 

"We have taken all the time we can to assess the developments of the next big swell and it does not look favorable for us," said event organizer Glen Moncata. “The size is there, but the quality is not, due to strong, adverse winds. We will continue to wait for the right conditions,”

 

The event has until February 28, 2014 to run, requiring just one day of quality surf with waves face heights of around 40 feet (20-foot open ocean swell). With a very active winter of big waves in play, the waiting game continues.

 

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau was last held on December 8, 2009 – won by California's Greg Long, and has only been held a total of eight times in its 29-year history, adding to the event's mystique and prestige. 

ORGANIZERS MONITOR WEDNESDAY SWELL FOR QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU

Above: The past week has seen Waimea Bay break on several occasions, with plenty of swell hitting Oahu's North Shore. Yesterday surfers enjoyed a 15-foot warmup session at the Bay with beautiful conditions. Photo: Quiksilver/Bielmann.

Waimea Bay, Oahu, HAWAII - (Monday, January 20, 2014) -- Organizers of the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave invitational at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, will continue to monitor a giant swell forecast for this Wednesday, January 22, but only give the one-day competition a 50 percent chance of running at this stage. A final decision will be made by 5pm Hawaii time today.

 

"The size will definitely be there - approximately 40-foot wave face heights - but strong, adverse winds out of the WSW are a major limiting factor," said event organizer Glen Moncata, citing recently issued weather and ocean reports.

"Unfortunately it doesn't look like the size will hold into Thursday when winds are expected to be more favorable, but we will continue to monitor the system's development throughout today before making the final call this afternoon."

With a roster of invitees from international locations as far afield as Chile, South Africa, Australia and Europe, this afternoon's call will be the final determination for this week's big wave episode.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is a one-day big wave event requiring waves face heights of around 40 feet (20-foot open ocean swell). The event was last held on December 8, 2009, when it was won by California's Greg Long, and has only been held a total of eight times in its 29-year history, adding to the event's mystique and prestige. It has until February 28, 2014, to run this winter if and when the combination of required wave face heights and rideable conditions arise.

World’s Best Big Wave Riders Join Aikau Family to Celebrate Eddie’s Life at 29th Annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

WAIMEA BAY, Oahu/Hawaii (Thursday, December 5, 2013) - On March 17, 1978, Waimea Bay’s head lifeguard and beloved big wave Hawaiian surfing son Eddie Aikau was lost at sea. Aikau was part of the crew aboard the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule’a, en-route to Tahiti when Hokule’a capsized during a wild storm just outside of the Hawaiian Islands. Aikau set out on his surfboard to paddle for help for his stranded crew but was never seen again. The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave invitational is celebrated at Waimea Beach each year in his honor.

Today, the world’s best big wave riders were joined by Aikau’s family and members of Aikau’s voyaging crew, who sailed in to join the surfers and hundreds of spectators who gathered to celebrate in Aikau’s honor.

Nainoa Thompson, fellow crewman on Hokule’a and the last person to speak to Aikau, addressed the surfers who gathered today. His soft voice, still touched by the events that took place 35 years ago, spoke with deep affection, humility, and sincere gratitude for Aikau and his actions on that fateful day that set an example for all who follow his story through time – surfers or otherwise.

Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Invitees Announced : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

HONOLULU, Hawaii (Tuesday, November 5, 2013) - The 29th annual Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, the original one-day big wave invitational surfing event that requires waves measuring in excess of 20 feet, is excited to announce the list of 2013/14 Invitees and Alternates. The holding period for the event begins on December 1, 2013, and concludes on February 28, 2014. The official Opening Ceremony with the Aikau Family will be held on Thursday, December 5th, 3pm, at Waimea Bay.

Aaron Gold at home at Waimea Bay.

After opening the selection process up to peer polling for another year, there has been much movement on the Alternate list, but only one newcomer to the Invitee list: the North Shore’s own Aaron Gold, 31. A dedicated father, quiet charger and shaper of his own big wave ‘guns’, Gold is precisely the kind of surfer who Eddie would have hand-picked.

Round 2 Called Back ON at Quiksilver Pro France : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

SEIGNOSSE Le Penon, France (Friday, September 27, 2013) – Event officials have decided to call competition back ON this morning at the back-up location of Seignosse Le Penon. Waves in the 3Ft (1 metre) range are breaking on the sandbank offering clean long walls with multiple turn and air sections.

Event No.8 out of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour, the Quiksilver Pro France plays a vital role in both the World Title race and requalification campaign of the elite ASP Top 34.

“The contest director, surfer’s representative and ASP Head Judge got together and decided to put competition ON,” Renato Hickel, ASP Tour Manager stated. “Everybody’s opinion is that there are enough waves to finish the second round today. The tide is still pushing in until 10:45am and both rights and lefts are breaking on two separate peaks surfers can choose from. Today’s schedule is Round 2 heats 6 to 12 and then the King of the Groms.”

Up first this morning will be C.J Hobgood (USA) against Alejo Muniz (BRA).

The Quiksilver Pro France is scheduled from September 26 – October 6 and will be webcast LIVE via http://quiksilverlive.com/profrance/2013


REMAINING QUIKSILVER PRO FRANCE ROUND 2 MATCHUPS:
Heat 6: C.J Hobgood (USA) vs Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 7: Michel Bourez (PYF) vs Damien Hobgood (USA)
Heat 8: Nat Young (USA) vs Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 9: Kai Otton (AUS) vs Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: John John Florence (HAW) vs Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 11: Sebastien Zietz (HAW) vs Bede Durbidge (AUS)
Heat 12: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs Travis Logie (ZAF)

Roxy Pro Cancelled; rescheduled for September in Hossegor | Surfline

After five days of minimal swell, the 2013 Roxy Pro Biarritz has called competition off due to lack of surf; however, Roxy is rescheduling the event in nearby Hossegor for September/October in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro France, ensuring that the world's best female surfers will retain their scheduled opportunities to campaign for the 2013 ASP Women's World Title, as well as requalification for the 2014 season.

"It's been a challenging week surf wise, but the world's best female surfers have still enjoyed themselves in the beautiful town of Biarritz," Jessi Miley-Dyer, ASP Women's World Tour Manager, said. "While we're disappointed that the swell never manifested for this year's event, we're very pleased to announce that Roxy have committed to rescheduling the event to run in conjunction with the Quiksilver Pro France men's event in late September. This will allow the 2013 ASP Women's World Title race as well as the requalification campaigns of the world's best female surfers to continue in the best possible fashion."

Mitch Coleborn Wins Quiksilver Saquarema Prime

SAQUAREMA, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Sunday, May, 26, 2013) - Rippable waves in the 3-5 foot range (1-1.5 meters) were on hand at Itauna Beach, Rio de Janeiro as Mitchel Coleborn (AUS), 26, earned his first career ASP victory by defeating Marc Lacomare (FRA), 22, by a score of 17.60 to 15.67 in the Final on Sunday at the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Coca-Cola in Brazil.

Mitch Coleborn, winner of the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime.

With his result today, Coleborn earned U$ 40,000 in prize money and 6,500 points to catapult him up to number 14 on the ASP World Ranking. At the Sunday, there were still plenty of high scoring waves throughout the day that included some long barrels, big turns and even a 10-point ride of the Lacomare in final heat.

Top Seeds Revel in Improved Conditions at Quiksilver Saquarema Prime

SAQUAREMA, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Friday, May, 24, 2013) - After having to face extreme conditions yesterday, surfers were met with waves in the 4-6 foot (1.5-2 meters) range and light winds throughout the day at Itauna Beach for the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Coca-Cola. Despite the decrease in size, the athletes kept on pumping out high scores as the higher seeds continued to qualify into the later rounds.

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 25, earned the day’s high scores at Saquarema.

Last years event winner, Matt Wilkinson (AUS), guaranteed a spot into the Round of 16 with his victory today while fellow WCT surfer Jeremy Flores (FRA) also advanced while receiving an 18.30 (out of a possible 20) for the highest heat-wave total of the day.

“The conditions have completely changed since yesterday,” said Jeremy Flores. “I’m happy to be doing well in the last couple of contests and I feel confident for the next heats.”

Surfers Face Extreme Conditions on Day Two of Quiksilver Saquarema Prime

SAQUAREMA, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Thursday, May, 23, 2013) - Competitors were put to the test in extremely challenging conditions on Thursday for the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Coca-Cola at Itauna Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The second day of competition started off with heavy waves in the 6-8 foot range (2-3 meters) with larger sets throughout the day reaching 10+ feet plus. Although the initial heats were run in fair weather with light offshore winds, conditions became increasingly demanding with huge, foamy closeouts, broken boards, strong currents, nasty wipeouts and consistent onshore winds from the southwest.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, surfed a near-perfect 19-point heat total despite the wild conditions on offer at Saquarema today.

Despite the conditions, the level of performance was extremely high as the athletes kept pumping out big scores during a lengthy day of competition. Gabriel Medina (BRA), picked up where he left off yesterday, pulling off the day’s highest scores of a 9.20 and a 9.83 for a 19.03 points (out of a possible 20) heat-wave total.

Ramzi Boukhiam Shines on Opening Day of Quiksilver Saquarema Prime : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

SAQUAREMA, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Wednesday, May, 22, 2013) - Conditions with light winds and waves in the 4-6 foot range (1.5-2 meters) were on hand for the first day of competition at the left-hand point break at Itauna Beach, in Rio de Janeiro, for the ASP 2013 Quiksilver Saquarema Prime presented by Coca-Cola.

Ramzi Boukhiam earned the highest scores on Day 1 of the Quiksilver Saquarema Prime

Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) received the day’s highest single wave score of a 9.80 (out of a possible 10) and went on to score an 18.47 to secure the day’s highest heat-wave total as well.  More; Ramzi Boukhiam Shines on Opening Day of Quiksilver Saquarema Prime : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

Fernando Zegers claims the Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile Trials 2013

Fernando Zegers claims the Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile Trials 2013: Zegers conquered the first ticket to the main event of the Chilean big wave surfing contest, after winning the Trials, in 18-20 foot wave conditions.

World's best big wave riders descend on Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile

The Quiksilver Ceremonial Chile presented by Subaru will commence this Spring with the world’s top big wave riders competing for a $20,000 prize purse during a contest window spanning April 15- June 15, 2013. The first stop on the 2013 Big Wave World Tour, the Quiksilver Ceremonial is one of the world’s most anticipated big wave events, with hopes that this year’s competition will see massive surf and perfect tubes behind Punta de Lobos’ famous “morros.”

 

"The big swells in the Northern Hemisphere stop with the end of Winter. Fortunately at the same time, they are just getting started in the Southern Hemisphere as their Winter begins,” said Gary Linden, Big Wave World Tour Director and Contest Director. “The Quiksilver Ceremonial opens its waiting period just as the South Pacific begins to work its magic and the surfers focus on a new set of weather patterns. The endless Winter - a big wave surfer's dream!"

HALSTEAD, TUACH WIN RON JON QUIKSILVER/ROXY PRO JUNIOR

Beach 'N Boards Fest hosts 3-Star ASP Pro Junior contests in Florida

Last weekend was a big one for surf comps. Between the webcast glitches and general hurry-up-and-waitness associated with the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, and social media conduits everywhere firing with rumors of a major winter storm pumping swell toward Puerto Rico for the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit -- you might've missed the fact that Cocoa Beach, FL (the East Coast surf industry capital and the birthplace of 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater) hosted a pair of illustrious ASP 3-Star Pro Juniors.

But all sports stories aside, Cocoa Beach has never been one to deny a good party, and these serious-biz comps were held in conjunction with the inaugural Beach 'N Boards Fest over an overwhelmingly fun five days.

"The inaugural Beach 'N Boards Fest met and in almost all ways exceeded our best expectations," exclaimed event director Mitch Varnes. "Saturday will go down as one of the very best sports beach days ever on the East Coast and, likely, the United States thanks to our sponsors, staff and supporters. We got off to a slow start with cold temperatures and strong winds on Wednesday and Thursday, but the weekend was just spectacular: packed beaches and lots of great action on the sands of Cocoa Beach. For several hours and at the same time on Saturday, we had the Ron Jon/Roxy and Ron Jon/Quiksilver Pro Junior surfing events going off in overhead surf, the Goal Zero Collegiate Beach Volleyball tourney hosted by UCF taking place simultaneously on five courts, the Zap Skimboard Pro-Am, the Olukai Stand-Up Paddleboard Pro-Am, the Ron Jon kiteboarding contest, the Oakley/Element skateboard comp and live music from Skullcandy on the FPL Solar Stage. Then, we wrapped it up with the GoPro Action Sports Film Festival on an awesome 30-foot diagonal HD screen. With a crowd of over 35,000, what an amazing five days!"

Video - Kelly Slater Takes Season-Opening Win at Quiksilver Pro Over Joel Parkinson

Kelly Slater (USA), 11-time ASP World Champion has claimed the 2013 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover in firing three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) barrels at Kirra over reigning ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in front of a capacity crowd on the Gold Coast.
 

Kelly Slater Takes Season-Opening Win at Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Over Joel Parkinson

KIRRA, Queensland/Australia (Wednesday, March 13, 2013) – Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and 2012 ASP World Runner-Up, has claimed the 2013 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover in firing three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) barrels at Kirra over reigning ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in front of a capacity crowd on the Gold Coast.

Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and 2012 ASP World Runner-Up, defeated the reigning ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in firing Kirra barrels at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

The opening stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Quiksilver Gold Coast culminated in fine fashion today with a tube-riding shootout between two of the sport’s greatest champions.

Slater and Parkinson opened their 40-minute Final bout with a rapid-fire exchange of tube-riding displays, vaulting the lead back and forth before Slater nailed a 9.93 for an incredibly-deep barrel punctuated by a full-velocity forehand gaff.

“It was just fun today,” Slater said. “I really wanted to surf Kirra as I made known the other day and it was great fun out there. We thought the swell was going to be too East, but it’s really really good out there and to get to surf it with Joel (Parkinson) is even better. He’s one of the best and we had a lot of fun out there.”

Final Four Decided at Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Champion Crowned Tomorrow

SNAPPER ROCKS, Queensland/Australia (Tuesday, March 12, 2013) -The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover, the opening stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), completed Round 5 as well as the Quarterfinals today in clean three-to-four foot (1.5 metre) waves at Snapper Rocks, narrowing the field down to the Final Four and setting up for tomorrow’s finish.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, dispatched defending event champ Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, en route to his Semifinal match-up with reigning ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast tomorrow.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, reigning ASP World Champion, posted the first Perfect 10 of the event today, mixing it up on the afternoon Snapper Rocks walls with unmatched style, power and versatility in his Quarterfinal bout with Julian Wilson (AUS), 24. The local standout was in sizzling form throughout the bout, posting a number of high scores and collecting the day’s high heat total of an 18.27 out of a possible 20.

“That was an amazing heat to be in,” Parkinson said. “Julian (Wilson) is one of the most exciting surfers in world. Even with a 10, you’re never safe with him. It’s one of those heats that’s a big match-up on paper and there were some big exchanges going down between us. Semifinals is good start for me and I’m feeling good and excited for a big finish tomorrow.”

Burrow, Wilson, Slater and Fanning Through to Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Quarterfinals

SNAPPER ROCKS, Queensland/Australia (Monday, March 11, 2013) -The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover completed Rounds 3 and 4 today as the world’s best surfers did battle with one another amidst building two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at the primary venue of Snapper Rocks.

 

The opening stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast has narrowed the original 36-man field down to the final 12 with the potential to finish as soon as tomorrow.

Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, defending Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast champion, was lethal in this afternoon’s Round 4 bout, posting an incredibly-high heat total of an 18.06 out of a possible 20, and advancing directly into the Quarterfinals.

“That was a lot of fun out there,” Burrow said. “The Snapper Bank isn’t what it usually is, but there’s still some fun sections when the waves offer them. My boards are feeling really good at the moment – really fast and really responsive. This event is usually a good start to the year for me so to be into the Quarters already is a result. These days though, you really need to be putting up solid finishes and wins to be in the hunt.”

Jake Halstead Wins ASP 3-Star Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior

COCOA BEACH, Florida/USA (Sunday, March 10, 2013) – Jake Halstead (La Jolla, CA) has taken out the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 3-Star Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior compliments of an impressive come-from-behind victory over fellow finalists Victor Bernardo (BRA), Cam Richards (Garden City Beach, SC) and Daniel Glenn (New Smyrna Beach, FL) in challenging three-to-five foot surf at Sheppard Beach Park.

Halstead started his final campaign in strong form, opening up with a 7-point ride on his backhand during a flurry of exchanges from the finalists. The San Diegan struggled to find a backup wave throughout the final, but found an additional left in the dying minutes of his heat and connected several crucial backhand turns, earning an 8-point ride to secure his first career ASP Pro Junior victory.

“Victor (Bernardo) has been surfing so consistently this whole contest and to win I knew I was going to have to start with a big score and finish with a big score,” Halstead said. “Somehow it worked out and that’s how it unfolded. I opened with a mid-range 7 and so did Victor. I didn’t really get anything through the middle part of the heat and I ended up getting both of my scores on the lefts, which was funny because I hadn’t gone left the whole event. This little double up left came through at the end and I couldn’t help but go and try my best and claim it.”

Halstead’s win at the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior marks a commendable return to competition after suffering a severe ankle injury that sidelined the regular-footer for several months. While the injury was a major setback, Halstead feels that he is now surfing better than ever.

“This is my first Pro Junior win,” Halstead said. “To come back off of my ankle injury and win is awesome. I’ve been back in the water for about two months now and it’s made me realize that I need to do some training in between. It was a wakeup call and I’ve learned from it.”

ASP Top 34 Deliver Electric Surfing as Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Moves into Round 3

SNAPPER ROCKS, Queensland/Australia (Sunday, March 10, 2013) -The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover, Event No. 1 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), completed Round 2 and the opening six heats of Round 3 today in clean two-to-three foot (1 metre) waves at the primary venue of Snapper Rocks and the world’s best surfers put on a phenomenal display of high-performance surfing.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 22, posted the highest heat total of the day, a 17.90 out of a possible 20,

at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, reigning ASP World Champion, ousted lethal wildcard Dane Reynolds (USA), 27, in the final clash of the day. The two form natural-footers went toe-to-toe, exchanging massive scores and wowing the capacity crowd on the beach. Despite the impressive display from Reynolds, it was Parkinson’s mid-heat, near-perfect 9.87 out of a possible 10 for an electric display of forehand surfing at his home venue that would seal the win.

“That was pretty exciting,” Parkinson said. “Dane (Reynolds) is one of the best anywhere and yeah, I was nervous before the heat. It came down to waves and that one I got mid-heat was one of the better waves that came through this afternoon. It is a huge confidence builder as he’s probably the most dangerous guy in the draw and he has nothing to lose. That said, I’m prepared for this season. I’m confident in my surfing and I’m just enjoying this first event.”

Barbados’ Chelsea Tuach Wins Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior, Men’s Quarterfinalists Decided

COCOA BEACH, Florida/USA (Saturday, March 9, 2013) -Barbados’ Chelea Tuach has won her first Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) event, clinching the 3-Star Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior in two-to-four foot waves at Sheppard Beach Park in Cocoa Beach.

 Tuach, who was a standout on the opening day of competition, has been consistently successful at Cocoa Beach over the course of her young competitive career and her dominance continued with today’s victory.

“I’m so happy to have won this contest,” Tuach said. “I love this wave. I surfed Coco Beach a number of times and won here last year when it was just the Roxy Pro and it wasn’t a Pro Junior yet. When I heard it was a 3-Star this year I was just so stoked to come back. Everytime I go out there I have so much fun. I kept my old faithful board for this event and it worked perfectly for me again.”

Tuach’s victory vaults the young Caribbean talent up the ASP North America Pro Junior rankings and she hopes her Ron Jon Roxy Pro Junior victory will help momentum for her ASP global qualification campaign.

“I’m mainly focusing on Pro Juniors this year and starting to do the ‘QS events to see how I compare,” Tuach said. “I just came from Australia and I’m going to Tahiti after this and will be in California. “