surftolivetosurf

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Would you go?

#StockImages #Samar #NikonD70 #WanderlustWednesday (at Calicoan Island)

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#ThrowbackThursday to this time two years ago.

Three days away. Conversations eating up the miles and hours. Inside jokes. Outside sets. Paddling out. Paddling in. Drawing lines. Attempting new tricks. Failing. Succeeding. Sunrises in the rain. Unseen sunsets in the water. Cold beers. Cold brew. Comfort food. Soft beds. Warm hoodies. And those damn fire ants vs my skin.

This road trip… still one for the books.

📷 @aj_aligam #TBT #StaySalty #StaySingle #LegalLogging #LoggingHanda #SingleFin #GoLeft #Surf #Surfing #SurfPH #Norte (at Kapuluan Vista Resort, Ilocos Norte, Philippines)

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Saltwater glass, south swell style.

#SearchingForTheSouthSwell #LaUnion #SamsungS7 (at Casa La Playa)

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“You yourself are the eternal energy which appears as this Universe. You didnt come into this world; you came out of it. Like a wave from the ocean.” - Alan Watts

Unidentified surfer. Dont remember where. 2006. Check out the wave breaking in the background.

#StockImage #Archives #MyNikonLife #NikonAsia #LowRes @fluidsurf_ @official.psct

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Shot during the Deus Fish Fry at Canggu earlier this year. Please take a moment to process that Tom is 15 and already holding his own with the big boys. 

#deus #deus ex machina #deus canggu #deus temple of enthusiasm #log #single fin #leashless #stoke #bali #surf #surfing #longboarding

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Press Release: Young Sandon Steps up at 2016 Siargao Surfing Cup Cloud 9

Cloud 9, Siargao Island / Philippines (Wednesday, September 28, 2016) – Sixteen year-old Central Coaster Sandon Whittaker (AUS) has taken out the 2016 World Surf League (WSL) Siargao Surfing Cup Qualifying Series (QS) 1,500  in two-to-three foot waves at Cloud 9. Whittaker came up against local favourite Philmar Alipayo (PHL) in the Final, at the biggest annual sporting event in the Philippines. Whittaker surfed a great final day making the most of the waves on offer at Cloud 9. He utilised the lefts and rights, walls and barrels to post solid scores all event. It was his lightning quick backhand snaps that saw him post a heat total of 12.85 (out of a possible 20) to win the Final.

“This is a dream come true,” Whittaker said. “This is only my third QS event so I had low expectations, especially being a 16-year-old with all the older guys, it doesn’t feel real. Coming up against Philmar was scary because local knowledge is so important here. I’ve seen him switch-footing in barrels and doing all sorts of crazy stuff so I knew it would be tough. With this win I’m keen to look toward more QS events and try and get into the QS6,000’s next year.” The young goofy-footer not only had to overcome 63 other hungry competitors but a viral illness that almost forced him to pullout of the event just yesterday. This win is not only the perfect remedy for Whittaker but the best result of his young career. “When my heat was coming up yesterday I could here the announcer calling my name and I was still at my hotel ready to give up because I felt so sick. The people I’m staying with were all showing me so much support along with my dad so I thought I’d have a go and have a crack and not disappoint them. I’m feeling a lot better now, just an amazing vibe.” Local surfer Alipayo was the crowd favourite all day and showed he can really mix it with guys who follow the QS. His backhand tube-riding was something to be admired not to mention his air game. It was Whittaker’s competitive awareness and use of priority that left Alipayo hunting smaller inside waves during the final. He was unable to overcome the young Aussie in the end but still came out with the best result of his career.

“I’m stoked I made it to the final – it’s the best result and day of my career,” Alipayo said. “I’m still disappointed that I did not win but Sandon is an amazing surfer and has an epic backhand. Without the barrels he was going to be hard to beat. It’s been a really good day and I can’t wait for next year.” On the way to the final, Alipayo ousted Australasia QS Championship hopeful Shane Holmes. Holmes displayed raw power all contest and the Semifinal was no different. Holmes threw his trademark power hacks earning him a stranglehold on the heat; until, in the dying seconds Alipayo found a set, took off deep and weaved through a tight tube getting spat out of the end. This got him the nod from the judges earning a near excellent 7.87. Holmes took off on the next wave but it didn’t offer enough to retain the lead and finished the event with a respectable equal 3rd place to go with his two seconds for 2016. “It’s annoying to go out like that in the dying seconds,” Holmes said. “Third is still a good result so I’m really happy with it but would have liked the waves to pump the whole time. The two previous days had amazing waves and today was still okay, that’s just surfing I guess. I’m turning my focus towards the Taiwan Open of Surfing now hopefully I can get the win there.” For more info and images go to www.WorldSurfLeague.com or check out the WSL app Release and Photos care of the ASC Media 

#siargao #surf #shortboard #barrel #tube #epic #stoke #stoked #wild card #tropical

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Siargao local and wild card Philmar Alipayo coming out of the water after an exciting semis. Down by 7 points to competitor Shane Holmes (AUS), Philmar scored a deep tube that put him in the lead. He surfed in the finals against Sandon Whittaker where less than ideal conditions made it difficult for both surfers. Ultimately, it was Whittaker who took the title with a final score of 12.83 to Alipayo's 11.20 Photo and report from Michael Eijansantos of My Life On Board.

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Local Philmar Alipayo Advances to the Semifinals on Day Two of the 22nd International Siargao Surfing Cup at Cloud 9 in the Philippines 27 September 2016, Siargao Island-Philippines: Day Two of competition at the 22nd International Siargao Surfing Cup, Rounds 2 and 3 completed as well as two of the Quarterfinals before threatening conditions and the impending sunset called a halt to the action. The morning sunrise showed surprisingly large surf with 4-5 foot peaky conditions, a distinct change from the evening before, though southerly direction of the swell meant that the long lined up waves that Cloud 9 is famous for were reduced to peaks and shorter less consistent waves. However it was highly contestable, with lots of waves coming through the lineup for every heat, allowing for lots of variety and exciting action. At the start of the day there were four Filipino surfers and one Indonesian battling it out with the WQS warriors, but by the end of the day it’s now down to Siargao’s Philmar Alipayo who will represent the Cloud 9 locals in Semifinal 1 tomorrow against Australian Shane Holmes. In Round 3, Philmar finished second to Shane Holmes in the four man heat with two wave combined score of 14.50 to Holmes15:40. Philmar posted the highest single wave score of the heat, 9.00 points out of a possible 10 for an incredibly long barrel given the day’s conditions, while Shane’s high score was 8.4. They will meet again tomorrow to decide who will get into the final. In Philmar’s quarterfinal matchup with Australian Jordy Lawler, he used his local knowledge and a bit of luck to best Lawler in a tightly contested heat. Back in the tower after the heat win, he was asked how he felt, to which he replied, “I’m nervous but so stoked to be into the semifinals!” When asked what he felt was the key was to his win he explained, “I just try to be relaxed and confident because I know the spot…even when its messy I usually know where to be to get the better waves. Like this afternoon it was onshore and breaking different places, and in my quarterfinal heat I just got lucky to get the score on that wave. When I took off I was going to make a turn then saw I couldn’t make, it so I went up and tried that floater. I almost fell when I landed, but managed to stay up and complete it. I just hope the waves are barreling tomorrow morning, because I’m most confident that I can get some good scores when I ride the barrel. Just give me the waves and I can do it! Multiple Siargao Cup winner Piso Alcala wasn’t so lucky in his quarterfinal dual with Shane Holmes, as the onshore wind and inconsistent conditions limited his ability to utilize his air game against the powerhouse Australian. If there were good Cloud 9 barrels on offer it would have been a different battle, but Alcala went down to Holmes but a total two wave score of less than a point…Holmes had 9.50 points to Alcala’s 8.80. Tomorrow’s call will again be at 5:00 am in hopes that there will be similar conditions as we saw this morning, to finish off the quarterfinals and possibly run through and complete the finals. First up, Skip McCollough from the USA will take on Sandon Whittaker from Australia tomorrow morning in Quarterfinal 3, and then Australian Mitchell James will take on fellow Aussie Mitch Parkinson in Quarterfinal 4. To see the highlights of today action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIUDO_fZTk0&feature=youtu.be To view a video of yesterday action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzCF5KL1T-M&feature=youtu.be To check out all the heat draw and scores from today go to: http://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2016/mqs/1506/siargao-cloud-9-surfing-cup?roundId=7054 The 22nd International Siargao Surfing Cup is presented by the Department of Tourism Philippines, House of Representatives Philippines, Province of Surigao Del Norte, and the Municipality of General Luna, with sponsors Siargao Bleu Resort and Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, and support from Globe, KudoSurf, Nature’s Spring, and the Siargao Tourism Development Council. For more information please contact: Tim Hain - Asian Surfing Championships Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected]

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Press Release: Six Surfers Remain

Cloud 9, Siargao Island / Philippines (Tuesday, September 27, 2016) – Facing a mediocre forecast for the day, competitors and event organisers at the Siargao Surfing Cup were pleasantly surprised early on Day 4 when they arrived at Cloud 9 were greeted by solid five-to-six foot waves. It was another huge day of competition with heats running all the way to half way through the Quarterfinals. With massive tidal movements throughout the day and shifting winds, competitors were forced to adapt to the changing conditions continually with one heat offering caving barrels then the next throwing up big open walls; regardless, the surfing was incredible all day. The first surfer to lock themselves a spot in the Semifinals was local favourite Philmar Alipayo. Alipayo came up against Australian Jordan Lawler who had been on a tear all contest. Lawler controlled the heat for the majority of time until the last two minutes when, Alipayo only needing a small score took off on small insider pulled a solid floater followed by a closeout snap to take the lead. This will be the best ever finish at his home event, much to the delight of the hundreds of fans cheering him on from the boardwalk and tower. “I was so nervous that entire heat,” Alipayo said. “I knew I only needed a small score so just went for it. Then I saw that Jordy (Lawler) could have got a wave, which scared me. Luckily he didn’t and I got the win. I have never made it past Round 3, so to make the semis is so special for me.” In the first Semifinal, Alipayo will be meeting Shane Holmes who took out Quarterfinal No.2 against another local favourite, Piso Alcala. The two dueled it out with some massive open face turn combinations. It was Holmes who came out on top to move to the Semis and one step closer to the Australasia QS Series Championship. “I have wanted to come to this place for a while,” Holmes said. “The wave is so fun. In every one of my heats it has been different from tubes to turns it has it all, and it’s in warm water which is a bonus coming from winter at home. I try not to think too much about winning the series as it puts pressure on me, I just take it heat by heat and try and make the final.” The standout surfer of the day was without a doubt Mitch Parkinson. Parkinson surfed two heats on Day 2 and was able to find two of the longest deepest barrels of the contest scoring 9.50 points on each of them, the highest single wave score of the contest. Parkinson will meet fellow Aussie Mitchel James in Quarterfinal 4. “That first one I got was really lucky,” Parkinson said. “I wasn’t really in the zone and it just popped up in front of me. Once I got that one I was pretty amped to get back out there. When I got out for my second heat and saw that next one, I knew I was going to get barreled again and felt confident I could come out and do a bunch of turns. That first one definitely pulled me out of a rut I felt I was in” Finishing in Equal fifth was the second highest placed Filipino competitor Piso Alcala. A past winner of the Siargao Surfing Cup, Alcala’s performance was no surprise, both in the barrel and on the face. Although happy with an equal 5th place, Alcala is keen to make a couple more heats at next year’s event. “It’s always awesome to see everyone here surfing Cloud 9,” Alcala said. “I had a good event but it was a shame the waves got a bit slow in my heat. Shane is a great surfer so it was always going to be tough. Next year I want to go all the way.” An honourable mention must go to Sandon Whittaker who was not looking like making his Round 2 heat after coming down with a shocking fever. Due to the event going on hold over the low tide, the teenager managed to scrape himself off the bathroom floor to get out there not once, but twice during the day even posting a heat total of 15.00, the third highest of the event so far. With his impressive rail surfing Sandon has locked himself into the Quarterfinals where he will meet Californian tube hound Skip McCullough. Check back tomorrow at www.WorldSurfLeague.com or check out the WSL app as we will look at completing the remaining five heats and crowning a champion for the 2016 Siargao Surfing Cup at Cloud 9. Text and Photos: ASC/WSL Media

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Husni hails from West Java and is quite possibly one of my favorite people to shoot during the annual Deus 9 Foot and Single logging event in Canggu, Bali. There is just so much expression on his face when he is out in the water -- whether he’s taking off right in the critical section, burying rail to make a turn or casually walking to the nose for some tip time. 

#deus #deus ex machina #deus canggu #deus temple of enthusiasm #log #logging #single fin #longboard #9 foot and single #nikon #nikon asia #husni #husni ridhwan #java #bali #southeast asia #kage gozun #photo #surf photo #surf bali

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Press Release: Cloud 9 Ready to Deliver for the Start of the 22nd International Siargao Surfing Cup WSL-ASC sanctioned QS1500

25 September 2016, Siargao Island-Philippines:  After the opening ceremony and one lay day yesterday, the forecasted swell has finally arrived this afternoon to the delight of the waiting surfers and surf fans gathered on the island paradise of Siargao Island in the Philippines.

The full contingent of international and local surfers that make up the full 64 man heat draw, as well as the event organizers, have been eagerly eying the swell forecast that shows a typhoon spinning out in the Pacific that is expected to deliver the much anticipated swell that creates the perfect barreling waves that Cloud Nine is famous for the world over.

And this afternoon it has arrived, and is seemed like every surfer on the island paddled out to try and get a wave before the contest starts, from the pros to even beginning surfers.

Contest Director Gerry Degan has send out the call to the surfers to be in the Cloud 9 Tower at 5 amtomorrow morning ready to start Round One of the competition.  “It will be mid tide tomorrow at about sunrise, so we want to run as many heats as we can as the tide is going out” said Degan.  “If the swell isn’t too big, we’ll be able to run through the low tide and get a full day of competition in. We’re hoping the swell gives us at least two or two and a half days of pumping waves, which is what we need to complete the event, so we’ll run as long as we can each day,” he explained.

There is a total prize purse of $50,000 USD on the line, as well as important WSL Qualifying series and ASC championship points on the line, so competition will be fierce indeed.  The locals know this wave so well they can almost surf it blind, so the international pro’s will definitely have their work cut out for them as they chase that prize money and points.

Starting out the first heat of Round 1 tomorrow morning will be last year’s winner, local boy John Mark Tokong, Manuel Selman from Chile, recent Quiksilver Young Guns winner Rio Waida from Indonesia, and local Glenn Figueron.

In Heat 2, current ASC rankings leader Dede Suryana from West Java (Indonesia) will be up against Fraser Dovell from Australia, Joe Keogh from Hong Kong, and local Philmar Alipayo, who recently won the ASC sanctioned West Sumbawa Pro at Supersucks in Indonesia.

It’s sure to be an epic tube fest with some high flying aerials and deep hacks to keep the judges busy and the spectators entertained, so stay tuned for daily video highlights and check for heat score updates and other info at:

http://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2016/mqs/1506/siargao-cloud-9-surfing-cup

For more information please contact:

Tim Hain - Asian Surfing Championships

Phone: [phone]

Email:  [email protected]

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About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC)

The Asian Surfing Championships was established in 2010 as the progression of the highly successful Indonesian Surfing Championships that began in Bali, Indonesia in 2004.  The mission of the ASC is to develop and progress the sport of surfing in Asia by assisting in the organizing and sanctioning of professional surfing events, which will help their growing surf communities and draw more attention to their areas for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout all of the Asian Region.

See more at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com

#surf #surfing #surf event #siargao #travel #travelkage #kage gozun #asc #asian surfing championships #tim hain #shortboard #cloud 9 #barrel #stoke #philippines #surfer #dede suryana #john mark tokong #jmt #piso alcala #tourism #tube #aerial

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Press Release: Tai “Buddha” Graham Win’s the Uluwatu Challenge over Dede Suryana in an Epic Day of Surfing with Australian and Balinese Legends at the 3rd Annual Big Bali Eco Weekend Uluwatu Challenge  on July 31st.

31st July 2016, Uluwatu-Bali:  It all came down to the final minute of the last heat of the day at the 3rd annual Big Bali Eco Weekend Uluwatu Challenge Fundraiser yesterday afternoon.

Though there was no prize money at stake, being a fundraising event for the Quiksilver and Coca-Cola managed Bali Beach Clean Up program, the winner’s name would be added to the perpetual trophy for bragging rights.  The tension was palpable in the Edge bar as the judges analyzed, whispered, and finally punched in their scores…finally the MC screamed out, “Tai Graham wins the Uluwatu Challenge!”  Unfortunately Dede Suryana’s score fell just short of the required score by 0.30 of a point.

“It’s an absolute honor to beat one of Asia’s best surfers in Dede Suryana, he’s one of the most stylish and most technically perfect surfers, said Graham in the beach marshal’s area while greeting Suryana.  “Getting one up on him wasn’t easy, so I’m very honored to beat Dede….. He’s the man! I really thought he got the score there at the end…it was down to the last wave of the last heat in the last 10 seconds.”

“I’m stoked to get my name on the trophy, and to surf with all these legends and punters here at Uluwatu…what could be better than spending a Sunday here…and a Sunday night at Single Fin?  Thanks to the Uluwatu Boardriders for sharing their waves with us today, and to Coca-Cola, Quiksilver, the ASC, and to everybody that joined in and supported this event,” he added.

Suryana was all smiles when asked how he felt about his runner up spot.  “I thought I had it on that last wave,” he explained.  “I took off and it started growing, so I pulled in and it opened up to be so square that I had my arms outstretched over my head in the barrel, then it spat me out, another barrel section popped up so I pulled in and pumped to get more speed, and just saw a small door and snuck out the end…I was sure I had it so I gave it a claim, hahaha.  I just needed a 9.09 and received an 8.83…but it was lots of fun surfing with the Aussie legends like Tom Carroll, Mark Richards, Peter McCabe, and guys like Switra that I haven’t surfed with for a while.  Thanks everybody for coming out and congratulations to Tai… I had a great time and it was all for a good cause!”

This year’s Quiksilver Uluwatu Challenge was in the Eddie Aikau 6-person heat format, where each surfer competed in two heats with their 2 best scores  being counted.

For a Rp 2 million ($150 USD) entry fee, 44 lucky surfers got to paddle out and compete with Quiksilver legends including Mark Richards, Matt Hoy, Tom Carroll, Simon Anderson and Peter McCabe, and joining them were Bali legends that included, Ketut Menda, Made Lana, Made Switra, and Rizal Tanjung for a total of 54 participants.

Raised funds will go towards the Quiksilver and Coca-Cola beach cleaning program, a program which has been running for 9 years that cleans the 5 key beaches in Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Jimbaran and Kedonganan).  With a view to further help out with rubbish control in Uluwatu, Quiksilver and Coca-Cola donated 30 new rubbish bins to the warungs of Uluwatu to make it easier to process their rubbish for collection.

Following the competition, the Single Fin bar was opened up for a sunset party and the awards presentation as the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

PT Quiksilver Indonesia CEO, Paul Hutson, was delighted with the turnout and the event, saying, “There is no greater and more iconic surfing destination in the Asian Pacific region than Uluwatu, and I dare say that there’s not an international surfer that’s been to Bali that hasn’t surfed here.  We’re proud to be able to bring Australian legends like Simon Anderson here…he is the inventor of the thruster and actually tested his early thrusters here at Ulu back in the day, so watching him out there still ripping together with Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Matt Hoy, Peter McCabe and all the Bali crew is really amazing.  The impact that these guys and Uluwatu has had on the surfing world cannot be overstated…its enormous, and so we’re proud to be able to put this event together to keep the memories of the past alive and continue to make memories for all the surfers and surf fans in the Asian Pacific region…..Now that the Uluwatu Challenge 2016 is over, we are excited to start planning our events for next years 10th anniversary of our Beach Clean Up program.”

Bruce Waterfield from Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia was also very happy with the event and the entire weekend.  “This is the 3rd time we’ve done an event here at Uluwatu, and we’re fully committed to keep it going in partnership with Quiksilver and in conjunction with all our other programs together,” he said.  “As Bali continues to develop the waste won’t stop so going into our 10th year in 2017, we’re still very committed to addressing the problem and creating visibility not only in Bali but around the region with our Big Bali Eco Weekend and our daily beach cleaning activities.”

Regarding the surfing events, Bruce said, “Yesterday’s Padma surf contest and today’s Uluwatu event were fantastic…we had great waves and a great vibe from all competitors.  We really enjoy supporting the growth of the local professional surfing talent, and that’s something that both of our organizations have been doing for decades…there are some very talented surfers here in Indonesia and they’re now getting world wide recognition.  This legends event is epic as it gives everyone a chance to surf side by side with some of the world’s most influential surfers, and that’s something that doesn’t happen often, especially at a location like Uluwatu.

Near the end of the evening while at the Single Fin bar, Quiksilver legend and 2-time World Champion Tom Carroll was asked about his first Uluwatu experience, to which he replied, “In my first Uluwatu experience there were only two little warungs on the hill, and I remember coming out here with my buddies Joe Engel and Peter Burn.  We’d come out here on motorbikes, surf all day, then ride back to Kuta at night.  It was very quiet…and very very different to what we have here tonight!”

When asked about his current experience, he said, “I really enjoy surfing Uluwatu, then and now.  I had a great time at this event today, even though I didn’t catch the waves I wanted…sometimes it’s like that.  But I had a fun lunchtime surf at Secrets, so its all good. I’m very happy to be a part of this each year as I respect and admire the commitment of Quiksilver and Coca-Cola in educating and empowering the local community to do more for themselves, to take care of their environment, as it sends a powerful message and shows great integrity. I’ll look forward to coming back next year!”

The Big Bali Eco Weekend Uluwatu Challenge is sponsored by Quiksilver, Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, The Australian Consulate General - Bali, Virgin Airlines, and Single Fin, with support from the Uluwatu Boardriders Club and the Asian Surfing Championships. Release and Photos care of Tim Hain and the ASC Media

For more information please contact:

About Quiksilver

Quiksilver, Inc., one of the world’s leading outdoor sports lifestyle companies, which designs, produces and distributes branded apparel, footwear and accessories. The company’s apparel and footwear brands, inspired by a passion for outdoor action sports, represent a casual lifestyle for young-minded people who connect with its boardriding culture and heritage. The company’s Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC brands have authentic roots and heritage in surf, snow and skate. The company’s products are sold in more than 90 countries in a wide range of distribution, including surf shops, skate shops, snow shops, its proprietary Boardriders Club shops and other company-owned retail stores, other specialty stores, select department stores and through various e-commerce channels. Quiksilver’s corporate headquarters are in Huntington Beach, California.

About Bali Big Eco Weekend

An annual CSR event since 2008, the BBEW is a part of Bali Beach Clean Up CSR program started by Quiksilver and Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia.  They now have three beach tractors, two Barber surf rakes, two rubbish transport trucks, an educational van, and a 4-wheeler to rescue turtles, in addition to employing some 80 local people to clean up the beaches each day, in addition to establishing and supporting the Kuta Beach Sea Turtle Conservation and providing uniforms and supplies to the Bali Lifeguards.

#surf #surfing #surfer #uluwatu #bali #indonesia #quiksilver #tai graham #matt hoy #tom carroll #quik #press #kage gozun #travelkage #press release #surf bali #shortboard #surf to live to surf #surf photo #barrel #beach

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2016: The Return of this Blog

I have been absolutely remiss in keeping this page updated. Half a year gone but not too late to revive this corner of the internet. For more consistent news and to find out what’s gone down in the last year and a half, visit my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surftolivetosurf/ 

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Philmar Alipayo from the Philippines Wins West Sumbawa Pro 2016 over Bali’s Mega Semadhi in Dramatic Supersucks Finale

20 July 2016, Sekongkang-West Sumbawa:  In the dying seconds of the 30 minute finale to the 4-day West Sumbawa Pro 2016 at Supersucks, the Philippine’s Philmar Alipayo snatched the victory from Bali’s Mega Semadhi, locking into the best wave of the final and earning a perfect 10 point score from the judges to get his first ASC tour win, and bring home a beautiful traditional West Sumbawa sword and Rp 20 million (approximately $1,600 USD) in prize money.

“This is my first time to come to Indonesia, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since I started surfing, so to come here and win this comp…I’m over the moon, I’m so happy!” said an ecstatic Alipayo, who had tears in his eyes he was so overcome with emotion.  

Alipayo hails from the island of Siargao, home to the world famous Cloud 9, so is very much at home surfing shallow and critical reef breaks.  “This is the best wave of my life for sure.  I wasn’t thinking about winning the comp at all, just about coming here to enjoy the waves and the place. I’ve only ever competed in local comps as it’s quite expensive to travel from the Philippines, so I was just happy to be able to make the trip and enter the contest,” he explained.

Runner up Mega Semadhi was his usual smiling self after the final, even though sporting a nasty fire coral injury he got during the semifinals.  “It was amazing to be back here to surf Supersucks and Playgrounds. I was really stoked to be back in this area and get to surf.  I almost didn’t enter the comp as I wanted to just surf Supersucks on this swell, but when I found that the comp might be there I decided to enter,” he said.

When asked about his final experience he replied, “It was a bit slow for the first part of the heat, and even though I got a 9 point wave I still needed a good backup.  I had priority, and that’s always hard at the last minute when you’re waiting and a set comes, so you just have to take the chance.  Unfortunately I fell on my wave and the one behind it was better and Philmar got it.  But I’m happy for Philmar as he surfed really well and came so far to compete, so he really deserved to win.  I’m stoked, he’s stoked, everybody here is stoked, and so who can complain about that!”

Semadhi is a Pecatu (Bukit Peninsula in Bali) local who calls Bingin, Padang-Padang, and Uluwatu his home breaks, and has won numerous ISC (Indonesian Surfing Championship) and ASC event, in addition to being a Padang-Padang Cup winner as well.  He’ll take home Rp 10 million ($800 USD) for his second place finish.

The quarterfinals of the West Sumbawa Pro 2016 started the final day of ASC men’s competition at the finicky and often treacherous barreling reef break of Supersucks, with 7 of Indonesia’s best pro surfers and one relatively unknown Filipino surfer taking on the challenge of getting the deepest and longest barrels to impress the judging panel and come home with the victory.

Though there were some long lulls during the mornings action and conditions weren’t perfect, but when the set waves came adrenalin filled the air as well as the whoops and hollers from the audience sitting on their boards in the channel, cheering both the great tubes and the wipeouts with equal enthusiasm.  

See the final day’s action from Sean Gilhooley at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_um0JC8wEI&feature=youtu.be

It was a great end to the four day competition that saw 8 women from 4 countries (Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan) and 48 men from 5 countries (Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan) competing at 3 different surf spots in West Sumbawa:  Yoyo’s, Playgrounds, and Supersucks.

On the 2nd day of competition at Playgrounds, Australian Claire Bevilacqua, previous World Tour surfer, took the ASC women’s division win over fellow Australian Denver Young and Indonesian-America sisters Kailani and Puanani Johnson.

“Sumbawa has been really dreamy since we got here, and everyday I’ve woken up here it’s more and more beautiful,” said Bevilacqua.  “If the waves we competed in were this good back when I was on the World Tour, I’d still be competing!  This is definitely my new favorite spot in Indonesia for sure,” she added.  

The West Sumbawa Pro was sponsored primarily by the Government of West Sumbawa and PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara and organized by Lensa Pulau Sumbawa and the West Sumbawa Boardriders.

Mr. Wahid from PT Newmont was all smiles at the closing ceremony, saying, “ This event has been a great success, so we want to continue and raise it to an international level next year.  We at PT Newmont need to support the government because tourism is very important to this area of West Sumbawa, and together with the government we want to ensure the future of this area is by helping to promote it.”

West Sumbawa’s Secretary of Tourism Mr. M. Saleh was also delighted with the event, saying “I’m very happy with the results of this event, as I know the waves of Sumbawa are a great resource for us, and I hope that the surfers that came to the event and all those that hear about the event will be interested to come here and enjoy West Sumbawa with us in the future.”

West Sumbawa Pro Contest Results:

Men’s Division

1.  Philmar Alipayo (PHP)

2.  Mega Semadhi (IDN)

3.  (Equal 3rd place) Made “Bol” Adi Putra (IDN) and Dede Suryana (IDN)

Women’s Division

1.  Claire Bevilacqua (AUS

2.  Denver Young (AUS)

3.  Kailani Johnson (IND)

4.  Puanani Johnson (IND)

The West Sumbawa Pro 2016 was part of the West Sumbawa Festival 2016, which included an opening ceremony with traditional culture art performances, the surfing contest, a parade, live music performances each evening, a beach volleyball tournament, and a photography contest.

The West Sumbawa Pro 2016 is sponsored by PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, the Government of West Sumbawa, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Wonderful Indonesia, the Government of Nusa Tenggara Barat, Bank NTB, Pesona Lombok Sumbawa, and Kabar NTB, organized by Lensa Pulau Sumbawa with the West Sumbawa Boardriders, and sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships.

Tim Hain – Asian Surfing Championships

Phone:  [phone]

Email:  [email protected]

or

Hesyik Suandi - Lensa Pulau Sumbawa

Phone:[phone].  

Email:  [email protected]

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About the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC)

The Asian Surfing Championships was established in 2010 as the progression of the highly successful Indonesian Surfing Championships that began in Bali, Indonesia in 2004.  The mission of the ASC is to develop and progress the sport of surfing in Asia by assisting in the organizing and sanctioning of professional surfing events, which will help their growing surf communities and draw more attention to their areas for the progression of surfing locally, nationally, and throughout all of the Asian Region.

See more at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com

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Video Highlights from the Quiksilver Canggu Challenge

Hit play.  Videos care of the ASC. 

#surf #surfing #bali #surf bali #indonesia #canggu #shortboard #quiksilver #quiksilver bali #asc #asian surf championships #tim hain #Sean Gilhooley #kage gozun #surf to live to surf #roxy #roxy philippines #roxy bali

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Press Release: Dede Suryana, Nilbie Blancada, Samuel Pupo, and Sophie Fletcher Take Wins at Quiksilver Canggu Challenge in Bali

Dede Suryana, Nilbie Blancada, Samuel Pupo, and Sophie Fletcher Take Wins at Quiksilver Canggu Challenge in Bali

22 June 2015, Kuta-Bali:  Capping off a non-stop action-packed two days of competition at the Quiksilver Canggu Challenge at Bali’s favorite wave playground of Canggu yesterday, 2014 ASC Champion Dede Suryana claimed the Men’s Open victory in an exciting battle of Asia’s best surfing champions, while the Philippines Nilbie Blancada dominated the Women’s Open, Brazil’s Samuel Pupo wowed the crowd to win the Junior Boys, and Australia’s Sophie Fletcher nabbed the top podium spot in the Junior Girls.

Wave conditions throughout the event were stellar, ranging from two-foot runners to 5-foot washthroughs with virtually perfect 3-4 footers most abundant for the 120 plus competitors from Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan that signed up for the first ever ASC/ISC sanctioned Quiksilver Challenge Canggu, allowing for virtually every type of surfing maneuver possible to be performed by the contestants.

The huge number of competitors necessitated using two sets of judges and the running of concurrent divisions at two breaks, the Sand Bar and the Rivermouth on Day 1, with a total of 44 heats on the first day and the remaining 26 with just one set of judges on Day 2, two very full days of surfing!

Men’s Open winner and two time ASC/ISC (2014, 2008) champion Dede Suryana was delighted with his win, having consistently posted excellent wave scores throughout the event, but saving his best air game for the final.  “The waves were so good out there for both days, and I knew the judges giving high scores for big turns and combinations, so during the final I focused on my turns to start.  I got into the lead with two good waves, but then Marlon got that big air for 9 points and then Raditya did a couple big turns with a backside air reverse to take the lead from me, so I knew I had to not only do on air but an air and some turns to retake the lead,” explained Dede.  

“So after getting one air for a 7.3 which wasn’t enough, and only a couple minutes left, I was without priority and inside of the other guys who were waiting for the larger sets.  I saw them pass up a wave and it looked good so I took off, made a couple turns and saw the ramp so tried the air reverse, made it, and a couple of turns.  I was so happy when the judges gave me a 9.3 and I got the lead back…but it was a tense couple of minutes waiting until the horn blew….then I was like ‘yes, yes, yes!!!!’ when I knew I had won.  I’m so stoked to win, especially because it’s my sponsor’s event.  Thanks to Quiksilver, everybody for coming out and supporting the event, and especially to my wife and daughter who are waiting at home for me,” he added.

During the Men’s Open final Marlon Gerber landed his second spectacular aerial earning him 9.3 points, just .7 points short of another perfect score, after posting a perfect 10 for a massively high air during his semifinal 1 performance, which was arguably the heat of the day with the event’s only two 10 point waves being scored, one by Marlon and one by Nyoman Satria.  

In the Women’s Open Division it was the Philippine’s Nilbie Blancada from Cloud 9 running away with the win, prowling the lineup and racking up excellent scores to come to the beach unchallenged, having combo’d the other finalists.  “I’m so happy to be here and get this win.  To be in the final with my sister Nilde was so great.  Thanks to everybody here in Bali,” she said on the podium after receiving her trophy.

The Brazilian storm has arrived in Bali as well, with Samuel Pupo taking to the air with less than 40 seconds to go, to posting a 9.25 score and snatching the win from Bali’s Rio Waida in the Junior Boy’s Division final.  Rio put on a solid performance with 6’s and 7’s all over the judges scorecards, but Pupu pipped him at the post with the impressive air reverse.

The Junior Girl’s Division looked to be won by Brazil’s Hayana Iguchi, who started the final very strong with a 7-point wave but couldn’t seem to find a solid backup score.  Meanwhile a patient Sophie Fletcher from Australia stayed out the back looking for the bigger set waves, first posting a 5 and little else for most of the final. Then in the dying minutes she locked into the biggest set of the final to nail a 7.5 and come in with the win.

The awards presentation was held just after the finals at the new Quiksilver Boardriders Café in Echo Beach, where copious amounts of San Miguel Light and Sailor Jerry rum was available for consumption for all the attendees, including Quiksilver International team riders Craig Anderson and Matt Hoy.  After the presentation everybody stayed around to drink, swap stories, and then listen to the Deep Sea Explorers play a couple of live sets to round out a spectacularly successful event.

From the podium, Quiksilver Marketing Executive Sammy Gosling had this to say: “I  want to thank all the competitors, the crew, the sponsors and the ASC for making this event such a success.  We had over 120 competitors in the competition, making it a real challenge to squeeze it all into two days, so the judges had to work really hard with the two banks, the Sand bar and Rivermouth, so a big thanks to the judges for their hard work and doing such a great job.  Quiksilver was stoked to partner with the Canggu and Perenanan surf clubs on this event, as it wouldn’t have happened without them as well as the support of our sponsors.  From the Quiksilver perspective we were stoked to be able to put on another contest, as there hasn’t been as many contests here in Indonesian as we would like, so it was really good to see how the level of surfing has raised, especially in the juniors and women. The men’s competitors were ripping as usual!”said Sammy.

Then he added an exciting announcement; “We’d also like to take the opportunity to announce that we’ll be working with the Uluwatu Boardriders Club to bring another event to Bali, a WSL QS event in August, stay tuned for more information on that.  So we’ll see you all in August at Uluwatu!”

Check out the Sean Gilhooley video highlights of the final day:

Men’s Open Final Day 1 Finalists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pluVOlRBtVw&feature=youtu.be

Men’s Open Final Day non-Finalists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwJSvVN-5yI&feature=youtu.be

Womens Open Final Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohMgsX2fzYI&feature=youtu.be

Junior Boys Final Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plcfV9Zhk3U&feature=youtu.be

Junior Girls Final Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NzGSn056FM&feature=youtu.be

Contest Results:

Men’s Open Division

1.  Dede Suryana (IDN) 16.80 pts

2.  Raditya Rondi (IDN) 15.45 pts

3.  Marlon Gerber (IDN) 13.90 pts

4.  Mustofa Jeksen (IDN) 13.40 pts

Women’s Open Division

1.  Nilbie Blancada (PHL) 16.50 pts

2.  Taina Hinckel (BRA) 12.00 pts

3.  Kailani Johnson (IDN) 10.15 pts

4.  Nildie Rietenbach (PHL) 4.85 pts

Junior Boys Division

1.  Samuel Pupo (BRA) 16.55 pts

2.  Rio Waida (IDN) 14.75 pts

3.  Mega Artana (IDN) 10.50 pts

4.  Tommy Sobri (IDN) 5.65 pts

Junior Girls Division

1.  Sophie Fletcher (AUS) 12.50 pts

2. Hayana Iguchi (BRA) 9.80 pts

3.  Cinta Hansel (IDN) 9.50 pts

4. Taina Hinckel (BRA) 8.45 pts

The Quiksilver Canggu Challenge was sponsored/supported by Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia, BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua, Boardriders Café Echo Beach, Surf & Turf Nusa Dua, San Miguel Beer, Sailor Jerry, BaliBelly.com, Pererenan Surfing Club and Canggu Surf Community.

Release and photo care of Tim Hain

#indonesia #bali #quiksilver #canggu #sand bar #surf #surfing #surfer #shortboard #philippines #stoke #stoked #blog #press release #bali belly #travel #travelkage #kage gozun #tim hain #dede suryana #anni flynn #compete #win #heat #heats

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Press Release: 8th Annual Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup Presented by Volcom, Skullcandy & Silangan See’s High Scores for Top Seeds on Day 1

5 May 2015, Siargao Island, Philippines:  The 8th annual Siargao International Women's Surfing Cup presented by Volcom, Skullcandy and the Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, kicked off early this morning in the blazing sunrise at just after 6:30 am, and by the end of 8 heats of competition the field of 24 was narrowed down to 16, with the top seeds wowing the spectators with some high scores.

With the top single wave score of the day’s competition it was Australia’s Philippa Anderson nailing an 8.5 (out of a possible 10 points) for a great combination of controlled aggressive turns on one of the biggest set waves of the heat.  “It was funny because I fell on my first two waves, then finally got a 7 on the third one,” she said.  “So when I got that next wave it was a great feeling to be able to attack it and get a good score.  It was really fun out there, but hopefully tomorrow it will be bigger and we can get some barrels,” she added.

Taking the honors for the best heat score of the day, 15.50 (out of a possible 20 points) for 8.33 and 7.17 point waves was local and previous event winner Nilbie Blancada, who fell on her first three waves before finding her rhythm and showing the field how well she can surf her home break.  She won this event in 2012 and 2013 under ASC sanctioning, and is the favorite to win it again this year.

Other top seeds winning their heats today to advance into Round 2 included Japan’s Rina Kitazawa (2013 ASC Women’s Champion), Australia’s Kim Wooldridge, the Philippines Daisy Valdez and Manette Alcala, and Indonesia’s Pua Johnson.

Judge Ronald “Rasta” Sumalinog was asked how he was enjoying the vent so far, to which he replied, “I like it a lot, it’s way better than judging men’s events for sure!  The girls have a lot of fun laughing and joking with each other here in the tower, and mostly just leaving the competition in the water.  So it’s a really good vibe, very enjoyable for sure.”

Check out Sean Gilhooley’s video clip recap of today’s action:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CCvosbc9cY&feature=youtu.be

According to the swell forecast it will be building steadily over the next two days to peak on Friday, so the organizers are hopeful that Round Two can be completed tomorrow, then the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals wrapped up on Thursday.

Weather and internet connectivity permitting, each day you will be able to see live heat scores as well as a live cam of Cloud 9 during each mornings competition at http://www.asiansurfingtour.com/events/siargaowomenscup

With a truly international field of 24 women from countries including Japan, Germany, Slovakia, Greece, England, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Australia joining the Philippines best women surfers at one of the world’s top 10 surf spots as rated by CNN and Surfer Magazine, the 8th annual Siargao International Women’s Cup promises to be a spectacular event for both competitors and the spectators alike.

The Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup is funded by the Municipality of General Luna, together with sponsors Volcom, Skullcandy, Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Kudo Surf, Sagana Resort, Surf Angels, Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa, Lux Siargao Boutique Resort, Hippie’s Surf Shop, Rock Island Sushi, San Miguel, Cebu Pacific Airlines, and My Life On Board.

Sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships, the event is supported by the Philippine Surfing Federation, Philippine Department of Tourism, Province of Siargao Del Norte, and Philippines House of Representatives

For more information please contact:

Asian Surfing Championships

Tim Hain

Email:  [email protected]

Event Director

Gerry Degan

Email:  [email protected]

#surf #surfing #siargao #wahine #wahines #bikini #bikinis #asc tour #press release #pr #stoked #aloha #tags for likes #volcom #shortboard #shortboards