Aloha from Hawaii

19th February 2011

So the time has finally arrived, it's a start to a new year and a new start to the recently revamped IBA GSS Tour. There has been so much hype around this first contest, not just because it's the first contest of the year but it's the Pipeline Pro and I am sure every rider on the North Shore is just dying to get their name engraved on the winner's trophy.

I haven't done any blog posts about the build-up, but I have been reading and enjoying a few other guy's blogs, to see what they have been up to and their thoughts on Hawaii so far.

I have been here for just over 2 weeks now; the first 3 days were spent riding good old rocky point. I really enjoy going out at rockys. It not as epic as Pipe but it has similar features at the best of times, I have had some pits out there that are just as good as any backdoor barrel . It was also real good to surf with all my choms again ...

Mark McCarthy bodyboarding

After day 3 there was a real good swell predicted for the 6th of February and they sure got it spot on. It was just the best day that day; with blue skies and off-shore winds. It was second reefing and going ballistic on first reef. Needles to say, there must have been about 80 to 100 guys out, but the big west wash throughs made the crowds manageable.

Mark McCarthy bodyboarding

All photos: Maurice Aubuchon

But that was that first and last time of a good west swell. The swell then turned north and it's just doesn't look like it will change ... Having a look at the forecast, there will be a bit of a west swell over the weekend but there is so much sand that has moved over the reef at pipe...it's so weird to see pipe not even breaking! It's just a beach break at the moment but it's not too bad as the banks have a good shape to it. Guys have been getting real good barrels and punts too; it kind of looks like snapper or D Bar ...

Let's just hope for the best and that we get blessed with some good swell for the event! It's going to be a cracker of an event! All the SAFFA boys are pretty keen and we are coming with a force to take on the rest of the world! All the guys have impressed me and I feel confident about this year and have faith in them ... Jared, Watts, Charlie, Wez, Ratt, Spex, Aden and Pik Let's do this :)

Stayed tuned to www.ibaworldtour.com for daily updates and live feed on redbull TV.

Australia vs South Africa Touch Rugby match - final result Aus 10-9 SA :(