Men's rounds 1-3 completed at the Pipeline Pro
posted on 17th February 2011
Thursday, February 17th (Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii): Professional bodyboarding has returned to Hawaii's North Shore with the commencement of Event 1 on the 2011 IBA World Tour, the IBA Pipeline Pro that kicked off in clean two-metres waves today. The revamped tour, which sees eight major global Grand Slam Series events in exciting and dangerous locations, has drawn out the who's who of big name stars and budding pros.
Brian Wise on Comeback Trail
Among the standout performers on Day 1 was USA transplant, Brian Wise (USA), a formidable 90s performer who blasted his way through three rounds of competition in his first contest in three years. Wise spun and rolled his way through a marathon day that included a pre-event warm-up session when he practised without fins or leash. The former finalist (1996) was clearly stoked to be back in the competitive arena, and registered the day's highest individual wave score, an 8.75 out of a possible perfect 10, on route to Round 4. "The waves are really contestable. We have good ramps and really nice, long drawn out waves and I think we'll get better waves right through out this contest," said Wise. "I've been back on the North Shore since October and I've had so many Pipe days, concentrating on my riding, working to improve my style and my manoeuvres," he added.
Ward brothers create History
Nostalgia was blended with first-time experience of Australian brothers, Charles and Harley Ward. The pair, who regularly tackle the cold, life-threatening waves of their local break Shipstern Bluff, unknowingly created history when they became the first Tasmanian riders to compete at the elite level. Having successfully won their way through the trials held at Sandy Beach on Oahu's South side on Sunday, the brothers progressed through to Rounds two and three respectively in the main event, before being eliminated. Many other riders remain in the draw to represent their national "green 'n gold" colours, but none can claim to be from the infamous "Apple Isle". "We came here to get good surf and try our best in the competition. I think everyone at home is pretty stoked we made it into the main event. We tried last year, but didn't get in. Now this is the first event we've qualified for," said Charles. "Tassie has variety of waves, but obviously the water's a lot warmer here, it's so bloody cold at home! It's not crowded at all at home, but crowded here, so there are same major differences. And the overall level of riding is higher in Hawaii. In fact, the level is higher than just about anywhere else we've ever travelled," he said.
Specker bags highest heat score for Day 1
The day's highest two-wave combined heat score belonged to South African campaigner, Sacha Specker (ZAF) who within five minutes of his 20-minute encounter, had secured an 8.25 and 7.5 to be sitting comfortably in front on a combined total of 15.75 out of a possible 20. Speckers opponents, Alvaro Jurado (ESP), Kalani Lattanzi (BRA) and Keahi Parker (Haw) were left to scrap for the minor placing, with Parker getting the nod and advancing behind Specker in second position. "I was lucky those waves came straight to me at the start of the heat. From there I didn't need to chase any more scores. I actually played it really safe. I picked the biggest waves and just did what the judges wanted to see - clean, big moves," explained Specker.
Shock exit for Botha
Fellow South African, former two-time Pipeline Pro winner, Andre Botha (ZAF), was a surprise elimination, bowing out in Round 3 in equal 49th place. Botha became the youngest-ever champion of the event when he first stormed the victory dais aged 17 in 1998. Today the South African looked sharp in his Round 2 debut, advancing easily in first place ahead of Hawaiian Alex Brown (Haw), Portugal's Joao Neiva (PRT) and Mark Klein (USA) of the United States. His fortunes were reversed this afternoon, however, the 28 year-old going down in less than spectacular fashion, ending his heat in a disappointing last place to Jacob Pembrook (Haw), Bud Miyamoto (Haw) and Elliot Morales (CNY).
South African contingent progresses steadily
Along with Sacha Specker, Mark Watts and Michael Ostler progressed through to Round 4 where they will join Charles Pass who has been seeded into Round 4 thanks to his SABA rating. Jarret Johnson was wave starved in his round 3 heat and was an unfortunate casualty along with Botha and South African ex-pat Vijay Maharaj who is riding under the Canadian flag and was looking strong through his first two heats.
Other South Africans still to ride include Aden Kleve (Round #5), wild card Alistair Taylor (Round #6) who will be hoping for some big Pipe and GSS seeds Mark McCarthy and Jared Houston up in Round 7.
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Competition is expected to resume in similar conditions tomorrow, Friday Feb 18th. Organisers will make a call on proceedings at 07:00 local time for a possible 08:00 start.
All the action from the IBA Pipeline Pro is available for viewing via the LIVE webcast at
www.ibaworldtour.com/live. It is the most ambitious ever undertaken by the IBA with multi-camera angles and replays just some of the improved features.
Hawaiian fans can see the action via Oceanic Cable channel 16 (OC 16, Hawaii) and FUEL TV will broadcast finals action in Australia. Viewers should check their local listings for times.
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