Weekly specials running throughout the season. Also Daily seafood and seasonal specials as usual. Plus ‘curry and pint’ deal is on this Friday 18th May from lunchtime onwards….

Here is a fantastic interview with Stuart Campbell by Ester Spears. Stuart is the reigning British Surfing Champion, one of the UK’s most successful young surfers and one of our most progressive… did I mention that he’s just turned 21 years old?  There’s a bit about being Champ, freesurfing, comp surfing, going for the title, this and that, it’s what they do… these guys. All words from now on are those of Ester and Stuart…

It’s been a long time since the British Surfing Champion came from North Devon, since 1984 in fact when Richard Carter (Redwood surf shop, Croyde) held the crown. Last November Woolacombe resident, Stuart Campbell, brought the title back to Devon from a stormy Fistral Beach in Cornwall. To celebrate Stuey’s 21st birthday (Monday), his title and his full page pic in the latest issue of Carve, he talks about it to me with a few other unpublished pix from recently.

How did you get into surfing?

I started surfing at aged 8 when my family moved from the middle of Exmoor to the beach at Woolacombe. I saved up my birthday and pocket money to buy my first board then started learning with my Dad. My early inspiration came from a day at the O’Neill surf academy in Croyde. I got to hang out with O’Neill’s team riders. Jay Moriarity pushed me into some waves and was such a big character, the attitude of the crew left a big impression on me. They all had such passion for surf there was none of the drama and tantrums that I experienced from Rugby and Football club. I knew then that I would never go back to Football.

Why did you decide to compete?

I have always been competitive thanks to my Mum and Dad, it was always a competition to have the tidiest room, build the biggest sand castle, dig the deepest hole, I was always in front on bike rides and could get the most plates in the dish washer, collect the most coins from the bottom of the pool in one dive. I learnt to swim before I could walk and had won lots of shiny medals in swimming and then surf life saving. I couldn’t wait to get into surfing competition, it is where I belong.

What was your first big contest and how did you go?

The first contest I ever did was the Jesus surf classic in 2000. I think I got through a heat or two in the under 14’s, probably still riding the white water. I can remember dreaming about it for weeks before and getting really excited.

What was your breakthrough result?

In 2003, I won the under 12 British National Championships. With thanks to Ester Spears in fact. Ester ran a club through Braunton school and taught me how to manage myself at events and surf in heats. My parents had no idea how surfing worked which I think worked in my favour. Sue Butler used to give Jack and Tom a hard time at comps, I think that made it more fun to beat Jack and it never mattered if I lost as long as I learnt and had fun. Mum and dad were always impressed with my surfing no matter what.

What is the difference between contest surfing and your freesurfing?

When I am freesurfing I am practising new manoeuvres, going bigger and harder as there is no consequence if I fall (unless it is on to my board). I catch loads and loads of waves, where as in contest I am way more selective only going on the waves that I know I can get a solid score with. I also play it safe, there are no points for trying in surf contests and in a short 20 minute heat you can’t afford to fall off, until you are securely in the lead. A lot of my free surfing is practising and preparing for contests so it is always good to take out a silly little board and mess about.

How do you train for events?

I am currently training with Nick Thorn working on all aspects of my fitness and with a Physiotherapist Jerry Powell who is trying to sort out all my irregularities, aches and pains. I also try to get my surfing filmed regularly so that I can picture myself surfing and can visualise all the movements I make on a wave, essential for contest surfing. Being able to score your own waves is a useful skill particularly in an event without live scores, so that you can manage the heat, decide which waves you need or if you can afford to wait about for a bomb. Close to the event I like to surf a lot so that I am comfortable and confident with my board. I learnt to prepare physically and mentally thanks to O’Neill and their training camps I have attended since I was 12. I also find my A level in sport science helpful. (Perhaps you can tell I struggled with my English language A level).

What is it that makes you competitive?

I guess it’s the way I have been raised. I think of contest as a way of proving myself and as fun. It will never end either, in the UK now I may be British champion but after that I was knocked out in the first round of the Lynmouth contest. As my Nan says “you are only as good as your last result.” The two of us have a table tennis tournament going it started in 1999. whats scary is that at the age 83 I know she will still thrash me.

How did it feel to win the British Championships?

I thought I had nailed Jaycee in the dying minutes in the final but didn’t know what Gordon had done, the only thing that I was confident of was that Oli Adams had an absolute shocker. Walking up the beach my friends told me that I had taken it out. I didn’t want to think about it too much waiting for the official call seemed to take forever. Looking back over the contest and the preparations with the knowledge that it all went as well as it could have and that all my decisions worked when they finally announced the result the feeling was amazing. I have always wanted to win the British and imagined what it would be like, I never dreamt I would win it while still in the Juniors. I have still got a big smile now.

What have you been up to since?

I went to Costa Rica for about 3 months, based myself by the beach and just surfed and trained in the sun. There was waves everyday so I could get into a really good routine. I got to test my winter training in the Vendee WQS event I finished in the top 25 which makes me think it worked. The next big event is the boardmasters so I have until then to refine my training and boards, with the aim of going at least one round further.

What are your plans for the future?

Ultimately I just want to keep surfing and travelling. At the moment as a competitive surfer, this year I will focus on the European WQS events then hopefully compete further afield next year, with as many video photo and training trips in between. Thanks to the support that I get from O’Neill. This year I want to knock Russ Winter off his comfy throne as the UK Pro Tour champion and he knows that I am coming for him.

And finally what would you say to some0ne  (hippy usually) who says that competition surfing is a sell out?

First I would ask how comfy they find their new hyper stretch boardies. I would say that without contest surfing we wouldn’t see the development in surfboards, in flexible boardies/wetsuits, in fin shapes, compositions and materials and of course in hair styles. We would all be riding huge single fins if no one was driven to better their performance by improving their equipment. Without competition we wouldn’t see any change, without competition in nature we would all be swimming around in soup without eyes, ears, teeth or even a brain. Another reason I enjoy competition is that win or lose an event will help me find weakness in my surfing and in myself which motivates me to work. It could be a huge turn that I have seen someone else do or controlling my nerves before a heat. Surfing isn’t just a sport it is an art, meaning it is completely open to the interpretation of the individual whatever looks and feels good to them.

Interview by Ester Spears. All images by Estpix Photography

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Wednesday, May 16, 2012) – John John Florence (HAW), 19, has won his maiden ASP ASP World Championship Tour event, taking out the Billabong Rio Pro over Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in barreling three-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra da Tijuca.

Florence, currently in his rookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of Billabong Rio Pro competition, topping prodigious Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, and Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, on his way to triumph over Parkinson.

“This is the best feeling in the world,” Florence said. “I had that bad heat at Arpoador to start and we had a couple of lay days and I had to just sit and think about it. I can’t even believe this right now. I’m in shock. I was just sticking to my game plan and not thinking about the other guys. I’m so happy right now.”

Florence, who now sits at No. 6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today’s massive victory to the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

“This helps my confidence so much,” Florence said. “I have a lot of confidence going into events with barreling waves like Pipe. Obviously I have a lot of confidence in barrels from my experience at Pipe, but coming here, I wasn’t expecting a big result. I was just hoping to make a few heats.”

Parkinson utilized his complete skill set at Barra Da Tijuca, driving through barrels, lofting airs and unloading powerful carves en route to his Finals berth, but was unable to find a rhythm against Florence and finished runner-up overall.

“I’m a little bit disappointed as I never really got a start in that final, but overall, I’m stoked,” Parkinson said. “The quality of waves here were unreal. Yesterday, we had full barrels and good sections for turns and airs, it was good for the event.”

Parkinson’s finish today propels the Australian into the frontrunner position for the ASP World Title, but Parkinson was humble in claiming his spot atop the rankings.

“It’s a good feeling I suppose,” Parkinson said. “It’s a long way to go and I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I’m stoked. I’ve had a couple of really nice consistent results. I have been in this position before though so I’m hoping to maintain my performance level throughout the rest of the year.”

Josh Kerr (AUS), 27, put in an amazing performance at the Billabong Rio Pro with an astounding array of barrels and airs to take an equal 3rd place finish. Kerr surfed strong on the Final day of competition, but was unable to surpass Florence in their Semifinal bout.

“I tried an air on the first wave I got and turned around and saw John John (Florence said) in the most perfect barrel,” Kerr said. “Out here in this beachbreak you’ve got to keep an open mind. The wind came up from the south in my heat so I was looking for the backhand airs. John John got the perfect barrel and there’s not much I could do about that.”

Kerr’s equal 3rd place finish at the Billabong Rio Pro matches his career-best result as he continues to build momentum against the world’s best surfers.

“I’ve had three Semifinals now, but it’s better than no Semifinals,” Kerr said. “I’ve had three back-to-back results and for me, going from 33rds on my previous years on tour until last year, it’s good progress and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Kerr was responsible for a big upset in the Quarterfinals, eliminating 2011 Billabong Rio Pro champion and local favorite Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25, when he took to the air in the back half of their bout.

“I was definitely on the back foot,” Kerr said. “Adriano (de Souza) had a 14 point heat total and I just relaxed and figured it’s a couple of 7s. I knew my airs could get me those scores. I was lucky to land that one at the end. I knew I had to launch into the flats because there’s no soft landing, it just dumps. I was lucky to keep it steady under my feet.”

Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, two-time ASP World Champion, eliminated Brazilian Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, in the Quarterfinals but lost a hard-fought heat to close friend Joel Parkinson in the Semifinals to finish equal 3rd overall.

“It’s always fun surfing against Joel and we started out bang-for-bang,” Fanning said. “That’s just the way it goes, but it’s always fun. Even though you lose, your friend’s in the Final, so you win. I would have liked to make the Final but I just didn’t get the right waves and Joel (Parkinson) surfed great.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 40, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion, was absent from the Billabong Rio Pro, citing an ankle injury. The Floridian’s absence relinquished his former frontrunner status on the ratings and Slater now sits at ASP World No. 8.

To watch highlights from the Billabong Rio Pro log on to http://wctbrasil.com/

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

The next stop on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour will be the Volcom Fiji Pro, which holds a waiting period from June 3 through 15, 2012.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG RIO PRO FINAL:
1 – John John Florence (HAW) 16.37
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 11.44

BILLABONG RIO PRO SEMIFINALS RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 15.83 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.00
SF 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.94 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 11.86

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.90 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 12.60
QF 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.57 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5.90
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) 14.94 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 9.43
QF 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) 15.84 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.27

Current ASP WCT Top 10 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 19700 pts
2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18250 pts
3. Josh Kerr (AUS) 18200 pts
4. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 17200 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15750 pts
6. John John Florence (HAW) 15750 pts
7. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15700 pts
8. Kelly Slater (USA) 13700 pts
9. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12250 pts
10. Owen Wright (AUS) 12150 pts

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Tuesday, May 15, 2012) – The Billabong Rio Pro, Event No. 3 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, returned to the powerful beachbreak of Barra da Tijuca for the second consecutive day in three-to-five foot (1-1.5 metre) barrels which provided the ideal canvas for the world’s best surfers to push the limits of high-performance beachbreak surfing.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, current ASP World No. 5, rebounded after a Round 4 loss, threading the needle on two deep barrels to earn the day’s highest heat total of a near-perfect 18.33 out of 20 eliminating powerhouse Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in the process.

“It was just one of those heats where I waited for a while and got one good one and thought ‘that could be amazing, just that one wave.’” Parkinson said. “Then I got another one. Poor Jordy (Smith) really got nothing. It was a lot like home, the good ones have a really nice draw on the water off of the bank. It’s really dumpy, so you air drop into it and it’s hard to find a rail. Who would have thought you’d come to Brazil and get two 9s getting barreled?”

Parkinson has now faced off against Smith four times in the three ASP WCT events this year and admits their seesaw battles have created a friendly-but-competitive rivalry between the two surfers.

“I think there is a rivalry,” Parkinson said. “We don’t talk about it, but we just keep catching each other. We’ve had three events and it’s four times that we’ve surfed against each other and it’s been back and forth.”

Parkinson will face Tiago Pires (PRT) in the Quarterfinals when competition resumes.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 28, was clearly in rhythm with the afternoon’s barreling conditions. The talented natural-footer put on a dominant performance, earning one of the day’s highest heat totals of 17.84 to relegate defending event champion Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25, and Jeremy Flores (FRA), 24, to Round 5 of competition. The Australian admitted to being spurred on by De Souza’s Perfect 10-point ride acquired early in the heat.

“I saw Adriano’s wave go down and we were sitting in a different spot than everyone else,” Kerr said. “We were getting 9s and 10s and I feel bad for Adriano (de Souza). I wasn’t expecting a little backdoor shootout and I’m stoked to get some good waves.”

Kerr will take on Adriano de Souza (BRA), 25, in Quarterfinal No. 4.

Adriano de Souza put in a valiant effort today, posting the event’s only perfect 10-point ride for a critical forehand barrel ride. De Souza went on to take a Round 5 win in a rematch of last year’s final, topping Taj Burrow (AUS), 33, in a tough battle to advance to the Quarterfinals.

“I was focused on the right, but I knew there was a little channel and I went over to the left,” De Souza said. “Luck is really going my way and I’m stoked. The waves were really hard and I’m stoked to make it through this heat.”

De Souza admitted that advancing to the Quarterfinals alleviates some of the pressure that came along with competing as defending Billabong Rio Pro champion and is hoping to carry the momentum into the Final day of competition.

“Making it through that round, some of the pressure is off,” De Souza said. “Being defending event champion, I’m really looking to do well here and head to Fiji without pressure. Hopefully the crowd is going to push me to the Final.”

John John Florence (HAW), 19, took an amazing come-from-behind victory in his Round 4 heat to advance to the Quarterfinals. In need of two scores to overtake Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, Florence drove through a lengthy barrel for a 9.63 to take him out of a combination situation before finding another barrel in the dying seconds, earning 8.10 for the ride and claiming victory.

“It was Taj (Burrow) and Julian (Wilson) and those are two guys you never want to have in a heat,” Florence said. “It was windy when I first paddled out and I was trying to do airs and have fun with it. Then the wind stopped and I got the one in the middle of the heat that was a pretty decent barrel. I finally got that last one and there was only 10 seconds left. I wasn’t even sure I had gotten the score when I hit the beach.”

Florence, who is highly-regarded for his barrel-riding ability, was surprised to find barrels at this year’s Billabong Rio Pro and is elated to come away with a guaranteed 5th place finish in Brazil.

“I couldn’t get a good wave and dug my rail a lot at the start of my heat,” Florence said. “That one good barrel came through and I was just trying to figure out what the conditions were doing. I was searching for any kind of peak and couldn’t find one, then I got the wave at the last second. I’m stoked to make the Quarters here in Brazil. For me to be able to make Quarters here is amazing.”

Florence will face Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, in Quarterfinal No. 3.

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 22, was responsible for two big heat victories today. The young Brazilian bested fellow countryman Heitor Alves (BRA), 30, in Round 3 and went on to topple Australian icons Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, and Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in Round 4 to advance directly to the Quarterfinals, his best result of the season.

“My heats are always like that, where someone is always getting a score at the end to get through,” Muniz said. “I’m just happy. Mick (Fanning) and Joel (Parkinson) are two of my favorite surfers. I knew there were a couple of lefts and for some reason my board didn’t feel good on the rights, but on the lefts, it felt good.”

Muniz, who has been working to recover from an ankle injury sustained this past December, is nearly at full strength and the talented natural-footer was relieved to have a breakthrough result to help rebuild his competitive confidence.

“My ankle is feeling better,” Muniz said. “Everyday it’s feeling a bit better. It’s feeling better than the first round at Arpoador even, but running on the beach is still a little sketchy. I’m just stoked that it’s feeling better so I can show a bit of my surfing.”

Tiago Pires (PRT), 32, continued to find success in the challenging surf at Barra da Tijuca, besting Tahitian charger Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, and Jordy Smith (ZAF), 24, in their three-man non-elimination Round 4 bout to advance directly to the Quarterfinals.

“It was a tough heat,” Pires said. “The wind got really strong and the rain doesn’t help either. I knew it was going to be a tough heat because those guys are really complete surfers and they have the whole bag of tricks. I was just looking for a good nugget and a good barrel. I waited and waited and that wave came from heaven.”

Pires, current No. 25 on the ASP World Title Race, has a deep relationship with Brazil and is using his paramount support from his local fans to march to his best result of the 2012 season thus far.

“I love Brazil, I’ve been coming here for so many years and I’ve had some really good results here,” Pires said. “It’s been a nice event and I’m really focused and it’s all going well for me.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 6:30am local time for a possible 7am start to the Billabong Rio Pro. To watch the event LIVE log on to http://wctbrasil.com/

BILLABONG RIO PRO QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UPS:
QF 1: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Joel Parkinson (AUS)
QF 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Mick Fanning (AUS)
QF 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
QF 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Adriano de Souza (BRA)

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.33 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 7.00
Heat 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.00 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.20
Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.43 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 10.77
Heat 4:Adriano de Souza (BRA) 12.73 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 7.90

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Tiago Pires (PRT) 14.40, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.67, Michel Bourez (PYF) 7.50
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.90, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.43, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 10.73
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) 17.73, Julian Wilson (AUS) 17.50, Taj Burrow (AUS) 13.20
Heat 4: Josh Kerr (AUS) 17.84, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.10, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 5.97

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.37 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 6.33
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 13.00 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4.17
Heat 5: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.34 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 8.50
Heat 6: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.07 def. Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 12.67
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.50 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.70
Heat 8: John John Florence (HAW) 16.23 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 14.14
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 15.90 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 8.94
Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS) 10.73 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 7.33
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.33 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 10.17
Heat 12: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.10 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 11.77

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Monday, May 14, 2012) –After a four-day break from competition, the Billabong Rio Pro launched back to action at the primary venue of Barra da Tijuca as world’s best surfers did battle in challenging four-to-six foot (1.5 – 2 metre) barrels at the primary venue.

Adam Melling (AUS), 27, led the day’s proceedings with superior barrel-riding skills. The powerful natural-footer charged into two deep tubes, earning the day’s highest single wave score of 9.67 out of 10 en route to the day’s highest heat total of 17.00 out of 20.

“I was pretty happy with that one,” Melling said. “I snuck out of that first one that was a bit of a close out and on my way back out that other one doubled up real well and ran off. I was stoked to get that one on the way back out. It was sucking out off of the bank pretty well. It feels really good to get good waves in a heat. They’re definitely out there.”

John John Florence (HAW), 19, led the rookie class with unmatched versatility this morning, driving through barrels and punting critical airs in the pounding conditions to take a dominant Round 2 victory over replacement surfer Willian Cardoso (BRA), 26, with a strong 16.20 out of 20 heat total.

“It was a really hard heat and I was so tired,” Florence said. “We’ve been sitting around these last couple of days. There really haven’t been any waves and then we were straight into these conditions. I try to take the heats as a free surf. It seems like I surf the best when I’m having fun, but obviously you’ve got the jersey on and you know you need to finish your waves off.”

Florence, current No. 10 on the ASP WCT ratings, was relieved to avoid an equal 25th place finish after a tough Round 1 loss and knew his Round 2 draw against Brazilian powerhouse, Cardoso, would be no easy task.

“I had a really bad heat at Arpoador the other day and I was kind of nervous going into this one,” Florence said. “I just wanted to make it through. Willian (Cardoso) is such a good surfer and I’m just happy to make it out of that round.”

Florence will now face fellow rookie Miguel Pupo (BRA), 20, in Round 3 of competition.

Peterson Crisanto (BRA), 19, Billabong Rio Pro Wildcard, began the day by delivering a big upset, eliminating event favorite and fellow countryman Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, in the opening heat of Round 2. Crisanto focused on the barreling rightnhanders while Medina struggled with the strong current and thumping waves.

“I knew that heat wasn’t going to be easy with Gabriel (Medina) so I just tried to stay on the rights and try and find the barrels,” Crisanto said. “I almost made the first barrel, but I made the second one, so I’m happy to get through to the next round. I just tried to stay relaxed and find the right waves.”

Crisanto will take on Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in Round 3 of the Billabong Rio Pro.

Michel Bourez (PYF), 26, was extremely patient in his Round 2 matchup against Billabong Rio Pro Wildcard Tomas Hermes (BRA), 25, and his strategy paid off. The Tahitian drove through two righthand barrels, picking off his first ride in the opening minutes and waited until the dying seconds of the bout to post his second score.

“I was waiting for that one for so long,” Bourez said. “I got my first wave at the beginning and got my second one at the last second. I love these conditions, it fits my surfing. I like to wait for the right ones and get the big barrels. Sometimes you have to go big and do big turns, but I expect to find the barrels today.”

Bourez would go on to eliminate an in-form Brett Simpson (USA), 27, in the final heat of the day, advancing through to Round 4 of competition.

Tiago Pires (PRT), 32, prevailed over the day’s stormy beachbreak conditions to take out two heat victories, topping Australians Kai Otton (AUS), 32, in Round 2 and Owen Wright (AUS), 22, in Round 3.

“Adam Melling must have been surfing another break out there,” Pires said. “You get out there with the psych and I could not find the waves. There were lots of close outs and it was just really tough. I’m stoked to make it through though, it’s my first time advancing to Round 4 this year.”

C.J. Hobgood (USA), 32, navigated through the tough conditions brought on by building wind and dropping tide to post an 8-point score which proved to be enough to secure his win over ASP WCT Rookie Yadin Nicol (AUS), 26, in their Round 2 match-up.

“These conditions are a giant equalizer no matter who you have,” Hobgood said. “You know you’re not going to get many chances. You could go from a dog fight trying to find 2s and 3s, that’s how slim it is and luckily a little later I got a chance on a left. It’s tough, there are not many out there. It looks easy from the beach and when you’re taking off you’re thinking, ‘I hope I make the drop here.’”

Hobgood will take on Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 26, in Round 3 when competition resumes.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 6:30am to assess conditions for a possible 7am start.

Highlights from today’s Billabong Rio Pro will be available via http://wctbrasil.com/

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.40 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 6.40
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 8.70 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 8.53

BILLABONG RIO PRO ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 10.83 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 7.17
Heat 2: Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.10 def. Tomas Hermes (BRA) 12.66
Heat 3: John John Florence (HAW) 16.20 def. Willian Cardoso (BRA) 7.16
Heat 4: Heitor Alves (BRA) 6.00 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 5.47
Heat 5: Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 9.83 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 7.46
Heat 6: Brett Simpson (USA) 9.33 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.60
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.00 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 2.64
Heat 8: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.36 def. Yadin Nicol (AUS) 7.97
Heat 9: Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.33 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 5.70
Heat 10: Tiago Pires (PRT) 10.90 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 10.20
Heat 11: Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.16 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 6.50
Heat 12: Adam Melling (AUS) 17.00 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 14.26

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May 18 – DJ Jools, Latin Funk, Rare Groove’n'Disco

June 22 – Padawan DJ’s Ryan & Jonno, Floor Filling Masters, Bits of Everything – all funky, all gold

July 20 – Pete Robinson, all Northern Soul & Motown

August 17 – Steve Thorn, the Liquidators front man – Ska, Blue Beat & Reggae

September 21 – Wendy May, funk, grooves, old-school R&B

Soul in Vibe, Groovy in Nature

SOUL STEW @ The Kings Arms, Georgeham

Click the thumbnail below to check the full line up!

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 13, 2012) – Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, has taken out the Billabong Women’s Rio Pro over Coco Ho (HAW), 21, by a score of 14.10 to 14.03 in peaky one-to-three foot (.5 metre) waves at the primary venue of Barra da Tijuca.

Event No. 5 of 7 on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Rio culminated in a thrilling fashion this afternoon with both Fitzgibbons and Ho exchanging the Final’s lead multiple times before the hooter sounded..

In need of a high 7-point ride with just minutes remaining in the heat, Fitzgibbons bashed a blowing lefthander on her backside, notching a 7.93 out of 10 to take the elite win, her second of the year.

“That was so crazy and Coco (Ho) had me on the ropes for sure,” Fitzgibbons said. “I just had my fingers crossed and knew there would be one towards the end. I made a few mistakes and it happens in Finals but I was able to recover there at the end. I’m so excited.”

Fitzgibbons, current No. 2 on the ASP Women’s WCT, has significantly narrowed the gap between her and current ASP frontrunner Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, but remained humble in regards to her chase for the 2012 ASP World Title.

“This makes the World Title race more interesting, but thinking ahead, it’s still pretty far to go,” Fitzgibbons said. “There are still a couple of events, but to get a win, it’s an amazing result. To win at Bells too, it’s been an awesome year so far.”

Ho, who was ranked 12th on the ASP Women’s WCT ratings before the Billabong Rio Pro, had yet to advance beyond the Quarterfinals this year, but her Runner-Up finish to Fitzgibbons vaults the young Hawaiian to 9th in the world and restores her confidence to appropriate levels.

“This result really opens things up for me,” Ho said. “I’ve been having a really tough year and I’m stoked to get into this Final. This is my best result of the year and this has been an important event for me. Congrats to Sally on her win.”

Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, last year’s Billabong Rio Pro winner and reigning ASP Women’s World Champion, was edged out of a hard-fought battle against Fitzgibbons in their high-scoring Semifinal affair. Both competitors posted big-scores in the dying seconds of the heat, but it was Fitzgibbons who earned the best of the exchange, handing Moore and equal 3rd place result.

“I think we all want to make the Final and it’s disappointing,” Moore said. “I’ve lost to Sally (Fitzgibbons)twice this year and I’ve just got to keep trying in the next couple of events and that’s it.”

Moore, who was dominant over the course of 2011, has yet to find a win this year, but remains focused on attaining a strong performance to end out the season..

“I think it’s been a bunch of things this year,” Moore said. “I think finding the right waves is one thing overall and I need to switch it up and bring something different out.”

Alessa Quizon (HAW), 18, Billabong Rio Pro wildcard, put in an incredible performance at this year’s event, tearing through the world’s best female surfers and finding her way into the Semifinals. Quizon put up a good fight against fellow Hawaiian Coco Ho, but ultimately fell during last minute exchange, finishing with a respectable equal 3rd place finish overall.

“This has been an amazing event for me,” Quizon said. “I had nothing to lose and it’s been a great learning experience for me and I’m happy that I made it to the Semifinals. I could tell that Coco (Ho) was getting the scores that she needed and I was looking for one big score and I just didn’t find it. Sometimes it happens that way.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible recommencement to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition. For all of the LIVE action log on to www.billabongpro.com

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

The next stop on the 2012 ASP Women’s World Championship Tour is the Roxy Pro Biarritz from July 10 – 14, 2012

BILLABONG WOMEN’S RIO PRO FINAL RESULT:
1 - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 14.10
2 - Coco Ho (HAW) 14.03

BILLABONG WOMEN’S RIO PRO SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Coco Ho (HAW) 14.16 def. Alessa Quizon (HAW) 10.94
SF 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.47 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 15.36

CURRENT ASP WOMEN’S WCT TOP 5 (After Billabong Rio Pro):
1. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 38,400 pts
2. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 36,900 pts
3. Carissa Moore (HAW) 30,200 pts
4. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 29,600 pts
5. Tyler Wright (AUS) 28,700 pts

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Saturday, May 12, 2012) –Semifinalists have been decided for the Billabong Women’s Rio Pro, Stop No. 5 of 7 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, as the world’s best female surfers made the most of the tricky one-to-two foot (0.5 metre) waves on offer at the primary site of Barra da Tijuca.

Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), 21, current No. 2 on the ASP Women’s WCT Rankings, got the best of a wave-starved heat this morning, tearing into select waves with precision and nailing one of the day’s highest heat totals of 16.00 out of 20 in Round 3.

“Everyone was struggling to get waves and there were only a few opportunities to get scores,” Fitzgibbons said. “It’s really nice to have a good start to the heat. I was just hoping to find a couple of those rights and hopefully the swell picks up for the remainder of the event.”

Fitzgibbons would go on to defeat Pauline Ado (FRA), 21, in this afternoon’s Quarterfinals to earn her Semifinals berth.

Carissa Moore (HAW), 19, reigning ASP Women’s World Champion, took a come-from-behind win over Laura Enever (AUS), 20, in the final heat of the day to advance through to the Semifinals. The defending Billabong Rio Pro champion has yet to secure an elite ASP Women’s WCT event in 2012, but is hoping the Billabong Rio Pro will act as the catalyst to change her momentum for the year.

“It would be great to build momentum off of this event for the rest of the year,” Moore said. “Each event is a clean slate and I’m trying to find momentum and find rhythm. I haven’t really done as well as last year this season, but I’m stoked to be surfing and traveling and I’m looking forward to the finish of this year.”

Coco Ho (HAW), 21, put in a standout performance today, besting four-time ASP Women’s World Champion and current rankings’ leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), 24, on two separate occasions. Ho won her three-woman Round 3 heat and went on to take a dominant victory over Gilmore in the Quarterfinals by a score of 14.93 to 7.23, out of 20.

“It was definitely crunch time in that man-on-man heat and Steph (Gilmore) is trying to win a World Title and I’m trying to requalify and get a really good result,” Ho said. “There definitely weren’t as many jokes and laughs as the last heat. Steph had priority most of the heat and kept taking the first one and somehow there started being more waves in a set and I kept getting really lucky.”

Ho, current No. 12 on the ASP Women’s WCT Ratings, needed a big result to remain on the ASP Top 17 roster for 2013 and is hoping her guaranteed equal 3rd finish at the Billabong Rio Pro will mark the beginning to a strong end to 2012.

“I’ve had a pretty bad beginning to the year and anything from here on out is a bonus,” Ho said. “I’m looking forward to finishing up the year strong.”

Gilmore continually posted solid scores throughout the event despite the challenging conditions. The progressive natural-footer’s Equal 5th place at the Billabong Rio Pro is another strong result, but admittedly pushes her clinching of the 2012 ASP Women’s World Title further away.

“It’s always tough to lose in conditions like this,” Gilmore said. “That’s competition though and we all have to deal with the same field of play. The window for our event here was never going to have the best waves and would likely favor some of the surfers that excel in these conditions. Brush it off though and focus on the next one. There are still two more events and that will have a major bearing on this year’s title race.”

Alessa Quizon (HAW), 18, Billabong Rio Pro wildcard, continued to shine amongst the ASP Top 17, eliminating 2012 ASP Women’s WCT rookie Lakey Peterson (USA), 17, before Courtney Conlogue (USA), 19, to advance to the Semifinals.

“We had a restart and then there were no waves until the last 20 minutes or so,” Quizon said. “It was really stressful. I’ve surfed against Lakey (Peterson) in amateur and Pro Junior events and she’s an awesome surfer. I’m just going in to this event as the underdog. I have no expectations and I’m just trying to gain experience and have a good time.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 10am at the primary site of Barra da Tijuca to assess conditions for a possible 10:30am start. A Billabong Women’s Rio Pro winner will be crowned tomorrow.

Highlights from the Billabong Rio Pro will be available via www.billabongpro.com

The Billabong Rio Pro is proudly supported by Monster Energy Drink and Xperia Sony Smartphone.

BILLABONG RIO PRO WOMEN’S QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Alessa Quizon (HAW) 12.77 def. Courtney Conlogue (USA) 12.50
QF 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 14.93 def. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 7.23
QF 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 10.50 def. Pauline Ado (FRA) 9.17
QF 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 8.43 def. Laura Enever (AUS) 8.33

BILLABONG RIO PRO WOMEN’S ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Alessa Quizon (HAW) 12.56 def. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.87
Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.26 def. Tyler Wright (AUS)11.44
Heat 3: Pauline Ado (FRA) 12.10, def. Rebecca Woods (AUS) 10.33
Heat 4: Laura Enever (AUS) 13.10 def. Malia Manuel (HAW) 9.60

BILLABONG RIO PRO WOMEN’S ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Courtney Conlogue (USA)11.87, Alessa Quizon (HAW) 11.66, Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.96
Heat 2: Coco Ho (HAW) 15.40, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.07, Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.30
Heat 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 16.00, Rebecca Woods (AUS) 12.16, Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.50
Heat 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.83, Laura Enever (AUS) 11.67, Pauline Ado (FRA) 10.20

Sunny dry & warm.

Big Breakfast by a big flat pool, can’t really get much better.

Can it ???

There was a lay day in Rio yesterday so Mick Fanning took the opportunity to hang out with the kids from Escola de Surf, surf school…

BARRA DA TIJUCA , Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Friday, May 11, 2012) – For many touring professional surfers, a contest lay day presents the welcome opportunity to do some sightseeing or discover a new wave down the coast, but for two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, it’s the ideal opportunity to hang out with the local community and give back to the sport that has given him so much.

On the second, consecutive lay day for the men at the Billabong Pro Rio, Fanning took time out from his busy training schedule to spend the morning with a group of special needs children from the Escola De Surf (surf school) run by Jeronimo Telles, at Recreio dos Bandeirantes in Barra, Rio.

A morning spent with this unique group of visually-impaired and physically-disabled children turned into hours of contagious laughter and fun, one that neither Fanning nor his young fans will ever forget.

“Everywhere we go, we’re just focused on the contest and I guess you can go to a store and sign posters or you can take kids surfing and I would rather take kids surfing,” Fanning said. “It was so inspiring for me to be out there with those guys and makes me happier than just going surfing myself.”

Despite the language barrier, Fanning and his new friends hit the water hooting and hollering as they shared the same language that is the stoke of riding waves, emerging with smiles a mile wide.

“I didn’t know how they would go, but they did awesome!” Fanning said. “I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but I know they were being cheeky. It was funny.”

Renowned as one of the most focused and competitive athletes on tour, Fanning brought endless enthusiasm to the water today, reveling in the simple act of pushing the kids into waves and applauding fervently as each child got to his or her feet.

“Teaching someone to surf is one of the greatest things ever,” Fanning said. “The joy you get out of it is incredible and with these kids, it was even more inspiring. Sometimes you sit there and think that life can suck but you just go out and go surfing and it makes life so much better.”

Clinching his inaugural ASP World Title in Brazil (2007), Fanning has an affinity for the wave-rich and culturally-diverse South American country and while this year marks only his second ever trip to Rio, he admitted that he felt the city had welcomed him with open arms.

“I love coming to Brasil, the people are so cool and they have so much energy,” Fanning said. “I guess when you go around and meet different people outside the contest, you really get a feel for the place and make lifelong friends along the way.”

Riding a wave of confidence after his victory at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the current ASP World No. 3 will be looking to capitalize on the absence of 11X ASP World Champion and current ASP ratings leader Kelly Slater (USA) at the Billabong Rio Pro and hopes to leave the city in pole position.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com