PLA updates first 2010 event, moves event to San Diego
January 5, 2010
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce it has changed the date and location of the first event of the 2010 PLA season. The PLA’s first event which was originally set for February 13-14 in Ventura, CA, will now be held on February 27-28 in Ocean Beach, at the Ocean Beach Pier.
The PLA schedule changes, comes from complications with city schedules as well as other established events scheduled in other areas of the world.
"We felt pushing the contest back to late February would help the surfers with other travel arrangements and registration for the event. We loved being down in Ocean Beach in 2009 and are very happy to be headed back to that community", Jeff Stoner, Executive Director of the PLA.
The PLA is schedule to other events in Costa Rica, Huntington Beach, Oceanside, and Seaside Reef San Diego throughout the year.
Information about the PLA, its sponsors and all schedule information can be found on the PLA website, www.surfpla.com
| Feb 27-28 | Ocean Beach Peir | 2-Star |
| April 8-11 | Costa Rica - Boca Barranca | 3-Star |
| June 4-6 | Huntington Beach, CA | 6-Star |
| Oct 1-3 | Imperial Beach, CA | 3-Star |
| Oct 8-10 | Seaside Reef - San Diego, CA | 6-Star |
PLA Announces the Keep a Breast Foundation as the official charitable partner for the 2010 season.
December 8, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce that the Keep a Breast Foundation will be an official charitable partner to the PLA's 2010 season.
"The PLA is a huge supporter of cancer research and awareness. We are excited to have an organization like Keep A Breast involved with us next year, and look forward to helping them with their cause", Jeff Stoner PLA Executive Director.
The Keep A Breast Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being.
"Keep A Breast is honored to be chosen as the official charity partner of the PLA for 2010. We look forward to bringing out our traveling education booth to all the PLA events in 2010 to help reach out and educate the local communities about breast cancer prevention and early detection", Shaney Jo Darden, Co- Founder, The Keep A Breast Foundation.
For more information on the Keep a Breast Foundation or to donate to this amazing foundation please visit www.keep-a-breast.org
PLA Officially Announces 2010 Schedule
December 7, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to officially announce its 2010 schedule, which will once again be primarily held on the beautiful beaches of Southern California. The PLA schedule will include locations such as Ventura, Huntington Beach, and San Deigo, but also include new locations and a few new surprises to the schedule.
In 2009, the PLA developed a qualifying series for the ASP's Longboarding division, making it North America's official qualifying series for both Professional Men's and Women's WLT events. In 2010, the PLA, in hopes of growing the event series not only nationally but internationally, has built partnerships within the series that will help grow the event size in terms of competitors, as well as bring additional support from media outlets.
"We have some special things planned for the PLA in 2010, and I'm happy to announce that we will be including Costa Rica (Boca Barrnaca) into the event schedule, as well as partnering with Henry Ford on the Rabbit Kekai event in Hawaii", said Jeff Stoner, Executive Director of the PLA. He continues, "But the biggest news is our event in Huntington Beach. We have officially partnered with the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) for this event, and are taking the opportunity to develop the PLA's 1st 6-Star event, Something that the PLA staff has wanted to do this for a long time".
The PLA has officially partnered with the AVP, and is planning to run their Huntington Beach event in conjunction with the AVP's event on the same weekend in May. The partnership between the two organizations allows both parties to open up to a wider demographic, helping to brand their respective competitors into different markets.
"I think this is an amazing opportunity, It gives us a chance to showcase the PLA on an international level; surfers and media. this event will not only showcase Longboarding and Volleyball, but we are in development to bring in Stand Up Paddle racing and relays, body boarding, and other beach related activities. It will be an event that gives families the opportunity to come to Huntington Beach and see a number of top professionals competing at the highest levels, said Jeff Stoner.
During the PLA season the PLA will also run 2 and 3 Star events as well as finish the season with another 6 Star caliber event in San Diego.
More information on the PLA schedule will be available late December, but information is always available on the PLA website www.surfpla.com
2010 PLA Schedule:
| Feb 27-28 | Ocean Beach Peir | 2-Star |
| April 8-11 | Costa Rica - Boca Barranca | 3-Star |
| June 4-6 | Huntington Beach, CA | 6-Star |
| Oct 1-3 | Imperial Beach, CA | 3-Star |
| Oct 8-10 | Seaside Reef - San Diego, CA | 6-Star |
PLA crowns Kai Sallas and Cori Schumacher 2009 PLA Champions, both named ASP North American Champions
November 18, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce that Kai Sallas (HAW) and Cori Schumacher (USA) have been crowned the 2009 PLA Pro Champions.
The PLA finished its 2009 season on Sunday November 15th in Oceanside, CA. The event saw some great surfing in some below average conditions. Taylor Jenson, former US Champion, was able to take the men's division and 2nd PLA victory of the year, while former World Champion Cori Schumacher, finished strong taking also taking her 2nd victory of the PLA season.
Although competition was strong in both divisions, the underlying story was that of the PLA championship race. The PLA men's division was tight as Kai Sallas (HAW) and Steven Newton (USA) were in the mix for the PLA championship. While only a few points separated the two throughout the year, Kai Sallas (HAW), helped by his big victory at the Rabbit Kekai Longboard Classic in Hawaii, and second place finish at the PLA San Diego Pro event was able to maintain the lead and finish the year with his 2nd PLA Pro Championship (2008-2009), winning with a total 1069 points. Steven Newton finished 1011 points. Sallas also won his 1st North American Championship, by beating out Newton. As for the women's division, the PLA Championship was already decided before the Championship event as Cori Schumacher (USA), held a large points leads over PLA runner up Lindsey Steinreide (USA). Schumacher becomes the PLA's first Women's Pro Champion, while taking back to back North American Championships.
"Winning the PLA Championships this year was really important to me. It was the first viable ASP rated tour for women longboarders in North America. As such, the winner was chosen, not by a single event but by a series of events with cumulative points going toward the title. This series has set a precedent for women's longboarding that I hope will continue in the coming years", said Schumacher.
The PLA will begin its 2010 season in February at Ventura's "C" St. A full schedule to be announced and posted late this month on the PLA website, www.surfpla.com .
PLA prepares for PLA Pro Championships, Ready to Crown 2010 PLA Champion
November 2, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association which is currently in preparation for their Championship event, is set to crown its 2nd PLA Men's Champion and its 1st ever PLA Women's Champion.
The PLA Pro Championships presented by Gidget are set to take place on November 14th and 15th in Oceanside, CA at the Oceanside Pier, South Side. As the season winds down, and all WLT events are finally over, the PLA is expecting a large turnout from both Men's and Women's divisions. Both divisions are fairly close and final qualifying rankings for the 2010 WLT will come down to this last PLA event. The Men's Division is currently lead by defending PLA champion and recent winner of the Oxbow Maldives WLT event Kai Sallas, while Former World Champion Cori Schumacher leads the Women's Division.
The PLA Pro Championship event not only marks the completion for the 2009 season but also generates a first for the PLA, as they will organize the first PLA surf expo and festival, as well as the first Stand Up Paddle Race to be held in conjunction with the surf contest.
The PLA Surf Expo will be held in the Oceanside Amphitheatre directly behind the Surf Contest at the Oceanside Pier. The Expo will have Surfing related companies sampling and selling products, Live Music, Surfboard Demo Opportunities, and Raffles (surfboards, SUP boards, clothing, wetsuits, etc...). Expo will be FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Hours of expo are Saturday Nov 14th 9am-5pm and November 15th 9am-4pm.
The PLA Stand Up Paddle Race will be held in conjunction with the PLA Pro Championships on Sunday November 15th. The Race will start at 11AM, and is a 5 mile course which will start and finish on the beach directly to the South of the surf contest. Registrations are $45 and available on the PLA website www.surfpla.com. Divisions include 12'6" (Stock), 14', and Unlimited. Male and Female divisions are available. Purse Prizes awarded to top 3 finishers in each category. For questions related to the SUP course and Purse Payout please contact Jack Sutter at seastheday@cox.net.
Colin McPhillips Finishes ASP World No. 9 after Oxbow Pro Maldives
November 1, 2009
Huntington Beach - California The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Longboard Tour (WLT) completed its 2009 season this past week in the idyllic setting of Pasta Point at the Oxbow Pro Maldives and saw American veteran and three-time ASP World Longboard Champion Colin McPhillips (San Clemente, CA), 34, finished the year ASP World No. 9 amongst the finest competitive longboarding talent the globe has to offer.
McPhillips, who started his year off strong with a fifth place finish at the Oxbow Pro Japan, wrapped up his year with a ninth place result at the Oxbow Pro Maldives. The veteran regular-footer started strong in the event, but eventually fell in a tough draw against event winner Kai Sallas (HAW) after getting his piece of the flawless lefthanders on offer at the point break.
"This is an amazing venue, probably the best I've been to for such an important event," McPhillips said. "The waves have been pumping the whole time we've been here and conditions are simply perfect. It's going to be a really special event I think."
Taylor Jensen (Oceanside, CA), 25, who has been on a tear throughout the year on the ASP LQS, matched McPhillips result of a ninth place finish and ended the year rated 11th in the world. The California powerhouse marched past Brazilian Jaime Viudes in his opening heat, but fell to former ASP World Longboard Champion Phil Rajzman, 27.
Several of the world's best longboarders will be back to the states to compete in the ASP 1-Star PLA Pro in Oceanside, California on the weekend of November 14 through 15, 2009 to wrap up the regional season. For additional information on the event log on to www.surfpla.com
Ingelby Takes ASP World Longboard Title, Sallas Wins in the Maldives
October 29, 2009
Pasta Point - Chaaya Island/Dhonveli Maldives- The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Oxbow World Longboard Tour Maldives event today crowned two champions - Harley Ingeby (Australia) as the 2009 ASP World Longboard Champion and Kai Sallas (Hawaii) as the inaugural Oxbow Maldives event champion.
Sallas (Oahu, Hawaii) won the event, surfing clean three feet (1 metre) surf at Pasta Point, defeating Australasia's Harley Ingelby in a high-scoring Final that saw Sallas take the win with a combined two-wave tally of 15.65 to Ingelby on 14.00.
Ingeby's second placing in today's final event on the two-event 2009 ASP World Longboard Tour secured him the ASP World Longboard Title.
"I'm so stoked to win this event," Sallas said. "The waves have been super fun all week and to beat Harley in the final capped off a perfect week for me. "I started well with 7.65 on my first ride and felt confident that I could back that ride up and take the win, Ingelby came at me hard in the final few minutes but my best ride was my final one and it's great to win and actually beat the current world champion as well!"
The ASP World Longboard Champion is decided across the ratings from two events and Ingelby's 1st placing in the season's opening event in Japan along with his 2nd place here in the Maldives earned him his inaugural ASP World Title.
"It's the best day of my life," Ingelby said. "I've been close to winning in the past and always felt I could win the title but I've also seen many great surfers not win world titles and I was wary that the opportunity could slip - It's a huge weight off my shoulders and right now the feeling is unbelievable."
Ingelby secured the world title early in the day when he defeated Brazilian Phil Rajzman in a very close seesawing Quarterfinal.
"It would have been great to take the event win as well as the world title but full marks to Sallas, he surfed a great final and he deserved the win as he's been a standout all week," Ingelby said. "I really left my run in the final late, I don't think I had one decent score in the first 20 minutes, when I did get that 8 point ride late in the final I was a real chance but simply could not find a wave to deliver a decent second score."
Today's Semifinals were both tightly fought out with Sallas defeating fellow Hawaiian Ned Snow while Ingelby survived a late challenge in his semi final from French surfer Antoine Delpero winning on a score-line of 14.80 to Delpero on 14.35.
With excellent surf throughout the event all surfers enjoyed a great week and it was a fitting finale to the ASP Oxbow Longboard World Tour for 2009.
For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
Baxter and Smith Dominate Gidget SD Pro
October 7, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association rolled into San Diego for their 4th stop on this year PLA surf series. As the waves and current tried to get the best of the surfers, two surfers prevailed in their respective divisions.
Josh Baxter and Jen Smith both took home their first win of the season. Baxter, who before this event, hadn't made it past the semi-finals, put on a show in the finals with some of the event's best wave totals. Baxter, was able to fight off some harsh competition from defending PLA Champion Kai Sallas, Gold Medal Winner Tony Silvagni, and underdog Nelson Ahina.
Two-Time World Champion, Jen Smith had her work cut out for her as well, as she battled former World Champion Cori Schumacher, and veterans Kaitlin Macguire and Leah Dawson. Smith was able to find the right waves at the right time as she was able to hold off Schumacher in the final minutes of a very intense final.
The Professional Longboard Association will finish their season with the PLA Pro Championships in Oceanside November 13-15.
For information on the Air Sports Watch, please visit, www.airsportswatch.com
Waikiki Pair Kelia Moniz & Kai Sallas Victorious at Women's Gidget Pro & Men's Toes on the Nose Longboard
August 28, 2009
Honolulu - Waikiki took care of her own today, serving up a pair of wins for local surfers Kelia Moniz, 16, and Kai Sallas, 28, in the Gidget Pro and Rabbit Kekai Toes on the Nose pro longboard events, respectively. Home grown knowledge played an integral part as hip-high waves and a lazy full tide brought it all down to wave selection and footwork finesse. Moniz won $2,000, and Sallas took home $2,500.
Hawaii surfers faired well overall, filling three of four places in both finals. But in both events the runner-up position went to Southern Californians; in the Gidget Pro it was 32-year-old Cori Schumacher, and in the Toes on the Nose, Steven Newton, 24.
The final of the women's Gidget Pro hit the water first and the women benefited from the last pulse of waves before the high tide slowed the break of Queen's right down. The ladies enjoyed a consistent exchange of scores. Moniz chose to position herself on the inside of the break, picking up several long rides that allowed her to display graceful footwork and gravity-defying noserides. In contrast, Schumacher blazed her way through from the outside, opting for a more progressive, power repertoire.
The final scoreline was close, Moniz winning with a two wave total of 14.1 points out of 20; Schumacher was second on 13.4 points; Ashely Quintal was third with 12.3; and Haunani Kane was fourth with 10.7 points.
"Finally, a win," said Moniz, who has been trying to take the honors here for four years. "I've gotten second quite a lot really, so I'm very excited.
"I stayed on the inside and that worked to my advantage. I was told by my dad to stay on the inside and ride under the peak and it worked out."
It's definitely worth listening to your dad if it's someone like Tony Moniz, a former pro surfer himself who could surf Waikiki blindfolded.
The Toes on the Nose men's final definitely called for more testosterone as waves become scarcer than towel space on Waikiki Beach. Not a single breaking wave went unridden, and more than a few waves saw at least two riders up, resulting in interference penalties. On the losing end of the interference calls were Keegan Edwards and Duane DeSoto, who placed third and fourth respectively. Sallas posted a definitive win, steering clear of the chaos with runner-up Steven Newton.
Sallas showed no lingering effects of the foot injury that has seen him landlocked for the past three months, only returning to the ocean last week. While the injury forced him to miss all of the epic summer swells that poured through town earlier in the season, it might have worked out to his benefit. He was excited just to be back in the lineup caring little that the waves were less than optimal. Plus, there's the added power of the moment that comes with surfing a final in front of a home crowd, in front of Rabbit Kekai, the event's namesake, and in honor of Duke Kahanamoku.
"I've been riding longboard since I began surfing right here in Waikiki," said Sallas. "My dad's a beachboy, so to win here with Rabbit (Kekai) on the beach, and at the Duke's event feels real Waikiki-ish."
The final day of action at the Duke's OceanFest will take place tomorrow, featuring the Hawaiian Airlines Duke's Legend Surf Classic, and the Corona Expression Session.
Those events will run live online at www.dukefoundation.org.
Vemma, World's Healthiest Drink, partners with PLA for 2009 and 2010
August 27, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce its new partnership with Vemma, the world's healthiest antioxidant drink, and Verve, the world's healthiest energy drink for the remainder of the 2009 season and continuing through 2010.
Vemma, which is now the exclusive health and energy drink for the PLA, is poised to assist the PLA brand grow nationally and internationally, helping create an even healthier atmosphere for the surfers, staff, and fans of the PLA. Vemma is a proven brand that will help keep surfer's energy levels high and at the same time help keep them healthy by providing the essentials vitamins and minerals they need to stay at the top of their game.
"I am very excited to have a company like Vemma supporting the PLA. I personally have been using the product for quite some time, and have definitely felt a difference in my energy level throughout the day. I'm excited that Vemma will have the opportunity to work closely with our athletes, as well as our staff, and believe this partnership will help show everyone the PLA is a serious organization looking to keep competitors at the highest level possible," said Jeff Stoner, Executive Director of the PLA.
Verve is currently the Official Energy drink of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, and used widely by many professional sport organizations and athletes, such as San Diego Charger's Shawn Merriman.
Vemma stands for Vitamins, Essential Minerals, Mangosteen, and Aloe. Vemma blends the most recent science and natures finest to form a complete and delicious once-a-day liquid supplement that provides you with everything you need and more to kick your health and energy levels into overdrive.
Developed by a physician with a background in both Eastern and Western medicine, Vemma unites the antioxidant-rich power of mangosteen - a fruit used for centuries by Asian health practitioners for its nutritional benefits - with rich plant-source minerals, organic glyconutrient-rich aloe vera and decaffeinated organic green tea along with a full spectrum of antioxidant vitamins to create the most powerful liquid antioxidant nutrition program anywhere.
For more information on Vemma and Verve Energy please visit fdtmarketing.vemma.com.
Professional Longboard Association Adds New Webcast Sponsor, Fit-2gether.
August 27, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce its new webcasting sponsor, www.fit-2gether.com. The partnership between the two will run through the remainder of the 2009 year.
Fit-2gether.com, is a new and exciting community built for people who are dedicated to staying active and staying fit. Fit-2gether is Inspired by the active lifestyle of places like Southern California and Denver, Colorado, it is a revolutionary way to shrink the fitness community down in your area into one user friendly website. Whether you just want someone to surf with, hike with, hit the gym with, train for a race with, ride a mountain bike trail with, or you are looking to meet and date someone who is as equally passionate about snowboarding as you are, it's for all these things.
"I am thrilled to be a part of the PLA and their contest series. Surfing is such a huge part of California's history and culture and I am proud to be taking part in something like this and to have the opportunity to meet and work with more people in the surfing community. I look forward to Fit-2Gether.com and the PLA working on many more events together in the future."
"The PLA is excited to have a sponsor on such as Fit 2-gether, with their social media connections, it definitely helps spread the word in the sports and fitness community about the PLA and events we have going on, " said Andrew Pettersen, PLA Event Director.
For more information on Fit-2gether, please visit www.fit-2gether.com
Harley Ingleby Wins Yumeya presents Oxbow ASP WLT at Tahara
July 30, 2009
Tahara Aichi, Japan - Harley Ingleby (AUS), 25, won the Yumeya presents Oxbow ASP WLT at Tahara, over Duane de Soto (HAW), 32, in peaky two-to-three foot surf (1 metre) after a marathon day of competition at Long Beach in Tahara Aichi, Japan.
The Yumeya presents Oxbow ASP WLT at Tahara marks the first of two events on the ASP WLT calendar, which crowns the undisputed ASP World Longboard Champion at year's end. The next contest slated on the 2009 season will be the Oxbow ASP WLT in the Maldives which will be held in October.
After battling through five heats today, Ingleby found the leftover endurance to finish up strong, jumping out to an early lead over de Soto and carrying the lead throughout the 35-minute final to take out the Yumeya presents Oxbow ASP WLT at Tahara.
"It's just the best feeling in the world," Ingleby said. "It was pretty hard out there and Duane is such a good surfer. I'm just so stoked I don't even know what to say, I'm lost for words."
Ingleby was in an identical situation last year after the ASP WLT in France and is hoping to put together a second solid result to take out this year's ASP World Longboard Title.
"You couldn't dream of a better start to the year," Ingleby said. "Hopefully I can put together a stronger second event this year"
De Soto donated a commendable effort throughout the entire day, defeating reigning ASP World Longboard Champion Bonga Perkins (Haw), 36, on the way to his first ASP WLT Final appearance.
"I lost track of my game plan out there," de Soto said. "I'm stoked to have made the Final and of course I wish I won, but it's a good result."
Perkins, who is a two-time ASP World Longboard Champion, was in amazing form throughout the Yumeya presents Oxbow WLT at Tahara event, but the Hawaiian veteran was stopped short of a Finals berth by good friend Duane de Soto, finishing in third place overall to start off his year.
"I had a heat with Duane (de Soto) and it's a bummer because he's my good friend, but there's only one winner and he took me out," Perkins said. "I was in this position last year, going in to the final event in third place, and I was able to win the title, so it's a really good result. I feel really good, I just was stiff on my turns, but none-the-less, I'm stoked that a Hawaiian made the Final."
Phil Rajzman (BRA), 27, who was the 2007 ASP World Longboard Champion, looked determined to claim a victory in Japan, but was unable to stop young Australian talent, Ingleby, in the Semifinals and finished in third place overall, which still keeps him in contention for an additional ASP World Title.
"I'm happy with the third-place-result," Rajzman said. "It keeps me in the running for another title and I'm very happy to have competed here and I'm excited to continue to the Maldives. Harley (Ingleby) was the winner of the first contest last year and I think he found the best waves in that heat."
Newton and Silvagni selected to represent USA Surf Team in ISA World Cup
July 17, 2009
You can't argue with the fact that the USA Surf Team has had a few ups and downs in the past. Stacked to the gills with some of the brightest talent the country has to offer, you'd think the Americans would have been gilded in gold time and again. But unfortunately, the Yanks have failed to take the top place on the podium at the world level more times than we care to remember.
Recently, Team USA has placed a new captain at the helm of the ship, Ian Cairns, after former coach Joey Buran stepped down to pursue a documentary film about his own life. Cairns, the legendary Aussie-surfer-turned-ASP-guru-turned-American-surf teacher has a plan to bring the gold back to the States.
First things first: Don't call him "Coach." If you ask Mr. Cairns about his "teaching" technique, he'll tell you that he does things a little bit differently. He's not one for regimentation, but he is most definitely one for creating better surfers. With decades of knowledge and success under his belt, it's safe to say that Cairns brings a Yoda-like mastery to competitive surfing and the Americans will bode well as a result of him steering the ship.
"A lot of these surfers are already very talented. But what I look for are ways to improve on the small things that will lead to bigger results. Wave selection is key," said Cairns. He has also been quoted as saying that, "My three things are skill, strategy and attitude. You have that, and you're the best."
The American team is stacked with a lot of talent, but it's the addition of two very talented longboarders, that have the longboard community excited more than ever. This year's USA team includes Steven Newton, from the San Clemente area, and Tony Silvagni, a native from North Carolina, both of which surf in the Professional Longboard Association, which is the North America Qualifying series for the World Tour.
"I'm stoked to be representing my country, I'm glad the ISA recognized that longboarding is an important part of surfing, and expanded the division to two longboarders on the 8 member team. Whats more is Tony and i are good friends, so hopefully we can work together in bringing home a gold medal", said Steven Newton.
The next step for the USA Surf Team is the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games at Playa Hermosa, Jaco, Costa Rica running August 1st through the 8th. Stay tuned to www.billabongisaworldgames.com to see the worlds best go head-to-head in Costa Rica.
Jennifer Smith Claims her second ASP Women's World Longboard Title
July 14, 2009
Biarritz, France - Jennifer Smith (California, USA), 23, won the Roxy Jam in Biarritz today to claim the second ASP Women's World Longboard title of her brilliant career after defeating fellow finalist and outsider Coline Menard (Reunion Island, FRA), 21, in the final exchange of the 2009 edition. Smith, who dominated the final bout from the beginning until the end, confirmed her stellar Semifinal run where she managed to score a 9.25 point ride, the highest wave score of the event, defeating Menard confidently.
"To win a second world title is just unbelievable," Smith said. "That heat against Chelsea (Williams)... I was ready to bow out in the semis and I had no idea I was going to get that wave and this score down. I was feeling pretty confident after that and when once I made the final I was definitely looking for the second title, for sure."
Smith, who raised her world title trophy in front of a cheering crowd at La Cêtes des Basques, signed an unexpected stellar come-back on top of the international hierarchy today, after several months without a win.
"I had no expectations this year as I had not won an event in months, maybe a year," Smith said. "I came over here to give my best and see what happens, and I made the final and won it. It's just so good to get a second one. I am going to celebrate with all my best friends that are here tonight and fly back home tomorrow."
With three favorites and one outsider in the Semifinals, the 2009 Roxy Jam witnessed spectacular levels of surfing through the four-day waiting period, the new 32-woman format bringing more intensity into the ASP Women's World Longboard title race. Menard's final berth showed again how strong the French female longboarders were getting with a second representative making the final in three years.
"The level of surfing has gone so high these days," Smith said. "Everytime I see Coline (Menard) at an event, she has improved since the last time and it shows that the talent in Europe and worldwide is huge. The European girls are ripping with Justine (Dupont), Coline and the other Justine (Mauvin) who will soon come up. I think Coline will be better next year."
PLA Now Powered By Solar Energy
July 8, 2009
The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce their partnership with California Solar Innovations. The PLA has always had a goal to make their events environmentally safe, and this partnership allows the PLA to be the first surf organization to run their events entirely on renewable energy.
The PLA, which has two events remaining, October 3-4 at the San Diego Crystal Pier and November 13-15 at the Oceanside Pier, will run both events on a solar powered system designed by California Solar Innovations.
"We are excited to have California Solar Innovations on board with us for the remainder of the year and beyond. This is a huge personal goal of mine to help transform events such as this into "green events." We are anticipating this setup to be a huge success and hope that we will be able to help promote solar power as a means to run other sporting events." Jeff Stoner, executive director PLA.
California Solar Innovation's mission is to provide the general public, for the first time ever, wholesale prices for quality Solar Power Systems. California Solar Innovations is leading the charge in the search for renewable energy by making Solar Power a real option for every homeowner. With strong government backing and heavy rebate incentives for solar programs, there has never been a better time to add value to your home and become less dependent on fossil fuels.
"California Solar Innovations (CSI) is proudly partnered with the PLA in a common mission to bring clean and renewable energy to the PLA's surfing events. Together, by harnessing the power of the sun, we believe we can make a difference, making the world a cleaner place for the next generation and future generations to come. The sun, surf and sand working together to be kinder to our mother earth", said Jason Schmidt, Marketing Director for California Solar Innovations.
For more information on California Solar Innovations and Solar power technology please visit their website at www.california-solar-innovations.com
Snow Wins Yakult HB Pro, Schumacher takes Gidget PLA Pro
June 20-21, 2009
Huntington Beach, California (Sunday, June 21, 2009) - Ned Snow (Waialua, HI), 23, won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1-Star Yakult HB Pro today over former ASP World Longboard Champion Colin McPhillips (San Clemente, CA), 34, in two-to-three foot surf at South Huntington Beach Pier. Cori Schumacher (Cardiff, CA), 32, took out her fellow finalists to claim the ASP LQS 2-Star Gidget PLA Pro, which ran in conjunction with the men's event.
Surfers competing on the ASP LQS are eligible to earn a spot on to the prestigious ASP World Longboard Tour by finishing within the top two on their regional tour by year's end. Once qualified, all surfers compete for the chance to be crowned ASP world Longboard Champion.
Snow proved to be unstoppable throughout the event's entirety and successfully tackled the tough afternoon conditions on offer at South Huntington Beach Pier to top McPhillips by a score of 13.67 to 10.66.
"Being able to surf in the man-on-man format really helped my mindset," Snow said. "Surfing against guys like McPhillips, I can just go out there and I feel like it's me against the ocean instead of battling a bunch of other guys. I'm really happy that I was able to come over here and get the win at Huntington since there is no U.S. Open for Longboarding this year."
McPhillips dominated his early round heats, but was unable to find a rhythm in the hard Final against Snow. The San Clemente local's second place finish at the Yakult HB Pro keeps him on top of the ASP North America LQS ratings.
"It was a great event and I had a lot of good heats leading up to the Final," McPhillips said. "I think I peaked before the Final and I couldn't buy a wave out there. It seems to happen a lot to me at Huntington. I either do really good or really bad, but Ned got the waves and congratulations to him."
McPhillips used the Yakult HB Pro as a warm-up for the upcoming ASP WLT event in Tahara, Japan, the Oxbow ASP World Longboard Tour, and is hoping to utilize the momentum built in this weekend's event as a building block for the prestigious international competition.
"It's a great warm up for Japan," McPhillips said. "I've been feeling good the whole time, so it's nice to have that feel in a contest and I want to keep it rolling. The next stop is Japan, so hopefully I can do well there also."
Schumacher earned a come-from-behind victory when she jumped from last place to first in the latter half of the Gidget PLA Pro Final to claim a victory over fellow finalists Bianca Valenti (Dana Point, CA), 22, 2004 ASP Women's World Longboard Champion Summer Romero (San Diego, CA), and Lindsay Steinriede (Dana Point, CA), 23.
"It feels good to take the win," Schumacher said. "The waves deteriorated pretty quickly out there and I'm happy that I was able to come back to win in the last half of the heat."
The Cardiff Reef local is also using the early season ASP LQS events to help prepare for the ASP WLT. Schumacher is out the carry the confidence from today's victory at the Gidget PLA Pro over the Biarritz, France where she will compete for the ASP Women's World Longboard title.
"I feel pretty solid going into France," Schumacher said. "I know that it's going to be summer surf in France, so it's good to get as much variety in as I can in the summer surf. It's definitely a confidence booster and I'm really looking forward to the event."
After a seven-year hiatus from competition, Schumacher has been dominating the ASP LQS and the current ratings leader continued to extend her lead over the field with today's victory.
"I'm super stoked," Schumacher said. "I'm doing better than I thought I would after coming out of retirement for so long. I'm just trying to keep focused and keep my mind and body going."
The next ASP LQS event will be the Yakult HB Pro and Gidget PLA Pro at Crystal Pier in San Diego, California from October 3-4, 2009.
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org
PLA Welcomes Yakult USA as New Title Sponsor
June 15, 2009
YAKULT HB PRO - The Professional Longboard Association is pleased to announce Yakult U.S.A. Inc. as a new sponsor to the 2009 PLA surf series, and as new Title Sponsor to the PLA event to be held this weekend in Huntington Beach on June 20 and 21. In honor of its newest sponsorship title, PLA has renamed this weekends event to "Yakult Huntington Beach (HB) Pro."
"The PLA is excited to have a company like Yakult on as a sponsor and a partner. Our organization understands the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body, in a sport such as surfing. We search for sponsors that help promote that lifestyle and cannot be happier to have Yakult aboard for the remainder of the year," said Jeff Stoner, Executive Director of the PLA.
Yakult is one of the leading probiotic beverages originally created in Japan in 1935 by microbiologist Dr. Minoru Shirota. Its key ingredient is a beneficial culture, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, has been shown to help improve digestive and immune health. Today, Yakult is sold in more than 30 countries and regions and consumed by more than 25 million people daily.
"We are pleased to support the PLA and their commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles in the community," says Mr. Masaaki Sunami, Yakult USA's vice president of sales and marketing. "For more than 70 years, The Yakult Company has been working towards a similar mission: to contribute to the health and happiness of every person in the world through the pursuits of health, science and education."
Yakult U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Torrance, CA. It supports Yakult's business in the United States and Canada. Scientists all over the world continue to confirm and expand knowledge regarding the benefits of probiotics and Yakult. Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. was established in Japan in 1955 and is regarded as the world's pioneer of probiotics. For more information, please visit www.yakultusa.com.
The "Rabbit" is Coming Home
June 10, 2009
Newport Beach, California - After 13 years in Costa Rica, the Rabbit Kekai Longboard Classic is moving to Waikiki, the hometown of its namesake luminary, Albert "Rabbit" Kekai, August 23 to 29, 2009.
As Kekai, surf legend and original Outrigger Boys Club member, prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday, women's surf brand Gidget Worldwide, Inc and classic surf brand Toes on the Nose is relocating the 14th annual "Rabbit Classic" to Toes' famed team rider's stomping grounds.
"It only made sense to bring the Rabbit home," said Henry Ford, the Special Events and Promotions Director with Gidget Worldwide, Inc.
In conjunction with The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation's OceanFest 2009, the Rabbit Kekai Longboard Classic will be a featured event bringing authentic surfing roots to the celebration. The pairing is bittersweet, as Kekai is one of the last living Beach Boys and friends of Duke Kahanamoku.
The tournament will feature two points rated PLA- and ASP-sanctioned world-class events including the men's Toes on the Nose longboard event with a $10,000 purse, and the women's Gidget Open Pro event, boasting a $7,500 purse.
"It's great to have the event come full circle," said Randy Rarick, Executive Director of the Vans Triple Crown and surfboard shaper. "It's back to surfing's roots. It's back to where it all started."
Seen as a gathering of the tribes, the event pulls traditional longboarders from around the world. With more than 15 countries represented at last year's event this year, with the more easily accessible location, is expected to draw even more. As some of the world's top surfers make their rounds in the ASP circuit, many plan to hit the Rabbit Classic.
"Rabbit is a god in Waikiki," added Richard Allred, Toes on the Nose president. "The event is all about celebrating Rabbit and his legacy; we are honored to bring the Rabbit Classic to where it all began."
Taylor Jensen and Kaitlin Maguire Win Ventura Pro Classic presented by NoHo Surf Trainer and Gidget PLA Pro
April 26, 2009
Ventura, California - Two-time and defending Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) Champion Taylor Jensen (Oceanside, CA), 25, and Kaitlin Maguire (Del Mar, CA), 21, won the ASP LQS 1-Star PLA Ventura Pro Classic presented by NoHo Surf Trainer and Gidget PLA Pro today in peaky two-to-three foot (1 metre) surf at C Street in Ventura, California.
The ASP LQS is a regional qualifier for the ASP World Longboard Tour (WLT). Each region sends their top performers at year's end in an attempt to claim the coveted title of ASP World Longboard Champion each following year.
Jensen continued his tear through the ASP LQS today, notching another impressive victory on his belt in Ventura this afternoon. The powerful longboarder saved his best performance for the final, netting the event's highest heat total of a near-perfect 18.57 out of 20, placing fellow finalists Tony Silvagni (Kure Beach, NC), 22, Brendan White (Dana Point, CA) and Joe Aaron (Capistrano Beach, CA), 18, in a combination situation on the way to his convincing PLA Pro win.
"The conditions were tricky with the south swell in the water here at C Street," Jensen said. "I feel really good right now and in tune with my equipment and I've had such a good year so far, it's great to win another event."
The Oceanside local has been in stellar form throughout the beginning of the year and has already claimed a victory at the prestigious Noosa Pro event in Australia.
"I'm so stoked with how things went in Australia," Jensen said. "Winning Noosa was amazing and I got a second and a third in the following events, so I'm really happy to continue to do well in America now.
Jensen is now chasing his first ASP WLT Championship and is hoping that his success on the ASP LQS will help him achieve his goal of an ASP World Longboard title.
"I've always stressed more about the WLT," Jensen said. "In the past I had felt pressure about winning the World Title, but I've had a few great accomplishments that have made me happy so far, so I feel there is less pressure this year."
Silvagni, who finished second overall on last year's regional ASP LQS continued to shine throughout the day's entirety and finished in the runner up position behind Jensen by combining new school flare with classic noseriding.
"I always try to get 10 right away on the outside and connect each wave through to the inside," Silvagni said. "I know that the first maneuver is the most critical, so I always try to get to the nose right away."
The down-time Silvagni spends training continues to pay off for the young East Coaster, as he constantly outlasts his fellow competitors on the lengthy final day of competition.
"I train a lot and try to keep my head on straight and stay focused," Silvagni said. "The last day is always a marathon, you've got to surf three rounds to make it to the Final and you've got to be ready for a long day in order to do well."
Although 2009 will be Silvagni's first year competing on the ASP WLT, he wants to make sure to continue to secure a top seed on the ASP LQS as well.
"I just got back from Australia and missed that first regional event," Silvagni said. "It's really important for me to stay on top of the ASP LQS in case I don't finish within the top 16 on the ASP WLT."
Maguire convincingly won the Gidget PLA Pro today in a stacked Final over former ASP Women's World Longboarding Champions Jen Smith (Pacific Beach, CA), 23, who finished in second, defending regional champion Cory Schumacher (Cardiff, CA), 33, and 2006 regional champ Lindsay Steinreide (Dana Point, CA), 23.
"It was a really tough heat," Maguire said. "There were some of the best surfers in the world in that heat with two former world champions in the event, I felt like it could have been a Final for the world championships out there."
Maguire is looking to use the victory in Ventura to help her cause towards qualification for the ASP WLT.
"I'm really hoping to do well on the regional series and qualify for the Women's World Longboard Championships," Maguire said. "I'm trying to focus on competing while going to college and trying to travel as much as I can as well."
The next ASP LQS will be held at Huntington Beach Pier from June 20-21, 2009.
Gidget PLA Pro and Ventura Pro Classic presented by NoHo Trainer Underway
April 25, 2009
Ventura, California - The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North American Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) kicked off the second stop on its regional ASP LQS men's and women's tour today in peaky two-to-three foot (1 metre) conditions at C Street in Ventura, California with the ASP 1-Star PLA Pro and Gidget PLA Pro events.
The ASP LQS acts as a regional qualifier for ASP World Longboard Tour, with each respective region sending their top men's and women's competitors to compete against the world's finest longboarding talent in a chance to earn the title of ASP World Longboard Champion.
Josh Mohr (Huntington Beach, CA), 33, who is currently rated third overall on the ASP North American LQS, crushed the highest scores of the men's PLA Pro today by combining powerful rail-to-rail surfing with stylish noserides on two peaky C Street righthanders to post an impressive 16.17 out of 20 heat total.
"I stayed just a little behind the section before I did my turns to give me some extra speed coming out of the turns and it worked out," Mohr said. "I almost rode a thicker, wider board today because of the soft conditions, but I went with my normal board so I could throw it around."
Since the Huntington Beach local has not been competing consistently over the last few years, he utilizes his early round heats as warm-ups before tackling the event's top seeds.
"Surfing in the earlier heats helps me warm up," Mohr said. "I have not been competing over the last few years, so it's good not to have to go against the top seeds right away. Plus, it just allows me to surf extra heats and I want to surf as many heats as possible right now."
Geoff Wong (Honolulu, HI), 21, convincingly won both of his early round heats today in the peaky Ventura surf. The Hawaiian regular-footer patiently waited for the best set-waves in his heats and his selective strategy helped him earn some of the day's best scores.
"I just got lucky with getting the best set waves and was fortunate enough not to fall," Wong said. "I was trying to be selective. The surf is not as good as yesterday, but it's still fun."
The young surfer from Oahu is surfing in his first ASP LQS event of the 2009 season and hoping he can build upon his early success throughout the year.
"I'm staying in Santa Barbara right now with some family," Wong said. "I'm hoping that I can do well here in Ventura and continue to do all of the ASP LQS longboard events this year."
Wong will tackle top seed and fellow Hawaiian Ned Snow (North Shore, HI), 23, tomorrow in the Round of 32.
Jen Smith (Pacific Beach, CA), 23, 2007 ASP Women's World Longboard Champion, donated the day's highest single wave score of a near perfect 9.50 out of 10 with a beautiful noseride on a long Ventura wall. The San Diegan continued to dominate her heat, posting another excellent score, earning the day's highest heat total of 17.67 out of 20.
"The conditions are good for longboarding and the surf was fun," Smith said. "I got those two really nice rights and got a few good scores, so it was a great warm up for tomorrow."
The talented longboarder seems to be easily adjusting to the cold Ventura water after recently competing in warmer climates such as Australia and Hawaii.
"It's always tough to adjust to the change in conditions when traveling and it feels good to be back in California," Smith said. "I was in Australia and then competing in Hawaii, so Ventura is a big change, but it's nice to be home."
Tomorrow's action will see PLA Pro and Gidget PLA Pro champions crowned by day's end. The event will be webcast LIVE via www.surfpla.com