Surfing

I actually forgot i made this thing. I’m going to work on doing a better job, tell your friends.

http://surfermag.com/features/protour/taj-burrow-wins-pipe-masters-joel-parkinson-wins-triple-crown-2009/

In less-than-spectacular conditions, Taj Burrow earned his first Pipeline Masters Championship today against Kelly Slater in the final’s head-high onshore surf. Although the day opened up to sheet glass and open barrels at Backdoor and Pipe, by the time the final came around, light sea breeze turned the idyllic kegs into feathered crumbles and the event became less about barrel hunting and more about airs and tweaked turns.

Leading up to the final, Burrow squeaked passed a very in-form Dane Reynolds in the semis, and Slater completely dismantled Dean Morrison in the other half of the bracket. It should be noted that neither surfer was riding what could be considered standard equipment. Taj, who’s been riding the composite EPS Firewires for the last few seasons, looked to be completely tuned to his board. And Slater, who was riding a board that defied explanation and out-weirded anything we’ve ever seen him surf before (a miniature, round-nosed sled), also looked effective throughout the event.

On the hunt for his seventh Pipe Masters final, Slater appeared to have the veteran’s edge over Burrow, but as the horn signaled the start of the final, Taj went to work early and punted an immaculate frontside rotation followed by a clean alley-oop.

Slater stayed patient, searching for a fleeting barrel at Backdoor. Eventually, after Taj had locked in a few keepers, Slater found the elusive pit, but to his dismay, as well as more than a few of us on the beach, the judges awarded him a 3.93 for the only barrel of the final. For the duration of the heat, Slater would struggle to find the waves he needed to take the win.

“I thought the wave would be more than a three,” Slater said about his barrel. “I still needed two waves, basically. There really weren’t any nine-point rides out there and had that been only a six I would have needed a seven. I thought the judges put me in a weird situation there, and in the end, nothing else came. Well, that’s not entirely true. I caught that last wave and did an off-the-top and Taj took off on it and just kicked off the side. He almost stood up too late and could have got interference. Had he done that he would have only been judged on one wave. Had I landed that air reverse I could have gotten a score, but it was a long shot.”

When the final ended, Taj was met by the frothing duo of Mick Fining and Joel Parkinson, who claimed the Triple Crown title today alongside his Aussie mate. In celebration, Fanning and Parko screamed Taj’s name, slapped him on the back, and cussed words of encouragement at the new champ.

“We really took the cake this year I think,” said Burrow on the winner’s podium. “World Champ, Triple Crown, Pipe Master…we’re definitely gonna have some beers tonight to celebrate.”

When asked about how he trumped Slater, Taj replied that he went into the heat like he was surfing against anyone else and that “…I was aiming for the rights going into the wind and I really wanted to do an air. It didn’t really happen, but a 7 and a 5…or whatever I got…it seemed to work out. But winning this is a dream come true, and I never really pictured myself winning this. It’s the best moment of my career…one hundred percent.”

Final:
1ST - Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.83 points out of 20, $90,000
2ND - Kelly Slater (USA) 7.10 out of 20, $24,000

SEMI-FINALS:
S1: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.17 def. Dean Morrison (AUS) 7.00
S2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 14.50 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 11.67

QUARTER FINALS:
Q1: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.00 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 10.17
Q2: Kelly Slater (USA) 17.24 def. Flynn Novak (HAW) 13.87
Q3: Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.90 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 15.40
Q4: Dane Reynolds (USA) 15.10 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 8.67

Friday December 18th. AMI - Friday, Friday, Friday… it’s finally here! Sorry to say we are not waking up to surf this morning, but we all know what is on the way! Strong storms moving from the South will continue to dump rain on our coast. Later this afternoon the wind machine will crank up and blow hard WNW winds all night and into tomorrow. 4 Tides today on AMI: high 2:08pm, 1:07pm and a low @ 6:45 4:45pm. Plenty of surf on the way hopefully the wind cooperates at some point! Have a great weekend! Gulf Temp 70°

ESA Surf Contest is set for Sunday Dec. 20th at Venice South Jetty. Registration begins at 7am. First heat hits the water at 8am (Open Division). $25 first event (add $10 for additional events). We always need volunteers!Must be an ESA member to surf. Go to www.surfesa.org to join now online (must show proof of membership). For any questions or more info email: surfshackspb@verizon.net

TUESDAY: Decreasing but still rather solid NW swell with well overhead waves at most breaks with exposure, while standout breaks see double overhead+ sets.
Wind: Light/variable wind early, with light NW flow for the afternoon.


Wednesday: FAIR TO GOOD SURF: 6-8 ft. - head high + to 3 ft. overhead occasionally 10 ft. and fair to good conditions. Reinforcing NW energy keeps up good size surf at NW breaks; Small SW swell

Southern California Recap: TUESDAY – A mix of slow fading but still definitely fun NW groundswell and smaller SW Southern Hemi set up waist-chest-shoulder high waves for many exposed spots on Tuesday, while top breaks were getting up to head high. Nice conditions through much of the day as well.

Southern California Surf Forecast Outlook: NW groundswell will continue to slowly fade going into the middle of the week as the modest scale SW swell holds. More winds and windswell due for the second half of the week. Check the forecast for details and the longer range outlook!

Wednesday:FAIR
SURF: 2-3 ft - knee to waist high and fair conditions. Holding NW energy with a modest SW groundswell holding