Dr Tony Butt’s new lecture series provides an introduction into the basic concepts of wave dynamics

Wetsand’s very own European forecaster Dr. Tony Butt and his colleague Gabi Perez have embarked on a mission to bring forecasting to the masses. Tony is a big wave specialist based out of the Basque country, as well as a leading ocean research scientist.  His new lecture series provides an introduction into the basic concepts of wave dynamics and surf forecasting.

Asier Viteri Davila, technician of the Basque School of Deporte, is quoted saying he was “enchanted with the result of the course and the professionalism, amiability and availability of Gabi and Tony.”  The course has been praised by past attendees, and is destined to be a success again.  This weekend (June 13th and 14th 2009) is the next chance to catch the lecture.  The course will take place in Gij’on and you will be able to find information in Spanish at: buenasolas.com

Further down the road the next proposed course will be held in Ireland during mid September.  As details are released we will continue to update. If you’ve attended one of the lectures so far, leave us a comment and let us know what you thought…

Further Information:

Speakers:
Dr. Tony Butt – Ocean Sciences Graduate
PhD. in Physical Oceanography. Plymouth University
Gabi Pérez – Computer Engineer

Objectives:
• Know the physical mechanisms that produce and determine the dynamics of the breaking waves in the surf.
• Provide students the knowledge needed to decode isobaric maps and charts, making them able to predict the dynamics of waves and local atmospheric conditions through those maps.
• Use of the Internet for the prediction of waves and sea conditions.

Directed to:
People linked to sports, but especially those linked to federations, clubs, companies and public sports  services.

Language:
Spanish (in Basque country)
English (in Ireland)

Enrolment (for June):
1. In Kiroleskola office: Avda. los Chopos, s/n 48992 Getxo (Bizkaia) Tel: 94 430 48 67 / Fax: 94 430 90 11  Seats: At least 15 people and at the most 40 . Price for lecture in Gij’on: 20 EU

more info here

NSSA announces Surfer Scholar list for 08-09 school year

One of the primary goals of the National Scholastic Surfing Association is to encourage and honor the academic achievement of its membership.   The Surfer Scholar list serves to recognize NSSA student surfers who have a passion for learning and have excelled scholastically.  The National Scholastic Surfing Association congratulates all of our student surfers who have maintained an outstanding 3.5 GPA or higher for the 2008-09 school year.

• check out the full list of scholars here

History created on day five at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME 6-star rated with USA surfer Pat Gudauskas successfully executing one of surfing’s most difficult manoeuvres, the aerial “rodeo clown”, the first time ever at a high level ASP event.

Under extreme pressure Gudauskas was in third place and looking at elimination with 30 seconds remaining in his heat when he found a reasonable wave and chasing a 7.23 score completed some good turns but still required something special toward the final stages of the ride.

The powerful 23 year old Californian surfer then went for broke and launched into the air, rotating the 540 degree inverted flip and riding out of the manoeuvre.

Smooth and precise in execution, the ride was awarded a perfect 10 points and Gudauskas moved from 3rd to 1st to advance to the final 16 surfers remaining in the event.

“I knew I needed a very solid score on that wave and as that final section approached I could see it lining up ideally so I focused on going for the rodeo, it was there to be done and I had to do it” said Gudauskas.

“Riding out of it I was nervous as there were bumps to deal with and while the aerial rodeo was complete I had to ride free of the white water, it was a relief when I had realised the move was complete” added Gudauskas.

“It’s a move I regularly practice and I’m really excited to be the first to achieve it at ASP level.”

In excellent 4feet (1.5m) waves most of the final 24 surfers combined power surfing with aerials in a day of memorable performances.

Exciting 19 year old emerging surfers Owen Wright (AUS) and Jadson Andre (Brazil) were again dominant in their winning performances.

Andre continues to successfully perform multiple aerial moves on every wave while Wright focuses on power on face moves but is always ready to include aerials when the opportunity looks right.

“These waves are really ideal to drive powerful turns from start to finish and I’m trying to blend power turns and aerials to maximise my scores” said Wright.

“It’s exciting to see all the surfers really pushing the levels up and you enter every heat knowing that excellent scores are essential to progress.”

Veteran ASP World Tour surfers Cory Lopez (USA) and Travis Logie (South Africa) continued their charge and both surfers progressed to the final 16.

Other impressive heat winners today included Jonathon Gonzales (Canary Islands), Drew Courtney (AUS) and Daniel Ross (AUS).

With good clean waves forecast throughout the weekend organizers stopped the event today after round four was completed, leaving 16 surfers remaining in the event.

An early start is expected tomorrow and finals at this stage likely to run on Sunday.

Follow this event live at http://www.srilankanairlinespro.com/

Round five draw when event resumes tomorrow:

Heat 1: Pat Gudauskas (USA), Cory Lopez (USA),
Heat 2: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Wiggolly Dantas (BRA)
Heat 3: Shaun Gossman (AUS), Romaine Cloitre (FRA),
Heat 4: Travis Logie (ZAF), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Heat 6: Heitor Alves (BRA) ,Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 7: Leigh Sedley (AUS), Jonathon Gonzales (CNY)
Heat 8: Austin Ware (USA) Drew Courtney (AUS)

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