The 2009 Global Surf Industries Noosa Festival of Surfing, presented by Golden Breed, raised almost $19,500 to split between three beneficiary charities – Surf Aid, the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal and Frangipani Dreams.

At a hand-over of the donations in Noosa yesterday, Festival director Phil Jarratt and sponsorship manager Trudy Croad thanked major sponsor Global Surf Industries for the donation of 35 surfboards, and the artists from around Australia who donated their time and talent to create works of art from them.

Jarratt said the silent auction of art surfboards had contributed more than $11,000, while the world champions teams auction had raised a further $7,500, and a Red Cross bucket appeal during a free concert had raised $800 cash.

“So many people contributed to this in so many ways,” Jarratt said. “Artists, musicians, sporting champions, surf companies, volunteers…the list is endless. But the main contribution came from everyone who participated in the Noosa Festival of Surfing in a spirit of generosity. With more than 500 competitors it’s the biggest surfing event in the world, but it’s also the happiest. The people who come to our event year after year know how lucky they are to be surfers, and they want to give back.”

Jarratt said major sponsors Global Surf Industries and Golden Breed had already committed to the 2010 festival, to be held March 14-21, and a full event program would be released during July. The festival website will be live and accepting entries from August 1.

www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com

source surfersvillage

Surfing Australia announces Barton Lynch as Head Coach of TravelSIM Team Australia

Surfing Australia is proud announce Barton Lynch as head coach of the TravelSIM Team Australia group of eight surfers heading to Costa Rica for the 2009 International Surfing Association (ISA) Billabong World Surfing Games.

As a former elite  Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) surfer and  1988 ASP World Champion, Lynch is certain to bring his Australian passion and  outstanding competitive knowledge to the team.

A brief overview of Barton Lynch’s career includes – 1988 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)  World Surfing Champion, 1988 ASP Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion along with 17 ASP World Championship Tour wins.

Lynch managed to remain competitive well into his 30s. His consistency and drive kept him near the top of the ratings through to 1995 and at the time with 12 appearances in the top 10, the most of any male surfer. When he won the Rio Surf Pro in Brazil at age 32, he was the oldest surfer to take out an ASP World Tour event.

“Being asked to be Head Coach for Surfing Australia and my country at the ISA World Games is a real compliment and a responsibility I take very seriously. “I am confident that I can handle the role and get the very best out of the team and I appreciate that Surfing Australia believes the same.

“Over the  last seven years I have been active coaching surfers of all levels and have previously been the NSW State Of Origin Coach.\

check out the full story at surfing australia

Billabong’s Raditya Rhondi Takes the Champion Title at the Rip Curl West Sumbawa Pro 2009!

After a long 10 days of waiting periods and 7 days of grueling competition, the last day of the Rip Curl West Sumbawa Pro 2009 saw a two Billabong team riders progress to the final. The reigning champion, Rahtu Suargita was up against Raditya Rhondi, one of Indonesia’s most exciting up and coming young surfers in a thrilling final heat.

But in the last minutes Raditya powered through three barrel sections of his last wave – thus scoring a nearly perfect 9.25 of a possible 10 and locking in his victory. “I was so lucky eh, making all three of those sections,” said the humble 20 year old. “I was so lucky to get the good waves in this final against Rahtu.  I think he was just tired from his semifinal, whereas I had a good rest so was really pumped up.  So good eh?”

Last year’s winner Rahtu Suargita also content with his runner up spot and was totally stoked about Raditya’s win. “How can I not be happy?” he beamed. “I was in the finals against my friend and team mate in really amazing waves at a great location, so it was perfect.  I had a great time and great waves, so what more could I ask for?”

Raditya walked away with Rp. 20.000.0000 in cash prize and 3.500 ISC points that puts him in a great position in Indonesian circuit rankings. Congrats Raditya!!

original surfersvillage