Welcome to the 2009 Suzuki Caribbean Surf Tour.  It has bee a tough challenge for the CSN to negotiate sponsorship in the atmosphere of global Crisis, but our sponsors have yet again come on board to assist in the development of Caribbean Pro Surfing.

First, congratulations to Ametza Nicholls, who against all odds, managed to hold on to her lead and emerge as Ladies Champion.  And then, a special mention to Lewis St. John for totally “cleaning up” the trophies.  The new Oakley team rider completely steam rolled over all opposition at the 2008 Soup Bowl Pro in both the Jr. and Open Men’s Divisions to claim his double title of Open Men’s Champion and Junior Champion.

Now details on the 2009 Tour.  Due to the unexpected financial challenges it was decided the 2009 San Souci Pro should be postponed to October 3-4, 2009.  This means that the Tour will now begin in Jamaica for the Makka Pro on July 4-5, 2009, and concludes in Barbados November 28-29, 2009, for the Soup Bowl Pro.

Finally, surfers travelled from 7 Caribbean islands to compete for the title of Suzuki Caribbean Surf Champion.  In 2007, Alan Davis from Trinidad and Tobago and Jade Nichols from Barbados claimed the titles.  In 2008, Barbadians Lewis St. John and Ametza Nicholls held claim to the titles.  Who will surf away with the titles in 2009?  Will the Jamaicans powerhouses “Bolt” for a fresh face on the Caribbean surf scene?

Good luck to all surfers and see you in the line up.

Windsurfers from across Europe took part in the European RS:X Windsurfing Championship held in Tel Aviv.

The event, the first international windsurfing competition since the Beijing Olympics, is one of the most prestigious sporting events of year.

It was organized by the International Olympic Federation and the Israel Olympic Committee, and was held as part of Tel Aviv’s centennial celebrations.

This year’s competition was won by 22-year-old Israeli Shahar Zubari, who won a bronze medal for windsurfing at Beijing last summer.

Vestal is proud to announce the newest addition to its world-class surf team; 16 year old Andrew Doheny from Newport Beach, CA.

“Vestal is thrilled to welcome Andrew to the family. As a neighbor living in Vestal’s backyard, Andrew makes for a perfect and obvious addition to our Surf Team. We are very excited to play a part in Andrew’s promising surf career” explains Vestal Surf Team Manager John Oda.

Andrew Dohney is currently in contention to win the Orange County Register’s “OC Surfer of the Year.” He also holds back to back NSSA Open Junior National Championship titles for 2007 & 2008. Andrews Sponsors include Vestal, Volcom, Vans, Electric, HSS, Sexwax & J.S. Surfboards.

The Vestal surf team is Jordy Smith, CJ Hobgood, Timmy Curran, Clay Marzo, John John, Nathan, & Ivan Florence, Dion Agius, Mitch Coleborn and Andrew Doheny. For more information visit VestalWatch.com