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.

see more info at http://www.geocities.com/jasurfas/

Easy digital access to NSSA Nationals photos

In an effort to bring 2009 NSSA Nationals competitors free, digital access to their shots from the contest, we present the SURFING x Facebook Online Darkroom. Here’s how it works:

1. NSSA Nationals competitors send a Facebook friend request to “SURFING AT NATIONALS“
2. Our most experienced photographers head down to Lowers to shoot the heats…your heats!
3. Following the day’s action, we upload and tag the best photos on the “SURFING At Nationals” Facebook page. If you’re not a friend, you can’t get tagged, so get online and add us ASAP.
4. You can download, post, print, and share your photos with the world for free. Send them to sponsors. Impress a girl. Make a poster for your wall of you ripping.

But remember, in order for it to work, you need to add “SURFING At Nationals” to your Facebook friend list now. After you’ve done that, wax up and hit the water. We’ll see you at Lowers!

see more info at surfing magazine’s site

O’Neill CWC: Day Three Highlights. 40ft Swell Imminent

Cape Town, South Africa – Jordy Smith was greeted with howling winds and the onset of one of Cape Town’s biggest storms as he got into the water on this third day of competition at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa.

Flying in straight from the Reunion Island, Jordy was not about to be deterred by the extreme conditions – pulling out a score of 8.5 on his first wave back in his home country.

“It is pretty wild and cold,” he said. “It’s like gale force winds out there. I got on a few waves and couldn’t even move for the wind – but there are some fun rides out there.”

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa ambassador is the name to look out for in this competition, but he’s not thinking too far ahead. “Right now all I’m looking forward to is getting out of this wetsuit and getting warm,” Jordy said.

“I’ve seen a few storms like the one coming in when I was younger,” he said. “You need to just hide away indoors for the day with a jacuzzi and the heating on.”

The predicted storm is now brewing, and although the turmoil has already started – it will be properly hitting these shores from tomorrow. In the latest update from local surf forecaster, Spike, he says; “We should see 40 foot sets on the outer reefs by Wednesday morning. Even for any Hawaiian big wave surfer – this is going to be big.”

read more at http://surfeuropemag.com/