Sunshine, strong offshore winds and a 4-metre (15ft) swell greeted the 15 competitors and hundreds of spectators, who lined the clifftops at this winter’s ‘La Vaca Gigante III’ big wave event on Saturday the 14th Nov. The spot ‘La Vaca’ or ‘The Cow’ breaks 400m out to sea, off a rocky coastline beside a rural Cantabrian cattle finca. The cliff-lined surf spot is far from inviting, but allows spectators a gladiator style view of the proceedings. Armed with surfboards up to 12’6” in length, the invited surfers decided to compete in a four-hour final.

The individual ‘Biggest Wave’ prize was given to Michel Velasco. But was closely challenged by surfers such as David Echague and Asier Muniain. This year it was Dani Pablos who took the ‘Worst Wipe-out’ award, after falling on a spectacular wave. Whilst French Surfer Pilou Ducalme perhaps had the most harrowing of moments. After taking a lefthander, Pilou ending up getting washed directly into the cliffs below the spectators. He kept his cool and just edged around the rocks and into the channel, narrowly avoiding disaster. He received huge cheers from the worried spectators, once he exited the danger zone unscathed.

When the results were announced in ascending order, it was British Quiksilver and Gravis surfer Gabe Davies who rode a series of solid sets successfully and claimed the ‘Best Surfer’ first prize. The judges decided Gabe took off deeply and critically enough on a series of solid set waves to claim the top prize. “I was stoked just to get an invite to the ‘La Vaca Gigante III’ Event and to surf alongside such respected surfers,” he said. “Coming here for the first time was never about competition for me, its more like a celebration of surfing and an event which shows respect to all those surfers who continue to push themselves and the sport in ever more challenging situations. This wasn’t the biggest that ‘La Vaca’ has been surfed, but it remains a challenging wave worthy of respect. You have to commit to paddling into the deep-water take off. It has massive power behind it.

Thanks to my sponsors Quiksilver and Gravis. Big thanks to event organisers Oscar and Pedro and all the competitors.

The event was sponsored by Quiksilver and presented by Redbull.
For more information check www.tow-incenter.com/lavaca/

So Mick just nailed his second World Tour victory in just as many weeks! He is on form and blitzed the 3ft French surf yesterday. It was a great day with thousands on the beach and as always Quiksilver put on an incredible show.

The surf didn’t quite live up to the usual expectations, but nevertheless the action did. Other stand out performances included Patrick Bevan and Tiago Pires, taking down the crowd favourite Kelly and number one seed Parko. Some really tight heats came down to the wire and as ever the judges had their work cut out. Tricky for those guys and as always only a few competitors leave the contest happy with their results.

Night time action included Kelly Slater presenting an evening on the big screen at Rock Food in front of 1000’s of fans. It started with the screening of ‘Cloud 9’ written by my wife Lauren and directed by Daz. Followed up by singer songwriter Ben Howard strutting his guitar stuff, with India on Cello and Fabian on Drums backing up his good time vibe. It was a pretty epic night.

Last night The Aussie crew went huge at Café de Paris and then Rock Food, whilst Quiksilver hosted VIP’s with a Poker night. Great stuff, great fun and a whole week of events is still being laid on for the Quiksilver staff and clients, whilst in the water only the King of the Groms World Finals is yet to run.

Surf Forecast is small and clean so it’ll likely the surfing action will be finished up Tuesday Morning!

Cheers Gabe

I had an epic night at the Surfer Poll Awards. It’s the biggest night out in surfing. The most prestigious awards –its like the Oscars, hence the 1000 plus audience was like a who’s who of the surf world. A slick show, broadcast live, showbiz mixed with surfers, it’s a funny combination. Boys suited and booted, girls glitzy and glamorous!

I was nominated in two categories, the first Heavy Water, the big wave award, which was an honour to be recognised among the four best big wave surfers. The accolade eventually went to Nathan Fletcher. The next nomination was for Best Documentary -Waveriders. Lauren my wife wrote it and the director Joel was there also. We honestly thought the prize would go elsewhere, so we relaxed into our seats to just enjoy the night. The whole event is daunting once you are in the room and nominated. World Champs, legends and surf stars took turns collecting their prizes so when they announced our category and called us up there to collect ours we were so shocked.

I couldn’t believe we’d won. Joel and Lauren spoke first to loud cheers and I finally stopped jumping up and down to thank to Quiksilver, Gravis and the surfers in the film.

We were sitting at a table with Kelly, who won best surfer again (I think for the 13th time!!!) which is incredible. He was stoked and surprised for us. So our table took two prizes home. We are staying with Pat O’Connell for the duration of the Hurley Pro and he was buzzing for us. He hugged us half way up to the stage he was so excited. He’s been our lucky mascot and big supporter for years.

Back stage we had interviews with Fuel TV, a photo call, beers and a massive party to enjoy. Many shaking hands and congrats from friends, fans and strangers!! Epic. We are the first Europeans to win an award at this event so to bring home the bacon tastes all the more sweet.

Quiksilver Surf Pro Toby Donachie added another Championship title to his list of honours at the weekend and his steadily fulfilling his huge potential.

Top four surfers at the Billabong/VW British Junior Champs 2009 courtesy of the British Surf Association

Men
1. Toby Donachie
2. Alex Baker
3. Nathan Elms
4. George Picking

Women
1. Gwen Spurlock
2. Zoe Sheath
3. Gabi Rowe
4. Tassy Swallow

Toby Donachie and the rest of the winners at the Billabong British Junior Championships

I’ve got a team in the “Ultimate Boarder Contest” called Team Wahoo’s - Martin Robertson (snow), Eric Mchenry (surf), Sam Baptista (skate) & Nate Hawley (team captain)… check it out:

2ND ANNUAL COAST BODY WASH ULTIMATE BOARDER ANNOUNCES FINAL SCHEDULE, FAMILY FRIENDLY ELEMENTS, AND CONCERT LINEUP … REBELUTION.

SNOW/ SURF/SKATE TRIATHLON, APRIL 4TH – 11TH, 2009

Ultimate Boarder is gearing up for this year’s snow, surf, and skate solo and team triathlon style competition. Over 90 athletes are confirmed to compete April 4th to April 11th in Big Bear (April 4th, 5th) and Ventura, California (7th to 11th).

Notable names include Dave Downing, Kalani David, Tosh Townend, John John Florence, Omar Hassan, X-Games Champ Andy Macdonald, Christian Fletcher, Todd Richards, Tom Curren, Steve Caballero, Shaun Thomson, Christian Hosoi and defending Ultimate Boarder champion, Aaron Astorga will test their boarding skills on snow, surf, and the skate ramp to be crowned the Ultimate Boarder Champion. View the complete athlete roster here: www.ultimateboarder.com/event-athletes.php

Detailed UB Schedule:
www.ultimateboarder.com/ultimate_boarder_tickets.php

April 4th & 5th: Stage 1 - Snowboarding Competition, Bear Mountain, Big Bear Lake, CA

Confirmed professional snowboarders include Dave Downing, Mads Jonsson, Shayne Pospisil, and Todd Richards. Competition will take place 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Ultimate Boarder, in conjunction with Bear Mountain, offers a top-notch slope style course. Athlete registration, practice and kick-off party at THE SCENE will take place on April 4th. The solo and team snowboarding competition will take place the morning of April 5th.

April 7th – 9th: Stage 2 - Surf Competition, “C” Street, Ventura CA

Confirmed professional surfers include Tom Curren, John John Florence, Cheyne Magnusson, Mike Morrissey, Jason “Ratboy” Collins, Christian Fletcher, Dillon Perillo, Shaun Thomson, and Killian Garland. UB has a three-day surf waiting period for this one-day competition. The surf leg will be call on Friday, April 3rd. Free surf lessons for kids with Surf Happens. Time/ date TBD. surfhappens@cox.net

Thursday, April 9th, “Fly in the Champagne” movie premiere starring Andy Irons and Kelly Slater. Two showings at 7:00 & 8:30pm will take place at the Century 10 Ventura Theatre (555 E. Main St.) $5 admission. TransWorld Surf After Party at The Good Bar following the last screening.

Friday, April 10th: Stage 3 - Skateboarding Competition, Ventura County Fairgrounds and a music performance by REBELUTION.

Confirmed professional skaters include: Christian Hosoi, Omar Hassan, Adam Taylor, Tosh Townend, Steve Caballero, and Andy Macdonald. Competition on custom made 60’ mini ramp/half bowl and vert ramp section.

Rebelution (http://www.myspace.com/rebelution) will take the stage on Friday night. This Isla Vista grown band has rocketed up the iTunes charts and is on a national tour. Rebelution will be supported by up and coming Soul Majestic (www.soulmajestic.com) and local favorite Sublime cover band, Emilbus. Music 6PM to 10 PM. Family Fun Zone: Reptile Petting Zoo, Bouncer, Arts & Crafts, Relays, Gymnastics, Bubbles, Parachute Games, Ball games (April 10th and 11th). All Ages Entertainment / Live Music. Ventura County Fairgrounds. Tix $10 - $15 (Ages 10 and Under: FREE).

Saturday, April 11th, 2009: Stage 3 - Skateboarding Competition & Awards Ceremony

Free skate lessons for kids with 8-time X-Games Gold Medal Winner Andy MacDonald from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Ultimate Boarder Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 AM. All ages entertainment Benefit Concert for Free Wheelchair Mission featuring singer-songwriter sensation Tyrone Wells (http://www.tyronewells.com), and South Africa’s Civil Twilight (http://civiltwilightband.com. Benefit concert 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $10 - $15 (Ages 10 and Under: FREE). Ultimate Boarder after party with DJ Mark Moreno at Candlelight (211 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura) starting at 10pm. Admission is $20, all ages.

Additional Friday & Saturday (April 10th & 11th) Highlights:

KIDS FUN ZONE: Arts/Crafts, relay races, parachute, bubbles, face painting, reptile petting zoo, ball games, gymnastics/tumbling. Time: 10AM – 5 PM, Friday & Saturday.
KIDS SKATE PARK: Bring your skateboard to a huge indoor skate zone for kids. FREE (with price of admission). 10 – 5pm Friday & Saturday.
SKATEBOARDING CLINIC W/PRO ANDY MACDONALD: 10AM – 11AM, SATURDAY ONLY. FREE WITH ADMISSION.
FOOD/BEER GARDENS
LOCAL ARTISTS
MERCHANT BOOTHS

TEAM COMPETITION: Due to popular demand, UB added a team competition division allowing three (3) individuals to form a TEAM. $8,500 prize purse.
TEAMS INCLUDE: Hurley, Volcom, Sector 9, LOST, Legend Teams & MORE

A GROM, A GIRL & 3 SETS OF BROTHERS: UB is proud to announce the first female athlete to compete in the UB solo competition. Lyn-z Adams Hawkins will be taking on the boys! This year’s event will also feature 3 sets of brothers competing in the solo competition…long live sibling rivalry! Finally, we have an 11-year-old ripper (Kalani David) taking on the big boys.

1 HOUR TV SHOW WITH PRIMETIME PREMIERE ON FUEL TV: We are proud to announce a partnership with FUEL TV that will bring the UB event to 26 million homes and reach up to 40 million homes in syndication. The hour-long show premieres on June 22, 2009 at 8:00 PM.

Sponsors for the 2009 Ultimate Boarder event include, Title Sponsor - Coast Body Wash, 180 All Natural Energy, Indo Board, Amtrak California, Bear Mountain, FUEL TV, AdUp Displays, Soul Ryde, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and Newcastle.

About Ultimate Boarder™
Ultimate Boarder™ is a one-week competition to find the athlete who can conquer the art
of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. Ultimate Boarder™ was created in response to the growing popularity of these sports, and as a way to promote healthy athletic lifestyles among young athletes in a positive and competitive environment that grooms role models and heroes for our country’s next generation. To register for the Ultimate Boarder™ Championship, and for event details, rules and eligibility visit www.ultimateboarder.com.

New York Times article here