Tuesday, May 15, 2012
TDC International Surf Festival 2012 a Huge Success!
TDC International Surf Festival 2012 a Huge Success!
The Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company (TDC) International Surf Festival 2012 (ISF12) was blessed with a weekend of excellent waves, beautiful weather, great entertainment, and most importantly world class performance surfing. The Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the event and welcomed surfers and officials from Australia, Barbados, Jamaica, United States, and Venezuela.
The visitors and locals were greeted by the best surf conditions the event has experienced in its 3-year history, with waves in the 5 to 7 foot range. These surf conditions provided the perfect platform for the pro surfers to express themselves with both high-flying aerial maneuvers and traditional power surfing, much to the amazement of the large crowd of spectators on hand.
Last years Open Men’s Champion Francisco Bellorin of Venezuela, who was regarded the man to beat in this event, was able to hold onto his title for a second year in a hard fought final heat against Florida’s Jesse Heilman who held onto the lead until the last minute. Bellorin walked away with US$3500 for first place, while Heilman won US$1500 for his performance. Chris Duff of Florida and Rafael Perreira of Venezuela were held =3rd Place and took home US$500 each. Balandra’s Christopher Dennis was the top performing T&T local surfer, reaching the quarterfinal round where Chris Duff narrowly beat him.
In the Women’s Pro Division it was the Battle of the Bajan Chelsea’s that stole the show, with Chelsea Roett winning first place and US$250 while Chelsea Tuach took second place and US$150. Local girl Kathy-Ann Smith, aka Toco Slasher, took third place in the Women’s Pro Division, winning US$50.
In the Pro Junior (U21) Division, which was stacked with young talent from Barbados, it was Bruce Mackie that took top honors and went home US$600 wealthier. Fellow Barbadian Che Allen, who was the youngest surfer in the division at 11 years old, performed extremely well surfing with maturity well beyond his age and took second place and US$400. Local standout Dario Jordan managed to secure 3rd place and US$250, while Chelsea Tuach of Barbados finished 4th and took home an additional US$100.
The Beacon Insurance U16 Division was an opportunity for the up and coming junior surfers to show their stuff. Young Che Allen took first place, followed by Joshua Burke in second. Local boys Josh Galt, Elton John and Jayel Lewis took third, fourth and fifth place respectively. All competitors in this division received Trophies courtesy of Beacon Insurance and prize packages from the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series.
In the final division of the day, the Expression Session gave competitors an opportunity to free surf and show the crowd just how radical they could perform without the pressure of being eliminated from the contest. After 30 minutes of great action it was Joshua Burke of Barbados that won “Best Wave” and US$250, while Rafael Perreira took home US$250 for the “Best Maneuver”.
Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company (TDC), Rajiv Shandilya, was
on hand for the entire event and presented prizes to the champions in the Open Division. Shandilya took the time to speak to the large crowd on hand and re-affirm the TDC’s commitment to sports tourism in Trinidad and Tobago, and specifically to the Sport of Surfing.
The TDC ISF12 is the 3rd sanctioned event of the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series 2012, the only Pro Surfing Tour in the Eastern US and Caribbean, and the 2nd event of the Caribbean Surfing Championship 2012, which began in Barbados and will be concluded at the final event in Jamaica in July. Surfers at the ISF12 earned valuable points to better their standing in both of these Championships.
The International visitors to the TDC ISF12 were exposed to a very unique cultural experience as the surfing was capped off on Saturday with this country’s top Bikini Contest featuring 10 stunning beauties from both T&T and overseas. As the sun set, the streets on Sans Souci came alive with a street party that eventually moved into the community Basketball Court and featured incredible live performances by local legends Orange Sky and Joint Pop.
For more information, please follow us on facebook or contact surfingtandt@gmail.com
OPEN MEN
1st - Francisco Bellorin(Ven) US$3500
2nd - Jesse Hielman(USA) US$1500
3rd - Chris Duff(USA) US$500, Rafael Perreira(Ven) US$500
Top T&T surfer Chris Dennis lost his Quarter final heat and finished equal 5th and taking home US$300 in prize money
U21 Pro Junior
1st - Bruce Mackie(BAR) US$750.00
2nd - Che Allen(BAR) US$400.00
3rd - Dario Jordan(TT) US$250.00
4th - Chelsea Tuach(BAR) US$100
OPEN WOMEN
1st - Chelsea Roett(BAR) US$250.00
2nd - Chelsea Tuach(BAR) US$100.00
3rd - Kathy-Ann Smith(TT) US$50.00
Expression Session
Best Wave - Joshua Burke(BAR) US$250.00
Best Move - Rafael Perreira(VEN) US$250.00
U16 Groms
1st - Che Allen(BAR)
2nd - Joshua Burke(BAR)
3rd - Josh Galt(TT)
4th - Elton John(TT)
5th - Jayel Lewis(TT)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
“Venezuelans Dominate at T&T’s ‘Best Ever’ International Pro Surfing Event”
Event: CARIB PILSNER INTERNATIONAL SURF FESTIVAL 2011
Sans Souci, Trinidad - The Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 hosted by the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SURFING T&T) this past Indian Arrival Day Long Weekend (May 28th, 29th, 30th 2011) is receiving high praise from the regional surfing community as the ‘Best Ever’ Pro Surfing Event to be held on local shores. Venezuelan surf stars Francisco Bellorin and Rafael Perreira were the events top performers, winning the Open Men’s Pro and the U21 Pro Junior Divisions, respectively.
The Open Men’s Pro was conducted in an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Style Format which is employed at the highest level of international professional surfing and allows for Man on Man competition, which helps to elevate competitors performances. In the Open Men’s Division Francisco Bellorin took home US$3,000 for first place and Runner Up was Jesse Heilman of Florida, USA, who pocketed a cool US$1500. Local favorite Chris Dennis and Venezuelan Rafael Perreira were equal 3rd Place, each winning US$500.
In the U21 Pro Junior Division, Perreira closely ousted 14-year old surf phenomenon Joshua Burke of Barbados in a highflying aerial showdown during the final. Both surfers surfed extremely well throughout the event, with Burke also getting equal 5th in the Open Men’s Division. Georgio Gomez of Florida and Ackeam Phillips of Jamaica placed 3rd and 4th respectively in the Pro Junior Division.
The Caribbean Surf Legends Division was a specialty Invitational Division featuring multiple time national champions, surf pioneers, professionals, and surfboard shapers from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. T&T’s Jason Apparicio took top honors in the Final Heat, with Alan Burke (BDS) in Second, Che Lovelace (T&T) in Third, Mark Holder (BDS) in Forth, Billy Wilmot (JAM) in Fifth, and Mikey ‘Bully’ Phillips (T&T) in Sixth. In the Women’s Pro Division Leslie Dickerson (USA) took First place, Cathy Ann Smith (T&T) took Second, and Lexi Lautzker (USA) was Third.
The Festival Vibe of the event rivaled the intense surfing action, creating an all time epic experience for all in attendance. Orange Sky, Joint Pop and supporting acts rocked out the community center in Sans Souci on Saturday Night, setting the stage for a weekend of partying and festivities in the coastal village.
On Sunday the beach was on fire with the hottest bikini babes in T&T, as the Carib Pilsner Bikini Contest took the spotlight and a prize purse of US$1000 was distributed to the top performers. Finally on Monday, Indian Arrival Day, foreigners and locals alike were treated to a genuine cultural experience as the Beacon Insurance Curry Cook-off wet the appetites of the judges and officials. The Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 sets the stage for many top class action sports events to be sponsored by Carib Pilsner in the coming year.
Competitors and guests from Jamaica, Barbados, Venezuela, USA, and even as far as Australia, have been praising the event, its organizers (SURFING T&T) and its Sponsors, for the cultural vibe, hospitality, organization, and overall impression it demonstrated. Surfing T&T would like to thank Carib Pilsner, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Subway, TDC, Beacon Insurance, Digicel, RedBull, Beach Break Surf Shop, Power Up Rental Equipment, Supligen, Tropical Power, Trini Eco Warriors, Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, National Forestry Division, and the Sans Souci Community for all their support!
All Photos: Lyden Thomas
Final Results:
Men’s Open
1st Fracisco Bellorin $3000
2nd Jesse Heilman $1500
=3rd Chris Dennis $500
=3rd Rafael Perriera $500
=5th Joshua Burke $250
=5th David Diaz $250
=5th Jason Apparicio $250
=5th Ackeam Phillips $250
=9th Jonathan Reece $125
=9th Giorgio Gomez $125
=9th Icah Wilmot $125
=9th Shane Henneman $125
=9th Cheyne Jobson $125
=9th Jesse Jarvis $125
=9th JC Schaffer $125
=9th Travis Ajay $125
Pro Junior (U21)
1st Rafael Perreira $500
2nd Joshua Burke $350
3rd Giorgio Gomez
4th Ackeam Phillips
Caribbean Legends
1st Jason Apparicio (T&T)
2nd Alan Burke (BDS)
3rd Che Lovelace (T&T)
4th Alan Davis (T&T)
5th Mark Holder (BDS)
6th Billy Wilmot (JAM)
7th Mikey ‘Bully’ Phillips (T&T)
Women’s Division
1st Leslie Dickerson (USA)
2nd Cathy Ann Smith (T&T)
3rd Lexi Lautzker (USA)
Sans Souci, Trinidad - The Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 hosted by the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SURFING T&T) this past Indian Arrival Day Long Weekend (May 28th, 29th, 30th 2011) is receiving high praise from the regional surfing community as the ‘Best Ever’ Pro Surfing Event to be held on local shores. Venezuelan surf stars Francisco Bellorin and Rafael Perreira were the events top performers, winning the Open Men’s Pro and the U21 Pro Junior Divisions, respectively.
The Open Men’s Pro was conducted in an Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Style Format which is employed at the highest level of international professional surfing and allows for Man on Man competition, which helps to elevate competitors performances. In the Open Men’s Division Francisco Bellorin took home US$3,000 for first place and Runner Up was Jesse Heilman of Florida, USA, who pocketed a cool US$1500. Local favorite Chris Dennis and Venezuelan Rafael Perreira were equal 3rd Place, each winning US$500.
In the U21 Pro Junior Division, Perreira closely ousted 14-year old surf phenomenon Joshua Burke of Barbados in a highflying aerial showdown during the final. Both surfers surfed extremely well throughout the event, with Burke also getting equal 5th in the Open Men’s Division. Georgio Gomez of Florida and Ackeam Phillips of Jamaica placed 3rd and 4th respectively in the Pro Junior Division.
The Caribbean Surf Legends Division was a specialty Invitational Division featuring multiple time national champions, surf pioneers, professionals, and surfboard shapers from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. T&T’s Jason Apparicio took top honors in the Final Heat, with Alan Burke (BDS) in Second, Che Lovelace (T&T) in Third, Mark Holder (BDS) in Forth, Billy Wilmot (JAM) in Fifth, and Mikey ‘Bully’ Phillips (T&T) in Sixth. In the Women’s Pro Division Leslie Dickerson (USA) took First place, Cathy Ann Smith (T&T) took Second, and Lexi Lautzker (USA) was Third.
The Festival Vibe of the event rivaled the intense surfing action, creating an all time epic experience for all in attendance. Orange Sky, Joint Pop and supporting acts rocked out the community center in Sans Souci on Saturday Night, setting the stage for a weekend of partying and festivities in the coastal village.
On Sunday the beach was on fire with the hottest bikini babes in T&T, as the Carib Pilsner Bikini Contest took the spotlight and a prize purse of US$1000 was distributed to the top performers. Finally on Monday, Indian Arrival Day, foreigners and locals alike were treated to a genuine cultural experience as the Beacon Insurance Curry Cook-off wet the appetites of the judges and officials. The Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 sets the stage for many top class action sports events to be sponsored by Carib Pilsner in the coming year.
Competitors and guests from Jamaica, Barbados, Venezuela, USA, and even as far as Australia, have been praising the event, its organizers (SURFING T&T) and its Sponsors, for the cultural vibe, hospitality, organization, and overall impression it demonstrated. Surfing T&T would like to thank Carib Pilsner, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Subway, TDC, Beacon Insurance, Digicel, RedBull, Beach Break Surf Shop, Power Up Rental Equipment, Supligen, Tropical Power, Trini Eco Warriors, Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, National Forestry Division, and the Sans Souci Community for all their support!
All Photos: Lyden Thomas
Final Results:
Men’s Open
1st Fracisco Bellorin $3000
2nd Jesse Heilman $1500
=3rd Chris Dennis $500
=3rd Rafael Perriera $500
=5th Joshua Burke $250
=5th David Diaz $250
=5th Jason Apparicio $250
=5th Ackeam Phillips $250
=9th Jonathan Reece $125
=9th Giorgio Gomez $125
=9th Icah Wilmot $125
=9th Shane Henneman $125
=9th Cheyne Jobson $125
=9th Jesse Jarvis $125
=9th JC Schaffer $125
=9th Travis Ajay $125
Pro Junior (U21)
1st Rafael Perreira $500
2nd Joshua Burke $350
3rd Giorgio Gomez
4th Ackeam Phillips
Caribbean Legends
1st Jason Apparicio (T&T)
2nd Alan Burke (BDS)
3rd Che Lovelace (T&T)
4th Alan Davis (T&T)
5th Mark Holder (BDS)
6th Billy Wilmot (JAM)
7th Mikey ‘Bully’ Phillips (T&T)
Women’s Division
1st Leslie Dickerson (USA)
2nd Cathy Ann Smith (T&T)
3rd Lexi Lautzker (USA)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Venezuelans to Defend Titles at Carib Pilsner ISF11!
Venezuelan Surf Stars Rafael Pereira and Francisco Bellorin will return to T&T’s shores once again to defend their Titles at the Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 (ISF11) on Indian Arrival Day Weekend (May 28,29,30).
Last year in the Open Professional Division Pereira walked away with 1st Place and US$3000, while his fellow countryman Bellorin got 2nd Place and US$1,100. In the Professional Juniors Division (U21) the dynamic duo traded places with Bellorin taking 1st Place and US$500, while Pereira took 2nd Place and US$250.
Under the generous patronage of Carib Brewery, the Tourism Development Company and the Ministry of Sport as their primary sponsors, the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago will be hosting the Second Annual Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 at “Beach Break “in San Souci.
Expectations run high as the word spreads about the only International Surf Event to be scheduled as part of the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, the only professional surf tour on East Coast of the United States of America, with a whopping US $10,000 purse for the local event of the tour.
The promoters of the event expect to see a noticeable increase in the numbers of local, regional and international participants in 2011, with the return of top class professional surfers from USA, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina and Venezuela in South America, as well as Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia and others.
Dubbed “Beach Break”, Sans Souci is easily the Mecca of Surfing in Trinidad; this crescent shaped bay provides a high quality of powerful, contestable waves breaking on a rigid sand bar in a coliseum setting. 90 minutes’ drive from Piarco; the organizers have organized shuttles and accommodation for international participants.
This action packed weekend has a stacked daily itinerary both on and offshore, with three different surf categories Junior Pro, Legends and Open Pro classes as well as a specialty “Night Surf“ as the sun sets.
The ever popular Bikini Competition will be taken to another level this year with the largest ever Cash Prize Incentive of US$1,000 total prize purse and a mandatory online participant registration at the event Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120533528014912). The beautiful ladies of the Bikini Contest will show their stuff along a purpose built 16 ft. RedBull runway elevated over the beach at Sans Souci.
There is also a chance for the best photographers to win $1,000 US for the best Action Shot, Best Moment and the best Scenery Shots. Partygoers get the chance to do their thing at the Legends Beach Concert with Orange Sky, Joint Pop, Skid”Nevely, and Aaron Marquez on Saturday 28th at 5.30pm as the surfing action flows right into live music as the sun sets on the venue.
As the hype grows, surf lovers and beach goers alike have already begun to book up most of the beach houses on the Northeast coast much to the delight of the promoters and the guest houses owners, as this event has staked its place on the national calendar.
The Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival kicks off on Saturday 28th April at San Souci Beach Break, Toco at 10am, and registration on the beach at 5pm Friday 27th. For more information please contact surfingtandt@gmail.com or Keith Lewis 868-775-1001.
Last year in the Open Professional Division Pereira walked away with 1st Place and US$3000, while his fellow countryman Bellorin got 2nd Place and US$1,100. In the Professional Juniors Division (U21) the dynamic duo traded places with Bellorin taking 1st Place and US$500, while Pereira took 2nd Place and US$250.
Under the generous patronage of Carib Brewery, the Tourism Development Company and the Ministry of Sport as their primary sponsors, the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago will be hosting the Second Annual Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival 2011 at “Beach Break “in San Souci.
Expectations run high as the word spreads about the only International Surf Event to be scheduled as part of the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, the only professional surf tour on East Coast of the United States of America, with a whopping US $10,000 purse for the local event of the tour.
The promoters of the event expect to see a noticeable increase in the numbers of local, regional and international participants in 2011, with the return of top class professional surfers from USA, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina and Venezuela in South America, as well as Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia and others.
Dubbed “Beach Break”, Sans Souci is easily the Mecca of Surfing in Trinidad; this crescent shaped bay provides a high quality of powerful, contestable waves breaking on a rigid sand bar in a coliseum setting. 90 minutes’ drive from Piarco; the organizers have organized shuttles and accommodation for international participants.
This action packed weekend has a stacked daily itinerary both on and offshore, with three different surf categories Junior Pro, Legends and Open Pro classes as well as a specialty “Night Surf“ as the sun sets.
The ever popular Bikini Competition will be taken to another level this year with the largest ever Cash Prize Incentive of US$1,000 total prize purse and a mandatory online participant registration at the event Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120533528014912). The beautiful ladies of the Bikini Contest will show their stuff along a purpose built 16 ft. RedBull runway elevated over the beach at Sans Souci.
There is also a chance for the best photographers to win $1,000 US for the best Action Shot, Best Moment and the best Scenery Shots. Partygoers get the chance to do their thing at the Legends Beach Concert with Orange Sky, Joint Pop, Skid”Nevely, and Aaron Marquez on Saturday 28th at 5.30pm as the surfing action flows right into live music as the sun sets on the venue.
As the hype grows, surf lovers and beach goers alike have already begun to book up most of the beach houses on the Northeast coast much to the delight of the promoters and the guest houses owners, as this event has staked its place on the national calendar.
The Carib Pilsner International Surf Festival kicks off on Saturday 28th April at San Souci Beach Break, Toco at 10am, and registration on the beach at 5pm Friday 27th. For more information please contact surfingtandt@gmail.com or Keith Lewis 868-775-1001.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Chris Dennis wins Surfing T&T’s National Team Trials #1!
On Sunday 13th March, 2011 Surfing T&T held its first qualification event of the year and top local surfers battled for spots on 3 National Teams. Surfing T&T will be selecting surfers to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the International Surfing Association (ISA) Quiksilver World Junior Championships (Peru, May 21-29), the ISA Billabong World Surfing Games (Panama, June 25-July 3), and the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships (El Salvador, Oct 16 -23) for surfers over 35.
Each of these events is contested by the best surfers in the world who compete for National Pride. At Sunday’s trials, held in Beach Break, Sans Souci, top surfers faced challenges from both other competitors’ and the waves themselves that were far from ideal but still offered a very contestable forum for the surfers to perform.
Local standout Christopher Dennis took first place and 1000 points in the Mens Open Division, with Keith Lewis, Che Lovelace and Alan Davis getting 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively. In the Juniors (U18) Division it was Dario Jordan who took first place over Matthew Milne. In the Masters Division, Current National Champion Che Lovelace took First Place, and was followed by Alan Davis, Stuart Hutton and Lee Quesnel in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively.
As Surfing T&T prepares for the first of the ISA Events for 2011, the Quiksilver World Junior Championships to be held in Peru in May, the association will hold one more Team Trials, possibly in Tobago, and begin preparing the National Junior Team to represent the Country abroad. Surfing T&T is seeking support from sponsors to help offset the cost of taking a team to these prestigious games. For more information please contact surfingtandt@gmail.com, www.surfingtt.org.
Each of these events is contested by the best surfers in the world who compete for National Pride. At Sunday’s trials, held in Beach Break, Sans Souci, top surfers faced challenges from both other competitors’ and the waves themselves that were far from ideal but still offered a very contestable forum for the surfers to perform.
Local standout Christopher Dennis took first place and 1000 points in the Mens Open Division, with Keith Lewis, Che Lovelace and Alan Davis getting 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively. In the Juniors (U18) Division it was Dario Jordan who took first place over Matthew Milne. In the Masters Division, Current National Champion Che Lovelace took First Place, and was followed by Alan Davis, Stuart Hutton and Lee Quesnel in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively.
As Surfing T&T prepares for the first of the ISA Events for 2011, the Quiksilver World Junior Championships to be held in Peru in May, the association will hold one more Team Trials, possibly in Tobago, and begin preparing the National Junior Team to represent the Country abroad. Surfing T&T is seeking support from sponsors to help offset the cost of taking a team to these prestigious games. For more information please contact surfingtandt@gmail.com, www.surfingtt.org.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Apparicio Owns D Pressure Pot!
On Saturday 23rd October 2010, the second to last day of the 3 weekend long event waiting period, the elements finally came together for Surfing T&T and Caribbean Waterman to run the Chupara Pressure Pot 2010 specialty surfing event. Chupara point is a peninsular on the north coast of Trinidad that is also known as La Fillette, and is located east of Las Cuevas and west of Blanchisseuse.
The surf spot at Chupara was targeted for this event for its consistent and powerful waves, its dramatic ambiance, and its reputation as the most challenging surf spot found on the North Coast road. Additionally, the organizers partnered with the developer of the private estate located on the peninsular to raise awareness of the existence of the great surf spot and to ensure its protection remains at the forefront of the Eco-Development plans for the area.
The lure of a winner-take-all cash prize in the Open Division managed to bring all of T&T’s top surfers out of the woodwork to compete. The Open Final was a stacked event consisting of current National Champion Che Lovelace, and three (3) past National Champions Jason Apparicio, Chris Dennis, and Keith Lewis. In fact, the 4 surfers in the Final hold a combined total of 15 National Open Men’s Titles and 10+ National Junior Men’s Titles.
At the end of a hard fought 25 minute final heat, it was Jason Apparicio that came out victorious and walked away with $2400 in cash. Chris Dennis got second place and was presented an incredibly stacked hamper from Anthony P Scott. Third place winner Che Lovelace received a Souljahs 4-DVD Boxset and T-Shirts from www.caribbeanwaterman.com .
In the Juniors (U18) division there was a Tobago Invasion with 5 of the 8 young surfers coming from the sister-isle under the watchful eye of the event champion, Jason Apparicio. The Tobago boys surfed really well but they were not able to overcome the consistent surfing of T&T’s current National Junior Champion surfer Dario Jordan. Dario won first place, a Souljahs DVD, and three (3) Quiksilver Trinidad T-Shirts. Second place went to Caelum Blandford, Third was Mathew Milne, and fourth was Steve Aeschlimann.
The first ever event of its kind in Trinidad was a great success and the surfing on display was high caliber. Caribbean Waterman and Surfing T&T would like to thank the its sponsors Anthony P Scott and ON87, as well as the judges, supporters and surfers that made it all possible. Look out for more great video and photographs of the event to some in the near future. For more info, please contact surfingtandt.com
The surf spot at Chupara was targeted for this event for its consistent and powerful waves, its dramatic ambiance, and its reputation as the most challenging surf spot found on the North Coast road. Additionally, the organizers partnered with the developer of the private estate located on the peninsular to raise awareness of the existence of the great surf spot and to ensure its protection remains at the forefront of the Eco-Development plans for the area.
The lure of a winner-take-all cash prize in the Open Division managed to bring all of T&T’s top surfers out of the woodwork to compete. The Open Final was a stacked event consisting of current National Champion Che Lovelace, and three (3) past National Champions Jason Apparicio, Chris Dennis, and Keith Lewis. In fact, the 4 surfers in the Final hold a combined total of 15 National Open Men’s Titles and 10+ National Junior Men’s Titles.
At the end of a hard fought 25 minute final heat, it was Jason Apparicio that came out victorious and walked away with $2400 in cash. Chris Dennis got second place and was presented an incredibly stacked hamper from Anthony P Scott. Third place winner Che Lovelace received a Souljahs 4-DVD Boxset and T-Shirts from www.caribbeanwaterman.com .
In the Juniors (U18) division there was a Tobago Invasion with 5 of the 8 young surfers coming from the sister-isle under the watchful eye of the event champion, Jason Apparicio. The Tobago boys surfed really well but they were not able to overcome the consistent surfing of T&T’s current National Junior Champion surfer Dario Jordan. Dario won first place, a Souljahs DVD, and three (3) Quiksilver Trinidad T-Shirts. Second place went to Caelum Blandford, Third was Mathew Milne, and fourth was Steve Aeschlimann.
The first ever event of its kind in Trinidad was a great success and the surfing on display was high caliber. Caribbean Waterman and Surfing T&T would like to thank the its sponsors Anthony P Scott and ON87, as well as the judges, supporters and surfers that made it all possible. Look out for more great video and photographs of the event to some in the near future. For more info, please contact surfingtandt.com
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
CHUPARA PRESSURE POT 10
AN Invitational Specialty surf contest presented by ON87, Surfing t&t, and www.Caribbeanwaterman.com
On Saturday 9th October 2010 history will be written when for the first time a surf contest will be held at Chupara Point on Trinidad’s North Coast.
...In an effort to highlight the synergy that exists between the natural beauty of this special headland and the performance surfing spectacle that it hosts, this event will feature T&T’s best surfers performing at a new and exciting venue for spectators.
A field of 16 Open Surfers will battle in a single elimination Pro Format for a prize purse of TT$2500. The Top 10 currently ranked Surfing T&T surfers will receive seeding into the event. The organizing committee will list six (6) invitees and two (2) alternates based on nominations from within and the seeded surfers. TT$200 entry.
In the Juniors Category there will be a field of 8 surfers that will be enlisted on a first come, first serve basis. TT$50 entry. There will be hampers and giveaways for junior finalists, as well as specialty prizes for Best Barrel, Best Air, Best Maneuver, and Best Wave. All entries must be confirmed by e-mail to souljahs@caribbeanwaterman.com .
Judging for this event will be facilitated by paid judges of Surfing T&T, who have been certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA). The rules used will be ISA rules. All heats will be 20 minutes long with the exception of the finals that will be 25 minutes each. There will be no beach entries, entries will be closed on Thursday 7th October and Heats will be drawn on Friday 8th October 2010.
Spectators will be welcomed to this very rarely seen location in Trinidad that is normally only frequented by Surfers, Rock Fishermen, and indigenous wildlife. Actually, it is not uncommon to see pairs of Red Macaws that reside in the forests of this area. As much as it is reasonable, the event organizers will be making every effort to make it a comfortable experience for surfing enthusiasts who come to take in the action.
This includes live audio visual / PA system provided by the RedBull Pinzi that will combine great music by DJ Shabba and Surf Commentary by Surfing T&T announcers, limited tents, and Fresh Fish Broth. Spectators are encouraged to come prepared with their coolers, refreshments and anything else they would normally take to a Beach Lime or Rally Track!
For more information on the event or opportunities on how you can get involved, please contact souljahs@caribbeanwaterman.com or Warren Rostant @ 354-6969. Thanks.
The Top 10 Surfing T&T Surfers Seeded into this event, in no particular order, are:
Che Lovelace
Christopher Dennis
Brian Ramcharan
Jesse Jarvis
Keith Lewis
Shane Hennaman
Kevin See Tai
Donald Koo
Dario Jordan
Mathew Milne
Chupara Point is also known as Filette Point. By car, it is located after Las Cuevas and Hundred Steps, and before the village of La Filette. After you pass the new development of Chupara Village on the left, take your next left after the Basket Ball Court. Follow the road and look for signs guiding you to the contest location. We look forward to seeing you there!
On Saturday 9th October 2010 history will be written when for the first time a surf contest will be held at Chupara Point on Trinidad’s North Coast.
...In an effort to highlight the synergy that exists between the natural beauty of this special headland and the performance surfing spectacle that it hosts, this event will feature T&T’s best surfers performing at a new and exciting venue for spectators.
A field of 16 Open Surfers will battle in a single elimination Pro Format for a prize purse of TT$2500. The Top 10 currently ranked Surfing T&T surfers will receive seeding into the event. The organizing committee will list six (6) invitees and two (2) alternates based on nominations from within and the seeded surfers. TT$200 entry.
In the Juniors Category there will be a field of 8 surfers that will be enlisted on a first come, first serve basis. TT$50 entry. There will be hampers and giveaways for junior finalists, as well as specialty prizes for Best Barrel, Best Air, Best Maneuver, and Best Wave. All entries must be confirmed by e-mail to souljahs@caribbeanwaterman.com .
Judging for this event will be facilitated by paid judges of Surfing T&T, who have been certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA). The rules used will be ISA rules. All heats will be 20 minutes long with the exception of the finals that will be 25 minutes each. There will be no beach entries, entries will be closed on Thursday 7th October and Heats will be drawn on Friday 8th October 2010.
Spectators will be welcomed to this very rarely seen location in Trinidad that is normally only frequented by Surfers, Rock Fishermen, and indigenous wildlife. Actually, it is not uncommon to see pairs of Red Macaws that reside in the forests of this area. As much as it is reasonable, the event organizers will be making every effort to make it a comfortable experience for surfing enthusiasts who come to take in the action.
This includes live audio visual / PA system provided by the RedBull Pinzi that will combine great music by DJ Shabba and Surf Commentary by Surfing T&T announcers, limited tents, and Fresh Fish Broth. Spectators are encouraged to come prepared with their coolers, refreshments and anything else they would normally take to a Beach Lime or Rally Track!
For more information on the event or opportunities on how you can get involved, please contact souljahs@caribbeanwaterman.com or Warren Rostant @ 354-6969. Thanks.
The Top 10 Surfing T&T Surfers Seeded into this event, in no particular order, are:
Che Lovelace
Christopher Dennis
Brian Ramcharan
Jesse Jarvis
Keith Lewis
Shane Hennaman
Kevin See Tai
Donald Koo
Dario Jordan
Mathew Milne
Chupara Point is also known as Filette Point. By car, it is located after Las Cuevas and Hundred Steps, and before the village of La Filette. After you pass the new development of Chupara Village on the left, take your next left after the Basket Ball Court. Follow the road and look for signs guiding you to the contest location. We look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, July 26, 2010
“CHE LOVELACE WRITES TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SURFING HISTORY”
Over this past weekend, July 24th & 25th, the Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (Surfing T&T) held its 2010 edition of the National Surfing Championships to determine National Champions in several divisions. In order to maximize the quality of the surfing conditions for its competitors, the event committee made a decision to hold the event at Roughside Beach, Balandra, making it the first time a National Championship Competition has been held at this location.
This decision proved to be a great call as Mother Nature provided very good quality surf and sunny weather at Balandra, a perfect stage for this country’s best surfers to battle for glory. Over two (2) days of high quality surfing, a total of 30 surfers challenged for 5 division titles: Open Mens, Juniors (U18), Masters (35+), Longboard, and Women.
At the end of an epic weekend of surfing it was clear that every person that witnessed the event, surfer and spectator alike, left the beach with one thing burned into their mind: “Che Lovelace Dominated!” He surfed in more heats than anyone and competed in 3 Divisions (Mens Open, Masters, & Longboard). He also had to surf through the Repocharge Round of the Mens Open in order to qualify to surf in the Final.
Over 2 days Che surfed in 12 heats, where his closest rival, Chris Dennis only surfed 6 heats. Most surfers would consider this a disadvantage for Che, arguing that he would peak early and be fatigued before the main event finals. To the contrary, by the time the Mens Open Final came about Che had the Waves and Conditions completely dialed in. He looked so comfortable in the surf that he made his fellow finalists, all of whom were from Balandra, look totally lost in their own home surf break.
Che’s performance was a culmination of years of dedication to the sport of surfing, both in its free form and competition, including a long hiatus from competition that has seen him return to competitive surfing with a new found focus and drive. Now in his early 40’s, not only is Che literally schooling the “Young Guns” of T&T Surfing, but he also continues to etch his name in Trinidad and Tobago Surfing History.
By winning the 2010 Open Mens category, Che now has six (6) Open Mens Nationals Titles. He has won 3 Juniors (U18) National Titles, one of which was at the same event as an Open Mens Title. He has now come full circle; having this year won an Open Mens National Title and a Masters (35+) National Title in the same event. The icing on the cake for Che this year was winning the Longboard National Title, making him the first surfer to ever secure National Titles in 3 Divisions at a local National Championships.
Over the years, members of the surfing fraternity in Trinidad and Tobago have consistently made the comparison of Che Lovelace to the International Surf Superstar and 9-Time world champion Kelly Slater. Many have affectionately referred to him as ‘Che Slater’ or ‘Trini Slater’. It is an easy comparison to make as they are both from the same era and they share the smooth, polished and very powerful surfing style.
If that’s not enough, Quiksilver Clothing and Al Merrick surfboards, both of which are Kelly Slaters lifetime sponsors, now officially support Che Lovelace Surfing. Finally, both Che Lovelace and Kelly Slater have won more titles than any other surfer in their realm of competition, setting numerous records along the way.
Official Results:
Open Mens:
1) Che Lovelace
2) Chris Dennis
3) Jesse Jarvis
4) Brian Ramcharan
Juniors:
1) Dario Jordan
2) Ian Ross-Scweiden
3) Mathew Milne
4) Craig de Freitas
Masters:
1) Che Lovelace
2) Sherrard Spiers
3) John Torrey
Longboard:
1) Che Lovelace
2) Sherrard Spiers
3) Amit Raval
Womens:
1) Jochelle Dasent
2) Tonya Sunkow
This decision proved to be a great call as Mother Nature provided very good quality surf and sunny weather at Balandra, a perfect stage for this country’s best surfers to battle for glory. Over two (2) days of high quality surfing, a total of 30 surfers challenged for 5 division titles: Open Mens, Juniors (U18), Masters (35+), Longboard, and Women.
At the end of an epic weekend of surfing it was clear that every person that witnessed the event, surfer and spectator alike, left the beach with one thing burned into their mind: “Che Lovelace Dominated!” He surfed in more heats than anyone and competed in 3 Divisions (Mens Open, Masters, & Longboard). He also had to surf through the Repocharge Round of the Mens Open in order to qualify to surf in the Final.
Over 2 days Che surfed in 12 heats, where his closest rival, Chris Dennis only surfed 6 heats. Most surfers would consider this a disadvantage for Che, arguing that he would peak early and be fatigued before the main event finals. To the contrary, by the time the Mens Open Final came about Che had the Waves and Conditions completely dialed in. He looked so comfortable in the surf that he made his fellow finalists, all of whom were from Balandra, look totally lost in their own home surf break.
Che’s performance was a culmination of years of dedication to the sport of surfing, both in its free form and competition, including a long hiatus from competition that has seen him return to competitive surfing with a new found focus and drive. Now in his early 40’s, not only is Che literally schooling the “Young Guns” of T&T Surfing, but he also continues to etch his name in Trinidad and Tobago Surfing History.
By winning the 2010 Open Mens category, Che now has six (6) Open Mens Nationals Titles. He has won 3 Juniors (U18) National Titles, one of which was at the same event as an Open Mens Title. He has now come full circle; having this year won an Open Mens National Title and a Masters (35+) National Title in the same event. The icing on the cake for Che this year was winning the Longboard National Title, making him the first surfer to ever secure National Titles in 3 Divisions at a local National Championships.
Over the years, members of the surfing fraternity in Trinidad and Tobago have consistently made the comparison of Che Lovelace to the International Surf Superstar and 9-Time world champion Kelly Slater. Many have affectionately referred to him as ‘Che Slater’ or ‘Trini Slater’. It is an easy comparison to make as they are both from the same era and they share the smooth, polished and very powerful surfing style.
If that’s not enough, Quiksilver Clothing and Al Merrick surfboards, both of which are Kelly Slaters lifetime sponsors, now officially support Che Lovelace Surfing. Finally, both Che Lovelace and Kelly Slater have won more titles than any other surfer in their realm of competition, setting numerous records along the way.
Official Results:
Open Mens:
1) Che Lovelace
2) Chris Dennis
3) Jesse Jarvis
4) Brian Ramcharan
Juniors:
1) Dario Jordan
2) Ian Ross-Scweiden
3) Mathew Milne
4) Craig de Freitas
Masters:
1) Che Lovelace
2) Sherrard Spiers
3) John Torrey
Longboard:
1) Che Lovelace
2) Sherrard Spiers
3) Amit Raval
Womens:
1) Jochelle Dasent
2) Tonya Sunkow
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