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
Monday, October 25, 2010
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 Repercharge 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 Repercharge 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
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Nationals Moved To ROUGHSIDE, BALANDRA!
Due to the current swell forecast for this weekend, we have decided to re-locate Surfing T&T National Championships to Roughside Beach, Balandra. We look forward to seeing you there...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Venezuelan Surfers Dominate the Surfing T&T International Surf Festival 2010!
After the Surfing T&T International Surf Festival 2010, Surfing in Trinidad and Tobago will never be the same. This is not just because it was the largest prize purse (US$10,000) ever offered locally, or because it was the first time that the Beach Byte Electronic Score Tabulation system and professional ASP World Tour judges were employed, or even that it was the largest and most dynamic field of competitors ever to compete in an event in Trinidad and Tobago. Surfing in Trinidad and Tobago will never be the same because everyone present in Sans Souci this weekend, surfers and spectators alike, witnessed the most radical, high performance, aerial surfing ever to take place on our waves.
Due to the fact that the waves at “Beach Break” did not live up to its potential by providing larger and more powerful surf, many of the traditional powerhouse surfers were left looking a little slow and powerless. However, the waves on hand were very contestable nonetheless, and looked a lot like an average day of surf in South Florida or Venezuela. This played to the benefit of the visiting surfers who took advantage of the conditions and looked right at home, comfortably executing maneuvers at a level on par with the worlds best surfers.
From the first horn of the event, it quickly became obvious that the bar had been raised for performance and that traditional maneuvers like ‘cut-backs’ and ‘off the lips’ would not suffice, especially in these conditions, to win heats. Aerial surfing, or surfing above the lip, was the order of the day and surfers like Elohe Ali Alvarez (BRA), Jeremy Johnston (USA), and Rafael Pereira (VEN) had no problem serving it up!
The build up to this event saw a lot of media attention focused on the American and Caribbean surfers that had confirmed their attendance. Very little attention, if any, was given to the two young Venezuelan dark horses that subsequently stole the show. Rafael Pereira and Francisco Bellorin took 1st place (USD$3000) and 2nd place (USD$1100) respectively in the Open Mens Division. The two countrymen went on to trade places in the Pro Jr. (U21), with Bellorin taking 1st place (USD$500) and Pereira taking 2nd Place (USD$250). To top it all off, Pereira also took home an additional USD$250 for best wave in the Expression Session.
In the Mens Open, Jesse Heilman (USA) got 3rd place (USD$800) and Jean Carlo Schaffer finished 4th (USD$500). In the Pro Jr. (U21) Georgio Gomez (USA) finished 3rd and Jordan Heaselgrave (BAR) finished 4th. In the Womens Open, Chelsea Tuach (BAR) finished 1st and Sarah Cox (BAH) finished 2nd. Finally, the best manouver of the Expression Session was awarded to Jensen Callaway for a ‘Pop-Shovit’ aerial.
In addition to the incredible surfing performances on show, the spectators had lots more to look at, with a live performance by the Orange Sky and a top class Bikini Contest by Carolina Swimwear. It was an all round perfect weekend in rural Toco with sun, surf and sand, and a great family atmosphere. All the visiting surfers have already begun making plans to return to beautiful Trinidad.
This event was the second event of five events on the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series (www.westernatlanticsurf.com) and the first event of three on the Caribbean Surf Network Tour (www.csnsurf.com). Be sure to follow the action as the regional pro surfing circuits continue.
Sponsors for the event include Épicé Sunscreen, Surfing T&T, the Tourism Development Company (TDC), Josef’s Sports Bar, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Carolina Swimwear, Beach Break Surf Shop, Caribbean Waterman, Mystic Hemp, and Tropical Power Limited.
All surfers, team managers, officials and press can contact SURFING T&T by contact Lee Quesnel by e-mailing surfingtandt@gmail.com .
MENS OPEN RESULTS
RAFAEL PEREIRA 1ST - $3,000
FRANCISCO BELLORIN 2ND - $1,100
JESSE HEILMAN 3RD - $800
JEAN CARLO SCHAFFER 4TH - $500
JEREMY JOHNSTON EQUAL 5TH - $350US PRIZE
NILS SCHWEIZER EQUAL 5TH - $350US PRIZE
COLIN SAUNDERS EQUAL 7TH - $250US PRIZE
CHRIS DENNIS EQUAL 7TH - $250US PRIZE
MICHAEL PANTIN EQUAL 7TH - $250US PRIZE
LEWIS ST. JOHN EQUAL 10TH - $200US PRIZE
JORDAN HEASELGRAVE EQUAL 10TH - $200US PRIZE
AARON CORMICAN EQUAL 10TH - $200US PRIZE
ICAH WILMOT EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
JUSTIN TANG EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
JENSEN CALLAWAY EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
JONOTHAN REECE EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
TRAVIS AJAY EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
ELOHE ALI ALVAREZ EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
Due to the fact that the waves at “Beach Break” did not live up to its potential by providing larger and more powerful surf, many of the traditional powerhouse surfers were left looking a little slow and powerless. However, the waves on hand were very contestable nonetheless, and looked a lot like an average day of surf in South Florida or Venezuela. This played to the benefit of the visiting surfers who took advantage of the conditions and looked right at home, comfortably executing maneuvers at a level on par with the worlds best surfers.
From the first horn of the event, it quickly became obvious that the bar had been raised for performance and that traditional maneuvers like ‘cut-backs’ and ‘off the lips’ would not suffice, especially in these conditions, to win heats. Aerial surfing, or surfing above the lip, was the order of the day and surfers like Elohe Ali Alvarez (BRA), Jeremy Johnston (USA), and Rafael Pereira (VEN) had no problem serving it up!
The build up to this event saw a lot of media attention focused on the American and Caribbean surfers that had confirmed their attendance. Very little attention, if any, was given to the two young Venezuelan dark horses that subsequently stole the show. Rafael Pereira and Francisco Bellorin took 1st place (USD$3000) and 2nd place (USD$1100) respectively in the Open Mens Division. The two countrymen went on to trade places in the Pro Jr. (U21), with Bellorin taking 1st place (USD$500) and Pereira taking 2nd Place (USD$250). To top it all off, Pereira also took home an additional USD$250 for best wave in the Expression Session.
In the Mens Open, Jesse Heilman (USA) got 3rd place (USD$800) and Jean Carlo Schaffer finished 4th (USD$500). In the Pro Jr. (U21) Georgio Gomez (USA) finished 3rd and Jordan Heaselgrave (BAR) finished 4th. In the Womens Open, Chelsea Tuach (BAR) finished 1st and Sarah Cox (BAH) finished 2nd. Finally, the best manouver of the Expression Session was awarded to Jensen Callaway for a ‘Pop-Shovit’ aerial.
In addition to the incredible surfing performances on show, the spectators had lots more to look at, with a live performance by the Orange Sky and a top class Bikini Contest by Carolina Swimwear. It was an all round perfect weekend in rural Toco with sun, surf and sand, and a great family atmosphere. All the visiting surfers have already begun making plans to return to beautiful Trinidad.
This event was the second event of five events on the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series (www.westernatlanticsurf.com) and the first event of three on the Caribbean Surf Network Tour (www.csnsurf.com). Be sure to follow the action as the regional pro surfing circuits continue.
Sponsors for the event include Épicé Sunscreen, Surfing T&T, the Tourism Development Company (TDC), Josef’s Sports Bar, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Carolina Swimwear, Beach Break Surf Shop, Caribbean Waterman, Mystic Hemp, and Tropical Power Limited.
All surfers, team managers, officials and press can contact SURFING T&T by contact Lee Quesnel by e-mailing surfingtandt@gmail.com .
MENS OPEN RESULTS
RAFAEL PEREIRA 1ST - $3,000
FRANCISCO BELLORIN 2ND - $1,100
JESSE HEILMAN 3RD - $800
JEAN CARLO SCHAFFER 4TH - $500
JEREMY JOHNSTON EQUAL 5TH - $350US PRIZE
NILS SCHWEIZER EQUAL 5TH - $350US PRIZE
COLIN SAUNDERS EQUAL 7TH - $250US PRIZE
CHRIS DENNIS EQUAL 7TH - $250US PRIZE
MICHAEL PANTIN EQUAL 7TH - $250US PRIZE
LEWIS ST. JOHN EQUAL 10TH - $200US PRIZE
JORDAN HEASELGRAVE EQUAL 10TH - $200US PRIZE
AARON CORMICAN EQUAL 10TH - $200US PRIZE
ICAH WILMOT EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
JUSTIN TANG EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
JENSEN CALLAWAY EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
JONOTHAN REECE EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
TRAVIS AJAY EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
ELOHE ALI ALVAREZ EQUAL 13TH - $150US PRIZE
Official Results of Finals! More to come...
SURFING TandT
Trinidad International Surf Festival
Results
Mens Finalists
1.Raphael Perreira (Ven) $3000.00us
2. Francisco Bellorin (Ven) $1100.00us
3.Jesse Hielman (US) $ 800.00us
4.Jean Carlo Schaffer (Ven) $ 500.00us
Jr Finalists
1.Francisco Bellorin (Ven) $ 500.00us
2.Raphael Perreira (Ven) $ 250.00us
3.Giorgio Gomez (US) $ 150.00us
4. Jordan Heaselgrave (Bar) $ 100.00us
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Regional Champions for Surfing T&T International Surf Festival 2010!
This weekend (May 1st & 2nd), Trinidad and Tobago will host the greatest pool of surfing talent to ever grace our shores. In its inaugural year, the Surfing T&T International Surf Festival has attracted serious attention from professional surfers of this region, securing entries from a long list of champions that will battle for the unprecedented US$3000 individual first prize, and share a total prize purse of US$10,000.
From the Unites States, eight (8) surfers have confirmed entry including Aaron “Gorkin” Cormican, multiple east coast (US) event champion and ESPN X-Games gold medalist in 2003 (MVP) and 2004. Cormican is know in the surfing world for the “Gorkin Flip”, a backside double grab inverted 360 air, the first legit flip ever landed in surfing which he also completed in competition. Joining Cormican will be fellow Americans Evan Geiselman, a Redbull Team Rider and winner of both the Pro Jr. and Open Mens divisions of the Landshark Pro (event #1 of the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series), Nils Schwiezer, Overall winner of the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series 2009, and Jeremy Johnston, a Billabong team rider and past USA National Junior representative for ISA World Junior Surfing Games.
Hailing from Barbados is last years Caribbean Surf Network (CSN) overall tour Champion, and CSN Sans Souci Pro 2009 Champion, Lewis St.John. Young Lewis will be looking to stamp his authority on this event for a solid start in the Caribbean Surf Network for 2010. Christopher Clarke, Jonathan Reece, and Junior Female Phenomenon, Chelsea Tuach, who is also Barbados National women’s Champion and CSN tour 2009 women’s Champion, join him to represent the Blue and Yellow of Barbados.
The Jamaican Surfing Association has once again stepped up their support for regional surfing competition and will be coming to Sans Souci, Toco with their A-game. With a total of eight (8) competing surfers, they will be lead by Icah Wilmot, Current and 5-time Jamaican National Surfing Champion and CSN Tour 2009 Open Men’s Runner-Up. Also carded will be Akeam Phillips and Enson Lightbourn, CSN Tour 2009 2nd and 3rd ranked Pro Junior Surfers, among others.
Josie Graves, winner of the Barbados Reef Classic 2007, will be representing Puerto Rico at the event and will be one surfer to keep an eye on with his consistent and powerful approach to surfing. Also competing will be four (4) Venezuelan and one (1) Australian competitor, who will add a lot of diversity to the field. Finally, there will be a solid roster of Trinidad and Tobago locals looking to defend their home turf and keep the prize money in the island.
Local pro Christopher Dennis of Balandra, the 2-time Surfing T&T National Champion who is currently competing internationally in ASP events, will be leading the pack. Jason Apparicio and Che Lovelace, both 5-time Surfing T&T National Champions and Jr. Champions, will also be flying the Red, Black and White flag for T&T. Current Surfing T&T National Champion and Executive President Keith Lewis, will also be representing T&T alongside top local surfboard shaper, Alan Davis, who was Surfing T&T’s Surfer of the Year 2007 and CSN Tour overall champion in 2007.
Registration for the event closes at 7pm Friday 30th April. There will be no late entries or beach entries. Anyone at risk of missing the registration is encouraged to contact the contest director via the information provided below to make alternative arrangements.
Sponsors for the event include Épicé Sunscreen, the Tourism Development Company (TDC), Josef’s Sports Bar, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Carolina Swimwear, Beach Break Surf Shop, Caribbean Waterman, Mystic Hemp, and Tropical Power Limited.
All surfers, team managers, officials and press can contact SURFING T&T by calling Lee Quesnel at 1-868-301-5051, or e-mail surfingtandt@gmail.com .
Friday, April 9, 2010
US$10,000 Purse for Surfing T&T International Surf Festival 2010 – Largest ever in Trinidad and Tobago!
The Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series (WAPSS, www.westernatlanticsurf.com), the only pro surfing tour that exists on the east coast of the United States, is run by Michael Bloom who is an Association of Surfing (ASP) certified judge and a professional photographer. For the first time in the tour’s existence it will venture beyond its native shores of the US and run an event in Trinidad and Tobago in partnership with Surfing T&T. In order to make the event attractive to international pro surfers, Bloom teamed up with Épicé Sunscreen of the US to secure the largest Prize Purse ever for an International Surf Contest in Trinidad and Tobago.
Épicé Sunscreen’s (www.epicemd.com) developer and owner, Michael S. Spicer MD, FAAD, was born in Trinidad and is returning to his roots to bring much needed support to a developing sport in a developing island. He is also bringing a superior sun protection product than what is currently available in Trinidad’s market. After testing many sun protection products, Dr. Spicer finally found one that dries like a powder, doesn't burn the eyes and, most importantly, keeps the sun's harmful rays at bay. After all, no one wants to hold a surfboard or a fishing rod with sticky or slippery hands just because of sun protection.
The stage is now set for an epic surf contest in Sans Souci, Toco; at a beach the locals affectionately call “Beach Break”. The small, half moon shaped bay will provide a coliseum style ambiance for spectators to watch the best pro surfers from the region battle for an unprecedented prize purse and the open men’s winner will walk away with US$3,000! With so much money on the line, Surfing T&T and WAPSS have employed the services of top International Surf Judges from Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and the Unites States, to compliment the a solid team of local judges who will all be managed by Surfing T&T’s head judge John Torry.
Two of these judges are certified by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) and the rest are certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA). Additionally, for the first time ever in Trinidad and Tobago, the Beach Byte computerized score tabulating system will be used to provide real-time tabulation of judge’s scores and place positions of surfers in the heat. This computer system allows for greater spectator engagement as everyone is aware of what the surfers in the water need to accomplish in order to win their heat and advance to the next round.
The main categories are Open Men’s, Open Woman’s, and Pro Junior (Under 21). There will also be a Night Surfing Expression Session Event, where top surfers will be surfing under stadium lighting and will be looking to perform radical maneuvers to win a separate cash prize.
In addition to being internationally recognized as the second event of the 2010 Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Surfers will also be awarded points based on their performances that will contribute to their overall standing in the Caribbean Waterman Challenge 2010 competition (www.caribbeanwaterman.com).
International competitors will benefit from subsidized accommodation and meals packages organized by Surfing T&T, and can choose one of two packages at USD$30/day and USD$50/day, all meals and accommodation included. Transportation to and from the contest site at Sans Souci will also be organized via shuttle services. Entry fees for the competitors are USD$50 for Open Men’s, and USD$25 for all other Categories. There will be prize money for the top 24 Open Men competitors beginning at USD$3,000 for First Place.
To complement Surfing action, there will also be Audio Visual Entertainment provide by the RedBull Pinzi Vehicle, a Rally Car Demonstration by the Trinidad and Tobago Rally Club, and a “Reef Brazil” Style Bikini Contest hosted by Carolina Swimwear. Sponsors for the event include Épicé Sunscreen, the Tourism Development Company (TDC), Josef’s Sports Bar, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Carolina Swimwear, Beach Break Surf Shop, Caribbean Waterman, and Tropical Power Limited.
All surfers, team managers, officials and press can contact SURFING T&T by calling Lee Quesnel at 1-868-301-5051, or e-mail surfingtandt@gmail.com .
PAYOUT OPEN MEN USD PRO JR (U21) USD WOMEN USD 1st 3000 1st 500 1st 250 2nd 1100 2nd 250 2nd 125 3rd 800 3rd 150 3rd 100 4th 500 4th 100 4th 25 5th 350 7th 250 NIGHT SURF USD 9th 200 EXPRESSION 13th 150 SESSION 500 Winner takes all.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Surfing T&T set to host regions best surfers!
Surfing T&T (www.surfingtt.org) has teamed up with the Caribbean Surf Network (www.csnsurf.com) and the Western Atlantic Professional Surf Series (www.westernatlanticsurf.com) to bring a world class International Surfing Event to the shores of Trinidad and Tobago in 2010. In just about 5 weeks time, professional surfers from the region, including representatives from Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Unites States, will be competing in the SURFING T&T INTERNATIONAL SURF FESTIVAL 2010 in Sans Souci, Toco, Trinidad.
The main categories are Open Men’s, Open Woman’s, and Pro Junior (Under 21). There will also be a Night Surfing Team Event, which will feature impromptu teams of fellow countrymen, sponsored team riders, crewmembers, and locals. This will be an “aloha cup” style event, different from the tradition style competitions with which spectators and surfers are accustomed. Further differentiating this event will be the employment of an ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) Certified Judge from the Unites States and the use of a real-time computerized score tabulation system, both are firsts for Trinidad and Tobago and the Southern Caribbean.
In addition, the competition will be internationally recognized as the second event of 2010 on the recently developed Western Atlantic Surf Series, a US based regional professional surf series, and on the Caribbean Surf Network, a Caribbean based professional surfing circuit. Surfers will also be awarded points based on their performances that will contribute to their overall standing in the Caribbean Waterman Challenge 2010 competition (www.caribbeanwaterman.com).
International competitors will benefit from subsidized accommodation and meals packages organized by Surfing T&T, and can choose one of two packages at USD$30/day and USD$50/day, all meals and accommodation included. Transportation to and from the contest site at Sans Souci will also be organized via shuttle services. Entry fees for the competitors are USD$50 for Open Men’s, and USD$25 for all other Categories. There will be prize money for the top 10 Open Men competitors beginning at USD$1200 for First Place.
To complement the Traditional and Non-Traditional Surfing action, there will also be Audio Visual Entertainment provide by the RedBull Pinzi Vehicle, a Rally Car Demonstration by the Trinidad and Tobago Rally Club, and a “Reef Brazil” Style Bikini Contest hosted by Carolina Swimwear. Sponsors for the event include, but are not limited to, Suzuki International, Lifestyle Motors, the Tourism Development Company (TDC), Joseph’s Sports Bar, the Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series, Carolina Swimwear, and Tropical Power Limited.
All surfers, team managers, officials and press can contact SURFING T&T by calling Lee Quesnel at 1-868-301-5051, or e-mail surfingtandt@gmail.com .
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Surfing T&T to host International Surf Festival in May 2010, welcomes competitors from around the region.
February 20, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On May 1st and 2nd, 2010 The Surfing Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SURFING T&T) will be hosting its first international surfing event in over a decade. In recent years the beaches of the Toco area, located on the northeastern tip of Trinidad, have played host to a handful of International Surf Contests organized by various sponsors and organizations. However, none of these have managed to live up to the reputation of the legendary International Surf Events hosted in the early 1990’s by SURFING T&T and historically remembered as the ZOOM BREAK INTERNATIONAL.
SURFING T&T has spent the last 5 years getting their domestic affairs in order by certifying Coaches and Judges through the International Surfing Association (ISA, www.isasurf.org), implementing surfing development programs, and sending National Teams to ISA World Surfing Games events. The Association is now in a formidable position to re-introduce the excitement of International Surfing Competition to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, and the greater region.
The SURFING T&T INTERNATIONAL SURF FESTIVAL 2010 will be different from any International Surf Event held in Trinidad and Tobago in the Past. The competition will be a combination of a Professional Event, which means Open Surfers will compete for Money Prizes, and National Team Event, which means National Teams will compete for National Pride and Silverware. In addition, the competition will be internationally recognized as the second event of 2010 on the recently developed Western Atlantic Surf Series (www.westernatlanticsurf.com), an US based regional professional surf series. Surfers will also be awarded points based on their performances that will contribute to their overall standing in the Caribbean Waterman Challenge 2010 competition (www.caribbeanwaterman.com).
Moreover, this event will be a weekend long FESTIVAL, in every sense of the word. There will be something for everyone as we promote the celebration of the beach culture of Trinidad and Tobago and expose it to international guests. There will be live music, a bikini competition, action sports demonstrations, local cuisines and delicacies, a spacious and comfortable beach environment for relaxing and socializing in the sun, and of course world-class surfing action!
SURFING T&T has invited competitors from Venezuela, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Unites States. We expect a great turnout and look forward to seeing these countries well represented in and out of the water. For more information on the event please refer to the attached info pack, or feel free to contact us at surfingtandt@gmail.com .
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
SURFING T&T SICK SATURDAY A HUGE SUCCESS!
SANS SOUCI, TRINIDAD. On Saturday 9th January 2010 the SURFINGT&T held their first official event of the year in Toco. The day began at noon with the Surfer of the Year National Team Trails #1 at Salibea Beach, near the Toco Lighthouse. With solid waves in the 4’-5’ range and favorable conditions for contest surfing, the 12 top surfers in the country entered the water to compete for valuable points and hopefully a place on the National Team.
Top local surfer, and 2009 Surfer of the Year, Christopher Dennis Managed to edge past local surfing legend Che Lovelace in the Final to take an early lead in the 2010 Surfer of the Year race. His victory will secure him 1000 points on the tally sheet.
Minutes after the horn was blown to end the Trials, all the competitors and event organizers packed up and headed for Sans Souci, where the SURFING T&T Annual General Meeting was held. The existing executive of the Association was un-contested and they secured their positions for another two (2) year term running the development of Surfing in T&T. The executive committee is: Keith Lewis – President, Sherrard Spiers – Vice President, Warren Rostant – Secretary, Lee Quesnel – Treasurer, Mark de Verteuil – Public Relations, and Johnathan Torry – Head Judge.
The 2009 SURFING T&T Surfer of the Year, Christopher Dennis, was then awarded with his very special SANS SOUCI MEMORIAL TROPHY that was build locally and dedicated to the lives of all the Trinidad and Tobago surfers that have been lost over the years. Finally, the members of SURFING T&T were treated to an experience of a lifetime. With the help of Power Up Rental Equipment Ltd, the Bay of SANS SOUCI was illuminated with two massive industrial lighting towers and the surfers all paddled out at 8pm to surf the waves in the night, under the lights.
This was a first for everyone present and the energy and good vibe was overwhelming. The night surfing under lights was an experiment by the Association in preparation for an actual contest under lights, featuring International Teams, as part of the SURFING T&T INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2010, scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, 2010.
For more information about these events, please contact SURFINGTANDT@GMAIL.COM
RESULTS:
Round 1
H1
Chris Dennis 1
Shane Hennaman 2
Kevin See Tai 4
Simon Cabral 3
H2
Che Lovelace 1
Brian Ramcharan 2
Shawn Rostant 3
Stephan Lue Chin 4
H3
Keith Lewis 3
Kendall Francis 1
Dario Jordan 2
Kiwan Landreth-Smith 4
Semi-Finals
H4
Che Lovelace 1
Shane Hennaman 2
Kendall Francis 3
H5
Chris Dennis 1
Brian Ramcharan 2
Dario Jordan 3
Final
H6
Chris Dennis 1
Che Lovelace 2
Brian Ramcharan 3
Shane Hennaman 4
| Current | | Trials #1 | Salibea |
| RANK | Surfer | Place | Points |
| 1 | Chris Dennis | 1 | 1000 |
| 2 | Che Lovelace | 2 | 860 |
| 3 | Bryan Ramcharan | 3 | 730 |
| 4 | Shane Hennaman | 4 | 670 |
| 5 | Kendall Francis | 5 | 610 |
| 5 | Dario Jordan | 5 | 610 |
| 7 | Keith Lewis | 7 | 555 |
| 7 | Shawn Rostant | 7 | 555 |
| 7 | Kevin Setai | 7 | 555 |
| 10 | Simon Cabral | 10 | 488 |
| 10 | Stephan Lue Chin | 10 | 488 |
| 10 | Kiwan Landreth-Smith | 10 | 488 |
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