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JP-AUSTRALIA presents the Aloha Classic 2013!
n 2006 JP Australia sponsored the Aloha Classic for the first time. Back then Josh Angulo won the event ahead of Jason Polakow and Kevin Pritchard.
After not having a PWA event on Maui since then, JP finally decided that it is time to step up and become again the title sponsor of the Aloha Classic and bring the best wave sailors back to Maui for a PWA competition.
JP is very proud to be able to help to make this finally happening and looks forward to see the best and most radical wave riders on this planet to perform in the prestigious Aloha Classic.
The contest is currently running so stay tuned!
Naish to challenge for the title one more time at the JP Aloha Classic
Press Release from the AWT
The stage is now set for what promises to be one of the biggest clashes of windsurfing talent in living memory. Robby Naish, probably the biggest name in the history of windsurfing, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming JP Aloha Classic that begins on Thursday 24th October, at Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii.
For the first time since 2000, Naish will compete on the PWA World Tour. Taking the third “Champions” wildcard alongside Kevin Pritchard and Josh Angulo, directly into the main PWA event, Naish will complete a competition line-up that spans over three generations. Some of the newest and most innovative talent in the sport will go head to head with the very pioneers that paved the way for modern day windsurfing to become the explosive, dynamic and action packed sport that it has evolved into.
In the challenging, historic surf of Ho’okipa, the experience and mastery of the ocean, held firm by the old guard, will offer a perfect contrast to the unorthodox and radical departures of the goiter generation. A true test of “bread and butter” top to bottom wave riding versus aerial trickery will ensue, as all riders leave caution on the beach and go all in to try and claim their seat at the elusive Ho’okipa winners table.
Naish was keen to point out that his contention for the Aloha Classic title was not something to be taken too lightly. At 50 years of age, he is in some of the best shape of his life and his sheer presence will be enough to deter all but the steeliest opponents.
Robby Naish
“Before anyone gets too excited, this is not the start of a comeback, it is simply an opportunity to challenge myself a little bit and have some fun in the competition arena again – and there is no finer arena than Ho’okipa for the Aloha. Its been 7 years since the last pro tour event at Ho’okipa and 7 years since the last Aloha Classic and there is no more prestigious event title in the sport. I am not setting out to prove anything, just simply to rise to the challenge before me and mainly have fun in my own backyard along with some of the finest windsurf talent out there”
The 2013 JP Aloha Classic will bring together the American Windsurfing Tour and the PWA World Tour to create one of the biggest wave sailing events of all time. But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Maui for the event itself, the pro divisions will be broadcast live via the internet and will be available to watch on demand afterwards so don’t miss out.
For further information and for all the action as it happens, tune into www.pwaworldtour.com and www.americanwindsurfingtour.com from the 24th October to see the likes of Koster, Fernandez, Browne, Stone, Angulo, Pritchard, Roediger, Juban, Siver, Mussolini and of course, Robby Naish together in full blown competition action for the first and possibly last time ever!
The AWT is proud to announce the confirmation of the PWAs involvement in the 2013 JP Aloha Classic. For the first time in 7 years, the PWA World Tour will be back on Maui to put the world’s best windsurfers against some of the world’s best conditions. Taking off where it left off in 2006, the Aloha Classic will once again be supported by JP Australia, highlighting the unbreakable bond between the JP name and the world famous surf of Ho’okipa Beach Park.
Top Pros ranking from the AWT brackets will advance as wildcards to the PWA brackets. We are happy to also welcome Duncan Coombs as confirmed Head Judge for the 2013 JP Aloha Classic.
The contest window for the Aloha Classic is October 24th-November 6th. Permits allow us to run 11 of the 14 days. We will hold our awards party on Saturday, November 2nd. All completed divisions up to that point will be awarded then. Any final awards will be presented at the beach Sunday the 3rd through Wednesday the 6th of November, condition dependent.
The AWT and PWA will soon be bringing us the JP Aloha Classic Presented by Kuau Store. Read the press release and details from the AWT below, 92 competitors are already registered.
The AWT is happy to welcome the PWA to Maui for the JP Aloha Classic at Ho’okipa October 24th-November 6th. AWT divisions will run as usual. Top 2 AWT ranked riders automatically advance to the PWA bracket as well as top 6 ranked riders from the AWT Pro division at Ho’okipa.
We have a great crew lined up to run the event including PWA Head Judge Duncan Coombs. The judges panel will consist of many local knowledgeable and trained judges such as Pascal Hardy, Chris Freeman, Alex Bitoun, Michael Archer, Griffin Freysinger and Neil Turpin.
Kai Katchadourian will once again be entertaining the world commentating for the live cast. He joined by several guests throughout the contest.
Local comedian Chris Seeley will be joined by Pietro Porchella announcing on the beach for spectators at Ho’okipa. Porchella has been present at all wave contests on Maui since the Maui Grand Prix in 1981. He has worked all 21 previous editions of the Aloha Classic. We are looking forward to his knowledge on the beach.
Our fearless Beach Marshal Dane Dingerson will be at the beach the entire contest keeping all competitors in check for their heats.
Red Bull is the official sponsor of water safety and rescue which will be led by DK Walsh.
Maui Nerd Productions led by Kevin Pritchard will be producing quality short video clips of the action throughout the contest.
Professional Photographer Si Crowther is the official photographer for the entire event.
And for all of you who can not attend the event, Stephan Boeker from Live Maui Webcasts will be producing a live cast for the world to watch all AWT Pro, and PWA heats from home. Tune in on the action at AmericanWindsurfingTour.com and post your comments on twitter and facebook to stay in the loop.
We have a great list of 92 AWT riders registered as of today. If you have not registered yet, please do so at AmericanWindsurfingTour.com. Encourage your friends to sign up as well!
Contest Window: October 24th-November 6th
8pm: Notice for next day’s possibility of running contest based on forecast
9am: Skippers meeting at lifeguard tower with a first possible start of 10am
11am: Final call if contest will run for the day
AWT Hatteras Wave Jam Goes Off
The forecast came true for the 2013 ATW Hatteras Wave Jam as two solid days of competition allowed for the completion of all divisions. The AWT scoring system paid off as all competitors are allowed a second chance if they mess up in the first round encouraging riders to really push the limits of their skills. Day one saw strong wind and moderate waves that were perfect for getting the first couple rounds of the Masters and Amateur divisions in the books. Day two showcased slightly less wind but bigger and cleaner swell, which allowed the pros, women and advancing Masters and Amateurs to really show what they could do.
PRO DIVISION
Some of the world’s top wavesailors were here to vie for the AWT Hatteras Wave Jam title and the competition was very close. The final came down to a battle between Andy McKinney, Fabrice Beaux, Bernd Roediger and Kevin Pritchard. McKinney is the owner of a local shop (Wind-NC) and used his Hatteras knowledge to advance to the final and finish in 4th position. Beaux absolutely ripped his way through the heat up to the final but struggled to find the best set waves resulting in a 3rd place finish. The battle for the top spot was close with Pritchard’s powerful style matching up against Roediger’s new-school moves. Roediger took the heat with the wave ride of the event that included a big one-handed aerial and a Taka.
WOMEN’S DIVISION
No division embodies the true spirit of the AWT more than the women. They are willing to go out and rip whenever called upon no matter the conditions and they always do so with a smile on their faces—”no complaining…just ripping!” This year Miho Tanaka of Japan defended her title from last year winning over Sam Bittner (2nd) and Kerri Stokes. Sam Bittner sailed very well but couldn’t match the far more experienced Tanaka (who also competed in the Pro division). It was Stokes first time sailing in the waves and what better time to do it then at an AWT event… congrats to Kerri Stokes!
AMATEUR AND MASTERS DIVISIONS
Both the amateur and masters divisions were tight battles. The Am final featured George Marcopoulos, Ken Ahrendt, Ian Stokes and Casey Treichler. Marcopoulos sailed well this entire event finishing just off the podium in 4th place. Ahrendt of the local shop Ocean Air not only kept many visiting riders stoked by lending them gear but sailed a strong heat to finish in 3rd position. The top spot came down to a close fight between young gun Stokes and the “Reef Warrior” Treichler. Both these guys know this wave very well and had the perfect gear to suit the conditions. In the end Treichler found the better set-wave to rip apart giving him the Am Wave Jam title.
The Masters final featured a 4-man heat of Dave Kashy, Gordy Stokes, Ken Keller and Mike Wazenski. All had been sailing very well through the competition and in the end Kashy took the top podium spot over Wazenski (2nd), Keller (3rd) and Stokes (4th).
Enjoy the video above, and check out the full results and some sick pictures @ http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/hatteras-wave-jam-complete/
Watch the action from the AWT Pacasmayo Classic Pro heats, with long head high waves it was another amazing contest eventually won by Camile Juban!
Here’s a little preview video featuring AWT Rider Bernd Roediger who has already been at the El Faro Resort for a few weeks. He’s got some sick windsurfing action.
The event kicks off on August 25th, and attracts top pro’s and amateurs alike. At only $30 a day you will be housed and fed, thats a deal that can’t be beat. For more details on the event check out AmericanWindsurfingTour.com and accomidations www.elfaropacasmayo.com.
The Pacasmayo Classic is AWT sanctioned and a part of the IFCA South American Wave Sailing and Slalom Championships.
For more information about the event, please read the official 2013_IFCA_Slalom_Wave_SA_APW_NoR.doc.
Editors Note: We’d love to be there, but are schedule and budget is tight this season, hopefully next year!
One amazing video from the 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown has already surface, you can check that out here with the pro action. Now check out the action clip of the Amateurs, Masters, Women and Youth down in Punta San Carlos.
The 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown in Punta San Carlos will go down as the most epic Pro/Am wave events in history.
The event saw amazing waves and wind with competitors competing on sail sizes from 4.5 down to 3.5. The long heat lengths and super fair “second chance” bracket system has kept a smile on every riders face. Let’s check out the action.
The AWT would like to dedicate the AWT Baja event to Andre Paskowski who passed away today. He truly lived life to its fullest even through hard times. His love for the sport of windsurfing was portrayed in his incredible windsurf film making. He inspired us and his legend lives on in our hearts. – AWT
Filmed by Joey Sanchez, Kevin Pritchard
Additional footage by Jake Miller Xsensor
The 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown in Punta San Carlos will go down as the most epic Pro/Am wave events in history!
Day 4 at the 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown saw more wind and waves with competitors garbing there 4.5’s down to 3.5s. Conditions were epic, riders were stoked, plus long heats and the fair “second chance” bracket system had everyone smiling. Check out the wrap up of the final day of action below!
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A south swell silled in to Punta San Carlos bringing consistent logo to mast high waves at the point that rolled into the Chili Bowl. Competition began at 11:30 and ran all the way until 6:30, with 16 minute heats, and all 4 division seeing some exciting action!
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At 1:30 Head Judge Keith Teboul made the call to start the Amateur Division with 16 minute heats! With the new competition bracket system in place first round winners would automatically advance to the third round, while second and third place finishers would have to battle it out in round 2 to stay alive.
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Everyone has arrived at Punta San Carlos for the 2013 AWT Quatro Desert Showdown and and an awesome event is expected. With a good outlook for swell the event has likely already started.
Day 1 showed promise with some decent sets rolling through but with the forecast only looking better head judge Keith Teboul decided to give everyone a day for warming up to the conditions… and everyone took advantage.
The competition brackets have been drawn up using a brand new “second chance” bracket system, giving competitors a chance to lose in their first heat and still come back in a “second chance” round and make it back into the competition. This format really allows for competitors to take more risks early in the competition, as they can still win their way back into the mix if their risky big moves don’t work out. This is what the AWT is all about…pushing the limits of wavesailing! Here is the Pro bracket (with the same format being used for Women, Amateur, Masters and Youth):
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check out some wicked Gorge style action from the 2013 Gorge Freestyle Frenzy & Big Air. Dale Cook won the Xensr big air and set the highest Jump at 21.03 feet, with Ingrid Larouche winning the women’s division. Ingrid also won the Womens Freestyle Freenzy. In the Pro Men’s Freestyle division Bryan Metcalf-Perez took first, followed by Wyatt Miller in second and Tyson Poor in third.
The action isn’t done yet as competitor meet at noon tomorrow at the Hatchery Saturday for Jump Off Expression Session.
Behind The Scenes Interviews
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