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Pro bodyboarders return to the wedge of death
Tuesday, 24 April 2012 10:51

Mike Stewart: defying Shark Island with his unique surf line

The Shark Island Challenge is a brand. If you've never surfed the infamous Cronulla bodyboard spot, near Sydney, Australia, you've never tasted some of the world's toughest wave conditions.


The event is back, again. The 2012 NMD Shark Island Challenge, a major bodyboarding specialty event on the IBA calendar, has two waiting periods seeking the optimal one-day of swell in either periods.

The first waiting period being 24th April–14th May where we then break for the South American leg of the IBA World Tour and the 2nd waiting period is from 20th June–28th July.

The 18 competitors invited plus two successful trialists will follow 2011’s event format of one day of competition. Ryan Hardy from WA, who won the event in 2005, will be on hand to showcase his talent as will Ben Player the two-time world champion and two-time Shark Island champion.

Andrew Lester, Mitch Rawlins, Jeff Hubbard and Mike Stewart are some of the names in the list of invitees.

If you fear Shark Island, do not ride this wave. The perfect Shark Island barrel demands you wait on the outside peak. The wave shapes up in the form of a pushy 5ft bowl.

The take-off might be easy, but the secret lies on what lies ahead. That perfect 5ft bowl all of a sudden starts to evolve into a solid 6-8ft towering wedge of death.


 

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SURFING

The most shark-infested waters in the world
17/05/2013
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There are over 470 species of sharks and they have been living on Planet Earth for 420 million years.
The smallest shark - the dwarf lantern shark - is only 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in length, while the whale shark is the largest specie in the world, with approximately 12 meters (39 feet). Sharks live in all oceans down to depths of 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). Usually, they do not live in freshwater with the exception of the bull shark and river shark.


From Teahupoo with love and rockets
17/05/2013
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Can surfers get bored of powerful and deadly waves because they're riding them for three consecutive days? Down at "The End of the Road", the big wave surfing hysteria keeps rolling. After all, it's Teahupoo isn't it?
Reef McIntosh confirms the theory of Teahupoo waves as freight trains, at full speed. He may have conquered the title of fastest tube rider of the French Polynesian islands. This thing called Teahupoo it's been pumping. Day one, day two and now chapter three. Kohl Christensen,  [ ... ]


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KITEBOARDING

"Death loop" kills kitesurfer in Quebec
14/05/2013
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A 32-year-old kitesurfer has passed away when he was sailing on the Lake of Two Mountains, in Quebec, Canada.
Julien Blanchard was enjoying a kitesurfing session in the part of the river delta widening of the Ottawa River, in Quebec, when he suffered what is commonly called the "death loop". The rider was dragged to his death on the lake, after fell and being kept underwater by his kite for about 20 minutes.


Kiteboard Open 2013 set for Noordwijk
13/05/2013
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The Kiteboard Open 2013 will run between the 18th-20th May, in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
During three days, the west of the Netherlands is invaded by some of the best regional kitesurfers in a beach lifestyle festival. Ruben Lenten, Kevin and Jalou Langeree will be showing off in the Kiteboard Open 2013, at the their home spot.


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WINDSURFING

Taty Frans and Kiri Thode blast the Curacao Challenge 2013
17/05/2013
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Taty Frans and Kiri Thode have claimed the Slalom and Freestyle titles at the Curacao Challenge 2013, in the Netherlands Antilles.
A total of 85 windsurfers from some of the world's best sailing countries like Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao competed in front of hundreds of spectators. The 5th edition of the Curacao Challenge showcased an high level of competition mixed with a great atmosphere. The event held a Tow-In Freestyle contest, Slalom races and a SUP battle.


The windsurfing book for young people
14/05/2013
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"Go Windsurfing!" is a windsurfing book for young people published by the Royal Yachting Association.
Written and illustrated by Claudia Myatt, "RYA Go Windsurfing!" offers easy reading style and engaging content to children aged between 7-12 years old. The entertaining and clear format takes the reader from the beginnings through to starting to race and what they need to know to stay safe while out windsurfing. There is also an informative section at the back which explores Windsurfing amaz [ ... ]


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BODYBOARDING

Dan Ryan air drops into vertical Teahupoo
15/05/2013
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Dan Ryan has scored epic air drops into deep barrels, in Teahupoo, Tahiti, during the largest swell of the year.
The adrenaline-fueled 13th May 2013 has been considered an historical big wave surfing day, in the French Polynesian island. Too big to paddle-in, too vertical for surfers. No worries. Dan Ryan, member of the big wave bodyboarding club, was one of the few prone riders defying fear, at the Teahupoo bowl. When the moment came, he went for it, big time.


World's best tube riders fly to El Gringo
14/05/2013
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The 2013 IBA GoPro Arica Chilean Challenge kicks off on the 17th May, in Arica, Chile, at the infamous El Gringo bodyboarding spot.
The third stop of the 2013 IBA World Tour is a Grand Slam Series events, which means there's a lot at stake. With $40,000 in prize money and 2000 points for the winner, Chile is a must. Moreover, the Arica Chilean Challenge is celebrating its 10th anniversary and all riders will be trying to claim the trophy, in front of thousands of hardcore bodyboarding fans.  [ ... ]


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