| Bodyboards on-hold in the 2009 IBA Pipeline Pro |
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| Monday, 23 February 2009 15:31 |
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After an astounding opening day at Pipeline the event has been on-hold as organizers wait for the next swell to hit the North Shore of Oahu. “ We have most models pointing towards a significant swell event for the early part of the upcoming week and we feel confident that we will wrap up the final two days of competition by Wednesday” said IBA General manager Terry McKenna. After an epic first day competitors of the Turbo Bodyboards Pipeline Pro have been making the most of fun sized Rocky Point and beach park but now it seems the bar is about to be raised as we head into the second day. After the first four rounds of competition the Australian’s have dominated the field with two of the top three highest scores. Chris Wilson from the coastal city of Newcastle (NSW, Australia) was the days top scorer posting a 9.40 in his round 3 heat. “We get some big clean lefts around where I live so I felt at home out there. Big perfect Pipe is a dream with 4 guys out so I was loving it mate” said the elated Aussie. Next best scores of day one went to Hawaiian Bud Miyamoto (9.33) and Simon Ormerod (9.10 Australia) but both fell before R4. Oshi Grady (Hawaii) and Damien King (Australia) Rueben Quinones (PRC) were also standouts using their experience to flare up on day 1. Round 5 will hit the water at 8am on the next day of competition and we will finish off R7 at 4pm. All eyes will be on the wild cards for this event. Sponsors wildcards Garth McGregor (Australia) and Andre Botha (South Africa) are two feared competitors and seasoned campaigners. McGregor is completing an amazing return to the competition arena and is regarded as one of the most powerful riders in the world whilst former world champion Andre Botha is in a similar position after a year or two off the IBA World Tour. The local Hawaiian Wildcards went to Jerrett Lau and Kianoa McGee. Jerrett is emerging as one of the most talented riders in the Islands and is always a standout at Pipe whilst Kianoa has a long rich history at the event and the venue. Kianoa did the reverse of Jamie O’Brien when he contested the Pipe master’s stand-up contest and successfully made the transition from Pro Bodyboarder to Pro surfer. Round 5 heats are as follows Heat # 1 Heat # 2 Heat # 3 Heat # 4 Heat # 5 Heat # 6 Heat # 7 Heat # 8 Competitors will be on standby from tomorrow morning for a possible 8am start. SOURCE: IBA World Tour |
