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The best tube riders of all time
Friday, 07 September 2012 18:03

Andy Irons: still getting barreled in heaven

The most experienced tube riders in the world have enjoyed long, difficult, hollow, deep and perfect barrels. Who are they and how complicated is to get pitted?

Getting barreled in a wave is the ultimate dream of every surfer. If tube riding could be taught in the university, it would be the hardest exam. In this case, if you fail it's wipeout time over the falls.

Surfing the tube is a sensorial experience. Tube riders contemplate the cave with their eyes, hear the spray and power of wave with their ears, touch the wave face with their hand and even smell the salted flavour of ocean water when you're spitted.

Tube riding: only a surfer knows the meaning

The tube ride demands practice and quality waves, too. Usually, you're not allowed to get cover for a long time. The circular curtain of salted water is fast and demands timing and momentum.

The best tube riders in the world have experienced a wide variety of surf breaks. After thousands of wave rides, they get to know when it's time to stall and to get pitted.

Dominating Pipeline is not a mission for the average surfer. When the only way out is through a super fast, sucking left-handed barrel, then let it for the masters.

The surf barrel: stall and enjoy the ride

The most coveted maneuver in surfing also requires techniques such as pumping, speeding up, drawing the optimal line in the pocket and lowering your body.

Being blown out of the tube is an experience especially designed for a restricted group of surfers. Cory Lopez is one of the luckiest surfers on Earth, as he scored the longest tube ride ever recorded. Thirty seconds. Exactly, 30 seconds of pure tube riding pleasure.

The 50 best tube riders of all time:

Adriano de Souza
Al Mennie
Alex Gray
Andy Irons
Brian Conley
Bruce Irons
CJ Hobgood
Cory Lopez
Damien Hobgood
Dane Reynolds
Dean Morrison
Derek Ho
Fábio Gouveia
Garrett McNamara
Gary Elkerton
Gerry Lopez
Ian Walsh
Jamie O'Brien
Jeff Hakman
Jeremy Flores
John John Florence
Johnny Boy Gomes
Josh Kerr
Kalani Chapman
Kelly Slater

Koby Abberton
Laird Hamilton
Larry Blair
Laurie Towner
Mark Healey
Mark Mathews
Mark Occhilupo
Mark Richards
Michael Ho
Mick Fanning
Mikala Jones
Nathan Edge
Ozzie Wright
Peter Mel
Picuruta Salazar
Richie Fitzgerald
Rob Machado
Rory Russell
Shane Dorian
Shaun Tomson
Sunny Garcia
Taj Burrow
Tiago Pires
Timmy Reyes
Tom Caroll


 

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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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