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The surfing community is reeling from the sudden and tragic death of Andy Irons (Hawaii), 32, former three-time ASP World Champion. Andy passed away from illness-related complications while en route from competition in Puerto Rico back to his home in Kauai. We have often posted images of Andy in this blog and it seems fitting that we mark his passing with a picture of him showing why he became a surfing icon.He began his career with the elite ASP World Tour in 1998, going on to collect 20 elite tour victories, four Triple Crown of Surfing Titles and three consecutive ASP World Titles.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the Irons family.
Snowboarding is preferred to skiing for an increasing number of snow junkies looking for an adrenaline rush and amongst the Brits, France continues to be by far the most popular choice for a quick snowboarding holiday. Whether a last minute break or a planned getaway, the reason for the popularity is simple, France claims to have the largest number of skiable slopes in the world and some of the best slopes can be reached in just a few hours from the UK. The best-known French ski resorts are to be found in the Alpine region and this is where most of the skiers head. Know as the gateway to the Alps, there are about 40 ski
resorts to be found within just an hour's drive of France's Chambery airport. The resorts include the highly regarded destinations of Courcheval and Meribel and those prepared to drive for a further two hours are spoilt for choice, with a further 74 ski resorts to choose from, not least of which is the deservedly celebrated Chamonix.
Alternatively, many snowboarders prefer to take the ski train. You board at London's Waterloo International (or at Ashford International in Kent) to enjoy a non-stop journey, all the way to the foot of the slopes in the French Alps. Others even take advantage of an overnight coach service, travelling at night to get more time on the slopes.
Both suppliers are established holiday providers with excellent reputations. They are also ABTA and ATOL bonded, so customers can be assured that their travel arrangements and holiday money is protected and secure. However, note that ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents and ATOL, the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing schemes are both UK operated organizations and as such, scheme benefits usually only cover UK customers. As always, you must check and confirm all details with supliers before making any payments.
The picture of a snowboarding jump in La plagne (France) was photographed by Jochem Alferink.
I have been sent details of Red Bull's Project X, where Shaun White has been working on some spectacular new snowboard tricks, deep in the backcountry of Colorado on a secret half-pipe built by Red Bull.
Project X has now gone public, accompanied by the usual video, which gives a taster of what you can find on the Red Bull Project X web site, including videos of the new tricks.
Tip, don't try this on that weekend ski break that you have planned!
The ASP World Title has heated up with the early elimination of front runner, Australian Joel Parkinson in the recent Quiksilver Pro France and the subsequent win by his Gold Coast stablemate, Mick Fanning. The Australian friends will battle other top seeds C.J. Hobgood, Bede Durbidge and Kelly Slater as the ASP Dream Tour continues the European leg at the Billabong Pro Mundaka from October 5 – 17, 2009. Mick Fanning claimed his second consecutive ASP Dream Tour event, the 2009 Quiksilver Pro France presented by Orange, by defeating fellow Australian Bede Durbidge in punchy 0.5 – 1 metre waves at Les Bourdaines.
CURRENT ASP WORLD TOUR TOP 10: 1 Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5896 points 2 Mick Fanning (AUS) 5750 points 3 C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4872 points 4 Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4792 points 5 Kelly Slater (USA) 4638 points 6 Adriano de Souza (BRA) 4573 points 7 Taj Burrow (AUS) 4417 points 8 Damien Hobgood (USA) 4384 points 9 Bobby Martinez (USA) 4314 points 10 Taylor Knox (USA) 4216 points
Joel Parkinson (AUS), continued his winning start to the 2009 season, claiming the 2009 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach by defeating local surfer Adam Robertson (AUS), trials winner and event wildcard, in pumping 2m (6ft) waves at Bells Beach, Australia.
This was the second stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour and capacity crowds turned out to watch a historic final. The next stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour will be the Billabong Pro Teahupoo from May 9 – 20, 2009.
Here are the pictures I promised of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast held at Kirra, Australia, March 2009. Sorry for the delay, let's just say that there have been a few distractions.
Thanks to Cyclone Hamish, the historic pointbreak offered churning barrels with massive scoring potential in the final and local favorite, Joel Parkinson, proved to be very much at home in the challenging conditions. Parkinson buckled his board on the first wave but returned to the lineup to nail a perfect 10, his second of the day. Taking him to victory over former ASP World Junior Champion, young Brazilian, Adriano de Souza, who was surfing in his first ASP World Tour final.
In the women's final of the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, another local, who happens to be the reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore, defeated Melanie Bartels from Hawaii. The final was held at Snapper Rocks and was her fourth consecutive win on the ASP Women’s World Tour.
We have often posted images of Andy in this blog and it seems fitting that we mark his passing with a picture of him showing why he became a surfing icon.He began his career with the elite ASP World Tour in 1998, going on to collect 20 elite tour victories, four Triple Crown of Surfing Titles and three consecutive ASP World Titles.
The best-known French ski resorts are to be found in the Alpine region and this is where most of the skiers head. Know as the gateway to the Alps, there are about 40 ski big.jpg "Mick Fanning at Les Bourdaines © ASP/ CI/ CESTARI via GETTY IMAGES")
This was the second stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour and capacity crowds turned out to watch a historic final. The next stop on the 2009 ASP World Tour will be the Billabong Pro Teahupoo from May 9 – 20, 2009.
Thanks to Cyclone Hamish, the historic pointbreak offered churning barrels with massive scoring potential in the final and local favorite, Joel Parkinson, proved to be very much at home in the challenging conditions. Parkinson buckled his board on the first wave but returned to the lineup to nail a perfect 10, his second of the day. Taking him to victory over former ASP World Junior Champion, young Brazilian, Adriano de Souza, who was surfing in his first ASP World Tour final.
