ANDY IRONS’ DREAM VICTORY AT THE 10TH BILLABONG PRO TAHITI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                        FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2010
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ANDY IRONS’ DREAM VICTORY AT THE 10TH BILLABONG PRO TAHITI
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TEAHUPOO, TAHITI – (September 03, 2010) –– VERTRA ELEMENTAL RESISTANCE is stoked for ANDY IRONS on his remarkable come back win at the 10th Anniversary of the Billabong Pro Tahiti! On the very last day of the event’s waiting period Mother Tahiti allowed the World’s best to showcase their best.  A.I. put on a dominant performance over Florida’s CJ Hobgood to claim his 20th ASP World Tour victory of his career!

The Billabong Pro Tahiti webcast did such a great job on covering the event with in depth interviews from all of the competitors throughout the entire waiting period.  Billabong’s I Surf Because... campaign which focused heavily on Andy’s come back from a year break off tour.  A.I. was even quoted saying “it’s my dream to just win one more event” and that he did.  With the birth of his first child coming with his wife Lyndie, A.I. couldn’t have any more positive motivation to do what he did today!

Andy’s path to victory saw him overcome the likes of 9x ASP World Champion Kelly Slater, Patrick Gudauskas, the current 2x World Champion and fellow Vertra team mate Mick Fanning, and rookies Matt Wilkinson,  and Tanner Gudauskas.  Andy’s precision tube riding and relentless approach over Teahupoo’s razor sharp reefs that he honed growing up in the same type of waves and reefs growing up in Kauai.  His comfort shown through today and earned him a cool $50,000 first place prize and moves him up to 7th place on the World Tour rankings! 

We will see Andy compete next at the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California coming up in a few weeks from September 12-18, 2010.  Moving into the back half of the 2010 ASP World Tour season we are sure to see Andy and Mick make their moves in an effort at moving to the number one spot on the World Tour ratings.

For VERTRA media inquiries contact:
Jason Shibata
Vertra Surf Team Manager
Vertrasurf@gmail.com
+1-808-77-5545

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Surf team check out our website: www.Vertra.com Or visit us on Facebook Or follow us on Twitter Or email:  vertrasurf@gmail.com  
Vertra Suncare embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Billabong Pro Tahiti - Final Day

The 10th Annual Billabong Pro Tahiti is set to crown an event champion just in time on the last day of its waiting period. Teahupoo warriors Mick Fanning and Andy Irons are the remaining Vertra athletes still in contention for the prestigious 2010 Billabong Pro Tahiti Title. 

Competition will commence with Round 4 and running through to the final.  The only bummer is that we will be watching good friends and team mats Mick and A.I. going head to head in Heat 7 of Round 4.  Both surfers are looking during the first 3 rounds of competition and have a good shot at winning the whole event!  Tune in at watch the event LIVE, or check out the event page for full results, videos on demand, photos and all of the news leading up to this final day of competition.

 

Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010 - Day 8 - First Day of Competition

The Billabong Pro Tahiti kicked off its first day of competition today in clean 3-4 foot surf.  Although the waves started out slow for the first few heats as the day progressed so did the action in the water.  Contest Director Luke Egan ran Round 1 into the first 6 heats of Round 2.  

Mick Fanning was the only of one our Vertra athletes to compete in the second heat of Round 2 today.  Fanning dominated the Taumata Puhetini (Winner of the Air Tahiti VonZipper Trials Wildcard) with a combination of clean tube rides and radical backhand surfing.  Puhetini was left in combination situation and was unable to overcome the wrath of Fanning.

When competition commences we will see Taylor Knox (heat 7), Andy Irons (heat 10), Kekoa Bacalso (heat 15), and Dusty Payne vs. Brett Simpson (heat 16). 

With this event being such an important one for surfers sitting outside of the top 32 cutoff, it was important that the event started in the best waves possible.  Luke Stedman was the only surfer to come away with a Round 1 heat win which progressed him straight through to the third round. For full results check out http://billabongpro.com/tahiti10/results/

Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010 - Day 6 - called OFF for the day

Check back tomorrow Day 7 in anticipation to the start of Round 1 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010.  Cheer on our Vertra athletes BAM, Steds, Mick, A.I., Dusty, Simpo and Taylor via the LIVE webcast.

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Surf team check out our website: www.Vertra.com Or visit us on Facebook Or follow us on Twitter Or email:  vertrasurf@gmail.com  
Vertra Suncare embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010 - On Hold - 11 am call

TEAHUPOO, TAHITI (Saturday, August 28, 2010)  The Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010 is on hold for an 11 am call to see if competition will begin today.  After 5 days without swell big enough to compete in, the waves have picked up slightly over night and signs of waves in the 2 foot range are on offer today.  Contest Director Luke Egan and crew will reassess the conditions if the waves are contestable enough for the World Tour event.  There isn't much swell on the forecast and we could see a possible start to the first round of heats.

This year's Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010 is the last event in which World Tour surfers must make it into the top 32 of the ratings to keep their slot and continue on the rest of the season on the World Tour.  For those who fail to do so will be regulated back to the WQS tour in an effort of making the top 16 of that tour to gain a spot on the World Tour in 2011.  This will be weighing heavy on the minds of rookies and veterans alike to keep their spots and may put surfers in a position to do what has never been done before!  Don't miss a heat and watch it LIVE

Benny B hits the ECSC

Ben Bourgeois is one of the most decorated surfers from the East Coast of America.  The former World Tour competitor, WQS champion and an all around great guy will be attending the East Coast Surfing Championships in Virgina Beach this week.  Yesterday kicked off the festivities of the 48th Annual ECSC with a total of 36 division to be completed.  

 Virginia Beach is for Lovers and man do they love surfing here!  

Prior to heading up to the ECSC for Reef's Miss Reef competition, Ben was in Costa Rica with good buddy Alek Parker.  We followed Ben through Alek's Facebook posts "Alek and Ben do Coast Rica" and it looks like they got some really fun waves.  Ben went down to CR with Alek to score some fun uncrowded waves and an effort to get some last minute clips for his upcoming Innersection.tv part for the final round of submissions.  There are some sick frame grabs posted from the trip and I'm excited to see what Ben has in store for us with his upcoming section.  We'll keep you posted when it drops.

Yujiro Tsuji claims his first WQS Victory!

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Sunday, August 22, 2010) Yujiro Tsuji (JPN),  25, (red) won the 2* WQS Malibu presents the Murasaki Kitaizumi Pro his first WQS victory of his career!  Shikoku's Yurijo Tsuji was up against good friends and WQS travel partner Teppei Tajima from Chiba.  This man on man final was the one everyone was waiting for, the current JPSA ratings leader vs. the 2x ASP Japan Champ.

Yujiro took full advantage of Kitaizumi's 1-2 foot racing left handers with a variety of different aerial maneuvers.  From the onset Yujiro took a commanding lead of the final with a 7.25 and 8.75 for a two wave total of 16.00!  

Not to be shut down without a fight, Teppei bashed a left with a series of vicious vertical snaps to score himself a 8.00 and put him back into contention.  The two surfers put on an amazing display of technical surfing but in the end it was Yujiro Tsuji who walked away with top honors!

This result for Yujiro and Teppei will be a big boost of confidence coming into the next JPSA event next week in Niijima, Japan.  Yujiro currently leads the JPSA ratings for the 2010 season and Teppei is sitting at the top of those ratings as well!

A job well done to Kaito Ohashi (Blue), 19, for his job well done in the 2* WQS and the Under 20 Juniors division in Kitaizumi this week.  

Kaito surfed in both divisions and made the final with a 2nd place finish in the Under 20 and and equal 3rd place finish in the WQS event! 

The semi final finish is the best of his career to date and I'm confident that well will be hearing a lot from this youngster in the near future.

We would also like to give a shout out Japan/Hawaii representative Nick Mita for his equal 5th place finish.  Nick will take this Quarter final finish and also move on to the next JPSA in Niijima.

Not only did Nick rip through the competition but he was also one of the main web announcers for this 2* WQS event.  Nick worked everyday commentating in both Japanese and English for all of our viewing pleasure, so a job well done to him and all of our Vertra Japan Team!!! Otsukare sama desu!!!

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Surf team check out our website: www.Vertra.com Or visit us on Facebook Or follow us on Twitter Or email:  vertrasurf@gmail.com  
Vertra Suncare embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Vertra Japan Team

Japan is one of the most unique places in the World and so are it's people!  Vertra Sun care is very proud to announce its stellar team of Japanese athletes!  Sun care in Japan is a very important issue as isn't overlooked one bit. In the summer months the sun blazes and the people stay covered with Vertra!

Vertra's very first Japanese team rider is Teppei Tajima from Chiba, Japan. This 26 year old Natural footer is a 2x ASP Japan Tour Champion (2008, 2009) and the 2008 JPSA Grand Champion! Teppei is a great Ambassador of Japan and is set out to make the World Tour! 

Not only can Teppei rip in the water he can really make you laugh on land.  His impersonations are to die for. hahaha.  Teppei recently moved his beautiful family to Hawaii to focus his efforts on surfing the waves of the North Shore and to experience another lifestyle!  It's so awesome to see how focused Teppei is to really take advantage of his talent to be the best surfer from Japan!

Yujiro Tsuji is here!!! The 25 year old Goofy footer from Shikoku, Japan is the most progressive surfer in Japan!  Yujiro has a classic unique style and is really good in the barrel especially on his back hand. 

This year Yujiro decided to go out and compete on the ASP WQS tour and has been surfing well and learning a lot.  Yujiro has been using the WQS experience to elevate his competitive game and is currently rated #1 on the JPSA tour!  Yujiro WON the last JPSA event #2 in Kamogawa and placed 3rd in the JPSA event #1 in Bali.  Could this be his year...we hope so!! Go Yujiro!!!

Keito Matsuoka loves to compete and big barrels!!  This 19 year old from Sendai, Japan has sack to join the ranks of Takayuki Wakita and Shinpei Horiguchi in the department of charging!  Keito has already scored himself multiple covers from Off The Wall and Backdoor.

This Keito's last season in the Under 20 division and has his sight set on the Billabong World Junior Championships in North Narrabean, Australia.  Look for big things to come from this guy!!!

Kaito Ohashi is the top Japan's next generation of surfers!  At the ripe age of 18 Kaito is the standout in his hometown of Chigasaki, Japan.  You can find him busting out the progressive maneuvers of today at his home point Park or Chisan.  Shonan is not known for its consistency of waves by any means so it takes a really motivated surfer to grow up here.

Kaito along with Keito will be gunning for a qualification spot to represent Japan in the Billabong World Junior Champions in Australia.  Kaito's futuristic style of surfing has put him on the International level and with more International experience Kaito will be dangerous!

Ryu Nakamura is one of the most talented people in Japan!  Ryu is know if his incredible photography, as a savvy businessman, a famous actor and one of the most well traveled surfers in the world!  Ryu is the founder of Magic Number and is affiliated with H.L.N.A. and One Sky Inc.  Ryu is a huge advocate for proper sun care and always got his Vertra!!

Sayuri Hashimoto is a hot female talent out of Hokaido, Japan.  At the tender age of 20, Sayuri is turning heads around the world.  Sayuri originally was a Professional Snowboarder training to represent Japan in the Olympics, she traded in here snow gear for a surfboard to hit the waves!  How's that!  Sayuri is currently doing the JPSA tour and WQS tour in an effort to qualify for the elite Woman's World Tour.  If Sayuri continues here path we should be seeing her there in a short time!

Nick Mita is a colorful character from Kaimuki, Hawaii.  Although Nick isn't from Japan he represents Vertra both in Hawaii and in Japan.  Nick is a top surfer on the JPSA tour and the go to commentator for the ASP Japan Tour live web casts.  Not only is Nick a great surfer but he's got the brains to back it up! 

For all Vertra Dealership inquires please contact Sekino Racing Sports for all your Vertra needs or check out your core local surf shop for all Vertra suncare products!!!

For any additional information regarding Vertra Sunscreen, dealer locations or the Vertra Surf team check out our website: www.Vertra.com Or visit us on Facebook Or follow us on Twitter Or email:  vertrasurf@gmail.com  
Vertra Suncare embodies the characteristics of being a quality, innovative and stylish product. Our superior line of sun resistant products carries the full endorsement of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association in addition to all our products bare the Skin Caner Foundation Official Seal of Recommendation. We have developed, formulated, and manufactured a product with superior ingredients in a designer quality fashion…we would not settle for anything less!

Air Tahiti VonZipper Trials Day 2

The final day of the Air Tahiti VonZipper Trials were contested in pristine 3-5 foot surf where the Tahitian surfers took advantage of knowing the reef and waves at Teahupoo. In the end it was Tuamata Puhetini winning his first event over the powerhouse Tamaroa Macomb. Both surfers have now earned spots into the main event of the Billabong Pro Tahiti set to run between August 23 through September 3rd. Be sure to tune in LIVE to watch Vertra athletes Mick Fanning, Taylor Knox, Andy Irons, Kekoa Bacalso and Brett Simpson get shacked!!!

Air Tahiti VonZipper Trials Day 1

The Air Tahiti VonZipper Trials commenced today running through the first 2 heats of the 3 round of the 64 man field of trials heats.  The waves dropped off a bit from yesterday's free surf session, but still offered some incredible tube rides and a great start to the event.  Only 1 International and 1 Tahitian competitor will advance to the main event of the Billabong Pro Tahiti (Aug 23-Sept 3),  so you can be sure to see these guys bringing out their A+game tomorrow the final day for qualification!