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Stormy waters, broken boards, ruptured eardrums and even a destroyed event site provided a dramatic back-story to the unforgettable 9^th stop of the ASP World Tour. Mick Fanning added to the drama by further cementing his World Title contention, now to be decided in Hawaii, with his third ASP victory of the season.

Focused, and performing in true competitive form all week long, Fanning maneuvered through the downright death defying conditions and world-class talent heat after heat. Mick finally caught a break with a walkthrough of the semis due to Owen Wright’s unfortunate eardrum injury the day before during a nasty wipeout. Conditions were heavy as Europe’s “pipeline” produced some epic 8-9 foot sets on day 9 of the competition.

The final round could only muster up 3 to 4 foot sloppy waves for competitors Mick and Bede Durbidge, making for a truly cut -throat finish. Fanning’s forehand repertoire of signature MF open face hacks were solid enough for him to rack up scores in the 6 point range. Bede was left in the dying minutes of the heat to hunt down a 7-point plus ride but the right wave never materialized. Fanning caught his last wave in as the siren sounded, headed towards the beach shadow boxing the sky with a victorious roar and grin from ear to ear.

Mick spoke to Reef Global Team Manager Heath “nutty“ walker this morning adding, ” So frothing Nut… this leg has been so grueling. I am so pumped as makes it somewhat harder for Joel going into Hawaii. Still open for both of us to take the title but the win has taken some of the pressure off me for sure.” I’m packing my stuff right now at the hotel then we are on a flight tomorrow back to OZ. Definitely need to charge my batteries and put everything I have into the Pipe contest. Ill give ya a party call later tonight.”

CONGRATULATIONS MICK!

Stay tuned to www.aspworldtour.com as Dec 7th comes around for the Billabong Pipeline masters to see the 2009 ASP World Champion crowned. 

Déjà vu part duex for Mick Fanning as he finds himself back in the winner circle of the Quicky Pro France held at Les Bourdaines. Claiming his second consecutive win of the ASP tour after a victory at the Hurley Pro Trestles last week, Mick has won $145,000 in prize money in the last eight days, and now sits 146 points away from the biggest prize, a second World title. 

Mick was added to the surfing history books last week on the Californian shores of Lower Trestles where he won the richest prize purse ever, a whopping $105,000 at the Hurley Pro.  “ Don’t fix what ain’t broke” was the mantra coming from the Fanning camp heading into France, as he rode to victory again riding the same 5’11” Darren Handley board that brought him his Trestles win. 

Fanning also brought his same scintillating form to Hossegor, and was easily the outstanding surfer of the Quiksilver Pro where he faced off against Bede Durbidge, in challenging but fun 3ft conditions. Fanning rocketed out of the gates of the final round with a 7.93, and sealed the deal with an 8.83 on his third wave. 

Fanning continues his European invasion with a stop in Spain and Portugal before heading to the Triple Crown in Hawaii where there is sure to be an epic showdown for the World Title. With three events still up for grabs, Fanning will most likely finish the year creating more history as the most amount of prize money won in a single season on the ASP world tour. 

Straight from a brief Skype session this morning, an elated but focused Fanning stated, “ Everyone thought Joel had this thing sealed up and it’s a bummer to Joel that he had a slight ankle injury, but I have been training so hard and felt I’ve been surfing better than ever. I’m here to win and my plan was to come in this leg and to really step it up. “ Fanning continued, “ Makes it really interesting going into Mundakka and Portugal, as I know it’s well and truly within my reach. I just have to remain on the same track and stay focused and remain positive. 

Mick, Bede, Macca, Parko, Bobby and friends partied through out the night in Hossegor and due to the event finishing so early they have plenty of time to relax before the Billabong Pro Mundakka starts on October 5th. 

Life is pretty good, and victory is even sweeter for Mick Fanning. Skyrocketing from 7^th to 2^nd on the ASP after defeating Dane Reynolds at the Hurley Pro at Trestles, Mick is also the recipient of $105,000(US) in prize money, the richest prize purse in surfing history. Fanning was hungry for a win after a narrow loss to Brett Simpson at the Hurley U.S. Open just months prior. After defeating Kelly Slater in the semi-finals at Trestles, Mick shouted out, ”There is no way I”m gonna let a win slip through my fingers again.” Keeping with that promise, Mick surfed his brains out every single round, fighting for points and showcasing his signature MF frontside hack to nab the most prestigious title on U.S. soil. The only thing standing in Mick’s way of another world title is 1000 points and his best mate Joel Parkinson, currently ranked #1. The Quiksilver Pro France starts this week, and with a promising swell headed straight for Hossegor, Mick is certainly primed for another battle on his hunt for a second world title. 

Rob Machado also deserves a mention for his gallant effort during the Hurley Pro. After receiving a wild card, Machado had the opportunity to surf against the world’s best, beating out Taj Burrow and #1 Joel Parkinson to place 9^th overall. 

Ben Bourgeois is living the dream free surfing around the world, but the competitive fire inside still looms. In between traveling the world, Benny has managed to win two major East Coast events back-to-back. Both events boasting fun contestant surf, Benny secured a win at the Fosters 2009 Belman New Jersey Pro and a win at the 2009 Hurley WRV Outer banks pro. Both victories warrant some East Coast bragging rights and a nice $10,000 bonus for his efforts. Drinks are on Benny! Congratulations. 

Huntington Beach was back to its best. As last week saw perfect week long surf for the 2009 US Open.With $100,000US up for first place the event saw the best surfing talent from around the world compete for the prestigious US Open title. The Open was stacked with the big names of the sport like Slater, Irons, Machado and Fanning, but it was WQS ripper and HB local Bret Simpson who stole the show.

Brett battled out the 30min final with 2007 ASP world champ and Reefer Mick Fanning. Both surfers started with high scores in the 7-point range but it was the local kid Simpo who back up his strong start with a 9.10 with a sick front side assault of snaps followed by an air reverse.

As the tide filled in throughout the final Fanning waited for the scored that never came. Mick had surfed brilliant all week. He said that he hadn’t been to Huntington since 2002 and was just pumped to be part of the whole scene and feed off the awesome energy from the crowd and level of surfing from other competitors.

 It’s great for surfing and for Brett to win at his local break, as the crowd was so intense and excited for the local kid to win the event. I am stoked with my performance during the event and was great to be apart of this great event.

 Local knowledge didn’t just pay off for the inform Simpo but local ripper Courtney Conlogue dominated Saturday’s final as she took her maiden US Open crown in the women’s pro where she smashed the class field. Courtney who is only 16 years of age turned it on in the perfect 4ft plus conditions with a class performance. Her back snaps and carves were second to none in both the men’s and women’s division.

Courtney pocketed $10,000 for the win and valuable WQS points for qualification of the women’s dream tour for 2010.

 Tonino Benson who was the US Open pro junior champ in 2007 came 1 spot short of winning the title again when he was runner up to the inform Kai Barger.

Tonino led for most of the final, as he started strong with a score over the 7-point range. He followed up with a solid 6 but it was Barger who managed to find a perfect running right with 8 minutes to go and scored an 8.5.

Behind Barger Tonino was runner up, Malibu’s Dillon Perillo came in 3^rd and Santa Cruz whiz kid Nat Young placed 4^th respectively.

 In what was classed as the busiest and most stacked US Open event in over 20 years Reef’s presence was felt in all divisions, promos and parties during the week passed .In a concluding recap of outstanding Reefer performances we saw;

US Open Men’s; Mick Fanning, 2^nd, Rob Machado 5^th and Leigh Sedley 17^th.

US Open Women’s Pro Final; Courtney Conlogue 1^st place.

US Open Pro Junior; Tonino Benson Runner Up.

Check out aspworldtour.com too see all the great replays and images of the event.

Wrightsville Beach just conquered its 5th successful Reef Sweetwater Pro in beautiful summer conditions last weekend. The event kicked off last Friday in fun 2-3ft waves. The swell barely hung around but was enough to see out the final come Sunday.

New Smyrna’s Aaron Cormican took out the class final for the second time beating Kauai’s Dylan Goodale who is only 17, New Jersey’s Matt Keenan placed 3rd and Satellite Beach’s Jeremy Johnstone round out the final respectively in 4th.

Reef’s Mike Losness and local legend Ben Bourgeois were commendable with a semi final finish.

Benny B quoted. “Its such a sick event and such a surf stoked community. All the crew from Reef and Sweetwater surf do such a great job to organize the event from the contest staff, judges, officials and to gather all the other sponsors. Next year will be going into its 6th year and I’m frothing for it already…”

Aaron walked away $5,000 richer and Dylan Goodale took him his biggest paycheck of his career thus far pocketing $2500.

This stinking economy has really taken the wind out of the sales throughout Americas retail economy this year and the multi billion dollar surf industry is no exception as all accounts and employees have been feeling the brunt from the recession.

So Rob Machado and fellow Reef crew of rippers Ben Bourgeois, Mike Losness, Chris Waring, Nick Rozsa, Teddy Narvarro, Chris Abad and Sean Marceron set out to some sick stores in the OC and SD to hook up the hard working on the floor retailers with some Reef sandal love.

Rob had loaded up a Reef rented 32 ft RV with the crew and packed it with cool beverages from the ACAI Sambazon and Zico coconut crew. The bus was jammed with Reef product too so we hit stores in the OC last Thursday (7/2). Newport Jacks was first stop followed by Surfside Sport, HSS and then Jacks in HB. With plenty of product to go round its was awesome to see some happy faces. Chris Waring said ” Its great to do this ya know. Im from HB and sponsored by Jacks. Its really import to make sure these guys are still getting some love during the tough times.”

Friday was Charger country so it was San Diego’s turn. First stop was Surf Ride and K5 in Oceanside, we then followed up with Solana Beach Surf Ride, Encinitas K5 and finished up with the Hansens crew at Swamis.

Sean Marceron and Chris Abad along with Rob Machado bread San Diegan surfers and felt special today that they had the chance to give a little back. Chris Abad who is an employee at Surf Ride said “This is great I know first hand of how tough it is at the moment so these kind of things go along way” Stoked on Reef…

As the afternoon approached and the stores were all hooked up Robby and all the Reef crew headed to D Street with a sick Channel Island quiver of boards ranging from Proton’s and Rookie models to retro Biscuits to Robber models. The boys flaired the hell out of a fun 2ft small south swell and moved into there 4th of July weekend feeling proud of giving a little retail love back…

Robby says” I really love doing this you know. Its not just about the hook ups but great to get into the stores and get some face time with all the hard working crew. Some of these these guys jobs and business are seeing some tough times. Its just great to give back”

From all the crew at Reef we want to give a big thanks to our retailers and athletes for helping the Reef cause to continue into the future…

Reef head to toe athletes are gracing covers world wide. Ben Bourgeois Reef’s first ever head to toe athlete and alongside Rob Machado has been apart of the Reef team for the past 18 years.

Benny scored perfect waves early April in a secret spot in the Carribean Islands and managed to nail the cover for the August Surfing Magazine which is on news stands now.

Also lets not forget to mention Michael Hopkins from Wollongong Australia scored the cover of August Surfing Life Australia in a sick pitt from a secret spot on the south coast of Sydney.

The new Surfing Life is currently on newsagency shelves right now in Australia.

For two years now star Reef team rider Ben Bourgeois and global team manager Heath Nutty Walker have been giving back to the community especially when its comes to the kids.

The two have teamed up with Temple Heights (Oceanside) school teacher Yvonne Obrite with a reading program called Reading Dragons. Ben and Heath have donated all there extra Reef products to the program that Yvonne teaches. From clothing to sandals. Yvonne awards the kids in the program when they achieve goals with there reading skills with Reef stuff from Ben and Heath.

Ben Bourgeois quotes ” Its a very rewarding way for me to give back as these kids are the future and if I can help in any way to make there education a much brighter one then it makes me very satisfied. Also if we can get these kids pumped on Surfing then its a great way to keeping them off the streets.”

Yesterday Amy Delee Reef’s Global Athlete coordinator, Chris Straley Reefs staff photographer along with Heath Walker gave a presentation to the kids in the Temple Heights Elamentry School about Reef the comapny, the history of the brand and all the exotic travels to crazy surf destinations around the world. The kids sat through a 30 min presentation on there best behaviour and were awarded with posters, stickers, videos, magnets and a bunch of other great giveaway’s from Reef.

Yvonne Obrite commented ” this is so great for these kids to get to know people like Heath and Ben and see what great opportunities they have gained from there passion for surfing. Its really inspires these kids to believe that they can do anything if they desire too.

Heath, Ben and ll the crew from Reef would like to congratulate the Reading Dragon kids from Temple Heights. Keep up the great work and wish them all the best for the summer vacation ahead…