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Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2013 Review - Was Jordy Smith Ripped?

With turns like this throughout the event, we have to ask how Jordy Smith did not win?

Ok, I am a South African and Jordy is my mate. This however is not what prompts my feelings on the results on the final day at Bells. I have sat and watched the Semi Final between Jordy and Adriano about ten times and I cannot see how Jordy lost that heat? Compare their two first scoring waves and it is clear that Adriano is over scored. He had a section of wave he had to half turn and hit a wobble and did less aggressive turns than Jordy, its that simple, yet he got a score in the 9's. Now take a look at Jordy's last wave, needing over a 9, he gets an 8.8 and I reckon the entire contest site, surfers and all the viewers were calling him getting the score. Now, I dont blame Adriano for this, in fact I think he ripped the whole contest, but the ASP judges need a good wake up klap! Either that or Jordy needs to start going up the stairs and throwing his weight around a little - maybe get some advice from Sunny Garcia...

Anyway, that is my rant. All in all the contest was absolutely amazing. Cooking waves throughout the rounds, including an old fashioned 8ft day at Bells, you could not ask for much more really. Early losses for Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson opened the door for the rest of the field and allowed Adriano, Jordy and Taj to play catchup in the rankings. Stand out for the event must be tour rookie, Nat young, who absolutely caned every wave he got all the way to the final. I thought he had it for a while there. Jordy was looking his sublime and powerful best and must be thinking World Tour run this year.

Anyway, congrats Adriano! (Please dont rape the trophy again, a little decorum goes a long way!)

Next up Brazil, with probable shitty waves and the focus back on the air game. All in all, it looks to be a cracker year on the World Tour...

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2013 Preview

Mick Fanning may have won in 2012, but it was "that air" by Kelly Slater in the final we all remember. (Photo:ASP)

52 Years of iconic contest surfing starts up again tomorrow with the start of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. Stop 2 of the World Tour gets underway in small conditions with the forecasters calling epic conditions for the Easter Weekend, just in time for droves of fans to line the point at Bells.

That man Kelly Slater is in the number 1 slot once again, with Joel Parkinson breathing down his neck. Mick Fanning as defending champion will also be a major threat and after watching his turns at Snapper, you best believe that if Bells is big, Jordy Smith will be taking names! Dust Payne has just come off a win at Margaret River and that confidence may well see his best result on tour happening at Bells. Julian Wilson was also in that final and will be feeling good. Dark horses in my opinion will be Kohole Andino and Philipe Toledo.

Anything can happen at Bells though, so look forward to an exiting event!

220ft Snowmobile Jump in Sweden - Daniel Bodin 2013

Its a bird, no its a plan, no its a crazy Swede called Daniel Bodin... (Photo: Red Bull)

This is seriously nuts! Watch profesional snowmobiler Daniel Bodin jump 220ft (67 Meters) off a ski jump in Sweden.

RVCA Junior Series Jbay Final Day - The Groms Caned It

Mikey February was on fire with the highest heat score of the event in the semi-finals & the U20 Win. (Photo: Stix)

Pro Surfing is all about rivalries and on the local Pro Junior PST Tour we are now looking at a absolute banger in the Under 20 Boys Division. Dylan Lightfoot won by a whisker at the Billabong Pro Junior in Durban, while Michael February fought him off with some world class surfing here in Jbay. Both of these surfers have a well rounded bag of tricks, both remind me of current World Tour Champions in style and outlook and both are hungry for victory both locally and abroad. The Tour heads to East London in 2 weeks time for the 2nd Billabong Pro Junior and I cannot wait to see how this battle unfolds.

Spare a thought though for the silent assassin  who missed out in Durban and did not find the waves in this event. Slade Prestwich is a big kid and has all the pedigree to challenge for the Tour Title. Along with David Brand and Max Armstrong, who was looking incredible through the first 2 days before having to leave for a family emergency. (We hope all is well with Armstrong Family.)

Emma Smith, the local girl with all the knowledge of the surf break at the Point, as well as some huge support from the local crowd, was always in my mind going to win the premier girls division.

My big surprise and probably also for the guys in his division was local kid, Rewaldo Abersalie. Coming through the development and grass roots programs in Jefferys Bay, he blazed the Under 14 Final with some quality surfing on his backhand. This kid is worth keeping an eye on!

All in all it was a great event, with some really good waves on the final day. RVCA did an excellent job of their first Pro Junior event and I am confident that this is the start of a long running competition.

RVCA Junior Series – Results

U20 Boys
1.  Michael February (Kommetjie) 12.85 (Tied – count back to best ride – 8.25 vs. 7.0)
2.  Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay) 12.85
3.  David Brand (Kommetjie) 12.50
4.  Slade Prestwich (Durban North) 9.75

U20 Girls
1.  Emma Smith (Jeffreys Bay) 13.25
2.  Nicole Pallet (La Lucia) 11.25
3.  Tahra Uren (Jeffreys Bay) 7.50
4.  Nikita Kekana (Kalk Bay) 6.85

U16 Boys
1.  Steff Burrows (Stellenbosch) 12.0
2.  Sebastian Williams (Mexico) 11.25
3.  Adin Masencamp (Strand) 10.20
4.  Ethan Fletcher (Kommetjie) 7.75

U16 Girls
1.  Anoush Zakarian (Melkbosstrand) 13.0
2.  Ashleigh Vaughan (Port Elizabeth) 8.50
3.  Kayla Verreynne (Mossel Bay) 6.25
4.  Robin van der Merwe (Port Elizabeth) 5.60

U14 Boys
1.  Rewaldo Abersalie (Jeffreys Bay) 13.50
2.  Adin Masencamp (Strand) 11.50
3.  Sebastian Williams (Mexico) 7.50
4.  Ford van Jaarsveldt (Kommetjie) 6.50

U12 Boys
1.  Saxton Randall (Durban) 14.10
2.  Max Elkington (Hout Bay) 11.35
3.  Karl Steen (Morningside) 10.65
4.  York van Jaarsveldt (Kommetjie) 10.25

U10 Boys
1.  James Ribbink (Durban North) 10.50
2.  Christian Venter (Melkbosstrand) 9.50
3.  Alex Townsend (Cape Town) 5.65
4.  Viviers Strydom (George) 2.60

Fly Away Award
Michael February (Kommetjie)

On Fire Awards
Ford van Jaarsveldt (Kommetjie)
Adin Masencamp (Strand)

Carve Award
David van Zyl (Glenashley)

Highest Heat Score
Michael February (Kommetjie) – 19.50 out of 20 in U20 boys semi-final

The RVCA Junior Series is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA), recognised as the national controlling body for surfing and a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA). The events form part of the Pro Surf Tour (PST) with competitors in all the divisions earning points towards their 2013 PST rankings.

RVCA Junior Series Jbay Day 2

The waves were tiny, but the Under 20's were still ripping! (Photo: Stix)

It was a tough day for the Groms with small, small waves at the Point in Jbay, but that did not stop the kids from ripping. We saw the first Round of the big lads and Mikey February and Max Armstrong were my pics in the first round. The Under 14's scored for their Quarter Finals as the swell picked up and glassed off towards the end of the day. Check out the Day 2 video...

RVCA Junior Series Jbay Day 1

Wok and Warbot scaring the Groms! (Photo: Stix)

The RVCA Junior Series got under way yesterday with Day 1 action. The waves were small but the groms were caning it. My stand outs for the day were little girl ripper Kai Woolf, Max Elkington and Simo Mkize from Umzumbe. Check the video out...

Ford van Jaarsveldt working the small waves. (Photo: Stix)

Keep an eye on this gal! Kai Woolf ripping the Point. (Photo: Stix)

All time Kirra

Empty Perfection amongst the madness! (Photo: Dunbar)

Its a dredging sandbank in the heart of the chaos that is the Gold Coast. It's bred multiple world champions and countless super stars. The day after the Quiksilver Pro it turned on for the many that had been waiting and what a show it was...

K I R R A 13 from THEMADHUEYS on Vimeo.

Dane Reynolds caning California

The guy may not love contests or want to win a world title, but he surfs some truly inspirational lines. I just love how Dane surfs! The kook wipeout parade at the start also nearly made me crap my pants I laughed so hard. Enjoy...

Slow Motion Flatland Magic - Terry Adams BMX

Flatland BMX is a little forgotten here in South Africa. In Europe and America it still has a strong following though and one of the mega stars is this man, Terry Adams. Check out some of his signature moves in slow motion, its a wonder to watch!

Proximity Flying - Dream Lines 4 with Ludovic Woerth & Jokke Sommer

What these guys are doing absolutely defies description. I would absolutely be crapping my pants, not laughing and smiling as you fly 20m above the ground threw pockets of trees. Believe me this is the best 16 minutes of your week!

Jordy Smith RIPs

The man has moves unlike any other! (Photo: Red Bull)

There has been a lot of banter and speculation on Jordy Smith the last few months and the tight loss to good mate Travis Logie at Snapper Rocks just added fuel to the fire. The bottom line is the man does rip hard, whether he gets a world title or not! So just sit back, drop your jaw and be amazed!

1721 Kilometers with Jordy Smith from steven michelsen on Vimeo.

Flaming Hot Ditches - Red Bull Rich Ditches BMX

Eventual winner, Ben Hennon from the UK. (Photo: Red Bull)

Take a handfull of International BMX stars, some serious local talent and throw them in a huge canal/ditch in the baking summer sun in the middle of nowhere, some 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town and what do you get? One of the most awesome BMX events in the history of the game!

I missed it this year, but lucky for those of us who did, there is an awesome video to check out!

Greatest Wipeouts of 2012 - Surf

Mark Mathews on his way to a royal hiding in Oz. (Photo: O'neill)

Every year Surfline puts together a compilation of the worst wipeouts in surfing. This year was no different and there are some real cringers in there! Nice to see Grant Twig baker representing for the Saffa contingent...

Quiksilver Pro 2013 Review - Kelly wins & the young guns falter...

Joel Parkinson showing his feelings for the Priority System in the Final. Kelly just smiles! (Photo: ASP)

I, like many out there, thought this was the year it was going to happen. The year that the old guard finally stepped aside as the wealth of new pumped up youngsters took control of their destinies and the World Tour. The old boys pretty much just bitch slapped that idea though. Kelly Slater glides to the final where he showed he sill has the surfing and the mental game to win, taking out crowd favorite and current World Champion, Joel Parkinson. The photo above shows the defining moment with Joel deep in a Kirra pit, but Kelly had priority and he used it. Sly old bastard!

These two were joined by Mick Fanning in the semi finals along with semi youngster Bourez. But where were Jordy Smith, John John, Medina and company? After a banging start Jordy lost to good mate and constantly overlooked Saffa, Travis Logie - will Jordy pick himself up and cane Bells? You tell me. John John cracked his ankle skating on a layday. Medina fumbles and the only guy of the new class to get anywhere was Julian Wilson, with a little support from Matti Wilko.

Bottom line - the old goats are not going anywhere! See ya at bells.

Cape Bodyboarders Light Up - Movie Teaser 2013

Markus Phitides charging the hole at his Cape home Break. (Photo: Seth Phitides)

The local Bodyboard crew have been having one of the best summers in living memory in Cape Town.   Even with the sub zero water and large predators at hand, it is hard not to love our cold water wonderland when huge tubes are on offer weekly. The waves have been so good from Llandudno to the Tand, that the boys have put together a new 2013 video, so check out the teaser...

The real Lady Hawk - Roberta Mancino

Well she definitely soars like a Hawk and aint scared of jumping off of very high places. Meet Roberta Mancino, wing suit flyer, base jumper and the lady likes to swim with sharks now to. She also does not mind getting her kit off for the cameras boys, just google...

Wake x2 - Meet 2 of SA's finest!

I have spent time with both these guys and they are constantly smiling, happy and stoked to be riding! Meet two of South Africa's premier wakeboarders and wakeskaters, Dylan James Mitchell and Dale Nieuwstad. Filmed around South Africa with their Spanish friend in tow, this gives a good vision of who they are, where they come from and how they ride!

South Africa full video from VENEZOLION on Vimeo.

Meet Pro Surfer Tyler Wright - Charging P Pass

Tyler Wright has been caning the women's Pro Tour, including winning the season opener at Snapper Rocks this month. But it was the footage from this session at the infamous P Pass that really got my attention. The wave is big, super hollow and runs like a freight train. No problems for this gal, with brother Owen shouting support, she charges some monster pits!

Pipeline Challenge Final Day - Sacha Spex retains Dk Title

Spex throwing down for Team Saffa and retaining his Pipe DK Title.

The Dropknee division featured a hotly contested final, taken out by South African Sacha Specker, defeating Hawaiian wave wizard and multiple DK World Champion, Dave Hubbard in second, Australia's multi talent Dave Winchester in third and Peruvian powerhouse and 2010 DK World Champion, Cesar Bauer in fourth to claim his second IBA Pipeline Pro DK victory.

Specker had a solid lead early in the final, but Hubbard and Winchester managed to find some excellent barrel rides to keep them in contention. Although Bauer never really found his rhythm during the final, he put on a show-stopping performance, pulling into big barrel over the shallow backdoor reef, keeping the beach spectators cheering on the edge of their seats. Hubbard made a last ditch effort in the last five minutes of the final, but it was speaker who managed to hold onto poll position.

Ben Player (AUS) has taken out the 2013 IBA GoPro Pipe Challenge in pumping 8-10 foot waves at the Banzai Pipeline today, defeating defending champion, Jeff Hubbard (HAW) in second, Pierre-Louis (FRA) in third and multi talented Dave Hubbard (HAW) in fourth in the dying minutes of the final. Player posted an excellent score of 8.75 early in the final for a deep set wave barrel on a left and finished it off with a looping roll. Hubbard answered back with a 7.75 and a 7.2 for two deep back to back barrels on draining left handers. The Frenchman and Dave Hubbard both managed to post a good score each 7.38 and 6.25 respectively, but were unable to lock in substantial second scoring rides. With only two minutes remaining, Player was searching for a 6.21 or better to take out the final. Scooping into a heaving Pipe set wave, the Australian negotiated his way through a long barrel and topped the wave off by launching an invert off the closeout to earn himself 7.38 out of a possible 10 points, rocketing him into first place as the buzzer sounded the end of the 2013 IBA GoPro Pipeline Pro. Victorious, Player was carried up the beach to the podium by good friends and past Pipe Champions, Ryan Hardy and Andrew Lester, accompanied by a cheering crowd of Australian supporters. Player has been competing in this pipe event for the past 19 years, claimed two world titles, and has several grand slam victories under his belt, but until today has never been able to claim a victory at the infamous Banzai Pipeline. 

Kilian Martin - Internal Departure

When does an act become art? This question is raised every time I see Kilian Martin skate. The guy has taken skateboarding into the land of the surrealist with incredible feats of trickery blended with both great film work and audio accompaniment. Just sit back and allow the vision to take hold...

Billabong Pro Junior presented by Bos - Durban

Dylan Lightfoot soars to victory in both the /18 and /20 Finals.

What a great event and weekend in Durban with Wok and the Groms! Warm water, super fun little waves and some incredible surfing from the SA juniors. Big ups to Bos for supporting SA surfing. I got to spend some quality time with the Billabong team and all I can say is that the future for South African surfing is bright!

Billabong Junior Series (Event #1 of 4)

New Pier, Durban

Results

U20 Boys

1. Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay) R10 000

2. Michael February (Kommetjie)

3. Mickey Venter (Durban)

4. Dane Staples (St Francis Bay)

U20 Girls

1. Heidi Palmboom (Bluff)  R10 000

2. Emma Smith (Jeffreys Bay)

3. Nicole Pallet (Durban)

4. Chanelle Botha (Warner Beach)

U18 Boys

1. Dylan Lightfoot (Jeffreys Bay)  R5 000

2. Max Armstrong (Scarborough)  R900

3. Ethan Pentz (Kalk Bay)  R600

4. Justin Sykes (Salt Rock)  R500

U18 Girls

1. Chanelle Botha (Warner Beach)  R5 000

2. Nicole Pallet (Durban)  R900

3. Tahra Uren (Jeffreys Bay)  R600

4. Caryn McNicol (Scottburgh)  R500

U16 Boys

1. Jordan Maree (Kalk Bay)  R5 000

2. Tim Baard (Jeffreys Bay)  R900

3. Jerry van Wyk (Jeffreys Bay)  R600

4. Donovan Wichmann (Marina da Gama)  R500

U14 Boys

1. Koby Oberholzer (Durban)  R2 500

2. Adin Masencamp (Strand)  R450

3. Ethan Fletcher (Kommetjie)  R300

4. Rewaldo Abersalie (Jeffreys Bay)  R250

U14 Girls

1. Kai Woolf (Jeffreys Bay)  R2 500

2. Olivia Izzard (Durban)  R450

3. Sophie Bell (Durban)  R300

4. Kirsty McGillivray (Jeffreys Bay)  R250

U12 Boys

1. Max Elkington (Hout Bay)  R2 500

2. Saxton Randall (Durban)  R450

3. Tide Lee Ireland (Durban)  R300

4. Angelo Faulkner (Jeffreys Bay)  R250

VonZipper Flair Up Award – Best Aerial manoeuvre

Diran Zakarian (Melkbosstrand)  R10 000

DaKine Youthful Movement Award – Most progressive surfing

Shane Sykes (Salt Rock)  R10 000

Nixon Winner Takes All (WTA) – Highest heat total

Kai Woolf (Jeffreys Bay) – 19.40 (10.0 + 9.40) out of 20 – Custom engraved Nixon Watch

Red Bull Ultra Natural 2013 - Biggest event in Snowboarding...

Pat Moore flies the open skies at Red Bull Ultra Natural.

Last year it was Supernatural, now the team at Red Bull along with main brain stormer, Travis Rice, present the Ultra Natural. Backcountry terrain mixed with man made saddles, drop offs and jumps with some of the top riders in the world over one day. This event takes riding to another level!
In the end, Austria's Gigi Rüf stood on top of the podium after putting together a creative run showcasing his unique style, utilizing a variety of both the natural and man-made features on the mile long course. Switzerland's Nicolas Müller not only took second place but was also presented the Best Trick Award with a gigantic mute air over a tree, sending himself nearly 100-feet down the 45+ degree course.
Rounding out the podium was Southern California's Bryan Fox, a first-timer at Red Bull Ultra Natural and a late addition to the event as a wildcard entry.

Wakeskate Surrealism @ 240fps

I am often asked about Wakeskating and what it is. The answer is simple. Take skateboarding to the water, being towed bu boat, ski or cable and do your best flip and wake tricks. Still confused? Then watch this surreal little video in slow motion and see for yourself!

Pickett @ 240fps from Mike Shore & Ryan Light on Vimeo.

Alana Blanchard Surfer Girl - Sports Illustrated Swimsuit & the North Shore

Ok boys, your favorite surfer, Alana Blanchard, is in the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, as good a reason as any to go buy it. On this episode of her Surfer Girl web show, she shows us behind the scenes footage of the shoot in Las Vegas, as well as some time with her friends on the North Shore. Enjoy...

Captain Kai's World Podcast - Billabong Pro Jnr Groms, Chris Cab and Haezer

Holy goodness you guys get an epic Podcast this week! First up I had the gremlins on the show in the form of Jake and Max Elkington and Adin Masencamp - all surfing in the Billabong Pro Junior, presented by Bos, over the weekend in Durban. We got inside the minds of the kid brigade. After the kids left, Chris Cab and DJ Legend Haezer pulled in to talk Cab's home area in Austria, Haezer and his tours there, music by the White Miles and WasteBoys Inc, skating, surfing, snowboarding, bid Cabby good bye and finished with an epic 20 minute set by Haezer! Plug in and listen...

Shaun White and the 2013 XGames Run

The Flying Tomato gets some boss elevation!

Shaun White is the boss man when you talk Superpipe. 6 Gold Medals at the Xgames prove this. His runs are clinical, super extended and he gets more elevation than a airliner! Take a look at his run to the Gold in this year's Winter XGames...

Leading the Charge - One & Only Carrissa Moore

The old dinosaurs of surfing have to realize one thing and fast, women's surfing is no longer the small often looked down to little sister any longer! With market share fast shifting over to the Brands supporting women's surfing, the numbers of women in the water growing every day and most importantly the level of girl's surfing exploding both on tour and in the free surfs, we may find ourselves as the second string one day...
Leading the charge for female surfing is Carrissa Moore and if you don't believe me just watch the video and accept!

Meet Pro Surfer Quincy Davis

Meet young up and coming Pro Surfer, Quincy Davis. This girl has got some pretty mental style both in and out of the water. Spending lots of her time in Puerto Rico, she has the Island Vibe down and knows how to put a board on a rail! This is one girl to keep an eye on!

Meet the Athertons - MTB Royal Family shred a Quarry

Meet the Athertons, Rachel, Dan and Gee. These guys have made quite the name for themselves on the Downhill World Tour, but when they are on downtime, they like to retire to their sleepy Welsh village, where they happen to have some crazy training areas. Check out the mental lines in this quarry...

Red Bull XFighters 2013 Preview

That's right, Pretoria, South Africa is on that map! Over 6 events around the globe the best FMX athletes on the planet will compete for the coveted XFighters title, with the final being held in South Africa on the 7th September 2013. In order to get you frothing on the tour, check out the 2013 preview video...

Asp World Tour starts in 1 week - you picked your Fantasy Surfer team?

The ASP World Tour kicks off in just over 8 days with the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks. I have always been a fan and love watching the live Webcasts, but I have to admit, that since playing Surfer Magazine's Fantasy Surfer, I am even more focused on the tour. Up until last year we South Africans had to make up our own competitions, done through the Club House section of the site, where we could at least compete against our mates for honors. My friends and I have an annual trip away for a long weekend, where the previous year's winner does not pay. Since 2012 though, anyone can win the main prize on Fantasy Surfer and that just makes it even more serious! So get going and pick your team!

Join my Club (South Africa only) and win great prizes throughout the year! Join HERE

 

Watch the Surfer Magazine Preview and Surfer ratings here...

 

Meet Pro Surfer, Coco Ho

To say Coco comes from Hawaiian royalty, is not an overstatement! Daughter to Michael Ho, and niece to Derek, this tiny bombshell has grown up in the North Shore sunlight and holds her own on the golden mile! One of the most down to earth and affable surf stars you will ever meet, follow her on Twitter to find out, she is fast making a big name for herself on the ASP World Tour.

Captain Kai's World Podcast - Ultimate X, Rolling Retro, Pipeline Challenge and Dries Millard

Greg Illingworth laying down the hammer at Ultimate X on the weekend. (Photo: Ultimate X/Pierre Marqua)

If you thought the weekend in Cape Town was mental with Ultimate X, Rolling Retro, 40 Degree weather and more hot gals than any town has a right to, then this week's Podcast will blow your mind! First up we had paraplegic surfer, Dries Millard, in to chat about participating in the Rolling Retro surf day and how he is changing the face of paraplegic action sports and inspiring others to challenge themselves.
Then we had Jarret Johnson with all the Bodyboarding news both locally and abroad. He also gave us his predictions for the ongoing Pipeline Challenge, which has no less than 7 Saffa's charging the event.
Greg Illingworth and Markus Museler gave us the lowdown on Ultimate X, as well as some hard discussions about the state of action sports, athletes and sponsors in SA and the real need for a proper park in Cape Town.
Lastly, Tarryn Chudleigh, Ilan Sheer and Zac Wrankmore joined me to chat Rolling Retro and the surf scene at Llanduno Beach.
+Tyrone Bradley gave insight as a sports photographer and of course Chris Cabby Cab was along for the ride and causing mayhem as per usual.

Download the Podcast HERE

Hunters Extreme Ultimate X 2013 Video by Gopro

Jean Marc Johannes soars the stairs! (Photo: Ultimate X/Pierre Marqua)

Lets get something straight, Ultimate X 2013 was the most boss Action Sports event ever seen in South Africa. From Skate, Bmx, Wake and FMX the boys and girls were throwing down and the crowd were going mental! Fellow MC, Chris Cab, who normally works on MOD and Ken Block events in Europe, was totally blown away and compared the Ultimate X to the best he has seen. Just check out this edit by GoPro South Africa and you will see exactly what I mean and look out for this week's Podcast with some of the top athletes raving about the event, such as Bmx superstar, Greg Illingworth.

Skier pops a backflip while outrunning an Avalanche

Competing in the Swatch Skiers Cup, Sverre Liliequist was having an epic run. Couple of big jumps, some powder carves at speed and then an avalanche starts up behind him. Not to get to over excited about it though, he decides to keep to his line and pops a cheeky backflip, literally landing on the avalanche, before riding away from it. I hope he won the contest....

Air.Craft - A short film with Robbie Maddison

Dc Shoes and Robbie Maddison put on an absolute FMX show in an old abandoned military aircraft graveyard. This is well worth ten minutes out of your day...

Captain Kai's Podcast - Twiggy from Hawaii, Ultimate X, Rolling Retro & Chris Cab!

Grant Twig Baker on his $5000 Oakley Biggest Slab winner. He talks about this session during our interview.

Jam packed show! We had Twiggy skype in live from the North Shore before departing to Australia where he won the Surfing Life Oakley Biggest Slab Award. He gives us the lowdown on the Mavericks event, what will happen with the Eddie and Red Bull jaws events and who has been flying the Saffa flag in Hawaii.

Markus and Rupert join to amp you on this weekends Ultimate X event in Cape Town and I launched a great competition to win ticket packages.

Robby from Vudu Surf joins us to discuss this weekends Rolling Retro event and of course Chris Cab was in studio, causing mayhem and distorting the Mics..

Download or Listen to the Podcast HERE

Win with Ultimate X and Hunters Extreme Energy

This Saturday sees the biggest X Event in South Africa return to the V&A Waterfront. With FMX, BMX, Skate and Wake featuring South Africa's top athletes, as well as some international surprises, including Chris Cabby Cab on the mic with myself and Rupert Von T. All the big brands will have stalls and you will be able to drink ice cold Hunters and Beers in the bar areas.

WIN a R2500 Hamper including 2x TICKETS

To win this awesome prize just tweet us what your favorite sport is at
@Ultimate_x_ @Hunters_eXtreme and @KapteinKai - #UltimateX2013 -

#FMX #Skate #BMX #Wake
(You must follow us to win!)
Remember to use those Hash Tags! 

I will announce the winner on Friday morning, so be sure to keep en eye out on my Twitter! Lets get this Trending Tweeps! #UltimateX2013

Support Ultimate X on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/HuntersEXtremeUltimateX

BUY Tickets HERE

 

Ultimate X 2013 TVC from Taper on Vimeo.

IBA GoPro Pipeline Challenge 2013 Teaser

After the huge disappointment of hearing that the current economic downturn had caused the Pipeline Challenge to be cancelled due to no sponsorship, it was a great relief to find out that thanks to the social media campaign by the Bodyboarders, GoPro have signed on to save the event. So lock and load your internet and get ready for the most iconic event on the IBA Calendar, its gonna be huge! (Well done GoPro!) Frothing to see Jared and Spex cane the competition.

John John Florence defends his Volcom Pipe Pro Title

Dale Staples representing for the North Shore Saffas and making 9th!

Pipeline was not at its utmost best, but there were waves and the focus shifted from the lefts to the Backdoor Rights. The lone Saffa, Dale Staples charged hard and ended up making the Semi Finals and a well deserved 9th place. Josh Kerr and Chris Ward were on a hard charge and pushing the limits with super late drops and "backdoor" tubes. But after all was said and done, it was defending champion and North Shore royalty, John John Florence who managed to defend his Pipe Pro title and take the glorious Spartan War Helm Trophy home, which happens to be right there...

Kelly Slater is still the Boss

'What the...."

Say what you want about the man, he still surfs like no one else on the planet. Kelly Slater is back for 2013 and seems to be ready to surf the ASP World Tour. Interesting to hear him speak about hating missing good waves because of contests though, so be sure that if somewhere on the planet looks epic, Kelly will not be in places like Brazil for the contest. Check out this video of a recent Bali trip and remember why we all want to surf like the Boss!

Meet XGames Gold Medalist - Mark McMorris

Mark McMorris may only be 19 years old, but that has not stopped him from becoming one of the biggest names in Snowboarding in a very short time. The Red Bull athlete won the Slopestyle Gold at this year's Winter XGames in amazing style and also just got pipped for the Gold in the Big Air, putting him on top of the leader board in my books!
Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, McMorris reflects on how his unique upbringing paved the way to a successful career as a professional snowboarder.

The Pipeline Horror Show

While the swell poured into the North Shore, the contest directors at the Volcom Pipe Pro decided not to run the contest, as conditions were to wild and wooly. This did not stop the waiting Pipeline chargers from attacking it all day long. Amongst the horror and carnage there were some bombs, some spit as thick as a Sea Monster's spout and of course some hero making drops!

Winter XGames 2013 Wrap Up!

What an XGames! As I predicted it was the Triple Cork show, with both Ski and Snowboard Slopestyle and Big Air dominated by the big trick. But, there was lots more on offer to, check out some of the highlights from an epic XGames...

After so many epic moments it would be really difficult to choose my Top 3, but I got to say after much debate it had to be these three! Shaun White winning a 6th Superpipe Gold Medal, the insane stomp Triple Cork by Horgmo in the Big Air and Henrik Harlaut going massive in the Ski Big Air. Check em out...

Volcom Pipeline Pro 2013 - Starts Sunday

The contest season on the ASP World Tour starts with a bang at Pipeline for the 2013 Volcom Pipe Pro. The 5 Star event always brings drama and great action to the start of the year and you can bet that 2012 winner John John Florence will be looking to defend his title! The usual suspects of North Shore chargers and World Tour stars will battle it out for honors, though I am most excited to see how the Saffa boys go. (Well, that's hoping some of them get in...)

Winter Xgames 2013 - Day 1

Day 1 in Aspen and we have already had some crazy action in both Snowboard Super Pipe and of course the mayhem that is Snowmobile Freestyle. In the first final of 2013, it was Red Bull superstar, Levi LaVallee, who stormed the final to win yet another Gold! Check out his winning run...

The Snowmobile competition was pure carnage behind Levi with some monster crashes. Check out the worst ones...


Also on the menu for Day 1, was Mens Snowboard Super Pipe Elimination and all eyes were on the "Flying Tomato", Shaun White, to see what he was bringing to the party in 2013. He was highest out of the Pipe at 5.8m and scored enough in his first run to get through (Lucky to, as he flunked his second run)...


There was also way more going on as per usual at XGames, so check out the Day 1 Highlights...