Parko wins Bells on its 50th Anniversary (Photo: Kirstin ASP)
Bells is often referred to as one of the most iconic waves in Australia. It has served as one of the longest running competitive breaks in the world. Many surfers have come to the Bells cliffs and looked out upon the corduroy ocean to see perfect waves lining up to the horizon. This same bells can serve up some of the coldest, windiest and frustrating waves in the world. However, this Easter God’s favour fell on the event and we were blessed with some of the most perfect and consecutive bells surf in years.
Bells looking fun (Photo: Lize)
The contest ran 5 days straight with waves from 4 – 8 ft over the waiting period. I had the privilege of staying with a few of the surfers in nearby town of Jan Juc. We would wake up at dawn and make our way down to the contest site to score the a few waves before the hoards of competitors and “frothers” would make their way out for a session before the heats would start.
I scored some fun waves with the guys in between games of tennis and nail biting heats. The best part of the trip was seeing God use my position to be a light to some of the crew surrounding the event. I had the opportunity to pray for surfers and staff throughout the event, which is always a plus.
Chris Davidson was surfing hard and fast (Photo: Lize)
Although the event went without a hitch there were a few needs that were raised during my time there. Jacqueline Silva (Current world number 12 on the women’s world tour) was involved in a major head on collision with another car on her way down to the event. She was taken to hospital with a knee injury and was quite shaken up by the whole ordeal. After speaking with some of the other Brazilian surfers and some of her fellow competitors it was made clear that she required some funds to help her out. Thankfully as the ASP chaplaincy service I was able to provide a card with some money to help her out. She has had knee surgery in Geelong and will be returning home soon, however Jacqueline will be out of the water for awhile. Please lift her up in prayer over the next few weeks as she recovers.
Jacqueline Silva's car after head on collision on the way to Bells (Photo: theage.com.au)
Jacqueline at a previous ripcurl event (Photo: aspworldtour.com)
The ASP is a unique body made up by some passionate people who are dedicated to seeing the sport of surfing advance forward with leaps and bounds. One person who has been a helping hand to many of the surfers when things go pear shaped is Robert Gerard. He has been there for many of the guys when they have needed some wise legal counsel or have slipped to the wrong side of the tracks. Robert, a lawyer and family man was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Robert was there for Lize and I when we robbed in Mundaka on our first year on tour and has been a keen supporter of the chaplaincy service over the years. However, now Robert is in a place of need. I would encourage you to pray for Robert as he battles this cancer, and pray that the cancer ceases to spread. It was inspirational to have him come down to the contest despite his illness and rub shoulders with the surfers and myself. Robert is remaining positive and will be going through some gruelling chemotherapy and radiation over the next few months. Please pray he will remain strong and also for his family as they support him during this.
Joel Parkinson in form during the final against Mick (photo: Lize)The contest has now concluded and many of the surfers have headed off to California for the Prime event at Trestles. I have returned home to teach and help organise the Jesus Pro Am on the Gold Coast in June. I will continue to keep you in the loop with happenings and progress of the chaplaincy on tour.
God Bless
Abe
A Night with Rabbit: The Christian Surfers International Dinner
Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew shares at the CSI/ASP Chaplaincy Dinner (Photo: Lize)We recently had the Christian Surfers International Dinner on the Gold Coast. We were fortunate to have Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew (3 times world champ) come as the guest speaker on the night. He shared as how as a young boy he dreamed of been a professional surfer – something unheard in the times of Rabbits humble beginnings. Rabbit inspired us with how he made his dreams a reality and how he continues to help the intrinsic development of the sport as he mentors young up coming surfers on tour.
Brett Davis -Christian Surfers International Director (Photo: Lize)
Brett Davis (Christian Surfers International Director) also came and shared about the influence that Christian Surfers is having globally in the surfing community. He shared of projects in Chile to help rebuild communities which were devastated by earthquakes last year. Brett also spoke of how surf chaplaincy has been embraced in many countries around the world.
Abe speaking about the chaplaincy on tour (photo: Lize)
I also had the opportunity to share about the chaplaincy and the journey of been on tour. It was an awesome evening and I am thankful to all who came and made the evening all worthwhile.
Bells Clips and Pics. Photos: Lize - Video: Abe
DAWN FREE SURF AT BELLS - CJ & DAMO HOBGOOD, GABE KLING, KP, JORDY SMITH AND MICK FANNING.
To View go to: http://surfchaplaincymovement.blogspot.com/2011/04/dawn-free-surf-at-bells-2011.html
ROUND 2 ACTION AT WINKIPOP
To View go to: http://surfchaplaincymovement.blogspot.com/2011/04/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach-2011-round-2.html
Bede goes for an Alley Oop in his round 5 heat against Owen Wright.
Jordy Smith off the top all power and.....
Flare.
Bells traffic equals....
Bells Crowds
Mick's carves were amazing however poor wave selection cost him in the final against Parko.
CJ Hobgood lights it up - his backhand attack was a standout during the event