Letters from Hawaii

John John on his 10point ride

The contest is finished and most of the surfers have made their way home to their loved ones and friends in one piece – which is a miracle in itself – as there were some nasty wipe-outs during this event. I thank the Lord that there weren’t many people that were seriously injured and apart from a few dislocated shoulders and some stitches, most of the surfers walked away unscathed.

 I had the opportunity to share some words of encouragement with the guys and pray for a few of them as well. The highlight was seeing some of these guys requalify for next year. It was a tense time as this is the final event for 2012 and for some of these guys not making the cut can possibly mean the end of their surfing careers. I was stoked to see Kieren Perrow and CJ Hobgood cement there spots back on tour for next year, they are great surfers and awesome human beings of character and generosity.

It is also great to see Kai Otton make the cut as a wild card for 2012. 

I am excited to see what some of the fresh faces on tour will bring next year. So we welcome Kolohe Andino and Yadin Nicol as they make their debut on the world tour. Our prayers are with Freddy P, Chris Davo and Dan Ross who unfortunately didn’t make the cut; we hope to see these guys back on tour soon though. Please pray for Jeremy Flores, Pat Gudauskas and Alejo Muniz who are all recovering from injuries. Pray that they will have rapid healing and be able to train and get ready for the New Year.

I look forward to now having a short break from events and spending sometime with my wife and family over Christmas. I also look forward to what God has instore for the Tour and Chaplaincy for 2012. I will be continuing in my role next year and look forward to sharing this with you every step of the way.

Thankyou for your support along the way and I pray God blesses you and keeps you safe over the Christmas break.

Much love and Merry Christmas.
Abe and Lize

Abe and Lize at the Christmas Parade Haliewa

CJ Hobgood talks about TWOLHA in Risen Magazine

CJ Hobgood is surfing for more than just a trophy. He recently started flying the flag for To Write Love On Her Arms (TWOLHA) an organisation centred around raising awareness about depression, self harm and suicide. Check out the interview by clicking here or go to www.risenmagazine.com to read more.

Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2011

The Rip Curl Pro in Peniche Portugal 2011 saw some epic sufing in some of the beast waves at Supertubos. Check out some of the action.

Remembering Andy Irons & Honouring 11 x World Champ Kelly Slater

RIP - Andy Irons (24.07.1978 - 02.11.2010) - Photo: Cestari/ASP

Already two days into the event and so much has already happened. The 2^ndof November marks the anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest surfers of our time, Andy Irons. We remembered this day by having a dawn paddle out before the contest start. The surfers and close friends of Andy came together in the water we formed a circle with white roses in hand. Then out of nowhere a curious seal popped up in the middle of the circle to say hi; it’s amazing that at any of these paddle outs there is always a dolphin, a rainbow or even a seal that seems to come out and join us during these solemn moments. In a strange way it is comforting. I said a prayer with everyone and we held a minutes silence for AI. It was a peaceful experience.

Andy Irons Paddle Out (L to R - Johnny Gannon, Abe Andrews, Taj Burow, Mick Fanning, Travis Logie & Kai Otton) - Photo: Nate Lawrence

Then the contest started. The energy in the air leading up to Kelly Slater’s heat was intense. Kelly had to make his round 3 heat to clinch his 11^th world title. Dan Ross, Aussie surfer from Yamba, NSW, was keen to make Kelly earn his win.

Dan Ross and Kelly Slater show some pre heat good sportsmanship - Photo: Kirstin/ASP

Rossy started the heat strong with 7.70 and backed it up with a 6.70. Kelly was looking for hollow waves to try and score big; however with the higher tide and wobbly sweep it was making it tricky to find the quality barrels that we had seen earlier in the day.

Dan Ross in Form and putting up a good fight against the champ - Photo: Cestari/ASP

Kelly managed to sneak out a frothy barrel scoring a 6.0, then Kelly quickly found a left which enabled him to unleash with some fierce backhand turns giving him a 7.53. Leaving Slater only needing 6.88 to take the lead. Kelly in the last 3mins of the heat found a right hander which enabled him to open up with a flurry of turns. He finished the wave strong and was awarded a 7.60 and finalised his 11^th World Title. Now Kelly Slater will be known as KE11Y. 

Kelly Slater on his winning wave - Photo: Nate Lawrence

There was much celebration to follow and while there is still many heats left of this event it seems as though the party is over for 2011. Everyone is starting to think about 2012 and the possibilities of a new world champ. And in the grand scheme of things there will always be winning and losing, there will always be champions, competitors and contests. But with the life and passing of Andy still resonating in our hearts and minds, the value of our time with each other is so much more important than all of this.

KE11Y - Photo: Nate Lawrence

This scripture gives me comfort and inspiration through this. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: & I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Psalm 23:6
Abe  

A.I. - Photo: Cestari/ASP

CJ Hobgood Interview at Quiksliver Pro NY

After 12 yrs on the ASP World Tour CJ Hobgood shares about what his surfing stands for.

Why Chaplaincy??

Chaplaincy in Christian Surfers from Christian Surfers on Vimeo.

Billabong Pro J-bay 2011

After a bit of a break from traveling, I'm back on the road and this time I have made my way to South Africa for the Billabong Pro in J-bay.

Although the ocean has gone quiet we have had one day of competition which saw the best in the world compete in 3 man heats for a spot in round three. With a variable forecast for the next few days it looks like early mornings for the call and possible lay days ahead. However, J-Bay can go from 1ft to 6ft in a matter of hours, so anything can happen and it is only early days for this event.

So make sure you keep tuned to what is going on for the contest and please pray for waves so we can see some awesome days of competition. While you spare a thought for waves please uplift these surfers, staff and support crew in your prayers. I will be praying on the ground here with the local Son Surf Crew (Christian Surfers South Africa), for God's guidance and favour ad-mist this event.

Day_02 Billabong Pro Roy Wrap Up from Christian Surfers on Vimeo.

Bless

Abe

Billabong Rio Pro: The World Tour In Brazil

The 3rd stop on the ASP World Tour is in Rio De Janiero, Brazil.

This year Billabong is hosting the contest in on one of the worlds most populated coastal cities. The surfers and staff are excited to be travelling to this event and the anticipation is building.

Here is a quick look at what to expect at this contest.

2011 Billabong Rio Pro - Webisode #1 from Billabong USA on Vimeo.