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MOTIVATION!
May 26th 2008
Inspiration and
wise words can make the difference between winning and losing here at the
Quiksilver ISA World Juniors. Coaches from the two nations of Barbados and
the USA face different challenges within their teams but their goals are the
same. They both want the best for their young surfers; the chance to compete
and to experience the unique spirit of the ISA World Championships.
Barbados had words to tell the world. ‘We came with 9 surfers and 2 are
advancing. Small old Barbados have 2 surfers advancing!’ shouted excited
voices from behind their colourful flags as another girl progressed today.
Nick, the coach said, ‘Some are more seasoned like Chelsea Tuach. Others are
new faces, so they are just getting their feet wet at this level. We have
two boys doing both divisions. We are just trying to immerse them for
maximum experience. Now we can’t get them out of the water!’
At the other end of the spectrum of the surfing world perhaps is the USA.
The team has large amounts of financial support from all the major surf
brands and major sponsor Pac Sun and an impressive national program in
place, which is set to bring home results. The national Coach, ex-professional
Joey Buran, had a clear target set for his team. ‘We’ve come with the goal
to win team gold, make no mistake about it.’
How Joey and team USA have prepared is nothing short of inspirational in
itself. ‘We have a program at home which has been set to achieve this result.
In the last 9 months we have first selected the best 37 surfers and given
them 75 training days and surfed 1000 heats. Our team is deep, our 5-7 place
alternates would still make the cut in any other team. I have said to all my
team that there are hundreds of WQS, WCT, and NSSA events but who remembers
the champions of each of them? There are only so many opportunities to do
something great within each of their careers. Winning an ISA event is one of
those. For every 100 events they will do, this is one in which you can do
something special.’
What is his advice for developing nations? I asked. ‘25 years ago when I was
a pro in the 80’s Brazil was not a great surfing nation, but I use them as
an example of how to do it. They have a big population so have a big talent
pool that they have channelled correctly to keep the best athletes coming
through. If the best surfers regardless of internal politics keep going
through a system, which has good training, leadership, and funding from
sponsors or governments, then great things will come.’
‘This contest is outstanding,’ he continued enthusiastically. ‘The
patriotism is wonderful, and there is a sweet spirit of unity amongst teams.
It’s competitive of course yet still respectful. Quiksilver have done a
fantastic job hosting this event, it’s first rate. It’s an event you can’t
explain, you just have to see it.’
Joey rates Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Hawaii but also recognises the
strength of the French team, reflecting the rising level of French surfing
in general, possibly inspired by the successes of their peers, Jeremy Flores
and Miky Picon, on the world rankings. Maxime Huscenot displayed the talent
Joey had predicted in one of the latter heats of the U16’s round 2, by
destroying his rivals with his surfing prowess. A moment of glory for the
home nation.
Whether team USA will achieve their golden goal remains to be seen and one
thing is certain, they are not the only team with that target. Tune in
tomorrow as the action heats up.
Gabe Davies
For live webcasts of the event check out;
www.quiksilver.com
Or via www.isasurf.org or
www.isaworldchamp.com
PHOTOS
High quality images of today’s surfing and each day’s events will be
available for worldwide press use at:
www.quiksilver-press.com
Login: pressroom / password: quiksilverpress
VIDEO
Daily high-resolution video sequences will be available on a dedicated FTP
server.
http://inside-media.fr/isa2008
A 3-minute sequence of today’s highlights will be available from 8pm.
About International Surfing Association (ISA):
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for
surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the
International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world
championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over
50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego,
California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio,
and re-elected six times since. The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan
Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and
Mike Gerard (USA).
