Joubert Wins Oakley Pro Junior In SA
E365> Surfing - Tuesday March 25 2008
E365 -- Oakley team rider Shaun Joubert overcame a strong challenge by Nic Godfrey to snatch victory in good, clean, one-metre offshore waves at the internationally rated ASP Grade 2 Oakley Pro Junior at Durban’s New Pier in South Africa.
Joubert showed patience during the final by waiting 10-minutes before his first ride. This paid off as he scored an 8.5 with some vertical turns off a good quality outside set wave. Joubert consolidated his lead with a 6.17, leaving Godfrey with the tall order of scoring a near perfect 9.67 to take the lead and the title. Unfortunately for Godfrey, with time running out, he was unable to find a suitable wave, and so lost out to a deserving Joubert.
As winner of the event, Joubert takes home US$2500, while Godfrey pockets a tidy $1100 for his second place. Both surfers qualify for the final championship event of the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge to be held in Bali later this year.
Joubert was understandably ecstatic, saying winning was "the best feeling ever". He also rated the boat trip to Bali, with the chance to compete with some of the world’s best junior surfers, as a great opportunity.
The Oakley Pro Junior benefited significantly from the great weather. With clear blue skies and a light offshore breeze, an estimated 200,000 people flocked to Durban’s beachfront promenade to enjoy the festivities. With other extreme sports such as freestyle motocross and jet skiing on show, the action over the weekend has been nonstop.
The Red Bull Air Show Surfing Expression Session was surfed as a prelude to the final of the Oakley contest, with contestants taking advantage of the left and right breaking waves on offer. The rising tide again resulted in improved conditions, and Rudy Palmboom was the first to take some initiative with a massive backhand air reverse.
Soon after, Beyrick de Vries, Chris Leppan and Hayden MacNicol also put themselves in contention for the most radical aerial maneuver prize. Chad du Toit, after busting two airs on one wave, took an early lead in the race for the best overall performance of the Air Show, although Jaco Steyn also had some consistently strong rides.
Ultimately, it was Rudy Palmboom who prevailed with the most radical aerial manoeuvre, while Jaco Steyn was confirmed as the best overall performer. Both surfers won R2500 for their efforts. Medi Veminardi won the ZigZag Blowing Up Award, and R1000, for consistently going as large as possible
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| EXTREME INSPIRATION |
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