It’s time for that board meeting but not one with tables and papers or people in ties; this is the one with water, surf board and people in skin suits! 20th august was the opening day for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, Teahupo’o.

Former ASP World Champion – C.J. Hobgood

The best surfers from around the world came in and had their warm-ups in the warm conditions in the surf line for the ASP Men’s tour of the event 5 this year. Though the weather is expected to be turbulent in the latter part of the competition, it was sunny-lit on the commencement of the competition and a perfect start to it all.

Bobby Martinez from California, one of the top surfers has withdrawn from the tournament which has given a golden chance to the next best, South African Travis Logie. Logie got a call just in time for him to board the flight for his heat. He has already advanced on to round 3 of the tournament.

There are 36 participants altogether which include Ricardo Dos Santos of Brazil, Heiarri Williams of French Polynesia (PYF) and Cory Lopez of USA.

The opening ceremony was conducted by the local mayor, Marcelle Holozet (PYF). The Grammy award winner, Colbie Collait also performed at the ceremony.

The ASP top 34 will be rotated with the 32 from the ASP World Rankings along with 2 wildcard entries. This tournament will be a major for those who sit at the brink, to secure a place in the top 34 for the rest of the season.

C.J. Hobgood of USA showed a great performance in the opening round as he displaced a likely victor, Joel Parkinson of Australia. Hobgood said that the wind and the waves were in his favor today and the face that he secured his position in the safety zone is because of how the ocean was, for the most part.

I’d like to take a little bit of credit, but the ocean did a lot of work out there. Joel (Parkinson) had a wave that could have been a 10 if he had come out so they’re definitely out there.”

Jordy Smith, current world no 2, showed an excellent performance in his heat as well. The South African was happy with the way he finished the first round and making it in the second. He said that he loved the water and weather conditions and doing what he loves most out there.

The forecasters and the officials will decide when to commence the day 2 of the tournament but for now the surfers can get some good sleep!

Tags: ASP World Champion, Billabong Pro Tahiti, C.J. Hobgood, Surf Board, Surfers, Surfing, Teahupo’o