ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND TWO OFF CITING SMALL SWELL

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Wednesday, Dec. 12th, 2007) –While no official
Billabong Pipeline Masters action will be underway today due to small surf, the
completion of Round 1 yesterday has set the stage for Round 2, where 16
Hawaiian Pro Surfers Union (HPSU) selected ‘Pipeline Specialists’ will take
on select members of the Foster’s ASP World Tour.

Yesterday’s 12 1st place Round 1 finishers, along with the four highest 2nd
place finishers, advanced straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place
finishers and the eight highest 3rd place finishers will now negotiate Round 3.
The remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet
the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.
 
Starting in Round 2, a newly implemented ASP ‘Dual Heats’ format will be run.
Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time competing in
two individual heats of two surfers each. Once the first heat has hit the
water, each subsequent heat will begin halfway through the heat that preceded
it. Priority allocation (the right of way given to a surfer on a wave) will
come into play the second half of each heat and two separate judging panels,
each presided over by a separate head judge, will be on-hand to judge their
allotted heats respectively.
 
The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as
follows:
 
‘Dual Heat’ Individual Priority Rules
• The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins
exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off
zone, the ASP’s standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue
with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority
will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone. 
• If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat,
that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the
Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the
take-off zone first. 
• If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is
impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first,
then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a
wave. 
 
‘Dual Heat’ Heat Priority Rules
• The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over
the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
• If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as
determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second
priority. 
• If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he
will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to
the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to
block competitors in different heats. 
• A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority,
providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority. 
The ASP Technical Committee also created new competition rash vests to
facilitate priority allocation in the ‘Dual Heat’ format. 
 
Competition Rash Vest Colors
• Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition
rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the
same color rash vest.
• Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated
from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective
rash vests.
• Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but
with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the
surfers to identify who has priority. 
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a
specific set of priority discs for the ‘Dual Heat’ format. The rules that
will regulate its usage are:
 
Priority Discs
• A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers
alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame. 
• Top disc to have red and blue colors. It will indicate which color heat has
priority at the half way mark. 
• Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has
priority from the half way mark onwards.

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow at 7am. 

Billabong Pro Round 2 Heat Match-ups:
Heat 1: Damien Hobgood (USA) vs. Mikey Bruneau (HAW)  
Heat 2: Kalani Chapman (HAW) vs. Jamie O'Brien (HAW)
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA) vs. Roy Powers (HAW)
Heat 4: Sunny Garcia (HAW) vs. Gavin Gillette (HAW)
Heat 5: Kai Otton (AUS) vs. Manoa Drollet (TAH)
Heat 6: Tiago Pires (PRT) vs. Flynn Novak (HAW)
Heat 7: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Kainoa McGee (HAW)
Heat 8: Michael Lowe (AUS) vs. Danny Fuller (HAW)
Heat 9: Daniel Wills (AUS) vs. David Wassell (HAW)
Heat 10: Luke Munro (AUS) vs. Gavin Beschen (USA)
Heat 11: Leonardo Neves (BRA) vs. Ian Walsh (HAW)
Heat 12: Shaun Cansdell (AUS) vs. Mikala Jones (HAW)
Heat 13: Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) vs. Tory Baron (HAW)
Heat 14: Chris Ward (USA) vs. Shane Dorian (HAW)
Heat 15: Ricky Basnett (ZAF) vs. Myles Padaca (HAW)
Heat 16: Royden Bryson (ZAF) vs. Makua Rothman (HAW)

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster's ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

Reigning and 4X Billabong Pipeline Masters Champion Andy Irons (HAW) is not in contention to the win his fifth Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title after skipping the event at Sunset

Beach to get married, but his performance in clean four foot (one metre plus)

surf at Pipeline this morning proved he’s still the man to beat.



Irons posted the highest heat total of the day, 17.50 of 20.00, in Round 1 and

will now advance to Round 4.



“It feels awesome to get out there,” Irons said. “After Haleiwa I flew home,

missed Sunset, got married, and have just been waiting for this event for about

a week now. It’s nice to finally get the ball rolling, and to start the heat

off with an 8.33 and a 9.17 was a great start.”



If Irons can maintain his form and defend his title (he has won the event four

out of the last five years), he will end his 2008 Foster’s ASP World Tour

season with two wins to his credit – Irons took top honors in Chile earlier

this year.



“It’s the last contest of the year and it was a pretty slow year for me,”

Irons said. “ I had a bad start, an okay run and then a pretty bad ending.

With this being that last event of the year I want to go out with a bang. This

is one of my top three favorite events of the year. I’m just taking it one

heat at a time and just keep my eyes on the conditions everyday.”



Adrian Buchan (AUS) emerged from the biggest barrel of the day to post the

highest single wave score of the round, 9.63 out of 10.00. He advanced over 8X

ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), Royden Bryson (ZAF) and Kalani Chapman

(HAW) respectively – no one is eliminated from the event in Round 1.



“It was probably one of the bigger waves to come through,” Buchan said. “It

opened up really nicely and had nice long barrel and then a turn after so I was

just really stoked. It’s not real Pipe out there today, I’d like to have a

heat against Kelly out here, man-on-man when it’s eight to 10 foot, but yeah,

a win is a win and I’m stoked to make it straight through to the fourth

round.”



Buchan fared well in the first two events of the Triple Crown and subsequently

re-qualified for the 2008 ASP World Tour courtesy of his ASP World Qualifying

Series (WQS) rating. He also put himself in contention for the Triple Crown,

now sitting in fourth place.



“I’m feeling really good – I felt really good in Haleiwa, and in Sunset as

well,” Buchan said. “My job is kind of done as far as re-qualifying for next

year so I’m just enjoying myself, being able to surf Pipe with a few other

guys is truly a treat.”



2007 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS), who with his maiden world title

secured has also ‘done his job,’ finished 2nd to wildcard Laurie Towner (AUS)

today. Despite narrowly losing to Towner, Fanning will advance straight to

Round 4 courtesy of being one of the four top scoring 2nd place finishers

today. Notably, this is the first Round 1 heat Fanning has lost all year.

Fanning is currently rated 3rd in the race for the Triple Crown title.



“Winning an event here in Hawaii is always something you want to do,” Fanning

said. “I really want to win the event here, I’ve been so close here so many

times, but never really done it. The Triple Crown as well, I’m still in the

running for that so there’s a couple of things going into the event, I want to

have fun and enjoy it but still want to win the event.”



ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) leads the Triple Crown race and is on track

to keep it that way after winning his heat today.



“It was a tough heat with Freddy (Pattachia), Occy (Mark Occhilupo), and Danny

(Wills) because they’re all on the borderline to requalify, and with it being

the last event, everyone is going for it,” Durbidge said. “Occy was in the

lead the entire heat and I was thinking it would be okay to lose to him going

out. I still was wanting to sneak through if I could. I got lucky and was able

to get a little one at the end and pull through.”



If an Australian were to claim the Triple Crown title this year, it would be

the first time since Mike Rommesle (AUS) did so in 1997.



“It would be just amazing to win the Triple Crown, it’s been a dream of mine

forever,” Durbidge said. “To prove yourself in Hawaii means a lot and you can

gain a lot of respect off the other surfers as well. So we’ll see I’m on

track.”



Making it through their heats despite interference calls were today Dean

Morrison (AUS) and Neco Padaratz (BRA)



“The conditions today, being as they are, if you do get interference, it’s

probably the best conditions you can have to try and pull it off, because

there’s not that many waves,” Morrison said. “There was a lot of junk out

there and if you do get the right one, you do just have to ride it and try for

a good score.”



Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.



Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Results:

Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW) 17.50, Cory Lopez (USA) 14.66, Adriano de Souza (BRA)

11.90, Tiago Pires (PRT) 4.03

Heat 2: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 12.60, Tim Reyes (USA) 9.73, Bobby Martinez (USA)

8.26, Leonardo Neves (BRA) 5.0

Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 11.06, Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.17, Mark

Occhilupo (AUS) 8.43, Daniel Wills (AUS) 6.30

Heat 4: Gabe Kling (USA) 11.50, Luke Stedman (AUS) 11.34, Raoni Monteiro (BRA)

5.90, Damien Hobgood (USA) 2.77

Heat 5: Laurie Towner (AUS) 11.57, Mick Fanning (AUS) 11.10, Phillip MacDonald

(AUS) 8.00, Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 2.67

Heat 6: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 15.96, Kelly Slater (USA) 6.36, Royden Bryson (ZAF)

4.60, Kalani Chapman (HAW) 2.80

Heat 7: Bruce Irons (HAW) 9.50, T.J. Barron (HAW) 7.30, Taj Burrow (AUS)6.17,

Chris Ward (USA) 1.38

Heat 8: Neco Padaratz (BRA) 7.50, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5.87, Sunny Garcia (HAW)

4.96, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 3.94

Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS) 8.84, Bernardo Miranda (BRA) 7.50, Michael Campbell

(AUS) 4.87, Michael Lowe (AUS) 3.60

Heat 10: Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.73, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 7.93, Luke Munro (AUS) 3.80,

Taylor Knox (USA) 2.80

Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 9.00, Victor Ribas (BRA) 8.86, Troy Brooks (AUS)

5.77, Kai Otton (AUS) 4.54

Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.67, Pancho Sullivan (HAW) 11.47, Dayyan Neve

(AUS) 10.76, Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 8.87

ANDY IRONS MAKES EARLY CHARGE AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 2007) –

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL
 
Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007
 
BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ROUND 1 TO COMMENCE AT 10AM
 
BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007) – Round 1 of the Billabong
Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, will
commence at the famed Banzai Pipeline at 10am today.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is unique in that 16 “Pipeline specialists,”
as nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro Surfer’s Union (HPSU), are
seeded alongside the Foster’s 45 and three event wildcards for a total of 64
surfers instead of the normal 48.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats
comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury
replacement surfers. From there, the 12 1st place finishers along with the four
highest 2nd place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining
eight 2nd place finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate
Round 3 and the remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place
finishers will meet the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.
 
The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final jewel in the Vans Triple
Crown of Surfing series and will determine this year's Vans Triple Crown
champion. ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men’s Vans
Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning (AUS),
Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW). In addition to their share of
the $740,000 in prize money, the men's Vans Triple Crown champion will receive
a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon
watch.
 
All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced
live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.
 
Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; LOOKS GOOD FOR TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 10, 2007) – The Billabong Pipeline
Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, will not begin
today, but with optimal conditions forecasted for Pipeline tomorrow, Tuesday,
Dec. 13th, event organizers are optimistic Round 1 could commence then.

With the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Title already wrapped up and set firmly upon
Mick Fanning’s mantle, requalification for the ASP World Tour will serve a
major point of interest on the beach at the Billabong Pro Pipeline Masters. 
Bruce Irons (HAW), who won the event in 2003, is among the surfers needing a
solid result at Pipe if they hope to surf amongst the elite in 2008. Irons will
take on Taj Burrow (AUS), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW) in Heat 7 of Round
1.

The Billabong Pipeline Masters is the third and final installment of action in
the Vans Triple Crown of series and will determine this year's Vans Triple
Crown champion. ASP World No. 6 Bede Durbidge (AUS) currently leads the men’s
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing ratings followed Roy Powers (HAW), Mick Fanning
(AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS) and Makuakai Rothman (HAW).

In addition to their share of the $740,000 in prize money, the men's Vans
Triple Crown champion will receive a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado
truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch.

All of the action of this year's Billabong Pipeline Masters can be experienced
live at www.billabongpro.com and www.aspworldtour.com.

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines
Stop No. 8 of 8 on the ASP Women’s World Tour 
Honolua Bay, Maui
Dec. 8-20, 2007

LAY DAY CALLED FOR BILLABONG PRO MAUI AFTER OPENING CEREMONIES

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007) – Event organizers at the Billabong
Pro Maui have called for a lay day today after assessing the three-to-five foot
(2 metre) conditions on offer at Honolua Bay, Maui.

“We’re opting to postpone competition for today and make another call
tomorrow at 7am,” Billabong Pro Maui Contest Director Dino Andino (USA) said. 
“The swell is expected to rise this coming Tuesday and Wednesday and cleaner
conditions are projected to be on offer.  We’re expecting some onshore flow
today so we’ve opted not to run, but we’ll be checking back here at 7am each
day.”

Despite no action in the water today, several competitors were on offer this
morning for the opening ceremonies in which a Hawaiian Lord offered a special
blessing for the event.

The final event of the ASP Women’s World Tour, the Billabong Pro Maui carries
with it the added weight of deciding both the 2007 ASP Women’s World Champion
as well as the Vans Triple Crown Champion.

Rookie phenom Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), former ASP Women’s World Champion Sofia
Mulanovich (PER) and South American wunderkind Silvana Lima (BRA) are all still
in contention for 2007 ASP Women’s World Title, and given their respective
abilities in powerful righthanders, the battle at Honolua Bay seems fitting.

“I know that I’ll need to produce a result out here at Honolua,” Gilmore
said.	“Sofia’s dropping a 17th and I know she’s hungry for a the title.  I
couldn’t be happier that the season will be finishing in a righthander and I
hope to have a good showing.”

After the first two events of the 2007 Vans Triple Crown, veteran competitors
Megan Abubo (HAW) and Sofia Mulanovich (PER) are out in front in the race for
this season’s title, having won the Reef Haleiwa Pro and Roxy Pro Sunset
respectively.

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines has begun its waiting period
today, Dec. 8, 2007 and has until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event.  Only
two full days of competition are required to complete the event, and organizers
will look to run in the best conditions possible.

When competition resumes, six trialists will battle it out for one wildcard
spot in the main event before Round 1 competition gets underway.  Trialists
include Keala Kennelly (HAW), Alana Hendrickson (HAW), Paige Alms (HAW), Monyca
Byrne-Wickey (HAW), Lipoa Kahaleuahi (HAW) and Alana Blanchard (HAW).

Next call will be at 7am tomorrow morning.

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS OFF TODAY; NEXT CALL TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007) – The waiting period for the
Billabong Pipeline Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World
Tour, begins today, Dec. 8th and stretches for 13 days until Dec. 20th.  Small
and unfavorable conditions at Pipeline this morning have seen the contest
called off for the day. 

When competition does commence, former 3X ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW),
who has won the event four out of the past five years, will surf in the first
heat. Irons will take on Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA) and Tiago
Pires (PRT) in Round 1.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats
comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury
replacement surfers. The 12 1st place finishers along with the four highest 2nd
place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining eight 2nd place
finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate Round 3 and the
remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place finishers will meet 16
“Pipeline specialists,” as nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro
Surfer’s Union (HPSU), in Round 2.

Another call on competition status will be made tomorrow morning at 7am.

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS ENTERS EVENT WAITING PERIOD TOMORROW

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 7, 2007) – The Billabong Pipeline
Masters, the final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, could commence
as early as tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007 if conditions at the famed Banzai
Pipeline are deemed contestable at 7am local time. 

The concluding competition of both the Foster’s ASP World Tour and the Vans
Triple Crown of Surfing is unique in that 16 “Pipeline specialists,” as
nominated by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaii Pro Surfer’s Union (HPSU), are seeded
alongside the Foster’s 45 and three event wildcards thus creating an event
offering unparalleled action at one of the world’s most critical waves.

Former 3X World Champion Andy Irons (HAW) has won the event four out of the
past five years, missing out only in 2004 when the honor was earned by local
surfer Jamie O’Brien (HAW). O’Brien will headline the 16 specialists seeded
into the event from Round 2 forward. The others include Gavin Gillette (HAW),
Flynn Novak (HAW), Danny Fuller (HAW), Gavin Beschen (USA), Mikala Jones (HAW),
Shane Dorian (HAW), Makuakai Rothman (HAW), Myles Padaca (HAW), Tory Barron
(HAW), Ian Walsh (HAW), David Wassell (HAW), Kainoa McGee (HAW), Manoa Drollet
(TAH), Roy Powers (HAW) and Mikey Bruneau (HAW).

The event nominated Billabong Pipeline Masters wildcards are Tiago Pires (PRT),
T.J. Barron (HAW) and Sunny Garcia (HAW). Laurie Towner (AUS) and Kalani
Chapman (HAW) will be surfing in place of injured Top 45 surfers Ben Dunn (AUS)
and Travis Logie (ZAF). A total of 64 surfers will compete in the event.

Round 1 of the Billabong Pipeline Masters will feature 12 four-man heats
comprised of the Foster's 45, the Pipeline Masters wildcards and injury
replacement surfers. From there, the 12 1st place finishers along with the four
highest 2nd place finishers will advance straight to Round 4. The remaining
eight 2nd place finishers and eight highest 3rd place finishers will negotiate
Round 3 and the remaining four 3rd place finishers and the 12 4th place
finishers will meet the 16 HPSU seeds in Round 2.

From Round 2 onwards, a newly implemented ASP ‘Dual Heats’ format will be
run. Under this format, four surfers are in the water at the same time
competing in two individual heats of two surfers each.
Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat will begin halfway
through the heat that preceded it. Priority allocation (the right of way given
to a surfer on a wave) will come into play the second half of each heat and two
separate judging panels, each presided over by a separate head judge, will be
on-hand to judge their allotted heats respectively.

The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as
follows:

‘Dual Heat’ Individual Priority Rules
•	The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins
exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off
zone, the ASP’s standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue
with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority
will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone. 
•	If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat,
that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the
Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the
take-off zone first. 
•	If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is
impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first,
then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a
wave. 

‘Dual Heat’ Heat Priority Rules
•	The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over
the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
•	If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as
determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second
priority. 
•	If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he
will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to
the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to
block competitors in different heats. 
•	A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority,
providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority. 
The ASP Technical Committee also created new competition rash vests to
facilitate priority allocation in the ‘Dual Heat’ format. 

Competition Rash Vest Colors
•	Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition
rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the
same color rash vest.
•	Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated
from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective
rash vests.
•	Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but
with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the
surfers to identify who has priority. 
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a
specific set of priority discs for the ‘Dual Heat’ format. The rules that
will regulate its usage are:

Priority Discs
•	A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers
alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame. 
•	Top disc to have red and blue colors. It will indicate which color heat has
priority at the half way mark. 
•	Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has
priority from the half way mark onwards. 

Billabong Pro Round 1 Heat Draw
Heat 1: Andy Irons (HAW), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA), Tiago Pires
(PRT)
Heat 2: Bobby Martinez (USA), Leonardo Neves (BRA), Greg Emslie (ZAF), Tim
Reyes (USA)
Heat 3: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Daniel Wills (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mark
Occhilupo (AUS)
Heat 4: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Gabe
Kling (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Phillip MacDonald (AUS), Ricky Basnett (ZAF),
Laurie Towner (AUS)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Royden Bryson (ZAF), Kalani
Chapman (HAW)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Bruce Irons (HAW), Chris Ward (USA), T.J Barron (HAW)
Heat 8: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA), Neco Padaratz (BRA),
Sunny Garcia (HAW)
Heat 9: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Michael Campbell (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA),
Michael Lowe (AUS)
Heat 10: Taylor Knox (USA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Luke Munro
(AUS)
Heat 11: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Kai Otton (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Victor Ribas
(BRA)
Heat 12: Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW), Dayyan Neve (AUS), Shaun
Cansdell (AUS)

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines
Stop No. 8 of 8 on the ASP Women’s World Tour 
Honolua Bay, Maui
Dec. 8-20, 2007

BILLABONG PRO MAUI HOSTS ROCHELLE BALLARD’S FINAL EVENT

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Friday, Dec. 7, 2007) – Legendary ASP tour veteran Rochelle
Ballard (HAW) will cap off her esteemed and ground-breaking career at the
Billabong Pro Maui presented by Hawaiian Airlines from Dec. 8 – 20, 2007.

Ballard has officially announced her retirement following the completion of the
2007 ASP Women’s World Tour, and is pleased that her career will culminate at
home in Hawaii.

“Honolua Bay is a very special place,” Ballard said.  “It is an amazing wave
and one of my favorite events on tour.  I am so happy to be at home finishing
off my last event as a touring pro.	I have enjoyed many amazing experiences
over the years and have seen so much change and grow on tour.  To finish it at
a barreling righthand pointbreak is a win win experience no matter what the
result.”

The Hawaiian’s storied journey throughout the ranks of the ASP World Tour has
seen her rise as high as No. 2 in the world in 2004, as well as collect a
number of victories including the Gunston 500, the Billabong Pro at Burleigh
Heads, the U.S. Open, among others.  However, despite the countless accolades
she has acquired, Ballard will most miss her companions on tour.

“Traveling with my best mates on tour especially my best friend Megan (Abubo)
is what I’ll miss most after this season,” Ballard said.	“We have always
amped each other up so much.  Also, visiting old friends in the countries we go
to and eating at my favorite cafe's around the world...and all the sick parties
on tour weren’t so bad either.”

Although Ballard is looking forward to a bit of a respite after over a decade
of competing against the world’s best, she shows no signs of slowing down. 
Look for the powerful natural-footer to continue pushing the limits of
high-performance surfing as she watches the next wave of professional surfers
take on the ASP Women’s World Tour.

“I think it's amazing what the younger girls are doing, and I am so excited to
enjoy watching them,” Ballard said.  “I look forward to continuing to be a
part of their careers.  I'm a kid at heart and always will be.”

Ballard will join the rest of the girls on the ASP Top 17 in Maui, including
ASP World Title contenders Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and
Silvana Lima (BRA).

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines will begin its waiting period
on Dec. 8, 2007 and have until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event.  Only two
full days of competition are required to complete the event, and event
organizers will look to run in the best conditions possible.

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pipeline Masters
Stop No. 10 of 10 on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour 
Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Dec. 8-20, 2007

NEW ASP DUAL HEAT FORMAT TO MAKE BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS DEBUT

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007) – The 13-day waiting period
for the final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, the Billabong
Pipeline Masters, will commence this Saturday, Dec. 8th and will stretch until
Dec. 20th, 2007. A newly minted ASP format will make its debut at the Billabong
Pipeline Masters this year.

The ‘Dual Heat’ format will feature two heats run concurrently to maximize
conditions on offer for the surfers and action in the water for the fans. 
Originally inspired by 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), who used a
similar format for an invitational charity event he hosted in Tavarua, Fiji,
the ASP and the Top 45 surfers have collectively fine-tuned the format which is
now approved for use in all Foster’s ASP World Tour events.

The basic premise of the format is that heats will overlap each other, allowing
more heats to be run in less time without compromising the duration of the
heats. Once the first heat has hit the water, each subsequent heat will begin
halfway through the heat that preceded it. Priority allocation (the right of
way given to a surfer on a wave) will come into play the second half of each
heat and two separate judging panels, each presided over by a separate head
judge, will be on-hand to judge their allotted heats respectively.

The format rules and details as set forth by the ASP Technical Committee are as
follows:

‘Dual Heat’ Individual Priority Rules
•	The first half of each heat is run without priority. Heat Priority begins
exactly half way through the heat. If both surfers are sitting in the take-off
zone, the ASP’s standard heat priority rule applies and the heat will continue
with no priority until the first wave has been ridden. From there, priority
will automatically be given to the remaining surfer in the take off zone. 
•	If only one surfer is at the take-off zone at the halfway mark of the heat,
that surfer will have first priority. If neither surfer is in the line up, the
Head Judge will allocate priority to the surfer who reaches what is deemed the
take-off zone first. 
•	If both surfers arrive in the take off zone at the same time and it is
impossible for the Head Judge to determine who reached the take-off zone first,
then the heat will continue with no priority until one of the surfers catches a
wave. 

‘Dual Heat’ Heat Priority Rules
•	The heat allocated with priority will have unconditional right of way over
the heat without priority during the allocated priority time period.
•	If a surfer with priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone as
determined by the Head Judge, he will lose priority, either first or second
priority. 
•	If a surfer with first priority paddles outside the primary take-off zone he
will lose first priority. He will only gain second priority when he returns to
the take-off zone. This is to avoid surfers utilizing the priority rule to
block competitors in different heats. 
•	A surfer with no priority can split the peak with a surfer with priority,
providing he surfs in the opposite direction of the surfer with priority. 
The ASP Technical Committee also created newcompetition rash vests to
facilitate priority allocation in the ‘Dual Heat’ format. 

Competition Rash Vest Colors
•	Surfers in each heat will be differentiated via red and blue competition
rash vests; surfers competing against each other in a heat will both wear the
same color rash vest.
•	Surfers competing against each other within a heat will be differentiated
from one another via white and black arm and neck panels on their respective
rash vests.
•	Competitors in the same heat will wear the same color vests, e.g.: red, but
with different color arm and neck panels with the black and white allowing the
surfers to identify who has priority. 
To address the colors in the water the Technical Committee also developed a
specific set of priority discs for the ‘Dual Heat’ format. The rules that
will regulate its usage are:

Priority Discs
•	A set of two discs will be placed within view of the judges and surfers
alike, one disc above the other, preferably in the same mounting frame. 
•	Top disc to have red and yellow colors. It will indicate which color heat
has priority at the half way mark. 
•	Bottom disc to be black and white. It will indicate which color surfer has
priority from the half way mark onwards. 

Under the ‘Dual Heat’ format the Billabong Pipeline Masters will take roughly
three and a half full days of competition to complete the 64 man draw. The
Pipeline Masters draw features an additional 16 ‘Pipeline Specialists’ as
recommended by ASP Hawaii and the Hawaiian Surfer’s Union. Those 16
specialists, along with three wildcards, and the Top 45 surfers in the world,
compose the 64 main event surfers.

ASSOCIATION OF SURFING PROFESSIONALS (ASP) INTERNATIONAL

Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines
Stop No. 8 of 8 on the ASP Women’s World Tour 
Honolua Bay, Maui
Dec. 8-20, 2007

ASP WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION TO BE DECIDED AT BILLABONG PRO MAUI

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007) – The Billabong Pro Maui presented
by Hawaiian Airlines, the final event of the 2007 ASP Women’s World Tour as
well as the Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown, is set to begin its waiting period on
Dec. 8, 2007, and Honolua Bay will not only be crowning an event champion, but
the ASP Women’s World Champion as well.

Current ratings leader Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), former ASP Women’s World
Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and South American phenom Silvana Lima (BRA)
are the only three surfers remaining in contention for the 2007 ASP Women’s
World Title, and the pressure will be on at Honolua Bay to determine who will
walk away with surfing’s most prestigious title.

Gilmore, who has already recorded one of the best rookie seasons in ASP history
with three wins in 2007, will be the frontrunner heading into the Billabong Pro
Maui, but knows that Mulanovich and Lima are right there with her in
contention.

“I’ve been trying to approach every event the same way,” Gilmore said.	“It
can be very easy to get caught up in all the world title talk, but I’m just
focusing on Round 1 at Honolua.”

This will be Gilmore’s first event at the infamous righthander, and the
stylish natural-footer is one of the favorites heading into the Billabong Pro
Maui because of her tenacious forehand attack and explosive repertoire. 

“It’s a perfect wave, and I’ve been looking forward to surfing it with only
two girls out all year,” Gilmore said.  “I’m really amped to get some good
barrels and just enjoy myself because it’s the last event of the year.”

Although Gilmore currently leads the ratings, Mulanovich is holding a 17th
place finish in her scoreline which, if replaced in Maui, will see her jump
ahead in the ratings leaving Gilmore and Lima playing catch up.

“I have a lot of confidence after my win at the Roxy Pro and I am really
looking forward to getting over to Maui,” Mulanovich said.  “Steph and
Silvana are incredible surfers and I know they want this bad – I’m just going
to stick to my gameplan and focus.”

If Mulanovich places 17th in Maui, Lima must finish 1st or 2nd, otherwise
Gilmore wins.

If Mulanovich places 9th, Gilmore must finish 5th or better, and Lima must
finish 1st or 2nd to claim the crown.

If Mulanovich places 5th, Gilmore must finish 3rd or better and Lima must win
the Billabong Pro Maui to claim the title.

If Mulanovich places 3rd, Gilmore must finish 2nd to win, and Lima is out of
contention regardless.

If Mulanovich places 2nd, Gilmore must win the event, and if Mulanovich wins
the event, she also wins the title.

Given the three’s reputation in hollow righthanders, expect a showdown for the
ages to ensue as we countdown to the crowning of the 2007 ASP Women’s World
Champion.

The Billabong Pro Maui pres. By Hawaiian Airlines will begin its waiting period
on Dec. 8, 2007 and have until Dec. 20, 2007 to complete the event.  Only two
full days of competition are required to complete the event, and event
organizers will look to run in the best conditions possible.