Imagine, perfect warm water 4 to 6 foot barreling beach break tubes, add 16 of the world’s best surfers, have them surfing four at a time in an all inclusive united format. Still with me so far? Then add to the tropical setting the infamous Brazilian string bikini, adorning some select bodies, put all of this on a jewel of an island off the northern coast of Brazil that is an ecological reserve and just happens to be the honeymoon venue for dolphins and turtles. It could easily have been a dream but I know first hand the careful planning done by the Red Bull, Brazil events team, in making this a dream come true.
The list of invitees included past world champions Tom Curren, Martin Potter, and Derek Ho, salt it up with young bloods Bruce Irons and Gavin Beschen. Pepper the mix with long boarding hierarchy of Beau Young, Joel Tudor, and Colin McPhillips, blend-in some free surfing standouts like South Africa’s Sean Holmes, and Brazilian Guilheme Gross for a completely mixed approach to modern surfing.
The format called for each surfer to ride both long and short board during a half hour heat. As well as scoring them their top two rides from each style board, also one score from each maneuver categories; aerial, tube ride, and nose ride, would count. Each heat would feature specialty artists from each discipline. The accumulated points from the two heats per round determined who advanced. Those who didn’t quickly determine the dynamics for winning had to play catch to the program. Gavin Beschem had a plan that worked, doing all the maneuvers and surfing exceptionally. Joel Tudor concentrated on tube riding pulling into and out of barrel upon barrel. For the first round that was enough but by round two the format had started to work against him as the need to perform all the maneuvers became more apparent. The incredible opportunity to watch these warriors’ different approaches to riding the magnificent waves was, for me, spectacular. I was glad the cameras were there to catch it all on tape. I will say that the true measure of tube riding displayed by Joel Tudor throughout the event can be witnessed in the final result of the event itself. Joel lost by a half a point without successfully landing an aerial. Gavin Beschan was the winner after 2 days of competition demonstrating his mastery of all the surfing disciplines required, blowing it up with highflying aerial displays.
I have been extremely lucky to have been present and be part of many break through's in competitive surfing. If this event doesn’t mark the way we view the sport I don’t know what will.
We had a rare opportunity to view it all.
The pictures give a glimpse of what the future may hold for us all. When you see your favorite surfer honing in on maneuvers previously not in his repertoire it could be the future dictating form.
Read About Past Events
Red Bull Tuberide
Mavericks 00'
Isla de Madiera
Mavericks 04'
