wtf ?! Pro surfer Jamie O’Brien scores a seed in IBA grand slam event at pipe. This is what we just read on the IBA website.
Sounds weird. Sounds good but surprising… we’re not sure what to think about this one. Is this a desperate attempt to get more media coverage during the pipe comp ? or is this a cool way to try to bridge the gap between bbers and surfers ? Jamie O knows how to surf pipe better then anyone and will definitely get barrelled there on a boogieboard but why chose Jamie O for this seed instead of some hi-profile bber ? Will Jamie O prove that bbing is way easier then stand up surfing ? or will bbers prove that bbing is just as technical and hard as standup surfing if Jamie doesnt make it thru his heat ? It’s really hard to tell but we’ll wait and see. Exciting stuff… but very surprising.
Here’s the press release from the IBA about this:
In one of the most extraordinary twists in modern Pro surfing, Pipeline local Jamie O’Brien has been granted a start in the seeded rounds of the Turbo Bodyboards Pipeline Pro.
This is the first event on the International Bodyboarding Association Men’s World Tour for 2009 and carries a Grand Slam status as well as double points towards the championship.
International General Manager of the IBA Terry McKenna says that O’Brien started his surfing career on a bodyboard as a kid before making the transition to fibreglass.
“Apparently Jamie was into it when he was younger and still feels keen enough about it to have a start in the event. Word on the street is that he can still hold his rail in and ride deep in the barrel at Pipe, so it will be amazing to watch ” said McKenna.
“Jamie is one of the most innovative surfers in the world and an astounding waterman so I would not put it past him to blow some minds at his home break.”
“I can only imagine that this will be one of the most highly anticipated heats of the year and watched by everyone in the surfing community. It’s a bold move and a first for the IBA ” said McKenna.
Jamie O’Brien had a different sort of sandpit to play in as a child. His backyard was Pipeline and no one knows this break better than him. This is supported by the fact that he was the youngest surfer to ever win the Pipeline Masters ASP event and recently won the backdoor shootout.
O’Brien will be seeded into the rounds 33-80 in a field of 144.
The waiting period begins on Feb 17th and continues till Feb 27th with the best three days being used for competition.
The event is being webcast at www.ibaworldtour.com/live More info www.ibaworldtour.com
Media enquiries terry@ibaworldtour.com
