The Shark Isand Challenge is coming ! So watchout for amazing action very soon in Cronulla, NSW, Australia. (4th of July starts with the Brett Young Memorial Trials, then 7th to 27th of July is the Shark Island Challenge waiting period. Both of the events will be streamed live at www.limited-edition.net.au – and for Twitter updates on the contest subscribe to this Twitter feed right now: http://twitter.com/ltd_edition !

Please read the full press release below for more info.

Hi all,

In regards to this years Brett Young Memorial Trials – “The Gateway to the 2009 Nomad Shark Island Challenge”. Please be advised that the event will be capped at 48 competitors. The event will be run over a one day period during the 4th or the 5th of July – location will again be Cronulla Point.

Positions are still available so if you’re keen for a chance at $10,000 cash and the chance of winning some fantastic prizes entry forms can be found on the Riptide website under news section > get your entry in before you loose out..

ENTRY FORM HERE

In regards to IBA contracted riders – I have been informed by the IBA that only riders that are contracted to the IBA (that is riders that have signed a contract in 2009) will receive a 12 month ban; any top 28 riders may also incur a $500 USD fine.

So – here is the deal

a) If you are not contracted by the IBA – you are more than welcome to compete.
b) If you haven’t signed an IBA contract but are competing on the IBA world Tour, you are more than welcome to compete.
c) If you are contracted and you are not planning on entering any more IBA event you are more than welcome to compete.
d) If you are contracted and want to enter regardless, guess what – you are more than welcome as well…
e) Please note: I understand that the IBAA have scheduled events during the SIC waiting period- so – for those non contracted BBA competitors not competing in The Soldiers Beach Pro ‘09, that’s right- you are also welcome to compete.

Come On – Support the event that has inspired a generation of chargers – You can do it!

Previous Winners of the Brett Young Memorial Trials

2005 – Jason Hazle
2006 – Nick Ormerod
2007 – Ben Gohl
2008 – Wes Fischer

Regarding the main event – The riders chosen for this year’s Nomad Shark Island Challenge best represent the talent of today’s everyday bodyboarder. These riders thrive on Bodyboarding; it doesn’t matter whether they’re tour riders, free surfers, blue-collar workers or just self-confessed Shark Island freaks.

The chosen invitees have been categorised into five groups as follows:

Please note that all invitees have confirmed their positions. If any Aussies or Internationals pull out after the completion of the Brett Young Memorial Trials then 5th, 6th, 7th place getters will fill those positions. If any local rider withdraws from the main event then they will be replaced accordingly by another local.

Heats for the main event will be determined by means of a hat draw – draw will be conducted at a briefing night on the 6th of July.

Each rider will surf 2 heats, with the riders best 4 waves counted to determine the Champion!
Every heat is a final; a maximum of 12 waves in each heat will be considered.

For a teaser on this years invited riders check out http://www.vimeo.com:80/5213935

Locals
1. Dave Ballard – (AUS)
2. Chris Riguccini – (AUS)
3. Ben Sawyer – (AUS)
4. Alex Leon – (AUS)

Aussies
1. Jason Finlay – (AUS)
2. Chris James – (AUS)
3. Jose Marquina – (AUS)
4. Kira Llewellyn – (AUS)
5. Ewan Donnachie – (AUS)
6. Alex Bunting – (AUS)
7. Adam Luehman – (AUS)
8. Nick Ormerod – (AUS)
Internationals
1. Mike Murphy – (USA)
2. Jared Houston – (SA)

Sponsor wildcards
1. Glen Sullivan – (AUS)
2. Glen Thurston – (AUS)

Trialists
These four spots are to be decided after the Brett Young Memorial Trials

The prize purse for this year’s challenge is the most exciting to date:
First Prize – $10,000 Winner takes all (provided by Nomad Bodyboards and Emerald Surf City)
Best Barrel – 2 weeks stay at The Secret Sumatra Surf Camp
Best Move – 2 week boat trip courtesy of The Surf Travel Company
Best Wipe-out – $500 (if you want it, it’s all yours)
Longest tube – Buzzing over Sydney in the world-renowned Red Bull Stunt Plane

Important dates for you to jot down are:

The Brett Young Memorial Trials > 4th – 5th of July
Presented by Emerald Surf City and staged at Cronulla Point – trialists will compete for the honour gaining entry into the 2009 Nomad Shark Island Challenge

The Nomad Shark Island Challenge (in association with Emerald Surf City) > 7th – 27th of July
The main event will be run on the best day of the waiting period.

SPONSORS FOR THE 2009 SHARK ISLAND CHALLENGE ARE
1. Nomad Bodyboards
2. Emerald Surf City
3. Riptide Bodyboard Magazine
4. Secret Sumatra
5. Surf Travel
6. Human
7. Limited Edition Fins
8. Red Bull Australia
9. Dunes Wetsuits

Both of the events will be streamed live at www.limited-edition.net.au. We strongly recommend you sign up to Limited Edition Twitter > http://twitter.com/ltd_edition to have alerts for when the event will be on and updated coverage on the day. The Shark Island Challenge is also on Face book so you’re kept updated on the latest news and events. Check it out here.

Event info please email – sharkislandchallenge@iinet.net.au
Media Updates @ www.riptidemag.com.au

Mark Fordham