Fantasy Surfer: 2004 Billabong Pro JBay

Monday, July 19, 2004 (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) The Billabong Pro was again postponed today due to unfavorable conditions. Round four was initially placed on hold, while a Foster’s Expression Session entertained those onsite, as well as the community watching live on www.billabongpro.com.

Inconsistent 3-4 ft (1.3m) surf was on offer, with some larger sets, though strong northwest winds created extremely bumpy waves faces. Undisturbed, a whale and playful seal graced the lineup and gave the strong crowd plenty to watch.

Contest director and big wave surfing legend Mike “Snips” Parsons explained the situation; “We were hoping the wind would swing to the southwest, so we could run round four today,” said Parsons. “It’s really frustrating ‘cause the swell increased all day, but unfortunately the wind never co-operated. We’re going to roll the dice and wait, as it wasn’t fair to send the guys out in this ‘devil’ wind.”

Meanwhile, the Foster’s Expression Session proved a great hour-long spectacle, with 15 of the Billabong Pro contestants taking part. Surfers caught every wave they could, boosting aerials and attempting the most radical of maneuvers for the bonus cash up for grabs.

US$2,000 was awarded to Taj Burrow (Yallingup, AUS) for his forehand aerial reverse spin, while another US$1,000 went to fellow Australian wildcard Bede Durbidge (Gold Coast) for the best overall ride he performed.

“It was really windy and hard to surf, but I’m just glad I was able to do an ‘air’ and a couple of turns,” said Durbidge, “Stoked to win a bit of money.”

Burrow adding, “All the South African guys were punting a couple (of airs), so they were threatening, but I’m glad I nailed it.”

Only one full day is required to complete the 2004 Billabong Pro, with the waiting period running until the 23rd of July.

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning by 7:30am (local time).

Billabong Pro Round Four Heats (1st>Quarterfinals; 2nd=9th receives US$5,000)

• H1: Luke Hitchings (AUS) vs. Jake Paterson (AUS)
• H2: Lee Winkler (AUS) vs. Mark Occhilupo (AUS)
• H3: Michael Lowe (AUS) vs. Dean Morrison (AUS)
• H4: Richie Lovett (AUS) vs. Andy Irons (HAW)
• H5: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Peterson Rosa (BRA)
• H6: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Nathan Hedge (AUS)
• H7: Shane Powell (AUS) vs. Sunny Garcia (HAW)
• H8: Greg Emslie (ZAF) vs. Toby Martin (AUS)