SURFERMAG.COM PRO TOUR

Monday, December 6, 2004 (Pipeline, Hawaii) The Rip Curl Code STL Trials were today extended to accommodate an additional eight (8) local Hawaiian hopefuls. The decision was made between Rip Curl, Vans and the Triple Crown of Surfing to allow even more into the coveted Trials, making the now 40-man field one of the toughest ever assembled, vying for just two positions still up for grabs into this season’s final Foster’s ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) - the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters (December 8 – 20).

Following yesterday’s announcement that North Shore locals and Rip Curl team riders Pancho Sullivan and Jamie O’Brien had accepted Wildcard entries directly into the main event, even more pressure and anticipation surrounds the Rip Curl Code STL Trials. The field of local, as well as invited Pipeline specialists from around the world, will contest a one day elimination showdown sure to produce amazing surfing and some incredible tube rides.

Rip Curl USA’s VP of Sales & Marketing Adam Sharp explained; “We’re pleased to announce today, after working in partnership with Randy Rarick, Vans and the Triple Crown, we have made the decision to expand the Rip Curl Code STL Trials from 32 to 40. The main reason being to accommodate eight more local Hawaiians, as a show of support to the local North Shore surfing community, with the opportunity for two people to win spots through into the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters main event.

“Conditions are looking good for a Wednesday start with the Trials,” he continued. “There are two or three good swells back-to-back, so we know there is going to be a lot of surf over the next 7-10 days. We’re hoping this will provide some excellent surfing to finish off the Triple Crown and the year on a high note at the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters.”

All upcoming Rip Curl Code STL Trials heats are listed below, with top two place-getters in each heat progressing towards the all-important final, where again, the highest two scorers will secure coveted main event wildcard positions.

The 40-man draw includes previous Pipeline Masters Rob Machado (2001) and two-time (1986 & ’93) winner Derek Ho (HAW), together with 38 other Hawaiian and internationally recognized chargers.

The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is held at the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, and its waiting period runs from December 8 to December 20. The Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters is part of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Contest action can be viewed by LIVE webcast on www.ripcurl.com & www.aspworldtour.com or at www.triplecrownofsurfing.com from December 8 through 20.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is made possible through the support of a partnership of the world's leading brands and media companies including: Ford Trucks, G-Shock, O'Neill, Rip Curl, Surfing Magazine, Oahu's Turtle Bay Resort, The Honolulu Advertiser and Fox Sports Net.

Upcoming Rip Curl Code STL Trials Round of 40 (1st, 2nd>Rnd of 32)

• H1: Liam McNamara (HAW); Braden Dias (HAW); Danny Fuller (HAW); Mark Healey (HAW)
• H2: Takayuki Wakita (JPN); Laurent Pujol (FRA); Aamion Goodwin (HAW); Randall Paulson (HAW)
• H3: Tamayo Perry (HAW); Shane Dorian (HAW); Travis Lynch (AUS); Kalani Chapman (HAW)
• H4: Jason Frederico (HAW); Malik Joyeux (PYF); Tory Barron (HAW); Clint Kimmins (AUS)

Round of 32 (1st, 2nd>Quarterfinals)

• H1: Fred Patacchia (HAW); Tom Dosland (USA); Brian Pacheco (HAW); 1.1
• H2: Kekoa Bacalso (HAW); Ian Walsh (HAW); Richard Sills (ZAF); 2.1
• H3: Tom Curren (USA); Mikey Bruneau (HAW); Kamalei Alexander (HAW); 1.2
• H4: Gabe Kling (USA); Naohisa Ogawa (JPN); Marcus Hickman (HAW); 2.2
• H5: Zane Harrison (AUS); Myles Padaca (HAW); Makua Rothman (HAW); 1.3
• H6: Mikala Jones (HAW); Dustin Barca (HAW); Jamie Sterling (HAW); 2.3
• H7: Jesse Merle-Jones (HAW); Brian Toth (PRI); Derek Ho (HAW); 1.4
• H8: Pablo Gutierrez (ESP); Bruno Santos (BRA); Rob Machado (USA); 2.4

For more information: Jesse Faen - ASP International Media Manager jesse@aspworldtour.com

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