SOUTH African surfer Travis Logie is looking forward to contesting the 2009 Quiksilver Pro Durban, a six-star prime Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) event scheduled to take place at his local spot, New Pier, Durban, from tomorrow to April 26.
As a former ISA world champion and member of the elite World Championship Tour for four years, Logie is one of the strongest local contenders to take home the title and the 20000 (about R183 213)) first place prize, and will be drawing on all his experience from years of surfing the long right- hand waves of New Pier.
“New Pier is one of my favourite waves in the world,” said Logie, “and I’ve always enjoyed competing in events there.
“The vibe between the piers with the crowd on the beach is always good, and the waves are usually amazing. I’m really excited for this year’s event.”
Having married long-time girlfriend and top model Shauna Schijf this past weekend, Logie will be looking to follow up what he described as “the best day of his life” during his wedding speech with another great performance over the next few weeks of surfing competition.
But with the event having the highest possible WQS rating, Logie will come up against a host of South Africa’s and the world’s best surfers as they descend on New Pier to challenge for their share of the 145000.
“The event has always been good to the local surfers,” says Quiksilver marketing manager Dane Patterson.
“At the inaugural event in 2007 Jordy Smith placed second and the result launched his campaign to qualify for the 2008 WCT.
Similarly last year David Weare took home the title and went on to qualify for this year’s WCT.
However, with surfers of the calibre of defending champion Weare, 2009 WCT member Greg Emslie, of East London, 2008 WCT surfers Royden Bryson (Cape Town) and Ricky Basnett (Bluff), and Virgin Mobile Wild Cards Brandon Jackson and Logie will have his work cutout for him.
Similarly the list of international surfers in attendance includes current WCT number nine Jihad Khodr (Brazil), fellow WCT campaigners Ben Dunn (Australia) and Drew Courtney (US), current WQS number two Jean da Silva (Brazil), former world champion Sunny Garcia (Hawaii), 2008 Quiksilver Pro Durban runner-up Austin Ware (USA) and Australian free surfing maestro Julian Wilson.
Sourced via dispatch.co.za
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