Vodafone Brings Superstars Of Surfing To NZ

Thursday, 19 October 2006, 10:26 am
Press Release: Vodafone

Vodafone Brings Superstars Of Surfing To NZ Tomorrow For The
Vodafone Surf Sessions

The superstars of international surfing will team up for a public signing session tomorrow in Auckland ahead of the 2006 Vodafone Surf Sessions in Piha on Saturday (21st October).

Andy Irons and brother Bruce touchdown in Auckland tomorrow morning and will meet fellow world team members Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning at the Vodafone Queen Street store (171 Queen St) where a huge crowd of surfing fans are expected. The signing session kicks off at 12.30pm and goes until 1.30pm.

Home grown Kiwi surfers Maz Quinn, Daniel Kereopa (DK), Bobby Hansen and Richard Christie will also be on hand to meet the fans.

Eighteen-year-old Richard Christie from Gisborne replaces Jay Quinn in the competition this Saturday. Richard is New Zealand’s top rated junior on the Australasian Pro Junior Series as well as the 2005 Open Men’s National Champion and Under 18’s National Champion. His explosive surfing style is set to serve the Kiwi team well.

Greg Townsend, Executive Officer Surfing NZ, says the line up for both the New Zealand and World teams is hugely impressive with all the surfers having the skill and style to dominate in any surf conditions.

“Being able to see these guys compete here is great for the sport. It’s a rare opportunity for the public to come along for free to watch this ultimate surfing showcase,” says Townsend.

The international guys are amongst the top of their field with Andy, Joel and Mick currently in second, fourth and fifth places respectively on the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Championship Tour, and Bruce in twelfth.

Sue McGregor, Head of Sponsorship at Vodafone, says tomorrow’s signing session will be the public’s only chance to get their surfing memorabilia signed by the guys.

“The Vodafone signing session inspires surfers young and old as they get to see these legends close up. It’s a unique opportunity to see NZ’s and the world’s top surfers up close and personal,” says McGregor.

This year one lucky person will also have the opportunity to get close to their surfing idols, simply by visiting the Vodafone Surf Shack and registering to be first to know about Vodafone’s hot new “BestMate™ Together, wherever” launch (www.bestmate.co.nz). The winner will present the individuals trophies to each surfer at the end of the day’s competition.

The Vodafone Surf Sessions competition kicks off on Saturday at 11am and finishes at 3pm. The competition has a round robin format with the surfers competing in two heats. Each heat will comprise of two Kiwis and two internationals. The event will climax in a rare format with a New Zealand versus The World tag team event.

The two teams will compete for a trophy board designed by DK’s brother Aaron Kereopa. The trophy is carved from a surfboard blank and features a figure representing Tawhirimatea – Maori god of the elements, the winds, storms and tempest. Without Tawhirimatea manipulating the ocean, there would be no waves.

Vodafone has ramped up the off-the-water entertainment this year with the Vodafone Surf Shack – an area where people can relax, play hacky sack or test their surfing skills on mechanical surfboards.

A DJ will also entertain the crowd playing acoustic summer-style sounds in between the surfing action. A range of food vendors will be onsite; however organisers encourage visitors to bring cash as no EFTPOS facilities are available.

Visit www.vodafone.co.nz/surf for further details or check out what’s hot on Vodafone live!

Vodafone Surf Sessions event information:

Competition Draw

Heat 1
Andy Irons
Bruce Irons
Maz Quinn
Richard Christie Heat 2
Joel Parkinson
Mick Fanning
Bobby Hansen
Daniel Kereopa
Heat 3
Andy Irons
Bruce Irons
Bobby Hansen
Daniel Kereopa Heat 4
Joel Parkinson
Mick Fanning
Maz Quinn
Richard Christie

Information service
To find out relevant information, people can text SURF to 5777 to sign up for text updates from Vodafone about the Vodafone Surf Sessions. Subscribers will receive regular text updates giving all the latest competition and event information, including surf conditions on competition day. Subscriptions cost 20 cents.

Event postponement
If in the case of a postponement, Organisers will make an announcement on Friday. This will be done via Vodafone’s 5777 service, on radio stations, as well as the Hyundai Friday Arvo Surf Update email and on www.surf.co.nz.

Carparking
The South Piha beach car park (in front of the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club) will be closed to the public from 12pm on Friday 20th October until 7pm Saturday 21st October. Traffic controllers will direct you to allocated event parking.

Spectators are encouraged to get out to Piha early and organisers strongly recommend carpooling to avoid delays and maximise parking availability.

Traffic Information
Motorists will be notified of traffic situations and delays via five electronic message boards situated at Scenic Drive / Piha Rd (Elevation Café) , Gull Station on Forest Hill Rd , Titirangi roundabout, Parrs Park roundabout and Swanson Road.

Should Piha reach capacity, organisers will be forced to turn vehicles away except for residents. This will be done from the corner of Te Ahuahu Road.

ends

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