Huntington Beach — The opening day of the Women’s Nike US Open of Surfing saw the elite ASP Top 17 tear through Rounds 1 and 2 of competition in tricky one-to-three foot (1 metre) surf and saw some explosive performances despite the challenging conditions. While the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title was decided at the last contest in France, the Nike US Open of Surfing represents a do-or-die event for several women campaigners looking to requalify for the elite ASP Top 17 for 2012.
Melanie Bartels (HAW), 28, struggled to find a rhythm in her Round 1 heat, but roared back to life in Round 2.   … More
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Honolulu — The weight of the Hawaiian Islands lifted from Jamie Mitchell’s shoulders today when he crossed the finish line of the 32-mile Molokai-to-Oahu world championship race in record time, claiming his 10th consecutive world paddleboard title. Mitchell, 34, (Queensland, Australia) shaved eight minutes off the course record that he posted back in 2007, clocking a new fastest time of 4 hours, 40 minutes and 31 seconds.
“I feel like the weight of the entire Hawaiian Island chain has lifted from me,” said a pumped up Mitchell at the finish. “It’s done.”  … More
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It’s a ritual of summer all along the shore, kids learning to surf. And now 13-year-old Guiliana DiBernardo is getting the opportunity.
“When you are lying on the board you pop up, and then bend your knees,” an instructor tells her. “That’s not very hard, is it?”
This scene at the beach would be unremarkable except for one thing: Guiliana is blind  … More
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