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Team USA Wins Gold At The ISA World Masters In El Salvador
Author: Transworld Surf
Team USA’s debut in the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship proved to be more than successful. They are taking home the Team Trophy, the Kahunas Gold and Silver Medals won by Tom Curren and Jim Hogan. Also Grand Kahunas and Women Masters Copper Medals were won by Allen Sarlo and Alissa Cairns respectively.
The team also had Masters Sean Mattison and Jason Senn, and Grand Masters Dean Randazzo and David Giddings placing in top 16 positions.
Tom Curren leading his team to Gold in El Salvador. Photo: Watts
“Of course, the great performances in the Kahunas with Tom Curren and Jimmy Hogan were key,” said Team USA Head Coach, Ian Cairns. “But it was also a good, consistent performance by the whole team, as most of our guys made the finals. In this event you have to make the finals; you must have all of your team do well. We had a great time in El Salvador and to come out as champions, it’s just really amazing for us.”
Tom Curren and Jimmy Hogan atop the podium at the World Masters. Photo: ISA/Watts
Final Results – Team Medalists
Silver: Brazil
Bronze: South Africa
Copper: Puerto Rico
Beachley Wins Her Eighth World Title
Seven-Time ASP World Champion, Layne Beachley, added an eighth World Title to her trophy cabinet. An ISA Masters World Title that came three years after she retired from professional surfing shows that her surfing skills remain intact.
In the final, Beachley was solid, posting 13.10 (6.50+6.60) to beat Heather Clark (RSA, second), Andrea Lopes (BRA, third) and Alissa Cairns (USA, fourth).
“It feels really satisfying to come home with the Gold. I have eight world titles now!” said Beachley. “To have the whole team at the rocks supporting me was a really great experience. We are doing the country proud and I was really honored to surf for Australia. This was a wonderful experience and I hope to come back next year.”
Final results – Women Masters
Gold: Layne Beachley (AUS)
Silver: Heather Clark (RSA)
Bronze: Andrea Lopes (BRA)
Copper: Alissa Cairns (USA)
Schieber Gives Costa Rica its First-Ever ISA Gold Medal
Stylish Craig “Tequila” Schieber was the surprise of the day, winning the first ISA Gold in the history of Costa Rican surfing. Coming from the Repechage rounds, Schieber was quick and effective in the 25-minute final match-up. A combined total of 9.86 (6.33+3.53) was enough to win the World Title.
“I have no words to describe how this feels. I’m so happy! Thank you to the ISA for making this event. I still can’t believe it. I guess now I’m Tequila Gold,” laughed Schieber. “I hope this becomes an inspiration for all the young great surfers we have in Costa Rica. I would like to see them winning gold medals and maybe even some day a team gold medal.”
Final results – Grand Kahunas
Gold: Craig Schieber (CRI)
Silver: Chris Knutsen (RSA)
Bronze: Nick Pearson (AUS)
Copper: Allen Sarlo (USA)
Curren Writes Another Entry into the History Book of Surfing
The three-time ASP World Champion, 1980 ISA Junior Gold Medalist and 1982 ISA Open Gold Medalist entered into surfing’s history books once again by becoming the first surfer ever to have won the Gold in the main three ISA signature events (Juniors, Open and Masters).
After a slow start, Curren found a nice right that that he ripped with strong and stylish turns, earning him an 8.17. He backed that up with a 4.60 that was worthy of a Gold Medal.
“This is a great feeling and I’m really stoked about the team we have,” said Curren after the final. “It’s really fun to be part of the team, and having Ian as a coach has been great this week. Being a World Champion in three ISA divisions is a great addition to my resume.”
Final Results – Kahunas
Gold: Tom Curren (USA)
Silver: Jim Hogan (USA)
Bronze: David Malherbe (RSA)
Copper: David Husadel (BRA)
Ashton Wins His Fourth Gold
Today, Puerto Rican Juan Ashton became the “poster boy” for the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships. His victory in the Grand Masters division gave him four gold medals in the four ISA Masters events held in the last 5 years.
With seven minutes remaining until the end of the final, Ashton was third and needed a 7-point ride. A set wave came on his final wave and after combining six solid turns, he received a 7.77 from the judges, jumping straight to the first place and to the top of the podium.
An overjoyed and pumped up Ashton screamed the number “four,” while smiling and hugging his peers all the way from the point at Punta Roca to the podium. He said afterwards, “I can’t put this into words. I guess I just didn’t give up, and I was like, ‘I can do it; I just need one more wave.’” With seven minutes left, I got that wave and I surfed it almost with my eyes closed; I was so pumped to make it all the way trough. I’m just super happy.”
Final results - Grand Masters
Gold: Juan Ashton (PUR)