July 26, 2010. Cape Town, South Africa Clean 3-4 foot waves, light winds, perfect blue sky and a spectacular mountain backdrop all set the stage for
the first day of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa 2010.

It was essentially only the 12-degree water, which reminded the competitors that they were at an O'Neill Cold Water Classic event here on the Cape
Peninsula. The first day of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa saw the Round of 80 as well as Heat 1 in the round of 64 completed at Noorhoek beach just North of the competitions base at Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula.

There's not many events in the world now where you can take a few gazebos and have a choice of about 10 different world-class waves,
said O'Neill South Africa Marketing manager Paul Canning. The event last year was awesome, said Paul. We had a great last day at
Kalk Bay and we've started off in the same way this year with a perfect first day at the Dunes. Its such a scenic spot to run an event.
Whilst local talent, Ian Armstrong was knocked out in the first round, brothers Haydn and Devan MacNicol stormed through top of their heats.
As did fellow South African Shaun Joubert straight off his wild card entry at J-Bay - in the first and only heat surfed today in the round of 64,
giving the local crowd reason to celebrate. The world cup was unbelievable here and it really unified the whole country, said Paul. Everyone is still in that celebration mode, so this event still has a lot of that enthusiasm and positivity around it.

Whilst conditions were atypical of this 5-event CWC series, according to local forecaster Spike at wavescape.co.za, this is only the beginning.
Tomorrow looks like its picking up with 6 to 8 foot swell with bigger sets in the afternoon, said Spike. By Wednesday it really is a Cold Water
Classic as temperatures plummet and we are looking at 10 to 12 foot surf in strong SSE winds.Tomorrow not only brings the swell but it also brings the drama as current World Number One, Jordy Smith will be looking to get into the water for this third South African competition in a row he hopes to win. And ONeill CWC Scotland winner, Royden Bryson and the 2010 CWC Tasmania winner Stuart Kennedy battle to take the Series ratings lead to get closer to that $50,000 prize money.

It's a bit small down at fizzie but the Bong juniors are kicking off with the under 14s and 12s today, with the super groms in the under 16s and 18s in tomorrow as the swell builds. As all part of the Billabong Stretch your Summer tour in association with Monster it is going to be a belter of a weekend. Get down there to watch some of the action if you can, especially tomorrow as the best of the new breed in UK surfing will be on show.

If you're an Indo board fanatic like us lot here at the 'Length then you may well interested int he following. Hunter Joslin, the mastermind behind the Indo Board, will be gicing a free demo down at Lusty Glaze in Newquay this coming monday (26th) at 10.30am. Give the guys there a shout on 01637872444.

Jordy Smith took home his first WCT victory and with it went top of the the world rankings, all on home turf. To the sound of those darned horns he comfortably beat Adam Melling from Australia to take the crown. It mean the young South African is now in prime position going in to Tahiti in a months time and is looking very good for a world title challenge. Check out the highlights by following the link -

http://billabongpro.com/jbay10/videos-view/final_day_highlights/

Surfers seeking more stamina, balance and power in the water can get fitness training help and advice from the pros at one of the unique surf fitness courses taking this summer at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay. European longboard surfing champion Ben Skinner and personal trainer, swim coach and surf fitness expert Lee Stanbury will teach vital training techniques designed to enhance surfing ability. The new courses created by The Adventure Centre at Lusty Glaze will significantly help landlocked surfers, as well as local surfers who want to get more out of their time in the water. Course leader Lee Stanbury is one of the world’s leading experts on surf fitness and is the author of the new book The Complete Guide to Surf Fitness. He is the personal fitness trainer to Ben Skinner and pro short boarder Oli Adams, and will be getting the British Junior Surf Team in shape ahead of the World Championships in October. Lee commented: “The surf fitness programme I have developed has had a significant impact in raising the game of surfers who regularly compete at international level. I’m excited by this new fitness course at Lusty Glaze because it will allow regular surfers to benefit from the training methods which have proved so successful for some of our best surfers.” The weekend courses for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers will be instructor led sessions, working on balance, power and stamina training techniques. During the courses, participants will learn how the use of Swiss Balls, Indo Boards, BOSU Boards, and specially created tension cords can help to build core strength and flexibility to enhance surfing ability. The sessions will also include aerobic fitness training, plus surf tuition from BSA instructors and Ben Skinner. There are three courses scheduled throughout July and August. Other course dates can be arranged by popular request. Lee added: “I can’t wait to welcome the first people on the course. I really believe the training techniques they will learn will make the world of difference to their surfing ability. It should also be a lot of fun too - for everyone involved.” For more information Surf Fitness Weekends at Lusty Glaze Beach during July and August, please visit the website at www.adventure-centre.org

Flowering Inferno: Dog With A Rope 

Review by Dan Bayfield

Here we have another slice of sublime summer tunage from he always reliable Tru Thoughts label. The album Dog With A Rope comes from the band/collective project Flowering Inferno, which is one of the many guises of the ever evolving Will 'Quantic' Holland and his collaborators. 

Webisode 07 - JBay’s Greatest Moments from Billabong on Vimeo.

Flynn Novak - Airstrike entry 2010 from Kustom Airstrike on Vimeo.

You know summer is in full swing when the Grom Search comes to town. This year it is combined with the Girls Tour, where any girls can turn up and get free surf lessons co sponsored by Hawaiian Tropic. The weekend has so far had some OK waves, nothing epic, but very contestable. Here's a couple of shots, full results coming in the next few days.

Webisode 06 - VZ Trials from Billabong on Vimeo.