Boys Under 18, the only final not to have a Hawaiian representative, was a showdown between two of Brazil’s best Jéferson Silva and Thomas Hermes, USA Surf Team member Tanner Gudauskas and South Africa’s Jordy Smith. The heated contest was anyone’s game all the way until the closing minutes. Brazil was in the lead with Hermes in first and Silva in second, Gudauskas made a breakaway for the gold on a wave that opened up out the back. Waiting for the scores to still come in, Silva returned the move with a left towards the pier connecting all the way to the sand with powerful smooth turns. The scores dropped, Gudauskas, a 7.37 and then Silva, an 8.37. Knowing he could do no more before the heat ended, Silva exited the water while the time counted down. The Brazilian team charged the sand, lifting Silva to their shoulders and adorning him in the green and yellow Brazilian flag. “He is 18 now so this was his last chance to ride for Brazil,” said Brazilian Coach Marcos Conde, speaking on behalf of Silva who doesn’t speak English. “He is very happy for his win and for his country.”
The day also included the final for the ISA Cup, a tag team event and unique ISA tradition. Australia, France, South Africa and the USA competed with France taking gold, South Africa silver, USA bronze and Australia copper. Although the tag team has no bearing on the championship results, it’s a fun aside to the contest that shows a different surfing format and gives teams another chance for medals.
In the awards ceremony, special medals were given to the head judges, Glen Elliot and Midget Smith and the entire judging staff who assisted for the eight days of the contest. The panel of judges was made up of 16 countries with each of the major surfing countries represented. “I’d like to congratulate all the teams that are here,” said Elliot. “With the standard of surfing demonstrated here, we don’t have to worry about the future of our sport. I’d like to thank my panel of judges. All of you have done a fantastic job.”
Medals were also presented to the first through fourth place finishes for the tag team ISA Cup event, followed by the crowning of the champions in each division and singing the national anthem for each country who won gold medals.
After the individual medals were given out, the team medals were awarded beginning with fourth place. For the first time in ISA history, Hawaii was crowned the World Champion. In addition to gold medals the team was awarded the International Olympic Committee President’s Trophy. “There was a lot of hard work and last minute scrambling, but the help, funding and support of all the parents coming together got us here,” said Rainos Hayes, Hawaii’s coach. “The event is incredible in itself because it’s the closest thing surfing has to the Olympics. Surfing is such an international sport these days; you can’t deny that with the turnout here. There is so much camaraderie and bringing together the spirit of the whole thing. It really helps for the recognition of the sport as a sport and not just a past time.”
This year’s contest was hosted by Surfing America, the national governing body (NGB) for the sport of surfing in the United States and a member of the ISA. In addition to hosting the event, Surfing America, which is based in Surf City USA™ Huntington Beach, California, also selects the USA Surf Team and organizes competitions within the United States. Surfing America and the city of Huntington Beach will also host the 2006 World Surfing Games next October. (Note: Hawaii and the USA are recognized as separate members of the ISA, in part to honor the historical contribution Hawaii has made to the sport of surfing.)
“Surfing America and the USA Surf Team is proud and honored to have shared our hometown, Surf City USA™, Huntington Beach, California with the world,” said Surfing America Executive Director Mike Gerard. “What a tremendous event to take place on U.S. shores, where we've seen the whole future of surfing converge. Surfing America strives to provide a venue to grow and foster young surfing talent and we've certainly seen the best of the best here this week. There's no doubt that several of these juniors will go on to be the leaders in professional surfing and our industry.”
May 2006 will bring the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships to Maresias, Brazil hosted by the Brazilian Surfing Confederation.
