Occy Mesmorized By G-Land Barrels

Occy logged in a little barrel time himself (shot via helecopter)

1999 world surfing champion MARK OCCHILUPO (AUS) has no doubt an Indonesian will one day be on the world tour after witnessing some extraordinary action in the deciding Billabong Pro Junior Series event and the Bali 'Occy' Grom Comp at Canggu, Bali.

The surfing island nation turned on a lethal display of cutting edge surfing as top seeds commenced their campaigns in the third and final U/21 series event and the U/14 and U/17's went ballistic in the opening rounds of the inaugural Occy Grom Comp.

"We will see an Indonesian on the world tour for sure before too long," said Occhilupo. "We saw so much talent in the juniors today and I would love to see an Indonesia surfer on the world tour."

"Indonesia has always played a big part in surfing. They have the best waves in the world so I am sure they can produce one of the best surfers," added Occhilupo.

The legendary goofy footer has been relishing his return to Indonesia even scoring one of his most memorable waves of the year at Grajagan in Java. With a massive Indonesian swell creating perfect 10-12ft waves at G-Land Billabong helicoptered Occhilupo into the renowned left-hander on the south-east tip of Java on his arrival in Indonesia

"I was straight into the deep end," said Occhilupo. "It was a bit of a nervous ride on the chopper but once we got to G-Land it was sensational. I haven't surfed G-Land in ten years and I was out there with Taj (Burrows). We broke the ice, we were the first guys out there and we got some amazing waves."

The notorious left-hand, reef-break was at its barreling best breaking over sharp coral reef for around 800 metres and offering up endless tubes and walls.

"I got a wave in front of Taj that will go into my memory bank forever, continued Occhilupo. "It was just one of those big wide open barrels.

"It was just one of those waves that made the trip all-time, just one of the waves of the year for me. It was just a real special day at G-land.

Surfers excelling in the 1.5 metre waves of Canggu to secure round four berths included Ende Sufriatna (IND), Dale Lovelock (AUS), Buck Woods (NZ) and Duncan McNicholl (AUS). With double the ratings points on offer at Canggu the stakes were just as intense for local surfers contesting Indonesia's richest-ever U/21 tournament which will crown the 2007 ISC Pro Junior Champion.

The top ranked Indonesian at the end of the Series receives a coveted trials wildcard into the 2007 Billabong ASP World Junior Championships at North Narrabeen in Sydney.

The prize money has been increased to US$6500 for final Pro-Junior event at Canggu which offers a superb right peak breaking over black lava rock with two fun left-handers also on offer. The break can handle waves up to 6 - 8ft.

Entry into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships is exceptionally valuable to any aspiring professional surfer, with the likes of Joel Parkinson and three-time world champion Andy Irons having launched their careers on the strength of wins at the WJC.

An additional US300 will be up for grabs for the Best Kustomized Maneuver

The Occy Grom Comp will comprise of two divisions U/17 and U/14 boys.

The Billabong Pro Junior Series is supported by ISC, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, Coca Cola, Kustom footwear, Hawaiian Tropics, BSA and Von Zipper eyewear.

For further information see www.billabong.com.au

 

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