At the heart of Red Bull's Project Air is a single objective - exposing the elite surf team to new and innovative ways of progressing the most exciting move in surfing today, the aerial. And for each athlete, behind this objective lies a deeper, personal motive for taking part - competitive success.

Last Tuesday, at an isolated stretch of beach, the elite team competed against one another in simulated heats, bringing structure to their performances for the first time in 2010 after an extended hiatus.

In two weeks, the race for the men's and women's ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Titles will begin in earnest, so with Red Bull's resources - coaches, cameras and jet-ski assist - the gang got down to business!

Heat 1 featured 2004 ASP Women's World Champion Sofia Mulanovich vs the young and talented Sally Fitzgibbons.



Heat 2 featured Tahitian powerhouse Michel Bourez vs 2009 WT competitor Tim Boal, of France.
Heat 3 featured reigning and two-time Men's World Champion Mick Fanning vs South African wunderkind Jordy Smith.

What a lineup!

As Red Bull coach Andy King explained: "This was a chance for the guys to get rid of the cobwebs, to really introduce the aspects of the revised 2010 judging criteria which includes 'flow', the ability to 'link' manouvers and innovation, and, most importantly, put all the theory and physical testing they've done this past week into practice. They took it all very seriously!"

Results?
Fanning vs Jordy - 1 heat apiece.
What an explosive match-up! Mick went to town, linking his turns all the way to the beach and thowing in incredible variety. Air reverses, standard reverses and lightening-fast cutbacks, were all done with aplomb.
Jordy: "I tried a couple airs 'cause the wind was pretty good for it, and it paid off, I got a 7.0 and a 7.5 in my first heat to win. The second heat, not so good ... "

Mulanovich vs Fitzgibbons - 1st place, Mulanovich
The Peruvian looked dangerous on the longer lefts - of course! That's exactly the stuff she grew up surfing. Fitzgibbons answered back on the shorter rights, but her potential for moves was restricted. Good effort though. A tight encounter.

Boal vs Bourez - 1st place, Bourez (just!)
Bourez opens with a 9.0 point ride and Boal, the Frenchman is immediately on the ropes! But Boal doesn't go down without a fight, nailing two 6+ rides. At the final hooter, Bourez hangs on, just, and contemplates his lucky escape.

"It was close, I couldn't find another good wave, my heart rate went up so I started breathing, doing what Mike (Gervais) had told us to do ... and get myself back into my optimum performance zone. It worked," said Bourez.
Wednesday the team will pose for a group photo before heading their separate ways, making room for the arrival of the elite junior squad.

More Project Air reports
www.redbullsurfing.com

View Original Post at dylamagazine.com

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