Form Guide World First at Quiksilver Pro with Surfers Speed Monitored with GPS

In: Form Guide Press Release 0 Comments Tue 15th Feb '11

Tags: nic muscroft , Quiksilver Pro , Bede Durbidge

The rapid rise of technology will see surfers speed levels monitored at the upcoming Quiksilver and Roxy Pro's presented by Land Rover to determine who is the fastest competitor on the planet.

For the first time ever the opening 2011 ASP men's and women's world tour events will offer surfers the choice to embed a GPS device powered by 'VX Sports' in their contest jerseys and record their speed on each wave. The site set-up has commenced at Snapper Rocks on Australia's southern end of the Gold Coast for the world tour event from February 26th - March 9th.

World no.6 and former Quiksilver Pro runner-up Bede Durbidge (Currumbin, Qld, Aus), 27, tested the innovative device and was impressed with the technology stating it will bring new excitement levels and be beneficial to training as well. "I got to test drive the GPS unit and it was unreal," said Durbidge. "I was so surprised; I couldn't even feel it in my rashie. It's going to be exciting to see who the fastest surfer on tour is."

Surfers will wear a small device that weighs less than 3 ounces, which is sewn into the jersey and sits between the shoulder blades. The data from this device is relayed back to a computer that displays the speed in real time.

"It's going to be great for the spectators to add that excitement factor," said Durbidge.

"It'll blow people out how much work surfer's are doing in their heat and how fast their going through their bottom and top turns and in the air. It's going to be great for surfing."

"Bede (Durbidge) was clocked at 29.2 kph [18 mph] while doing a massive front side air," said Nigel Muscroft, Quiksilver and Roxy Events Manager.
"The speeds at Snapper or Kirra should well exceed 35 kph [21.7 mph]."

"There are a lot of fast surfers on tour, but my money is on Mick (Fanning) or Taj (Burrow), or even Dane (Reynolds) through his turns."
In a world first the device's data will be relayed live into the broadcast commentary team for analysis, a first in the ASP world tour history.

"This is a first for a World Tour event," said Muscroft. "The whole idea is purely to enhance commentary and broadcast, create some further interest, advance the sport of surfing, and find out who really is the fastest surfer. "It isn't compulsory for the surfers to wear the device, and surfers will get the opportunity to try the units out with blank jerseys before surfing their heats for peace of mind.

A daily leader board on quiksilverpro.com.au and roxypro.com.au will show who's in front with the fastest male and female surfer at the end of the event winning $2,500 each.

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