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Nova Scotia qualifier for RED BULL ICE BREAK finishes in classic Canadian surf conditions
Halifax, Nova Scotia (November 26, 2004) - Strong offshore winds,
semi-frigid temperatures and thirty pounds of wetsuit rubber could not slow
the Canadian surfers down as a solid south swell created perfect, long
walls for the Red Bull Ice Break qualifier at a surf break outside of
Halifax. Local surfer, Nico Manos, was the one to watch as the
goofyfooter repeatedly showcased his mastery of the long, right-breaking
waves. His surfing prowess solidified the Halifax surfer one of the five
spots allotted for the Red Bull Ice Break main event.
Rounding out the remaining four spots were Canadian surfers Matt Healy
(Ferguson's Cove), Marty King (Halifax), Lance Moore (Halifax) and Justin
Houston (Halifax).
In his first heat Manos proceeded to attack the waves on his backside with
two huge floaters, off the lips and strong carves off the bottom to score
an 8.0 (out of a possible 10). As the tide dropped in the afternoon and
round two commenced, the waves took on a more steep and dynamic nature.
Manos was able to pull off a 9.5 and secure his place to the main event by
scoring a total of 26.33 (out of a possible 30) on his best 3 rides. In a
close second, Matt Healy displayed powerful surfing as he streaked down the
cobblestone point with multiple maneuvers on every wave.
The Nova Scotia qualifier has been on hold since the beginning of
September. Organizers had been waiting for ideal surfing conditions in
Nova Scotia before holding the event. When the swell and weather forecasts
were consulted it was clear the swell was focusing its energy directly on
the Nova Scotian surf breaks. Last year's Ice Break final was held in the
same location under perfect winter surfing conditions. Patience proved to
be a wise choice, the conditions for this year's qualifier were as good, if
not better for Friday's event. A well groomed swell and clean wind
conditions provided stellar surfing conditions for all the participants.
All five winners received a place in the Red Bull Ice Break main event,
happening later this winter in the upper reaches of the Northeast and an
O'Neill 6/4 Psycho fullsuit, which will keep them warm and toasty in the
frigid waters of the Atlantic.
- Nico Manos
- Matt Healy
- Justin Houston
- Lance Moore
- Marty King
WINTER WARRIORS
Red Bull Ice Break is open to all East Coast surfers. The qualifiers will
be on call during a swell window from September 7 December 20, 2004.
Each regional qualifier is open to the following surfers:
- North Carolina Surfers from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia and Florida
- New Jersey Surfers from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland
- Long Island Surfers from New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island
- Maine Surfers from Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont
- Nova Scotia Surfers from Nova Scotia
Five surfers from each qualifier will advance to the Red Bull Ice Break
main event taking place during the swell window of March 15 May 31, 2005.
There will be thirty surfers in the 2005 main event (five surfers from each
qualifier, 2004 Ice Break Champ, Dean Randazzo, and four wildcards; Billy
Hume, Ian Parnell, Scott Posner and Sam Hammer).
Josh Kendrick
Red Bull Communication Centre
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All photos: Copyright © Mike Nelson
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