ASP World Tour

The 2009 Billabong Pro Tahiti will soon be underway in Teahupoo. Stop number 3 on the ASP World Tour (The WCT) sees the top 45 surfers on the planet plus 3 wildcards battle it out at the heaviest wave on the planet.

Held at the vicious left hander named "Teahupoo" in the fishing village of the same name, which translates roughly to "The end of the road" the infamous left has played host to some memorable moments in recent surfing history. Teahupoo is located about 70km to the South West of Tahiti's capital Papeete. The locals speak a mixture of French and Tahitian.

Joel Parkinson heads into the event as number one on the rankings after two wins in a row on the Australian leg of the tour, winning at the Gold Coast and Bells Beach. Hot on his heels is Mick Fanning, the 2007 ASP World Champion, closely followed by Hawaiian Fred Patacchia and 21 year old South African Jordy Smith. Reigning world champ Kelly Slater - who is currently in equal 24th position after two equal 17th placings - will be looking for a better result to aid his efforts for an unprecedented 10th world title.

Joining the Top 45's assault on Teahupoo will be former 3 time world champion Andy Irons from Hawaii, who has elected to sit out this year's ASP World Tour. Billabong have given him a wildcard so that he can compete. ASP have given their wildcard to Bruno Santos from Brazil who won the event as a wildcard last year. The second Billabong sponsor wildcard will be awarded to the winner of the Von Zipper trials which are on now.

Billabong Pro Tahiti '09
ASP World Tour Mens event #3
Teahupoo, Tahiti
9 - 20 May 2009