Joel Parkinson : photo ASP/ CI/ Wilson via Getty Images

The world’s top 45 ranked professional surfers will be heading for the renowned waves of Jeffreys Bay this July for the 24th edition of the Billabong Pro, Stop No.5 of 10 on the 2009 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour.  It's also the first South African surfing event to make a concerted effort to reduce its impact on climate change.

Supertubes, the 300 metre stretch of coastline universally acknowledged as one of the planet’s top 10 high performance surf breaks, will again be the venue for what has become Africa’s most prestigious and lucrative surfing tournament.

Billabong is taking another step on its environmental sustainability journey by utilising the immense interest in the event to heighten awareness of local and global surf communities to the challenge of climate change, and how we all need to become part of the solution

These initiatives include using renewable energy, biodegradable food and beverage containers and paper not plastic bags along with waste and wetsuit recycling. The remaining emissions will be offset using Kyoto compliant carbon credits to ensure that the 2009 Billabong Pro is a low carbon, climate friendly event. More about climate change and what it means to surfers can be found at cleanerclimate.com/billabongpro

The stellar field for the 2009 event is headed by current ASP No. 1 Joel Parkinson (AUS) who has raced into a significant ratings lead by winning two of the three season-opening ASP World Tour events. With a style that seems made for Supers, Parkinson has been a standout at J-Bay since winning the Billabong Pro as a wildcard in 1999 and always looks forward to the event.

He says:  "There is such a good vibe surrounding the contest and on our lay days we can enjoy so many different activities. You never get bored in South Africa and when Supers is on, there is no other place I would rather be in July!"

Other hot contenders include nine-time ASP World Champion and defending Billabong Pro champion, Kelly Slater (USA); current ASP No. 2 and 2007 event winner Taj Burrow (AUS); two-time J-Bay champ and 2007 ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) and South African surf star Jordy Smith (Durban), Greg Emslie (East London), twice a semifinalistand David Weare (Durban) whose innovative surfing is tailor-made for Supers.

For those attending the Billabong Pro there is also the legendary party atmosphere in J-Bay throughout the event. The details of the live music shows and other entertainment functions are currently being compiled. Watch this space.

www.billabongpro.com
www.cleanerclimate.com/billabongpro