etnies

Tiago Pires Wins 2004 Nixon Surf Challenge!

For the fifth consecutive year, the Nixon Surf Challenge, presented by etnies, came to Playa Zurriola in San Sebastian on September 17-18, 2004. As with previous competitions, there was a real mix of surfers. From the WQS warriors battling way up in the rankings, such as Tiago Pires and Miky Picon, to the freesurfers like Benjamin Sanchis, and The Malloys, who make the Nixon Surf Challenge their only competition of the year.

With two days to run the competition, there was no stress, and the emphasis was on relaxing and enjoying the ambience with friends. Friday saw clean, small waves, but the surfers all agreed that it would be better to wait for the swell, which was predicted for the following day. Once this decision was made and the waiting was over, the day was spent soaking up the mellow Basque vibes and munching 'pinxos'.

Despite the small waves, some great surfing could be witnessed, with a standout performance coming from a local speedo-wearing longboarder. Some of our more proactive pros decided it would be a good idea to personally invite all the women in the vicinity to the official event party that was to be held the following evening.

The next day, better surf allowed the competition to start. Our Stateside visitors Jon Rose and Keith Malloy both fell in the first round, leaving Dan Malloy to carry the flag for the U.S. However, despite a sterling performance, the might of the Europeans playing at home could not be overcome, and Dan was edged out in the first Semi-Finals.

The Euro-fabulous Finals saw Tiago Pires continue his perfect run of victories to take home the trophy. 2nd place went to last year's winner, Miky Picon, with Fredo Robin settling in 3rd and Axier Munian in 4th.

As the sun set on San Sebastian, the eclectic mix of surfers headed into the night together. Friends reunited once again from all corners of the globe, joined by one simple passion: a love for surfing.

For more information and images, check out:
www.nixonsurfchallenge.com

etnies Presents the Nixon Surf Challenge 2004!

For the fifth consecutive year, surfing will be freed from the shackles of the rigorous WQS summer season. From September 17-19, twenty-four surfers, including etnies' Dan Malloy and Keith Malloy, Benjamin Sanchis and Fredo Robin, have been invited to the shores of Playa Zurriola, San Sebastian, Spain to bask in the Basque waves and sunshine.

Presented by etnies, the Nixon Surf Challenge provides an alternative to the larger contests that focus on traditional surfing. This challenge focuses on progressing the sport and simply having a good time! With international expression sessions, the riders themselves are allowed to judge each other in a system based upon points for style, continuity, airs and innovation, allowing for a more open and free surfing style.

Welcome to the Nixon Surf Challenge.

For more information: www.nixonsurfchallenge.com

Nixon Europe Contact:
Amy Wigg
amy@nixoneurope.com
Phone: +33 5 58 43 45 35
33 Avenue des Tisserands
40150 Soorts Hossegor
France