Riptide Magazine

The First Finalist for the Turbo 5 Sponsorship Revealed!

In January 2010, to celebrate the launch of the new Turbo 5 board to our range, Turbo Surf Designs put out the call to the global bodyboarding community to show us the “hottest emerging bodyboard talent in the world to become a member of the Turbo 5 team”. The prize offered was the exclusive opportunity to become a professional bodyboarder as part of the Turbo 5 team, which means global team trips with professional photographers and all the other perks that come with being part of the Turbo professional team. Riders were asked to send video clips and additional information to stake their claim.

The contest closed 30th June 2010 and the number and quality of the entries received simply blew us away! There were hundreds of clips sent from all over the world and the overall quality of riders out there has to be seen to be believed. Let's just say the current crop of professional riders should be grateful for the position they hold and more importantly watch your backs people, there's a new crop of deserving talent coming after you!

The standout of the competition was the number of entries received from Brazil. It was not the number that was the standout, but the level of surfing contained within these entries. Brazilian riders have unfairly been known in the past for there ability to tear small waves apart, but the quality and size of the waves contained in the Brazilian clips were as good, if not better, than any one else. The riders showed no fear with style and power to boot. Two Brazilian riders made the finals and many more were unlucky to miss out!

It was an extremely difficult task to separate the Top 5 entries received. In the end other factors such as competition results and feedback from local peers was sought to separate the best of the best. It was impossible and unfair to judge on the clip alone, and each entry had a story.

In conjunction with Riptide Magazine, Turbo will be announcing 1 of the 4 finalists each day this week until the ultimate winner will be announced on Friday 9th July 2010.

Finalist One – Nathan Rubio (Hawaii)
Nate is 23 years old and from the Big Island of Hawaii and listed his favourite spots as Off The Wall (Hawaii) and Monuments in Australia. Nate entered the following clip, Hawaiian style!

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Enjoy!