Press Release:
Harrison Roach Takes First at the Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational
Presented by Vans in Biarritz, France
The 6th edition of the Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational presented by Vans took place this weekend at legendary surf spot “La Côte des Basques” in Biarritz; the epicenter of French surfing.
Two-time world longboard champion Joel Tudor gathered 16 of the world’s best longboarders to showcase their uniquely progressive surf style for a prize purse of $10,000, riding single fin leashless boards with impeccable style and moves to inspire the next generation.
The event started Friday with good small waves to launch the quarter-finals and 8 surfers remained in the running for the finals which took place on Sunday in ideal surfing conditions; with more than 1 meter swell and plenty of September sunshine for the crowds to enjoy.
Alex Knost (California), James Parry (UK), Tyler Warren (California) and Harrison Roach (Australia) opened the finals, which concluded as high tide waves were breaking on the rocks. Harrison Roach paid the price when his board was smashed. Joel Tudor swiftly brought him a new board so he could finish the finals.
The level was high and the judges calculated their score on several criteria including technique, style and the choice of waves. Harrison Roach won the French edition with all the respect of his fellow surfers for his clean and technical surfing on long right waves.
Watch the first video drop here: https://vimeo.com/50623966
Results :
1. Harrison Roach (4,000 $)
2. Alex Knost (3,000 $)
3. Tyler Warren (2,000 $)
4. James Parry (1,000 $)
Shared waves
Heat 1 : Alex Knost & Mikey Detemple
Heat 2 : Tyler Warren & Robbie Kegel
Heat 3 : JJ Wessels & Jared Mell
Heat 4 : Harrisson Roach & Oliver Parker
Semi final 1 : Jared Mell & Alex Knost
Semi final 2 : Oliver Parker & Harrisson Roach
Final : Alex Knost & Tyler Warren
The event didn’t stop there, as the entire event transitioned to an evening at the cinema in downtown Biarritz for the premiere screening of Vans Get-N Classic Volume 2 featuring the Vans surf team.
The film follows the team on a roadtrip through the most breathtaking surf spots in the world. A crowded theater of nearly 300 spectators, included the participants of the competition and some of the best surfers in the world Nathan Fletcher, the Gudauskas brothers, John John Florence, Dane Reynolds along with local surf fans, shop owners, media and industry insiders.
Vans’ Get-N Classic, Vol. 2 will be available to watch for FREE worldwide on October 3rd at vanssurf.com/getnclassic. A free download of the movie will also be available.
About Vans Surf
Vans supports and promotes surfing and surfers through a full line of footwear and apparel and events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the ASP 4-Star Vans Pier Classic at Huntington Beach and the ASP 6-Star Vans Pro at the East Coast Surfing Championships and the progressive longboard Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational contests.
The Vans Surf team is led by a talented group of riders including Nathan Fletcher, John Florence, Joel Tudor, Dane Reynolds, Pat, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas, Ivan and Nathan Florence, Alex Knost, Andrew Doheny, Dylan Graves, Kalani Chapman, Wade Goodall and Leila Hurst.
For more information on Vans’ surf happenings, our team plus our footwear and apparel, visit vanssurf.com and follow us on Twitter @vanssurf.
