Yumeya presents Oxbow WLT in Tahara
Stop No. 1 of 2 on ASP WLT
Akabane Beach, Tahara Aichi, Japan
July 28-August 2, 2009
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Tahara, Japan Set to Host Oxbow ASP WLT Action
TAHARA, Japan (Sunday, July 26, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Longboard Tour (WLT) is gearing up to host the world’s finest competitive longboarding talent at Akabane Beach in Tahara Aichi, Japan from July 28 through August 2, 2009 with the Yumeya presents Oxbow WLT in Tahara.
The Japanese-based event marks the first of two stops on the ASP WLT which will allow all surfers including defending ASP WLT Champion Bonga Perkins (HAW), 36, last year’s ASP World Runner-up Antoine Delpero (FRA), 24, and American ASP WLT Title hopeful Taylor Jensen (USA), 25, a chance to work towards earning the crown of the globe’s finest longboarder.Perkins, who is the reigning and two-time ASP World Longboard Champion, will be out to defend his title against the throng of international talent set to take center stage in Tahara Aichi. The veteran competitor and famed waterman is feeling relaxed while gearing up to defend his ASP World Longboard Title against the hungry up-and-comers looking to make a name for themselves amongst the world’s best longboarders.
“I feel the same way this year as I do going into any comp,” Perkins said. “I don’t really feel any pressure. I think it’s the younger guys who feel the pressure because they’ve got to beat the old guy and they’re trying to win their first title.”
Although this is Oxbow’s first time setting their stage in Japan, Perkins is no stranger to the surf on the Japanese coastline. The Hawaiian lived in Japan and is familiar with the event site of Akabane Beach and is ready to tackle any and all conditions thrown at him at this year’s Oxbow ASP WLT event.
“You know, I lived in Japan so I know what to expect and I’ve surfed this break before,” Perkins said “I guess you could say that I have somewhat of an advantage, but that doesn’t mean I’m the favorite. I never was!”
Taylor Jensen (USA), 25, is one hungry competitor looking to claim his first ASP WLT title this year and has been in top form throughout the 2009 season on the ASP LQS, claiming events in both Australia and America while gearing up for his ASP WLT campaign.
“I am definitely feeling pretty good heading into the WLT in Japan,” Jensen said. “I feel like I am in a really comfortable place in my life right now. I have a good home life and a solid sponsor list backing me up heading into these events. I also have three of the best boards that I have ever had so I’m really ready for the event and am looking forward to getting it started. I don’t feel any pressure and am just going to have some fun!”
The powerful regular-footer has been splitting his time between Australia and America while surfing as much as possible to gear up for the premier event. Jensen has also been fine-tuning his equipment so he can be in stride once he hits the water at the Oxbow ASP WLT event.
“I’ve just been surfing tons,” Jensen said. “I am in Australia right now getting new boards from my sponsor and surfing as much as possible on them. I have a couple favorites stashed away, so my quiver for the event is coming together nicely. I have been eating really healthy, drinking lots of water, and just staying fit.”
The Yumeya presents Oxbow WLT Tahara will run from July 28 through August 2, 2009 and will set a frontrunner for this year’s ASP World Longboard Champion. For daily highlights and event information log on to www.aspworldtour.com