The Billabong Pro has started today and we had a brit in the first round, which is a rarity nowadays.  Unfortunatley Reubyn Ash went out to Kai Otton but he made the seed earn his place in the next round.  Well worth a watch though Billabong Pro 09 Round 1 Reubyn Ash vs Kai Otton  . 

It's about time we got another brit on the WCT. The format of the WQS (the grind) doesn't help, iI've heard it beingn mentioned that it's down to sponsorships and our surfers not getting the funds to go to all the comps.  Is this true, if so that's a real a shame. 

 Any comments on this or the ASP in general welcome.

I've just read about the new ASP format for 2010  .  This looks to me like this will be further bad news for any brits trying to make the tour as its being cut down from 45 to 32.  

When i first read this paragraph 

'First and foremost amongst the historic changes is the transformation to a one-world rating format and the trimming back of the ASP World Tour field. Beginning in 2010, the ASP will move from the current two-tier format to an all-inclusive one-world rating format where both ASP World Tour and ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) events will be used to determine a surfer' rating.'

i thought it was indicating that'll they'll be getting rid of the WQS events but after re-reading I think I get what their saying.  However some more info on'all-inclusive one-world rating format'  would be good to be able make comment on whether these changes are a good thing or not.

'surfings not about points'

 I used to think the same but since the invention of webcasts  I now really enjoy the WCT.  It's pretty cool to have on in the background when you're on the PC.  Even if the waves aren't great then you can still pick up style tips and inspiration off the pro's.  the best pros at the best breaks in the world and you can watch it all for free, what's not to like. On top of that the race is close for the title this year.  Gripping stuff .

Well Bobby seems pretty pissed about something.

 'WHO GIVES A f*** BOUT COMIN ON TOUR HALF WAY THROUGH IF U AINT EVEN GOT A CHANCE OF WINNING THE WORLD TITLE! WASTE OF f***EN TIME!!!!!!!!!!'

 'the new 1 rating system for next years asp is the DUMBEST s*** I EVER HEARD! why u want to make it like tennis! f*** TENNIS! STUPID s***!'

 posted on his twitter http://twitter.com/Bobby805/

Congrats to Mick.

 But Parko what a gentleman eh!  http://joelparko.com/freestyling/congratulations-mate/

ASP have a press release on the new ranking system New ASP Ranking for 2010  .

 One good thing about this from a brits point of view is that although it'd be much harder to get on the WCT - I reckon the quality of the WQS events will be improved making the Thurso and Fistral events better.