04.30.01
ASP World Tour

ASP world number six Heather Clark accepts a traditional kava drink offering.

Tavarua Island, Fiji - The Roxy Fiji Surf Jam officially commenced Saturday, April 28, with a traditional Kava ceremony attended by the world's top 15 rated women surfers, eight wildcard hopefuls, as well as representatives from Quiksilver Roxy, Tavarua Island staff, and neighboring locals from Nambula village.

Situated approximately 20 miles (30km) southwest of Fiji's international airport in Nadi, Tavarua and Namotu Island are for the next week idyllic backdrops to the first women's World Championship Tour (WCT) event of 2001. The women-only US$60,000 tournament is of equal value to the richest ever held, but with the perfect waves of Cloudbreak and surrounding reefs on offer, no comparison is adequate from a surfer's perspective.

With competitors sitting around a woven mat, chief Druku welcomed everyone, offering a traditional Fijian blessing and then the much-anticipated Kava drinking ceremony.

"On behalf of Fiji and Tavarua and Namotu Islands, and behalf of my family, I would like to welcome you in a Fijian manner," began chief Druku. "Thank you for coming to stay on Tavarua Island and Namotu. You give us blessings and the opportunity to have jobs, and you give us the Kava for welcoming. I pray to God to give you the swell and the big waves this week for competition."

Vice President of Roxy International Randy Hild extended his gratitude for being able to hold the tournament, and thanked the women surfers for their support. Having led the way in the women's surf industry, this new event by Roxy is sure to open even more doors for the rapidly growing sport.

"It was six years ago Roxy put on an event at Sunset (Haw)," said Hild. "It's exciting to have our first women's only event at Tavarua. The reefs and waves here are going to create history for women's surfing. It took us a few years to make it happen, but thanks to (the women's) support, it should be great."

Reigning world champion Layne Beachley presents a kava root gift offering.

Current three-time world champion Layne Beachley (Aus) was quick to relay the thanks back to Roxy, as well as the local Fijians for their hospitality and support. Furthermore, she outlined the importance of women-only events to help raise their overall profile, and better show off their surfing ability.

"It's fantastic that the Fijians can grace us with such a beautiful blessing and encourage and support the women," said Beachley. "It's beautiful to have the respect and support of the local Fijians for a stand alone WCT in such an exotic location. And thanks to Roxy for putting us on the map and kick starting the tour. It's a great opportunity for the women surfers to go out there and make the most of incredible surf without the pressure or the expectation of the guys."

Current world number eight Rochelle Ballard (Haw) then added more praise to Roxy, as well as presenting Hild a carved wooden Kava bowl on behalf of the women.

"I just want to thank Roxy for bringing women's surfing here and into a whole new millennium."

Roxy Fiji Surf Jam contest director Rod Brooks then informed contestants there will be a 6:30am (local time) call each morning to decide the day's schedule. The Roxy trials are likely to happen tomorrow around 8:30am, with two four-women heats, and then a final to decide the one survivor who'll reach the main event.

ASP world number four Maria Tita Tavares accepts a welcome drink.

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