PARKO SCORES LATEST COVER OF SURFING LIFE MAGAZINE

Check the latest issue of ASL (April 09 issue) and you will see Parko gracing the cover. Parko has kicked off 09 with an intense training regime and is blowing minds with his off season surfing, so in turn was kindly rewarded by the Ed team at Surfing Life with a glossy cover shot and an interview. With a quiver of what JS calls 'the best boards I have ever shaped for Parko' and the man himself in peak physical condition, expect to see big things from him on tour this year.

ASL' Chris Binns took the time to sit down with Parko and see what has been going on for the last few months, and to see what is fueling this focused approach to the 09 season. To read the interview (titled 'Angling for the Crown'), you will have to purchase the magazine. Sorry gang, but we are not allowed to let the cat out of the bag!. Until then, check out the cover and opening page.

Winners are Grinners - JS Team wins the 2009 FCS Manufacturers Cup at Duranbah

The 2009 FCS Manufacturers Cup kicked off in sensational style with the QLD qualifier being held in smoking conditions at D-Bar. The opening qualifier also marked the introduction of some of the best World Tour surfers into the event who were keen to represent their respective surfboard sponsors. 

The QLD qualifier was won by JS Industries who took the well earned victory with the help of their star rider Joel Parkinson. Joel teamed up with shaper Jason Stevenson as well as Paul Stacey and former pro surfer Craig 'Scat' Pitchers. The JS team proved too good, aided considerably by an in form Parko who top scored on the day. In the final, the JS team defeated some of the Gold Coast's other well known shapers to take out bragging rights for another year.

The tag team format adds a unique dynamic to the event and produces a very different atmosphere from other conventional surfing competitions. Former pro surfer and FCS representative Jason Frost remarked, 'A great day was had by everyone who attended and it's great to have some of the best WT surfers involved. Some guys feel the pressure because you only have a short time to get two good waves and then get back to the beach. The adrenalin kicks in and everyone gets enthusiastic about what's happening out in the water. The event is really about having fun, but there are some bragging rights on the line'.

The FCS Manufacturers Cup is run in conjunction with the Jim Beam Surf Tag Series, and not only produces a fun and exciting competition but it also gives the guys in the trenches the opportunity to surf against the world's best Dream Tour surfers. 

The state qualifying rounds will be followed by an all important final to be held at North Narrabeen in March where FCS will crown the champions of the surfboard industry.  

Pictured below: Parko scored the highest score for the day, 2nd image - Parko, Craig Pitchers, Paul Stacey and Jason Stevenson

(Press release and images courtesy of FCS)

PARKO SCORES PERFECT 20 AT BILLABONG PIPELINE MASTERS & TAKES OUR THE VANS TRIPLE CROWN OF SURFING

PIPELINE, Hawaii - Parko surfed a perfect heat this week to cement his name in the history books at the Billabong Pipeline Masters. The current World No. 4 scored two perfect 10's to become the only surfer to earn a perfect 20 out of 20 heat total at Pipeline. 

'I never thought I would get two perfect 10s,' Parkinson said. 'It's not something you hear about every day, so I'd never really thought about doing it. I definitely claimed it like I had won an event for a second, but then I had to settle down and tell myself, 'All you did was make a heat!' The next heat I paddle out for, I'll have to remember that." 

Nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is the only other surfer to score a perfect 20 out of 20. He did so in a 2005 final at Teahupoo, Tahiti to win the contest.

Parko then went on to take out the prestigious Vans Triple Crown after placing fifth in Halewia and Sunset, and then placing ninth at Pipeline. He is only the second Australian to take out the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing since Mike Rommelse (AUS) in 1997.

'I've come runner-up to the Triple Crown a couple of times,' Parkinson said. 'Andy nabbed it from me both times, so no hard feelings to Wardo, but I really didn't want that to happen again. It feels amazing to actually take it home this time.'

Well done Parko, from everyone at JS!!!! 

TAKING THE TRACTOR TO THE STREETS OF FRANCE

Parko takes some time out from competition while in France recently to get acquainted with the locals.