BIllabong Pro Rio Still No Go

See those ominous clouds? Feel that whipping wind blowing straight onshore at Barra da Tijuca? That’s why after five days of waiting the 2011 Billabong Pro Rio has yet to run even one men’s heat.

“Unfortunately we’ve got bad winds are definitely not running today,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge said. “The good news is we’ve got swell on the rise and conditions have been forecasted to improve and we’re looking to get things started tomorrow.”

Stay tuned tomorrow morning (May 17, 2011) at 3 AM PST (7 AM local) to see if the guys will finally get in the water. Afterall, there are only six days left in the waiting period. Follow the jump for the official word from the ASP.BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro / Brazil (Monday, May 16, 2011) – Intense onshore winds and stormy conditions wreaking havoc at Barra da Tijuca have forced competition off for the men’s Billabong Rio Pro today.

Stop No. 3 of 11 on the men’s ASP World Title Series, the Billabong Rio Pro has yet to begin competition after the first six days of the waiting period, but a promising forecast could see men’s Round 1 commence as early as tomorrow.

“Unfortunately we’ve got bad winds are definitely not running today,” Richie Porta, ASP International Head Judge said. “The good news is we’ve got swell on the rise and conditions have been forecasted to improve and we’re looking to get things started tomorrow.”

While Billabong Rio Pro men’s action has yet to begin, Carissa Moore (HAW), 18, won the women’s Billabong Rio Pro competition yesterday to further her lead on the 2011 ASP Women’s World Title Rankings.

When Billabong Rio Pro competition begins, 2010 ASP Rookie of the year Owen Wright (AUS), 21, will surf against Heitor Alves (BRA), 29, and Bobby Martinez (USA), 28, in Heat 1.

A call will be made at 7am local time tomorrow morning for a possible start to men’s Billabong Rio Pro competition.

The Billabong Rio Pro men’s waiting period runs from May 11 through 22 and is webcast LIVE via http://www.billabongpro.com

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com.

Billabong Rio Pro Round 1 Match Ups:
Heat 1: Owen Wright (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), TBA
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW), TBA
Heat 5: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), TBA
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Julian Wilson (AUS), TBA
Heat 7: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Jeremy Flores (FRA), C.J. Hobgood (USA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 9: Damien Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 10: Michel Bourez (PYF), Chris Davidson (AUS), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)