Brazil is often a place that comes up in conversation when you ask people where they want to travel to. Now I can see why. I spent a whole week in Rio baby!
Yes, Rio de Janeiro.
What an experience!
It only took 30 minutes to drive from the airport to the beach but I couldn't believe how many "favelas" we passed in that time.
"Favelas" are what they call the poor people's houses in Brazil.
Only you can't really call these "houses".
They are so bad. It's impossible to think that people live in them, let alone how many. I was gobsmacked. I'd look from one side of the car and then to another, and there they were - rows and rows of them for miles and miles, so jammed together that you can't even see any greenery or road inbetween.
They were all made of broken and crooked bricks and, I'm sure, anything else that they could find lying around. One decent sized earthquake and I reckon it would all be destroyed.
On one tour, we drove right through the middle of a Favela area. The doors had to be locked and we weren't allowed to take any photos.
None of these places had windows and barely looked liveable.
New Zealand, we are so lucky and we should never forget it!
I stayed at a hotel right on the beachfront and only a 50m walk to the contest site, and when you're that close you think you have everything under control.
Yeah, right!
The morning they put the girls out, I was in the first heat and I nearly missed it!
I was lucky that one of the other girls ran down the beach to tell me. I stripped down to just my bikini in the lobby of the hotel, sprinted through the restaurant with just my surfboard under my arm and along the beachfront to grab my competition rash shirt just in time to make the start of my heat.
I felt like I was scene from Bay Watch!
I ended up getting lots of good waves and won the heat. So much for pre-heat preparation, that went straight out the door. Maybe I should be late more often cause then I have no time to think about what I'm doing and no time to get nervous!
Anyway the surf was pretty small the whole event but it was a fun left hand point/beach break which suited me as a goofy-footer.
I got through my next few heats and into the two-competitor semi-finals against Hawaii's Coco Ho. She is one of the top up-and-coming surfers and I needed to beat her to make the final and improve my overall rating points.
No pressure Paige!
It was a very close semi with the lead changing a few times but I came through with the win.
The waves made it hard work in the final against Brazil's Diana Cristina de Souza. It was really hard to get more than two turns out of a wave but the conditions were the same for both of us.
I really wish I didn't have to say this but it's really hard to beat a Brazilian in Brazil. Halfway through the heat I needed something like a 7.4 ride and the judges gave me a 7.2 score. Then at the end of my heat I needed a 5.2 and I got a wave, paddled out the back and waited for the score. And waited. They took so long to decide on that score. The commentator said over the speaker "just waiting for the last judge to type in his score".
Talk about intense with a minute to go! I ended up getting a 5.1 just missing out on the score again! Missing out by that much really does gut you!
The positive way of looking at getting second is I still improved my overall ratings points slightly and remained at fifth place on the WQS (World Qualifying Series).
Also I think Brazil got the result they wanted. But it doesn't make the loss any easier to stomach when a judge comes up to you after prize giving and says ‘I had you down as being the winner'. Jeez thanks.
Anyway I'm still in a good position to qualify for the WCT (World Championship Tour) ‘Dream Tour' next year with one WQS event to go. That comp is in Hawaii at the famous break Haleiwa. My next blog will be explaining the training, big boards and just how different Hawaii is from everywhere else!
Bring it on!
My mum and I were lucky enough to be tourists for a day and got to see the famous statue of Christ on top of a mountain. We had amazing 360-degree views of Rio. We also got to see the famous Maracana Fotebol stadium - Brazil is crazy on soccer!
The first time I went to Brazil I didn't really like it but the few times that I have been this year, I really have enjoyed it.
I definitely recommend Rio as a holiday stop.
The people are so friendly and helpful, although it is tough at times when most of them don't speak English.
At some stage, I will be back to Brazil!
Obrigado!
Paige Hareb - offshore
2008
07:31 pm
Hey,Bad luck mate, ya almost had it.Scores don't really mean much, what you think? I mean they do but only when it comes down to what the particular judges prefrences are i reckon. Its not really fair that 3 or 4 judges have the authority to choose a winner, when 3 million others watching, internet or not..(not specifically for this event) dont agree and would have picked another rider for risking more and landing different tricks etc . you probably won hands down anyhow, screw them hahahaha. anyways, enuf rambling. keep it up, your ripping harder than eva.peace!
- Posted by Chris
2008
07:04 am
Awesum to read your blog! Wow you're definitely rewriting the nz surf history books everytime you compete!!! WCT, u go girl!!! wow you are a great role model for all our nz wahine - my daugter and wife included
- Posted by regz
2008
09:28 am
Great result - Brazil is always tough - just keep enjoying the surf you got the tallent to get to WCT.
- Posted by Fred
2008
06:06 pm
solid result mate,hard ground to do well on,keep ripn hard an live the dream for all us fellow surfers.
- Posted by matt
2008
12:17 pm
Paige....you are so close to the dream tour and we are all so proud of ya! We appreciate the encouragement you willingly give to other girls who surf and those who are wanting to start. It seems like just yesterday that Heather Dent of Taras told us all to watch out for you...the next big star in women's surfing. I can see you blushing right now but - we lufs ya. Go well in the next event. (We're all living off your great results down here in kiwi women's surf land).Jonnie - from the Mount
- Posted by Jonnie Mead
2008
06:25 pm
well done Paige , a very inspiring journey you are on. bad luck about the score but it wont matter when your winning everything else
- Posted by paul cannon
2008
04:32 pm
sat peow
- Posted by eric
2008
01:30 pm
go hard girl fly the kiwi flag 4 us
- Posted by keg johnston
2009
07:03 pm
We are all so proud of you Paige, You are still a major stoke of inspiration to us kiwis back home. You go girl, your our star, shine on.
- Posted by BELINDA
2010
03:25 am
Dear friends, please temporarily stop your footstepsTo our website Walk around A look atMaybe you’ll find happiness in your sight shopping heaven and earthYou’ll find our price is more suitable for you.Welcome to our websitehttp://www.clothes6.us Next we come to talk about a topic:Why are now prices are very expensive%uFF1Fyes Many people now have to earn more moneyto Pushing up pricesBut they didn’t find customers buy after won’t come backBut friends %uFF0CDo you ever foundOur website is more cost-effective price than othershttp://www.clothes6.usDesigner nba jersy
- Posted by liluyun125
2010
07:12 pm
百度空间 百度空间 [url=http://hi.baidu.com/azanbbs]百度空间[/url]
- Posted by azanbbs
2010
04:20 pm
2010 word cup jerseys,cheap mlb jerseys,cheap nba jerseys,cheap nhl jerseys,nfl jerseys wholesale,nfl jerseys cheap,replica nfl jerseys,football jerseys,nfl football jerseys,authentic nfl jerseys,
- Posted by lantian
2010
08:51 pm
Skechers is a brand name that you will easily tie it with fashionable sporty shoes. Amongst that, shape ups Skechers ranks the first, as they are dedicated for providing fitness shoes all the time. shape ups shoes , just like the name tell us, they have something to do with helping healthy lifestyle puesuers achieve the shape they are eagerly wanting to. Shapeups has been a pronoun in the world of fitness for diet pills and weight-reducing acids. Shaping ups your figure to a more charming one from the moment you wear Skechers shape ups shoes on to creat a feeling of pleasantness.
- Posted by skechers shape ups
2010
08:51 pm
Moncler vest goes well with diverse T-shirts, jeans and polo shirts. Moncler coats matches with normal jeans and kinds of hairstyles. Moncler jackets are suitable for exercising outdoor at chily days. The above three different sleeves was probably decisive in how cold the weather is! When you are dressed up, Moncler Boots satisfy various tastes for their fashionable designs, comfy wearing and easy-matched features. It has been accepted that at least these four mark the increasingly successfulness for Moncler Sale . Choosing amongst them, picking them for you, buying them for the beloved has been the long-lasting motto in the world of Moncler .
- Posted by moncler
2010
08:20 pm
If you want to start your business with some daily used items, here is the site you need to check. It offeres many products like wholesale umbrella, wholesale pen and stress ball ect.Under each product section, there are some detailes classification. For wholesale umbrella, there are paper umbrella, aluminum umbrella. For wholesale pen and stress ball, there are also some detailed classifications.
- Posted by stress ball
2010
08:21 pm
If you are looking for famous watches like rolex watches, Breitling watches, Panerai watches and Gucci watches and watches of some other brand, here is the site for you. You can find all models of replica rolex watches, rolex accessories, replica breitling watches, replica panerai watches, panerai skeleton, panerai accessories, panerai online store,rolex online store,rolex shop,replica breitling,breitling watch replica,breitling navitimer,breitling shop,breitling navitimer watches, replica gucci watches and some others here.
- Posted by rolex watches
2010
08:49 pm
The role of WTO is to protect that wholesale golf equipment expert is attached and mutually benefiting action Tiffany Jewelry outlet palpation. Trading amongst each clashing burden do minor bamboo fiber sheets unwanted rifts between parties obsessed besides if uncherished to beijing massage sizzle engagement prepare major problems on the International front. supremacy the cheap mens watchesgolf clubs for sale bring precedence as the disputes by catching talks, discussions and resolution ways of Tiffany jewelry solving the International trading problems amicably. solitary of the ways to sign bamboo fiber this is to discharge agreements or multilateral agreements not mismated the FTAA between the Buenos Aires on the Free work lay of the Americans.
- Posted by hfdh
2010
10:07 pm
cnc lathegas bbq powder metallurgypower inverterabercrombie and fitchforkliftaluminium extrusion diealuminium extrusion diprogressive die stampingMemory cardghd straightenerstiffany jewelrybody armorpouch beltarmy surplusbody armorpouch beltpouchgas bbqpower invertercnc lathepowder metallurgyelectric bikeAutomatic door
- Posted by a
2010
09:17 pm
[url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]links london[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]links of[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]links of london[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]london bangles[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]london charms[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]link of london[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]links of london silver[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]london jewelry[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com]london jewellery[/url][url=http://www.linksoflondonpretty.com/index.php?main_page=index
- Posted by adsad
2010
01:02 pm
ropose Anya HindarMa chestnut ugg new short boOts 5220 knockoffs ropose Anya HindarMa chestnut ugg new short boOts 5220 knockoffs ropose Anya HindarMa black ugg boots 5815 classic tall knoCkoffs ropose Anya HindarMa replica ugGs boots ropose Anya HindarMa sand ugg boots 5825 cLassic short knockoffs
- Posted by xiaobao
2010
02:56 pm
Moncler Gamme Bleu series seems to be bound up with bike culture.Moncler This not only shows in its design but also the pattern printed in the clothes. In this series, designer put in leggings to match some clothes. herve leger This point arouses great controversy in public. It is common that ladies wear leggings to match their long shirts or short dresses.Moncler Jackets If a man put on a legging, he looks a little feminization.Hermes Birkin Somebody do not agree with this. They thought men also should be fashionable.Buy Moncler Wearing leggings is not the right of ladies, but also the fashion of men`s.Christian Louboutin In recent years, many clothes have been more neutralize. Men are paying more and more attention to their dressing.Moncler Clothing Creations in men`s dressing are more and more diversified. Fashion is such kind of thing that at first it will arouse controversy and with acceptance from more and more people it will be popular.Herve Leger dresses Maybe one day there will be more neutralized clothes that men and women can try together.Christian Louboutin Pumps
- Posted by moncler
Paige is New Zealand's top ranked female surfer internationally and is NZ's only female surfer to qualify for the Elite ASP World Championship Tour.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
