Saturday, November 24, 2001
[ SURFING ]
The Association of Surfing Professionals' media guide describes Hawaii's Megan Abubo as an extremely determined, fierce competitor. One notch to go for ‘Megs’
Editor's note: This is the fourth in a series of feature articles on the five highly rated Hawaii pro surfers who have a shot at the world title going into the tour's season-ending men's and women's events that run from Nov. 26 to Dec. 7.By Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletin.comWhen meeting Abubo, it doesn't take long to realize she's a highly focused individual.
"My lifelong, main goal has been to win it (the women's world title)," Abubo said with matter-of-fact seriousness and a hint of a smile.
Last year, she finished the ASP World Championship Tour ranked No. 2, and for part of the season, she was in the No. 1 spot, ahead of three-time defending champion Layne Beachley.
This year, Abubo and several others have a chance to dethrone Beachley. A victory in the upcoming WCT season-ending event -- the Billabong Girls from Nov. 26 to Dec. 7 at Honolua Bay, Maui -- would give her the coveted prize.
At 23, the Oahu North Shore resident is in her eighth year as a pro, and she feels like she's been consistently advancing in her career.
"I've been working and improving on my technique (the past few years)," Abubo said. "My transitions from turn to turn have changed and are better, as is my big-wave surfing, my power, my strength, my mental focus and my physical preparation."
And although she did some cross-training in the recent past -- running, swimming, biking -- this winter so far has been dedicated to one thing -- "surfing a ton."
One of Abubo's memorable moments this year came on a trip to Tavarua, Fiji.
"All the girls (some other tour members) were there having fun, partying, hanging out together for a week, and it was refreshing to see everybody stepping out of their element," she said.
Fiji also represents the site of Abubo's top career highlight -- her victory in the Roxy Fiji Surf Jam to start this season.
"That was an amazing experience," Abubo said. "And it was extra special because it was my sponsor's (Roxy) event."
It was also her sixth career WCT victory.
Who: Top women's pro surfers Billabong Girls
What: Season-ending Association of Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event
Where: Honolua Bay, Maui
When: Nov. 26 to Dec. 7
Extra reason to watch: The 2001 women's world champion will be crowned
Hotline: 596-SURF
Web site: triplecrownofsurfing.com
Women's World Championship Tour leaders: 1. Layne Beachley, Australia, 1,300 points; 2. (tie) Rochelle Ballard, Hawaii, 1,270; 2. (tie) Melanie Redman, Australia, 1,270; 4. Megan Abubo, Hawaii, 1,150; 5. (tie) Keala Kennelly, Hawaii, 1,090; 5. (tie) Serena Brooke, Australia, 1,090; 5. (tie) Tita Tavares, Brazil, 1,090; 8. Jacqueline Silva, Brazil, 930. ASP ratings
Abubo has had some excellent surf sessions and "good times" off India and in Indonesia this year, and she scored in near-perfect conditions many times at her favorite break, Laniakea, on the North Shore.
Others on the tour call her "Megs" and "Bubo," and she has become good friends with Hawaii's Rochelle Ballard and Australia's Serena Brooke and Kate Skarratt. Ballard and Brooke also have a chance at claiming the world title.
While growing up, Abubo tried to pattern herself after four-time world champion Lisa Andersen, who won the titles in 1994-97.
Breaking through to No. 1 -- to be like Andersen in the 1990s and Beachley now -- is the next logical step, but that accomplishment is a lot easier said than done.
Abubo will certainly be giving everything she has to make the climb.
"That's part of my personality, competing and wanting to win," she said.
So if you see "extremely determined, fierce competitor" written in women's surf periodicals, that means you're probably reading about Megs.
Tomorrow: Andy Irons