Billabong Pro

Billabong Pro

2010 - The Year in Surfing

2010 was an historic year in surfing, culminating in jaw-dropping highs and tragic lows. This article looks back at the major events of the rollercoaster months of 2010.

2010 was undisputedly the year of Kelly Slater, the veteran Floridan who became the first surfer in history to win 10 ASP world titles. 2010 was the year he confirmed his status as not only the best surfer around, but also the best surfer of all time, and maybe even the greatest athlete of his generation.

Slater won his ninth title in 2008, and there was subsequently a heated discourse as to whether he had enough left in the tank for a record-breaking tenth title, or whether in his late 30s he was becoming too old to compete at the very highest level. Doubts were raised after his slow start to the season, with critics highlighting his poor ninth place finish in the Quiksilver Pro as evidence of his decline. However, Slater recovered strongly, and gained a steady momentum going into the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico,where he finally claimed his historic tenth title.

Slater now holds the impressive distinction of being both the youngest and the oldest surfer to be world champion. Beginning in 1992, his incredible career has spanned nearly 20 years. 2010 may prove to be the final curtain on his glittering career, as Slater admitted after his victory that he was just 'really relieved' it was all over.

In the women's competition, 22 year old Stephanie Gilmore was also making history in 2010 by winning a fourth consecutive women's title. She also maintained her perfect record in the professional surfing world, having won every event since her rookie season - a jaw-dropping acolade that no other surfer, male or female, can compete with. The Australian, who earned her first title on her rookie tour in 2007, has become one of the highest earners in the sport, with 2010 seeing her earn an impressive $94,000 according to the ASP.Will anyone challenge her dominance of women's surfing in 2011?

2010 was unfortunately also tinged with tragedy, due to the sad death of 3 times world champion Andy Irons in November. Irons' passing at the age of 32 came as a profound shock to the surfing world, and while the cause of death has not fully been ascertained, the initial reports suggested dengue fever was responsible. However, Irons' legacy in the surfing pantheon is assured, thanks to his memorable consecutive World Tour victories in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and his final triumph in the 2010 Billabong Pro in Tahiti. His greatest adversary, Kelly Slater, took part in a memorial paddle out in Puerto Rico to say goodbye to Irons and celebrate his life and career.

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If you were inspired to surf by the events of 2010, visit the Wetsuit Centre, one of the UK's leading wetsuit outlets with wetsuits from all major brands.

 

Billabong Influence Boardshort (Purple) $59.5 The Billabong Influence Boardshort are pro surfer Joel Parkinson aka Parko signature boardshort. Engineered for high performance shredding these boardshorts feature water repellant, super stretchy, lightweight material known as Zero Gravity Fabric. Along with ergonomic paneling for superior stretch these boardshorts are top of line in design and performance. Made from 87% Polyester and 13% Spandex. 22 in length.

Billabong Odyssey $4.99 Billabong Odyssey

Billabong Influence Boardshort (Blue Yellow) $59.5 The Billabong Influence Boardshort are pro surfer Joel Parkinson aka Parko signature boardshort. Engineered for high performance shredding these boardshorts feature water repellant, super stretchy, lightweight material known as Zero Gravity Fabric. Along with ergonomic paneling for superior stretch these boardshorts are top of line in design and performance. Made from 87% Polyester and 13% Spandex. 22 in length.

Billabong Stripe Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Gravel $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Stripe Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their engineered striped print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Solid Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Black $55 The opportunities are endless in the Solid Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Solid Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Gravel $55 The opportunities are endless in the Solid Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Stripe Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Gray $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Stripe Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their engineered striped print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Lifter Moneyclip (Black) $24 Billabong Lifter Moneyclip (Black)

Billabong Valerie Bag (Black) $39.5 Billabong Valerie Bag (Black)

Billabong Stripe Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Phantom Gray $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Stripe Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their engineered striped print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Plaid Platinum X 4-Way Stretch Walkshorts - Black $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Plaid Platinum X walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to its engineered plaid print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Cosmic Stripe Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Black $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Cosmic Stripe Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their engineered striped print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Cosmic Stripe Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Gravel $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Cosmic Stripe Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their engineered striped print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong Stripe Platinum X Hybrid Walkshort - Gravel II $59.5 The opportunities are endless in the Stripe Platinum X hybrid walkshorts from Billabong. From their 4-way stretch, water-repellent fabric to their engineered striped print and chino styling, they allow you to move freely on the waves while looking like a pro. You could even get away with wearing these out to your local watering hole after you finish up your beach sesh. Oh, the things you can do.

Billabong™ Regular $35 Download the Billabong™ Regular font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format.

Billabong™ Bold $35 Download the Billabong™ Bold font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format.

Billabong™ Italic $35 Download the Billabong™ Italic font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format.

Billabong Family $112 Download the Billabong Family font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format.

Billabong Boy $15.95 Billabong Boy is Arron's story, from a boy who loved to explore his local billabong to international award-winning speaker, and his struggles to keep balanced while being an inspiration to those around him.

Billabong Easy Does It Bag (Black) $59.5 Billabong Easy Does It Bag (Black)

Billabong Easy Does It Bag (Olive) $59.5 Billabong Easy Does It Bag (Olive)

Aerial of a Billabong, Australia $19.99 Robert Francis Aerial of a Billabong, Australia - Photographic Print

Billabong Essential Thermal (Black) $34.5 The Billabong Essential Thermal is a regular fit long sleeve thermal with a Billabong woven label. Made from 100% Cotton.

Billabong Traks Tank (Silver) $32 The Billabong Traks Tank is a striped tank top with Billabong logo down the side hem. Made form 100% Cotton.

Billabong Contrast Leather (Black) $32 The Billabong Contrast Belt is a leather beslt with contrast colors. It features adjustable size belt holes and Billabong engraved on the belt buckle.

Billabong Gibson Short (Cement) $59.5 The Billabong Gibson Walkshort has rad open check plaid pattern with Billabong woven labels. 65%Polyester and 35% Rayon

Billabong Inferno Belt (Black) $30 Billabong Inferno Belt is made with 100% leather, a distressed style, and has a buckle with Billabong detail.

Billabong Poster Beanie (Black) $24 The men's Billabong Poster beanie features a ribbed beanie and a wrap around Billabong jacquard.

Billabong Inferno Belt (Tan) $30 Billabong Inferno Belt is made with 100% leather, a distressed style, and has a buckle with Billabong detail.

Billabong Kaya Hat (Grey) $36 The men's Billabong Kaya hat features a New Era 59fifty, a Billabong X Bob Marley embroidery, and a flex fit.

Billabong Teflon Sweater (Grey) $54.5 The Billabong Teflon Sweater is a striped v-neck sweater with Billabong clamp label at the lower hemington. Made from 100% Cotton.

Billabong Teflon Sweater (Tar) $54.5 The Billabong Teflon Sweater is a striped v-neck sweater with Billabong clamp label at the lower hemington. Made from 100% Cotton.

Billabong Strapped Sandal (Silver) $22 Billabong Girls Strapped Sandal is made with Vegan leather, multi-straps at the front, and Billabong debossed at the heel of the footbed.

Billabong Solstice T'shirt (Yellow) $20 Billabong Solstice T'shirt is 6% organic cotton, 94% cotton, has short sleeves, and Billabong printed across the chest.

Billabong Unrest T'shirt (Black) $20 Billabong Unrest T'shirt is made with 100% cotton, has short sleeves, with Billabong and artwork printed on the front.

Billabong Hounds Tank (Black) $32 The Billabong Hounds Tank is a striped tank top with Billabong logo at lower hem. Made from 100% Cotton

Billabong On and On Tank (Tiki Turquoise) $34.5 The women's Billabong On and On tank features a shape pattern, an oversized fit, and a woven label.

Billabong Sedona Towel (Black) $34 The women's Billabong Sedona towel features a retro print and loogs and fringe on the ends.

Water Lily Covered Billabong $39.99 Randy Olson Water Lily Covered Billabong - Photographic Print

Billabong Traveler Hat (Black) $28 Billabong Traveler Hat is an acrylic/wool/spandex blend, premium fitted style, wave logo embroidered at center back, and Billabong embroidery on the front.