Gold Coast Christian Surfers
Abe Andrews
Men's Surfing World Tour Chaplain - ASP (Assoc'n of Surfing Professionals)
Zone Coordinator - Gold Coast Christian Surfers
10/9/09
Just wanted to let you know I am about to take-off to California for the Trestles contest. I will be away for 7 weeks this time for the American event and European Leg of the World Surfing Tour. It will be an exciting time to be away but it will also be a long time away from friends and family. Please keep me in your prayers and also pray for Lize as I will be away from her for almost 12 days. I will be sending updates throughout my time away to keep in touch with what is going on. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
In Christ
Abe Andrews
14/9/2009 - Day 1 Trestles Event, California
Hey, Just a quick update from the Californian Coast, Trestles contest by Hurley. I safely arrived here on Friday and have been very blessed to stay with an awesome family close to the contest. Today was round 1 of the contest. It was a great day of surfing and despite choppy conditions the mood was really positive.
I spent the day at the contest hanging with the surfers and staff. It has been really good to spend some time with the surfers and continuing to build the ever so important relationships with them.
Keep praying and thank you so much for your encouragement and support.
Round 2 will continue tomorrow so I will keep you posted.
God bless
Abe Andrews
Click on images to enlarge
Day 2 Trestles Event, California
Hey, Once again a quick update. Round 2 was completed today as well as 6 heats of Round 3 finished. It was a good to see some guys progress through to the next round but there were a few guys who got knocked out of the competition, so, it was hard to keep encouraging those that lost.
I spent some time with a Brazilian surfer talking about life outside of the competition and the difficulty of competing. It was interesting getting his perspective on travelling on the tour. Being a Brazilian can be difficult on the tour when there are some many difficulties that come from growing up in a non-English speaking country. It can sometimes be extra hard acquiring visas, understanding street maps and obviously trying to prepare for a contest when there is an anti-Brazilian vibe in the water.
I really admire this surfer’s honesty and down to earth nature. Although we sometimes look past the other guys on tour because they didn't grow up on our home turf, they are equally as important as anyone else on tour. So I want to encourage you to pray for all the guys on tour especially those you may have never heard of. You can see who is on tour by going to the following link: http://www.aspworldtour.com/2009/profiles_men.asp Check it out.
Well, God bless and thanks so much for your prayers.
Abe Andrews
Click on images to enlarge
Day 3 Trestles Event, California
Hey, Another day down in Sunny California, so here is a quick what’s been happening.
Day 3 was underway and we saw the completion of Round 3 of the Hurley Pro @ Trestles. It was super clean in the morning for the big heat match ups. Parko lost to Rob Machado, in a nail biting heat and Kelly defeated US Open Winner, Brett Simpson with flawless turns and trademark carving 360's.
I had the opportunity to talk to a few surfers one on one about how they are going over the year. It was really good to be able to provide some encouragement to a few of the Rookies on tour who have been finding their feet as they compete at this elite level. One thing to consider for these younger newbie’s on tour is it is often a hard slog going through the World Qualifying Series to get onto the Dreamtour. It can take some years before you qualify for the World Tour and when you get there, it is a big reality check when surfing against the likes of Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, CJ Hobgood and Mick Fanning. So I found myself discussing the journey these rookies have been on for the past 6 months and shared some encouraging words in hope to see them finish the year strong as they continue as World Surfing Professionals.
It is also good to be able to help the guys out practically; one of the surfers needed a surf vest for the expression session, as he had left his at home. I fortunately had mine with me so I offered it to him and he wore that. Although it is something small and seemingly insignificant it is the little things that make a big difference in this world.
So thank you so much once again for your encouragement and support. I believe the contest may be on hold for a couple of days but keep tuned and I will keep ya informed with what is happening on the chaplaincy front.
God Bless
Abe Andrews
Day 4 - Final Day Trestles Event, California
Well, today was the last day of the contest here at Trestles California. It was a fantastic day kicking off with Round 4 and going all the way to the finals. The conditions weren't perfect, however the surfers were performing at an exceptional level. In the final we saw Mick face-off with Dane. Mick was in fine form and as a result he won the final.
My next stop is France, so please continue to pray for safety and favour as I travel. Thank you once again for you encouragement and support.
God Bless
Abe Andrews
Click on images to enlarge
| 
