Joel Parkinson has pulled out all the stops to make a run for the world title in the home stretch of the 2012 ASP world tour. During the 6 week mid season break from competition he and trainer Wes Berg entered the Molokai to Oahu paddle race across the island-pass known as “The Channel of Bones.” The two Aussies tag-teamed the 32 mi race, taking 20 minute intervals battling through massive oceanic hills and valleys.
Joel Parkinson and Trainer Wes Berg take 3rd place Finish, Parko Paddles in The Flux Trunks
For two months Parko trained for the treacherous conditions of the Ka’iwi Channel, and his 3rd place finish exceeded his expected result “We were hoping for a top five finish, so to finish in the top three was huge for us,” he remarked of his first attempt at the race. Ironically, Parko also sits at #3 in the world surf tour rankings but the twelve year pro has his sights set on the title. With small conditions expected for the US Open of Surfing in Huntington this week, his arms are conditioned to catch any ripple in the lineup. Then it’s off to the Billabong Pro Tahiti where he’s never cracked the final round.
Parko’s new boost of confidence from the Molokai race is bolstered by his equipment that he claims is at it’s best. Despite some scrapes and bruises, he is pretty much indestructible “My knees are bleeding and I’m sunburned and the rest of me is pretty beat up, but I feel incredible.”
Makua and Marcus pumped Reggae beats all day in the chase boat
Joel’s hi-performance approach to his world title campaign has him working closely with sponsors to develop gear to keep him safely shredding in the next event that is the hands-down deadliest wave on tour. Two key elements he relies on for the upcoming contests are his signature boardshorts and JS surfboard.
Platinum X technology provides Parko with ergonomic agility and won’t balloon up like a parachute during high risk drops at the upcoming Tahiti venue. He wore the Billabong performance trunks during the 32 mi Molokai Race and avoided thigh rashes that often sideline paddlers and surfers. This recycler series boardshort has won multiple awards for “Boardshort of the Year” from the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA). Get Joel’s signature shorts here.
Joel’s signature model has been built direct from the design which saw him win 3 back to back world tour events. Even with so many good boards in his quiver, this is THE board he will be using at the upcoming grovel-fest at the US Open of Surfing. The Black Box embodies the all around reflection of what Joel’s surfing has become, smooth, fast and on edge. See the Jason Stevenson (JS) shapes here.
