OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - (Honolulu, HI) – July 29, 2008 – The “greatest show on surf” hits the shores of Waikiki.  Produced by the Hawaii Tandem Surf Association, Inc. (Hawaiitandemsurf.com), sanctioned by the International Tandem Surfing Association, Inc. (ITSA) and the International Surfing Association (ISA) and sponsored and hosted by the Waikiki SandBox Bar, the World Title of Tandem Surfing will be held at Queens Beach, Waikiki from August 19 – 23, 2008 showcasing the best in partner athleticism surfing the waves.

Tandem Surfing requires precision and strength as men apply sophisticated acrobatic lifts to their female counterpart all while surfing.  This unique sport started in the early 1900’s by Duke Kahanamoku and other beach boys who would take women out surfing on their board and hoist them onto their shoulders.  Later, various lifts were incorporated from Muscle Beach, California. The ITSA recognizes 60 lifts each more difficult then the last.

This international competition is featured in the 7th Annual Duke OceanFest held in honor of “The Duke.”  Men and women ranging in ages 18 – 65 have competed for the Tandem Surfing Championship Title with over 30 teams to compete this year and with thousands of spectators expected to break attendance record.  Many plan their vacation to come and enjoy the tandem and the dozen other ocean events that are part of the (ODKF OUTRIGGER DUKE KAHANAMOKU FOUNDATION) festival.

Tandem Surfing has exploded over the last three years.  “What can be more beautiful or powerful than an athletic woman being lifted by a powerful surfer on the blue waves of Waikiki,” said Bear Woznick who lives in Hawaii and is Co-Founder and Co-President of ITSA and President of HTSA.

“The ITSA sanctions over a dozen competitions throughout Europe, Australia, the mainland and of course Hawaii.  But, this is the ‘must-do,’ ‘must-see’ event for tandem,” said Rico Leroy who is Co-President and Co-Founder of ITSA and President of the French Tandem Surfing Federation.

Kritsten Huntington, the third member of the ITSA board and President of the California Club Tandem World Organization (TWO) stated, “We come to Hawaii to compete, but more for the renewing of longtime tandem friendships and the Aloha of the Duke OceanFest and of the Hawaiian people.”

WORLD TITLE OF TANDEM SURFING SCHEDULE
¨        August 17th                         OPENING DAY EXHIBITION
¨        August 17th – 19th             TANDEM SURF BOOT CAMP: Coaches beginners who want to learn how to Tandem Surf for fun and current competitors who want to sharpen their skills for contests.
¨        August 18th                         PAKA PHOTO/VIDEO CONTEST: Teams works with a photographer or videographer to take tandem and surfing shots of them.  Contestants must privately choose a photographer or videographer.  The slides and video will be viewed that evening at the Waikiki Sandbox Bar on Kuhio and Seaside at 8:00 p.m. HTSA VIP members will select a winner.
¨        August 19th            WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BEACH LIFT CHALLENGE:
Double as a coaching clinic and a competition to determine which team can perform the most official lifts.
¨        August 20th                         THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OF TANDEM
SURFING BEGINS
¨        August 23rd                                  AWARD CEREMONY

5% travel discounts are available to competitors and VIP members.

For more information on the World Championship of Tandem Surfing, HTSA and ITSA visit www.hawaiitandemsurf.com.