Bede Durbidge Re-Signs with Xcel
Xcel is excited to announce team rider and current ASP World #5 Bede Durbidge has re-signed through 2013.
Durbidge (27, Australia) is the 2007 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing champion; a Billabong Pipeline Master (2007); and has finished in the top 5 of the ASP World Tour every year since 2007.
“We’re thrilled to continue working with Bede and can’t wait to see what the next few years bring,” says Xcel president Ed D’Ascoli. “Bede’s a very real World Title contender and a world-class ambassador for Xcel. Together we’ve built a great relationship and we’re excited to do all we can to support his career.”
“I’m so happy to have extended my relationship with Xcel – I wouldn’t want to be wearing any other suits,” says Durbidge. “Being on the World Tour, we go to some pretty cold spots; so I want to be in the best wetsuits possible to reach my goal of becoming world champ.”
One of the most consistent athletes on the contest scene today, with an ever-expanding repertoire of classic power carves to new school airs, Durbidge’s high-performance versatility has led him to World #2 (2008) and World #3 (2009) finishes; as well as runner-up results at the Hurley Pro Trestles and Rip Curl Search Portugal in 2010.
“Thanks to competing and freesurfing around the world in a variety of conditions, Bede’s invaluable input and feedback on Xcel product has helped push our designs to the next level,” continues D’Ascoli.
This year also brought new joy to Durbidge and his family, as he elected to forego this year’s Rip Curl Pro Portugal contest to be home in Australia for the birth of his first child, daughter Willow.
Durbidge will next hit the water when competition resumes at the Billabong Pipeline Masters in Memory of Andy Irons. Seeded into Round 3, Durbidge will face off against fellow Aussie Adam Melling.
Already easily re-qualified for the 2011 ASP World Tour, watch for Durbidge to make a run for next year’s World Title.
