Full name: Bede Durbidge A.K.A.: Durbo or The White Fijian Date of Birth: 23rd of February 1983 Birth Place: Brisbane, Queensland Grew up: Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Qld Resides: Currumbin, Queensland Height: 198cm Weight: 82kg Stance: Natural (regular) foot Favourite Waves: Hollow rights Favourite Manoeuvers: Aerials Favourite Surfers: Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson and Andy Irons Favourite Pastimes: Surfing, golf, fishing and kicking a football Favourite Place: North Stradbroke Island Career Highlights Victories: 2007 - Billabong Pipline Masters2007 - Vans Triple Crown of Surfing2006 – Boost Mobile Pro presented by Hurley,Lower Trestles, California USA 2004 – Nokia Lacanau Pacific Motion Pro, Lacanau, France (ASP WQS) 2003 – Rip Curl Newquay Board Masters,New Quay, England (ASP WQS) Other Accolades: 2003 – 2nd Place Rip Curl New Quay Board Masters Bede erupted onto the Foster’s ASP World Tour in 2005 and he has stamped his mark on the international competition. Known for his remarkable aerial manoeuvers, Bede Durbidge represents the new breed of surfer that demonstrates classic power and an impressive skill base that will see him dominate on the world circuit into the future.Bede has been dubbed by team mates and associates as the White Fijian because of his laid back friendly attitude and ready grin. His fan base is growing steadily along with his list of surfing triumphs and it is his quiet, steady, hard working attitude that places him firmly in the hearts and minds of his followers. He is known as something of a giant-killer these days despite his calm exterior, he has beaten his childhood surfing idols in one on one clashes, unfazed by their skill and popularity.Bede grew up at Point Lookout on Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island and it was here that he honed his skills in the surf. He is a part of a closeknit family, and his parents and siblings all supported his participation in school competitions around Queensland and applauded his subsequent victories. He took his first wave aged nine on his own boogie board and his balance and confidence in the surf grew from that simple moment.Bede forged a name for himself on the Australian Junior Series as he worked his way through the ranks with his now trademark combination of grace, power and quiet, but fierce determination. Often touted as the underdog, Bede competed hard and took out the trophy at many events, setting himself up solidly for taking the next step into the World Championship Tour. The Foster’s ASP World Tour in 2005 was the launching pad for Bede’s adult career when he surged into the early events knocking one of his surfing heroes, Kelly Slater out of contention in event two. This early confrontation with Slater was to earn Bede the respect of the world champion, and twelve months later in 2006 at the Boost Mobile Pro in California, Bede Durbidge rose to the occasion and took home the trophy, with a triumphant victory over Slater. Along the way to this unexpected victory he defeated some of surfing’s biggest names including three times world champion Andy Irons, Californian favourite Chris Ward, and Taj Burrows who is currently ranked in the top three in the world. No mean feat – and one that launched Bede Durbidge into the much esteemed top ten on the Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour. The giant killer strikes.Kelly Slater has nothing but admiration for Bede, and after the win he is quoted as saying that he regarded him as one of the toughest competitors he has ever met. “You can’t count Bede Durbidge out, he’s a tough competitor and although he’s only a two year pro on the tour, he is like a seasoned vet because he doesn’t show his emotions when he is surfing. You don’t hear him get frustrated or too excited, he’s very calm, he gets the job done”, says Slater.The win at the Boost Mobile Pro changed only one thing for Bede, it altered his goals, and made him all the more determined to stake a claim on the top ten and retain it.He is still the same friendly guy with the easy grin on the outside, and a burning ambition and a fire of determination growing within. He’s ready to take on the world’s best and he is well equipped for it, he is a man with a mission, and all on the circuit and all of his followers know he can do it.Watch out for Bede Durbidge – his rise through the ranks has only just begun. Latest shots of Bede in action - see the gallery for more! Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro 08 Message from BedeHi everyone,Just a quick one to say g'day to my friends and family on Straddie and to thank all my supporters for your interest in my progress and continued support. I'm back on the tour now and will keep you posted!Until next time,BedeNorth Stradbroke Island Straddie Online would like to thank the ASP and Surfinsnapps for the use of the photographs used in this section.
CHECK OUT BEDE’S LATEST RESULTS!
Winner - Billabong Pipeline Masters
Winner - Vans Triple Crown of Surfing