"THE ICEMAN COMETH"

Had his own surfing collector card #1

Appeared on 2 RCP posters.

You would be hard pressed to find a more qualified contest director for the Rip Curl Pro than Damien "Dooma" Hardman.

In his competitive days he was know as the "Iceman" a fierce competitor, super cool under pressure.

Dooma won countless WCT events during his career.

On 2 occasions, won the Rip Curl Pro and to cap it all off, 2 World Titles.

He relocated from his beloved Nth Narrabeen in 2007, and now lives and works on the Surfcoast, working for his long time sponsor, Rip Curl - Has been contest directing for 6 years.

This year Dooma will have an apprentice. Former WCT surfer Pancho Sullivan from Hawaii's North Shore.

Pancho's trademark gouge.

So what does a Contest Director do?

• Monitors swell forecasts, wind, weather, tides, wave consistency.

• Makes the call whether contest runs or heats continue.

• Consults with surfer reps.

• Also monitors backup wave locations.

These days there are numerous swell and weather forecast websites available, which certainly makes

life as a Contest Director a little easier.

Before the arrival of swell forecast websites, the ability to read weather maps and have reliable contacts down the coast to relay surf reports, was a must.

So when surf conditions are less than perfect for an event, spare a thought for the Contest Director and the tough calls they have to make.