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.
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