The Air Tahiti Nui VonZipper Trials have a rich n’ wonderful history, reaching way back to a crazy year that saw some of the heaviest ever surf for a world tour stop. That year Jamie O’Brien cemented his reputation as a hell-bent madman, confidently charging into the giant left pits of Teahupo’o on a day that bordered on tow-in only conditions.

Well, Jamie’s back in 2012 along with a field of seven other internationals and they will be joined in the trials field by another 16 local Tahitian surfers plus eight sponsor allocations to make up a total field of 32.

The winner and highest placed Tahitian both earn wildcards into the Billabong Pro main event – their chance to shine on the world surfing stage at the most watched event on the calendar. 

If a local Tahitian wins, then whoever comes second gets the other wildcard!

Brazilian goofy-foot, Ricardo Dos Santos, is the defending Air Tahiti Nui VonZipper Trials champion. Last year, Ricardo defeated Kelly Slater in Round 1, before bowing out in Round 3. Ricardo charges and is certainly capable of a repeat in 2012.

The international contingent of invited Air Tahiti Nui VonZipper Trials surfers currently looks like this …
(* indicates to be confirmed)

INTERNATIONAL INVITES

Jamie O’Brien (HAW)
Anthony Walsh (AUS)
Bruce Irons (HAW)
Kamalei Alexander (HAW)
Bruno Santos (BRA)
Mark Matthews (AUS)
Mark Healy (HAW)
Kalani Chapman (HAW)
DannyFuller (HAW)

1st Alternate – Nathan Hedge (AUS)

BILLABONG INVITES

Laurie Towner (AUS)
Ricardo Dos Santos (BRA)
Dean Bowen (AUS)
Wade Goodall (AUS)
Ben Sanchez (FRA)
Matt Bromley (ZAF)
Alvaro Malpatida (PER)
Shinpae Horiguchi (JPN)

1st Alternate – Alejandro Moreda

VonZipper Trials window August 11 to 13 (with an additional back-up day).