Heading into the inaugural Boost Mobile Surf Sho event around this same time last year, Taj Burrow was sitting on top of the world. Earlier that same week he had won the 2007 Bells Beach title to then hold the world overall no.1 ranking. This time around he is not quite where he had hoped to be following the Australian two-step, but he’s hoping a repeat victory at an event that will jump-start a run to his long awaited ASP world championship.

Pulling off another victory at the aerial show will be anything but easy for Taj. He’s up against a field that includes current world-champ Mick Fanning, wonder-kid Julian Wilson, aerial-artist Ozzie Wright, as well as young-gun Ry Craike in the innovative and entertaining ‘game show’ style event. Getting back into the winners circle, even though it won’t count on the tour standings, would be a huge boost to Burrow’s confidence heading into Tahiti

“It’s been the most frustrating start to the year because I feel I’m surfing well, I’m fit and I’ve got great equipment,” said Burrow. “I’d love to make up for it by reclaiming the Boost Surf Sho title. I’ve been practicing and working on some new flips so, hopefully I can get the jump on the boys again”

The Boost Mobile Surf Sho in itself is huge for surfing’s progression. What really caught my eye is the prize money. First place brings home $25,000(AUS), which is roughly $23,500(U.S.). That’s pretty solid for an event that is only in its second year of existence, especially when you consider that the stagnant prize money totals for WCT events are not that much higher. The format is geared to make the event spectator friendly, and this is something that the ‘CT events have struggled with at times. Putting world-class talent in an event and rewarding progressive surfing with a large purse will surely bring a display of maneuvers that will leave us all standing in awe.

taj burrowboost mobile

Tags: Boost Mobile, Taj Burrow

Posted by Shaun on Thursday, April 10th, 2008 in Surfing.

• -Owen Wright Wins ‘08 Surf Sho
• -Durbidge & Hobgood Join Boost Mobile Surf Sho Line-up
• -Reef Hawaiian Pro Rolling, Carissa Moore Top Female at Haleiwa
• -Quote of the Day: Taj Burrow
• -$50,000 for One Air?