DAY 1 - Billabong Pro Am Malaysia and Occy Grom Comp Cherating, Malaysia HD

(Friday 8th January, 2010): Day one of the Billabong Pro Am Malaysia got underway today at the scenic venue of Cherating Point on the east coast of Malaysia with 115 contestants from some 12 countries in attendance under the watchful eye of 1999 World Champion of Surfing Mark Occy Occhilupo. Chris Kirkham representing NZ Greenroom Productions was there to capture, edit and deliver the daily web package for Billabong Asia. The little known surf town of Cherating on the South China Sea coast of Malaysia is hosting its first ever Billabong Occy Grom Comp as part of its yearly Billabong Pro Am event, attracting grommets from all over the Asian region to battle it out at the long sand bottom point break. Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, England, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Egypt, and the USA are all represented at this truly international event. After having several great Occy Grom Comps in Bali in conjunction with our Pro Junior Tour there, we thought it would be great to get Occy up to a central location like Malaysia where we could get groms from the other Asian countries together said Peter Thew, Billabong Asia Brand Manager. Occy really liked the idea, and so here were are! Occhilupo had been keen on coming to Malaysia for some time, and so instantly got on board. I had met one of the Billabong crew from Malaysia at a party for Parkos Triple Crown win back in Australia in 2008, and after talking with him couldnt stop thinking about getting up here to check it out. Its a great venue and seeing these kids so amped and happy to get into the water and surf, is what its all about, said Occhilupo. And even though it was a bit small out there today, I still had to jump in the water and splash around with the groms for a bit, he added with a grin. The swell is expected to increase tomorrow, and will include more Mens Open surfing along with the Grommet, Bodyboard, Masters and Womens Divisions, en route to the finals that will be held on Sunday.