Thu Aug 14 2008 12:15:00

One wave, one aerial. By anyone, anywhere. Winner takes all … all US$50,000. The event window for the Kustom Air Strike, the surfing world’s richest contest for a single move, has officially opened today.

From 1 August 2008 the challenge has been thrown down to surfers the world over to land the biggest punt and capture it all on film. Win the contest, which runs through to 31 March 2009, and win US$50,000. Film the winning move and collect US$5000.

Harry Truscott, General Manager of surf footwear brand Kustom, said news of the Air Strike competition had already filtered around the world.

“We started to promote the contest during the recent Billabong Pro WCT event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa and we had an incredible response. The web site absolutely lit up, with people registering from everywhere, eager to receive updates on who is blazing” he said.

“Because the Air Strike is open to anyone surfing anywhere in the world, it is becoming a bit of a battle of the amateurs versus the professional surfers. There are so many kids frothing on the chance to knock off one of the big name pro’s. It is going to be amazing!

The Kustom Air Strike event is all about re writing the rules, and producing aerial surfing that was previously believed impossible. Going by the responses we have received so far, from surfers all over the world, when this thing closes in March 09, surfing will have been changed forever.”

But it hasn’t all been positively received. Says Stab magazine’s Sam McIntosh: “I'm afraid of an epidemic. Can you imagine how many good sections will be ignored as guys look for a ramp every wave, sniffing out the cash? Arch conservatives will recoil. Kustom will have a lot to answer for.”

The Kustom Air Strike website has been switched live today and will showcase select entries as they pour in from around the globe.

The winner will be the most radical and innovative ‘completed’ maneuver, with all entries posted on the website and judged by both the public and an expert panel.

The criterion is simple, with judges voting on height, innovation and completion of the aerial. Tow surfing is permitted, although riders are not allowed to use straps.