International Professional Surfers
Encyclopedia
The International Professional Surfers (IPS) organization was the original world governing body of professional surfing
that existed between 1976 and 1982. The IPS brought together a loose affiliation of surf contests around the world by forming one world circuit.
The IPS was formed by Fred Hemmings
and Randy Rarick in October 1976. Whilst in Rarick's kitchen Peter Townend
and Ian Cairns
and Rarick talked Hemmings into switching from a prize money to points-per-placing ranking system. At the time 9 of the 14 events had been completed and were retrospectively ranked using the points-per-placing system. Peter Townend was the eventual first IPS World Champion.
A women's division was added in 1977 with Margo Oberg
being the first IPS Womens World Champion.
Two important IPS developments were the introduction of the man-on-man format in 1977 and the addition of California to the tour schedule in 1981.
In 1982 the demise of the IPS commenced when criticism began to mount about the tour; it was perceived as not developing fast enough. In January 1983 Ian Cairns saw an opportunity, launched the Association of Surfing Professionals
(ASP) and lured world circuit organizers to his organization. The IPS and Hemmings were effectively pushed aside and left to operate only his Hawaiian pro events. By December 1984 the IPS controlled Pipeline Masters gets an ASP sanction as a specialty event.
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
that existed between 1976 and 1982. The IPS brought together a loose affiliation of surf contests around the world by forming one world circuit.
The IPS was formed by Fred Hemmings
Fred Hemmings
Fred Hemmings is a world-known surfer who served as a Republican member of the Hawaii Senate from the 25th District. Elected in 2000, he served as Senate Minority Leader from 2002 to 2010. Previously he was a member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from 1984 through 1990...
and Randy Rarick in October 1976. Whilst in Rarick's kitchen Peter Townend
Peter Townend (surfer)
- Early Surfing Years :Townend was born in Coolangatta, Queensland , was considered to be one of the best surfers in the world throughout the 70's and 80's. Some however might argue that the competition was a lot less competitive and the surf tours were loosely planned, none-the-less his title...
and Ian Cairns
Ian Cairns
Ian Cairns is a former champion surfer who was also influential in establishing the world professional surfing circuit and particularly the World Championship Tour....
and Rarick talked Hemmings into switching from a prize money to points-per-placing ranking system. At the time 9 of the 14 events had been completed and were retrospectively ranked using the points-per-placing system. Peter Townend was the eventual first IPS World Champion.
A women's division was added in 1977 with Margo Oberg
Margo Oberg
Margo Oberg is a three-time world surfing champion from the United States. She won her first world title in 1977, then won back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981...
being the first IPS Womens World Champion.
Two important IPS developments were the introduction of the man-on-man format in 1977 and the addition of California to the tour schedule in 1981.
In 1982 the demise of the IPS commenced when criticism began to mount about the tour; it was perceived as not developing fast enough. In January 1983 Ian Cairns saw an opportunity, launched the Association of Surfing Professionals
Association of Surfing Professionals
The Association of Surfing Professionals is the governing body for professional surfers and is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best talent in a variety of progressive formats.- Predecessors to the ASP :...
(ASP) and lured world circuit organizers to his organization. The IPS and Hemmings were effectively pushed aside and left to operate only his Hawaiian pro events. By December 1984 the IPS controlled Pipeline Masters gets an ASP sanction as a specialty event.
World Champions Mens
- 1976 Peter Townend;
- 1977 Shaun TomsonShaun TomsonShaun Tomson is a South African professional surfer and former world champion, environmentalist, actor, author and businessman.-Life and career:...
; - 1978 Wayne BartholomewWayne BartholomewWayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew AM is an Australian surfer and order of Australia recipient who won the World Surfing Championship in 1978, 1999 and 2003...
; - 1979 Mark RichardsMark RichardsMark Richards may refer to:*Mark Richards , Australian surfing champion*Mark Richards , US congressman from Vermont*Mark Richards , former English cricketer...
; - 1980 Mark Richards;
- 1981 Mark Richards;
- 1982 Mark Richards.
World Champions Womens
- 1977 Margo Oberg;
- 1978 Lynne BoyerLynne BoyerLynne Boyer is a two-time world surfing champion from the United States. She won her two titles in 1978 and 1979. It was the first time any woman had won the championship twice. She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California in 2008.After her surfing career, she...
; - 1979 Lynne BoyerLynne BoyerLynne Boyer is a two-time world surfing champion from the United States. She won her two titles in 1978 and 1979. It was the first time any woman had won the championship twice. She was inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach, California in 2008.After her surfing career, she...
; - 1980 Margo Oberg;
- 1981 Margo Oberg;
- 1982 Debbie Beacham.