Gringos Storm Sur America!

Nelson and Jairo

Upon arrival in Caracas, Jack and Jeremy were given a true Venezuelan welcome: After Jeremy`s flight was delayed, Chino and Diego waited for hours at the airport, then drove the gringos to Nelson and Paulo`s house.  Nelson cooked us a late-night supper and late-morning breakfast the next day.  Paolo gave us his bed.  Before our evening departure, we walked around their neighborhood with the Castro brothers.  Highlights: Unbelievably oversized bottle-rockets and mortars for sale on the street; a skate park with ambulance parked on-site; fresh coconut juice; and, of course, Mirckosoft. 

After a 13 hour bus ride from Caracas to San Cristobal and a very warm welcome from Mr. Carlos Marquez himself, we were ready to to see how how South American players do.  It`s a good thing that footbag skills are not measured by circle hack ability. We have nothing on these coños locos. Scissor behind-the-back sole digs, crazy diving saves, circle jousts, and multiple injuries are part of the game: Circle is a contact sport--fortunately (according to some) Net is not.

We were surprised by the number of net players in VZ, and especially by the fact that 9 out of every 10 footbag players prefers net over freestyle!  In fact, there were only 2 freestylers from VZ at the championships, and about 40 net players.  As you might expect, the potential is tremendous down here, though most of these guys need more disciplined training: The desire for spectacular spikes and stylish saves clearly precedes learning the basic kicks.  Yves and Jeremy spent a good deal of time teaching outside-kick technique.  These guys learn fast...look out!

Carlos arranged for some very nice venues for the tournament.  In particular, the indoor stadium for the last two days was awesome.  Unlike last year in Colombia, he decided to let the gringos compete in the tournament.  Uh-oh.  Like Euro Championships of years past, the IFPA results were to be separated from the South American results.  Translation: Jack and Jer were not going to take a trophy home. 

In Venezuela ``ahora`` (literally translated as ``now``) actually means ``later``, and ``ya`` (already) means ``now``.  Net events were chronically ahora.  Finals day went from 10am to past midnight...and the complete results for open doubles are still undetermined.  We can tell you this much: Two gringos played in the singles final, and only one was under 40.  Despite having a cold and severely chapped (mouth) lips, Jeremy mounted a serious challenge against Yves.  Fufa upset Jairo in an epic battle for the South American trophy.  In doubles, Jack and Jer handled their shit, but Nelson and Panchito (Ronaldo) put up a good fight in the final. 

One final note:  Christmas, i.e. the month of December, in Venezuela is not complete without 24-7 fireworks.  Literally.  At times, we thought Chavistas were shelling the stadium.  Nothing like an ear-shattering boom to keep your mind focused during a match.

(written by Jack, with Jeremy complaining about the lack of `epicness` of the post over his shoulder--Jeremy will post a supplement shortly)

Evidence of Footbag Net in Israel

While browsing You Tube for net footage, I happened to stumble across this clip, which I thought was worth sharing.

Chaos and Montreal to Team Up at Southeasterns in Memphis!

*Air Jer (Chaos #25) is proud to present the 2008 Southeastern Regional BBQ Chicken v. Pork Rib Grudge match (in conjunction with Southeasterns)

*Manu and Air Jer formally announce their partnership for Southeasterns.

The Germans Stop in Santa Cruz

Team Germany and Santa Cruz lit up Lighthouse field Monday afternoon and evening with a net session dazzling spectators and bums alike. In true Santa Cruz style (numerous net fouls, generous calls, and a paucity of spikes over a shorter-than-normal net) Flo, Andy and Lisa were treated to the best net session location Santa Cruz has to offer and the sights and sounds of Steamers Lane of the Pacific Ocean. While the play wasn’t spectacular, the crashing waves and mating seals on a nearby rock outcropping were.

Post-session highlights included a stop at Safeway for dessert and beverages, hospitality and a home-cooked meal by the SCFC’s team Mom, a hot tub session, and a late-night walk to the edge of the world. 

Top that east bay!