Hiroto Ohhara Leads Semifinalists at ASP 4-Star Vans Pro Junior

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

Vans Pro
ASP 4-Star Men’s
Vans Pro Junior ASP 4-Star Junior Men’s
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
August 19 through 25, 2013

Pictured: Japan’s Hiroto Ohhara, 16, earned the day’s highest scores while advancing to the Semifinals of the Vans Pro Junior.

Credit: ASP/SHADLEY

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia/USA (Saturday, August 24, 2013) – After two consecutive lay-days, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro Junior returned to competition, deciding the event’s Semifinalists in windy one-to-three foot waves at 1st Street Jetty.Stop No. 4 of 5 on the 2013 ASP North America Pro Junior Series, the Vans Pro Junior plays a vital role in qualification for the ASP World Junior Tour as well as the regional under-21 title.

Hiroto Ohhara (JPN), 16, who is still competing in the Men’s Vans Pro, continued to assert his dominance among the Vans Pro Junior field, unloading the high heat totals through two Rounds today including a 17.50 and 17.00 while advancing to the Semifinals. The Japanese up-and-comer took to his forehand again today, dismantling the righthanders at 1st Street Jetty with a combination of lightning quick snaps and a technical aerial game.

“It’s pretty hard conditions, but it’s pretty rippable and sometimes a good one will come through,” Ohhara said. “I got a couple of good waves and I’m stoked to make that heat. I’m also still going in the Men’s event and these points are important for me. I’m happy to have a good event because I’ve traveled from Japan and hopefully I can get a good result tomorrow.”

Rafael Teixeira (BRA), 20, delivered the upset of the day, defeating defending event champion Keanu Asing (Ewa Beach, HI), 20, in a hard fought Quarterfinals heat. Teixeira is another international campaigner still in the running for the Men’s Vans Pro title as well and hopes to maintain his form on the final day tomorrow.

“I’m really happy to win that heat and even though the conditions are difficult, I’m a competitor and I practice in the same conditions at home,” Teixeira said. “I’m just going to relax and prepare for tomorrow because I have a big day with the Junior and the QS. Maybe the conditions will be better tomorrow and I’m just going to surf my best no matter what.”

Kalani David (North Shore, HI), 15, built momentum throughout the day, advancing through a close Round of 32 heat before taking a commanding Quarterfinals victory. The talented Hawaiian would revel in the onshore conditions, launching an impressive aerial attack to secure a Semifinals berth.

“I just went out there and forgot I had a jersey on and went out and had fun,” David said. “I just pretended it was a bad session out at Ehukai at home and it worked. I had fun and I actually thought the waves were pretty fun. The wind was making these little chops and these sick air sections so I was stoked.”

The Quarterfinals heat victory marks a crucial win for David, substantially increasing his qualification hopes for both the Vans Triple Crown and the prestigious ASP World Junior Championships.

“When I signed up for this event I saw I was No. 5 on the rankings and I was coming here to try and qualify for the Triple Crown through my Junior points,” David said. “Hopefully I can do well again tomorrow and maybe make it through to the final.”

Joshua Moniz (HAW), 18, contributed to a day of Hawaiian success, besting current frontrunners on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Jake Halstead (La Jolla, CA), 20, and Carlos Muniz (CRI), 20, advancing to the Vans Pro Junior Semifinals.

That was a hard heat,” Moniz said. “Jake (Halstead) and Carlos (Muniz) are probably two of the hardest guys in the event so I was pretty nervous going in to that heat. I kind of got lucky and got a couple of mid scores and just squeaked it through.”

Champions for both the Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior will be crowned tomorrow. Watch the webcast LIVE via www.vans.com/ecsc.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or wwww.aspnorthamerica.org

VANS PRO JUNIOR QUARTERFINALS RESULTS:
QF 1: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 17.50, Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.17, Daniel Glenn (USA) 11.10, Colin Moran (USA) 7.60
QF 2: Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 15.00, Cam Richards (USA) 9.34, Keanu Asing (HAW) 6.60, Jake McGuire (USA) 5.57
QF 3: Kalani David (HAW) 11.37, Kaimana Jaquias (HAW) 10.97, Arashi Kato (JPN) 9.34, Jake Kelley (USA) 9.10
QF 4: Joshua Moniz (HAW) 11.67, Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) 10.46, Jake Halstead (USA) 9.40, Carlos Munoz (CRI) 8.30

VANS PRO JUNIOR ROUND OF 32 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 17.00, Keanu Asing (HAW) 14.43, Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 12.10, Kevin Schulz (USA) 4.00
Heat 2: Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.86, Cam Richards (USA) 11.27, Noah Schweizer (USA) 10.53, Jake Marshall (USA) 6.43
Heat 3: Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 12.50, Daniel Glenn (USA) 11.90, Keala Naihe (HAW) 7.04, Tyler Gunter (USA) 5.87
Heat 4: Jake MgGuire (USA) 11.50, Colin Moran (USA) 9.67, Trevor Thornton (USA) 7.03, Koa Smith (HAW) 5.30
Heat 5: Arashi Kato (JPN) 11.27, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 8.53, Luke Marks (USA) 7.10, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 7.03
Heat 6: Kaimana Jaquias (HAW) 13.74, Jake Halstead (USA) 9.60, Derek Peters (USA) 8.93, Scott Weinhardt (USA) 6.63
Heat 7: Carlos Munoz (CRI) 12.83, Kalani David (HAW) 8.23, Miguel Tudela (PER) 7.93, Breyden Taylor (USA) 6.54
Heat 8: Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) 13.37, Jake Kelley (USA) 12.50, Kaito Kino (USA) 12.20, Colt Ward (USA) 6.56

UPCOMING VANS PRO ROUND OF 32 MATCH UPS:
Heat 1: Parker Coffin (USA), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Kaito Ohashi (JPN), Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
Heat 2: Michael Powell (USA), Kanoa Igarashi (USA), Ben Bourgeois (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 3: Gabe Kling (USA), Matt Pagan (USA), Chris Foster (HAW), Jonah Carter (USA)
Heat 4: Phillip Goold (USA), Ryan Briggs (USA), Nathaniel Curran (USA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 5: Brian Toth (PRI), Italo Ferreira (BRA), Deivid Silva (BRA), Evan Thompson (USA)
Heat 6: Brad Ettinger (USA), Chris Waring (USA), Carlos Munoz (CRI), Cory Arrambide (USA)
Heat 7: Evan Geiselman (USA), Aaron Cormican (USA), Cody Thompson (USA), Cam Richards (USA)
Heat 8: Wesley Santos (BRA), Joshua Moniz (HAW), Rafael Teixeira (BRA), Keanu Asing (HAW)

Second Consecutive Lay Day at Vans Pro, Likely Restart Tomorrow

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

Vans Pro
ASP 4-Star Men’s
Vans Pro Junior ASP 4-Star Junior Men’s
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
August 19 through 25, 2013

Pictured: South Carolina’s Cam Richards, 17, will surf in both the Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior when competition resumes.

Credit: ASP/SHADLEY

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia (Friday, August 23, 2013) – A second consecutive lay day has been called for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior with flat surf continuing at 1st Street Jetty in Virginia Beach.The Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior have narrowed their respective fields down to the Round of 32 and with a new swell expected to fill in later today, competition is likely to recommence tomorrow.

“We’ve got flat surf here again this morning and have called competition off for today,” Brian Robbins, ASP North America Tour Manager said. “Our new swell is expected to begin showing signs of life later in the day today and we’re planning on returning to competition tomorrow.”

Event organizers at the Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7:15am local time for a possible 8am start to competition. The event holds a waiting period from August 19 through 25 and is webcast LIVE via www.vans.com/ecsc.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org.

UPCOMING VANS PRO ROUND OF 32 MATCH UPS:
Heat 1: Parker Coffin (USA), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Kaito Ohashi (JPN), Hiroto Ohhara (JPN)
Heat 2: Michael Powell (USA), Kanoa Igarashi (USA), Ben Bourgeois (USA), Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 3: Gabe Kling (USA), Matt Pagan (USA), Chris Foster (HAW), Jonah Carter (USA)
Heat 4: Phillip Goold (USA), Ryan Briggs (USA), Nathaniel Curran (USA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 5: Brian Toth (PRI), Italo Ferreira (BRA), Deivid Silva (BRA), Evan Thompson (USA)
Heat 6: Brad Ettinger (USA), Chris Waring (USA), Carlos Munoz (CRI), Cory Arrambide (USA)
Heat 7: Evan Geiselman (USA), Aaron Cormican (USA), Cody Thompson (USA), Cam Richards (USA)
Heat 8: Wesley Santos (BRA), Joshua Moniz (HAW), Rafael Teixeira (BRA), Keanu Asing (HAW)

UPCOMING VANS PRO JUNIOR ROUND OF 32 MATCH UPS:
Heat 1: Keanu Asing (HAW), Isaiah Moniz (HAW), Hiroto Ohhara (JPN), Kevin Schulz (USA)
Heat 2: Seth Moniz (HAW), Jake Marshall (USA), Noah Schweizer (USA), Cam Richards (USA)
Heat 3: Rafael Teixeira (BRA), Keala Naihe (HAW), Daniel Glenn (USA), Tyler Gunter (USA)
Heat 4: Colin Moran (USA), Jake Maguire (USA), Koa Smith (HAW), Trevor Thornton (USA)
Heat 5: Luke Marks (USA), Dylan Kowalski (HAW), Arashi Kato (JPN), Josh Moniz (HAW)
Heat 6: Kaimana Jaquias (HAW), Scott Weinhardt (USA), Derek Peters (USA), Jake Halstead (USA)
Heat 7: Miguel Tudela (PER), Carlos Munoz (CRI), Kalani David (HAW), Breyden Taylor (USA)
Heat 8: Colt Ward (USA), Jake Kelley (USA), Kaito Keno (USA), Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI)

Lay Day Called for ASP 4-Star Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

Vans Pro
ASP 4-Star Men’s
Vans Pro Junior ASP 4-Star Junior Men’s
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
August 19 through 25, 2013

Pictured: Seth Moniz (HAW), 15, will surf in the Vans Pro Junior Round of 32 when competition resumes.

Credit: ASP/SHADLEY

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia/USA (Thursday, August 22, 2013) – After monitoring conditions throughout the morning, a lay day has been called for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior due to flat conditions.
The Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior kicked off competition during the first three days of the event waiting period, narrowing both the Men’s and Junior’s field down to the Round of 32. While flat conditions look similar for Friday, August 23, a new swell is expected to deliver for Saturday.

“As expected, we have pretty much flat conditions with only occasional one foot waves on offer this morning and have called competition off for today,” Brian Robbins, ASP North America Tour Manager said. “We’re in an excellent position to capitalize on the new swell expected for the weekend, but will return tomorrow morning to check conditions for a 7am call.”

Watch the Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior LIVE via www.vans.com/ecsc.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org.

Vans Pro Junior Surfers Shine in Challenging Virginia Beach Conditions

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

Vans Pro
ASP 4-Star Men’s
Vans Pro Junior ASP 4-Star Junior Men’s
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
August 19 through 25, 2013

Pictured: Noah Schweizer, 17, earned top scores in Round 2 of the Vans Pro Junior.

Credit: ASP/SHADLEY

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia/USA (Wednesday, August 21, 2013) – The 2013 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro Junior saw top seeds take to the water in peaky one-to-two foot waves in Virginia Beach and the next generation put on some standout performances despite challenging conditions.

Stop No. 4 of 5 on the 2013 ASP North America Pro Junior Series, the Vans Pro Junior’s ASP 4-Star status plays a vital role in both surfers qualification campaigns for the ASP World Junior Championships as well as the regional under-21 title.

Keanu Asing (Ewa Beach, HI), 20, defending Vans Pro Junior champion, opened his campaign in striking form with lively forehand surfing on the running righthanders during his morning high-tide heat to advance to the Round of 32.

“You have to stay busy out there but you want to be patient too,” Asing said. “There’s a line in between and you have to really play it smart. I was watching before I went out and stuck to my game plan of catching the best waves. I really focused on watching the shape of the wave and where the best ones were coming from and you pretty much take what you can get out there, but try and find the ones that give you opportunity.”

Asing, a standout on the ASP World Junior stage, is competing in his final year as a Pro Junior competitor and is ready to make a strike at the coveted ASP World Junior Title for 2013.

“A World Junior Title is definitely a goal this year for sure,” Asing said. “It’s kind of like graduating high school where you only get to do it one time in your life and that would be huge for me. First I’m just trying to make some heats, surf really well and get everyone stoked on my surfing.”

Jake Halstead (La Jolla, CA), 19, current frontrunner on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, took a crucial heat win in wave-starved low tide heat today and managed to display impressive carves despite the small conditions.

“I actually wanted to wait and try and get the two best waves out there,” Halstead said. “I knew if I got a small one I’d just be struggling because I’m a bigger guy and it’s really small out there. I tried to wait and it worked for me. Hopefully I’ll stay on that game plan. This was probably my most nerve-wracking heat because it’s so close on the rankings now. Me and Carlos (Munoz) are only about 50 points from each other and I’m definitely looking to get a good result here and finish the year off strong.”

Noah Schweizer (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 17, dominated his Round 2 heat at the Vans Pro, unloading committed frontside snaps and technical airs, securing the day’s high scores including an excellent 15.90 out of 20 heat total.

“It was kind of a weird heat because there were two peaks to sit at and it’s kind of hard to choose,” Schweizer said. “I guess I got lucky in the beginning and got a little section right away, so I was psyched with that. I’m definitely comfortable in these small conditions, being from Florida I’ve surfed waves like this a bunch.”

Isaiah Moniz (Honolulu, HI), 19, was one of three Moniz brothers to advance to the Round of 32 today, with the talented regular-footer leading the family’s charge while contributing to the day’s top scores.

“It’s pretty small and there are not too many waves, so if something’s breaking you have to go,” Moniz said. “There’s not many options, so you’ve got to keep the ball rolling and get as many rides as you can and something is going to happen.”

No Men’s Vans Pro competition was held today.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow morning at 7am local time for a possible 8am start to either Vans Pro or Vans Pro Junior competition. Watch the event LIVE via www.vans.com/ecsc.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org

VANS PRO JUNIOR ROUND OF 64 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Keanu Asing (HAW) 13.33, Seth Moniz (HAW) 10.74, Trevor Challenor (USA) 6.00, Robbie Merrell (USA) 5.00
Heat 2: Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 14.57, Jake Marshall (USA) 8.50, Jacob Szekely (USA) 6.13, Griffin Colapinto (USA) 5.10
Heat 3: Noah Schweizer (USA) 15.90, Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 14.13, Taylor Clark (USA) 11.83, Jonah Carter (USA) 8.60
Heat 4: Cam Richards (USA) 11.70, Kevin Schulz (USA) 10.30, Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 9.83, Luke Gordon (USA) 7.13
Heat 5: Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 13.50, Colin Moran (USA) 6.17, Mason Barnes (USA) 5.64, Brogie Panesi (USA) 5.00
Heat 6: Keala Naihe (HAW) 8.17, Jake McGuire (USA) 6.84, Nathan Behl (USA) 6.60, Danny Berk (USA) 3.17
Heat 7: Koa Smith (HAW) 13.87, Daniel Glenn (USA) 9.60, Eros Exarhou (USA) 7.74, Slade Prestwich (ZAF) 9.00
Heat 8: Trevor Thornton (USA) 11.74, Tyler Gunter (USA) 10.17, Nic Hdez (USA) 9.96, Kadin Panesi (USA) 9.26
Heat 9: Luke Marks (USA) 12.20, Kaimana Jaquias (HAW) 11.66, Conner Lester (USA) 9.50, Brandon Manguso (USA) 8.64
Heat 10: Dylan Kowalski (USA) 12.86, Scott Weinhardt (USA) 8.90, Morgan Leavel (USA) 8.67, Thelen McKinna-Worrell (USA) 7.60
Heat 11: Derek Peters (USA) 13.16, Arashi Kato (JPN) 12.80, Knox Harris (USA) 11.67, Taylor Mathiesen (USA) 10.07
Heat 12: Jake Halstead (USA) 14.40, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 14.40, Matthew Glenn (USA) 8.83, Ethan Carlston (USA) 8.10
Heat 13: Miguel Tudela (PER) 12.26, Colt Ward (USA) 9.03, Giorgio Gomez (USA) 8.90, Parker Coffin (USA) 8.67
Heat 14: Carlos Munoz (CRI) 12.86, Jake Kelley (USA) 12.57, Joshua Burke (BRBZ) 9.14, Andrew Jacobson (USA) 6.10
Heat 15: Kaito Kino (USA) 12.90, Kalani David (HAW) 9.83, Chris Robertson (AUS) 8.00, Travis Southworth (MEX) 7.77
Heat 16: Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) 10.84, Breyden Taylor (USA) 9.40, Ian Crane (USA) 7.56, Dane MacKie (USA) 6.00

Marathon Day Kicks Off ASP 4-Star Vans Pro in Virginia Beach

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

Vans Pro
ASP 4-Star Men’s
Vans Pro Junior ASP 4-Star Junior Men’s
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
August 19 through 25, 2013

Pictured: Brazil’s Italo Ferreira, 18, scored the day’s high heat total on opening day of the Vans Pro in Virginia Beach.

Credit: ASP/SHADLEY

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia/USA (Monday, August 19, 2013) – The 2013 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro completed 31 heats on the opening day of competition in peaky one-to-three foot waves at 1st Street Jetty in Virginia Beach, narrowing the field down from 128 to 64.
The 2013 Vans Pro represents the only ASP Qualifying Series event on America’s East Coast, drawing several of the country’s finest talent and international up-and-comers in search of points towards their ASP World Ranking.

Italo Ferreira (BRA), 18, led the international charge on the opening day of Vans Pro competition, earning the day’s high heat total of 16.60 out of 20 for lofty frontside airs and powerful backhand combinations while securing a Round 3 berth.

“I’m really happy to get that first heat win,” Ferreira said. “It always feels good to get through that first round. Even though the waves are small, I feel like I surfed well.”

Ferreira, a standout on the ASP World Junior Tour, is building momentum on the ASP Qualifying Series and hopes his comfort in the often challenging Virginia Beach conditions will help him net another big result this season.

“These waves are the same as my homebreak in Brazil,” Ferreira said. “I’ve been doing a lot of events this year and I feel comfortable here. Hopefully I can get a good result.”

Brad Ettinger (Huntington Beach, CA), 29, dominated two heats today, securing the high single-wave score of 9.03 out of 10 for two seamless backside snaps followed by a committed air-reverse. The Californian would carry the momentum on to his Round 2 match, earning the day’s second-highest heat total of 15.84.

“I surfed last night and was frustrated at first and the boards weren’t feeling good and I wasn’t feeling good,” Ettinger said. “This is the third time I’ve been here and it seems like this wave always produces contestable surf. I go in with low expectations and I have fun every time I come.

Ettinger, a former global campaigner on the ASP Qualifying Series, is spending less time traveling internationally in search of points towards his ASP World Ranking, but admits his selective contest strategy makes each event crucial towards his season.

“This event is really important for me as far as keeping some seed points,” Ettinger said. “I’ve surfed in three events this year and today was the first heat I’ve made all year. I knew if I didn’t make a couple heats here my seeding would get really tough. Every event is critical now and you don’t have the throwaways that you used to have. Every event is going to count for me towards my seed for next year.”

Jake Halstead (La Jolla, CA), 19, current No. 1 on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, has struggled to find a rhythm at Virginia Beach in the past, but started his 2013 Vans Pro campaign in strong form with a commanding heat victory in Round 2.

“That heat was hectic,” Halstead said. “I needed a score in the end and only had a 5. Guys were dropping 7s and 6s and I just saw this peak paddling back out and I knew the left was going to be good and got three turns off. I’ve never done too well here, I lost first round in the juniors and QS last year, so it’s good to get that first heat out of the way and get the ball rolling.”

Kanoa Igarashi (Huntington Beach, CA), 15, earned one of the day’s top scores of a 9.00 while taking out two heat wins today and hopes to gain valuable experience in Virginia Beach. The prodigious Huntington Beach local has begun building a seed on the 2013 ASP Qualifying Series in hopes of launching a strike at the ASP Top 34.

“That first heat’s always nerve wracking and I didn’t put as much pressure on myself as I usually do coming in to this event,” Igarashi said. “I felt like if I got the right waves I could get the scores. I love traveling to do events, I love traveling to compete overseas and I think it’s so fun. This event is close to home, it’s only a couple hours away and I’m still trying to get used to everything.”

Igarashi suffered a broken leg earlier this season and is feeling back to 100 percent. Despite the physical recovery, the Californian admitted he’s just finding his rhythm again when it comes to competition.

“I just had that broken leg a few months ago and I’m 100 percent and feel better than ever,” Igarashi said. “I’ve been home training and getting fit because I lost a lot of cardio due to the injury. I’m stoked to be here.”

In addition to the Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior, the Coastal Edge ECSC presented by Vans includes a full action sports festival, including BMX, skate, music and more.

The Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior holds a waiting period from August 19 through 25, 2013 and is webcast LIVE via www.vans.com/ECSC.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org

VANS PRO ROUND OF 128 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Noah Schweizer (USA) 12.00, Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 11.27, Lucca Mesinas Novaro (PER) 8.33, Ramon Santiago (PRI) 4.20
Heat 2: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 15.83, Kevin Schultz (USA) 10.60, Love Hodel (HAW) 7.83, Kyler Hurley (USA) 5.17
Heat 3: Ben Bourgeois (USA) 12.90, Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.43, Nic Hdez (USA) 6.13, Kai Lowe (MEX) 5.10
Heat 4: Joao Abreu (BRA) 14.57, Alejandro Moreda (PRI) 11.67, Trevor Thornton (USA) 10.36, Colt Ward (USA) 5.10
Heat 5: Jake Kelley (USA) 11.57, Alcides Lopes (BRA) 11.56, Jesse Heilman (USA) 8.04, Cody Canzoneri (USA) 4.32
Heat 6: Ryan Briggs (USA) 12.57, Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) 10.17, Tristan Thompson (USA) 8.43, Andrew Jacobson (USA) 6.36
Heat 7: Scott Weinhardt (USA) 10.90, Jonah Carter (USA) 10.44, Magnum Martinez (VEN) 10.13, Gret Urata (USA) 4.44
Heat 8: Chris Foster (HAW) 12.56, Blake Jones (USA) 11.76, Jensen Callaway (USA) 10.93, Tayler Brothers (USA) 6.87
Heat 9: Brad Ettinger (USA) 14.93, Asher Nolan (USA) 13.33, Nathan Behl (USA) 7.33, Alex Kamkoff (USA) 5.56
Heat 10: Matt Passaquindici (USA) 11.27, Kaito Kino (USA) 9.07, Travis Southworth (MEX) 6.37, Knox Harris (USA) 0.93
Heat 11: Breyden Taylor (USA) 13.00, Daniel Glenn (USA) 11.93, Mason Barnes (USA) 8.40, Shaun Burns (USA) 8.40
Heat 12: Evan Thompson (USA) 12.23, Koa Smith (HAW) 11.86, Keala Naihe (HAW) 10.90, Chris Tucker (USA) 7.53
Heat 13: Jason Harris (USA) 11.57, Jacob Szekely (USA) 8.50, Brandon Manguso (USA) 7.50, Mitchell Salazar (MEX) 4.73
Heat 14: Diego Salgado (PAN) 11.26, Killian Garland (USA) 10.93, Nick Robertson (USA) 10.60, Jack Duggan (AUS) 9.76
Heat 15: Jake Marshall (USA) 12.94, Dean Randazzo (USA) 11.17, Conner Lester (USA) 9.90, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 6.77
Heat 16: Colin Moran (USA) 10.83, Thelen Mckenna-Worne (USA) 10.17, Sean Bacon (USA) 9.83, Juan Carlos Martinez (PRI) 6.43

VANS PRO ROUND OF 96 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Noah Schweizer (USA) 13.94, Jeremy Carter (USA) 13.90, Kevin Schulz (USA) 12.67, Ian Crane (USA) 11.67
Heat 2: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 13.83, Parker Coffin (USA) 13.07, Hiroto Arai (JPN) 10.57, Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 7.30
Heat 3: Ben Bourgeois (USA) 13.10, Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 12.66, Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.26, Alejandro Moreda (PRI) 9.06
Heat 4: Seth Moniz (HAW) 13.33, Taylor Clark (USA) 12.93, Joao Abreu (BRA) 10.84, Kalani David (HAW) 8.97
Heat 5: Jake Kelley (USA) 12.57, Reo Inaba (JPN) 9.47, Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) 8.37, Ricky Whitlock (USA) 7.37
Heat 6: Ryan Briggs (USA) 11.86, Phillip Goold (USA) 11.00, Alcides Lopes (BRA) 10.90, Rob Kelly (USA) 9.60
Heat 7: Jake Halstead (USA) 13.50, Victor Done (USA) 13.13, Blake Jones (USA) 11.86, Scott Weinhardt (USA) 10.47
Heat 8: Jonah Carter (USA) 12.27, Chris Foster (HAW) 11.60, Adam Goldstone (USA) 8.93, Myles Laine-Toner (USA) 8.06
Heat 9: Brad Ettinger (USA) 15.84, Chris Waring (USA) 14.80, Saxon Lumsden (AUS) 10.30, Kaito Kino (USA) 10.04
Heat 10: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.60, Asher Nolan (USA) 13.84, Matt Passaquindici (USA) 12.13, Lucas Silveira (BRA) 7.93
Heat 11: Deivid Silva (BRA) 15.16, Breyden Taylor (USA) 12.00, Koa Smith (HAW) 11.66, Slade Prestwich (ZAF) 9.67
Heat 12: Evan Thompson (USA) 12.63, Nils Schweizer (USA) 11.94, Eric Geiselman (USA) 10.43, Daniel Glenn (USA) 10.30
Heat 13: Wesley Santos (BRA) 15.13, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 15.00, Kilian Garland (USA) 13.77, Jason Harris (USA) 12.86
Heat 14: *To Be Surfed Tomorrow.
Heat 15: Keoni Yan (PYF) 15.24, Yujiro Tsuji (JPN) 14.27, Thelen McKinna-Worrell (USA) 12.54, Jake Marshall (USA) 8.67
Heat 16: Colin Moran (USA) 14.36, Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 12.27, Kevin Sullivan (HAW) 8.67, Dean Randazzo (USA) 5.07

Adrian Buchan Wins Billabong Pro Tahiti, Slater Takes ASP WCT Lead

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International

Billabong Pro Tahiti
Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour
Teahupo’o, Tahiti
August 15 – 26, 2013

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Sunday, August 18, 2013) – Adrian Buchan (AUS), 30, has claimed the 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti over 11-time ASP World Champion and four-time Billabong Pro winner Kelly Slater (USA) in solid four-to-six foot (1.5 – 2 metre) waves at Teahupo’o.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), this season’s Billabong Pro Tahiti saw the famed South Pacific reef pass of Teahupo’o turn on throughout the event with the world’s best surfers redefining high-performance barrel-riding, culminating in a electric, marathon 19-heat final day.

The young Australian was on a tear during the final day of competition, posting excellent scores through his five heats today. Buchan’s back-to-back 9-point rides to open up the Final for phenomenally deep forehand barrels proved enough to stave off an inspired recovery from Slater, including a death-defying righthand barrel in the dying moments of the Final.

“I can’t believe it,” Buchan said. “Kelly (Slater) is incredible and I thought he snatched it for me at the end. I couldn’t go right…but I probably should have. I still can’t believe it. It hasn’t sunk in. What an incredible day though. The sun came out during the last five minutes and it’s all just really special right now.”

Buchan’s win today marks the second of his eight-year career amongst the world’s elite (his first in France over Slater in 2008) and Central Coast goofy-footer rockets from 18th to 10th on the 2013 ASP WCT rankings.

“I knew I had to step it up today,” Buchan said. “Had to plow through some big names today. Every time I paddled out, I told myself that I only had to catch two waves. That was my mantra through each heat and it worked out well for me.”

Slater was a man possessed on the final day of competition, surviving horrific wipeouts throughout his five heats of competition to find himself in this evening’s Final against Buchan. Despite an incredible backhand barrel and a last-minute effort on a righthander, the Australian’s early scores would prove too much for Slater to overcome.

“Took a few poundings out there today for sure,” Slater said. “Felt like I dislocated my shoulder at one point but it feels okay now. The waves were really fun today and Ace (Adrian Buchan) just happened to get those two gems at the start of the heat. Those two were the ones and I would have preferred a win, but Ace has been in really good form all day and he’s a deserving winner.”

Slater’s Final berth this evening pushes the Floridian into the frontrunner spot on the 2013 ASP WCT rankings heading into the back four events of the season.

“Trestles, Europe and Pipe is a pretty strong leg for me historically,” Slater said. “It’s pretty close at the top right now so it will be an interesting finish to the season.”

Kai Otton (AUS), 33, proved one of the form goofy-footers of the Billabong Pro Tahiti, consistently notching excellent scores and heat totals en route to the Semifinals. The Australian’s passionate and committed forehand tube-riding approach was no match for Slater, however, with Otton settling a matched career-best Equal 3rd.

“It’s a pretty pivotal moment for me in my year,” Otton said. “I think I can confidently say that this result sets me up pretty well for requalification for next year. I obviously wanted to beat Kelly (Slater) there, but sometimes things don’t go your way. Still happy with the result though.”

Otton vaults from 17th to 13th on the 2013 ASP WCT rankings.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 32, two-time ASP World Champion and defending Billabong Pro Tahiti winner, was in fine form throughout the event, but ultimately fell to a rampaging Buchan in this evening’s Semifinals. Despite an impressive 9.13 of his own, Fanning was unable to overcome an early onslaught from his compatriot and settled for Equal 3rd.

“Big picture is all going well,” Fanning said. “Another Semifinal? You can’t be disappointed with that. Ace (Buchan) had a great heat with a phenomenal start and I had a couple of opportunities to come back but the tube monster got me. That said, I had a couple of close heats so to finish Equal 3rd is a good result.”

“The forecast was looking pretty dim before the event started but I think it’s been one of the better years for waves we’ve had,” Fanning said. “We finished early and I’m looking forward to a little more time at home before the next big leg.”

John John Florence (HAW), 20, has been in sensational form since his return from an early-season injury. One of the event favorites in Tahiti, Florence nailed an incredible double barrel Perfect 10 to open his Quarterfinal bout against Buchan this morning but was ultimately unable to overcome a massive heat total from the Australian. Although having to settle for Equal 5th in Tahiti, Florence was awarded the Andy Irons Most Committed Award for the event – honoring the late three-time ASP World Champion and Tahiti’s favorite adopted son.

“I’m very honored to be awarded the AI Most Committed Award,” Florence said. “He was a mentor to me and all my friends growing up. We all miss AI. We all still look up to him and what he did in the water. I obviously wanted to do better in the event, but if I couldn’t make it any further, this award is pretty much the most special one I could win. Looking forward to the next one.”

Highlights from the Billabong Pro Tahiti will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/tahiti13

The next stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) will be the Hurley Pro at Trestles in Southern California from September 15 – 21, 2013.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Adrian Buchan (AUS) 18.94
2 – Kelly Slater (USA) 17.90

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 18.67 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.80
SF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.73 def. Kai Otton (AUS) 7.67

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
QF 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.07 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 7.06
QF 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 19.17 def. John John Florence (HAW) 17.33
QF 3: Kai Otton (AUS) 16.54 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.90
QF 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.86 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 8.66

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 5 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Mick Fanning (AUS) 14.20 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 13.40
Heat 2: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.16 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.30
Heat 3: Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.00 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 17.27
Heat 4: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.74 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.97

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 4 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.67, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 16.47, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 8.67
Heat 2: John John Florence (HAW) 18.67, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 17.80, Mick Fanning (AUS) 12.10
Heat 3: Kai Otton (AUS) 18.93, Julian Wilson (AUS) 18.74, Kelly Slater (USA) 14.77
Heat 4: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 18.53, Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.47, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 16.70

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI REMAINING ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.34 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 0.73
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 9.60 def. Yadin Nicol (AUS) 7.10
Heat 11: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 16.70 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.16
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 16.33 def. Alain Riou (PYF) 15.76

CURRENT ASP WCT TOP 5 (Following Billabong Pro Tahiti):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 38,950 pts
2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 37,900 pts
3. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 30,700 pts
4. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 29,200 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 25,400 pts

Pristine Conditions for World’s Best Surfers on Electric Day 2 at the Billabong Pro Tahiti

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) International

Billabong Pro Tahiti
Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT)
Teahupo’o, Tahiti
August 15 – 26, 2013

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti returned to Teahupo’o today with the world’s best surfers reveling in flawless three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) barrels to complete Round 2 and the opening eight heats of Round 3.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Pro Tahiti recommences this season’s hunt for the prestigious world surfing crown and the ASP Top 34 put on an incredible reef pass performance today in pristine barrels at Teahupo’o.

Mick Fanning (AUS), 32, defending Billabong Pro Tahiti winner and current frontrunner on the ASP WCT rankings, earned a crucial heat win towards his 2013 ASP World Title campaign, besting lethal wildcard Ian Walsh (HAW), 30, in the dying moments of their Round 3 heat. In need of an excellent ride with the clock ticking down, the natural-footer dropped into a flawless 10 point ride, earning the win and advancing to Round 4.

“My heart was in my mouth,” Fanning said. “I was looking at waves and Ian had priority and played a smart heat. You’re looking for a special wave out there, but they’re all special. I was just lucky and stoked to get that one. It’s times like those when you need those clutch performances when you’re going for a title and I’ve had those in the last couple of events. That’s what you train for. It’s about staying cool.”

Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and current ASP WCT No. 2, immediately followed Fanning’s efforts with an excellent Round 3 heat, posting a near-perfect 18.97 out of 20 heat total while defeating wildcard Anthony Walsh (AUS), 30.

“I think Anthony is one of the best barrel riders in the world,” Slater said. “He’s dangerous out there and spends a lot of time out here. He’s not a guy you want to draw early and you expect to surf against him later in the event. I got a little too greedy to start and he started off with a good one. Luckily I got that 9 and backed it up. I got some good waves. This is the best Teahupo’o I’ve surfed in a couple of years for the size.”

Jeremy Flores (FRA), 25, continued to cement his reputation today as one of the best tube-riders on the planet, besting Brett Simpson (USA), 28, with a near-perfect 19.33 to Simpson’s excellent 17.10. Flores’s incredible performance would see the young Frenchman collect the event’s second perfect 10-point ride, backed up with a 9.33 on a deadly righthander.

“I think the only 10s I’ve had have been at Teahupo’o,” Flores said. “Every year we come, it’s one of the best events in terms of waves. Tahiti is paradise and it’s one of my favorite waves in the world. It’s perfect and terrifying at the same time, even when it’s small. It feels good to get a 10. I didn’t expect to get a right like that. It felt like Backdoor. It was a proper right and spat me out. That right was a good wave. I knew if I didn’t come out I would get cut up by the reef. There was definitely some pressure to get out of that barrel.”

Flores’s dominance would continue his form through Round 3, eliminating former winner Damien Hobgood (USA), 34, and advancing through to Round 4 of the event.

John John Florence (HAW), 20, was another standout to put in a near-flawless performance at Teahupo’o today, netting the day’s second perfect 10 point ride for a heaving barrel and backing up the ride up with a 9.10 to surpass Miguel Pupo (BRA), 21.

“That 10 was one of those lucky wide ones,” Florence said. “To get those wide ones, you have to be so close to peak to get the wave and I was over far enough to get it. I thought I’d be deep and I had to grab my rail. it was a bit of an emotional roller coaster on that one. I was trying to get out of the barrel any way that I could and then I had a nice lip to do a turn on.”

Josh Kerr (AUS), 29, current ASP WCT No. 9, exchanged a number of exciting barrels with fellow natural-footer Patrick Gudauskas (USA) ,27, in firing conditions this morning. The Australian would go on to get the best of the American with a 17.17 out of 20 heat total.

“I should have stayed and waited for a set, but I was kind of lucky that Pat (Gudauskas) just couldn’t get in to that 9,” Kerr said. “That was such a fun heat, that last 20 minutes. I had one really fun ride that I only got a 5 on. After I got that 9 it really took the pressure off and I was able to just make use of the beautiful conditions we have this morning.”

Kerr built momentum following his Round 2 win, besting Australian charger Kiren Perrow (AUS), 36, in a high-scoring Round 3 affair in the dying moments of the heat.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, current ASP WCT No. 4, continued his ASP World Title campaign, topping dangerous wildcard Nathan Hedge (AUS), 34, to advance to Round 4.

“I knew that was definitely going to be a tough heat,” Smith said. “I watched his heat earlier today and he had some incredible waves today. I’m just stoked to have a good heat and get some waves and surf against Hog. I felt like in the past, aside from that heat againt Trav (Travis Logie), they were wave starved heat, so it was nice to get some waves. Any heat at Teahupo’o is going to be tough and I knew I had to choose the right waves.”

Kai Otton (AUS) 33, would donate a near-perfect performance of his own, earning a 19.06 out of 20 heat total, storming past young American Kolohe Andino (USA), 19, with deep forhand barrels.

“My initial takeoff could have been a mistake, but I just wanted to kill the nerves,” Otton said. “Luckily Kolohe didn’t go on the other one and I was able to get under it. The conditions are so west today that they give you time to get in and they just open up. I had a bit of a chess game for the rest of it and overall, that was a dream heat. I’ve never had that many chances in a heat. It’s dream conditions. It’s four foot perfect barrels.”

Event organizers will reconvene at 6:30am tomorrow to assess conditions for a possible 7am start.

When competition resumes, up first will be Julian Wilson (AUS), 24, up against Adam Melling (AUS), 28, in Heat 9 of Round 3.

Highlights from the Billabong Pro Tahiti will be available via http://www.billabongpro.com/tahiti13

Surfline, official forecasters for the Billabong Pro Tahiti, are calling for:

The medium size SW swell that was showing on Friday will be followed by a similar size, mid period SW swell Saturday afternoon/evening and Sunday. Easing surf takes over on Monday. We continue to watch for a medium size or better South swell for Friday the 23rd, although wind may prove to be problematic.

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI ROUND 3 RESULTS:
Heat 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.90 def. Nathan Hedge (AUS) 17.70
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 17.87 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 15.60
Heat 3: Josh Kerr (AUS) 18.53 def. Kieren Perrow (AUS) 17.83
Heat 4: John John Florence (HAW) 19.10 def. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.13
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 17.03 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 16.27
Heat 6: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.83 def. Ian Walsh (HAW) 17.60
Heat 7: Kelly Slater (USA) 18.97 def. Anthony Walsh (AUS) 16.23
Heat 8: Kai Otton (AUS) 16.43 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 16.27

REMAINING BILLABONG PRO TAHITI REMAINING ROUND 3 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 9: Julian Wilson (AUS) vs. Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Yadin Nicol (AUS)
Heat 11: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS) vs. Alain Riou (PYF)

BILLABONG PRO TAHITI REMAINING ROUND 2 RESULTS:
Heat 5: Nathan Hedge (AUS) 15.53 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 14.76
Heat 6: Josh Kerr (AUS) 17.17 def. Patrick Gudauskas (USA) 13.17
Heat 7: Julian Wilson 14.77 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.60
Heat 8: Adam Melling (AUS) 14.10 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 14.10
Heat 9: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.30 def. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.97
Heat 10: Jeremy Flores (FRA) 19.33 def. Brett Simpson (USA) 17.10
Heat 11: Kai Otton (AUS) 19.06 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.33
Heat 12: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.90 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 13.60

ASP 4-Star Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior Returns to Virginia Beach

Courtesy of Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

Vans Pro
ASP 4-Star Men’s
Vans Pro Junior ASP 4-Star Junior Men’s
Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
August 19 through 25, 2013

 

Pictured: Tanner Gudauskas (USA), 25, will be the top seed at the 2013 Vans Pro in Virginia Beach.

Credit: ASP/SHADLEY

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia/USA (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro is set to return to 1st Street Jetty in Virginia Beach, Virginia, running in conjunction with the East Coast Surfing Championships from August 19 through 25, 2013.

The Vans Pro is the only US East Coast event on the 2013 ASP Qualifying Series, attracting some of the nation’s top talent and international rising stars who are in search of crucial points towards their ASP World Ranking.

Tanner Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 25, top seed at the Vans Pro, was a standout in last year’s event and was quick to mention that board selection is crucial in earning a top result in Virginia Beach’s often challenging conditions.

“ECSC is all about having the right equipment,” Gudauskas said. “Especially being a big human like myself. “If you can generate speed on the small waves then it is unlimited fun.”

Gudauskas is a perennial standout at the Vans Pro and is excited to take in the sights and sounds brought on by the Vans Pro’s festival atmosphere.

“I love VB,” Gudauskas said. “It’s great to hang with all the boys and enjoy the time, have a couple orange crush drinks, check out Big D at Coastal Edge, buy a Yolo t shirt and be stoked! They said Virginia Beach is for lovers man, who doesn’t like that? For me I am stoked because Dane is coming out of semi retirement of the jersey to compete again in Virginia. We are stoked to harness the energy and try to make some heats! Don’t let Dane get in his zone!”

Keanu Asing (Ewa Beach, HI), 20, winner of last year’s Vans Pro Junior, has been climbing the Men’s ASP World Ranking with some standout results this season and will be a double-threat in both the men’s and junior event this year.

“Winning that Pro Junior last year was amazing and boosted my confidence for sure,” Asing said. “It would mean a lot to win the men’s at ECSC but I’m mainly looking forward to my performance and getting waves. I can’t win without waves or a good performance so I’m just mainly looking forward to hopefully having some waves down in VB and surf best to my ability.”

While Asing has the opportunity to surf in world-class conditions surrounding his home Island of Oahu, his local breaks in Ewa Beach have helped Asing develop his small wave skills.

“Coming from Hawaii where the waves are always big, people tend to think that we might not be as good competing in smaller surf, but I kind of thrive off of these waves sometimes,” Asing said. “Where I’m from in Ewa Beach has a lot of waves that are fairly similar to Virginia Beach, and the past few years this place has brought me some success so I guess I’m pretty comfortable here.”

While the Vans Pro will headline as the main event, the ASP 4-Star Vans Pro Junior will play a vital role in deciding both qualifiers for the 2013 ASP World Junior Championships and the regional under-21 champion.

Jake Halstead (La Jolla, CA), 19, current No. 1 on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, has put together an impressive return to competition following a severe ankle injury, taking out his first ASP Pro Junior win while marching atop the regional rankings. The Californian knows another crucial result at the Vans Pro Junior is crucial in solidifying the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title and is focused on earning another banner result.

“Going in to Virginia Beach being first in the points ratings is a good feeling,” Halstead said. “At the start of the year, I really didn’t expect to be in this position. Because of an injury, I had to miss the first Pro Junior contest at Sunset Beach which I really wanted to do because I love that wave, but I was super stoked to win in Florida which was a huge confidence builder for me. Virginia beach is going to be a key event because it is the last 4 Star event of the year and I know I just need to go there and let my surfing do the talking. The waves in Virginia Beach are mostly small wind waves and I have some really good equipment for that this year. Winning the ASP Pro Junior North America Series would mean the world to me. It is something I have been working hard towards.”

The Vans Pro and Vans Pro Junior will run in conjunction with the Coastal Edge ECSC pres. By Vans and will run from August 19 through 25, 2013.

Watch the event LIVE via www.vans.com/ecsc

For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com