Top Seeds Start Strong at U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America

HUNTINGTON BEACH in California on Saturday 18th July 2009
The ASP North America Pro Junior event opened with peaky two-to-three foot surf at south Huntington Beach Pier. There were 3 rounds of U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior completed today, with the top seeds starting strong in the afternoon

ASP North America Pro Junior Series competitors are out to compile their best four results on the regional tour to finish in the top three. Achieving a top three position earns them a chance to compete at the ASP World Junior Championships in Narrabeen, Australia each January for the world title.

Evan Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 15, crushed the day’s highest scores, scoring 9.00 out of 10 with a massive backhand blast on the outside, followed up with a solid forehand hack on the reform and ended with a polished air-reverse. The ride raised his heat total to 17, the highest for the day.

“My heat was pretty hard,” Geiselman said. “I was looking at the draw and new I’d need some scores to get out of that one. I had a nice little line up on the beach and I stayed pretty close to the pier because it was high-tide and you can get those reforms off of the pier more easily than going down the beach. I got a right and a nice left, so I’m stoked to get out of the heat.”
Geiselmans result puts him in a good position to improve his ratings and challenge his fellow surfers.

“My year’s going okay,” Geiselman said. “I’d like to do better. I made the Quarterfinals in the last two events and I think I’m rated 16th, so I’ll be psyched if I make it past that round and hopefully I can get up there.”
The young Floridian entered last year’s ASP WQS 6-Star event as an alternate and progressed through to Round of 48, crucial for his seeding in this year’s Hurley U.S. Open and the East coaster is looking to repeat his performance again in this year’s Hurley U.S. Open event.

“Last year’s results gave me my seed for this year,” Geisleman “I surf on Monday and hopefully I can do what I did last year and make a few heats.”

Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, is currently sitting in the No. 2 position overall on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and put on a strong showing in his opening Round of 32 heat this afternoon.

“It’s kind of like the last contest but with more swell and there is a lot of potential,” Perillo said. “It’s connectable, you can work it through all the way in and get a good snap or air on the inside.”

The stylish regular-footer is hoping his early round U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior heat will act as a good warm up for his ASP WQS campaign as well.

“It’s a good warm up to get a heat under my belt before Monday,” Perillo said. “I’m happy to have the wildcard in to the main event and hopefully the junior heat will help as a warm-up for my ‘QS heat.”

Kaimana Jaquias (Kauai, HI), 16, stood out today in his first U.S. Open appearance. The Hawaiian advanced through three heats netting a few top scores along the way and adapted easily to the changing South Huntington Beach Pier conditions.

“My first two heats, most of my good ones were against the pier,” Jaquias said. “Now that the tide’s filling in, it’s kind of spread out and anyone can sit anywhere and still get a good one, so you’ve just got to get two and go from there.”

Jaquias today showed he can compete with some of the world’s best junior competitors.

“This is not my first time to Huntington, but it’s my first time competing in the U.S. Open,” Jaquias said. “I couldn’t get in to the WQS contest, but there are so many good international guys here in the Juniors. So many of the best junior guys in the world are here in this event, but you really can’t think about it. In Hawaii alone, I’ve surfed against so many good guys and I just try not to think about it and take it heat-by-heat.”

Tomorrow beings with the Hurley U.S. Open Men’s Trials followed by the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior Women’s ASP Grade-4 event.

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jacks (ASP Grade-4)

Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series (Men)

Huntington Beach, California, United States of America

June 28-29, 2009



International Field Does Battle at ASP Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, June 28, 2009) The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America Pro Junior Series kicked off the ASP Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jacks Surfboards in peaky two-foot (1 metre) conditions at South Huntington Beach Pier and saw a barrage of up-and-coming talent battle for the heightened points available at the premier event.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressures ASP Grade-4 status makes the event the most critical stop on all surfers campaigns in qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia. All surfers on the ASP North American Pro Junior Series are looking to compile their best four results throughout the year in an attempt to finish within the top three on the ratings to earn their spot in the coveted event.

Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 15, convincingly won two heats today over the tough international competition at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure despite the drastic change in conditions from his low-tide morning heat to his high tide afternoon heat which had a gusty north wind. Andinos combined heat totals of 16.50 and 15.40, both out of 20, saw him advance into the Round of 32 where he will face the events top seeds.

Im stoked to have two good heats out here, Andino said. Each heat gets harder and even though the conditions are worse overall, when you get a good one, I think theyre actually better. Theyre bigger and fuller on the higher tide and this morning it was pretty dead on the low tide.

The young San Clemente standout is hoping he can carry his early round momentum through to the Round of 32, where he has struggled to advance in the past.

Every contest I do, I have a good Round of 64 and Round of 48 heat and then I lose in the Round of 32, Andino said. Hopefully I can put together a good heat tomorrow and break that Round of 32. I have a tough heat in the morning, but hopefully it goes well.

Chase Wilson (Newport Beach, CA), 18, also turned heads on the opening day of competition matching the days highest single wave score of a 9.25 out of 10 in his Round of 48 heat which saw him advance through to the Round of 32.

Early on in the heat I got a couple of scores, but I fell on the inside, Wilson said. Luckily I got that one at the end that allowed me to do a couple of good turns and I got the 9.

Wilson utilized his familiarity of the Huntington Beach to advance through his heat.

I live in Newport and Ive been surfing here the last few days in the afternoons to get used to these conditions, Wilson said. Im used to this kind of surf.

Oliver Kurtz (Vero Beach, FL), 18, issued the days upset when he ousted 2007 ASP World Junior runner-up Tonino Benson (Kona, HI), 17, while claiming his Round of 48 heat win in the tough afternoon conditions.

That was a really tough heat, Kurtz said. The waves were just horrible and I usually dont do well in heats like that, but theres just nothing you can do about the conditions. Either way, its good to get through the round, especially against a guy like Tonino (Benson).“

Tomorrows Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure action will begin at 8am with the Round of 32 where the events top seeds including reigning ASP World Junior Champion Kai Barger (Haiku, HI), 19, defending ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19, current ASP North America Pro Junior Series ratings leader Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), 16, explosive goofy-footer Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, and Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, will battle todays standouts for the 2009 crown.

For all of the LIVE action log on to www.nike6pierpressure.com

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

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 48 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)

Heat 1: Chase Wilson (USA) 15.75, Sean Joubert (ZAF) 10.85, Mike McCabe (USA) 7.15, Quinn McCrystal (USA) 7.10

Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.40, Dylan Goodale (HAW) 6.75, Tayler Brothers (USA) 2.25, Brent Savage (AUS) 0.00

Heat 3: Hunter Heverly (USA) 12.75, Phillip Goold (USA) 10.25, Kyle Galtes (HAW) 8.00, Makai McNamara (HAW) 5.10

Heat 4: Ian Gentil (HAW) 10.00, Levi Gonzales (HAW) 8.10, Jared Thorne (USA) 6.00, Chase Brady (USA) 5.40

Heat 5: Gabe Garcia (USA) 11.75, Albee Layer (HAW) 9.75, Matt Meola (HAW) 9.00, Brett Barley (USA) 7.30

Heat 6: Nick Rupp (USA) 9.10, Spencer Regan (USA) 6.60, Keaiamakia Naihe (HAW) 6.00, Icaro Ronchi (BRA) 4.35

Heat 7: Oliver Kurtz (USA) 11.50, Dege OConnell (HAW) 8.70, Tonino Benson (HAW) 8.50, Taylor Thorne (USA) 8.50

Heat 8: Rob Kelly (USA) 9.65, Matt Pagan (USA) 9.10, J.D. Lewis (USA) 8.55, Keetin Devine (USA) 6.95

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 60 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)

Heat 1: Chase Wilson (USA) 12.60, Brent Savage (USA) 9.75, Christian Saenz (USA) 7.35, Dane Zaun (USA) 4.10

Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) 16.50, Sean Joubert (ZAF) 9.90, Dylan Melamed (HAW) 9.55, Makana Eleogram (HAW) 7.85

Heat 3: Makai McNamara (HAW) 9.75, Chase Brady (USA) 9.55, Sean Poynter (USA) 9.00, Victor Done (USA) 5.10

Heat 4: Jared Thorne (USA) 13.25, Kyle Galtes (HAW) 12.75, Jeri Martin (PER) 11.35, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 7.50

Heat 5: Matt Meola (HAW) 11.25, Kealamakia Naihe (HAW) 8.35, Ford Archbold (USA) 7.85, Adam Lambert (USA) 7.65

Heat 6: Icaro Ronchi (USA) 7.15, Brett Barley (USA) 5.75, Conner Coffin (USA) 5.50, Jeffrey Lukasik (USA) 3.75

Heat 7: Tonino Benson (HAW) 12.75, J.D. Lewis (USA) 12.25, Chris Foster (HAW) 7.70, Balaram Stack (USA) 5.00

Heat 8: Icaro Ronchi (BRA) 7.15, Brett Barley (USA) 5.75, Conner Coffin (USA) 5.50, Jeffrey Lukasik (USA) 3.75

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 80 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)

Heat 1: Brent Savage (AUS) 17.50, Makana Eleogram (HAW) 9.35, Brad Hagglund (USA) 8.95, Tanner Deprin (USA) 8.00

Heat 2: Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 13.50, Christian Saenz (USA) 11.25, Chris Friend (AUS) 8.30, Billy Olsen (USA) 7.45

Heat 3: Chase Brade (USA) 12.35, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 9.60, TJ Mortellaro (USA) 5.40, Cody Sammons (USA) 3.50

Heat 4: Jeri Martin (PER) 9.85, Makai McNamara (HAW) 8.40, Eli Viszolay (USA) 8.30, PJ Raia (USA) 8.15

Heat 5: Kealamakia Naihe (HAW) 13.65, Icaro Ronchi (BRA) 10.90, Ian Crane (USA) 10.00, Alex Smith (HAW) 8.25

Heat 6: Conner Coffin (USA) 13.75, Adam Lambert (USA) 12.15, Duran Barr (USA) 8.25, Maximillian Karnig (USA) 5.60

Heat 7: J.D. Lewis (USA) 9.00, Keetin Devin (USA) 9.00, Ian Bloch (USA) 6.60, Billy Hopkins (USA) 5.90

Heat 8: Colton Larson (USA) 11.85, Tonino Benson (HAW) 11.60, Keto Burns (USA) 8.40, Jocelyn Poulou (PYF) 8.40

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Monday, June 22, 2009)

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jacks (ASP Grade-4)
Event No. 4 of 10 on the 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series (Men)
Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
June 28-29, 2009

Top Seeds Set Sights on ASP Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure

The fourth stop on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America Pro Junior Series, the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jacks, will be the most critical event on all surfers campaigns towards qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships due to its ASP Grade-4 status. The highly anticipated event will hit South Huntington Beach Pier from June 28 through 29, 2009.

With all surfers on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series looking to compile their best four results this year in an attempt to finish within the top three in order to earn an ASP World Junior Championships berth, the additional points on offer at this years only ASP Grade-4 event will play a crucial role in all surfers overall rating for 2009.

Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), 16, was the only American finalist in last years Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure and is currently sitting atop the ASP North America Pro Junior Series ratings after three events. The stylish regular-footer hopes to capitalize on the additional points on offer at the upcoming contest in order to extend his ratings lead over the field, but knows he is up against a barrage of tough competition.

Last year I was in disbelief to make the final with those guys, Doheny said. It was fun to surf against one of my favorite surfers, Julian Wilson. Its gnarly with all the international guys doing the contest, but guys like Dillon Perillo, Conner Coffin and Nat Young are just as good as the international boys to me.

Doheny finished third overall on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series last year and his appearance in the Final at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure was an imperative result in helping him achieve an ASP World Junior Championships berth.

This contest is really important for me because its a Grade-4 and its the one contest you want to do well in to make it to Worlds, Doheny said. I really like Huntington Beach as well. Its like my second home break, so, its going to be fun.

Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, who is currently rated third on the regional series, claimed a victory at the Arnette Pro Junior last month and is looking to carry his momentum to the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure. The explosive goofy-footer is a constant threat to his competition and hopes a consecutive solid result will place him in good standing on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series.

I’m super stoked to have won a contest this year, Young said. It was my first win so far this year so hopefully I can get on a little roll. I would like to back up my result at the Arnette with another solid result. I think whoever does well in this contest between the top 5 guys will take the lead, so I’m hoping to do my best and see where that puts me.

Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, was the early season regional ASP Junior ratings leader, but due to unfortunate circumstances, was unable to enter the Arnette Pro Junior, falling to sixth overall. The Malibu local is looking to gain some important ground at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure to regain his ratings lead over the entourage of talent that make up the ASP North America Pro Junior Series.

It definitely focuses me more on the Nike event and also the rest of the events because I have to do the best I can to qualify for worlds, Perillo said. Missing that event really pushed me back so Ive got to play catch up. Now that I’m not in first anymore I don’t feel pressured. Instead, I just really need to do well.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure will run from June 28-29, 2009 at South Huntington Beach Pier and will begin at 8am local time. The event will be webcast LIVE via www.nike6pierpressure.com