Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge » News

CAIO IBELLI WINS THE 2010 OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR BRAZIL

ASGadmin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:40:38 +0000

Florianopolis, Brazil, June 7, 2010 – The 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil held the final day of competition at Praia do Campeche yesterday to capitalize on the superior swell battering that section of the Brazilian coastline. After a full week of challenging conditions the eight finalists were rewarded with near perfect conditions and fun, contestable waves for their final rounds.

However, it was the Paulista Caio Ibelli (SP), 17, who made the most of the improved waves. He launched a huge aerial to open his final round heat against Marco Fernandaz (BA) for a impressive 8.33 out of a possible 10 points, which was quickly followed by another strong score of 7.0 to seal the victory. Caio Ibelli is the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazilian Champion!

Caio Ibelli en route to the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazilian Title.

As the champion he has secured critical ratings points for the main division of the Brazilian Circuit training for next year. “I’m very happy just to be competing in this wonderful place, with high waves,” said Caio Ibelli just after the final heat. “I risked everything on my first wave, because I knew that Marco [Fernandez] was surfing really well the whole event, so I had to start well to [put the pressure on] him. I came here focused on this title and I’m also stoked [to be guaranteed a place among] the elite of Brazilian surfing, because [I] was behind the Access Division and now I can rest easier by already having confirmed my name in Brazil Surf Pro 2011.”

After a second successful Oakley Pro Junior Brazil in Santa Catarina, Oakley Manager for Brazil, Luis Henrique Saboia a.k.a. Pinga has already confirmed that the 2011 contest will return to the state. “We want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the event, the staff of Santa Catarina Surf Federation and associations here Joaquina and Campeche [as well as] the support of the City of Florianopolis,” said Pinga “[The Oakley Pro Junior will be back in Santa Catarina next year, the only thing left to be determined is which beach will be the optimal location.]”

FINAL RESULTS: (1st: R $9,000.00 and 1,000 points; 2nd: R $4,000.00 and 860 points)

1st: Caio Ibelli (SP) 15:33 (8.33 and 7.00)
2nd: Marco Fernandez (BA) 12.17 (6.17 and 6.00)

SEM-FINAL RESULTS: (3th place – U.S. $ 2,300.00 and 730 points)

1st: Marco Fernandez (BA) 12:17 x Krystian Kymmerson (ES) 7.94
2nd: Caio Ibelli (SP) 16:16 x Ian Gouveia (PE) 12:17

QUARTER FINAL RESULTS: (5th place – $1,500.00 and 610 points)

1st: Marco Fernandez (BA) 16:33 x Santiago Muniz (SC) 9.86
2nd: Krystian Kymmerson (ES) 15.70 x Jesse Mendes (SP) 12.90
3rd: Ian Gouveia (PE) 12.67 x Marthen Pagliarini (SC) 11:07
4th: Caio Ibelli (SP) 12:53 x Peter Husadel (SC) 9.77

For contest photos, video and more check out oakleyprojunior.com.

Via exclusive Oakley sponsorship, the Oakley Pro Junior Brazil has the support of the City of Florianopolis, the Municipal Sports, Power Balance, Graphics Formag’s, Joaquina Beach Hotel and Restaurant Maurílio II. As well as approval from: Brazilian Confederation of Surf (CBS) and Brazilian Association of Surfing Professional (ABRASP), which organizes the event in conjunction with the Santa Catarina Surf Federation (Fecasurf) and the Association of Surfing Joaquina (ASJ). The Oakley Pro Junior supports the preservation of Lagoa da Conceição – Save the Pond and will be covered by Fluir Magazine and waves.terra.com.br.

The Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Oakley and all other event partners.

ONLY 8 SURFERS REMAIN IN THE 2010 OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR BRAZIL

ASGadmin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:41:25 +0000

Florianopolis, Brazil, June 4, 2010 – Day four of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil may have been marked by rain and low temps, but for their persistence, competitors were rewarded with the best waves Praia da Joaquina has seen all week.

Caio Ibelli (SP) left nothing to chance in his round 4 heat against Luel Felipe (PE). He punted an extremely high double-grab frontside air and nailed the landing to the liking of spectators and judges alike. Ultimately, he closed the heat earning the highest heat total of the contest to date; an impressive 17.0 out of a possible 20 points.

Caio Ibelli flying high on Day 4 of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil.

Ibelli is one of eight surfers remaining in the Brazilian Oakley Pro Junior title race alongside Santiago Muniz (SC), younger brother of reigning Oakley Pro Junior Brazilian Champion Alejo Muniz (SC). Marthen Pagliarini (SC) remains in the race as well, having bested contest favorite Miguel Pupo (SP) by mere tenths of a point in the fifth heat of round 5 earlier this afternoon.

The first Brazilian champion of the 2010 season will be crowned in less than 12 hours with three Catarinenses (SC) doing their part not only to win, but to keep the title in the state.,

The quarterfinals will begin tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 AM.

Quater-Final Match-Ups:

1.a: Marco Fernandez (BA) x Santiago Muniz (SC)
2.a: Jessé Mendes (SP) x Krystian Kymmerson (ES)
3.a: Marthen Pagliarini (SC) x Ian Gouveia (PE)
4.a: Caio Ibelli (SP) x Pedro Husadel (SC)

Round 5 Results:

1.a: Marco Fernandez (BA) 13.50 x 5.57 Medi Veminardi (FRA)
2.a: Santiago Muniz (SC) 12.27 x 8.50 Cauê Wood (SC)
3.a: Krystian Kymmerson (ES) 15.27 x 5.70 Yuri Gonçalves (SC)
4.a: Jessé Mendes (SP) 12.94 x 7.80 Bryan Franco (SP)
5.a: Marthen Pagliarini (SC) 10.70 x 10.64 Miguel Pupo (SP)
6.a: Ian Gouveia (PE) 10.33 x 10.13 Ítalo Ferreira (RN)
7.a: Caio Ibelli (SP) 11.86 x 11.67 Peterson Crisanto (PR)
8.a: Pedro Husadel (SC) 11.07 x 6.50 Yan Guimarães (RJ)

Round 4 Results:

1.a: Medi Veminardi (FRA) 8.64 x 4.70 Matheus Toledo (SP)
2.a: Marco Fernandez (BA) 9.74 x 8.24 Ricardo dos Santos (SC)
3.a: Cauê Wood (SC) 8.67 x 6.53 Filipe Braz (RJ)
4.a: Santiago Muniz (SC) 12.17 x 8.67 Vicente Romero (SC)
5.a: Krystian Kymmerson (ES) 13.50 x 7.54 Bruno Moraes (SC)
6.a: Yuri Gonçalves (SC) 8.16 x 6.23 Bruno Lopes (SC)
7.a: Bryan Franco (SP) 8.26 x 6.87 Daniel Gonçalves (RJ)
8.a: Jessé Mendes (SP) 11.73 x 11.70 Diego Michereff (SC)
9.a: Miguel Pupo (SP) 9.93 x 5.70 Gustavo Araujo (SP)
10: Marthen Pagliarini (SC) 10.33 x 6.76 Rafael Teixeira (ES)
11: Italo Ferreira (RN) 9.07 x 7.06 Jonathan Busetti (SC)
12: Ian Gouveia (PE) 11.20 x 9.60 Tamaê Bettero (SP)
13: Peterson Crisanto (PR) 12.40 x 5.80 Luan Wood (SC)
14: Caio Ibelli (SP) 17.00 x 8.67 Luel Felipe (PE)
15: Yan Guimarães (RJ) 10.43 x 7.23 Julio Terres (SC)
16: Pedro Husadel (SC) 12.17 x 4.80 Thiago Guimarães (SP)

For all the action LIVE from Joaquina Beach tune into the live webcast at oakleyprojunior.com/live. Additional information, photos, video highlights and heats on-demand are also available on oakleyprojunior.com.

The Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Oakley and all other event partners.

SURFERS PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS ON DAY 3 OF THE OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR BRAZIL

ASGadmin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:18:45 +0000

Florianopolis, Brazil, June 3, 2010 – Competitors pulled out all the stops on Day 3 of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil in Praia da Joaquina, Florianopolis, Brazil fighting for crucial points in declining surf.Weekend forecasts are calling for a strong south wind that could hamper the contest. However, contest directors will continue to monitor conditions in order to ensure the contest runs in optimal surf through the end of the contest window on Sunday, June 6.

Marco Fernandez (BA) started the day off on a high note catching two tube rides and earning himself a winning heat score of 9.74 out of a possible 20 points against opponent Ricardo dos Santos (SC).

Marco Fernandez

“I was a little nervous in the [heat], the board was a bit strange in that sea, but I managed to find some barrels there to move to the next stage,” comments Fernandez. Earlier this year, Fernandez was one of the Brazilians who competed in the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) South American World Pro Junior. “I’m glad I’m [building off] the past and everything to try [to take] the Brazilian title in this event. The champion will be defined here and [qualify to join ] the elite [on the] Brazilian Tour (Brazil Surf Pro). [It is like] two victories [in one]! I will do my best to achieve these goals in Joaca,” adds Fernandez.

Fernandez was referencing the fact that in additional to being crowned the Oakley Pro Junior Brazil Champion, this week’s winner also earns an invitation to compete on the main division of the Brazilian professional surf circuit, Brazil Surf Pro.

Caio Ibelli (SP) also recovered the position and commanded the action this Thursday at Joaquina. He started with two strong scores of 5.17 and 7.33-the highest single wave score of the day- and won his heat with strong, well defined maneuvers in the most critical parts of the wave.

Ibelli tried to continue to increase his total heat score by ripping a huge aerial maneuver in the final moments of the heat, but lacked the staying power to hold the landing together. Ultimately, he closed his heat with a heat total of 12.50 out of a possible 20 points, which was sufficient to secure a victory over opponent Persio Nobrega (SC) who was eliminated from the contest..

“Once I started the [heat] I tried to ensure two good [scores] and then decided to [go for it], because if I came back from an air I knew I had a high note, but unfortunately I could not [stick it for a solid scote], but I had a lot of fun, the [heat] was pretty cool, “said Ibelli after his heat.

The contest will resume tomorrow morning, Friday, June 4 at 7 AM.

Round of 3: (the top two in each heat advance)

1 Medi Veminardi (Fra) 8.64 x Matheus Toledo (SP) 4.70
2 Marco Fernandez (BA) 9.74 x Ricardo dos Santos (SC) 8.24
3 Caue Wood (SC) 8.67 x Filipe Braz (RJ) 6.53
4 Santiago Muniz (SC) x Vicente Romero (SC)
5 Krystian Kymerson (ES) x Bruno Morais (SC)
6 Yuri Gonçalves (SC) x Bruno Lopes (SC)
7 Daniel Gonçalves (RJ) x Bryan Franco (SP)
8 Jessé Mendes (SP) x Diego Michereff (SC)
9 Miguel Pupo (SP) x Gustavo Araújo (SP)
10 Rafael Teixeira (ES) x Marthen Pagliarini (SC)
11 Jonathan Busetti (SC) x Italo Ferreina (RN)
12 Tamae Bettero (SP) x Ian Gouveia (PE)
13 Peterson Crisanto (PR) x Luan Wood (SC)
14 Caio Ibelli (SP) x Luel Felipe (PE)
15 Yan Guimarães (RJ) x Júlio Terres (SC)
16 Thiago Guimarães (SP) x Pedro Husadel (SC)

Round 2 Repercharge Heats:

1 Diego Michereff (SC) 9.76 x Gustavo Sanches (RN) 5.30
2 Gustavo Araújo (SP) 6.04 x Matheus Navarro (SC) 3.77
3 Jonathan Busetti (SC) 8.84 x Odarci Nonato (SP) 7.23
4 Krystian Kymerson (ES) 13.07 x Luan Carvalho (SP) 8.43
5 Yuri Gonçalves (SC) 9.83 x Thomas Demétrio (CE) 6.74
6 Tamae Bettero (SP) 5.76 x Kalani Silva (SP) 4.53
7 Thiago Guimarães (SP) 8.17 x Cainã Barletta (SC) 7.70
8 Marco Fernandez (BA) 10.44 x Geovani Ferreira (SP) 9.87
9 Caio Ibelli (SP) 12.50 x Persio Nobrega (SC) 4.70
10 Raphael Teixeira (ES) 9.36 x Thayson de Souza (SC) 2.67
11 Daniel Gonçalves (RJ) 7.77 x Ícaro Lopes (CE) 7.67
12 Bryan Franco (SP) 9.17 x Lucas Silveira (RJ) 7.50
13 Marthen Pagliarini (SC) 9.33 x João Paulo Abreu (SC) 8.10
14 Italo Ferreira (RN) 9.74 x Nathan Brandi (SP) 7.20
15 Bruno Lopes (SC) 7.63 x Ian Daberkow (SC) 4.97
16 Bruno Morais (SC) 12.43 x Marco Aurélio (SP) 9.40

The Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Oakley and all other event partners.

DAY 2 OF THE OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR BRAZIL CONTINUES IN 4-6 FOOT SURF

ASGadmin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:48:57 +0000

Florianopolis, Brazil, June 2, 2010 –
Day two of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil in Praia da Joaquina, Florianopolis continued to be pounded with four-to-six foot waves and a strong current as the quest to crown the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil Champion continued.

As the competition heated up new standouts began to emerge. Most notable, however, was Jesse Mendes (SP) who set a new contest record with an impressive single-wave score of 9.0 out of a possible 10 points. He also scored the highest total heat score of the day with the hefty total of 15.33 out of a possible 20 points.

Other noteworthy performances included that by Julio Terres (SC), the first surfer to advance through to the third round. It was not an easy victory, however, as Terres’ opening score was quickly bested by Caius Ibelli’s (SP) 7.17. Nonetheless, Terres rebutted with a 7.50 and ultimately overcame Ibelli’s heat total of 11.17 by a mere 0.83 points for the victory.

Caius Ibelli fighting for the win against Julio Terres at Praia da Joaquina in Florianopolis, Brazil.

Contest directors initially intended to run all 16 heats of the second round today, Wednesday, June 2, but due to heavy rain in the early afternoon the contest had to be halted. The contest window extends through Sunday, June 6, which will allow contest directors to evaluate the forecasted conditions and determine when to initiate the remaining four heats of Round 2 and continue the contest.

VACANCY IN ELITE NATIONAL – The winner of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil also earns an invitation to compete on the main division of the Brazilian professional surf circuit, Brazil Surf Pro. 2009 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil Champion, Alejo Muniz, is currently reaping the benefits of this invitation qualifying to compete for the national title without having to follow the normal path to accrue the necessary Brazilian Association of Surfing Professional (ABRASP) ranking points.

Round of 2: Heats 1-12 of 16 Results (the top two in each heat advance)

1st: 12.00 = Julio Terres (SC), 11:17 Caio Ibelli = (SP), 6.20 = Rafael Teixeira (ES)
2nd: 8.84 = Medi Veminardi (FRA), 6.16 = Marco Fernandez (BA) = 4.86 Bryan Franco (SP)
3rd: 12:23 = Luele Felipe (PE) = 4.84 Tama Bettero (SP) = 3.97 Icarus Lopes (EC)
4th: 7.70 = Ricardo dos Santos (SC) = 6.64 Krystian Kymmerson (ES), 4:40 = Persio Nobrega (SC)
5th: 7.87 = Luan Wood (SC), 7:40 = Matheus Navarro (SC), 6:23 = Nathan Brandi (SP)
6th: 6.30 = Matheus Toledo (SP) = 4.80 Thomas Demetrio (EC), 2:37 = Bruno Lopes (SC)
7th: 8.87 = Santiago Muniz (SC) = 8.60 Luan Carvalho (SP), Bruno Moraes = 5.83 (SC)
8th: 15:33 = Jesse Mendes (Sao Paulo), Joao Paulo Abreu = 5.60 (SC), 3:20 Diego Michereff = (SC)
9.a: 13:07 = Miguel Pupo (Sao Paulo), 10.67 = Italo Ferreira (RN), 8:37 = Gustavo Araujo (Sao Paulo)
10: Peterson Crisanto = 8:40 (PR) = 7.60 Daberkow Yan (SC) = 6.70 Odarci Nonato (SP)
11: 10:10 = Yan Guimarães (RJ), 7.97 = Marcus Aurelius (SP), 5:54 = Kalani Silva (SP)
12: 11:30 = Ian Gouveia (PE), 6:40 Cainan = Barletta (RS), 4.50 = Gustavo Sanches (SP)

Round 2 Remaining Heats: (the top two in each heat will advance)

13: Jonatan Busetti (SC), Peter Husadel (SC), Geovani Ferreira (SP)
14: Yuri Gonçaves (SC), Filipe Braz (RJ), Thayson de Souza (SC)
15: Thiago Guimaraes (SP), Marthen Pagliarini (SC), Vicente Romero (SC)
16: Cauê Wood (SC), Daniel Glover (RJ), Lucas Silveira (RJ)

The Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Oakley and all other event partners.

DAY 1 OF THE OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR BRAZIL LAUNCHES IN 4-6 FOOT SURF

ASGadmin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:10:20 +0000

Florianòpolis, Brazil, June 1, 2010 – Day one of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil in Praia da Joaquina, Florianópolis was pounded with four-to-six foot waves and a strong current for the opening round of the event. 36 surfers launched the Brazilian under-20 title race today in sunny, but cold conditions as the 16 seeded athletes watched anxiously awaiting for their opponents to be declared.

This week will name the 2010 Brazilian under-20 champion, which has all the competitors pushing to perform to the best of their ability. However, all contenders face a force to be reckoned with in Miguel Pupo (SP) who has come to Florianopolis intent on becoming the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil Champion.

“The sea is very difficult today [with a] strong southwestern wind,” said competitor Ian Gouveia (PE). “It looks like a washing machine, [with lots of movement].” The challenging conditions however, did not stop Gouveia from winning his heat against Bruno Lopes (SC) and Luan Wood (SC). “It’s tricky to position yourself to find the waves,” adds Gouveia. “[You] have to be lucky under these conditions.”

Ian Gouveia surfing in Round 1 of the 2010 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil.

As a first time competitor in the Oakley Pro Junior Brazil, Gouveia, 17, recognizes the high level of competition, but is confident in his ability to perform. “The Brazilian title fight will be tough. It is [my first time attending] the Oakley Pro Junior and [it] will be great. The event this year is here on Joaca where I feel at home. Hopefully the waves improve in the coming days.”

MAIN EVENT – The 16 top-rated surfers from the 2009 Oakley Pro Junior in Itajai (SC), who remain under 20 years of age, await the closing of Round 1 to determine their opponents in Praia da Joaquina. The main event will start with a Round of 48 on Wednesday, June 2, after the final four heats of the first round, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM in Florianopolis, are completed.

OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR – SEEDED ATHLETES:

1st Battery: Caio Ibelli (SP)
2nd: Marco Fernandez (BA)
3.a: Tama Bettero (SP)
4th: Krystian Kymmerson (ES)
5th: Matheus Navarro (SC)
6th: Matthew Toledo (SP)
7th: Santiago Muniz (SC)
8th: Jesse Mendes (SP)
9.a: Miguel Pupo (Sao Paulo)
10: Peterson Crisanto (PR)
11: Yan Guimarães (RJ)
12 Gustavo Sanchez (SP)
13: Jonatan Busetti (SC)
14: Yuri Gonçaves (SC)
15: Thiago Guimaraes (Brazil)
16: Cauê Wood (SC)

Round of 1: Heats 1-12 of 16 Results (the top two in each heat advance)

1.a: 1-Rafael Teixeira (ES), 2-João Paulo Abreu (SC), Cainan Barletta (RS)
2nd: 1-Ian Gouveia (PE), 2-Bruno Lopes (SC), 3-Luan Wood (SC)
3rd: 1-Julio Terres (SC), 2-Philip Braz (RJ), 3-Diego Michereff (SC)
4th: 1-Marthen Pagliarini (SC), 2-Vicente Romero (SC), 3-Kalani Silva (SP)
5th: 1-Marcus Aurelius (SP), 2-Peter Husadel (SC), 3-Ygor Arakaki (SC)
6th: 1-Lucas Silveira (RJ), 2-Bryan Franco (SP), 3-Thomas Demetrio (EC)
7th: 1-Italo Ferreira (NB), 2-Daniel Gill (RJ), 3-Yrvin Ravi (SC)
8th: 1-Bruno Morais (SC), 2-Medi Veminardi (FRA), 3-Ricardo dos Santos (SC)
9.a: 1-Icarus Lopes (EC), 2-Luele Felipe (PE), 3-Luan Carvalho (SP)
10: 1-Ian Daberkow (SC), 2-Thayson de Souza (SC), 3-Odarci Nonato (SP)
11: 1-Nathan Brandi (SP), 2-Percio Nobrega (SC), 3-Gustavo Araujo (Sao Paulo)
12: 1-Geovani Ferreira (Sao Paulo), Thiago wo-Muller (SC), wo-Vitor Borges (SC)

Tomorrow will commence with the final four heats of Round 1:

Round of 1: Heats 13-16 (the top two in each heat will advance)

1st: Kenan Barletta (RS), Luan Wood (SC), Diego Michereff (SC)
2nd: Kalani Silva (SP), Ygor Arakaki (SC), Thomas Demetrio (EC)
3rd: Yrvin Ravi (SC), Ricardo dos Santos (SC), Luan Carvalho (SP)
4th: Odarci Nonato (SP), Gustavo Araujo (Sao Paulo)

The Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Oakley and all other event partners.

OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR BRAZIL KICKS-OFF NEXT WEEK

ASGadmin — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:18:55 +0000

Florianòpolis, Brazil, May 28, 2010 – The Oakley Pro Junior returns to Brazil next week bringing with it all the top under-20 Brazilian talent to Joaquina Beach in Florianòpolis, Brazil.

Forecasts are calling for sizable waves during the contest period, which runs from Tuesday, June 1 through Sunday, June 6 at the Magic Island.

In 2009, the Oakley Pro Junior Final brought together two great new Brazilian talents: Alejo Muniz (SC) and Jadson Andre (RN), Ultimately, Alejo overcame Jadson for the title. Since then both have exploded onto the international scene and will not be competing in this year’s contest. In their absence lies a great window of opportunity for new standouts from the field of 80 to emerge.

The 2009 Oakley Pro Junior Brazil semi-finalists, Miguel Pupo (SP) and Jesse Mendes (SP), however, are both returning to the contest and will be the ones to beat next week. Especially with Miguel coming into the event off two wins in the South American selective for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Pro Junior.

In addition, to earning a place among the national elite with an Oakley Pro Junior title, the Oakley Pro Junior champion also earns an invitation to participate in all stages of the Pro Surfing Brazil.

The Oakley Pro Junior Brazil begins next Tuesday, June 1, and will be followed by six exciting days of competition.

For additional information, photos and video highlights, log on to oakleyprojunior.com.

The Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Oakley and all other event partners.

ANDREW DOHENY WINS GRADE-2 OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR

ASGadmin — Sun, 09 May 2010 03:29:57 +0000

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 8, 2010 – Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), 17, clinched the biggest win of his career by winning the ASP Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior in two-to-four foot surf at the famed cobblestone pointbreak of Lower Trestles after the world’s finest juniors pushed the performance barriers of competitive surfing throughout the entire week of competition while reveling in the firing south swell. Gabe Kling (St. Augustine, FL), 29, won the ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro, which ran concurrently.

ASP Pro Junior competitors flocked to the Oakley Pro Junior to gather points towards their regional ratings in an attempt to qualify for the inaugural ASP World Junior Tour, the first stop of which is the Oakley ASP World Junior Tour event running at the high-performance wave of Keramas in Bali, October 2-13, 2010.

Doheny clinched the Oakley Pro Junior, his first ASP Pro Junior victory, over a stacked final field including reigning ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, Dylan Goodale (Kauai, HI), 19, and Tyler Newton (Kauai, HI), 19, with an impressive 17.10 out of 20 heat total. The impressive win came after moving through an elite early round field including current ASP Dream Tour surfer Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, and reigning ASP World Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot (FRA), 19.

“I don’t even know what to say, this doesn’t feel real,” Doheny said. “I hope it’s not a dream. This was the hardest draw because there were so many good international guys competing. It’s been an awesome event and it’s been inspiring to see all of the top pros like Andy (Irons) surfing.”

The victory catapults the young Newport Beach native to second overall on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, increasing his chances towards qualification for this year’s ASP World Junior Tour.

“Hopefully this puts me in good position for the rest of the year,” Doheny said. “I really want to qualify for the World Junior Tour, so hopefully it’s on. I’m going to try my best.”

Oakley Pro Junior Final Results:
1- Andrew Doheny (USA) 17.10
2- Nat Young (USA) 15.40
3- Dylan Goodale (HAW) 14.17
4- Tyler Newton (HAW) 13.60

Oakley Pro Junior Semifinals Results:

Heat 1: Nat Young (USA) 17.33, Tyler Newton (HAW) 12.33, Evan Thompson (USA) 10.44, Conner Coffin (USA) 10.34

Heat 2: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 16.46, Andrew Doheny (USA) 14.84, Evan Geiselman (USA) 14.83, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.53

For additional information, photos and video highlights, log on to oakleyprojunior.com.

The 6.0 Lowers Pro and Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Nike 6.0 and junior title sponsor Oakley, co-sponsors Red Bull and Corralejo Tequila, and media sponsors Surfer (surfermag.com), Surfing (surfingthemag.com) and FUEL TV. Additional thanks to official event forecaster Surfline.

GEISELMAN LEADS INTERNATIONAL ELITE TO SEMIFINALS ON OPENING DAY OF OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR

ASGadmin — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:36:37 +0000

ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro Starts Tomorrow

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 4, 2010 – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior saw current North America regional ratings leader Evan Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 16, lead an elite field of international ASP Pro Junior surfers through to the Semifinals by punting massive aerials in clean two-to-three foot surf at the famous break of Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California to post some of the day’s highest scores.

Dramatic upsets also unfolded during the Oakley Pro Junior action when current ASP Dream Tour rookie Jadson Andre (Natal, BRA), 20, and local San Clemente talent Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 16, were eliminated due to interferences.

Several international ASP Pro Junior standouts competing in the Oakley Pro Junior are looking to hone their competitive skills prior to entering the main event, the ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro. The regional standouts are hungry to capitalize on the valuable ratings points towards qualification for the inaugural ASP World Junior Tour, the first of which will be the Oakley ASP World Junior Tour event running at the high-performance wave of Keramas in Bali from October 2-13, 2010.

The field commenced this morning with 32 men, 20 years and younger, and finished this afternoon with only eight left competing for the $10,000 purse.

Gieselman relied on above-the-lip surfing to stamp his authority on the field with a variety of massive aerials on the steep Lowers lefthanders to take out a remarkable Quarterfinals heat victory over international prodigy Gabriel Medina (Maresias, BRA), 17, who was a Round 1 standout, and Hawaiian Granger Larsen (Lahaina, HI), 20.

“Gabriel (Medina) went crazy in his first heat and I didn’t really have the best opener and I just got mad,” Geiselman said. “Then I saw that I was surfing against Gabriel and I thought, ‘alright, I’m going to have to do some pretty big stuff,’ and that’s what I did. Luckily I kept getting those lefts and it just worked out. I knew I was going to have to do big airs if I was going to compete with those guys.”

Geiselman, who is currently leading the hotbed of American talent on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, is satisfied with his opening performance, but remains focused on the remainder of the Oakley Pro Junior to retain his No. 1 seed.

“This is guaranteed the hardest Pro Junior of the year, so I’m happy to be in the semis,” Geiselman said. “I’ve still got another heat to try and make it through, so I need to stay focused, but I’m really happy with the way that the first day has gone.”

Conner Coffin (Santa Barbara, CA), 17, relied on striking rail-to-rail power surfing to eliminate reigning ASP Pro Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot (REU), 17, in their Quarterfinals bout while topping reigning ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, who advanced behind Coffin in second.

“That one wave (his 8-point score), everyone was paddling for the first one, and I was just hoping there would be one behind it,” Coffin said. “I was just out the back by myself and it was a perfect wave. I got a wave just as good as that one in the heat before and bogged, so I needed to make up for it in that heat.”

Coffin’s advancement into the Semifinals has been no easy task, as the powerful young Santa Barbara surfer has had to navigate through an intense field of international talent who are out to compete in both the Oakley Pro Junior as well as the ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro.

“My first round heat this morning was gnarly too,” Coffin said. “The whole contest is so gnarly because it’s a small field and all of the international juniors are here. Every heat out here seems like it could be a final, so I’m stoked to have made the Semifinals.”

Kiron Jabour (North Shore, HI), 19, was another standout who battled through the global contingent of ASP Pro Junior talent to advance to the Semifinals while eliminating Lower Trestles local and current ASP North America Pro Junior Series No. 2 Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 16, in their Quarterfinals bout.

“Making it through to the Semifinals, I’m really stoked,” Jabour said. “It’s a really tough contest with only a Round of 32 format. Every person in this junior event is a top guy and all of the heats are really hard to get through. I’m really happy that I made it through.”

Jabour is one of several Oakley Pro Junior competitors looking to capitalize on the ASP Pro Junior heats prior to entering their ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro against several ASP Dream Tour competitors.

“This is exactly what I wanted,” Jabour said. “I wanted the Pro Junior to happen first and get a feel for the conditions and get warmed up and into contest mode.”

Jabour is also out to make a dent on the ASP North America Pro Junior series ratings to qualify for this year’s inaugural ASP World Junior Tour.

“It’s definitely my goal to make the World Junior Tour,” Jabour said. “I have this year and one more at a chance to really do well in the Pro Juniors and really stamp a good result for myself. It’s absolutely my goal to do well on the Pro Junior stage over the next two years.”

Kicking off tomorrow’s action will be Round 1 of the ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro competition. The flock of impressive talent set to compete in the event includes former three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (Hanalei, HI), 31, defending 6.0 Lowers Pro Champion Fred Patacchia (North Shore, HI), 28, and progressive standout Dane Reynolds (Ventura, CA), 24, amongst others.

6.0 Lowers Pro action will begin tomorrow at 8 am local time and be webcast LIVE via www.6.0lowerspro.com

Oakley Pro Junior Quarterfinals Results:
Heat 1: Tyler Newton (HAW) 14.33, Evan Thompson (USA) 12.00, Dege O’Connell (HAW) 12.00, Fisher Heverly (USA) 10.70
Heat 2: Conner Coffin (USA) 14.33, Nat Young (USA) 11.83, Maxime Huscenot (REU) 9.71, Michael Dunphy (USA) 6.92
Heat 3: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 13.03, Dylan Goodale (HAW) 12.74, Dillon Perillo (USA) 12.10, Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.55
Heat 4: Evan Geiselman (USA) 17.00, Andrew Doheny (USA) 15.90, Granger Larsen (HAW) 15.73, Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.27

Oakley Pro Junior Round of 32 Results:
Heat 1: Evan Thompson (USA) 13.84, Nat Young (USA) 11.93, Gabe Garcia (USA) 7.17, Chase Wilson (USA) 5.83
Heat 2: Dege O’Connell (HAW) 14.17, Michael Dunphy (USA) 11.67, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.82, Mitch Crews (AUS) 9.34
Heat 3: Conner Coffin (USA) 13.70, Tyler Newton (HAW) 13.67, Keanu Asing (HAW) 11.80, Luke Davis (USA) 10.43
Heat 4: Maxime Huscenot (REU) 11.84, Fisher Heverly (USA) 11.50, Cristobal De Col (PER) 7.80, Albee Layer (HAW) 7.73
Heat 5: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 13.47, Evan Geiselman (USA) 12.33, Jacob halstead (USA) 7.37, Jadson Andre (BRA) 6.10
Heat 6: Dillon Perillo (USA) 11.87, Andrew Dohney (USA) 9.17, Oliver Kurtz (USA) Levi Gonzales (HAW) 7.03
Heat 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 17.70, Kolohe Andino (USA) 16.43, Hiroto Arai (JPN) 13.77, Brent Reilly (USA) 10.60
Heat 8: Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.60, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 11.90, Quinn McCrystal (USA) 9.27, Nick Rupp (USA) 8.76

Watch both a high-quality webcast of the Oakley Pro Junior and 6.0 Lowers Pro with live video coverage and scoring at nike6lowerspro.com. For more about the Oakley Pro Junior, visit oakleyprojunior.com.

The Oakley Pro Junior and 6.0 Lowers Pro and wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to presenting sponsors Nike 6.0 and Oakley, co-sponsors Red Bull and Corralejo Tequila, and media sponsors Surfer (surfermag.com), Surfing (surfingthemag.com) and FUEL TV.

OVERVIEW: A new and good size south-southwest swell will build throughout the day on Wednesday, will be strongest Thursday, and then slowly fade Friday and into the weekend. Small northwest windswell will also mix in for much of the next few days.

WEDNESDAY 5th: SWELL/SURF: New SSW swell builds throughout the day, starting in the 3-4’+ range (waist-shoulder high+), along with some bigger sets and building to 4-5-6’+ (shoulder high to slightly overhead) over the afternoon with occasional larger waves. Small NW windswell also picks up, for a slightly more ‘mixed up’ feel to the surf (versus Tues). WIND: Light SE/ESE wind but generally clean early. Light SW flow in the afternoon 5-10kts.

THURSDAY 6th: SWELL/SURF: SSW swell builds in further with 4-6’+ surf (shoulder high to slightly overhead), with larger sets occasionally up to a couple feet overhead. Small NW windswell continues to mix in. WIND: Light/variable wind in the early morning. Light to moderate afternoon W wind builds 8-13kts.

FRIDAY 7th: SWELL/SURF: Slow fading SSW swell with more 4-5-6’+ surf (shoulder high to slightly overhead) in the morning along with a few larger sets and smaller surf for the afternoon. WIND: Light/variable early morning wind, with increasing and stronger W wind for the afternoon 9-14kts.

SATURDAY 8th: SWELL/SURF: Fading, but still fun SSW swell in the 3-4-5’ range (waist to head high) with some bigger waves possible in the morning. WIND: Light/variable in the early morning, with moderate+ W wind in the afternoon 9-14kts.

About Oakley, Inc.
The global leader in performance sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear, Oakley also offers technical and lifestyle apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. The company was created for athletes who see impossibility as just another challenge, and their dedication inspires Oakley to seek out problems, solve with innovation and wrap invention in art. Exceeding the limits of possibility for more than thirty years, Oakley serves the demands of world-class athletes with unbeatable technologies including High Definition OpticsÂ® (HDOÂ®). Additional information is available at oakley.com.

About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, moto, BMX, wake and freeski. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle. www.nike6.com

About Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG):
Reaching more than two million enthusiasts, Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG) is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike, Powder and Canoe & Kayak, Source Interlink Media’s ASG delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties, events and television programming.

Media Contacts:

Dawn Hamilton Elishia Matta
KHPR for ASG SURFER PR Manager
310-295-1189 949-370-7083
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com elishia.matta@sorc.com

SHAUN JOUBERT AND BIANCA BUITENDAG CLAIM VICTORY AT FINALS DAY OF THE OAKLEY PRO JR PORT ALFRED

ASGadmin — Sun, 02 May 2010 03:32:06 +0000

Port Alfred – Shaun Joubert from Mossel Bay made it a hat trick by winning his third Oakley Pro Junior in a row today in excellent surf at Port Alfred. Despite coming up against a very determined and on-form Chad Du Toit from Durban, Joubert fought hard all the way till the end and took the win from Du Toit in a seesaw final that saw the lead switch after almost every exchange.

It was another day of exceptional surf that greeted the surfers gathered for the Oakley Pro Junior in Port Alfred, South Africa. The waves were in the four to five-foot region with some bigger sets in the afternoon, with non-stop high performance peeling right-handers the order of the day. The surfers in the contest had the ideal canvas to show the judges their full repertoire as the contest was being judged on World Tour standards, and ‘variety’ is now a key element of the criteria.

Australian visitor Ryan Callinan placed third in the event, but was happy with the conditions. “We don’t get to surf many contests in waves like this,” said the stylish goofy-footer Callinan. “I’ve just being enjoying the waves so much. It’s so good to be able to ride real waves in an event like this.” Callinan, along with MIkey February from Cape Town, went home with a third place finish and US$1000 (R7,400)

The Red Bull Air Show was an exciting addition to the event, with a massive R10,000 prize for the biggest air pulled off in the session. The surfers were going for broke, with Dylan Lightfoot and Jacob Mellish pushing it as hard as they could and boosting at every opportunity. At the end of the 30 minutes Air Show it was young Jacob Mellish from Somerset West who took home the R10,000 prize from Red Bull for a massive forehand air reverse. The session belonged to Mellish, as he pulled off the two best moves of the Air Show, and sneaked into a solid little barrel that allowed him a clean exit in the closing minutes to prove that the R10,000 was deservedly his.

“I was so nervous out there at first,” said a very pleased Mellish at the prize giving. “Then I stuck a few airs and started feeling better. Thanks to Red Bull for this, I’m just so happy to have won.”

The Oakley Pro Junior Women’s Final was a battle of the goofy-footers, with Bianca Buitendag (George) and Chantelle Rautenbach (Melkbos Strand) both with their backs to the waves, and going for broke on the rippable right-handers. It was neck-and-neck until Bianca picked up an insider at the halfway mark and executed a series of critical turns with good flow and power for a score of 8.25 to place her firmly in the lead. Despite Chantelle fighting hard all the way to the final seconds it was 16-year-old Bianca who retained the lead, picking up another 8-point ride along the way, to claim victory and US$1000 (R7,400) prize money.

Then it was time for the Men’s final, with Shaun Joubert and Chad Du Toit both determined for victory. Chad opened up with a great seven point-ride to get the ball rolling, and still the waves poured through. Chad was awarded a 5.5 for his second wave and he found himself with a clear lead. Needing an 8.25 at the half-way mark Shaun picked up an inside wave with a nice wall on it and went to town on it, pulling off a series of radical turns off the top all the way through to the inside and was awarded just that – an 8.25, and the lead was his. Chad picked up another good set wave to score a 7.5 and regain his lead before Shaun stamped his authority all over a solid set wave for an excellent score of 9.5, and he had his third Oakley Pro Junior victory.

“Whenever we get to surf a contest in good waves I’m sure not too many guys complain,” said Shaun, “I’m just happy to be back and get a good result. It was pretty obvious that Chad was the man to beat and he put me under pressure with his first seven,” added Joubert. “I blew my first wave, as well as my second wave, so I was lucky more waves came to me.”

Chad wins US$1,500 (R11,000) for his runner-up spot, and a very happy Shaun Joubert takes home his third Oakley Pro Junior trophy and US$, 2,500 (R18,500).

There is a dedicated Oakley Pro Junior event page on The Bomb Surf where you can access video highlights, all the image galleries, event information and all the results.

All the contest information, images and contestant profiles can also be viewed on the event website http://oakleyprojunior.com
ASP Africa sanctions the Pro Junior division.

About ASP: The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) is the governing body of professional surfing. Crowning surfing’s undisputed world champions since 1976, the ASP sanctions the following tours: the ASP World Tour, the ASP Women’s World Tour, the World Qualifying Series (WQS) and the World Longboarding, Junior and Masters Championships. The ASP is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing talent in a variety of progressive formats and has revolutionized the way the world watches surfing via their webcasts. The organization is divided into seven different regions: Africa, Japan, Australasia, Europe, Hawaii, North America, and South America.

High resolution images from the event will be available free of charge for media outlets.

For any information on the Oakley Pro Junior plse contact Greg Emslie on
email – emslie@hypmail.co.za
cell – 0836542864

For Oakley queries plse contact Tracy Degoumois on
email – tracyd@oakley.com
cell – 0829059814

For event media queries plse contact Craig Jarvis on
email – craigjarvis@vodamail.co.za
cell – 0823764443

EXCELLENT WAVES FOR DAY ONE OF THE OAKLEY PRO JR SOUTH AFRICA

ASGadmin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:29:09 +0000

Port Alfred – Excellent waves funneling off the Kowie river mouth greeted contestants today for the opening day of the Oakley Pro Junior, the World Pro Junior Grade 2 event taking place at East Beach this weekend. The best junior surfers in the country paddled out into the perfect surf for their heats, determined to win and secure a share of the US$12,500 (R93,000) prize pool on offer. The high performance waves that were pouring through were conducive to some mind-blowing surfing, and the judges had their work cut out for them in determining the winners.

The opening function on the night of Thursday 29 saw the juniors and their families, as well as contest officials and Oakley representatives gathering at the same time as the finals of the Billabong Pro Santa Catarina was going down in Brazil. Everyone was able to witness the live webcast. Oakley-sponsored surfer, 20-year-old rookie and underdog Brazilain Jadson Andre beat contest favourite and 9-times world champion Kelly Slater in the final, and instantly the mood was set for the event – anyone can win if they put their heart into it.

The expedition crew from the Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA, who are currently on their 2800kms jet ski journey to raise awareness about early cancer detection whilst fundraising for CANSA, were also present and Oakley Team Member Jason Ribbink spoke about the CANSA jet ski mission, and what his hopes and goals were for the project.

In the water today, Bianca Buitendag was showing the form that has seen her on the winners podium recently, bashing some big fins-free turns on her backhand in the four to five-foot surf that was reeling along the sand bank. Bianca has been groomed on the mechanical rights of Victoria Bay and the clean surf of Port Alfred was right to her liking.

Chad du Toit was another surfer who was blitzing, picking up two great rides to win his heat in the round of 32. “The waves are really fun out there,” said Chad on the beach after his heat. “You have to try and find the right ones that link up on the inside, but there are some great sections where you can really crack it.” Chad did just that, paddling into one clean wave and settling into a rhythm where he did five radical turns off the top in a row, to be rewarded a 7.25 out of a possible 10 points by the judges. “I’ve got a really good board at the moment,” said Chad of his equipment. “This board is over a year old, but it still goes so well, especially in waves like this.”

South African-born and Australian resident Thomas Woods also had a field day amongst the fast right-handers, getting some excellent scores under the belt as confidence boosting material for tomorrow’s competiton. Not to be outdone, defending champion Shaun Joubert from Mossel Bay didn’t hold back, showing why he is one of the most highly-rated junior surfers in the country at the moment. Shaun has shown good form in the early part of this year already, with a few big wins under his belt. His surfing performance today at the Oakley Pro Junior, with full-rail carves combined with some huge turns, was a clear statement that he is determined for another victory.

Oakley South Africa team manager Greg Emslie was happy with the day of surfing that took place. “We had good surf today, so all the competitors were stoked with that,” said Greg. “It looks great for tomorrow as well, so we’re bound to see some more high performance surfing, as these waves really push everyone’s surfing performances.”

The Red Bull Air Show heats took place during the day as well, and the Red Bull Air Show final tomorrow promises to be an action-packed affair with a massive R10,000 winner-takes-all prize that will see the best junior aerial surfers going all out for that one big air.

Surfers will meet at 07h00 tomorrow morning for an early start in the forecasted good waves.

All the contest information, images and contestant profiles can be viewed on the event website http://oakleyprojunior.com, and the event will be judged under accordance with the 2010 ASP judging criteria. ASP Africa sanctions the Pro Junior division

High resolution images from the event will be available free of charge for media outlets.

For any information on the Oakley Pro Junior plse contact Greg Emslie on
email – emslie@hypmail.co.za
cell – 0836542864

For Oakley queries plse contact Tracy Degoumois on
email – tracyd@oakley.com
cell – 0829059814

For event media queries plse contact Craig Jarvis on
email – craigjarvis@vodamail.co.za
cell – 0823764443