Kymerson wowed onlookers in the final as he pulled out his signature “KK Flight” – a technical aerial manoeuvre, which the young South American invented himself.

In the ultimate man-on-man showdown, Kymerson shot to an early lead against Crisanto, before completely shutting out his rival midway through the final as he linked the “KK Flight” with multiple turns to register a 7.10 (out of a possible 10).

Finishing with a combined two-wave heat total of 13.85 (out of a possible 20) to Crisanto’s 11.00, Kymerson said he couldn’t be happier to win the Oakley Pro Junior in Australia.

“I’m so happy, I love Australia and I’m so happy win the Oakley Pro Junior on North Stradbroke Island in these great waves,” said Kymerson.

“It was great for Brazil to see Peterson (Crisanto) win at Burleigh last week and for me to win here today,” he said.

The Brazilian one-two was set up in today’s semi-final round as Crisanto wiped out Garret Parkes (Byron Bay, NSW) and Kymerson eliminated Matt Banting (Port Macquarie, NSW).

Capping on his day in style, Kymerson also claimed three brand new JS surfboards in the Tractor Big Boost, JS expression session.

Nathan Specht (North Stradbroke Island, Qld) also won a brand new JS surfboard as the best placed local in the 30-minute no holds barred shootout.

The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland, Red Bull, Vertra, Stradbroke Ferries, Stradbroke Island Holidays and Redland City Council.

Visit www.oakleyprojunior.com for news, photos and updates relating to the 2011 Oakley Pro Junior.

About Oakley

Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. Their dedication drives us to look beyond the conventional ideas of industry standards. It’s in our DNA to identify problems, create inventions, and wrap those inventions in art. And simply to make things better than anyone thought possible.

Banting displayed his small wave prowess in the shifting beach break peaks, posting a combined two-wave heat total of 14.00 (out of a possible 20), comfortably disposing of Portugal’s Vasco Ribero (10.00), Mitchel Baker (Phillip Island, Vic – 9.00) and Josh Sherwell (Maroochydore, Qld – 5.15) who finished second to fourth respectively.

Banting, who finished equal third at the Oakley Pro Junior last year, showed why he’ll be hard to stop in the business end of the event, with the natural footer’s lighting fast approach perfectly suited to the conditions on North Stradbroke Island.

“I’ve been watching the other surfers the last two days score epic waves, so it was nice to finally get amongst the action,” said Banting.

“Hopefully enough swell hangs in there for tomorrow, but I’m not getting ahead of myself as there’s still a handful of competitors who can definitely win this thing,” he said.

Surfing Queensland Contest Director Adam Yates indicated that with a fading swell, the event could possibly conclude tomorrow (Saturday, February 5) – one day before the event waiting period expires.

“With the swell appearing to continue to taper off this afternoon and into tomorrow, we may be forced to finish the event early to ensure the finals are held in the best available conditions,” said Yates.

“We were very fortunate to complete a majority of the earlier rounds in the fantastic conditions throughout the first two days of the event, which created the opportunity to monitor conditions today and place competitors in the best possible waves as we move closer to crowing a champion,” he said.

Tomorrow will kick off the JS Surfboards expression session – the Tractor Big Boost, which will see 12 hand picked competitors (four locals, four Australians and four international competitors) compete for three brand new custom JS surfboards, with the best placed local surfer also winning one brand new JS surfboard!

The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland, Red Bull, Vertra, Stradbroke Ferries, Stradbroke Island Holidays and Redland City Council.

Entering the event in the Round of 64 at his home break, MacDonald proved he will be one to watch as the event reaches the business end of competition as he outclassed Creed McTaggart (Margaret River, WA – 11.55), Chris Robertson (Cronulla, NSW – 9.65) and Mitchell James (Kingscliff, NSW – 6.50) who finished second to fourth respectively.

“It was nice to get that first one out of the way, it’s always nerve-racking surfing at home with all your friends and family watching,” said MacDonald.

“Hopefully the waves hang in there for the final few days and we see some good surfing going down, but I’d love nothing more than to win at home,” he said.

With North Stradbroke Island not feeling the effects of the predicted swell from TC Yazi, organisers continued to capitalise on the 1m waves at Main Beach, with the event reaching the final seeded Round of 64 as the competition’s top competitors entered the water.

Keeping with the Queensland dominated theme of the day, the Sunshine Coast’s Eli Steele (Caloundra, Qld) progressed through to the Round of 64 and Gold Coaster Thomas Woods (Burleigh Heads, Qld) progressed through to the Round of 32 before competition was called off for the day.

Steele scored a combined two wave heat total of 11.50 (out of a possible 20) advancing through his heat along with fellow Sunshine Coast surfer Josh Menger (Maroochydore, Qld – 8.75) and eliminating Luke Streader (Ballina, NSW – 7.85) and Joseph Sandercock (Lenox Head, NSW – 7.10).

Meanwhile, Woods continued his good form, posting an 11.05 (out of a possible 20) trumping Matt Gale (Werri Beach, NSW – 10.60), American Cole Moody (9.90) and Sam Schumann (Forster, NSW – 8.55) who finished second to fourth respectively.

Closer to finals day a JS Surfboards expressions session – the Tractor Big Boost will see 12 hand picked competitors (four locals, four Australians and four international competitors) compete for three  brand new custom JS surfboards, with the best placed local surfer also winning one brand new JS surfboard!

The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland, Red Bull, Vertra, Stradbroke Ferries, Stradbroke Island Holidays and Redland City Council.

Visit www.oakleyprojunior.com for news, photos and updates relating to the 2011 Oakley Pro Junior.

The Oakley Pro Junior will commence February 2 and conclude February 6.

About Oakley

Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. Their dedication drives us to look beyond the conventional ideas of industry standards. It’s in our DNA to identify problems, create inventions, and wrap those inventions in art. And simply to make things better than anyone thought possible.

Held at the primary contest site of Main Beach, competitors were welcomed to North Stradbroke Island by local Indigenous elders who performed a “Welcome to Country” ceremony.

Locally, Mitch Parkinson (Snapper Rocks, Qld) top scored in the opening Round of 128, registering a combined two-wave heat total 13.75 (out of a possible 20).

“It’s great to be on Straddy, I’ve been here plenty of times before, but this is my first time surfing in a competition on the island,” said Parkinson.

“It was good to get the better of Peterson (Crisanto), he’s a really fierce competitor so hopefully I can keep some momentum into the next round,” he said.

Exchanging blows with last weeks Burleigh Heads event champion Peterson Crisanto (Brazil), Parkinson got the better of the in from South American by less than a point, with Crisanto advancing to the next round  in second place with a combined two-wave heat total of 13.00 (out of a possible 20).

South Africa’s Dylan Lightfoot lived up to his name, with the fleet-footed competitor also impressing in the opening round heats, scoring a combined two-wave heat total of 8.85 (out of a possible 20), defeating Jake Cumberland (Kirra, Qld – 7.75) and Hamish Whillans (Burleigh Head, Qld – 5.65).

Running from February 2-6 and held in the varying breaks surrounding North Stradbroke Island, the Oakley Pro Junior is the third stop on the prestigious ASP Australasia Pro Junior Men’s tour.

Closer to finals day a JS Surfboards expressions session -the Tractor Big Boost will see 12 hand picked competitors (four locals, four Australians and four international competitors) compete for three  brand new custom  JS surfboards with the best placed local surfer also winning one brand new JS surfboard.

The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland, Red Bull, Vertra, Stradbroke Ferries, Stradbroke Island Holidays and Redland City Council.

Visit www.oakleyprojunior.com for news, photos and updates relating to the 2011 Oakley Pro Junior.

The Oakley Pro Junior will commence February 2 and conclude February 6.

About Oakley

Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. Their dedication drives us to look beyond the conventional ideas of industry standards. It’s in our DNA to identify problems, create inventions, and wrap those inventions in art. And simply to make things better than anyone thought possible.

Oakley South Pacific Sports Marketing’s Beau Emerton said “We are extremely happy to back be on North Stradbroke again and looking forward to a great week of waves,” said Emerton.

“Looks like we will be in for some testing conditions with Cyclone Yasi intensifying later in the week,” he said.

This week’s event will be spearheaded by ASP World Junior Champion Jack Freestone (Coolangatta, Qld), Thomas Woods (Burleigh Heads, Qld), Noa Deane (Coolangatta, Qld), Kai Hing (Wurtulla, Qld) and a host of internationals including the likes of Shaun Joubert (South Africa) and Caio Ibelli (Brazil).

Standing in their way will be a handful of North Stradbroke Island locals including Tim MacDonald and brothers Nathan and Logan Specht just to name a few.

The more than capable local competitors will be looking to follow in the footsteps of their hero and fellow North Stradbroke Island resident ASP World Tour competitor Bede Durbidge.

Also up for grabs is the JS Tractor Big Boost, which will see 12 hand picked competitors (four locals, four Australians and four international competitors) compete for three brand new custom JS surfboards with the best placed local surfer also winning one brand new JS surfboard.

Prior to competition on the first morning of the event, competitors will be welcomed to North Stradbroke Island by elders of the local Indigenous community who will perform a traditional “Welcome to Country” ceremony.

The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland, Red Bull, Vertra, Stradbroke Ferries, Stradbroke Island Holidays and Redland City Council.

ASP Australasia Pro Junior Men’s Ratings (after two events)
1. Peterson Crisanto (Brazil) – 3500 points
2. Thomas Woods (Burleigh Heads, Qld) – 2917 points
3. Wade Carmichael (Avoca, NSW) – 2643 points
4. Conner Coffin (USA) – 2080 points
5. Matt Banting (Port Macquarie, NSW) – 1876 points

Visit www.oakleyprojunior.com for news, photos and updates relating to the 2011 Oakley Pro Junior.

The Oakley Pro Junior will commence February 2 and conclude February 6.

Dominating both his opponents and the tricky changing conditions affected by the tides, Day 1 front-runners included South African standouts Michael February and Chad du Toit followed by inform regional ratings’ men Nico Von Rupp (Praia Grande, DEU) and Tom Cloarec (Hossegor, FRA), all unleashing their best surfing to secure a Round 4 berth.

“It’s good to get things going right on the first day and the waves were pretty fun,” current ratings’ No. 2 Tom Cloarec said. “I am taking things heat after heat and looking at another good result if possible. I hope the waves remain good enough but it’s a tough event with lots of good surfers.”

Coming from a solid series of results including an equal 3rd place finish last week in the Canary Islands, Cloarec is a favorite for the ASP European Junior title and is expecting another long day tomorrow, the battle for the title is heating-up fast as current leader Filipe Jervis (Ericeira, PRT), 20, will only start his French campaign tomorrow.

Flying the South African flag through two rounds of competition and posting the day’s highest heat score, February has made his intentions clear from the first heat netting 18.20 points (out of a possible 20) before advancing through to Round 3 easily and readying to face progressive surfer Tristan Guilbaud (Vendee, FRA) tomorrow.

“I had a pretty good run today to start with and it definitely gives good confidence,” February said. “I am focused on enjoying my surfing and these two rides I got this morning were pretty good and allowed me to go vertical and push my turns. I will now face regional top seeds so it’s a different story and won’t be easy.”

With average conditions forecast and the will to use most out of the good contestable surf on offer, event officials had to split the first rounds in two, all even number heats running up north of the Oakley Pro Junior Lacanau main site on another quality sand bank.

“It wasn’t an easy day but it was definitely the good call to save time and get the surfers out there in some good conditions,” contest director Cyril Camu said. “We are hoping the slight north winds push in the swell allowing for another good day of competition tomorrow and we’ll meet tomorrow at 8.30 AM to assess conditions with the head judge.”

With the race to the regional crown on all top seeds’ minds and the year-end overall ratings’ Top 4 being a priority to get the chance to compete at this year’s two ASP World Junior Tour events, pressure and intensity will rise fast tomorrow as the ASP Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior Lacanau will get closer to its exciting final rounds where One-to-one battles are scheduled from the Quarterfinals.

“I came today because I wasn’t sure they were going to run the whole round 3 but now I am first heat Saturday and I can’t wait to start this one,” Oakley Pro Junior defending champion Charles Martin said.

Officials have decided for an 8.30 AM check-in for remaining heats of Round 3 and the plan is to run through Rounds 4 and 5 if the surf allows it, the Oakley Girls Pro Junior scheduled to kick-off Sunday at Lacanau.

OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR LACANAU
ASP Pro Junior Grade-2 Men’s Event
ASP Pro Junior Grade-2 Women’s Event
Final Stop on the 2010 ASP European Pro Junior Men & Women Series
August 13 to 16, 2010
Lacanau Ocean – France

All news, photos, videos, results and LIVE webcast are available at www.aspeurope.com!

Wrench, who earned his ticket into the event as a last minute substitution, clinched the win and the $20,000 first-place check — a poignant outcome as he had recently lost his sponsorship. En route to the victory, Wrench ousted current World Junior Champion Kai Barger (HAW) in a Semifinal matchup and Marc Lacomare (FRA) in the Final. Alejo Muniz (BRA) was another big contender and finished equal third after being defeated by Lacomare in their Semifinal heat.

World of Adventure Sports is an action-adventure sports series airing on the NBC Sports network, hosted by Pat Parnell. The show features an array of adrenaline-inspired feats and adventurous sporting events from around the world. Anchor events are complemented by behind-the-scenes features on athletes, expeditions and the world of action-adventure sports.

The Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge is a unique specialty series launched by Oakley in 2008 to give young surfers the opportunity to compete at some of the best surfing locales around the world. After a hugely successful inaugural year, the 2009 series acquired international momentum and qualifying became a main priority for many of the world’s top juniors. For more information log onto oakleyprojunior.com.

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 Optics® (HDO®). Additional information is available at oakley.com.

Media Contacts:

Dawn Hamilton
KHPR for ASG
P: 310-295-1189
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com

Elishia Matta
ASG PR Manager
P: 949-661-5149
elishia.matta@sorc.com

Tess Weaver
Oakley Sports Marketing Media
P: 541-206-3083
tweaver@oakley.com

The action packed day culminated with Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA), 28, claiming the main event over Heath Joske (AUS), 20, and Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 19, winning the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships and the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title.

In addition, as the fifth and final stop on the first ever O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series (after completing events in Tasmania, Scotland, South Africa and Canada), the Series winner was awarded. Australian Blake Thornton claimed the staggering $50,000 prize money despite being knocked out in the Round of 96 after both Jarrad Howse (AUS) and Adam Melling (ZAF) failed to reach the points they needed to beat Thornton.

Howse was knocked out in the Round of 48 in a heat, which saw Adam Melling take victory. However needing to reach the Finals to claim the prize, Melling was ousted by his fellow ‘Lord’ from the Finals of the Cold Water Classic Scotland, Lord Luke Munro.

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic California’s ASP 6-Star PRIME status attracted some of the world’s top surfing prospects out to qualify for the 2010 ASP World Tour, who were all hungry to capitalize on the mass of points available at the premier event.

Yeomans wasted no time in the bombing surf at Steamer Lane, jumping on the scoreboard early and leading the heat throughout the entire bout against Joske. The San Clemente native capitalized on the solid surf at middle peak, dropping a 15.33 heat total, to earn the convincing win. Yeomans dominated on both his forehand and backhand to take the biggest victory of his career.

“I can’t believe it,” Yeomans said. “This is the biggest result of my career and I’m speechless. I’ve been winning 2-Stars for too long and it was time for a big 6-Star win. To have my name up there with all of the great surfers who have won this event over the years is amazing.”

Yeomans, who was sitting in the No. 27 position on the ASP WQS entering the O’Neill Cold Water Classic California, catapulted up the ratings and is currently sitting within the top 15 after his impressive performance. The win helps his cause towards qualification for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour and with two ASP 6-Star PRIME events remaining in the season, the goofy-footer will look to Hawaii to solidify his position amongst the top 45 in the world for next year.

“I’m just floating right now,” Yeomans said. “This just gets me so pumped to try and get another result in Hawaii.”

Joske, who was in devastating form throughout the event, plowed through several of the world’s top talents including former ASP World Tour surfer and current top ASP WQS competitor Luke Munro (AUS), 26, to earn the runner up finish behind Yeomans, but was unable to find a rhythm in the Final.

“I’m over the moon with the second place,” Joske said. “Nate (Yeomans) just smoked it out there, and I couldn’t even buy a wave. I was just getting flogged by eight-foot sets. I’m stoked for him and pretty happy.”

Joske, who groomed his competitive skills as a standout on the ASP Pro Junior Series, will log 3063 points on to his current rating on The Grind, helping his seed for next year’s quest for a spot on the coveted ASP Dream Tour.

“This is such a great result for me and it’s really going to help my seed for next year,” Joske said. “Hopefully I can do well in Hawaii also and give it a good shot for the World Tour next year.”

Munro earned a third place finish in the main event. The explosive Australian talent who was sitting in the No. 15 position on the ASP WQS needed the valuable ratings points on offer at the contest. The Semifinals finish will significantly help his cause towards qualification for the 2010 ASP World Tour.

“This result is really important for my year and my career,” Munro said. “I was right on the bubble for qualifying and this will bump me up a few spots. So I’m really happy to have made the Semifinals.”

Alejo Muniz (BRA), 20, who recently earned an equal third finish at the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge in Bali, also claimed an equal third place finish by upsetting current ASP World No. 3 Adriano de Souza (Guaruja Sao Paulo, BRA), 22 in the Quarterfinals, but was unable to surpass Yeomans in the Semifinals.

“The Quarterfinals was a great heat win,” Muniz said. “Adriano (de Souza) is one of my heroes and to win a heat against him was amazing.”

Local favorite Nat Young, who was the 2008 O’Neill Cold Water Classic California champion and the 2007 Oakley Pro Junior champion, won the event with amazing wave selection at his home break of Steamer Lane. Young dominated his heat to top fellow finalists Tonino Benson (HAW), 19, Dylan Goodale (HAW), 17, and Cody Thompson (Jacksonville, FL), 20.

“I’m so psyched,” Young said. “I wanted to win; I wanted to do well in this contest. I had a shocker in the WQS and it got me fired up and made me want to win.”

The victory also saw the talented goofy-footer pass Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, to take the title of 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion.

“It was in the back of my head going into this event,” Young said. “It’s great to have won the regional title at home.”

Although Young won the ASP North America Pro Junior title, he has officially qualified for the prestigious ASP World Junior Championships via the ASP WQS as the top mainland American surfer of junior age on The Grind.

“I was the only kid from Santa Cruz in the junior, so I’m stoked,” Young said. “It’s great to build momentum up for Worlds, even though it’s far away. It’s good to win this event at home with so many good guys in the draw.”

Also representing ASP North America in the ASP World Junior Championships will be stylish regular footer Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, Luke Davis (Capistrano Beach, CA), 2008 ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 20, and Brent Reilly (Carlsbad, CA), 19.

For more information, photos, videos and more, log on to www.oneill.com/cwc/california and www.oakleyprojunior.com.

Special thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2009 O’Neill Cold Water Classic and Oakley Pro Junior North American Championships: O’Neill, Oakley, Red Bull, Corralejo Tequila, SURFER and SURFING, as well as, the official hotel partner, The Dream Inn and Aquarius Restaurant, and food partner, Whole Foods Market.

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Final:

1 – Nathan Yeomans (USA) 15.33

2 – Heath Joske (AUS) 8.60

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Semifinals Results:

Heat 1: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 12.50 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.00

Heat 2: Heath Joske (AUS) 11.43 def. Luke Munro (AUS) 8.86

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Quarterfinals Results:

Heat 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.50 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 8.00

Heat 2: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 15.00 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 12.53

Heat 3: Heath Joske (AUS) 13.17 def. Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 9.10

Heat 4: Luke Munro (AUS) 9.67 def. Kieran Horn (USA) 8.46

Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships Final Results:

1 – Nat Young (USA) 15.07

2 – Tonino Benson (HAW) 7.76

3 – Cody Thompson (USA) 7.73

4 – Dylan Goodale (HAW) 7.10

Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships Semifinals Results:

Heat 1: Tonino Benson (HAW) 16.26, Cody Thompson (USA) 16.00, Conner Coffin (USA) 15.84, Luke Davis (USA) 14.40

Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 14.00, Dylan Goodale (HAW) 10.67, Dillon Perillo (USA) 10.26, Michale Dunphy (USA) 7.83

O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series Champion:

Blake Thornton: 6,688 points

Jarred Howse:   6,625 points

Adam Melling:   6,125 points

Corralejo Tequila Highest Wave Score:

Sebastian Zietz (for the only perfect 10 of the event)

Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI), 21, relied on his unbelievable above-the-lip approach to surfing to secure the day’s highest scores of a near perfect 9.77 out of 10 with three critical fins-free turns on a cranking righthander. The Hawaiian added an additional top score allowing him to clinch the event’s highest heat total of a near-perfect 18.74 out of 20 after a seesaw battle with Australian talent Yadin Nicol (Margaret River, AUS), 23.

“The waves were going off and it’s that in-between-tide where it’s not really kelpy yet,” Zietz said. “All of the guys were ripping and pretty intimidating early on. I got that first one where I kind of fell on my first turn and somehow made it happen and found my feet at the end.”

Zietz had a slow start to his Round of 48 heat, but was able to out-position fellow Hawaiian Granger Larsen (Lahaina, HI), 19, to find the waves needed to surpass Nicol to take out the heat win while advancing through to the Round of 24.

“I was kind of getting a little sneaky on Granger (Larsen) on a couple,” Zietz said. “It was tough because it looked like they were going to break on the outside, but they would fade out and wall up perfect throughout the inside. I was lucky to get those ones right under him.”

Nicol, who secured the event’s second-highest heat total of 17.73, nearly claimed the heat win, but advanced in second behind Zietz in a wave-for-wave tradeoff in the battle of the regular-footers in the stacked 25-minute matchup.

“I really only caught two waves that were good ones and made the most of them,” Nicol said. “Seabass (Sebastian Zietz) had some good ones and Granger (Larsen) had some good ones. It was really fun to get through it.”

Although Nicol finished in second, he was excited to be a part of the progressive surfing movement unfolding at Steamer Lane in today’s ideal conditions.

“It pushes your level out there when everyone’s surfing that well,” Nicol said. “You really want to just get the best waves and when the waves are good like that you can open up a little bit more and have a bit more fun with it.”

Shaun Ward (Huntington Beach, CA), claimed an impressive heat victory when he usurped a list of iconic surfers including Jordy Smith (Durban, ZAF), 21, who advanced in second, Pipeline prodigy John John Florence (North Shore, HI), 16, and legendary three-time ASP World Champion and event wildcard Tom Curren (Santa Barbara, CA), 45, in the quality Steamer Lane surf.

“It’s funny because everyone’s been talking about that heat,” Ward said. “Jordy (Smith) is one of the best surfers in the world, hands down, and Tom (Curren) is one of the best surfers of all time, and John John (Florence) is kind of the prodigy. I was kind of the underdog, but I like it.”

Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, looked hungry to win the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships when he won a stacked Quarterfinals heat at his homebreak of Steamer Lane today. Topping current ASP North America Pro Junior Series ratings leader Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, who advanced in second, he also eliminated young prodigy Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 15, and defending ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19.

“I’d love to win this contest,” Young said. “I’m pretty bummed about what happened earlier this week. I tried my hardest, but I’d like to come back to win the Junior.”

Young capitalized on his local knowledge of Steamer Lane today and crushed the increasing swell on his backhand to take out the critical heat win.

“I try to catch the ones that I know are good that I’d want to ride if I were free-surfing,” Young said. “Right now, it’s against the cliff, that’s where everybody is and there are some fun ones.”

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic California and Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships will continue tomorrow and event organizers will reconvene at 7 am at Steamer Lane for a potential 7:30 am start. For all of the LIVE action log on to www.oneill.com/cwc/california <http://www.oneill.com/cwc/california> . For additional Oakley Pro Junior information log on to www.oakleyprojunior.com <http://www.oakleyprojunior.com> .

Special thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2009 O’Neill Cold Water Classic and Oakley Pro Junior North American Championships: O’Neill, Oakley, Red Bull, Corralejo Tequila, SURFER and SURFING, as well as, the official hotel partner, The Dream Inn and Aquarius Restaurant, and food partner, Whole Foods Market.

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Round of 48 Results:
Heat 1: Joel Centeio (HAW) 17.26, Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.50, James Taipan Wood (AUS) 9.04, David Richards (ZAF) 5.40
Heat 2: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.46, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 12.13, Masatoshi Ohno (JPN) 10.26, Blake Wilson (AUS) 9.90
Heat 3: Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 18.74, Yadin Nicol (AUS) 17.73, Granger Larsen (HAW) 14.10, Kyle Knox (USA) 12.83
Heat 4: Nathan Yeomans (USA) 12.26, Marcio Farney (BRA) 10.06, Nathaniel Curran (USA) 9.70, Micah Byrne (USA) 9.60
Heat 5: Rudy Palmboom (ZAF) 12.83, Cory Lopez (USA) 11.04, Dion Atkinson (AUS) 9.17, Christophe Allary (REU) 8.97
Heat 6: Andre Silva (BRA) 12.94, Shaun Gossmann (AUS) 12.64, Jarrad Sullivan (AUS) 11.63, Darrell Goodrum (USA) 8.00
Heat 7: Jay Thompson (AUS) 12.83, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 12.77, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 11.94, Tim Reyes (USA) 7.00
Heat 8: Heath Joske (AUS) 13.30, Damien Fahrenfort (ZAF) 12.70, Brian Toth (PRI) 11.16, Mason Ho (HAW) 10.33

O’Neill Cold Water Classic California Round of 96 Results:
Heat 16: Mason Ho (HAW) 16.00, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 10.66, Dusty Payne (HAW) 9.54, Dylan Southworth (MEX) 5.66
Heat 17: Torrey Meister (HAW) 15.67, Adam Melling (AUS) 13.06, Jack Perry (AUS) 9.70, Tonino Benson (HAW) 7.10
Heat 18: Adam Robertson (AUS) 13.23, Jarrad Howse (AUS) 10.56, Chris Waring (USA) 8.25, Anthony Petruso (USA) 7.93
Heat 19: Mark Mathews (AUS) 12.73, Jesse Heilman (USA) 9.17, Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) 8.67, Gavin Gillette (HAW) 8.27
Heat 20: Dylan Graves (PRI) 13.17, Brett Simpson (USA) 12.60, Brad Ettinger (USA) 9.24, Izuki Tanaka (JPN) 3.90
Heat 21: Austin Ware (USA) 11.67, Thiago Camarao (BRA) 10.63, T.J. Barron (HAW) 9.33, Sean Holmes (ZAF) 8.40
Heat 22: Kieran Horn (USA) 13.27, Luke Munro (AUS) 12.27, Alex Gray (USA) 10.57, Eric Geiselman (USA) 5.97
Heat 23: Jean Da Silva (BRA) 11.60, Neco Padaratz (BRA) 9.87, Blake Jones (USA) 7.70, Jason Miller (USA) 5.17
Heat 24: Shaun Ward (USA) 15.77, Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.57, John John Florence (HAW) 9.93, Tom Curren (USA) 9.40

Oakley Pro Junior Quarterfinals Results:
Heat 1: Conner Coffin (USA) 14.20, Tonino Benson (HAW) 11.83, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 7.70, Andrew Doheny (USA) 4.17
Heat 2: Luke Davis (USA) 15.20, Cody Thompson (USA) 12.90, Fisher Heverly (USA) 11.60, Matt Meola (HAW) 5.93
Heat 3: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 13.60, Michael Dunphy (USA) 10.53, Evan Geiselman (USA) 9.94, Evan Thompson (USA) 5.67
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) 15.57, Dillon Perillo (USA) 13.57, Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.23, Cory Arrambide (USA) 5.60

Forecast Overview: A strong local storm has been tracking through the Northern Gulf of Alaska starting Wednesday (11/4) generating 50 kts winds and peak seas confirmed in the 40 ft range and expected to bump up to 42 ft this Friday AM. And even as this system starts to wind down, still up to 2000 nmiles of 35 kt fetch is to be aimed right at Central CA. Swell from this system has already hit the outer buoy at 5 PM Thursday with seas at 25-29 ft @ 17 secs and pure swell 21-24 ft @ 16.8 secs and holding dead solid through 8 AM Friday. This is exactly on-track with our expectations and should result in solid swell for the remainder of the contest window. There is a bit of an issue though with the swell direction. This system took a rather northerly track through the Gulf, resulting in most swell energy pushing down no further south than the 304 degree great circle path, with most energy up at 310-315 degrees. This rather extreme northern angle will limit the amount of energy available to the Lane, which in the long run maybe isn’t such a bad thing. If it were real west, the swell would be so large that a reasonable contest would not be possible. So the short story is, solid longer period swell is on the way for the remainder of the event.

On Saturday (11/7) things to get quite interesting with the arrival of the new Gulf swell. At the buoy swell of 12-14 ft @ 17 secs is expected with seas 17 ft @ 17 secs. But much less swell will make the wrap into the Lane with surf 4-6 ft overhead on the sets with maybe a few larger ones sneaking in. Wind to be light north at 5 kts early and holding till about 10 AM with glassy conditions though a distinct lump will be running through the swell. Then winds to start coming up from the northwest at 12-15 kts in the afternoon and sideshore modest chop expected outside of the point. Again a 3.5 ft tide early to actually favor the more sizeable swell coming up to 5.5 ft at 1 PM, swamping it a little but not nearly as bad as previous days, then dropping after that to 1.5 ft near sunset.

On Sunday (11/8) still solid swell from the Gulf gale is expected at 9-10 ft @ 15-16 secs early and seas to 13 ft @ 15 secs. This should result in surf of double overhead and maybe a few bigger ones with the lesser period allowing for a more effective wrap into the Lane. Winds again north at 5 kts early with a lurp running through the swell due to being generated relatively locally. Wind turning northwest near noon but not as strong as the day before, at only 10-12 kts or so adding a bit of texture and maybe light chop outside the point. Same basic tide set-up is expected with a 3.5 ft tide at sunrise slowly working up to a 5.1 ft high at 2 PM, then fading from there.

The Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships’ ASP Grade-3 status plays a crucial role in all surfers’ quests towards qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia each January, with all top campaigners looking to compile their best four results on the regional series to finish within the top three on the ratings to qualify for the prestigious event.

Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, who claimed the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships in 2007 and the O’Neill Cold Water Classic in 2008, utilized precision backhand surfing on two Waddell Creek right-handers to advance though to the Quarterfinals after suffering a disappointing early round loss in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic California yesterday.

“It was a good heat for me,” Young said. “I didn’t think my first wave was that good. I was able to get a six and a seven right away and that allowed me to relax a little. I felt in rhythm in that heat and my board was working really well.”

The local goofy-footer is currently sitting in the No. 2 position on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series ratings and is out to overtake current ratings leader Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, in front of his home crowd at the last event on the 2009 calendar.

“I want to do well here,” Young said. “To win this event would be great and I could still take the regional pro junior title if I do well enough. I won this event two years ago and then I won the ‘QS last year, so although I lost in the ‘QS, it’d be nice to win this event again.”

Perillo, who has been a finalist in each ASP North America Pro Junior Series event that he’s entered this year, has dominated the regional circuit throughout the year, but has recently suffered an ankle injury which is hindering his performance at the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships.

“In the beginning of the heat I couldn’t even hit the whitewash,” Perillo said. “I was pretty much balancing off of my front foot the whole time. My leg is shaky. It doesn’t hurt that bad anymore, it’s just weak and awkward.”

Despite the injury, Perillo displayed poise in his heat and was able to secure a spot in the Quarterfinals with a last minute seven-point ride in his Round of 32 heat. He is out to post another solid result at the critical event despite the wounded ankle.

“I’ve got to get it all back,” said Perillo. “It just takes awhile. I need the points though. I missed the other Grade-3, so I need to get a result in Santa Cruz.”

Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19, who is the defending ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion, is another competitor who is out to post a top result to secure his position for the ASP World Junior Championships in Narrabeen, Australia this January.

“I’m in one of the top transfer spots for Worlds and I want to do well here,” Arrambide said. “I’ve been working hard for this event, so hopefully the waves will get better and we’ll end up back at the Lane.”

Alejo Muniz (Santa Catarina, BRA), 20, who has been a standout in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic California, smashed the days highest heat total of a 15.27 out of 20 and felt at home in the beachbreak conditions of Waddell Creek.”

“I’m really stoked,” Muniz said. “My boards feel real good and the waves remind me of my home break. So I feel comfortable out here at the beachbreak. Hopefully I can make more heats and head back to Steamer Lane.”

The Brazilian talent is hoping to keep his momentum alive by competing in both the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships and the O’Neill Cold Water Classic California and feels surfing as many heats as possible keeps him in contest mode.

“It’s great to surf in this event because I’m still competing while the other guys on the ‘QS aren’t surfing heats today,” Muniz said. “Surfing in both the junior and the ‘QS is great because it keeps me in the contest frame of mind.”

Event organizers will reconvene at 7 am local time at Steamer Lane to make a call on the day’s schedule. For all of the LIVE O’Neill Cold Water Classic California and Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships action log on to www.oneill.com/cwc/california . For additional Oakley Pro Junior information check out www.oakleyprojunior.com

Special thanks to all of the sponsors of the 2009 O’Neill Cold Water Classic and Oakley Pro Junior North American Championships: O’Neill, Oakley, Red Bull, Corralejo Tequila, SURFER and SURFING, as well as, the official hotel partner, The Dream Inn and Aquarius Restaurant, and food partner, Whole Foods Market.

Oakley Pro Junior Round of 32 Results:
Heat 1: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 15.27, Matt Meola (HAW) 10.03, Tyler Newton (HAW) 9.86, John John Florence (HAW) 8.03
Heat 2: Andrew Doheny (USA) 13.37, Fisher Heverly (USA) 12.90, Granger Larsen (HAW) 12.00, Rob Kelly (USA) 10.60
Heat 3: Cody Thompson (USA) 12.63, Tonino Benson (HAW) 12.63, Phillip Goold (USA) 7.57, Levi Gonzales (HAW) 6.37
Heat 4: Luke Davis (USA) 9.89, Conner Coffin (USA) 9.00, Chase Wilson (USA) 8.70, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.24
Heat 5: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 11.07, Cory Arrambide (USA) 10.10, Dege O’Connell (HAW) 10.00, Jeffrey Lukasik (USA) 5.23
Heat 6: Evan Geiselman (USA) 13.07, Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.40, Oliver Kurtz (USA) 11.53, Brent Reilly (USA) 9.55
Heat 7: Nat Young (USA) 14.83, Evan Thompson (USA) 13.30, Nick Rupp (USA) 8.93, Matt Lewis-Hewitt (AUS) 8.40
Heat 8: Dillon Perillo (USA) 12.00, Michael Dunphy (USA) 11.37, Balaram Stack (USA) 10.87, Quinn McCrystal (USA) 9.20

Oakley Pro Junior Round of 48 Results:
Heat 1: Matt Meola (HAW) 12.50, Rob Kelly (USA) 9.57, Ford Archbold (USA) 6.43, Brett Barley (USA) 5.63
Heat 2: Granger Larsen (HAW) 15.00, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 14.43, Mike McCabe (USA) 11.17, Matt Pagan (USA) 3.13
Heat 3: Phillip Goold (USA) 15.17, Chase Wilson (USA) 12.00, Makai McNamara (HAW) 7.74, Taylor Thorne (USA) 6.96
Heat 4: Luke Davis (USA) 13.66, Tonino Benson (HAW) 12.67, Gabe Garcia (USA) 10.67, Nic Hernandez (USA) 5.80
Heat 5: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 13.44, Oliver Kurtz (USA) 10.27, Beyrick De Vries (ZAF) 7.73, Dane Zaun (USA) 5.27
Heat 6: Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.34, Jeffrey Lukasik (USA) 8.37, Jeronimo Vargas (BRA) 8.17, Hunter Heverly (USA) 7.37
Heat 7: Matt Lewis-Hewitt (AUS) 14.00, Quinn McCrystal (USA) 11.77, Kyle Kennelly (USA) 8.84, Tayler Brothers (USA) 6.53
Heat 8: Balaram Stack (USA) 11.06, Nick Rupp (USA) 11.00, Spencer Regan (USA) 10.43, Alex Smith (HAW) 9.16

Event Forecast:

Thursday (11/5): Swell from ET Lupit is to be drifting down with residual energy at 3 ft @ 12 secs resulting in surf about waist high at the Lane and a bit inconsistent. South winds of 5 kts is expected early and building over out waters, putting a pretty good bump on it and building through the day. That same high tide in the morning (6 ft at 11 AM ) could make sets far and few between. Tide dropping to -0.6 ft at sunset.

Friday (11/6): The first leading edge of new rumored Gulf energy is to start hitting early, building through the day with swell to 7 ft @ 12 secs mid-afternoon resulting in surf in the 5 ft range (head high) at the Lane. Calm winds early and glassy conditions forecast, with a light west flow in the afternoon and perhaps a little textured, but not bad. Swell Direction to be 290 degrees, but turning north fast.

Saturday (11/7): Assuming the models are correct, possible large north swell is to start arriving pushing 15 ft @ 16 secs, with surf double overhead plus at the Lane. Swell Direction 305+ degrees. High pressure is to be building in with wind calm early and glassy conditions, turning north 15 kts in the afternoon and chop building in over the exposed areas of the outer point. Tide building to 5.9 ft at noon should make for some solid sets in the early morning heats.

Sunday (11/8): Large north swell to continue at 13 ft @ 15 secs from 308 degrees. Surf double overhead plus early. Winds north 10 kts early and nearly clean at the Lane, then building in the afternoon with chop pushing into the bay. High tide of 5.5 ft expected at 1 PM favoring the early morning heats.