Daniel Glenn crowned Quiksilver King of the U.S. Groms

Quiksilver King of the Groms USA Qualifier

9th Street Huntington Beach, California
25 June 2012

U.S. Winner To Compete In Quiksilver ‘King of the Groms’ Global Finals In France This Fall

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 27 June, 2012 : - - Huntington Beach -- In an event that honors the old school format and gives every kid a fair chance, it’s always going to be intense and this years KOTG was nothing short of thrilling. The format was a skins event where each heat win keeps you in the game and 100 bucks richer…15 minute heats, beach start and each surfer nominates their best wave with a claim. If you get on a roll and go undefeated, you would walk away with 900 dollars and a plane ticket to France for the International KOTG Final which will be held during Quiksilver Pro France taking place this September.

The morning started off with contestable chest high surf and some great performances. From the very first heat it was Daniel Glenn who took control. He managed to dispose of two of  the top competitors early putting them out of contention before the end of the first round. Newly crowned US Amatuer Champ Kanoa Igarashi and current under 18 ISA world junior champion Kalani David put it to Glenn posting scores in the 8 range but Glenn was not to be intimidated and posted a last minute 8.83 for a frontside air reverse. Ultimately setting himself up for a 5 skin winning streak and the pole position after the first round.

Because Glen was in the first heat of round 1 this would mean he would be in heat 16 of round two (last of the day) and if someone got on a winning roll there was nothing he could do but watch. Hirota Ohara managed to get 4 skins before losing but it was Davis Freud that put on a great show. Freud won five heats back to back before eventually running out of heats to surf.

Daniel Glenn © John Salanoa

This meant he was now tied for the lead and unless Glen won the last heat there would be a surf off. In deteriorating shore break surf one of Glens competitors got off to a quick lead and left him out the back needing a 6.5.

With a few minutes to go Glen took off on a good looking wave, gave it his all and threw down the claim. He was awarded a 7.83 and the KOTG title taking home 6 fresh 100 dollar bills and a free round trip ticket for him and chaperone to France to compete with the worlds best at the Quiksilver King Of The Groms Global Championship.

An ecstatic Glen said…. “Im so excited to have won this event against such a awesome field of surfers. Growing up in FL, I always wanted to win the Quiksilver King Of The Groms and I have done that here today and now get a chance to compete and hopefully win at the Global Championships in France.  I am so stoked!!!!!!

Hirota Ohara posted the top score of the day with a 9.63 out of 10 for a huge frontside full rotation aerial. For his efforts he was also awarded $250 from DC for the most radical move of the day in addition to winning 4 skins. Other surfers to mention are Jake Marshall and Jake Davis who walked away with 3 skins and $300 richer. Brogie Panesi walked away with a $100 and a new skateboard for the best Instagram picture.

Noah Beschen © John Salanoa

Big thanks to Wahoos for feeding all the hungry groms and staff along with Freak Traction and future fins for all the giveaways. Be sure to check out the KOTG International Finals in France later this year.. 
 
www.quiksilver.com/kotg

 
Source: Quiksilver

Author: Kristen Gooding / Taylor Cotton

Tags: California, Huntington Beach, King of the Groms, Quiksilver

Events: Surfersvillage