Dawson & Kling claim Bud Light Lime Labor Day Cup

Podium celebration © Bud Light Lime Surf Series / Monica Rodriguez

Bud Light Lime Surf Series Labor Day Cup

ASP North America Specialty Event
Jennette's Pier, North Carolina
1 - 3 September 2011

Gabe Kling and Leah Dawson Cash In On the Outer Banks

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 September, 2012 : - - Fellow Floridians Gabe Kling and Leah Dawson hoisted the 'Winner Winner Chicken Dinner' trophies and claimed victories at the Bud Light Lime Surf Series (BLLSS) OBX Labor Day Cup at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC.

With thousands of people on the beach and occasional chest- to head-high sets, the contest finals showcased spectacular surfing from Dylan Goodale and Michael Dunphy as well as a perfect 10 from Blake Jones. But Kling’s powerful backhanded turns netted scores of 9.5 and 8.83 and propelled him to victory. Kling earned $5,000 for the win and a spot in the Bud Light Lime Expression Session Showcase that will take place at the Hurley Pro, Sept. 16 – 22, in San Clemente, Calif.

As a last-minute replacement in the event, Dawson had to borrow equipment to compete, riding 10 different boards in the contest. Dawson, also a world-renowned longboarder, posted a 9 in the first round and flowed through the finals with style, grace and energy to generate a combined total of 13.50 and take the $2,200 first-place check. Jenna Balester finished second, Keala Kennelly third and Amy Nichol took fourth.

Gabe Kling © Bud Light Lime Surf Series / Monica Rodriguez

BLLSS OBX Labor Day Cup Awards
Athlete Corn Hole Tournament: Ricky Whitlock & Cheyne Magnusson
Prize: $500

Best Mustache: Torrey Meister
Prize: $100 Gift certificate to Coastal Edge and Beer Stein

Men’s Trials Winner: Mike Powell
Prize: $500

Locals Expression Session: Lucas Rogers
Prize: $500

Men’s Outstanding Performance in the Soft Top Round: Jensen Callaway
Prize: $500 and Beer Stein

Women’s Outstanding Performance in the Soft Top Round: Leah Dawson
Prize: $250 and Beer Stein

Highest Single Wave Score: Blake Jones
Prize: $500 and Beer Stein

Fin-S Sickest Maneuver of the Men’s Finals: Blake Jones
Prize: Custom Fin-S surfboard

Hurley Pro Bud Light Lime Expression Session Wild Card: Aaron Cormican
Prize: Slot into the Bud Light Lime Expression Session Showcase

Owned and produced by IMG, The BLLSS integrates an eclectic pool of athletes comprised of contest pros, legends, local pros and video stars vying for more than $125,000 in total prize purse and coveted spots in the Hurley Pro Bud Light Lime Showcase Expression Session. Sponsors of the OBX Labor Day Cup include Fin-S, Smith Optics, Coastal Edge and the Mauli Ola Foundation. Video highlights from the event will post on Surfline.com on September 6, 10, 14 and 24.