Quantum leap for Junior surfing in Hawaii

ASP Updates

North Shore Surf Shop Pipe Pro sets benchmark for Junior events in Hawaii

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 20 March, 2013 : - - The North Shore Surf Shop Pipe Pro Junior wrapped up at Pipeline last week and a new breed of surfers took the pro junior standard to a whole new level at the infamous break. The Junior men's was won by Kalani David (HI), and the Junior women's champion was Tatiana Webb (HI).

Kalani David won the 2nd annual Pipeline Pro Junior in a tightly contested final.  Koa Smith from Kauai came second overall, peaking with a perfect 10 point ride in the semi finals. Carlos Munoz from Costa Rica placed 3rd, posting a 10 in the early rounds of the contest. Nathan Florence was a break out performer finishing 4th in the final. He had some incredible rides and wipeouts during the event showing that he will be one to contend with in the future.

The Junior women also had the opportunity to compete at Pipeline and Tatiana Webb took full advantage showing that she has tube riding skills and big moves on her way to the win. Tatiana scored a 9 point ride on a long barrel in the semis and took that momentum straight to the final. Briana Cope finished 2nd, Dax McGill 3rd and Bailey Nagy 4th.

The girls put on a great performance showing they have the desire and the skill to surf Pipe. Another highlight of the event was the North Shore Surf Shop crew of mega groms who paddled out in massive Pipeline conditions.  Their ages ranged from 12 to 13 and their weight ranged from 65 to 100 pounds. Watching them paddle out at 2nd reef Pipe was truly amazing.

Makana Pang led the charge getting a nice little barrel and almost upsetting Junior super star Parker Coffin. Barron Mamiya, Finn McGill, Noah Beschen and Wyatt McHale all paddled out in their heats and got waves in the treacherous conditions showing incredible courage and a hunger to compete.

Over the course of the two day event, waves ranged from a manageable six feet, to scary second reef,  providing the ultimate proving ground for the Juniors. Event highlights also included performances by Luke Shepardson (multiple Backdoor barrels in one heat posting a 19 point total); Josh Moniz (getting shacked at Pipe and Backdoor); Landon McNamara , Kuakini Cassidy and Ulu Boy Napehai, who also had scored standout barrels.

Skip Mucullough and Myles Toner from California made names for themselves charging the whole event and making the semi's and quarters respectively. Colt Ward from San Clemente also had a good showing making the Quarter Final's.

With the recent completion of two major Pro Junior events at Sunset Beach and Pipeline, a new standard is being set for the future of Junior Surfing. These events will serve as the ultimate training ground in preparing the next generation of aspiring professional surfers for the A.S.P World Tour. With continued support from sponsors the plan is to grow these events and others to form a strong Pro Junior tour for the next generation to use as a springboard into professional surfing.

www.asphawaii.org

Source: ASP

Author: The Editors

Tags: Hawaii, North Shore Surf Shop Pipe Pro Junior, Pipeline

ASP: Surfersvillage