O'Neill

Team O'Neill Stokes Out North Shore Groms
It's the North Shore season once again and what better way to kick it off then to give back to the local kids. The O'Neill team was in full force at the Haleiwa Rec Surf Night. Check out the images from last night.

Juniors Holiday Photo Shoot Images

CPSC Safety Recall
Important Safety Notice

O'NEILL BOYS' SWEATSHIRTS
Up andUnder (39202202)

O'Neill Apparel, in cooperation with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling several styles of boys' hooded, zipped sweatshirts.

The sweatshirts have a neck drawstring which poses a strangulation risk to children.

The sweatshirts were sold in children's sizes small thru extra large between 6/25/09-8/7/09. The style numbers are listed above.

CHILDREN SHOULD STOP WEARING THESE GARMENTS IMMEDIATELY

Customers can correct the safety risk by cutting and removing the neck drawstring. Customers may also return this outerwear to the point of purchase for a full refund or call O'Neill Appareltoll free at 800-662-7873 for refund details.

If you have further questions, please see a store Manager.
O'Neill Apparel, in cooperation with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling several styles of girls' hooded, zipped sweatshirts.

The sweatshirts have a neck drawstring which poses a strangulation risk to children.

Thes weatshirts were sold in children's sizes small thru extra large between 6/25/09-8/7/09. The style numbers are listed above.

CHILDREN SHOULD STOP WEARING THESE GARMENTS IMMEDIATELY

Customers can correct the safety risk by cutting and removing the neck drawstring. Customers may also return this outerwear to the point of purchase for a full refund or call O'Neill Apparel toll free at 800-662-7873 for refund details.

If you have further questions, please see a store Manager.
O'Neill Apparel, in cooperation with the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling several styles of girls' hooded, zipped sweatshirts.

The sweatshirts have a neck drawstring which poses a strangulation risk to children.

The sweatshirts were sold in children's sizes small thru extra large between 6/25/09-8/7/09. The style numbers are listed above.

CHILDREN SHOULD STOP WEARING THESE GARMENTS IMMEDIATELY

Customers can correct the safety risk by cutting and removing the neck drawstring. Customers may also return this outerwear to the point of purchase for a full refund or call O'Neill Apparel toll free at 800-662-7873 for refund details.

If you have further questions, please see a store Manager.

Nat Young Claims the Oakley Pro Junior

For the third straight year, Nat Young has stamped his dominance on a Steamer Lane event. In 2007, Young took home the Pro Junior title. Last year, he demolished the Pro field and claimed the O'Neill Cold Water Classic crown.

An early exit from the Cold Water Classic had Nat refocused on the Pro Junior title once again. With a bombing swell and talented Pro Junior field, Young showed the world that he is the man to beat in Santa Cruz. Using his local knowledge, Young picked off a few bombs at Middle Peak and bested his competition in a convincing Oakley Pro Junior Win. The Pride of the Westside reigns…

Nate Yeomans Wins the O'Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, California (Sunday, November 8, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star PRIME O'Neill Cold Water Classic California witnessed an action packed day of competition when Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA), 28, claimed the event over Heath Joske (Coffs Harbour, AUS), 20, in pumping eight foot (2.5meter) waves at Steamer Lane. Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 19, won the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships and also claimed the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title.

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 Dream 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 surf at middle peak, dropping a solid 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 fora 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 (Currumbin, 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 at the ASP 6-Star PRIME event. The explosive Australian talent was currently sitting in the No. 15 position on the ASP WQS and needed the valuable ratings points on offer at the contest to help his quest for a qualifying spot 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 (Santa Catarina, BRA), 20, 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 great heat win," Muniz said. "Adriano (de Souza) is one of my heroes and to win a heat against him was amazing."

Blake Thornton (AUS), 24, who was eliminated in the Round of 96, was also handsomely rewarded today as the first place finisher on the O'Neill Cold Water Classic series.
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 (Kona, HAW), 19, Dylan Goodale (Kauai, 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

O'Neill Wake/Surf Project

The concept was simple: Put a crew together of O'Neill's best surfers, wakeskaters, and wakeboarders. Go surfing in the morning, hit the lagoon in the afternoon and see how the experiment works out. After all, we are water brethren and it was going to be a great challenge for all who came to shred.

On the surf side we had WCT competitor Roy Powers and San Diego's finest Kyle Knox leading the charge, on the wake side we had Australia's Scotty Broome and wakeskate phenom Nick Taylor there to represent.

After a long day in the water, which included a tow at and Lagoon session, it was interesting to watch how top level athletes from different sports approach a new discipline. In the end, there was a new found respect for each other's sport, and newly formed friendships that will last a lifetime. Thanks to Scotty Broome for being the "master mind" behind the day.

Massive Swell, Incredible surfing in the OʼNeill Cold Water Classic

It was a day in which history was made at the OʼNeill Cold Water Classic California, as the massive swell that had been forecast finally hit Steamer Lane with force.

As the sets hit triple to quadruple overhead, producing the biggest conditions this competition has seen in its 12-year history, jet skis were deployed to help the surfers through the turmoil.

"This is the biggest swell weʼve seen here this season," said local surfer and OʼNeill Wetsuits Marketing Manager, Kieran Horn, who won this competition in 2003, and is now the only Santa Cruz surfer through to the quarterfinals.
In addition, the first ever OʼNeill Cold Water Classic Series winner was decided today and will be presented with the award after the finals tomorrow. Australian Blake Thornton has claimed the staggering US$50,000 prize money despite being knocked out in the round of 96 here in Santa Cruz after both Jarrad Howse and Adam Melling failed to reach the points they needed to beat Blake to the prize.
Jarrad 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, Adam was ousted by his fellow ʻLordʼ from the finals of the Cold Water Classic Scotland, Lord Luke Munro.

"I donʼt feel too guilty about knocking him out of the running for the $50,000," said Luke. "Especially after seeing what happened to Jarrad Howse today who was extremely unlucky not to make it through by the tiniest margin."
In the huge swell, it wasnʼt easy work for most of the surfers out in the water today "Iʼve had a good day, Iʼm in the quarterfinals," said Damien Fahrenfort who won his round 16 heat over OʼNeill Cold Water Classic Canada runner up Jay Thompson. "But it was a lot of work," he said. "A lot more than I am used to."
"Everyone complains when itʼs small and everyone complains when itʼs too big. But you canʼt complain about the paddling because of the skis. This is better conditions than most World Tour surfers get," said Damien.
One of those World Tour surfers, and currently world number three, Adriano De Souza, was out there battling strong in the swell to also make it through to the quarterfinals.
"It was a tough day today," said Adriano. "The conditions are pretty big - like eight to ten feet. I am stoked to make it to the quarters. Iʼm enjoying myself here in Santa Cruz."
The day kicked off in the round of 48, and the ASP WQS 6 Star Prime event took full advantage of the epic swell to move though both the rounds of 24 and 16 - even changing location midway through the round of 16 - to set up a day of finals on Sunday.
Cory Lopez, another quarterfinalist who was first to surf when the competition moved down the point to Indicators said: "There were some pretty decent waves this morning out on the point. But the swell has picked up about four to five feet bigger and it became a madhouse out the back. Tomorrow, however, looks like great conditions," he said. "I canʼt wait."
The next call for the final day of competition will be Sunday November 8th at 7.30am

Big Scores on Day 5 of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic California

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Nov. 6, 2009 - After calling a lay day for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star PRIME O'Neill Cold Water Classic California yesterday, today's action saw Steamer Lane come alive to deliver a pumping four-to-six foot swell while the event's top seeds displayed an amazing performance of progressive surfing for the local Santa Cruz crowd.
The event's ASP 6-Star PRIME status has attracted the finest pedigree of global surfing talent in search of the valuable ratings points on offer for the 2010 ASP World Tour.

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, itâ??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 oneill.com/cwc/california. For additional Oakley Pro Junior information log on towww.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.

Timmy Reyes Dominates Day 2 of the Cold Water Classic

All surfers competing in the ASP 6-Star PRIME event are looking to capitalize on the crucial ratings points on offer at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic to solidify their spot on the 2010 ASP Dream Tour before heading to Hawaii.

Timmy Reyes, who suffered a horrific knee injury, which nearly ended his career at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic in 2007, donned a singlet at Steamer Lane for the first time since the accident and absolutely dominated his heat, clinching the event's highest heat total, a 17.83 out of 20, to lead the event's top seeds into the Round of 48.

"This was my first heat back at Steamer Lane since the injury, so it's nice to have a good heat back," Reyes said. "I've been surfing here ever since the injury, I just hadn't had time to compete here because I was going to Hawaii earlier. I got a couple of nice waves in that heat; they were glassy and easy to surf. Most of the time, the Lane is a really challenging wave, but today was easy."

Reyes is fresh off of a fifth place result at the ASP World Tour event in Portugal, which marked the best result of his season, and was able to sneak up to Santa Cruz to compete at the Premier event before heading to Hawaii to wrap up the season.

"With Portugal being the last event in Europe, I figured I might as well come and do this contest," Reyes said. "It's good to support my sponsors and it's a really cool spot here and I'm stoked to be in the event again."

After spending six weeks in contest mode between France and Portugal, Reyes' competitive skills looked sharp as he dominated the Steamer Lane lineup today.
"I surfed a lot through Europe for six weeks and been around the events the whole time and it makes it easy to be in tune. I feel a little bit more in rhythm with being here at another spot close to home."

Modern Collective World Premiere
Tuesday November 3rd at Lex Deux, 1638 N Las Palmas Ave, Hollywood, CA

Jesse Hines Snaps His Leg

"Should I drive south?" It's the one question that dogs Outer Banks surfers – at least those who live in town. When it's offshore and barreling right in front of your face, why would you hop in the car for an hour? This morning, 'round 8am, Jesse Hines and local shaper Steve Head stopped, looked, and decided it was worth the drive. And apparently it was, as they arrived 'round 9:30 north of Hatteras to see overheard lefts draining down the beach. But, right now, Jesse's probably wondering if he should've stuck closer to home. (Actually, right now Jesse's probably chasing butterflies in a pain-killer haze). Because about 45 minutes later, the goofyfoot tube machine pulled deep into a solid set and came up with a broken leg — the same one he hurt on another doomed mission almost exactly 15 years ago, when he, Matt Beacham and two buddies nearly drove off the Bonner Bridge on the way home, leaving him with a still nagging hip injury. But at least he finished his session that day. This one was cut short before he even knew what happened. But here's what we do know, according to Steve's firsthand account:
"It was one of the bigger sets. And it was dredging. I actually started paddling for the same wave but he was deeper — really deep. I know he's a barrel master, but when I saw him take off, I was like, 'He'll either get the barrel of his life or get destroyed.' What's funny is he doesn't even know how it happened. He said he just felt his leg go the wrong way. But it was bad. He took it like a trooper the whole drive to the hospital. And when I left him they'd just shot him up and he was feeling better. Still, it was really humbling. I don't want to call it wrong, but the way the bulge looked it's in his leg — my stomach's still sick thinking about it."

At 3:30pm doctors were prepping Jesse for surgery.We'll keep you posted as we find out more. But you can bet he'll will be back in the water – and pulling in down south – as soon as he's able.

Psychofreak Featured in New York Times

Click on image to go to feature

JEREMY JONES DEEPER
INSPIRING NEW SNOWBOARD FILM TRAILER FROM JEREMY JONES

Sage Erickson's Three Magic Boards
See the full story on www.surfline.com

While winter is capable of bringing the rare beastly swell to the shores of Southern California, pulling out the step-up boards is rarely necessary. Chances are, if you're spending any decent amount of time in the Golden State, you'll need a flavorful selection of short, wide, fat or flat surfboards. And these are the exact elements that Cali girl Sage Erickson looks for when choosing her quiver.

Padang Earthquake Relief Appeal
Please Help SurfAid International in their relief efforts!
SurfAid has launched an Emergency Response Appeal to help the people of Padang who were hit by a huge earthquake (7.6 on the Richter scale) on Wednesday 30 September.

SurfAid has launched an Emergency Response Appeal to help the people of Padang who were hit by a huge earthquake (7.6 on the Richter scale) on Wednesday 30 September.

Our Program Director, Dr David Lange, narrowly escaped death as he fled the Ambacang Hotel, which then collapsed, killing many and trapping others.

DONATE NOW:
Any donations you can make are greatly appreciated.
www.surfaidinternational.org
In the days since Thursday 1 October, the morning after the first big earthquake near Padang, SurfAid has partnered with a church volunteer group (World Harvest IFGF) to provide any possible help for survivors in Chinatown, one of Padang's worst hit areas.

SurfAid has contributed medical supplies such as first aid kits, dehydration solutions, sutures, minor surgery kits and bandages, along with the distribution of clothes and tents from the IFGF to all poskos (coordination posts) in Chinatown and other areas with similar needs.

SurfAid is going to set up a trauma clinic with IFGF and assessment is taking place at the moment for the best, safe locations. SurfAid is in process of getting at least 20 trauma counsellors.

SurfAid target areas are: District of West Pasaman and Agam, and trauma clinics in Padang.
Padang Update from SurfAid Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Judge (Sunday 4 October 2009):

The government reports that 21,400 buildings are damaged or beyond repair. Many people are homeless or too scared to return to their homes due to fear of further earthquakes and a possible tsunami, so they are living outside in temporary shelters they have erected.

We need urgent funds to buy medical supplies, tents, tarpaulins, water and food. Our appeal is at www.surfaidinternational.org

SurfAid's Padang office survived the earthquakes and we have now re-established Internet and phones.

SurfAid:
- is helping a local clinic by looking for medical supplies for them and a hospital
- has been assigned by the UN to assess coastal areas to the north, which were heavily smashed. Three SurfAid assessment teams left for there last night (Sat 3 Oct)
- has full responsibility for the Mentawai and Telos islands (Tom Plummer's latest update on the Mentawai is below)
- will work with Mercy Corps in mainland Sumatra.

SurfAid Mentawai Program Manager Tom Plummer Reports (Saturday 3 October 2009):

Mentawai: Damage reported in three subdistricts on the islands of Siberut and Sipora include: three severely damaged houses; 106 moderately damaged. In terms of infrastructure: nine offices, six schools, two mosques, four churches and three bridges have all been classified as heavily damaged. SurfAid indicates significant impact of psychological trauma for residents who have no source of reliable information. Most of Mentawai islands do not have access to mobile phones, radio or television.

The Vice Bupati (Regent) and a local government delegation were heading to Padang on the morning of Monday 5 October to meet with the Governor.

Rapid Assessment on West Sumatra Earthquake from Agam and West Pasaman Regency

On October 4-5, 2009, three teams from SurfAid International did Rapid Assessment in two regencys, Agam and West Pasaman, West Sumatra, using the form from UNOCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Indonesia.

Two three-person teams went to West Pasaman and one team to Agam. The people interviewed were the local stakeholders – a female teacher, head of IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camps, a village leader and health staff.

The worst affected subdistricts in West Pasaman regency are:Subdistrict of KinaliSubdistrict of Luhak Nan DuoSubdistrict of Sasak Ranah Pesisir

Agam regencySubdistrict of Lubuk BasungSubdistrict of Tanjung RayaSubdistrict of Tanjung Mutiara Subdistrict of Empat Nagari

There are eight out of 21 Ayam regency subdistricts which were badly hit by the earthquake, but the other four subdistricts are being handled by another NGO (IOM).

About 60-90 per cent of houses are damaged to the extent of being uninhabitable or dangerous, while the damage to public facilities (mosque, school, health centre, market) is about 20 – 50 per cent.

Recommendation:
Based on the stakeholders interviewed, needed most for the communities in Agam and West Pasaman are:
TentsFoodDrinking waterBlanketsWater and sanitationPersonal hygiene Cooking utensilsMedicineElectricity

The communities have already received donations from the government and some NGOs but only in small amounts.

Please Support the People of Indonesia Affected by the Earthquake by Making a Donation to SurfAid Internationalwww.surfaidinternational.org

Psychofreak Named Wetsuit of the Year at SIMA Image Awards
Santa Cruz, CA. (October 5, 2009) – The Psychofreak wetsuit by O’Neill received the Surf Industry Manufacturers’ Image Award for the Wetsuit of the Year this past weekend at SIMA Surf Summit 12 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The SIMA Image Awards identify the surf industry’s most influential companies and recognize them for their efforts to advance and grow the industry.

Determined to make the warmest high performance cold water wetsuit, O’Neill introduced the revolutionary Psychofreak with XDS-Air neoprene in fall 2008. &quotAs the original wetsuit manufacturer, it is in our blood to push the evolution of the wetsuit,&quot stated John Hunter, Senior Product Designer at O’Neill Wetsuits. Unlike traditional cold water wetsuits that utilize thicker neoprene, the Psychofreak with O’Neill’s unique XDS-Air neoprene, a complex 3D structure of rubber and trapped air components, provides increased insulation similar to a double paned window, without additional thickness or restriction. &quotThe ultimate goal in designing wetsuits is to make them as warm and flexible as possible; we obviously achieved that with the Psychofreak.&quot

Chosen by fellow surf industry companies and retailers, the SIMA Image Awards are a reflection of how brands and their products are viewed within the industry, but more importantly by those selling the product to the customer. &quotI really want to thank all of our dealers for supporting O'Neill for over fifty-five years and I'm stoked our dealers and customers recognize the difference between a functional innovative wetsuit and all the imitations out there,&quot stated Pat O’Neill, CEO and President of O’Neill Wetsuits. &quotOur dealers claim O'Neill wetsuits continue to represent seventy to eighty percent of their total wetsuits sales, so I am not surprised the Psychofreak has been recognized as the top wetsuit.&quot

CLICK ON JORDY/PSYCHOFREAK IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH PSYCHOFREAK VIDEO.....

O'Neill's Darren Mushett Wins Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit

Today at Middles beach on the northwest coast of P.R. Darren Muschett (24) of Rincon won the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit event in an exciting man on man final against Carlos Cabrero (33) of San Juan. Unfortunately, a diminishing swell forced both finalist into their small wave competition repertoire. Utilizing either either luck or brilliant strategy, Muschett was able to score opening rides of 5.67 and 7.50 in the opening 5 minutes of the final, forcing Cabrero to play catch-up. The experienced Cabrero who is the 2008 defending Corona Extra Pro Surfing Circuit champion is relentless in that mode . He chipped away at mushett's lead for the remaining 25 minutes notching a wave count of ten rides to Muschett's 3.However, Cabrero's come back fell short by two points as conditions continued to deteriorate in the afternoon winds.

On the awards podium, Cabrero was gracious in defeat as he also took away the $500.00 coppertone "Best Performance" award for his third round heat total of 16.54 (out of a possible 20). Muschett was genuinely pleased and mentioned that the new wider surfboard he was riding gave him good maneuverability in the small (1meter) conditions.
Placing equal third were Leslie Bursian (22) of San Juan and returning veteran Fernando Álvarez (33) of Caguas who surfed brilliantly in a long delayed return to competition to bring home $500and 730 pts for the rankings.

In all 48 athletes contested the men's division, dominated by the local Puerto Rican surfers. High finished among the mainland contingent was David Halloway of Jacksonville, Florida who fell victim to Leslie Bursian in the quarter finals.
On the women's side of the competition Idalys "Lilac"Alvarado took her first career APSPR victory over her fellow puerto rican finalist Liselie Gonzalez in a nail-biting final that saw the lead see-saw back and forth between the two for the full 30 minutes final, indeed, Gonzalez used all of her 12 wave allistment finishing her last ride with only one minute remaining, but falling short by arazor-thin margin of .07 points. When announcer Jorge González comfirmed that the victory belonged to Alvarado she displayed her girlish enthusiasm in the water and returned to shore and the greetings of dozens of her cheering supporters. Alvarado had already survived a squeaker in the semi-final against the highest placing mainland female,Maria Kuzmovich (23) of Daytona Beach, Florida. Also placing equal 3rdveteran island pro, Liza Caban (16) of Aguadilla, PR.

The winner of the $500.00 Coppertone "Best Performance" for the mujeres was Leslie Gonzalez The points totals for the 2009 middles event add up to the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit championship to be decided at Domes in March 2010.

SEB TOOTS WINS FREESTYLE.BERLIN
October 13 2009, Berlin, Germany - Sixteen year old Seb Toots won the freestyle.berlin on the weekend with a perfect backside 1080 double cork – showing just why he is currently TTR World Tour number one.

"I am super excited to win," said Seb "There were a lot of good ridersthere so it means a lot to me. It's like a dream to come out first."
The Canadian beat an impressive lineup at the big air contest in its first year in Berlin, taking victory over Eero Ettala and current TTR World Champ Peetu Piiroinen with his backside 1080 double cork. And he made it look easy. "I think the hard part about a backside 1080 double cork is learning it," said Seb. "It's always scary to try the first time, but once you can control it, it's a great trick."

His first place comes right after finishing second at the freestyle.ch a few weeks ago.

"Peetu and Eero are really good riders and you never know what they are gonna throw in the contest," said Seb. "Eero got first place at freestyle.ch, and I got second so I am really stoked to be first this time with this good line up of riders."

CONGRATUALTIONS SEB!

Generation Next: Angela Urmanita Wins!

Rosary High School's, Angela Urmanita, takes the 2009 Generation Next crown. After months of hard work and dedication, Angela wowed the crowd with her original dress and hand bag combo. For her efforts, Angela was rewarded with a $4,000 scholarship compliments of O'Neill and Teen Vogue. Check out the Generation Next event section to view the event images and video.

Seb Toots got 2nd at Freestyle.ch Big Air

Seb Toots has continued his onslaught of the season – coming second at the freestyle.ch in Zurich over the weekend.
The 16-year-old Canadian snowboarder who currently sits top of the TTR World Snowboard Tour ranking list, pulled off a Rodeo 5 and Back 1000 Double Cork to come second behind Eero Ettala.
And this is only the start of the season. Expect big things this year from the young star.

Meet O'Neill wakeskater Grant Roberts
O'Neill's Grant Roberts has been moving up the wakeskate ranks in the last couple of years. Check out the interview via Alliancewake.com

The rumors of Grant Roberts first started circulating thanks toNor-Cal-based photographer Rodrigo Donoso. "There's this kid I shoot with, he rides like George," Rod would tell people. While anyone will admit, those are some big shoes to fill, when Grant showed up at the Toe Jam a couple years back, it was quickly apparent, this kid's got it. Grant is a solid rider who pops big and clean in true Nor Cal style, and can hold his own behind just about anything. It hasn't taken him long to make a mark on the wakeskate world,and now as a member of the Obscura team, he is ready to truly break out. And yes Grant, that's what she said.

AWS: How did you get into wakeskating?
Grant: I started wakeskating when I realized I was a horrible wakeboarder, haha. Nah I got a skate before a family trip to shasta and started riding that and never went back to the straps.

AWS: What's the scene like in Nor Cal?
Grant: Umm, it's getting there. It used to have a pretty cool wake scene,then some of the wrong people started trying to run things out there. But the wakeskate scene has blown up in the last few years. At the first Norcal Convergence wakeskate event there was like ten people now were up to 60 or 70 I think.

AWS: Is it hard to live in Cali and be a pro wakeskater?
Grant: It's not bad. I got one of my best friends, Rodrigo, who is also an amazing photographer living out there so that helps out a lot. I also got some good buds who are always down to film and build rails whenever. They're awesome.

AWS: You tried out Orlando last summer, why did you end up moving back?
Grant: Orlando was cool and I think at some point I'll do the move again fora few months or so, but I just felt like there was nothing to do out there if you weren't wakeskating. I ate an insane amount of food when I lived there though that's for sure. California is just to perfect when it's warm.

AWS: How do you like riding for Obscura?
Grant: Riding for Obscura is like a dream come true. Having guys like Danny Hampson and Aaron Reed behind you telling you to stick a trick is pretty motivating. They have been taking really good care of me too, it's been awesome.

AWS: What's the best advice Aaron Reed has given you?
Grant: Be a sponge Grant. Soak up everything you can learn. He's gonna be sostoked I remembered that.

AWS: Who's hazing is tougher, Aaron or Danny?
Grant: Not gonna comment on that. Might get hazed worse from one or the other.

AWS: What is your most challenging responsibility as a member of the Obscura team?
Grant: I can't say its too challenging. Helping Aaron in the kitchen and holding my appetite at winch spots can be pretty difficult though.
AWS: I read on the blogs you got to go to Australia. How did that come about?

Grant: That was actually really random. I woke up one morning with an email saying trip to Australia for a wakeskater sent to the whole team and pretty much first one to respond goes. Danny was hurt and was nice enough to let me go even though he responded back first. Then next thing I know I'm on a flight to Australia the next week. So insane I couldn't believe it was happening 'til I was on the plane.

AWS: What was Australia like? Heard you may have met the love of your life, any truth?
Grant: Australia was awesome. Those dudes out there are so rad. Always down to go ride and do whatever, pretty much. They took me to go see kangaroos and some aussie food. Riding out there was awesome, they had a sick cable park,Sunshine Cable Sports, that was stocked full of rails. They also had a couple cool rivers I got taken out to ride. And yeah love of my life for sure, haha.She was way cooler than I was so I was pretty stoked we hung out a bit out there.

AWS: Any plans to go back?
Grant: I'm actually planning on going back for a couple months end of October. Hang out with Kallas down there and do some cable riding. And the love of my life of course.

AWS: Anywhere else you'd like to go but haven't been yet?
Grant: I would really like to go to New Zealand or the Phillipines. I just remember watching those events Red Bull put on down in NZ and the scenery looked so bad ass down there.

AWS: How was your trip to the Daily Habit? Did they know what wakeskating was?
Grant: Haha, yeah they knew what it was and they were stoked on it. The surfers were all about it too, so it was cool seeing them respect it. But it went good, I had been awake for like 32 hours so I was just super out of it and didn't seem to awkward for once.

AWS: I often hear you compared to George Daniels. Is that hard to live up to?
Grant: I've heard that a couple times, but George is George. He did so much for the sport and is still pushing it, so I can't put myself in the same category as him. I looked up to him a lot coming up.

AWS: You definitely seem to like big spins? Why is that, a throwback to Danny Hampson?
Grant: The big spin is Danny's. Like he said, that trick is going on his tombstone and he can do them whatever way he wants. I just do them cause I will fall on other stuff haha.

AWS: What's one thing about being a pro wakeskater you don't think people realize? Care to crush any dreams?
Grant: It doesn't get you girls. Pick up straps for that.

AWS: If you could trade skill sets with any person in the world, who would it be and why?
Grant: Probably Dane Reynolds. He shreds on a surfboard and that's seriously something I would love to be able to.

AWS: What about in wakeskating? Who do you most look up to?
Grant: I got 4 people I really look up to. I started out by looking up to Danny and Aaron, and then the new guys like Nick Taylor and Andy Pastura I look up to a lot.

AWS: How often do you ride? Is it hard to keep it up?
Grant: That's what she said hahahaha. In Orlando I was riding a lot but I feel like since I've been home it's been slowing down a lot. Hopefully 4-5times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. It definitely gets hard to keep it when it starts cooling off and you're just trying to get the stoke to get out from the blankets drive an hour and do the whole wetsuit cold thing.

AWS: What do you like to do besides wakeskating?
Grant: I definitely like to surf quite a bit. Not very good at it, but I would like to think one day I might be alright, haha. Eating and sleeping are great as well.

AWS: Tell me one thing about yourself you think no one knows.
Grant: I didn't start growing chest hair till this year. Pretty stoked on that and I don't tell many people.

AWS: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Grant: That's a good question.

AWS: Anyone you'd like to thank?
Grant: My Mom for sure as well as my Dad. My best friends Ben, Chet, Rodrigo and Nicky T. Aaron and Danny and all the guys at Liquid Force/Obscura. Prefontaine and Moody at O'Neill, Straight line and DVS. My brother and sister, and anybody else who has helped me out.

Generation Next: St. Joseph's High Represents
St. Joseph's High School represented today! The entire campus showed up to support Lauren Alvarez and her Generation Next bid. Be sure to check out the LIVE webcast on O'Neill's Facebook page. http://apps.facebook.com/oneilllive/

Generation Next: Rosary High Shows Their Support
Rosary High School shows up in full force to support Generation Next finalist Angela Urmanita

Generation Next: Let the Games Begin at El Modena High
O'Neill and Teen Vogue visit El Modena High School in support of Generation Next finalist Kari Filardo.

O'Neill Press Hit in the Fall Issue of Antenna

Antenna: Fall Issue

O'Neill takes over Lakewood High
O'Neill visits Lakewood High School to support Generation Next finalist Lori Ke

Tamayo Perry is: Locked Up Abroad
Tamayo Perry, locking in some serious shack time in West Australia!

Tamayo Perry, locking in some serious shack time in West Australia!

2009 Surfer Poll Results

O'Neill Team win recap at Surfer Poll:
Jordy Smith - #9 Ranking
Jordy Smith - Web Clip of the Year - Rodeo Clown
Cory Lopez - Best Barrel (5'5" x 19 1/4" Redux)

Mark Mathews surfing inside Ours

Mark Mathews inside Ours with a hand-held video camera.
Awesome footage!

Ian Walsh on the Weather Channel with Al Roker
Ian Walsh talks about storm chasing, rip currents and why most hurricanes are named with male names

Ian Walsh breaks down swell chasing with Al Roker

Seb Toots (O'Neill) and Charles Reid share the title of 2009 Stylewars Stair Masters in Australia
Size Does Matter: Stylewars goes big with Two Champions crowned Stair Masters in Rail Jam

Former 2009 Stair Master Sebastien Toutant and Charles Reid (both from Quebec) were riding as though "they were battling for their lives" and in the end, it was both riders who claimed the title of Stylewars Stair Master, sharing the prize money between them.

After a mind-blowing display of tricks including every single variation possible of a gap-to-270 down the kink rail, first place was just too difficult to score.

Mel Simmons was the head judge and said, "This was probably the hardest judging I have ever done, ever. And I have done a lot of contests."

Simmons has eight years experience in judging and has been traveling internationally judging on the TTR World Snowboard Tour for four years.

"I can quite easily say that it was some of the toughest head-to-head judging that I have ever had to session.

"I would have preferred to nail it down to three hits (in a battle-style format) but unfortunately due to time constraints, it just wasn't going to happen.

"The riding was just so outstanding it was ridiculous. It was just too damn tight to call, Charles and Seb had absolutely everything on lock. And at the end of the day, we just can't let one of them walk away with the title.

"It was a unanimous decision between the judges and event organisers, and we are happy with the outcome."

Season is starting strong for Seb. See details of his latest victory at the Burton New Zealand Open here: "http://www.oneill.com/#/men/americacanada/news/64231.sebastien_toutant_can_won_burton_nz_open_slopestyle/"

O'Neill Press Hits in Summer Issue of WAD

WAD: Summer Issue

Ian Walsh Scores the Cover of The Surfer's Journal Summer '09

The Surfer's Journal Summer '09 Issue

Tune in to see Ian Walsh on FUEL's Daily Habit

Ian Walsh on the Daily Habit set
"Tune In"

Allan Cooke, Ian Walsh and musical guest Nebula
Featured On "The Daily Habit" Friday August 21, 2009

Airing Friday, August 21 at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (6:00 pm Pacific Time) and telecast three additional times, DC riders Allan Cooke, Ian Walsh as well as musical guest Nebula will appear on "The Daily Habit."

Today, we catch up with one of BMX's true ambassadors, Allan Cooke. Plus, he's usually out tackling the heaviest waves on the planet, but today pro surfer Ian Walsh hits the Habit. Also, we take a ride to outer space when the band Nebula performs on the Snickers Sound Stage.

Allan Cooke's sponsors include: DC, Haro, Rockstar and Bell. Ian Walsh's sponsors include: Red Bull,Lost, O'Neill, Dakine and Boost Mobile.

"The Daily Habit"is FUEL TV's first original daily series, telecast weeknights at 9:00pm ET(6:00pm PT) while re-airing later in the evening at 12:00am ET (9:00pm PT), and the following weekday at 2:30pm ET (11:30am PT) and 5:30pm ET (2:30 pm PT). "TheDaily Habit" encompasses the world of the action sports enthusiast, mixing the best in pop culture with today's top action sports personalities, cutting-edge music, product reviews, and comedy.

About FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the action sports lifestyle network for skateboarding, snowboarding,surfing, BMX, freestyle-motocross, and wakeboarding. A unit of Fox Cable Networks, FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in 30-million U.S.homes. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

The Hyperfreak Campaign

Timmy Reyes chases a South Swell to Mexico!

Check out this latest mind blowing footage of Timmy Reyes during one of the biggest south swells to rock the Pacific Coast in the last several years. Some wondered where Timmy was during all the action. Truth be told, he vanished down to old Mexico to score killer Puerto Escondido and the points down below. It's safe to say, he scored big time!

Men's Fall Photo Shoot Images
Images from the O'Neill Hawaii Fall Photo Shoot

Men's Fall Photo Shoot Images

Press hit from the August Issue of GQ
How to Get Fit Like Big Wave Rider Ian Walsh

GQ: August Issue

Sebastien TOUTANT (CAN) WON BURTON NZ OPEN SLOPESTYLE
and takes the lead of the new TTR tour 09-10
French Canadians Sebastien Toutant and Charles Reid clinched the top two spots in men’s semifinals

Toutant taking the top spot by wowing the judges with his signature "Toutsie Roll," a backside doublecork 1080 melon.

Reid couldn't stick his run in the finals, dropping him to the back of the pack, but Torstein Horgmo (NOR) threw down in his third and final run with back to back 1080s, giving him an edge and finishing second.

Eric Willet (USA) stuck back-to-back 900s and had smooth style on the rails, giving him an edge and riding away with third. But in the end, Sebastien recreated his winning run from semis by starting off with a backside 270 on the first rail to 50/50 backside 360 on the second rail, into a backside rodeo 540 indy, into a Cab 900 stalefish, followed by a backside 1080 double cork melon, followed by a noseslide on the uprail to alleyoop backside 50/50 on the quarter, finishing with a frontside boardslide on the kinked rail.

"I'm so stoked to win my first contest of the year," said Toutant. "It was a great course, very different. I had fun trying new things and am so happy to do well."
Check his (sick) winning run on : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwQQVmNGO94

Generation NEXT Day 3 Video

Malia Manuel Wins US Open Pro Junior
Sage Erickson Finishes Runner Up

Local Courtney Conlogue Wins Hurley U.S. Open, Malia Manuel Finishes Runner-Up

Manuel Takes Nike 6.0 Pro Junior

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Saturday, July 25, 2009) – Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana, CA), 15, won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Hurley U.S. Open today over defending event champion Malia Manuel (Wailua, HI), 15, who claimed the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior, in a high-scoring Final in six-to-eight foot (2 metre) surf today at South Huntington Beach Pier.

Surfers competing at the prestigious Hurley U.S. Open event are battling for the important ratings points on offer towards qualification for the ASP World Tour.

Conlogue won the hard-fought battle over the young Hawaiian with huge backside blasts on the steep lefthanders in the Final to log a 9.00 and an 8.17 in her score line, placing the defending champion in a combination situation. Each of the impressive scores earned by the Huntington Beach local were awarded with one single maneuver, allowing her to take out her first major ASP WQS victory.

"I'm pretty much speechless," Conlogue said. "Malia (Manuel), she's an amazing surfer and to win that heat was to die for. I want to thank Malia for putting on a good Final with me. I'm so stoked to have had that Final with her. I was just going out there and having fun and that's what I've been doing this whole contest and it ended up working out. I'm going to try and carry that throughout all of my contests this year."
Malia Manuel put on a banner performance throughout the entire Hurley U.S. Open, and claimed the U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior en route to her runner-up ASP WQS finish. Manuel's Final berth was no easy feat, as she defeated reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (Tweed Heads, AUS), 21, in the women's main event.

"I'm so over the moon even to make it to the final day," Manuel said. "It was great out there. Courtney is an amazing athlete and she was the deserving heat winner."

Manuel took out her U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior title in dramatic fashion when she nabbed a last-minute wave to overtake the win over Sage Erickson (Ojai, CA), 18, who finished in second, defeating fellow finalists Cannelle Bulard (REU), who finished in third and current ASP World Tour rookie Coco Ho (Sunset Beach, HI), 18, who finished fourth.

"I'm glad I had the Pro Junior to fall back on," Manuel said. "Surfing against Coco (Ho) was great and Sage (Erickson) almost had it in the bag and some miraculous wave came and I got to pick it up and got a score. I'm just happy to be here today and surf in both finals."

The young regular-footer is now ready to start gaining more ASP WQS experience to eventually make a push towards qualification for the ASP Women's World Tour.

"I think it's time to put my foot through the door and do a couple of WQS events," Manuel said. "I'm in no rush, I'm only 15, so I'm just going to get some experience going on and hope for the best and hopefully in a couple of years I'll be doing what Coco (Ho) and Steph (Gilmore) are doing right now."

Men's Hurley U.S. Open competition started the day off today and witnessed reining nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), 37, blast a perfect 10-point-ride with a committing backside barrel to continue his campaign as the frontrunner of Hurley U.S. Open action. The Floridian Champion followed up the score with an 8.50 to notch the highest heat total of ASP WQS 6-Star competition for the second consecutive day.

"I'm stoked," Slater said. "There are big, huge, walled close-outs, but there are a few corners out there. The tide is coming in and it's not as hollow as this morning, there were probably a few barrels out there. That first one I got was so big, it just barreled. I started grabbing rail as I was going down the face, and doing a slow, long bottom turn, trying to brush off some speed. I was thinking, did I dork this, because for I second I didn't think it was going to barrel. Then it started to pitch. I was starting to think I would look really silly trying to grab rail mid-face on a wave that didn't barrel. I was hoping I could get out of it and get a hit, but it was just too quick."

Tomorrow will conclude Hurley U.S. Open action and will crown men's ASP WQS and U.S. Open Nike 6.0 Pro Junior Champions by day's end.

For tomorrow's LIVE Hurley U.S. Open action log on towww.usopenofsurfing.com

For additional ASP information check out www.aspworldtour.com orwww.aspnorthamerica.org

Women's Hurley U.S. Open Final Results:
1 – Courtney Conlogue (USA) 17.17
2 – Malia Manuel (HAW) 12.67

Women's Hurley U.S. Open Semifinals Results:
SF 1: Malia Manuel (HAW) 11,17 def Laura Enever (AUS) 6.27
SF 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA) 11.33 def. Carissa Moore (HAW) 7.47

Janne Korpi starts his comeback from injury
After eight months out Janne anticipating return in New Zealand

On January 10 2009, Janne Korpi looked set for the season of his career. Sitting second on the TTR World Rankings he had just taken out the O'Neill Evolution slopestyle… in convincing and outstanding style. And he was looking like he would do the same on the quarterpipe. However a bad fall broke his shinbone and put him out for the rest of the season.
Now heading to New Zealand in August for his first time back on a board in eight months, Janne Korpi stopped by the O'Neill office for a quick update.

Tell us about the injury
"It was the quarterfinals against Risto Mattila and I landed on the flat and then something bad happened. I felt something break, but I didn't realise it was as bad as it was. It wasn't so painful so I didn't think it was too bad. Plus I watched the video of it recently and it didn't look as bad as it was at all."

How long does it take to heal?
"I needed two months total rest. For one month I just sat in my house watching Friends. I went a little crazy. Then I had to start a lot of gym training to get the muscle strength back. My leg was so small after two months of doing nothing."

When do you get back on your board?
"Two weeks will be the fist time I strap my board on. I'm going to New Zealand in August. I am not sure if I will compete or not – it depends how my leg is. I'm still a bit worried about how it feels to snowboard after eight months off. The most important bit is that I can ride again. That is my biggest goal for the season – to get back on the snow again. Only then will I start thinking about competitions and everything. The Olympics is the biggest contest in the world and I would love to go there, but there are also more contests."

KEEP UPDATED ON JANNE'S PROGRESS ON HIS TEAM PAGE

MARK MATHEWS SCORES THE BIGGEST BARREL OF HIS LIFE
O'Neill big wave surfer Mark Mathews 20km off the coast of WA

O'Neill surfer Mark Mathews has scored one of the biggest and heaviest barrels ever ridden – in shark infested waters some 20km off the coast of Western Australia.
The 26 year old from Maroubra in Sydney waited about six hours in order to get this incredible 15 second ride.

"It had been really slow all day and I hadn't had any good ones," said Mark. "Then this mountain came roaring out from the horizon I got goose bumps all over as soon as I saw it. I looked up at Hippo (Ryan Hipwood) who was on the jet ski and he didn't even smile he just said "this thing's huge."

"There was so much water sucking off the reef. I just kept my eyes right in front of me and hoped the corner of the barrel wasn't about to lip me in the head."

Trying to describe the sensation, Mark said: "Big barrels like that feel like they are alive. They suck all the air inside. That's what surfers mean when they say they felt the wave take a breath."

"You feel like you're surrounded by the whole ocean. The air has nowhere left to go and just gets spat out into the channel, taking you with it. This is the feeling that keeps coming back over and over and over again."

"This one can be topped," said Mark. "It's the thrill of the chase that keeps me going."

TANNER GUDAUSKAS WINS MR PRICE PRO BALLITO
Tanner now 6th on the ASP World Qualifying Series

Sunday July 5, 2009 – Just hours after celebrating both his 21st birthday and American Independence Day (both on 4 July), Tanner Gudauskas (California, USA) celebrated the biggest victory of his professional surfing career, taking out the ASP WQS 6-Star Mr Price Pro Ballito, today.

Gudauskas defeated Australian James Taipan Wood (Aus) rocketing to World No. 6 on the ASP World Qualifying Series and pocketing R159 000 (US$20 000) as well as 2500 ASP WQS ratings points.

"I just can't believe it, this is a personal best for me!" said Gudauskas. "Every night this week I've been going to bed dreaming about winning this contest and putting myself up there where Pat (Tanner's brother and WQS No. 10 Patrick Gudauskas) was at, and it came through today so I'm fired up!"

Attacking the 30-minute final with unprecedented determination, Gudauskas rode every lump of swell, snatching an early heat lead with a 6.83 (out of 10.00) for some clean backhand turns, riding out in an explosion of whitewater off his final maneuver.

While his opponent Wood opted to play the patience game catching his first wave at the 11 minute mark, Gudauskas projected fast out of his top turns, maintaining speed and power in the wind affected waves to score a 6.67 and further extend his lead over the Australian, who was left looking for a 7.67.

"I just got into this mindset that when the surf got worse I was going to get better and as the tide came up and it got less consistent, I just got more fired up and more pissed off," said Gudauskas. "It's crazy because I can hardly remember half of it now but my priority exchange worked out and it all came together and I'm just super fired up!"

Cloaked in stars and stripes, of the American flag, an emotional Gudauskas was chaired up the beach by his older brother Dane and quarterfinalist Dylan Graves (Pri), surrounded by a sea of adoring fans and media crew all wanting a piece of the newly crowned champ.

"When I came out of the water and saw my brothers and some of my friends all standing on the beach cheering for me I was almost in tears," said Gudauskas. "We have a really strong crew from America right now and we're all pushing as hard as we can to bust down the door and make the ASP World Tour and I think this year could be the year."

Guduaskas is now the highest rated American surfer on the WQS tour, surpassing both WQS No. 7 Brett Simpson and his older brother WQS No. 10 Patrick Gudauskas.

BLAKE THORNTON WINS THE O’NEILL COLD WATER CLASSIC SOUTH AFRICA
EPIC CONDITIONS FOR THE FINAL AT KALK BAY

THE MOST NORTHERN, THE MOST SOUTHERN, THE WILDEST, THE COLDEST & THE MOST CLASSIC SURF CONTEST ON THE PLANET
Blake Thornton, the 24 year old from Maroubra, Sydney, surfed the perfect final in epic Cape Town conditions to knock out local favourite Royden Bryson, and take victory at the O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa.

"I am so excited to win this," said Blake. "Royden fell on his wave at the end. I think maybe the cold was getting to us," he said shivering in his wetsuit. "I am sorry for him, but so glad I won."

In victory, Blake lifted the CWC South Africa trophy – a replica shark's jaw – high above his head on the shoreline at Kalk Bay.

"Thankfully this is a fake jaw," said Blake. "Hopefully I won't see any real ones. There was actually a seal swimming around out there with us in the final," he said. "Everyone knows that sharks love seals, but actually in a heat you're only worried about what's going on in the heat."

After a lay day yesterday which saw everyone hiding away from the storms, conditions came together perfectly on the eastern side of the Cape with offshore winds and a solid six-foot swell.

The barreling left hand reef break of Kalk Bay provided the dream final day for the first professional surfing event in Cape Town in 21 years - the 4 Star ASP WQS O'Neill CWC South Africa.

And local Cape Town surfer Royden Bryson almost provided the dream local ending. "From the water I could hear everyone supporting me – shouting and honking their horns on the beach," said Royden. "I don't think I've ever had support like that in a contest. It was amazing."

"I wish I hadn't folded on that last wave, but what can you do," he said. "I will kick myself for about half an hour and then it will be good."

Although eager to win the trophy, Royden hadn't been too keen on the idea of displaying the shark's jaw. "There would be no way I would want to see that thing before I went in for a surf!" he said.

The anticipation of Kalk Bay working for the final day had been building all week, so when contest director Matt Wilson made the call to start at 11am with man-on-man heats, the surfers were ready.

"It was a good decision to have man-on-man heats out there," said semi-finalist Jarrad Howse. "There would have been too much hassling if you had four man heats."

Jarrad was one of the standout performances of the day – actually looking like he was having a lot of fun as he pulled into barrel after barrel on his backhand.

The shock of the day was the early departure of World Tour star and event ambassador, Jordy Smith – knocked out by Glenn Hall in the round of 16.

And the wave of the day came from the eventual winner who pulled into an awesome barrel to score the highest wave score of the competition – a 9.6.

"My first heat was a shocker, I just wasn't understanding the wave," said Blake. "I think in the next heat I was a bit more relaxed and just pulled into that wave and it worked out."

The O'Neill Cold Water Classic South Africa had been billed as the 'wildest event in professional surfing'. Over the past week it more than lived up to its name.

"O'Neill took a risk to hold an event here in Cape Town in the middle of winter," said Royden. "There can be some pretty huge out of control storms down here."

With howling winds, huge rain squalls, and cold winter temperatures both in the water and out – there were definitely some out of control storms.

And although the sheltered east coast of the Cape provided a sanctuary, it was still quintessential Cold Water Classic conditions.

"I was cold all day," said Blake. "I think it is the adrenaline that kept me going. I cannot wait for a hot shower and a few beers. But that's part of the whole series – battling the elements."

And it's not going to get any warmer; next stop on the CWC Series - the freezing colds of Vancouver Island, Canada in October.

Nick Taylor Video
Check out our Wakeskate team rider Nick Taylor doing what he does best.

"When We Own The Mic"
Artist: 40 love
Album: Advantage
Visit the Band @ www.myspace.com/40lovehiphop

Lowers Highlights
Check out all the O'Neill team riders during the WQS Six Star Prime held at
really good Lowers. Stand out Tanner Gudauskas was on fire reaching the
Quarter finals as well as Nat Young who surfed deep into the event to round
six and made the semi's in the Pro Junior with over four 9.00 rides!

Malia Manuel Wins VQS Hillbilly Stomp
Ian Crane Gets 2nd

O'Neill Rider Malia Manuel takes top honors at the VQS Hill Billy Stomp held this past weekend at Newport's 54th street. She outshined the competition in the fun 3-5' surf by surfing fast, loose, and progressive. She was able to secure the victory in solid fashion by snapping, slicing, and demolishing every wave she rode.
"The event had fun waves and a great atmosphere. I am pretty stoked right now," says winner Malia Manuel.

She should be stoked because with her win she earned a boat load of prizes and $4,000.00 US dollars and the title as the Champion of Mountain Mommas! This is another big victory after last year's US Open win and will prove to be a nice confidence builder before the NSSA Nationals coming up in June.
Coming in second was Lauren Sweeny who also put on a solid display of power hacks and lip bashes that was good for $1,500.00, and following up was fellow team mate and Newport Beach resident and PacSun USASurf team member Kaleigh Gilchrist who finished 3rd. It was a powerful finish for O'Neill in the women's division, in fact it was Hill Billy domination.
Other big results were newest team member Ian Crane's 2nd place in the 16 and under division where he collected $2,000.00 big bucks and prizes equal to it. He was on point all event posting big scores in every heat and really applied some great rail surfing to achieve this big result.

In the honorable mention category Maui Surfer Matt Meola placed fourth in the Airshow and hucked the biggest backside air reverse and the crowd went nuts! Unfortunately the judges deemed that he didn't ride through it. But none-the-less he was still awarded the "Move of The Day" for an air he landed the prior day and he had the crowd stoked on his performance through out the event.

Congratulations to all competitors!

Mountain Mommas (Girls)

1. Malia Manuel
2. Lauren Sweeney
3. Kaleigh Gilchrist
4. Demi Boelsterli

Porch Babies (Groms)

1. Ezekiel Lau
2. Ian Crane
3. Ian Gentil
4. Kolohe Andino

Grasshoppers (Air Show)
1. Torrey Meister
2. Killian Garland
3. Gavin Beschen
4. Matt Meola

Electric Bolt Thrower Move Of The Day Award:
Matt Meola

O'Neill launches the Cold Water Classic Series 2009
THE MOST NORTHERN, THE MOST SOUTHERN, THE WILDEST, THE COLDEST & THE MOST CLASSIC SURF CONTEST ON THE PLANET

Pushing boundaries, delving into the unexplored with a sense of adventure and innovation that defines O’Neill – this is the Cold Water Classic Series launching in 2009.

FIVE events exploring the edges of the world over four continents.
FIVE challenging, quality waves all in extreme and not to mention cold conditions.
FIVE 6-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) events in rugged and unique locations in the depths of nature.

Building on the iconic event in Santa Cruz, and the much lauded Highland Open in Scotland, O’Neill has added events in Tasmania, South Africa and Canada to make the O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series a huge and much welcomed addition to the world of surfing.

"We wanted to provide a unique and challenging experience for the world’s best surfers," says O’Neill’s Global Event Manager, Bernhard Ritzer. "The Cold Water Classic series is the perfect extension of our existing events – it remains true to our spirit of innovation and adventure, pushing the boundaries, and exploring the limits. The CWC Series events will take us to incredible and unique locations around the world, where we will let the cold know that we’re not afraid."

Kicking off in March 2009, the Series will first travel to Tasmania for the most Southern event within professional surfing. The island state 240km off mainland Australia boasts big powerful surf and a variety of world class reef and beach breaks in a rugged and challenging environment, with an average water temperature of 13 degrees in March.

"Tasmania is pretty much as wild as it gets," says Australian WQS competitor Jarrad Howse. "It offers the more adventurous a surfing experience like no other in Australia. I love the reefs in Tassie - usually really hollow, and magnets for any swell. It’s a cold, rugged, beautiful place that deserves an event."
In May, the CWC Series will head to Scotland for the popular Highland Open event, providing world class reef breaks in the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands at Thurso East and Brims Ness.

Cape Town will host the third event on the CWC Series in June. With powerful swells sweeping into the peninsula, the event will no doubt take full advantage of the mobile format of each of the events on the Series in order to find the optimum waves available.

The coldest surf contest on the planet follows as the CWC Series heads up to Nova Scotia in Canada in October. This will be the first professional ASP surf event ever held in Canada. Known more for its snow than its surf, Canada’s wild and rugged shoreline actually offers a huge variety of pointbreaks, reefs and beachbreaks that can work on a wide combination of winds and swells. Fog, snow, freezing temperatures and ice-cold water add to the extremity of this event.

The Cold Water Classic Series will end up at the iconic Cold Water Classic event in Santa Cruz in November – Northern California’s premier professional surfing event since 1987. Now upgraded to a 6-Star WQS event, the Nor Cal event will be where the 2009 CWC Champion will be crowned.

ASP International CEO, Brodie Carr believes the introduction of the Cold Water Classic Series will have a significant and positive impact on the WQS; "The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Series represents an exciting and unique addition to the ASP World Tour Calendar. The established events of Scotland and Santa Cruz are already hugely popular with the surfers and the addition of the high rated events in Canada, Tasmania and South Africa really broadens and supports not only this series, but the WQS as a whole."

The CWC Series will be officially launched during the Cold Water Classic event from 21-26 October 2008 in Santa Cruz, California. More information about the Series will be released at this time.

Timmy Reyes makes quarters at Haleiwa
The result has now put him into position to have a strong possiblity to win the Triple Crown
California Timmy Reyes surfed through 4 rounds at the Reef Haleiwa Pro and has now jumped out for contention of a Triple Crown victory. Along with fellow Huntington resident they were the highest placing mainland surfers in the prestigious event. Timmy's run ended in the quarters with a wave starved heat, but despite the loss the result has now put him into position to have a strong possiblity to win the Triple Crown. Timmy has perforned well at both Sunset and Pipeine and is looking forward to ending the year on a strong note.

The waiting period for the O'Neill World Cup at Sunset Beach starts today so go to aspworldtour.com or oneill.com for latest information.

Nat Young Wins Cold Water Classic
Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA) won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 4-Star O’Neill Cold Water Classic in great four-to-six foot surf in front of his home crowd at Steamer Lane. Young defeated fellow finalists Chris Waring (Seal Beach, CA), 21, Granger Larsen (Lahaina, HI), 18, and Sean Moody (North Shore, HI), 25, and reclaimed the O’Neill Cold Water Classic title for the Santa Cruz locals in a close Final.

The ASP WQS offers valuable ratings points towards qualification for the ASP World Tour. Each surfer looks to earn a top 15 position on the ASP WQS by year’s end in order to qualify for the ASP Dream Tour for the following year.

Young came out on top after a nail-biting Final against his fellow competitors. The Steamer Lane local displayed some of the best backside surfing throughout the event and continued his amazing form to claim the O’Neill Cold Water Classic win.

“I’m super excited,” Young said. “I lost in the junior’s and just wanted to do good in this. Just making the Final in this was good, and to win it…”

Young’s Final berth came after a long day of competition. The goofy-footer won both his Quarterfinals and Semifinals heats in the last few minutes of each heat on the way to his event victory. Young ousted fellow Santa Cruz locals Jason Collins (Santa Cruz, CA), 34, and Randy Bonds (Santa Cruz, CA), 31, in his Semifinals heat, taking top honors over his local idols.

“It’s been a long day,” Young said. “I’ve been in my wetsuit since about 7 a.m. and I squeaked through a couple of heats and made the Final and everyone was surfing so good.”

Young also finished second on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and will go to Australia to represent America at the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. Young is looking forward to his first experience at the contest in Narrabeen, Australia.

“It’s my first time in that contest, so I’m excited,” Young said. “There’s a bunch of good guys there and it’s going to be a great learning experience.

Larsen, who finished third, caught a wave in the last few seconds of the Final and could have potentially stolen the lead from Young. Unfortunately for Larsen, he did not find the score needed to take the win, but still was happy with his first ASP WQS Final appearance.

“This is my first WQS Final so I’m really psyched right now,” Larsen said. “I’m just stoked to be in the Final and I’m super psyched, just over the moon.”

Larsen ousted local standout Bud Freitas (Santa Cruz, CA), 24, with an impressive performance in his Semifinals heat. Freitas had been unstoppable up until the Semifinals, earning some of the event’s highest scores, but Larsen notched the score needed in the last few minutes of his heat to end the local’s chances at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic title.

“My board was working good on those medium sized ones, and those are the best waves that come in,” Larsen said. “I had one that was a full horseshoe that was coming at me and I was able to hit it at the end.”

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic also marked the final event on the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series, an ASP specialty series, which offered an additional $ 15,000 prize purse to the series winner. Micah Byrne (Huntington Beach, CA), 27, claimed this year’s Trifecta title and $ 10,000 paycheck by advancing into the Semifinals.

“I’m so stoked,” Byrne said. “I knew I had a lot of ground to make up in the beginning because of Asher (Nolan), and Kieran (Horn) is almost guaranteed a Final here every time, so I wasn’t stressed until the last day or two. I couldn’t even sleep last night.”

Asher Nolan (Jacksonville, FL), 30, with an equal 33rd finish in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic came in second on the Trifecta to pocket $ 3,500. Nate Yeomans (San Clemente, CA) who didn’t compete in the event, finished third and garnered $ 1,500 in the final Trifecta standings thanks to a strong performance at Lower Trestles and the win at the Oakley Newport Beach Pro.

Complete results, images and video highlights available at www.coldwaterclassic.net .

Special thanks to the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, Oakley Pro Junior and Macy’s CA Trifecta supporting sponsors: O’Neill, Oakley, Macy’s, Red Bull, Coors, Fosters, Palm, SURFER Magazine, SURFING Magazine, WaveWatch.com and FUEL TV. For more information on the Macy's California Trifecta Surf Series visit www.catrifecta.com .

O’Neill Cold Water Classic Results:
Final:
1 – Nat Young (USA) 13.87
2 – Chris Waring (USA) 13.84
3 – Granger Larsen (HAW) 12.93
4 – Sean Moody (HAW) 11.94

Semifinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Granger Larsen (HAW) 13.87, Chris Waring (USA) 13.84, Micah Byrne (USA) 13.36, Bud Freitas (USA) 6.80
Heat 2: Nat Young (USA) 12.67, Sean Moody (USA) 12.43, Randy Bonds (USA) 11.00, Jason Collins (USA) 7.60

Quarterfinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Micah Byrne (USA) 10.77, Granger Larsen (HAW) 9.37, David Gonsalves (HAW) 7.50, Mason Ho (HAW) 7.34
Heat 2: Bud Freitas (USA) 13.50, Chris Waring (USA) 11.50, Chad Compton (USA) 10.40, Blake Howard (USA) 7.24
Heat 3: Jason Collins (USA) 14.66, Randy Bonds (USA) 11.16, Matt King (USA) 8.10, Kyle Garson (USA) 7.34
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA) 14.67, Sean Moody (HAW) 10.80, Shaun Ward (USA) 10.34, Cory Lopez (USA) 7.70

Macy’s CA Trifecta WQS Results:
1 – Micah Byrne (Huntington Beach, CA) $ 10,000
2 – Asher Nolan (Jacksonville, FL) $ 3,500
3 – Nate Yeomans (San Clemente, CA) $ 1,500

MASON HO CLAIMS OAKLEY PRO JUNIOR ASP NORTH AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIPS;
SEBASTIAN ZIETZ TAKES MACY’S CA TRIFECTA

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct 26, 2008 – Mason Ho (North Shore, HI), 20, won the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships, an ASP Grade-3 event, in four-to-six foot surf at Santa Cruz’s coveted Steamer Lane this afternoon by posting the highest heat total of the event, a near perfect 19.10 out of a possible 20, leaving fellow finalists Jayke Sharp (Coffs Harbor, AUS), 19, Fisher Heverly (Emerald Isle, NC), 17, and Bruno Rodrigues (Huntington Beach, CA), 20, in a combination situation.

All ASP North America Pro Junior competitors have been working throughout the year to compile their top six results out of the 10 events on the series in hopes of finishing in the top five overall. The top five surfers earn a berth into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. This year’s top five surfers Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19, who claimed the ASP North America Pro Junior title, Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), 15, Travis Beckmann (Vero Beach, FL), 20, and Blake Jones (Melbourne, FL), 20, will represent North America against the world’s finest junior competitors in Narrabeen, Australia, where each surfer will have a chance to claim the title of ASP World Junior Champion.

Ho proved to be the Oakley Pro Junior competitor to beat, jumping out to an early lead in the pumping Steamer Lane surf. The young Hawaiian earned the top honors with an explosive variety of maneuvers, earning a near perfect score.

“It just feels good to know that hard work pays off,” Ho said. “The reward is great and it’s just cool to win one.”

Ho was thrilled to claim a win in the pumping surf. Despite the cold water, Ho felt right at home at Steamer Lane, stating that the Lane reminded him of Sunset, his home break in Hawaii.

“My Uncle helped me with my heats and my board was just really good,” Ho said. “My board is pretty beat up, but the waves were just so good. It kind of reminds me of my home break, Sunset. It’s so sick. I’m so stoked.”

Sharp proved why he is rated fourth on the ASP Australasia pro junior series with an impressive performance at this year’s Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships. Sharp was one to watch throughout the event, but could not top the near-flawless performance displayed by Ho.

“It’s good to come over here and see how I do,” Sharp said. “I just got a little bit stuck out there and got caught up in the hassling out there and I didn’t really get any good waves, but good job to Mason.”

Although Sharp’s result does not affect the ASP Pro Junior ratings, Sharp will surf against the top North Americans in this year’s Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. The regular-footer made a visit to the states, stamping a lasting impression on his fellow competitor’s minds with his performance here at Santa Cruz.

“I’m looking forward to World’s,” Sharp said. “I’m hoping that Mason (Ho) can qualify through Hawaii so that we can have a rematch.

Rodrigues needed to win the event in order to qualify for the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships, but could not advance past the amazing surfing by Ho and finished in third. Pagan, who also was a standout in the event, finished in a respectable fourth place overall.

Tanner Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 20, who did not compete in the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships, will accompany the top five ASP North America Pro Junior surfers in Narrabeen via the ASP WQS. Gudauskas was the top ASP WQS competitor of junior age from America, earning him a berth into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships again this year.

The contest also marks the last of three events held in the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series (an ASP North America Specialty Series), which offers an additional ,000 prize purse to its top three finishers. Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI), 20, claimed the top honors and ,000 in this year’s series despite his equal 25th place finish at Steamer Lane. Zietz won the Oakley Pro Junior at Lower Trestles and placed seventh at the Oakley Pro Junior in Newport Beach, which proved enough to claim the added prize purse for the junior division.

“Being down here today at the contest, I knew there was a rare chance for me to win the Trifecta,” Zietz said. “Everybody who needed to win just one more heat ended up losing and I just got really lucky. I’m super stoked though, party tonight.”

Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA) pocketed $ 1,000 for second place on the Macy’s CA Trifecta and Fisher Heverly snagged ,000 for third after finishing equal fifth in Santa Cruz.

This event marks the Final contest on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series and the top six surfers mentioned above will surf in January in Narrabeen, Australia against the world’s best junior competitors.

The Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships in Santa Cruz marks the last of 10 events held on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, with six of the surfers top 10 results added up throughout the year to determine each competitors rating. The top five surfers at year’s end earn their spot to compete in the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia each January.

Complete results, images and video highlights are available at www.coldwaterclassic.net

Special thanks to the O’Neill Cold Water Classic, Oakley Pro Junior and Macy’s CA Trifecta supporting sponsors: O’Neill, Oakley, Macy’s, Red Bull, Coors, Fosters, Palm, SURFER Magazine, SURFING Magazine, WaveWatch.com and FUEL TV. For more information on the Macy's California Trifecta Surf Series visit www.catrifecta.com .

Oakley Pro Junior ASP North American Championship Results
Final:
1 - Mason Ho (HAW) 19.10
2 - Jayke Sharp (AUS) 11.47
3 - Bruno Rodrigues (USA) 11.00
4 - Matt Pagan (USA) 6.67

Semifinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Mason Ho (HAW) 12.53, Bruno Rodrigues (USA) 11.83, Cody Thompson (USA) 9.33, Luke Davis (USA) 7.77
Heat 2: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 13.84, Matt Pagan (USA) 9.93, Fisher Heverly (USA) 7.03, Austin Smith-Ford (USA) 5.87

Quarterfinals: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 3: Austin Smith-Ford (USA) 10.94, Fisher Heverly (USA) 9.50, Nat Young (USA) 9.47, Gabe Garcia (USA) 8.73
Heat 4: Jayke Sharp (AUS) 16.37, Matt Pagan (USA) 10.84, Heath Joske (USA) 10.70, Michael Dunphy (USA) 6.17

Macy’s CA Trifecta Oakley Pro Junior Results
1 – Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI) $ 7,000
2 – Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA) $ 2,000
3 – Fisher Heverly (Emerald Isle, NC) $ 1,000

Nicolien Hosang Signs with O'Neill
from Groningen

Nicolien signs with O'Neill. YAY!