Wilson on a backside re-entry, Southside Huntington Beach, California
from the official press release:
Huntington Beach, CA, June 30, 2008 – Julian Wilson (Coolum, AUS) proved to be the form surfer of the day, claiming victory at the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s Surfboards, in improved two-to-three foot peaky conditions over Stuart Kennedy (Lennox Head AUS), Chris Salisbury (Newport, AUS) and Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA).
This ASP Grade-4 Pro Junior event was the first in the nation’s history, offering more ratings points than any other event and providing a crucial venue for surfers looking to qualify for the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
Wilson wasted no time in the final, acquiring two solid scores in the opening minutes to put his fellow finalists on the ropes. His performance topped off a flawless run of competition, which saw him win every heat he surfed in from Round 1.
“This win feels really good,” Wilson said. “I’ve never had a good result here, and I thought if I came here and did this event it would be good experience for the US Open, and it’s worked out well that I came here early. I’m pumped for the US Open, and I can’t wait for it.”
Wilson was a standout throughout the event’s entirety, winning a total of seven heats over the stack of international talent. The young Australian posted the event’s highest total heat score of a near perfect 18.35 out of possible 20 points in his Quarterfinal heat against current ASP North American Pro Junior Series ratings leader Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), Hawaiian standout Kai Barger (Haiku, HI) and San Diegan Brent Reilly (Carlsbad, CA).
“The waves have gotten a lot better,” Wilson said. “I think there’s still a bit of tide on it, but it’s really clean, and there are more fun peaks, and not so many closeouts, and it’s not too hard to get a score out here today.”
Kennedy, who is current No. 1 on the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series, finished second behind Wilson, proving that his ASP Pro Junior talents extend well beyond Australia.
“The waves ended up getting fun,” Kennedy said. “Julian (Wilson) was surfing unreal, but it’s good to come here and get some money, and a good result.”
Salisbury, who also won each of his heats en route to a Finals berth, rounded out three of the four Australians who surfed from Round 1 into the Finals. The progressive natural-footer, who is currently rated No. 8 on the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series, is using this event to stay fresh for his domestic ASP Pro Junior Series.
“We’re (the Australians) all going really well so far,” Salisbury said. “We’re all pretty pumped to get over here because this is our off season in Australia, and we’re all looking forward to keeping the ball rolling and continue doing contests, and it’s good that we’re all over here.”
Doheny was the last North American surfer standing against the overseas onslaught, and the young natural-footer put in a good effort against the domineering Australians in the Final.
“I’m super stoked because this is the best result of my life so far,” Doheny said. “I’m stoked to be the only guy from the United States in the Final.”
This ASP Grade-4 Pro Junior result will launch Doheny forward in the ASP North America Pro Junior ratings from the 15th to 4th, increasing his chances for qualification into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships.
For more Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Pro Junior pres. by Jack’s action log onto www.nike6pierpressure.com.
The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s is supported by Nike 6.0, Jack’s Surfboards, Hurley, Red Bull, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine and WaveWatch.com. Look for complete event details, a live webcast, daily updates, online giveaway and results at nike6pierpressure.com.
Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure pres. by Jack’s Surfboards Results
Final
1- Julian Wilson (AUS) 16.10, $3,500, 1,500 pts.
2- Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 15.50, $2,200, 1,290 pts.
3- Chris Salisbury (AUS) 12.25, $1,800, 1,095 pts.
4- Andrew Doheny (USA) 8.50, $1,300, 1,005 pts.
*Image shot with the Pentax K20d and Pentax DA* 300 f4
