Asing battled through the tough conditions on offer at South Huntington Beach Pier this afternoon, blasting strong outside turns on the set-waves, and managed to work his way through the infamous reform, finishing each wave with strong maneuvers.

“There weren’t too many waves, but I just tried to wait my turn and get the best waves I could,” Asing said. “Luckily it worked out.”
Asing, who was a finalist at the ASP Grade-3 Arnette Pro Junior last month, earned his first ASP Pro Junior victory of the year, cementing him as the top Hawaiian in the regional ratings.

“I’m really happy with my results this year,” Asing said. “I’m getting on a roll this year and I just want to keep it going.”

Asing’s victory was almost cut short. The talented regular-footer earned his Final berth with a last-minute effort to advance out of his Semifinals heat, which proved to be crucial in his Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure victory.

“I’m so excited,” Asing said. “I never thought I’d make the Final, but I just kept chipping away and did what I had to make the Final. I was a little bit frustrated, there were no waves, and I knew there had to be one wave. Everyone had low scores and I knew I could get what I needed to advance. I just did what I had to do to make that heat.”

Perillo overtook the lead early in the Final with two massive fins-free forehand turns on a Pier bowl right which earned him a seven-point-score, but was unable to find a backup wave to overtake Asing for the win and finished runner up at the premier event.

The impressive result by the stylish regular-footer marks his third Final appearance of the 2009 ASP North America Pro Junior Series season. After missing the Arnette Pro Junior due to unfortunate circumstances, Perillo has now been a finalist in every event he’s entered this year.

“This result will help me because I finished above everyone that was ahead of me on the ratings,” Perillo said. “It’s good to have made the Final in each event so far. I’m hoping I can do well again at the U.S. Open.”

Thompson was a top performer throughout the event, but was unable to find a rhythm in the Final, finishing third overall. The Floridian talent was thrilled to capitalize on the heightened points available at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure.

“I’m super stoked to have made the Final in a Grade-4,” Thompson said. “It’s hands down the biggest event of the whole year, and to make this Final, you’re guaranteed to walk away with so many points. To make the Final in this event, it’s really hard. There are so many good guys and I never thought I would have made it.”

The explosive east-coaster utilized his familiarity of the small mushy conditions on offer in Huntington reminiscent of his home in Florida to earn the crucial result while topping standout performers such as defending ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19, on the way to his crucial result.

“These conditions remind me of home,” Thompson said. “It’s small and mushy and it’s really a dogfight for waves out there. There are not many waves and everyone is scratching for them when they come. I guess I’m pretty used to it, the small waves and the bumpiness, but it’s hard for everyone. No matter how good you are it’s really hard.”

Wilson also turned heads on the way to his fourth place finish. The Newport Beach local earned his first ASP Pro Junior Final at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure, significantly helping his cause on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series after a Semifinals finish at the ASP Grade-3 Arnette Pro Junior last month.

“This is my first Pro Junior Final ever and it’s a Grade-4, so I’m so stoked,” Wilson said. “I made the Semifinals in Newport and now I’m in the Final so this is really going to help my rating. Hopefully I’m up there now.”

Check out www.nike6pierpressure.com for video hightlights, images, complete results and more.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s appreciates support from sponsors Nike 6.0, Jack’s Surfboards, Hurley, Surfer Magazine, WaveWatch.com, and Surfing Magazine.

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Final Results:
1- Keanu Asing (HAW) 13.00
2- Dillon Perillo (USA) 11.00
3- Evan Thompson (USA) 10.20
4- Chase Wilson (USA) 9.50

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Semifinals Results: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Chase Wilson (USA) 11.25, Keanu Asing (HAW) 10.25, Phillip Goold (USA) 8.65, Chase Wilson (USA) 8.15
Heat 2: Evan Thompson (USA) 9.75, Dillon Perillo (USA) 9.30, Luke Davis (USA) 8.25, Cory Arrambide (USA) 7.25

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Quarterfinals Results: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Nat Young (USA) 12.35, Chase Wilson (USA) 10.75, Michael Dunphy (USA) 10.65, Kolohe Andino (USA) 10.25
Heat 2: Phillip Goold (USA) 10.30, Keanu Asing (HAW) 8.80, Kai Barger (HAW) 7.90, Hunter Heverly (USA) 4.60
Heat 3: Luke Davis (USA) 13.40, Dillon Perillo (USA) 12.75, Cody Thompson (USA) 12.25, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.30
Heat 4: Cory Arrambide (USA) 14.50, Evan Thompson (USA) 10.45, Evan Geiselman (USA) 10.45, Tyler Newton (HAW) 7.85

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 32 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Chase Wilson (USA) 13.50, Michael Dunphy (USA) 10.40, Andrew Doheny (USA) 8.85, Dylan Goodale (AUS) 8.75
Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.50, Nat Young (USA) 12.00, Fisher Heverly (USA) 11.10, Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 10.65
Heat 3: Keanu Asing (HAW) 13.25, Hunter Heverly (USA) 6.65, Brent Reilly (USA) 6.48, Levi Gonzales (HAW) 5.60
Heat 4: Kai Barger (HAW) 12.75, Phillip Goold (USA) 10.40, Ian Gentil (HAW) 10.10, Riley Metcalf (USA) 7.50
Heat 5: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 14.50, Luke Davis (USA) 13.25, Gabe Garcia (USA) 9.00, Spencer Regan (USA) 7.75
Heat 6: Cody Thompson (USA) 14.75, Dillon Perillo (USA) 12.50, Nick Rupp (USA) 11.50, Albee Layer (HAW) 7.50
Heat 7: Cory Arrambide (USA) 13.85, Evan Thompson (USA) 11.70, Matt Pagan (USA) 9.95, Oliver Kurtz (USA) 9.35
Heat 8: Tyler Newton (HAW) 11.65, Evan Geiselman (USA) 9.35, Dege OConnell (USA) 7.95, Rob Kelly (USA) 7.75

The major points on offer (2,500 for first, 2,150 for second, 1,825 for third and 1,675 for fourth) make the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure the most critical stop on North American surfers’ campaigns for qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia. The $20,000 prize purse is further incentive for both domestic and international surfers.

Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 15, coming off of a amateur national championship, continued his roll winning two heats today over the tough international competition at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure despite the drastic change in conditions from his low-tide morning heat to his high tide afternoon heat which had a gusty north wind. Andino’s combined heat totals of 16.50 and 15.40, both out of 20, saw him advance into the Round of 32 where he will face the event’s top seeds.
“I’m stoked to have two good heats out here,” Andino said. “Each heat gets harder and even though the conditions are worse overall, when you get a good one, I think they’re actually better. They’re bigger and fuller on the higher tide and this morning it was pretty dead on the low tide.”

The young San Clemente standout is hoping he can carry his early round momentum through to the Round of 32, where he has struggled to advance in the past.

“Every contest I do, I have a good Round of 64 and Round of 48 heat and then I lose in the Round of 32,” Andino said. “Hopefully I can put together a good heat tomorrow and break that Round of 32. I have a tough heat in the morning, but hopefully it goes well.”

Chase Wilson (Newport Beach, CA), 18, also turned heads on the opening day of competition matching the day’s highest single wave score of a 9.25 in his Round of 48 heat which saw him advance through to the Round of 32.

“Early on in the heat I got a couple of scores, but I fell on the inside,” Wilson said. “Luckily I got that one at the end that allowed me to do a couple of good turns and I got the 9.”

Wilson utilized his familiarity of Huntington Beach to advance through his heat.

“I live in Newport and I’ve been surfing here the last few days in the afternoons to get used to these conditions,” Wilson said. “I’m used to this kind of surf.”

Oliver Kurtz (Vero Beach, FL), 18, issued the day’s upset when he ousted 2007 ASP World Junior runner-up Tonino Benson (Kona, HI), 18, while claiming his Round of 48 heat win in the tough afternoon conditions.

“That was a really tough heat,” Kurtz said. “The waves were just horrible and I usually don’t do well in heats like that, but there’s just nothing you can do about the conditions. Either way, it’s good to get through the round, especially against a guy like Tonino (Benson).

Tomorrow’s Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure action will begin at 8 a.m. with the debut of the event’s top seeds in the Round of 32 including reigning ASP World Junior Champion Kai Barger (Haiku, HI), 19. This event is only Barger’s second Pro Junior since winning the World Junior Championships; his first was at the Oakley Pro Junior Global Challenge USA Qualifier at Lower Trestles, which he won. He will be looking to continue his winning streak against other top seeds such as ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Cory Arrambide (Ventura, CA), 19, current ASP North America Pro Junior Series ratings leader Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), 16, explosive goofy-footer Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, and Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19. The second and final day of competition will conclude at 2 p.m. with the awards ceremony immediately following.

Check out www.nike6pierpressure.com for a LIVE webcast hosted by industry icons Dave Stanfield, Peter Mel and Pat O’Connell featuring a high-quality stream filmed with HD cameras, complete daily surfing action, blow-by-blow live scoring, on-air giveaways, and drop ins by special surprise guests.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s appreciates support from sponsors Nike 6.0, Jack’s Surfboards, Hurley, Surfer Magazine, WaveWatch.com, and Surfing Magazine.

WaveWatch.com Forecast for Monday, June 29, 2009

High pressure will hold over the west keeping the marine layer a little shallower on Monday. This will bring low clouds and patchy fog mainly during the morning, then hazy sunshine, and a general sea-breeze pattern with moderate west winds for the afternoon hours. A couple of very small South Pacific swells en route that fill in Monday will provide some slightly bigger waves from Sunday’s sets. Overall, waves will still be on the small side, so the morning tide will be most favorable, particularly the push towards a fairly fat high tide over the afternoon. Only minimal cross up is expected from the west, so it should include more peaky lines with the group of small South Pacific swells in the mix.
Swell: New very low S (180) and SW (220) are gradually increasing. The three SPAC swells: the old S (180), the new S (180), and SW (220) and tiny W wakes (from nearby offshore waters), give broken or peaky lines for occasional “ramps”.
Surf Height: 2-3 occasional 4ft (scale in 12″ feet). The larger sets are more common during optimal mid-late morning tide push.
Winds: Light and variable early: mostly clean. W wind 10-15kt peaking mid-afternoon: bumpy. Tidal influence: Rising tide early am through early afternoon offers the best tidal picture - cleanest conditions and best consistency. The 5ft tide after 4pm makes another difficult predicament for heats surrounding that period. Waves will likely still be on the inside bar, with the occasionally larger sets breaking mushy and lumpy on the outside.

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 48 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Chase Wilson (USA) 15.75, Sean Joubert (ZAF) 10.85, Mike McCabe (USA) 7.15, Quinn McCrystal (USA) 7.10
Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.40, Dylan Goodale (HAW) 6.75, Tayler Brothers (USA) 2.25, Brent Savage (AUS) 0.00
Heat 3: Hunter Heverly (USA) 12.75, Phillip Goold (USA) 10.25, Kyle Galtes (HAW) 8.00, Makai McNamara (HAW) 5.10
Heat 4: Ian Gentil (HAW) 10.00, Levi Gonzales (HAW) 8.10, Jared Thorne (USA) 6.00, Chase Brady (USA) 5.40
Heat 5: Gabe Garcia (USA) 11.75, Albee Layer (HAW) 9.75, Matt Meola (HAW) 9.00, Brett Barley (USA) 7.30
Heat 6: Nick Rupp (USA) 9.10, Spencer Regan (USA) 6.60, Keaiamakia Naihe (HAW) 6.00, Icaro Ronchi (BRA) 4.35
Heat 7: Oliver Kurtz (USA) 11.50, Dege O’Connell (HAW) 8.70, Tonino Benson (HAW) 8.50, Taylor Thorne (USA) 8.50
Heat 8: Rob Kelly (USA) 9.65, Matt Pagan (USA) 9.10, J.D. Lewis (USA) 8.55, Keetin Devine (USA) 6.95

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 60 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Chase Wilson (USA) 12.60, Brent Savage (USA) 9.75, Christian Saenz (USA) 7.35, Dane Zaun (USA) 4.10
Heat 2: Kolohe Andino (USA) 16.50, Sean Joubert (ZAF) 9.90, Dylan Melamed (HAW) 9.55, Makana Eleogram (HAW) 7.85
Heat 3: Makai McNamara (HAW) 9.75, Chase Brady (USA) 9.55, Sean Poynter (USA) 9.00, Victor Done (USA) 5.10
Heat 4: Jared Thorne (USA) 13.25, Kyle Galtes (HAW) 12.75, Jeri Martin (PER) 11.35, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 7.50
Heat 5: Matt Meola (HAW) 11.25, Kealamakia Naihe (HAW) 8.35, Ford Archbold (USA) 7.85, Adam Lambert (USA) 7.65
Heat 6: Icaro Ronchi (USA) 7.15, Brett Barley (USA) 5.75, Conner Coffin (USA) 5.50, Jeffrey Lukasik (USA) 3.75
Heat 7: Tonino Benson (HAW) 12.75, J.D. Lewis (USA) 12.25, Chris Foster (HAW) 7.70, Balaram Stack (USA) 5.00
Heat 8: Icaro Ronchi (BRA) 7.15, Brett Barley (USA) 5.75, Conner Coffin (USA) 5.50, Jeffrey Lukasik (USA) 3.75

Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure Round of 80 Results: (1st and 2nd advance)
Heat 1: Brent Savage (AUS) 17.50, Makana Eleogram (HAW) 9.35, Brad Hagglund (USA) 8.95, Tanner Deprin (USA) 8.00
Heat 2: Shaun Joubert (ZAF) 13.50, Christian Saenz (USA) 11.25, Chris Friend (AUS) 8.30, Billy Olsen (USA) 7.45
Heat 3: Chase Brade (USA) 12.35, Dylan Kowalski (USA) 9.60, TJ Mortellaro (USA) 5.40, Cody Sammons (USA) 3.50
Heat 4: Jeri Martin (PER) 9.85, Makai McNamara (HAW) 8.40, Eli Viszolay (USA) 8.30, PJ Raia (USA) 8.15
Heat 5: Kealamakia Naihe (HAW) 13.65, Icaro Ronchi (BRA) 10.90, Ian Crane (USA) 10.00, Alex Smith (HAW) 8.25
Heat 6: Conner Coffin (USA) 13.75, Adam Lambert (USA) 12.15, Duran Barr (USA) 8.25, Maximillian Karnig (USA) 5.60
Heat 7: J.D. Lewis (USA) 9.00, Keetin Devin (USA) 9.00, Ian Bloch (USA) 6.60, Billy Hopkins (USA) 5.90
Heat 8: Colton Larson (USA) 11.85, Tonino Benson (HAW) 11.60, Keto Burns (USA) 8.40, Jocelyn Poulou (PYF) 8.40