Future Fins Riders go Two for Two in Hawaii

North Shore Hawaii.
25 November 2008

In what will go down as one of the best ever contests at Haleiwa.

Future Fins rider, Michel Bourez, takes first place in the Reef Hawaiian Pro. Bourez built momentum through the final day with a variety of massive hacks and solid tube riding to clinch the victory.

His fin of choice was the Blue Honeycomb Wade Tokoro template, “I love Futures, the fins were solid and felt more alive then any other system I have ever tried,” stated Bourez.

Bourez victory makes it back-to-back wins for Futures Fins riders, following Pancho Sullivan's dominating win at Sunset.

Pancho Sullivan wins the Xcel Pro

Xcel Pro presented by Honolua

ASP 4 Star Men's WQS Event
Sunset Beach, Oahu Hawaii
26 October - 10 November 2008

Futures Fins congratulates Pancho Sullivan, winner of the 2008 Xcel Pro Presented by Honolua! In an all-Hawaiian, high-scoring 30-minute final, ASP World Tour surfer Sullivan took home his fourth Xcel Pro title, having previously won the event in 1998, 2000, and 2003.

Sullivan dominated from the start, hitting a contest-high 9.77 that put him firmly in the driver's seat over fellow finalists Kamalei Alexander (2nd), Danny Fuller (3rd), and Makua Rothman (4th).

"I was in tune with my equipment, my board and fins were magic today" Pancho was riding his Futures Fins Pancho Sullivan signature fin set up. The RTM thruster fin is Pancho’s choice for Sunset Beach.

3 of the 4 finalists are Future Fins team riders.

2008 Xcel Pro Presented by Honolua Final Results
1. Pancho Sullivan $10,000 (1,500 pts)
2. Kamalei Alexander $5,000 (1,313 pts)
3. Danny Fuller $3,000 (1,125 pts)
4. Makua Rothman $2,400 (1,069 pts

Futures Goes Big in Santa Cruz

This is one for the history books. Surfers riding Future Fins dominated the O’Neill Coldwater Classic. All 4 finalists were riding Future Fins.

Future Fins also had a double win in the Macy’s Trifecta, with team rider Micah Byrne taking the men's and SeaBass taking the juniors, “This is a great day for Future Fins, I want to thank all the athletes that use our fin system, keep an out for 09, we have even more new goodies for users!!!” Stated by Marketing Director Tim Milliken

As the preferred fin system used around the world by competing athletes, Future Fins strives to help make a stronger, lighter, easier system for all surfers.

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

Macy's CA Trifecta WQS Results:

1 - Micah Byrne (Huntington Beach, CA) $10,000

Macy's CA Trifecta Oakley Pro Junior Results

1 - Sebastian Zietz (Kilauea, HI)

Jean De Silva claims Estoril Coast Pro in Portugal

26 October, 2008 : - - Carcavelos, Guincho Portugal -- Jean Da Silva (BRA), 23, won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star Estoril Coast Pro at the back-up venue of Guincho today, in testing six to eight foot (2 to 2.5 meter) waves.

Da Silva, who defeated American Gabe Kling (USA) in the last battle of the ASP WQS European Series, clinched 2500 valuable ratings' points and confirmed he was back in form after a tough year.

Da Silva, who ended up winning the event with a low 9.83 point score (out of a possible 20), found the best wave of the final which happened to be enough while Kling was struggling against the strong currents and enduring some hard time with some nine foot sets breaking at Guincho.

"I caught that wave right at the beginning before I even had the time to sit out there," Da Silva said. "It was really hard and we could not hear the scores. It was probably one of the trickiest heats of my career but to take the win here is something really special. I am so stoked right now."

Da Silva, who has had a tough year with no significant result, suffered a serious hip injury and had to stay away from the water for four months, a moment he remembered after the final which made his victory today even more special.

Future Fins is so proud of Jean, he is the ultimate athlete to sponsor, says Tim Milliken Team Manager for Future Fins.

Stu Kennedy wins "ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series"

Casuarina Beach – Lennox Head (NSW) surfer and Future Fins Team Rider Stuart Kennedy has claimed overall victory on the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series, joining a list of who’s who of professional surfing including current and former ASP World Tour surfers Jake Patterson, Beau Emerton, Taj Burrow, Trent Munro, Darren O’Rafferty, Joel Parkinson, Adrian Buchan, Luke Munro, and Dan Ross. The win caps off a remarkable year for the 19 year old and if history is anything to go by expect to see Kennedy’s name in the ASP Top 45 in the years to come.

Kennedy started the year with an under-dog win in the Jetty Surf Pro Junior at Bells Beach and from then on was the man to beat. He has held the ratings lead since that first event and after a super consistent season which included two wins and a lowest result of fifth place from his counting eight events (Best 8 results from 13 events count) it is impossible for even the nearest competitor to overtake his lead with two events remaining.

Stu quoted today “I’m totally stoked to win the Junior Series, I’ve had a really good year on the Junior Tour and it is great to have met my goals. My sponsors Rip Curl, Emery Surfboards & Future Fins have backed me so well throughout the year. Right now, I am preparing for some WQS events in Europe as I want to gain a good seed position for the 2009 WQS. I’m really looking forward to the ASP World Junior Championships at Narrabeen in January” Kennedy said.

Kennedy’s ratings win secures him a berth into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships. A win at this prestigious event, which is held at the famous North Narrabeen each January, will not only secure the prestigious ASP World Junior title but is also seen as a major stepping stone towards a successful professional surfing career.

Glenn Best, ASP Australasia Tour Manager, has closely followed Kennedy’s progression and domination this season, noting that Kennedy now joins a prestigious list of winners and will, along with girls ratings winner Sally Fitzgibbons (Gerroa – NSW), lead one of the strongest ASP Australasian teams into the Billabong ASP World Junior Championship in January.

“Stu charged out of the blocks and put a stamp on the 2009 Pro Junior Series very early, posting solid results. His surfing has been explosive throughout the year and given that the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series is so competitive, it is extremely rare to see the series won before the last 2 events. Stuart’s win is indicative of his dedication, commitment and awesome surfing skill.”

Kennedy will now miss the remaining two events on the ASP Australasia Pro Junior Series in order to focus his energies on the ASP World Qualifying Series events in the Canary Islands in an effort to secure himself a top level seed going into the 2009 ASP World Qualifying Series.

Check out Stu's profile: HERE

Keanu Asing Claims Event #2 of the Hard Rock Cafe Surf Series at Kewalo's

At 15 years of age, Keanu Asing (Ewa Beach, Hawaii) represents the new face of surfing superstars who have a laser focus on the future. On the fast track to becoming one of Hawaii's leading international surf stars, his latest victory came this weekend in the second of 10 events that comprise the Hard Rock Cafe Surf Series, presented by the Hawaii Surfing Association (HSA), at Kewalo's, Honolulu.

Asing's summer of celebrations began in May with his 15th birthday. Over the next three months he racked up wins in the NSSA Nationals in California, the Billabong Junior Pro in Bali, and US Championship titles in both the 16 and 18 year divisions in California; two third placings in the Occy Grom contest in Bali and the Macy's Junior Pro at Waikiki; as well as a reputable showing in the ISA World Juniors in France.

His goal now in the Hard Rock Cafe Surf Series at home is to qualify again for the ISA World Juniors and this time take it all the way to the winner's dais. Beyond that, his plan is to embark upon the world pro surfing tour when he turns 18. Already boasting half a lifetime of competitive experience, Asing leads a crop of highly polished and extremely talented young surfers out of Hawaii who are set on taking their careers further than that of their predecessors.

A 10th grade home-schooler in the Elite Element Academy system, Asing dedicates as much time to his education as his surfing. His goal in life is simple and is tattooed on his right arm: "Never Give Up". "I got that tattoo in March," Asing explains.

"I've been competing since I was seven, but I got serious about it when I was 10 or 11. That was when I realized that I really loved the ocean and surfing. I enjoy the competition and these HSA events keep you competitive and help you to grow in the contest format."

The Hard Rock Cafe HSA series offers a division for every surfer, from the beginner menehune (ages 11 and under), to all ages of men, women, longboarders, bodyboarders and stand-up paddle surfers. But the most hotly contested division, without a doubt, is Asing's Junior Men's division for surfers aged 15 to 17.

Veteran pro surfing judge of 42 years, Jack Shipley, sees Asing as one of a deep pool of Hawaii talent who stand to cash in big-time on surfing's lucrative future. "Unlike past generations of pro surfers, young surfers today can see that the future is wide open to make a living out of this sport," said Shipley.

"They're getting focused younger and younger. They're more clear about what they want to do. There's less fooling around. They see the future before them. Ten, 15 years ago, it wasn't that clear, but now it's up for the taking and kids like Keanu are reaching out for it.

"Keanu has been showing really consistent results lately. He's real travel savvy, too, and understands the professional demands of the sport. On top of that, he's the perfect build for surfing: small, stocky, and strong."

RESULTS: HARD ROCK CAFE SURF SERIES, by HSA

(Surfers listed in order of 1st through 4th)

SHORTBOARD:
Junior Men Final (Age 15-17): Keanu Asing (Ewa); Kylen Yamakawa; Matty Costa; Ezekiel Lau
Boys Final (Age 12-14): Eala Stewart; Makai McNamara; Isaiah Moniz; Cole Yamakawa
Men's Final (18-24): Soleil Farnsworth; Jared Clapper; Kapu Ping; Davin Jaime
Open Men's Final: Matty Costa; Davin Jaime; Keanu Asing; Igor Lumuertz
Girls Final (17 & under): Hana Harrison; Kellee Krebs; Dax McGill; Bailey Nagy
Women's Final (18+): Dana Tortuga; Izumi Balewin; Susan Nishida
Menehune Final (11 & under): Seth Moniz; Dax McGill; Kalani David; Kaulana Apo
Menehune Beginner Final: Fisher Louis; Michael Ikalani; Vincent Starn; Kelly Graf
Masters Final (25-34): Bruno Silva; Bryce Yamashita; JR Matsumura; Bryce Foley
Senior Men's Final (35-44): Sheldon Porirer; Shannon Silva; Egan Inoue; Stephen O'Brien
Grand Master Final (45+): Kal Faurot; Raymond Shito; Gilbert Berea; Beau Hodges

LONGBOARD:
Menehune Final: Slater Trout; Micah Liana; Jordan Brueggemann; Vincent Starn
Junior Men's Final: Nelson Ahina
Men's Final: Daniel Johansan; Mau A Hee; Laakea Davis; Justin Mitsui
Masters Final: Rudy Gaco
Senior Men's Final: Dino Bell; Alika Willis
Grand Master Final: Layton Sun; Warren Hoohuli; Tommy Reyes; Bob Kim
Open Final: Mau A Hee; Daniel Johansen; Daniel Teijairo; Nelson Ahina
Girls Final: Kelly Graf; Tia Blanco
Woman's Final: Mimi Horiuchi; Izumi Baldwin; Heather Faustin; Dana Tortuga

SUP:
Stand-Up Paddle Final: Slater Trout; Leleo Kinimaka; Alika Willis; Micah Liana

Casey Brown Claims "Vans El Ponto Loco"

Casey Brown claimed a win at The inaugural Vans El Ponto Loco presented by
Sun Diego today over Dillon Perillo 18, Jason 'Ratboy' Collins and Brad in
one-to-three foot surf at Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, California.

Brown jumped out to an early lead over the field but the experience and
patience of Collins seemed to be paying off. Collins caught a wave that
offered an inside air section that was enough to bump him into the lead over
the goofyfooter, but Brown answered back to Collins' score with one of his
own. Brown's second score proved to be enough for the win.

"I haven't won an event in such a long time," Brown said. "It's a good
confidence booster because I can't remember the last time I won an event."
Brown was a standout throughout the event's entirety. The young Hawaiian
earned his Final berth in a wave-starved Semifinal heat by posting a 7.00
score out of a possible 10 in the closing minutes of competition, advancing
him into the Final.
"I've never made a final before, so I'm stoked," Brown said. "Even though
this event is only a 2-Star it feels good. This event has been really good
practice for me because I'm leaving for a contest tomorrow in Spain. It
feels good to come over here and do well."


Vans El Pono Loco presented by Sun Diego Results:
FINAL:
1- Casey Brown (HAW) Future Fins Rider
2- Dillon Perillo (USA) Future Fins Rider
3- Jason Collins (USA) Future Fins Rider
4- Brad Ettinger (USA)

Billabong Pro Junior presented by Sun Diego Results:
FINAL:
1- Nat Young (USA) 13.83 Future Fins Rider
2- Blake Jones (USA) 12.30
3- Brent Reilly (USA) 9.33
4- Andrew Doheny (USA) 8.67