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