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Only one ASP WQS event this week, the O’Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro in Florida, which is still on and at the Round of 128 stage, however at North Narrabeen there has been tons of action with the Billabong ASP World Junior Championships just completed.
Congratulations go out to Pablo Paulino (BRA) for his second ASP WJC title in the boy’s division and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in the girl’s division.
There was great 6-8 feet surf all week for the event and the surfers were very grateful for the jet ski assist to ease the horrendous paddle out conditions. Also to get North Narrabeen with classic surf and just two in the water is something unheard of as this is one of Australia’s most crowded and best surf spots.
Although the ASP WJC is not an ASP WQS event, it means a lot to the top 2 finishers in the boys, Paulino and Tonino Benson (HAW), and winner in the girls as they get preferred seeding into the second last round of all ASP WQS events during 2008.
As Pablo ended 2007 with a WQS rating of 50th he will more than likely not need his ASP WJC winner’s seed so that means that Tanner Gudauskas (USA) as the higher rated equal 3rd place finisher will be able to use the seed.
Other news from the Grind is the cancellation of the proposed ASP WQS 6-Star event in Peru and with the Mormaii ASP WQS 6-Star being moved to later in the year, it means that the Hang Loose Pro in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil is all alone for 2008. I’m quite sure a lot of surfers will now rethink their attendance at this event as it is very expensive to get to Brazil for most foreigners and being a one off makes it hard to justify the cost, However those that do go will get a much better seed than normal, meaning more points as well.
That’s all for now. Until next week.
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