HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Monday, June 29, 2009) - Keanu Asing (Ewa Beach, HI), 16, won the 1Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s Surfboards at South Huntington Beach Pier this afternoon over fellow finalists Dillon Perillo (Malibu, CA), 19, Evan Thompson (Jacksonville Beach, FL), 17, and Chase Wilson (Newport Beach, CA), 8.
The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure is the only ASP Grade-4 event on the 2009 calendar, making the premier contest an integral stop in all surfers’ campaigns in their quest for qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships. All regional surfers are out to compile their top four results this year in hopes to finish within the top three on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series to earn their shot at an ASP World Junior Title.
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.”
For all of the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure pres. by Jack’s Surfboards highlights log on to www.nike6pierpressure.com
For additional ASP information log on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org
