The photos from the ASP 1-Star DNA Energy Pro Junior event at the shark bite capital of the world New Smyrna Beach Inlet, Florida have been cracking us up on a daily basis. But they’re also reminding us of two other things: how hard core Florida surfers are and how lucky we are to have waves most of the year.
Seriously, look at this photo again. Either Evan Geiselman has grow 7 feet since we saw him last or that wave he’s on is about 10 inch tall. “Challenging conditions” for sure.
Dylan Goodale bumping an air off a solid one-foot bit up chop.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH INLET, Florida / USA (Saturday, April 2, 2011) – New Smyrna Beach local Evan Geiselman, 17, led the top seeds at the inaugural Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 1-Star DNA Energy Pro Junior in challenging, but contestable one foot (.5 metre) waves at his home break of New Smyrna Beach Inlet to decide the event’s Quarterfinalists.
Geiselman capitalized on his familiarity of the New Smyrna Beach Inlet lineup to net the day’s highest single wave score of 7.33 while earning the highest heat total of 14.66 as well despite the tough conditions brought on by the small surf.
“This may be the smallest I’ve ever surfed the Inlet,” Geiselman said. “Either way, it’s good to get a heat going and get a couple of scores and I’m looking forward to the final day.”
Geiselman, who spends the majority of his year traveling the world for contests, is still enjoying the opportunity to compete in the local event despite the lack of surf on offer.
“It’s great to have a contest here,” Geiselman said. “I’m never home anyway and this is where I feel the most comfortable. Although the surf has been small I’m still happy to have this contest at home.”
The talented goofy-footer is also optimistic about improving conditions for Sunday, April 3, the final day of competition.
“The surf is looking bigger for tomorrow,” Geiselman said. “We were debating on running the Quarterfinals tonight but decided to hold off because tomorrow is looking better. Hopefully we’ll have some fun waves for the final day.”
Additional standouts advancing into the Quarterfinals of the DNA Energy Pro Junior include current ASP North America Pro Junior No. 3 Luke Davis (Capistrano Beach, CA), 18, Evan Thompson (Jacksonville, FL), 19, and Hawaiian Dylan Goodale (Kauai, HI), 19.
The DNA Energy Pro Junior will crown a champion by tomorrow, April 3, 2011.
For a DNA Energy Pro Junior recap log back on to www.aspworldtour.com or www.aspnorthamerica.org
