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2008 Pro Junior Surfing

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Day One - 20 September, 2007

Saw the biggest Pro Junior event in surfing's biggest state bring out the best emerging young talent at the Aloha Hornet Pro Junior at Manly Beach in the heart of Sydney.

In a good clean 1m surf it was the exciting young teenagers who stole show, out pointing and outclassing their older rivals in what is the highest level of 20 year and under surfing in the world. Standouts included Byron Bay youngster Garrett Parkes (16 years) and local Northern Beaches surfers Tom Myers (Freshwater/16 years) and David Vlug (Narrabeen), just 17 years of age.

Showing no signs of nerves these three along with quite a few other young teenagers easily progressed to round 2 where they'll be put to the test against top seeded surfers who await them entering the event in round two.

Vlug was particularly impressive in his easy heat win and posted the day's top scoring ride with an excellent 9 points out of a possible 10 easily defeating and eliminating Victorian surfer Finn Barry.

Garret Parkes, current world under 16 champion was equally impressive with two solid scoring rides totalling 13.4 to comfortably win through eliminating WA surfer Jake Perkins.

Parkes is only just beginning his pro junior career and looks destined to fast track his way to the top level. After his win he said "I've only competed in a few Pro Junior events over the past two years and I'm feeling good about it and I feel confident I can do well. It's more of a familiarisation with these events this year and I look to seriously tackling them next year - but if I get the chance to win one now then I'll certainly take it, I'll just enjoy it and surf the best I can!"

Of the older brigade Alex Chacon (Avalon/19 years) had a good start by winning his heat easily. This event is the most important of his career to date and he's desperately keen for a finals result here.

"It's my last year of Pro Junior surfing, I'm presently 14th on the ratings and if I do well here in my local waters and then another good performance at Bells for the final event of the season and I can make the ASP World Junior Championships at Narrabeen next January (Top four Rating Position required). That's been my goal all year and its within reach at this stage so I'm focused on a big performance here."

Of the young surfers who shone today Chacon said "Sure they are dangerous and can win here but I think maybe they're better suited when the waves are on the smaller side so hopefully it picks up a little."

New Zealand surfers were also strong today lead by top youngster Ryan Hawker from Piha.

Just 16 Hawker has an outstanding international record and is showing all the signs of moving into the Pro Junior ranks successfully.

Other Kiwis impress and progress on Day One were Billy Stairmaid, Luke Hughes and Tim O'Connor who joined heat winners Todd Rosewall (Victoria), Mitch Crews (Qld) and Billy Kean (Coff's Harbour NSW).

Round two will see the big guns enter the action and with season ratings points, qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships and the event win itself all up for grabs over the coming three days, every heat will be fiercely fought.

Top three seeds Mitch Coleborn (Qld/Sunshine Coast), Heath Joske (Coff's Harbour/NSW) and Julian Wilson (Qld/Sunshine Coast) will begin their campaigns in round two.

Arrive alive is pleased to see a great day of safe fun, professional surfing.

The Arrive Alive message is relevant to everyone on our roads and for surfers who are always travelling and looking for the best waves it's an essential message,

Drinking.....Drugs.....Driving can wipe-out your license and much more ...Don't risk it and you'll Arrive alive!

Check out the photo Gallery for Day One: Otis Carey (Coff's Harbour/McCauley's) was a standout with one of the days top scoring rides, an 8.5 out of a possible 10, but somehow couldn't find a decent required second scoring ride and was unfortunately eliminated in round one of the Aloha Hornet today.

Click here to return to the Pro Junior Surfing main page.

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