The final day for the Sport Chalet HB Pro was held in similar conditions as yesterday, showcasing however, the talent of the up and coming US bodyboarders in the Amateur Open and Amateur 13-18.
Kauai native, Travis Smith, was a standout in the Amateur 13-18 throughout the competition, finishing in 1st. Victor Packpour of California, followed Smith and placed 2nd with Hunter Fedden and Dillan Druz, both from California, placing 3rd and 4th respectively. Rocket Klein, the events youngest competitor at age 11, shows that age is not an indicator of talent in the USBA, as he progressed to the semis in a division above his age group.
Trophy’s and prizes for the finalists
Heading into the most competitive Amateur event seen this weekend. The Open Amateur division was nothing short of a battle to the finish, with all the top names from around the nation making there way to the finals. Reis Yonehiro, who was surfing well with the moderate conditions, placed 4th in the finals, ending his all day run of 1st place heat finishes. Taylor Paige ended with a solid finish in 3rd, backing up his IB Pro win. Drew Anderson, making the finals with smooth combos and solid surfing, placed 2nd to current USBA Dillan Druz of New Jersey. Druz was ripping the Open divisions final after a slow but steady earlier rounds. Druz said in an interview with Manny Vargas that he was stoked to win outside of the Northeast, especially California and is amped to have the riders from all over the USBA regions try and take down the NJ locals at next week Jenks Pro. Always the promoter of good competition, Dillan is looking forward to the challenge to defending his Jenks Pro title in NJ at the Jenks Pro.
For the DK Pro California rippers where showing up the traveling pros in the early rounds with Alex and Nick Gero both styling their way into the Semis. Both brothers where stopped heading into the finals leaving Jake Minehan and Joe Grodzen as the two California’s left in the contest. Joe Grodzen did not skip a beat and had a great time working his way to second place with Jake just behind him with a third place overall finish. A very polished attach by Maryland’s Brian Steorh was tarnish in the final with a forth place finish but will leave Brian in a good position as the tour heads back east for next leg of the tour. David Hubbard pumped and snapped his way to another DK and as he heads to Portugal and Spain to chase down the IBA DK world title once again he has a safe bet to possibly winning another USBA DK Pro Championships with two solid results on tour so far.
DK finalists had their work cut out for them
The Women of the USBA where not one step behind the men at the Sport Chalet HB pro with some amazing rides going down in their heats. Lone Amateur Marcela Mureb Bingham once again had a good showing in her second appearance making it to the final and two prior heats with ease ending up the forth position overall. Next inline was Monica DelAmore with a solid all-day performance. Aki Ogure once again put on a solid display leaving her in the 2nd position for the day. But it was Keila Grodzen with hard bottom turns to lip maneuvers that brought her home the win at the HB Pro.
Women’s heat had some gems coming through
Congratulations to all riders and we will see you at the Jenks Pro this next weekend August 28-Sept 1st.
Event Presented by: BZ & Ocean Current
In association with:
No Friends Clothing, Hydro fins, Freestyle Watches and Custom X
