Sebastian Inlet Pro 2008
1/4/08 - 1/11/08
Sebastian Inlet, Florida
Sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop
Story/Photos By: John Knoke
The 2008 Sebastian Inlet Pro sponsored by Ron Jon Surf Shop concluded Thursday in super fun and clean 2-to-4 ft conditions. Mother Nature really came through for the contest organizers, the fans and competitors alike.
The surf conditions for the first few days although a bit bumpy were great for the opening rounds of four man heats. The weather was a bit rainy but as the event moved forward the waves and weather did not disappoint. “These are the best conditions as far as the total event that we have ever had here for this event!” announced a stoked Peter Townend addressing the large final day crowd.
The venue was set up in front of Second and Third Peak where the conditions were the most consistent. A few “Rhino’s Rights” peeled in at “First Peak” once in a while but not enough to win a heat so almost all the surfing took place down from the jetty. Thanks to some great calls by Contest Director Paul “Rhino” Reineke the final rounds had sunny skies and glassy peaks on offer for the world class competitors. “We are going to spread the event out thru the waiting period. The swell is supposed to increase a bit and we want to take advantage of the web cast which has been a bit delayed due to technical issues.” Reineke explained early in the event’s window. Rhino nailed it!
The contest was filled with action and the great conditions only served to amplify the Red Bull Tow At Contest. Big airs and huge hacks were plentiful and the biggest crowd of the event cheered as the “high fliers” punted giant airs thanks to the Sea Doo assisted speed and Matt Kechele’s driving skill. “It was a little difficult out there today but there were some good ones and the guys were on it.” explained the waterlogged Kechele. “The crowd loves this stuff. You watch this will be the most people on the beach for the whole event.” Shea Lopez really put on a show and he showed some “giant co hones” punting huge airs with utter disregard for a recently surgically repaired knee. “I am stoked to win the ski. Corey and I both have one now. I’ll probably pick it up later this year.” Lopez said standing near his father Pete Lopez after the win. Lopez was stoked with the win but remained focused on the main event.
Local Floridians like the Lopez brothers, the Hobgood brothers, Asher Nolan and Sterling Spencer all made it deep into the rounds and local knowledge certainly played a role. Pete Lopez has been bringing his children to Sebastian Inlet for over a decade and he was feeling good about both his sons’ chances. “I am happy that they are both still alive in the contest and that Shea won the Tow At event. I hate to see one of them lose but at least the other keeps going so it is nice.” explained a nervous Lopez as he watched one of Corey’s heats. Later in the rounds both Corey and Shea were in a heat together and they both moved thru. Corey made it all the way to the Quarter Finals where he, like his brother in the round of 16, ran into a red hot, spinning Sterling Spencer and was eliminated. Corey failed to qualify for the WCT Dream Tour this year and was pleased to be on track towards re-qualifying in 2009. “I had a tough year last year with some bad luck and some controversial calls. I am stoked to have done well here and I had fun this week. I like surfing here it brings back great memories.” Corey said after his loss. The Floridians did well as usual but this year there would be a changing of the guard.
The Five Star WQS event really attracted some incredible talent to the Inlet this year. T.J. Barron (Hawaii), Nathanial Curran (CA), Gony Zubizareta (Spain), Ben Bourgeois (NC), Sebastian Zietz, Travis Beckman and many others raised the bar at this years’ event. Contest Organizer Mitch Varnes was impressed with the talent and super happy about the event. “We have had great surf and performances all week. I am stoked.” Varnes said hurriedly on his way to pay another contestant. There were a few individual standouts and awards given out for outstanding performances: Ben Bourgeois had the highest single wave score of the event a 9.7; Sebastian Zietz won The Long Doggers Top Dog Award and $1000 for highest heat score; Travis Beckman won The Long Doggers Top Local Award and $500 for his efforts. The contest was a treat to watch as the standard of competition due to the importance of the event in the standings clearly stiffened the competition and brought the best from the world here. The Californians were no exception as they ripped their way into the finals.
The “San Clemente Final” was a first for the Sebastian Inlet Pro and Mike Losness and Pat “The Boot” Gudauskas were blessed with the best conditions of the entire contest. Solid three-to-four foot surf poured through the line-up with perfect incoming low tide conditions on offer. The closely contested heat went back and forth but Gudauskas’ forehand attack was clearly dominant in the end. The nickname “The Boot” was coined early in the event for Gudauskas’ front foot booty that he wore to protect a sore ankle and also his relentless booting of people out of his heats with big gouges and clean aerials. “I had a sore ankle and I just kept wearing it thru out the contest. I guess it gives me a bit more grip but I don’t know. I am stoked with the win and happy that Mike and I both made it to the final.” A gleaming Red Bull soaked Gudauskas explained to Peter Townend in the awards ceremony. Losness took home $6000 and Gudauskas a winning purse of $12,000.
The 2008 Sebastian Inlet Pro was a huge success. The five star event continues to be a great starting point for the WQS and the conditions once again did not disappoint. Congratulations to the winners and everyone involved for another great contest at Sebastian Inlet.
| Click Thumbnail For Larger Image |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
