Vans Pier Classic 3/23-27th
Huntington Beach, March 27th 2011. Kolohe Andino double dips winning both the ASP 4 Star & Pro Junior. In back to back finals he took down Taylor Knox, Damien Hobgood, Adriano de Souza, Luke Davis, Conner Coffin & Jacob Halstead.
Kolohe Andino Takes Vans Pier Classic
Andino Takes Both Jr & Pro
At the start of the contest, the waves were small and mushy, but clean enough for some good maneuvers. As the swell built from the south and the wind from the north, the guys started to get all different types of waves (typical Cali beach break). As the days went on, HB sent in some waves that gave the surfers a chance to show the crowd their stuff. Having World Tour competitors show up for this event and guys like Andino, the show was nothing less than spectacular. Starting off the event with a win in the Jr class, Kolohe saw the waves get better and a chance to really surf hard. Coming down to the finals, there were three World Tour surfers,Damien Hobgood (USA), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Taylor Knox (USA) and Kolohe went at it with some nice rides getting put down.
“I’m at a loss for words. I believed in myself, but once I actually made all of the heats, I can’t believe it. All seven surfers that I surfed against in the Finals were amazing. I never even had time to get nervous because it feels like one big heat now.” –Kolohe Andino “I knew the wave was going to be good so I just pushed my limit and got the big air, I couldn’t believe I made it. I was just flying and closed my eyes because I was so high, when I landed I thought, oh my god, I’ve completed this thing. Right at the end of the wave I did another little air and just couldn’t believe I did two good airs here in Huntington.” –Adriano de Souza on his 9.7 on Saturday “My first wave was such a nugget and I was so surprised that it was so good that I totally farmed it, I could’ve won the heat on my first two waves. I’m definitely stoked to get second, but I would have really liked to win. It always hurts when you start strong and then you blow it, but it’s good for my rating.” –Conner Coffin
Vans Pro Junior Final Results: __________ Vans Pier Classic Final Results:
1 – Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.23 _________1 – Kolohe Andino (USA) 14.60
2 – Conner Coffin (USA) 14.07 __________2 – Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.50
3 – Luke Davis (USA) 14.00 ____________3 – Taylor Knox (USA) 10.77
4 – Jake Halstead (USA) 10.96 _________4 – Damien Hobgood (USA) 5.04