GuahanNapu:RicksReefClassic

31 Jan GuahanNapu:RicksReefClassic

Posted at 12:57h in GuamWatermen'sClub by

A total of 50 surfers and body-boarders braved waves that crested between 6 and 8 feet at Guahan Napu Inc.’s fourth annual Rick’s Reef Classic surfing and body boarding competition, presented by GTA TeleGuam and Bud Light yesterday.

The overcast skies cleared momentarily in the afternoon for spectators to watch the final heats of the four divisions. During the Junior Open category which began in mid-afternoon, waves sizes started to build up which necessitated shortening the heat. The final standings in the shortened Junior Open category were: 1st place, Chad Cruz, 16; 2nd place, Jared Gogue, 13; 3rd place, Matt Robles, 17; and 4th place, Joshua James Gogue, 16.

The Men’s Long Board surfers’ maneuvering on and through the large waves, a condition not usually considered ideal for long board riding, thrilled the crowd at the Satpon Point overlook. The outcome saw first place go to veteran surfer Kenny Pier, 58. Following Pier were: 2nd place, Fred Mendiola; and 3rd place, Laurent Waimer.

In the Men’s Open Surfing division, the final saw Guam’s top four male surfers take on the large 8-foot sets and produced at first-time, first-place finish for Cheyne Purcell. Rounding out the top men’s surfers were: 2nd place, Derrick Ikehara, defending champion; and 3rd place, Joeito Santiago, inaugural Rick’s Reef Classic 2008 champion.

Other results

Men’s Body Boarding: 1st place, B.J. Rolinski; 2nd place, John Leon Guerrero; and 3rd place, Jay Benton.Prizes for the winners were provided by GTA TeleGuam, Bud Light, Proa Restaurant, Fokai Industries, DNA Evolution, Dickerson & Quinn, Warm Current of Osaka, Japan, and Dawn Patrol Industries. The event was also supported by the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort, the host venue of the annual event, and Foremost which supplied bottled water and Glaceau’s Vitamin Water to the athletes and officials. Dickerson & Quinn also donated a SPAM-branded surf board, shaped by Hironori Ishihara, owner of Warm Current surf boards, that was raffled at the event.

The Rick’s Reef Classic IV competition was the second in a series of qualifying tryout events for surfers and long board surfers who want to be considered for Guam’s surfing team at the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia. Following this event, the top 10 point scorers from men’s surfing and top five long boarders advance to compete in additional qualifying events in late February and March.

According to Willi Byerly, president of Guahan Napu Inc., the next qualifying event for men’s surfing and long board surfing is tentatively set for Feb. 26 at the Hagåtña boat basin.

Information was provided in a press release