“There were no easy heats out there and I felt like I just kept squeaking through,” Kling said. “I didn’t even win a heat until it went to man-on-man. I kind of peaked at the right time and had a lot of luck on my side. This is the biggest win of my career.”
 
The Floridian regular-footer’s 6.0 Lowers Pro win will help to catapult Kling to the higher rung of the ASP One World Ratings, substantially helping his chances of qualification for next year’s ASP Dream Tour.
 
“This gives me so much confidence with 35 of the 45 guys from the tour here,” Kling said. “It’s huge for me, this is definitely the biggest win of my career. This is Lowers with the best guys, and this win is just huge.”
 
The ASP PRIME victory was especially sweet for Kling, as today’s win comes after a full rehabilitation from a severe knee injury sustained in the beginning of the 2009 season which sidelined the standout competitor for eight of the 10 events on the 2009 ASP World Tour.
 
“Last year’s injury adds to this win,” Kling said. “I was out for eight months and sitting on the couch and watching everyone surf when it was my year on tour, it was a pretty disappointing year for me. The injury makes this win that much sweeter.”
 
Davidson, who posted some of the event’s highest scores throughout 6.0 Lowers Pro competition with lightning fast surfing and massive gouges and fins-free turns, won every heat leading up to his Final matchup against Kling, but was unable to find a rhythm in their bout and finished runner-up.
 
“I’m not disappointed with my performance, but I’m a little disappointed with the way that I played out the Final,” Davidson said. “I shouldn’t have let him have that one left and I shouldn’t have gone on that little right and then he got that bomb. I was just out of rhythm and didn’t really play a smart final, but all compliments to Gabe. He surfed really well on the waves that he got. I knew it was going to be tough and I’m stoked to make the Final.”
 
The wily Australian has kicked off his 2010 ASP Dream Tour campaign in strong form and feels that his final appearance at this year’s 6.0 Lowers Pro is only going to add to his momentum after such inspirational surfing displayed by his fellow competitors throughout the week. 
 
“I’ve been feeling really good this year,” Davidson said. “I’ve got a couple of ninths and just to come to America, there is so much talent here. It’s good to come here and make the Final against all of these guys after everyone was ripping so hard all week. I’m just trying to take the good out of it and I’m psyched to move on.”
 
Andy Irons (Hanalei, HI), 31, who is a former three-time ASP World Champion, dispensed amazing performances heat-after-heat, but stumbled in the Semifinals against Kling after breaking his board in the early minutes of their bout and was unable to recover throughout their heat. Irons finished equal 3rd overall.
 
“I knew it was going to be a good heat,” Irons said. “Gabe (Kling) has been having a good contest, he took Jordy (Smith) out in the last round and I knew he wasn’t going to be a slouch. As soon as my board broke, it just kind of broke my whole deal. That’s my board that has gotten me back into a good rhythm and when it broke, I kind of felt like my dreams got crushed right there and it was kind of hard to pick myself back up.”
 
Irons, who is currently competing as a full-time competitor on the ASP Dream Tour after a one-year sabbatical, looked at his impressive finish at Lowers as a step in the right direction to help build his momentum as the ASP World Title Race season progresses.
 
“I haven’t made more than three heats in about two years, so to make the Semifinals, that’s a great result for me,” Irons said. “Although I would have liked to be in the Final, I’m going to walk away from the beach psyched and it’s a great result before going into J-Bay.”
 
Doheny clinched the Oakley Pro Junior, his first ASP Pro Junior victory, over a stacked final field including reigning ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, Dylan Goodale (Kauai, HI), 19, and Tyler Newton (Kauai, HI), 19, with an impressive 17.10 out of 20 heat total. The impressive win came after moving through an elite early round field including current ASP Dream Tour surfer Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, and reigning ASP World Junior Champion Maxime Huscenot (FRA), 19.

“I don’t even know what to say, this doesn’t feel real,” Doheny said. “I hope it’s not a dream. This was the hardest draw because there were so many good international guys competing. It’s been an awesome event and it’s been inspiring to see all of the top pros like Andy (Irons) surfing.”
 
The victory catapults the young Newport Beach native to second overall on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, increasing his chances towards qualification for this year’s ASP World Junior Tour.
 
“Hopefully this puts me in good position for the rest of the year,” Doheny said. “I really want to qualify for the World Junior Tour, so hopefully it’s on. I’m going to try my best.”
 
For additional information, photos and video highlights, log on to nike6lowerspro.com <http://nike6lowerspro.com> . For more about the Oakley Pro Junior, visit oakleyprojunior.com. <http://www.oakleyprojunior.com> 
 
The 6.0 Lowers Pro and Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors.  A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Nike 6.0 and junior title sponsor Oakley, co-sponsors Red Bull and Corralejo Tequila, and media sponsors Surfer (surfermag.com), Surfing (surfingthemag.com) and FUEL TV.  Additional thanks go to official event forecaster – Surfline.
 
6.0 Lowers Pro Final Results:
1- Gabe Kling (USA) 16.50
2- Chris Davidson (AUS) 11.77
 
6.0 Lowers Pro Semifinals Results:
Heat 1: Chris Davidson (AUS) 14.93 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.53
Heat 2: Gabe Kling (USA) 12.86 def. Andy Irons (HAW) 12.64
 
6.0 Lowers Pro Quarterfinals Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 16.27 def. Heitor Alves (BRA) 8.44
Heat 2: Chris Davidson (USA) 14.93 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.40
Heat 3: Andy Irons (HAW) 18.57 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.93
Heat 4: Gabe Kling (USA) 16.50 def. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.77
 
6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 16 Results: 
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 13.77 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.33
Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.43 def. Nic Muscroft (AUS) 12.00
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) 13.06 def. Sebastian Zietz (HAW) 7.50
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 13.90 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.17
Heat 5: Andy Irons (HAW) 13.33 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 12.60
Heat 6: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.94 def. John John Florence (HAW) 8.40
Heat 7: Gabe Kling (USA) 12.90 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 10.60
Heat 8: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.67 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.10
 
Oakley Pro Junior Final Results:
1- Andrew Doheny (USA) 17.10
2- Nat Young (USA) 15.40
3- Dylan Goodale (HAW) 14.17
4- Tyler Newton (HAW) 13.60
 
Oakley Pro Junior Semifinals Results:
Heat 1: Nat Young (USA) 17.33, Tyler Newton (HAW) 12.33, Evan Thompson (USA) 10.44, Conner Coffin (USA) 10.34
Heat 2: Dylan Goodale (HAW) 16.46, Andrew Doheny (USA) 14.84, Evan Geiselman (USA) 14.83, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.53
 
About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, moto, BMX, wake and freeski. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle. www.nike6.com
 
About Oakley, Inc. 
The global leader in performance sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear, Oakley also offers technical and lifestyle apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. The company was created for athletes who see impossibility as just another challenge, and their dedication inspires Oakley to seek out problems, solve with innovation and wrap invention in art. Exceeding the limits of possibility for more than thirty years, Oakley serves the demands of world-class athletes with unbeatable technologies including High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Additional information is available at oakley.com.
 
About Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG):
Reaching more than two million enthusiasts, Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG) is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike, Powder and Canoe & Kayak, Source Interlink Media’s ASG delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties, events and television programming.

Media Contacts: 

Dawn Hamilton                                                            Elishia Matta                
KHPR for ASG                                                            SURFER PR Manager
310-295-1189                                                             949-370-7083
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com                              elishia.matta@sorc.com

###

Also crowning a champion this afternoon will be the third stop on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, the ASP Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior, which decided the event’s Semifinalists on Tuesday, May 4, the opening day of competition.

Today’s action will see three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (Hanalei, HI), 31, ASP Dream Tour N2. 2 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, Adriano de Souza (BRA), 23, Hawaiian charger John John Florence (North Shore, HI), 17, Australian standout Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan (AUS), 27, and ASP World Title Race rookies Owen Wright (AUS), 20, and Jadson Andre (BRA), 20, take to the water against their fellow standouts in search of the 2010 6.0 Lowers Pro victory.

Semifinalists in the Oakley Pro Junior include reigning ASP North America Pro Junior Series Champion Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, current regional series ratings leader Evan Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, FL), 16, and Hawaiian Kiron Jabour (HAW), 19.

For all of the LIVE 6.0 Lowers Pro and Oakley Pro Junior action as well as your chance to win one of five on-line give aways featuring great prizes from Nike 6.0 and Oakley log on to nike6lowerspro.com and oakleyprojunior.com.

Ongoing ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 16 Heats:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) vs. Nic Muscroft (AUS)
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) vs. Sebastien Zietz (HAW)
Heat 4: Adrian Buchan (AUS) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) vs. Andy Irons (HAW)
Heat 6: C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. John John Florence (HAW)
Heat 7: Cory Lopez (USA) vs. Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 8: Josh Kerr (AUS) vs. Jordy Smith (ZAF)

Upcoming ASP Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior Semifinals Heats:

Heat 1: Tyler Newton (HAW), Evan Thompson (USA), Conner Coffin (USA), Nat Young (USA)
Heat 2: Kiron Jabour (HAW), Dylan Goodale (HAW), Evan Geiselman (USA), Andrew Doheny (USA)

The 6.0 Lowers Pro and Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors. A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Nike 6.0 and junior title sponsor Oakley, co-sponsors Red Bull and Corralejo Tequila, and media sponsors Surfer, Surfing and FUEL TV.

About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, moto, BMX, wake and freeski. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle. nike6.com

About Oakley, Inc.
The global leader in performance sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear, Oakley also offers technical and lifestyle apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. The company was created for athletes who see impossibility as just another challenge, and their dedication inspires Oakley to seek out problems, solve with innovation and wrap invention in art. Exceeding the limits of possibility for more than thirty years, Oakley serves the demands of world-class athletes with unbeatable technologies including High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.

About Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG):
Reaching more than two million enthusiasts, Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG)) is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike, Powder, and Canoe & Kayak, Source Interlink Media’s ASG delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties, events and television programming.

Media Contacts:

Dawn Hamilton
KHPR for ASG
310-295-1189
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com

Elishia Matta
SURFER PR Manager
949-370-7083
elishia.matta@sorc.com

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 7, 2010 – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro continued to play host to the future of progressive surfing today with several ASP Dream Tour competitors launching their way into the Round of 16 by punting a mind-blowing variety of aerial maneuvers while several up-and-comers continued to showcase committed above-the-lip surfing to decide the Round of 16.

With the influx of the ASP One World Rating, the 6.0 Lowers Pro’s ASP PRIME status attracted 36 ASP Dream Tour competitors and the world’s finest up-and-comers looking to capitalize on the increasingly valuable ratings points on offer towards their global standing.

Jadson Andre continued to flare by continually punting massive air-reverses while logging in the highest heat total of the day in his Round of 24 heat, a 17.70 out of 20, en route to surpassing his personal best result at Lower Trestles by advancing through to the Round of 16.

“I don’t event really know what to say about this wave, it’s one of the best in the world,” Andre said. “Competing here always pushes the level of surfing and everyone’s out there trying to do their best. I’m just stoked to make one more heat. This is the best result of my career at Lowers. Last year I lost first round, so I’m stoked to make it to the Round of 16.”

Andre’s success throughout the rounds has been no easy task, as the goofy-footer has faced a stacked draw of global talent in each of his heats.

“There were more than 30 World Title surfers in this event, so it’s almost like a World Title event,” Andre said. “Then there are guys like Seabass (Sebastian Zietz) too, so the draw is really hard, but I think it helps me improve my surfing.”

Andre, who is currently rated fourth overall on the ASP World Title ratings, is fresh off of his inaugural ASP Dream Tour victory defeating Kelly Slater in front of his Brazilian home crowd and although Andre is still elated with the win, he remains focused on the task at hand at the 6.0 Lowers Pro.

“I’ve already won my first event on tour and it’s my first year and I don’t know what to say, I’m still really happy about that contest,” Andre said. “Now I’m trying to surf better and know that I can’t think about the win in Brazil. I’m just trying to take one heat at a time here at Trestles.”

Chris Davidson (AUS), 33, who has been a standout in each round of 6.0 Lowers Pro competition, continued to flare throughout the firing swell with two convincing heat wins today while advancing to the Round of 16. Davidson detonated one of the highest single wave scores of the day, a massive 9.57 out of 10 with rail-to-rail carves and fins-free blasts on a long Lowers righthander.

“We started with those sets so it was good,” Davidson said. “The boys all sort of got a wave and my first one was good. Then the next one was just on the line, I’m stoked I got it. I’m just happy to keep it going and glad I made it to the last day of the contest.”

Davidson, who is currently rated No. 13 on the ASP World Title ratings, has been focused on his fitness while dialing in his equipment throughout the year and is finding a rhythm as the year progresses.

“I’m starting to feel fitter and I’ve got great boards under my feet at the moment,” Davidson said. “I’ve been getting good boards from my shaper back home and I got a couple of good ones over here for this contest.”

John John Florence (North Shore, HI), 17, unleashed a fury of massive airs and rail gouges to scalp the highest single-wave score of the day, a near-perfect 9.87 out of 10, while taking an impressive heat victory over fellow Hawaiian and three-time ASP World Champion Andy Irons (Hanalei, HI, 31, who advanced behind Florence in second, and current ASP Dream Tour competitor Tiago Pires (PRT), 30.

“I’m super stoked to make it to the Round of 16,” Florence said. “The waves are just perfect and it’s great to surf against guys like Andy (Irons), who are guys that I’ve looked up to since I was little.”

The young Hawaiian charger was elated to take the heat win over his idol, Irons, and continues to build his confidence while moving into the Round of 16.

“This heat win builds up my confidence so much,” Florence said. “Andy is a three-time World Champ, so I’m so stoked right now. I made the Semifinals at the 5-Star at Pipeline, but this is my best result in a PRIME.”

Also putting in memorable performances today were three-time ASP World Champion, Irons, who advanced through to the Round of 16 behind Florence after a brilliant Round of 48 performance, current ASP Dream Tour rookie Owen Wright (AUS), 20, who posted some of the event’s highest scores, and Alejo Muniz (BRA), 20, who ousted ASP Dream Tour veteran Taylor Knox (Carlsbad, CA), 38, with a last-minute score, and ASP Dream Tour No. 2 Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22.

Tomorrow will see both ASP PRIME 6.0 Lowers Pro and ASP Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior Champions crowned by day’s end. For all of the LIVE action log on to nike6lowerspro.com . For more about the Oakley Pro Junior, visit oakleyprojunior.com.

The 6.0 Lowers Pro and Oakley Pro Junior wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors.  A special thank you goes out to title sponsor Nike 6.0 and junior title sponsor Oakley, co-sponsors Red Bull and Corralejo Tequila, and media sponsors Surfer, Surfing and FUEL TV.

6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 24 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 15.10, Heitor Alves (BRA) 14.90, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 11.33
Heat 2: Nic Muscroft (AUS) 15.70, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.50, Taylor Knox (USA ) 11.17
Heat 3: Chris Davidson (AUS) 15.80, Adrian Buchan (AUS) 14.83, Kolohe Andino (USA) 12.27
Heat 4: Jadson Andre (BRA) 17.70, Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 16.57, Nate Yeomans (USA) 10.40
Heat 5: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.27, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 13.44, Blake Thornton (AUS) 12.60
Heat 6: John John Florence (HAW) 16.90, Andy Irons (HAW) 16.67, Tiago Pires (PRT) 11.43
Heat 7: Cory Lopez (USA) 14.50, Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.43, Joan Duru (FRA) 10.77
Heat 8: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.33, Gabe Kling (USA) 13.60, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 12.14

6.0 Lowers Pro Round of 48 Results:
Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.67, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 12.43, Julian Wilson (AUS) 11.97, T.J. Barron (HAW) 3.43
Heat 2: Heitor Alves (BRA) 12.58, Nic Muscroft (AUS) 12.17, Nat Young (USA) 10.93, Ben Dunn (AUS) 8.83
Heat 3: Taylor Knox (USA) 16.43, Rodrigo Dornelles (BRA) 14.50, Stuart Kennedy (AUS) 13.07, Kekoa Bacalso (HAW) 12.80
Heat 4: Chris Davidson (AUS) 15.40, Nate Yeomans (USA) 13.50, Shaun Cansdell (AUS) 11.33, Tim Reyes (USA) 11.27
Heat 5: Adrian Buchan (AUS) 16.26, Sebastien Zietz (HAW) 14.80, Jeremy Flores (FRA) 12.70, Eric Geiselman (USA)
Heat 6: Jadson Andre (BRA) 16.94, Kolohe Andino (USA) 15.13, Adam Robertson (AUS) 13.33, Dylan Graves (PRI) 13.33
Heat 7: Blake Thornton (AUS) 15.50, John John Florence (HAW) 13.84, Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.70, David Weare (ZAF) 10.00
Heat 8: Owen Wright (AUS) 15.37, Tiago Pires (PRT) 13.33, Dean Morrison (AUS) 5.67, Michael Picon (FRA) 3.67
Heat 9: Andy Irons (HAW) 17.23, C.J. Hobgood (USA) 15.43, Dion Atkinson (AUS) 13.40, Thiago Camarao (BRA) 12.07
Heat 10: Cory Lopez (USA) 16.10, Gabe Kling (USA) 14.53, Jonathan Gonzalez (CNY) 13.36, Nathan Hedge (AUS) 12.60
Heat 11: Joan Duru (FRA) 15.13, Aritz Aranburu (EUK) 13.77, Tom Whitaker (AUS) 13.07, Drew Courtney (AUS) 10.97
Heat 12: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 17.43, Josh Kerr (AUS) 16.34, Wiggoly Dantas (BRA) 12.03, Damien Hobgood (USA) 11.93

FORECAST FOR SAT. MAY 8TH

OVERVIEW: South-southwest swell will be fading on Saturday, but still offers very fun surf at Lowers. Small northwest windswell will also mix in through Saturday.

SWELL/SURF: Fading, but still fun SSW swell in the 3-5’ range (waist to head high) with occasional larger waves early. The size will fade through the day. Small NW windswell also mixing in.

WIND: Light/variable to light S wind in the early morning, with light to moderate SW shifting W wind in the afternoon 8-12kts.

DISCUSSION: SSW Southern Hemisphere swell (195-205) will fade through the day on Saturday, but will continue to offer fun waves at Lowers. Starting in the waist-head high range in the morning, with some leftover larger sets and then backing down for the second half of the day.   We’ll also see small local northwest windswell continue Saturday. A weak coastal eddy will again prevail on Saturday. Wind will range from light/variable to light southerly in the early morning. Southwest shifting west wind will take over for the mid to late morning and continue through the afternoon.

About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, moto, BMX, wake and freeski. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle. www.nike6.com

About Oakley, Inc.
The global leader in performance sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear, Oakley also offers technical and lifestyle apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. The company was created for athletes who see impossibility as just another challenge, and their dedication inspires Oakley to seek out problems, solve with innovation and wrap invention in art. Exceeding the limits of possibility for more than thirty years, Oakley serves the demands of world-class athletes with unbeatable technologies including High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Additional information is available at oakley.com.

About Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG):
Reaching more than two million enthusiasts, Source Interlink Media’s Action Sports Group (ASG) is the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas. In addition to publishing leading lifestyle publications such as Surfer, Surfing, Snowboarder, Skateboarder, Bike, Powder and Canoe & Kayak, Source Interlink Media’s ASG delivers a cutting-edge network of online properties, events and television programming.

Media Contacts:

Dawn Hamilton
KHPR for ASG
310-295-1189
dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com

Elishia Matta
SURFER PR Manager
949-370-7083
elishia.matta@sorc.com