Day one shred in Belmar; Maria at hurricane status

Photo: Stockdale

As hoped, sexy, sultry, Tropical Storm Maria came out to play today for Day One of the Fosters Belmar Pro. Good news is that she’s up to hurricane status. Conditions improved throughout the early rounds under sunny Belmar skies. Although some of the waves were a little walled, the groundswell filled in and the wind went offshore in the afternoon for some really good surf.

Topping the day was Vince Boulanger, of Ocean City, Maryland. Boulanger stuffed himself into a backside barrel for an 8.67 and a 14.50 total in the Round of 64.

Zion Balbueno stuffing himself on Jersey barrels. Photo: Stockdale

Other top performers included Zion Balbuena, up from the Dominican Republic in his first ever Belmar Pro and JD Lewis of Cardiff, CA.

The highest wave of the day by a New Jersey surfer was Ben Graeff of Longport, who whacked his way to a 7. Graeff is still alive.  It was a tough day, however, as the rest of the local boys failed to advance. Never fear, however, as there are several seeded Jersey boys still to surf.

Nice beach day. Photo: Stockdale

Our friends at SurfInfo say the Maria swell will continue tomorrow and the afternoon will again see a nice clean up. Friday will see the opening rounds of the Fins Pro Junior. Backed by Fins Mexicali Grill (Bradley Beach) for the third year now, this is an ASP-sanctioned Junior Pro, bringing out some of the best young surfers in North America. Heats start at 8 a.m.

The Hannah Womens Pro and Monster Energy Longboard Pro will all start on Saturday.

Chris Tucker, no safe surfing. Photo: Stockdale

Friday night will also see a raucous good time at PK Shamrock’s in Belmar, featuring DJ Lance-O, Flight’s Kool, and Burning Sun, sponsored by: Revolution Vodka.

Fins Jr. Pro Heat Draw

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