Never a dull moment. The Fosters Belmar Pro started in sweltering summer weather and today was cool autumn. The surf made some drastic changes as well. Day two started with two to three-foot crossed up swell and north winds. But as the day went on, the wind went offshore, then eventually died and the Hurricane Maria swell pumped.
Friday saw the Fins Pro Jr. run through the round of 32 in all kinds of surf. Cam Richards, of South Carolina linked up several moves to drop a day-high 8.83. The kid was on fire. Other notable wave scores went to Christina Saenz, Bobby Okvist, and Parker Coffin.
At times, the Maria swell was overhead, marching to the beach in overhead sets. It was tricky much of the day though and surfers had to find the corners.
Ian Bloch showed some critical surfing, but was stopped in the Round of 32. Photo: Stockdale
The Jersey boy who looked the sharptest today was PJ Raia. Raia spent a lot ot time in California this year. And he recently moved from Rumson to Monmouth Beach. He smoked his Round of 32 heat today, taking first place with a collection of airs and turns. To see tons of images of the last few days in Belmar, check out Craig Hass’ gallery here.
Saturday should see the full Belmar beach scene come to life, as all the sponsors will be on site and ready for the thousands of fans heading down to catch the action. If you can’t make it, tune in to BelmarPro.com/live for the webcast.
Heats begin at 8 a.m. continuing with the Juniors Quarterfinals. Then it’s straight into the Mens heats.
Bobby Okvist put together a 14.16 heat total. Photo: Stockdale
Upcoming Fins Pro Junior Quarterfinals Heats: QF 1:
Evan Thompson (USA), Joe Diamond (USA), Tanner Strohmenger (USA), Taylor Clark (USA)
QF 2: Christian Saenz (USA), Tommy Lhnken (USA), Jacob Davis (USA), Matty Lewis (USA)
QF 3: Trevor Thornton (USA), Jake Kelley (USA), Parker Coffin (USA), Nic Hdez (USA)
QF 4: P.J. Raia (USA), Cole Richards (USA), Colin Moran (USA), Nathan Behl (USA)
