HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Sunday, June 28, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North America Pro Junior Series kicked off the ASP Grade-4 Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s Surfboards in peaky two-foot (1 metre) conditions at South Huntington Beach Pier and saw a barrage of up-and-coming talent battle for the heightened points available at the premier event.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure’s ASP Grade-4 status makes the event the most critical stop on all surfers’ campaigns in qualification for the ASP World Junior Championships held in Narrabeen, Australia. All surfers on the ASP North American Pro Junior Series are looking to compile their best four results throughout the year in an attempt to finish within the top three on the ratings to earn their spot in the coveted event.

Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 15, convincingly won two heats today over the tough international competition at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure despite the drastic change in conditions from his low-tide morning heat to his high tide afternoon heat which had a gusty north wind. Andino’s combined heat totals of 16.50 and 15.40, both out of 20, saw him advance into the Round of 32 where he will face the event’s top seeds.

“I’m stoked to have two good heats out here,” Andino said. “Each heat gets harder and even though the conditions are worse overall, when you get a good one, I think they’re actually better. They’re bigger and fuller on the higher tide and this morning it was pretty dead on the low tide.”

The young San Clemente standout is hoping he can carry his early round momentum through to the Round of 32, where he has struggled to advance in the past.

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The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s returns to the Huntington Beach Pier for two days, June 28-29, immediately following the NSSA Nationals, June 23-27. The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Grade 4 event is the highest rated Men’s Pro Junior in North America on the 2009 schedule.

“Nike 6.0 is honored to bring Pier Pressure back to Huntington, providing a great platform for the world’s top youth surfers to compete.” said Jason Kenworthy, Nike 6.0 Surf Mentor. “This generation is progressing surfing daily, and we are looking forward to seeing some more next level competition at this year’s Pier Pressure.”

As an ASP Grade 4, the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s boasts more ratings points than any other Men’s Pro Junior in the nation this year and provides a crucial venue for North American surfers looking to qualify for the ASP World Junior Championships. Combined with an ample prize purse of $20,000, the event is sure to draw a who’s who of under 20 year old talent from around the globe.

Last year, the first year of the Grade 4 rating, drew a bevy of standout international talent including Julian Wilson (AUS) who won the title, dominating the event with wins in every heat he surfed in from Round 1. Fellow Aussies, Stuart Kennedy and Chris Salisbury, finished in second and third, respectively. Lone American in the Final, Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach, CA), finished a respectable fourth, holding his own against the Australian onslaught. Another solid Australian contingency looks to be returning again for 2009.

A first-place finish at the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure earns $3,500 and 1,500 points, which is equivalent to winning three ASP Grade 2 events. As indicative of just how crucial a solid finish is in a Grade 4 event, Doheny rocketed from 15th to fourth on the ASP Pro Junior North America ratings after finishing fourth at the Nike 6.0 Lowers Pro. He ended the season in third overall on the ratings and was one of only six American men to represent the nation at the 2008 ASP World Junior Championships in Narrabeen, Australia.

Hosted by industry icons Dave Stanfield, Peter Mel and Pat O’Connell a LIVE webcast at www.nike6pierpressure.com will feature a high-quality stream filmed with HD cameras, complete daily surfing action, blow-by-blow live scoring, on-air giveaways, and drop ins by special surprise guests.

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure presented by Jack’s appreciates support from sponsors Nike 6.0, Jack’s Surfboards, Hurley, Red Bull, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine and sWaveWatch.com.

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