Day two of the Men’s 6 Star Mr Price Pro Ballito revealed some of the most perfect surf witnessed on the ASP World Qualifying Series, as thunderous two and a half to three meter barrels roared the length of Willard’s Beach in Ballito this morning.

Seven heats of the Men’s Round of 144 were completed in epic conditions that saw perfect rides’, gaping barrels and sensational wipeouts unfold as surfers waged war on the raging seas.

Eighteen-year-old South African surfer Dale Staples (St Francis) emerged as the event’s standout performer, his barrel riding antics earning him the nickname ‘The Magician’ as he weaved his way through some of the most spectacular barrel rides of the morning, to score the only perfect ten-point ride of the event so far.

“That was definitely one of the best waves of my life,” said Staples. “I couldn’t really have asked for much more – it was perfect! There’s a big difference from surfing in Durban and I’m really stoked that the event is now being held in big barrels – hopefully it will be the same tomorrow!”

Staples backed up his perfect score with a 7.93 (out of 10.00) wide tube to finish the heat with an outstanding 17.93 heat total (out of 20.00), advancing into the Round of 96 along with 16-year old Hawaiian John-John Florence.

“When I paddled out there I knew John John was going to get some good ones but I was just stoked to be out there with him and to surf my best. Lucky I got through with him. My aim is definitely to win this thing and hopefully I get lucky and it goes my way!”

Australian Luke Campbell found himself exactly in position for one of the day’s super sets, completely disappearing inside a meaty three meter (10ft) cavern before reappearing to score the second highest single wave score of the event, a 9.57 (out of 10.00).

“I kinda got just got lucky, “ said Campbell. “I was in the right spot and it stood up long enough for me to get out. It was pretty much the only wave I got, so it was nice to get a good one.”

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Mr. Price Pro

ASP 6-Star WQS Mens event
ASP 6-Star WQS Womens event
Ballito, KZN South Africa
29 June – 5 July 2009

live coverage

ACTION PACKED START TO MENS MR PRICE PRO BALLITO

KwaZulu- Natal, Ballito — Thrilling rides, spectacular wipeouts, broken surfboards and nail-biting victories were the order of the day as the Men’s 6 Star Mr Price Pro Ballito got underway in a powerful two-meter swell, that lashed the Ballito coastline today.

After a two-day wait for the world’s best to perform in Ballito, spectators were rewarded as the men shone in the Round of 144 at the event’s new mobile home. Stylish Durban surfer Simon Nicholson stood out in the wind ravaged waves, his experience and knowledge of the Ballito break translating into a winning performance, that proved the first of five heat wins for the South African contingent.

“Ballito’s not an easy wave to ride and I’ve been surfing here for over ten years,” said Nicholson. “I didn’t manage to get out in time when the heat started because I got caught by a big set, by the time I got out I was exhausted. I think I just got lucky because I managed to get two long running rights. I tried to put in some decent turns and I got those scores so I was stoked.”

Former Mr Price Pro Champion (2006) Ricky Basnett (Bluff) looked comfortable in the sizey conditions edging out Hawaii’s Torrey Meister with a series of clean carves and a controlled floater. “Conditions are pretty hard today – there’s a lot of swell around, it’s super windy and icy cold,” said the former ASP World Tour campaigner. “There’s a lot of power out there and some good surfing.”

Basnett, South Africa’s only Mr Price Pro Champion since Shaun Thomson’s six year reign in the 1970’s, fell off elite ASP World Tour competition in 2008 and will be looking to emulate his 2006 form on the North Coast this year.

“The change of venue is pretty amazing,” continued Basnett, “It’s similar to the Bluff where I live because it’s got a lot of power to it. Hopefully I can win it, make some money and get back on the ‘QS full time in 2010.

Cape Town’s Brandon Roberts captured a bittersweet victory for South Africa, narrowly advancing ahead of WQS No. 3 Adam Melling (Aus), while eliminating Shane Thorne (Bluff) and Dylan Stone (Port Elizabeth) from the event.

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Event: The Ocean Current Sandy Beach Pro presented by Dave and Busters of Honolulu

Dates: July 4-5, 2009

Sponsors: Body Glove, Ocean Current, Dave and Busters, Custom X Bodyboards, Wahoo’s Fish Taco’s, Vitamin Water,Swellinfo.com and Town & Country Surf Shops.

The USBA is proud to host its 6th annual Sandy Beach Pro. With over 20 years of history, The Sandy Beach Pro has acted as the Pipeline trials and at present is a prestigious National Tour event on The Body Glove USBA Grand Slam Tour. The title is fiercely sought by all of the top US Pros, and this year we have international heavy weights coming out in full swing to bring home the title. Ten time world and Pipeline Champion Mike Stewart has been training at Half Point daily for the world tour and is poised and excited for the event. South Africa’s Alister Taylor moved back to Oahu this year and is ready to compete for USBA points and a chance to break the top 8 and gain a slot at the IBA Pipeline Pro. Jeff Hubbard and Jacob Romero will be returning from surf travels to make things interesting at this years’ event. All of these names, along with the long list of local talent will make this years tour one to remember. Former Drop Knee Pro winner, Bud Miyamoto and Sandy Beach legend Eugene Teixeira will be taking time out of their schedules to show the World Tour Pros what local knowledge is all about!

This years’ event has had great support from new and returning sponsors. Ocean Current clothing is welcomed Title Sponsor to the Sandy Beach Pro, with Dave and Busters of Honolulu presenting this year’s event and will be hosting branded pre and post parties. Veteran sponsor Glaceau’s Vitamin Water will be keeping the beach Hydrated over the July 4th Holiday weekend. US Bodyboard industry player, Custom X has come on board as the sole Bodyboard brand to the 2009 Sandy Beach Pro. Come out to the beach and be part of this years USBA event!

Event Websites:
Webcast: http://www.usbatour.com/live
Official event site: http://www.usbatour.com/
New issue of USBA MAG: http://www.usbamag.com/ (Launching July 3rd)

original story via bodyglove