| Matt Solomon and Colby Alcos win the Science USBA HI Regional at Banyans |
| Thursday, 29 April 2010 10:17 |
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The USBA and the Big Island's coastal city of Kona were blessed with waves and aloha from the locals. Amazing surf and local talent were on hand today at Banyans. The talk around the contest site was all about the 13 - 18 year old division and the 12 and under division. Big maneuvers went down in both divisions and all riders were bodyboarding well beyond their age bracket. In the 13-18 yr old division, Sabaz Soaia was on a roll with big inverts even after having come been out of the water for a while due to injuries. It was impressive to see him take this event's division hands down. Other standouts were Kua Salinas (2nd), Henry Posolda (3rd), and Cody Lucas (4th). In the 12 and under division, it was Patrick Orr who shined to take down the other talented finalists of Noa Carman (2nd), Jiemone Oliva (3rd), and Taloc Aka (4th). The talent was high in this division all the way to the final. Patrick Orr comes from a full family of bodyboarders (Mom, Dad, and sister, Caroline) and it showed in his surfing abilities. The Stand Up division was amazing with Nick Shand dominating the pack with massive tail whips, controlled barrel riding skills, and floaters to seal the deal in the final. All the Kona Boys put on a show for the final heat of the day in the following order: Kingstein Apana (4th), Chevis Conte (3rd), and Vaj Lederer (2nd). The Open Men’s Division is the most competitive division on the SCIENCE USBA HI Regional tour and the Banyans event was no exception. Matt Solomon was going hard and was able to edge out Shawbaz Soaia, the 13 - 18 division winner, for the win. Following the top dogs were Davin Alexander from Oahu (3rd), and Kenny Yonehura (4th). The progressive bodyboarding on the Big Island was impressive and is a testament of things to come on the USBA HI regional tour. If there was a division that would give the Open division a run for its money it would be the DK Open division. Big snaps and some excellent barrel riding went down from the first round all the way to the finals. It was an all Big Island final with Colby Alcos taking down his brethren for the DK Open Title. Following his lead was Tony Finley (2nd), Nick Shand (3rd), and Landon Gasbar (4th). The Women’s Division rounded out the day with the finals wrapping up right before sundown. It was Christina Delima's fluid spin to roll combinations that really put her a notch above the rest for the win. All the girls shredded today, such as Caroline Orr who's only 11 years old. The other finalists making it hard on Christina were Carrie Akin (2nd), Jade Robles (3rd), and Kimberly Brown (4th). The day ended with a word from the man who really started the scene on the Big Island, Mike Stewart. Mike flew over from Oahu to support all the competitors and to say a few encouraging words to all the riders making an effort on the USBA/SCIENCE Hawaii Regional Tour. The USBA heads next to Kauai on the 29th of May for the SCIENCE HAWAII REGIONAL TOUR and then on to Huntington Beach, CA for the Sport Chalet US Open of Bodyboarding June 4th – 7th.
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