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The city that never sleeps is preparing to attend one of the most thrilling sports in action, in its local Long Beach. The Quiksilver Pro New York is set to begin this week, with the Atlantic’s hurricane season producing a favorable swell outlook for the world’s best surfers to tear apart in Long Island, New York.
Kelly Slater is coming off a fresh win in Tahiti last week that saw him vault into the lead on the 2011 ASP World Title rankings. “It was definitely a special win for me, but there are several events remaining this season,” Slater said. “I missed Jeffreys Bay and I’m carrying a 13th from Brazil so I don’t have any more opportunities for throwaways. It looks like we’ll have some waves for New York which will be great. It will definitely be different.”
Slater will face Daniel Ross and local wildcard Balaram Stack in the opening round of competition. Jordy Smith has withdrawn from competition, citing a rib injury sustained last week in Tahiti. Smith has been replaced by compatriot Travis Logie in the Quiksilver Pro New York.
Joel Parkinson, current No. 3 on the ASP World Title rankings, will compete in New York for the first time in his career this week, and will be looking for a solid result after an uncharacteristic early elimination last week in Tahiti.
“Starting in Tahiti, this is the part of the year where the frontrunners distinguish themselves,” Parkinson said. “We have a lot of events back-to-back and someone can really get on a roll here. New York will be interesting and I’m happy to be here.”
Brett Simpson is coming off a career-best finish of Equal 5th (matched with 2011 Gold Coast result) at the last event in Tahiti, and the current No. 18 on the ASP World Title rankings will use his South Pacific momentum to adapt quickly to the conditions in New York.
“It’s a huge transition coming from Tahiti to New York,” Simpson said. “Getting a 5th over there was the best result of my career so far and gave me a lot of confidence against the guys on tour. It’s certainly a different vibe here than in Tahiti, but the diversity is good. It’s necessary to have that kind of variety on tour as you’re able to determine who the best all-around surfers are. I’m excited to be here.”
Simpson will take on Parkinson and Logie in the opening heat of the Quiksilver Pro New York. Even organizers will convene tomorrow morning at 7am to assess conditions for a possible 7:30am start.
The official forecasters for the Quiksilver Pro New York are calling for Katia to impact the surf outlook for next week while tracking towards the western half of the Atlantic. SE swell from this system fills in starting late weekend, continuing to fill in early next week.
Asher Nolan took out the Quiksilver Pro New York ASP World Tour Trials today and has earned himself a spot in the main event. Nolan will face Mick Fanning and Heitor Alves, in the opening round of competition.
QUIKSILVER PRO NEW YORK ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Brett Simpson (USA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 2: Jeremy Flores (FRA), Dane Reynolds (USA), Gabe Kling (USA)
Heat 3: Taj Burrow (AUS), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW)
Heat 4: Owen Wright (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Bobby Martinez (USA)
Heat 5: Mick Fanning (AUS), Heitor Alves (BRA), Asher Nolan (USA)
Heat 6: Kelly Slater (USA), Daniel Ross (AUS), Balaram Stack (USA)
Heat 7: Adrian Buchan (AUS), Alejo Muniz (BRA), Cory Lopez (USA)
Heat 8: Bede Durbidge (AUS, Chris Davidson (AUS), C.J. Hobgood (USA)
Heat 9: Michel Bourez (PYF), Raoni Monteiro (BRA), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 10: Damien Hobgood (USA), Matt Wilkinson (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 11: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Josh Kerr (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS)
Heat 12: Julian Wilson (AUS), Kieren Perrow (AUS), Taylor Knox (USA)
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