Neff Rider Kolohe Andino wins ASP Vans Pier Classic

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 27 March, 2011 : - - Huntington Beach, California/USA – Young San Clemente surfer Kolohe Andino (San Clemente, CA), 17, put on an absolutely amazing performance at Huntington Beach Pier to take a clean sweep of both the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pier Classic presented by Jack’s Surfboards and the ASP 4-Star Vans Pro Junior in peaky three-foot surf.

After a spectacular performance to take out the Vans Pro Junior, Andino followed up by winning the Vans Pier Classic by jumping out to an early lead, holding the position throughout the heat’s entirety to earn the victory over ASP World Tour surfers Adriano de Souza (BRA), 24, who finished runner-up, veteran Taylor Knox (Carlsbad, CA), 39, and Floridian Damien Hobgood (Satellite Beach, FL), 31, further establishing the young Californian’s name as one of the world’s most deadly up-and-coming professionals.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Andino said. “I believed in myself, but once I actually made all of the heats, I can’t believe it. All seven surfers that I surfed against in the Finals were amazing. I never even had time to get nervous because it feels like one big heat now.”

Andino, current leader on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series, took out a come-from-behind victory in the ASP 4-Star Vans Pro Junior. The talented regular-footer clawed his way back into the heat to overtake the early heat leader, Conner Coffin (Santa Barbara, CA), 17, notching a 6.93 and quickly following up with an 8.30 earned for a gigantic air-reverse on a righthand ramp to further his lead on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Rankings.

“I’m stoked,” Andino said. “I was just stoked to be a part of these two finals. Conner (Coffin) had me in the beginning. I just got a little right and did an air. The guys were ripping.”

De Souza, who was the top performer throughout the entirety of the Vans Pier Classic, continued to improve on his scores again today before entering the final. The passionate Brazilian took out the highest single-wave score of the entire event, a 9.80 out of 10, for several ferocious frontside turns on a righthander before finishing the wave off with an air-reverse to solidify his position in the Final, but was unable to find the scores needed to surpass the young Californian despite a last-minute effort.

“It’s a little disappointing to come so close to the win but I’m really happy with my performance throughout this event,” De Souza said. “I was happy to surf Huntington in amazing waves all week and I just have to say congratulations to Kolohe (Andino). Unbelievable, he has been surfing so well. I’m happy I got second though, it’s been almost two years since I’ve made a podium. It’s a good taste and I’ve had a nice start to the year.”

Coffin, who launched out to an early lead in the ASP 4-Star Vans Pro Junior, was unable to put a stop to Andino’s mid-heat rampage, but the runner-up result moves Coffin to No. 2 overall on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Rankings.

“My first wave was such a nugget and I was so surprised that it was so good that I totally farmed it,” Coffin said. “I could have won the heat on my first two waves. I’m definitely stoked to get second, but I would have really liked to win. It always hurts when you start strong and then you blow it, but it’s good for my rating.”