Top surfers to compete for prestigious title at the Nike Lowers Pro - Preview
The Nike Lowers Pro is all set to return to Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California, for the fifth consecutive year on May 1 – 5.
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime event is considered to be one of the most prestigious non-elite tour event and attracts the best surfers from around the globe to compete for the coveted honours and lucrative prize on offer.
The prize purse for the event is massive, with the winner taking home $40,000, along with a 14-karat gold trophy that values at above $30,000. There are also coveted ASP ranking points on offer, which eventually play a crucial role in putting a surfer in
contention for the most prestigious and honours in the sport, ASP World Title.
The Nike Lowers Pro has earned itself a reputation for delivering a heavy dose of thrilling action to the fans. Surfing the waves at Lower Trestles allow the surfers to really open up during their heats and unleash the most technical tricks in their arsenal
to impress the crowd and judges.
Last year, Brazil’s Miguel Pupo put on a splendid show at Lower Trestles and eventually went on to defeat the local sensation Tanner Gudauskas in the final, thus getting his hands on the title. He will be returning this year to attempt a successful title
defence.
His task will not be easy as Gudauskas would be looking to seek redemption and this time get hold of what barely eluded him in 2011. His knowledge of the waves and conditions, along with the support of the local crowd are bound to play a vital role in helping
him put on a memorable performance during the course of the event.
Gudauskas will not be the only threat that Pupo will have to defend his throne against. Another local talent Kolohe Andino will be competing in the event as well, grabbing the opportunity to once again remind everyone why he is being tipped off as the next
big thing in surfing. Currently ranked 21 in the World Rankings, the Californian talent will be looking to rise higher in the rankings by grabbing a good result in the third ASP Prime event of the year.
America’s Taylor Knox, Dane Reynolds and Nat Young will also be joining the line-up. Both Knox and Reynolds have a vast experience, which they will put to use while navigating their way towards the juicy waves during their heats. Young is another up-and-coming
Californian talent who has already begun to form an impressive resume. It is only a matter of time before the young sensation manages to find his way into the ASP World Tour line-up, though for that he will have to start amassing ranking points by winning
more events.
Hawaii’s John John Florence and his compatriot Kai Barger are also included in the draws of the upcoming competition. Florence in particular is a surfer to watch out for as he has been on a roll for the last few months, giving the heavy-weight of surfing
a real run for their money during his first year on the elite tour.
Former ASP World Champion Mark Occhilupo from Australia, along with his fellow countryperson Adrian Buchan and Julian Wilson will also be seen in action at the Nike Lowers Pro, looking to get their hands on the coveted prize money, trophy and ranking points
on offer.
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