Bonga Perkins wins SUNSET PRO 2012
In one of the most dramatic and exciting Finals yet for the Stand Up World Tour, Bonga Perkins digs deep in the last minute of the heat to edge ahead of Kai Lenny (Naish) by the smallest of margins and take victory here at stop 1, the Sunset Beach Pro presented by Malibu and Starboard and in association with Maui Jim eyewear.
Bonga was one of the on form surfers throughout the event, showcasing why he has multiple World Titles to his name in Ocean Sports and is one of the most respected ‘Waterman’ in the world.
After a 5th in 2010 and 2011, Bonga started the Finals with a strong wave that culminated in one of the few barrels of the day, and then ended it with a couple of impossible turns that clinched the win for him, despite having lost his paddle for much of the heat. A worthy Champion to say the least.
Kai Lenny turns it on in the Final heat of the day
Kai Lenny (Naish) stepped up in the Final to put on an incredible display of surfing from start to finish, clearly showcasing why he is not only 2x World Champion, but also 2x Sunset Beach Pro Champion at the young age of 19.
In one of the most fiercely contested Finals in some of the most impressive conditions imaginable, Kai led the heat with a string of impressive rides and missed out on the victory by less than 0.6.
Impressive performances at the 2012 Sunset Beach Pro
Other incredible performances at the 2012 Sunset Beach Pro presented by Malibu and Starboard and in conjunction with Maui Jim included young Frenchman, Benoit Carpentier (Naish), who won the Na Kama Kai Youth Challenge, but also battled his way through the Trials, into the Main Event and onto the QuarterFinals. An amazing achievement for this young talent who is showing phenomenal promise for the future here on the Stand Up World Tour.
Also standing out was Duane DeSoto, who battled Bonga Perkins through the draw, catching some of the biggest sets of the day, and firmly re-establishing himself as a major contender on the Stand Up World Tour. Chuck Patterson (Naish) also stood out in the sizeable surf, making his way all the way through the trials to earn his spot in the semi finals, as did newcomer Beau Nixon from Australia, making a name for himself here at stop one on the 2012 Stand Up World Tour.
There was so much more talent and exceptional performances throughout the event, it is impossible to touch on them all, but highlights, photos and full report will follow at www.standupworldtour.com.
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