Exhausted but happy

Chris Friend (Alexandra Headland, Qld) today claimed the inaugural 2010 Grade – 3 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Couran Cove Island Resort Pro Junior by less than one point ahead of the Gold Coast’s Mitch Crews (Currumbin, Qld).

In perfect 1.5-2m waves on Queensland’s (Australia) notorious South Stradbroke Island, Friend edged out Crews in a thrilling final, which saw the lead change multiple times before Friend shut the gate with a 9.50 registering a combined two-wave total of 16.00 (out of a possible 20) to Crews’ 15.00.

“That was one of the hardest heats I think I’ve ever surfed,” said and exhausted Friend.

“We were sitting way out the back riding these awesome waves all the way through to a crazy barreling shore-break and then having to paddle all the way back out to the lineup, it was hard work, but definitely worth it in the end,” he said.

Both Friend and Crews were taking off on huge, long waves in an extended 30-minute-final, with the clock just getting the better of Crews in the end.

Exhausted and disappointed

“I’m pretty disappointed,” said Crews after his epic heat with Friend.

“That’s the second final I’ve made in three events this year on the junior series and to walk away without a win in both of them is tough,” he said.

However, Crews can walk away with his head held high still holding onto a solid ratings lead after the third stop of the 2010 ASP Australasian Junior Men’s Series was completed today.

Meanwhile Friend, who also made the final of last week’s Hurley Burleigh Pro Junior moves into second position on the ratings less than 500 points behind Crews as the series gears up for its fourth stop at North Stradbroke Island for the Oakley Pro Junior (Feb 9-13).

Photo Credit: Surfing Queensland