Reef’s own Evan Valiere and Ben Bourgeois recently secured major wins in world-class waves but in different tropical settings.

The first win came in as former WCT contender and ISA Junior World Champion, Ben Bourgeois slayed the competition at the ALAS Reef Latin Pro at Soup Bowls, Barbados. Barbados set the stage for the sixth stop on the Latin/Caribbean ALAS surfing tour, the only stop where the Latin based tour allows open entry to surfers from anywhere in the world. The throaty right – hander produced rippable, 2-4ft surf with a bit of onshore wind. Bourgeois, who is no stranger to tricky East Coast conditions took a liking to lumpy waves as he edged out the competition with scores of 8.33 and 8.0 (out of possible 10) to secure the victory and $3K in his pocket.

Notable mention goes out to Reef team riders Gabby Escudero (Puerto Rico) who secured a 2nd place finish and Russell Winter (United Kingdom) who earned a 4th place finish.

Jet Setting over to the Hawaiian Islands, Reef team rider, Evan Valiere recently took home $10K and 1500 valuable WQS rating points by winning the 2006 Xcel Pro in perfect 4-6 foot Sunset Beach. The 22-year-old Hawaiian was the only goofy foot surfer to advance past the Quarter Finals, which many claim was the most intense heat within the competition. Valiere was able to take down Maui boy and 2005 Xcel Pro finalist, Hank Gaskell and defending champ Ian Walsh.

According to www.surfline.com, “A classic Xcel Pro final went down with the odds-makers favoring the regular-footers: Michael Bourez, Gavin Beschen, and Makua Rothman.” However, it was Valiere who was ready to prove everyone wrong as he applied his smooth, charging style to Sunset Point's infamous right-handers. Valiere’s winning ride came with just over 4 minutes left to go in the final as he took off on a solid 5-foot bomb across the point. The young Hawaiian dropped in with impeccable form as he grabbed his rail and proceeded to pig dog his way through a high-line barrel. After disappearing under the Sunset curtain, Valiere came flying out only to lay down two, massive cutbacks creating frenzy on the beach and series of impressed looks across the judge’s faces. Needless to say, Valiere’s outstanding efforts earned him the title of 2006 Xcel Pro Champion.

After humbly accepting his award, Valiere remarked, “I just had a Bob Marley concert stuck in my head out there. It was ‘Live in Berkley, ‘79’, the music just put me in a good vibe.”

Congratulations to Ben Bourgeois: Reef Latin Pro Barbados Champion and to Evan Valiere: 2007 Xcel Pro Sunset Beach Champion.

Final Results (respectively)

Reef Latin Pro Barbados:
1st Place: Ben Bourgeois (Wrightsville Beach, NC)
2nd Place: Gabriel Escudero (Puerto Rico)
3rd Place: Jean Carlo (Venezuela)
4th Place: Russell Winter (United Kingdom)

2006 Xcel Pro – Sunset Beach, Hawaii
1st Place: Evan Valiere (Kaliiuwai, Kauai)
2nd Place: Gavin Beschen (San Clemente, Ca)
3rd Place: Michael Bourez (Tahiti)
4th Place: Makua Rothman (Sunset Beach, Oahu)