Reef's own Tonino Benson finished 2nd this past weekend to Brazil's Pablo Paulino in the Billabong World Junior Pro Championships held at North Narrabeen Beach, Australia.

Tonino literally surfed his brains out through the entire event, never losing a heat on his way to the final. The homegrown, Hawaiian felt very comfortable

in the solid, double overhead plus waves as he combined his signature air reverse manuevers with his polished rail to rail turns. However, the waves weren't picture perfect

throughout the weeklong event as competitors and spectators alike saw everthing from head high, wind blow slop to perfect double overhead, left hand style point break waves. Being able

to dominate most of the event in these various conditions shows that Tonino is able to adapt to any conditions and shine above the rest. With traits like these he is sure to please judges as he

progresses in his professional surfing career.

Arguably the day’s top performer, Benson posted the only perfect 10.00 point ride of the event, tucking into a deep barrel against Australian wildcard Owen Wright in the Quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, the young Hawaiian could not repeat this performance in the Final. "I’m happy for Pablo, he’s my friend and he deserved the win,” Benson said. “I got out of rhythm in the
Final and everything seemed to be going his way. I am happy to reach the Finals and just grateful to compete in these amazing waves."

When all was said and done, Tonino Benson earned US$3400 and will join Paulino in the Round of 96 on the WQS this year. That's huge! By finalling here at the World Junior
Championships, Tonino now places himself well ahead of the pack in any WQS he enters, this will allow him to post better results on his way to the ASP World Tour.


Notable mention also goes out to Reef's newest sponsored, head to toe athlete, Chris Waring who powered his way to the quarterfinals before ending his World Pro Junior
campaign. The Reef farm league team is really sizing up and showing a lot of potential for the years to come. Kudos to Nutty Walker for his vision on surfing's future stars.