Posted on July 20, 2010
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Once again, Wrightsville Beach served up some fun summertime Atlantic surf, ample sunshine and a packed beach of thousands this past weekend for the 6th Annual Reef/Sweetwater Pro. Hometown hero’s, Michael Powell and Ben Bourgeois, didn’t disappoint either coming in first and second place respectively.
The heat of the day was Semi-Final One where the surf pulsed at its best and 21-year old goofy footer, Michael Powell, put on an impressive display for his hometown crowd. A series of vicious front side snaps and cut back combinations easily moved Powell into the final along with WCT veteran and local legend, Ben Bourgeois.
Semi-final two was a little less productive courtesy of a solid 10 minute lull in the conditions as Heath Walker, Dylan Goodale, Travis Beckman and former Sweetwater Pro Champion, Jeremy Johnston were out in the water anxiously waiting for the next set to roll in. Heath “Nutty” Walker was lucky enough to snag a really good ride in the first minute before the swell deflated and was able to back it up with a score at the end of the heat. Dylan Goodale scored one of the best waves of the day as the clock wound down, ending with a big backside snap to reverse causing the crowd to go wild.
Heading into the final round, it was an absolute packed house on Oceanic Street as the coastal North Carolina crowd showed up in droves to see their two local boys compete against Australian, Heath Walker, and Kauai’s young super star Dylan Goodale. Once the siren sounded to begin the 30-minute heat, it was all Michael Powell, using his local knowledge to rack up points early on. He had been eyeing out this little left hand sand bar up the beach, which proved to be the way to go, causing his fellow finalist to play the catch up game.
Ben Bourgeois came back at the end with a nice left hander where he put on a show for the local crowd executing some very stylish back side snaps and ending on the shore with a big foam climb close out. As the clock ticked down to end the 6th annual Reef Sweetwater Pro it was Michael Powell securing the win over his idol Ben Bourgeois, while Walker and Goodale took 3rd and 4th respectively.
Michael Powell’s gripping hometown performance earned him a handsome reward of $5,000(US) for the win that also puts him in contention for an attempt at the ASP WQS in 2011.
Congratulations to all of the competitors, event organizers and sponsors that helped make this a truly memorable event.
Once again, Wrightsville Beach served up some fun summertime Atlantic surf, ample sunshine and a packed beach of thousands this past weekend for the 6th Annual Reef/Sweetwater Pro. Hometown hero’s, Michael Powell and Ben Bourgeois, didn’t disappoint either coming in first and second place respectively.
The heat of the day was Semi-Final One where the surf pulsed at its best and 21-year old goofy footer, Michael Powell, put on an impressive display for his hometown crowd. A series of vicious front side snaps and cut back combinations easily moved Powell into the final along with WCT veteran and local legend, Ben Bourgeois.
Semi-final two was a little less productive courtesy of a solid 10 minute lull in the conditions as Heath Walker, Dylan Goodale, Travis Beckman and former Sweetwater Pro Champion, Jeremy Johnston were out in the water anxiously waiting for the next set to roll in. Heath “Nutty” Walker was lucky enough to snag a really good ride in the first minute before the swell deflated and was able to back it up with a score at the end of the heat. Dylan Goodale scored one of the best waves of the day as the clock wound down, ending with a big backside snap to reverse causing the crowd to go wild.
Heading into the final round, it was an absolute packed house on Oceanic Street as the coastal North Carolina crowd showed up in droves to see their two local boys compete against Australian, Heath Walker, and Kauai’s young super star Dylan Goodale. Once the siren sounded to begin the 30-minute heat, it was all Michael Powell, using his local knowledge to rack up points early on. He had been eyeing out this little left hand sand bar up the beach, which proved to be the way to go, causing his fellow finalist to play the catch up game.
Ben Bourgeois came back at the end with a nice left hander where he put on a show for the local crowd executing some very stylish back side snaps and ending on the shore with a big foam climb close out. As the clock ticked down to end the 6th annual Reef Sweetwater Pro it was Michael Powell securing the win over his idol Ben Bourgeois, while Walker and Goodale took 3rd and 4th respectively. Michael Powell’s gripping hometown performance earned him a handsome reward of $5,000(US) for the win that also puts him in contention for an attempt at the ASP WQS in 2011.
Congratulations to all of the competitors, event organizers and sponsors that helped make this a truly memorable event.
Here are the Winners:
Professional Division
First Place: Michael Powell of Wilmington; $5,000 Purse
Second Place: Ben Bourgeois of Wilmington; $3,000 Purse
Third Place: Heath Walker of Australia; $2,000 Purse
Fourth Place: Dylan Goodale of Hawaii; $1,500
Women’s Open Long board
First Place: Kate Easton of Virginia Beach
Second Place: Kayleigh Winslow of Wrightsville Beach
Third Place: Leldon McCleary of South Carolina
Fourth Place: Carleigh Sion of South Carolina
Women’s Open Short board
First Place: Emily Ruppert of Florida
Second Place: Haley Watson of Florida
Third Place: Julia Barrett
Fourth Place: Jo Pickett of Wilmington
Men’s Open Long board
First Place: Tony Silvagni of Kure Beach
Second Place: Bradley Rose of Carolina Beach
Third Place: Steve Mangiacarre of Wilmington
Fourth Place: Weston Williams of Wilmington
Guys 14 and Under
First Place: Cam Richards of South Carolina
Second Place: Noah Sweizer of Florida
Third Place: Luke Marks of Florida
Fourth Place: Luke Gordon of South Carolina
Guys 15 and Over
First Place: Cam Richards of South Carolina
Second Place: Hunter Heaverly of Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Third Place: Shane Burns of Wilmington, North Carolina
Fourth Place: Keto Burns of New York
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