Rusty

KerrAzy Times Episode 13 from KerrAzy Productions on Vimeo.

Photo: Hilleman

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California (Wednesday, December 2, 2009) – The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) North American season has come to an end and Californians Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA), 28, and Courtney Conlogue (Santa Ana, CA), 17, claimed the premier ASP North America Men’s and Women’s titles with their stellar performances over some of the world’s top ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) surfers this year.

Also standing atop the regional podium for 2009 are Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 18, and Malia Manuel (Wailua, HI), 16, taking out titles of Men’s and Women’s ASP North America Pro Junior Champions. In addition to the Pro Junior crowns, Hawaiian Kai Sallas (Oahu, HI) and Cori Schumacher (Cardiff, CA), 32, claimed the top regional titles via the ASP Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS).

Yeomans, who is currently competing in the Vans Triple Crown in Hawaii, is sitting in the No. 7 position overall on the ASP WQS and his stellar regional performance saw him take out the title of Men’s ASP North America Champion. Yeomans sealed the deal on his No. 1 North America finish with a massive win at the ASP 6-Star PRIME O’Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz in early November, propelling him into a solid position amongst the international competition on the ASP WQS. The crucial victory significantly helped his chances at a spot amongst the elite 45 that make up the ASP Dream Tour for 2010.

“I set three goals for myself this year, first is to make the top five on the ASP WQS, second was to win a 6-star event and the third was to win the ASP North America ratings,” Yeomans said. “So, I have one more to accomplish. One thing I say about the WQS is that the season is long and it’s not a sprint but a marathon, so you have to set your goals and stick to them. You can’t worry about the points and your ranking, but have to enjoy the experience and push yourself and your surfing. Do that, and the other stuff will work itself out.”

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Entering the 2009 Coldwater Classic Rusty team rider Nate Yeomans was stuck at 27th on the WQS standings and was in dire need of a huge performance to put him in contention for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour. Adding to the pressure, the CWC was recently changed to a 6 Star Prime, the cash purse made bigger, and the wave conditions for the contest were the largest since 1985; not to mention that the competition included former world champion CJ Hobgood, the immensely talented Jordy Smith, then 3rd ranked Adriano de Souza, and a host of dangerous 'QS opponents.

Nate rose to the challenge, absolutely dominating the contest by winning heats and posting huge scores. In the final, Nate hung a 15.33 on his competition, Heath Joske, and prevented him from registering a double digit score! Joske even said, “Nate (Yeomans) just smoked it out there and I couldn’t even buy a wave. I was just getting flogged by eight foot sets. I’m stoked for him and pretty happy.”

After the win Nate proclaimed, “I can’t believe it. This is the biggest result of my career and I’m speechless. I’ve been winning 2-Stars for too long and it was time for a big 6-Star win. To have my name up there with all of the great surfers who have won this event over the years is amazing.”

Flash forward to the 2009 Reef Hawaiian Pro: Nate's dominance at the CWC vaulted him to 8th on the WQS standings and on the cusp of the 2010 Dream Tour. The pressure was back in full force and Nate needed a result to qualify for the Dream Tour. Once again in the midst of a competition stacked with 'CT and 'QS talent Nate delivered. Though he eventually fell to Alain Riou and CJ Hobgood, Nate made it all the way to the quarter finals and placed 9th overall. Nate's result shot him up one rank in the standings and secured his spot for next year's ASP Dream Tour!

After the contest and learning of his qualification for the Dream Tour Nate said, "All I can say is 'wow.' It's been a long year and a long time coming."

CONGRATULATIONS NATE!

Click here for more photos from the Reef Hawaiian Pro 2009!