NYBB PRO AMATEUR PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTOS!!!

The 3rd Annual SCION NYBB Pro - Amatuer Division

Local Sponsors: No. 6, Custom-X, unsOund Surf, Beach House, Minnesota’s, Dunes Deli in Lido,Town of Hempstead

NEW YORK, September 9, 2007 - There was much anticipation and excitement leading up to this year’s Amateur Division, as the local pool of up and coming rippers grows deeper each year. There is a strong movement of bodyboarding culture and talent building here in New York and the East Coast, and that was clearly evident by the competition displayed amongst the Am’s this year.

The first heat featured New Yorker’s Mike Andosca and Dan Garcia, and from New Jersey was Noah Brooks, Tom Brandli, and Dillan Druz. Druz quickly showed why he won the Jenks Am’s and took first in the heat with smooth combos and strong moves making the best of the conditions. Mike Andosca put forth a solid effort and took 2nd, Noah Brooks secured 3rd, advancing the three of them to the semi-final round, and ending the day for Brandli and Garcia. The second heat was also full of talent, with RJ Clayton and Rob making taking first and second respectively, and Brian Vitalo wrapping up third and shutting out two NY’ers in Brian Skopinich (4) and Ashley Fava (5). It was the Hawaiians who dominated Heat #3, with Riley Dutro convincingly owning 1st, and Kingsley Uaiawa taking second and completing the one-two HAwaiian sweep. Local boy Dave Kessler sealed up third, sideling both Paul Caperna and Dave Fava for the remainder of the day. The fourth and finat heat in the semi’s once again went to New Jersey with Chris Detlinger putting forth a solid effort to claim the heat, and Evan Conway (NY) combined on several good waves to seal up second. Phil Parr (NY) was probably the biggest guy in the divison but showed versatility with a series of rolls and spins to manage third, edging out John McKenzie (NY - 4) and Justin Lawson (NY - 5).

The scene was set the Semi-Finals, with Mike Andosca and Brian Vitalo from NY would battle Jersey’s own Dillan Druz, Rob Mac, RJ CLayton, and Noah Brooks. Once again, Druz came out on top, pacing first, but NY standout grom Brian Vitalo gave Druz a solid fight and sealed up second, with the third spot going to RJ Clayton, sending those three on to the Finals, and elimnating Mike Andosca (4), Rob Mack (5), and Noah Brooks (6). Semi-Final #2 would see three NY hopefuls fall (Dave Kessler 4, Phil Parr 5, Evan Conway 6), with Hawaiians Riley Dutro and Kingsley Uaiwa knocking out the pack with a one-two punch, and Chris Detlinger again putting up a solid performance in the dismal conditions taking 3rd.

This year’s Amateur Final showdown boasted the most talent in the 3 years of the NYBB Pro’s history, and these guys really put on quite a show and gave much promies to the future of our sport. Once again, Dillon Druz (NJ) proved that he is indeed for real and the man to beat, taking home first and completing the Jenks/NYBB sweep. Riley Dutro (HI) put in a solid all around performance throughout the contest, and earned second place on the podium. Defending his home turf and determined to prevent New York being shut out from the winner’s circle, Brian Vitalo (NY) threw down for the home town clinching third, with clean lines and power maneuvers. Chris Detlinger (NJ) would go on to take the 4th and final spot in the winner’s circle, with Kingsley Uaiwa (HI) and RJ Clayton (NJ) finshing 5th and 6th respectively.

Congratulations and thanks to all competitors for a great show. We look forward to seeing the “new breed” continuing to progress and grow, and are encouraged by what the future may bring. Thanks to all of our visitors from near and far, and for all the locals who showed our guestsw what New York hospitality is all about…

Those fans that stuck around until the end got hoooked up with freebies from No.6 and Custom-X Bodyboards! During the meet and greet autograph signing at unsOund Surf shop in Long Beach, we gave away one brand new No. 6 to a fit young grommet who did 40+ pushups and beat out all of his buddies on the sidewalk in front of the shop. In keeping with NYBB tradionion, the annual swimfin sprint was on! A spanking new Custom-X board was given away to one unidentified speedy grom who claimed the win, the board, and went home stoooked! but unfortunately no one went down this year since the run was too short. Consider yourselves lucky, as next year will be a full on 800 yard sprint! Remember, It’s not a swim fin sprint unless people are tripping over each other and falling flat on their faces, so start training today!

Thanks very much once again to No. 6 Bodyboards, Custom-X Bodyboards for sponsoring our Amateur Division and providing so many great prizes for the NYBB Pro! Thanks also to Unsound Surf in Long Beach for providing a $300 cash award to the “Maneuver of the Day!” Thanks to The Dunes Deli at 300 Lido Blvd in Lido, NY for generously providing lunch for our entire staff. Thanks also to Minnesota’s and the Beach House for their hospitality especially to our travelling guests! Special Thanks to the Town of Hempstead for all of their hard work. Please support those that support you, and say thanks from New York Bodyboarding!

All images courtesy of Evan Conway at: www.RedDawnProductions.net

Written By: Bob Baldwin