By Morissa Lindsay
Kai Kushner of the United States of America maintained his sensational form on the surfboard scoring 9.77 points out of 10 to top heat five as the Diamonds International-sponsored surfing action continued at the Soup Bowl in Bathsheba today.
The young upcoming star debuted in the World Surf League (WSL) North America Pro Juniors Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Memory of Zander Venezia who passed away five years ago. The 15-year-old Kushner who hails from Manhattan Beach, California, destroyed the field securing an overall total of 16.47 points out of a possible 20.
Kushner’s capabilities so far have been incredible and he has delivered some memorable moves including the backhand attack while riding the waves.
Spectators got to witness what the young American is made of when he advanced into the round of 32 of the Barbados Surf Pro with the senior men. Kushner was so amazing to watch yesterday in the Barbados Surf Pro event that he played a part in eliminating home town favourite and Barbados’ top male surfer Josh Burke.
Therefore, it was no surprise that he dominated and performed the way he did today against his peers who are all 20 and under.
In what were two to three foot swells the juniors went out and gave it their all. Unfortunately, no Barbadian competitor has advanced so far.
However, Barbados’ hopes will rest on Ocean Gittens and Caleb Rapson who have yet to compete in the Round of 32 for the juniors and will hope to advance when they do at some point tomorrow.
Among the top performers on the day was North American number one Tommy Coleman of the United States. He tallied 11.43 to emerge victorious in heat one.
Raiki Nishida of California scored 12.70 for a dominant display in heat two.
Hayden Rodgers also from California showed what he was made of and his best wave score of 15 reflected that as he won heat three.
Meanwhile, another Californian competitor Raphael Castro scored 11.66 to come out on top in heat four. Hawaii participant Tony Nunez stamped his authority in heat six with an 11.56 points tally.
Costa Rica was also in the mix as Darshan Antequera registered 11.87 points for his best wave in heat seven.
On what was a competitive day Lucas Owston’s 13.27 points stood out in heat eight as California was once again well represented.
morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb
