Australian surfer Owen Wright bested 10-time world champion Kelly Slater in the final round of the Quiksilver Pro New York in a picture perfect day in Long Beach, N.Y. Blue skies, warm temperatures and soft offshore winds on Long Island met a peaking incoming swell from Hurricane Katia to provide idyllic conditions for the last day of the Quiksilver Pro, the first ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) event held on the east coast. The event carried a record $1 million prize purse. Wright, 21, appearing in his first WCT final, caught three high scoring waves that included high performance turns and stunning aerials that built a commanding lead over Slater.
Having earlier squeaked through a semifinal against Australian Taj Burrow with a perfect 10 point ride, Slater had momentum and the support of the more than 30,000 fans on the beach. Slater's first high scoring ride, one of two needed to win the final, combined style and power with strong bottom turns and powerful carving maneuvers throughout.
Slater could not secure a second high score, falling on multiple aerial attempts as the clock ticked down. With approximately two minutes remaining the 39-year-old Slater caught a promising left breaking set wave. He dropped in, made multiple turns, gained speed and boosted high above the wave's falling lip. But to no avail. Coming to the surface after wiping out, Slater's fate was sealed as his surfboard lay broken in two beside him.
For Wright, his first top finish was timed perfectly, winning $300,000, the largest award in the history of competitive surfing.
"I always wanted to be in a final with Kelly," said Wright. "You can't be mucking around out there because
Kelly's always going to get his 9s. I've just had to find my way to get him and that's my airs."
For Slater, who still leads the overall ASP tour heading toward an unprecedented 11th world title, earning $100,000 for second place proved satisfying.
"I had to throw a Hail Mary to beat Taj in the semi and I think I may have used it all up at that point," said Slater. "But this whole event really has been as perfect as we could have asked for in a 3-4 day period, so I'm really stoked."
The Quiksilver Pro New York faced uncertainties last week as Hurricane Irene ravaged the eastern seaboard and caused significant flooding at the event site. Officials eventually chose to shutter the festival village that included moto, BMX and skateboarding demos along with live music.
Keeping the surf contest and welcoming a supportive New York crowed was OK with Quiksilver CEO and main patriarch, Bob McKnight.
"This event is all about the surf contest, so we're really excited that there's surf first and foremost," said McKnight. "There's an unbelievable, longstanding history with surfing in New York, a real connected culture, with shops and people and riders and spots and tradition. I think they're excited that the rest of the world can finally see it and put it on the map."