Mikey February Steals Limelight On Day One Of 2012 Oakley Pro Junior – North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Wednesday 1st February, 2012: South African rising star Michael February stole the show on day-one of the 2012 5-Star, AUD$30,000 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Oakley Pro Junior, with the stylish surfer outpointing a star studded field in his opening Round of 128 heat.

Held in powerful 1.5m conditions at Main Beach, February went head-to-head with fellow ASP World Junior Tour competitor Conner Coffin (USA), as the two natural-foot surfers went blow for blow in an exciting encounter.

February posted a consistent combined two-wave heat score of 12.85 (out of a possible 20), which was enough to relegate Coffin into second place finishing on an 11.85, however, both competitors will progress to the Round of 96.

Despite giving away five years to some of his rivals, 15-year-old Luke Hynd (Burleigh Heads, Qld) didn’t let a significant age difference stand is his way today, posting one of the highest combined two-wave heat score of 12.85 (out of a possible 20), toppling Reo Kanao (JPN – 9.40), Jake Thompson (AUS – 7.25) and Todd Doyle (NZL – 5.05) to progress into the Round of 96.

Sunshine Coast pairing Eli Criaco (Coolum Beach, Qld) and Nick Callister (Noosa, Qld) also progressed into the Round of 96, with the un-seeded Criaco successfully surfing through two rounds already today, posting two first place finishes in both heats.

Meanwhile, Callister (9.55) advanced into the Round of 96 with a second place finish to highly touted Brazilian youngster Yan Daberkow (10.75).

Shaun Mawson (Manyana, NSW) and North Stradbroke Island local Ehtan Ewing also entertained onlookers with Mawson just edging out crowd favourite Ewing 10.80 points to 9.10.

Running from February 1-5 and held in the varying breaks surrounding the island paradise, the Oakley Pro Junior is the third stop on the prestigious ASP Australasia Pro Junior Men’s tour.

Up for grabs is the JS Tractor Big Boost, which will see 12 hand picked competitors (four locals, four Australians and four international competitors) compete for three  brand new custom  JS surfboards with the best placed local surfer also winning one brand new JS surfboard.

The Oakley Pro Junior is proudly supported by Oakley, JS Surfboards, ASP Australasia, Surfing Queensland and Redland City Council