After winning it 10 years ago! Mr. Sunset Jr.!
The North Shore season is officially underway and is it not the most wonderful time of the surfing year? Such drama! Such beauty! Even for the most die-hard “I-hate-surf-competition” minded, the contests that take place on the North Shore from November through January feel necessary and the arenas feel built for the spectacle.
The first event, the Hawaiian Island Creation Sunset Pro, has just wrapped and won by Maui stand out Ian Walsh. He also won it ten years ago and told Maui Now News, “For this win, it’s hard to explain. It feels so good. You have a goal you’re working for, and to finally be there and stand on the podium and hold a check above your head, it’s hard to put into words. Originally when I won this event 10 years ago, I wanted that feeling back again. You get a little taste and then every event you want to do it again. With surfing there’s so many ups and downs with what the waves do, and the psychology, and how the whole heat plays out.”
His victory slots him in to the the Vans Triple Crown and Haleiwa in ten short days.
Australian Jack Robinson was also in the final. That boy has a very bright future. Will he knock John John off his perch too soon?
Watch the final day highlights here!
Chas this is great ;;;;;;;any chance of a flying cutaway about the US presidential race in between events? I know not strictly surf but still entertaining.
Genius!
Ian Walsh should be in the discussion for best all around surfer in the world. Aside from the big waves he clearly excels in high performance conditions. If he’s serious about competing then he could have a shot at winning the TC this year. I wish him luck.