COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Scoring 13.17 points in the final round, Canadian Reed Platenius captured victory in the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro Junior, his first career World Surf League Qualifying Series Junior Tour event title.
In the final round, Platenius rode six waves, posting top scores of 7.67 and 5.50, besting three American competitors, including North American Junior number two ranked Jett Schilling and number three ranked Luke Wyler. The win earned him 1000 points in the North American Junior Tour standings.
With the win, Platenius climbed to first overall in the North American Junior Tour standings, and with one event remaining, he looks to retain his ranking and win his first WSL regional tour title in Barbados, March 27-April 2. The top 2 finishers on the North American Junior Tour directly qualify to compete against the top finishers from the other 6 World regional tours for the World Surf League World Junior Championships title.
In the simultaneous women’s Qualifying Series event, the Ron Jon Roxy Pro, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin continued her recent run of strong performances, following up her second-place finish in Morro Bay, California with another second-place finish. Earning another 800 Qualifying Series points vaulted her to 15th in the overall season standings. That’s 2 podiums in 3 starts for the 17yr old from Tofino, BC.
QUOTES
I’m really excited to win this Pro Junior in Cocoa Beach. It’s been so fun travelling all over the continent and meeting people on the QS. To share a final with three good friends was really special — I’ve admired Jett’s surfing since I was little and to end that heat on top was insane. This win puts me in a very good headspace heading into the back half of the season. Thanks to everyone on the tour and at home for all the support and kind messages.
– Reed Platenius
I am super happy to make finals in back-to-back events. I’ve been having lots of fun working on my surfing and competing and I am very grateful for all the support and opportunities.
– Sanoa Dempfle-Olin