Ocean Isle Beach’s own Knox Harris , 17, has taken out his maiden ASP (Association Of Surfing Professionals) victory in Belmar, New Jersey on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
Knox won the 1-Star Fins Pro Junior over fellow East Coasters Evan Thompson (Jacksonville Beach, FL), 20, Cam Richards (Garden City Beach, SC), 16, and Californian Griffin Colapinto (San Clemente, CA), 14.
Harris relied on committed maneuvers on the closeout sections compliments of a building hurricane swell to take out the Fins Pro Junior.
The North Carolina native started strong but was forced to battle back to the lead after he was relegated to second with solid backhand turns to easily earn the four-point score needed and the Fins Pro Junior victory.
“I caught that second wave and I wasn’t sure if it was going to count or not because I slipped after I was riding out of it,” Harris said. “I was skeptical about that and you couldn’t really hear out there so I didn’t figure I was in first. I fell back to second and needed a four. Since I couldn’t hear I think it took the pressure off of me and when I came in all of my friends were freaking out. I got carried up the beach and I was so stoked.”
Harris established a presence on the ASP North America Pro Junior Series this season with standout performances in both Florida and Virginia and hopes his win in New Jersey will act as a momentum builder for the 2013 season.
“I did decent in the East Coast Surfing Championships and had a close call with Tanner (Hendrickson) and got bumped out of the Quarters. I made the Quarterfinals at the DNA, but I’m stoked with this win and it’s a good momentum builder for next year.”
OceanIsleBeach.com congratulates Knox on this major professional surfing achievement!