Australian surfer Drew Courtney has won the 2009 Islas Canarias Santa Surf Pro. Beating Brazilian rider Bernardo Miranda in spectacular 4 metre conditions at the back up venue of La Santa yesterday.
This was the first major event win in over twelve years for Courtney, 31 years old and from New South Wales – who finished top of the pile of 96 competitors.
“I am speechless right now, it’s just amazing to win this major event and moreover in these waves,” Courtney said. “It’s my first win ever in twelve years on tour and it’s been an epic day with great surf. It was a close heat and to finish on top is pretty amazing.”
“I started off the final well with that seven plus score but broke my board and had to get back in to grab my back-up one,” Courtney said. “Then I got that ten but Bernardo (Miranda) got back with his sick ride and it was like it was starting all over again. I came close to making that last one and it would have been a big one. I am so stoked right now to win the thing in such epic waves.”
Courtney’s victory helps him to jump from No. 23 to 9 on the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) ratings and gets him right back in the running for possible ASP World Tour re-qualification.
“I was aiming at a final here after getting a few good results,” Courtney said. “It is a great confidence boost to win in solid surf before the Hawaiian finals and I am looking forward to finishing the year-off strong.”
Picture copyright ASP.
