Dane Reynolds (USA), 27, will compete as a wildcard at the Hurley Pro at Trestles due to his video trials victory!
COSTA MESA, California/USA — (Friday, August 2, 2013) – Dane Reynolds defeated San Clemente surfer Luke Davis last night in the Hurley Pro Video Trials final, becoming the first ASP wildcard in history to be chosen solely by the fans. The first-of-its kind event, which started this past Monday, began with a field of eight man-on-man “heats,” where fans judged the two waves offered up by each surfer.
There were a number of hotly contested battles in the virtual event; chief among them was Reynolds versus 17-year-old upstart Cam Richards in the Semifinals. The lead changed throughout the day as both Reynolds and Richards saw some high-profile names campaign on their behalf. As the clock struck the midnight deadline, Dane Reynolds got the nod by 183 votes, with supportive tweets and posts from the likes of Tony Hawk, Jamie Foxx, Brody Jenner, Kelly Slater, Jaden Smith and a host of other fans.
“I was a in a social media war with a 17-year-old from South Carolina complete with hilarious celebrity shout-outs,” wrote Dane Reynolds (@sealtooth) in an Instagram post. “[Cam Richards] must be an internet wizard or something.”
The video contest selected the second of two wildcard competitors slotted for the event. The first wildcard was chosen last week at the Hurley Pro Trials held at Trail 6 near San Onofre. In-form Australian Mitch Crews upset a stacked local crew for the coveted spot in fun, head-high surf.
The Top 16 contenders of the video trials were chosen from a pool of over 100 of America’s best surfers; from there, they were placed into man-on-man brackets by a judging panel comprising Pat O’Connell, Rob Machado and Bob Hurley.
“I’m blown away by the public response,” said Hurley VP Sports Marketing Pat O’Connell. “Thanks to everyone who voted and thanks to all the surfers who entered. Such a fun event to watch unfold.”
Next up: the Hurley Pro starting September 15 at Lower Trestles.
