WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA – Shredding was on the schedule for Team Hobie this week at the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro Am, the east’s largest and most lucrative stand up surfing contest.
In conditions described as fun but tough, Bullet Obra topped the Open Men’s division and scored well in the Longboard division. His standout performance earned him the / Haywood Newkirk Senior Waterman Award and $2,150 in total prize money.
“It was an honor to win the Newkirk waterman award. Thank you for putting on such a great event. I look forward to coming back next year,” Bullet said.
“Bullet embodies the term waterman, and competed at the highest levels in both Longboard SUP and Shortboard SUP style,” Haywood Newkirk said.
Coming off a long break from competition to finish nursing school, Hobie rider Emmy Merrill finished second in the women’s World Class final. She was behind only Izzy Gomez, the SUP surfing world champion, earning $1,250 for the strong performance.
“This was my first time surfing in North Carolina and my first SUP surf event in a while. I’m glad this was the place I was able to get back on the saddle! Huge thanks to Haywood Newkirk and the North Carolina crew for having us at this event. It was world class,” Emmy said.
Hobie rider Colin McPhillips’ outstanding style earned him first in the SUP Longboard division ($500). “Fun waves all weekend! A great format to show all ways to ride a SUP, from nose riding to big turns. I’m already looking forward to next year,” Colin said.
Local Hobie rider and SUP stalwart April Zilg worked the event. She said the competition was some of the highest ever seen at a SUP surfing event.
“As organizers we’re very pleased to have had such a strong turnout from the world’s top pros. In the mix were an ISA Gold Medalist, ASP World Champions and SUP World Tour Champs. Each semi-final heat had the makings of a world-class final. Although we had a strong and chilly north wind, the performance of the athletes was not to be missed. I think it’s fantastic to have such a high level of talent on display, especially for SUP on the east coast,” she said.
The Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro Am was presented by Hobie and Salt Life.
