Asher Nolan. Photo: courtesy Larry Beard |
Asher Nolan
Age: 26
From: Neptune Beach, Florida
Surfs: Goofy
Asher had a hallmark year last year. Not only did he win several ‘QS events across the country, he also came to California and competed with the consistency that’s necessary to win a Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series Title. With the momentum he generated as fuel, Asher will return to California to defend his title and continue climbing the WQS ranks.
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Nathaniel Curran. Photo: courtesy Larry Beard |
Nathaniel Curran
Age: 21
From: Oxnard, California
Surfs: Regular
Nathaniel was in the running last year for the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series points title, a position he earned by winning his first ever WQS event in Newport. Coming into this year with a surge of confidence, this explosive youth from Oxnard could prove to be a Trifecta contender yet again.
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Photo Courtesy of Surfermag.com |
Brett Simpson
Age: 21
From: Huntington Beach, California
Surfs: Regular
Brett had a breakout year of his own last year with a Hawaiian campaign that earned him the Vans Triple Crown Rookie of the Year Award. Back on the mainland he was smoking as well, making ‘QS finals and presenting a threat on the Trifecta ratings boards. Expect a continually maturing Brett to be a major threat this year if he focuses on California competition.
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Nate Yeomans. Photo Courtesy of Surfermag.com |
Nate Yeomans
Age: 24
From: San Clemente, California
Surfs: Goofy
If Nate had made one more heat in the Cold Water Classic, he would’ve bumped Asher down to second and taken the Macy’s Trifecta Points Title himself. When you get that close, it’s clear you’re a contender, and Nate should come into this year’s Surf Series looking to make good on past shortcomings.
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Jesse Merle Jones. Photo: courtesy of Scott Aichner |
Jesse Merle-Jones
Age: 27
From: Kauai, Hawaii
Surfs: Goofy
JMJ squeaked into the Trifecta top five last year on the basis of a solid California campaign. Look for him to be a threat again this year if the waves get meaty, like they did in ’05 at both Newport and Santa Cruz.
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Rob Machado. Photo: courtesy of Surfing Magazine. |
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Rob Machado
Age: 32
From: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California
Surfs: Goofy
Much to the dismay of his competitors, Rob Machado he still has a knack for getting high scores in any heat he enters. The only reason Rob didn’t win the Trifecta last year was because he skipped Newport. If Machado commits to all three stops, look for him to be in the running for a Trifecta Title.
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Pat O'Connell. Photo: courtesy of Surfing Magazine. |
Pat O'Connell
Age: 33
Home: Laguna Beach, California
Surfs: Regular
Pat and Rob are basically in the same boat. Both are cagey competitors now a few years removed from the tour. If Pat, like Rob, decides to commit to the Trifecta race, he should pose a serious threat to any young pro with their eyes set on the $33,333 or $10,000 prizes.
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Tim Curran. Photo: Courtesy of ASP International |
Tim Curran
Age: 28
Home: Oxnard, California
Surfs: Goofy
Tim is back home after stepping away form the World Tour, and while he’s said he isn’t currently interested in competition, he could be a potential Trifecta contender if he decides to enter the California leg of the ‘QS.
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