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Tia Blanco Wins Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro Florida

15th March 2015


The World Surf League (WSL) Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro reached it’s finale today with clean offshore conditions and 2-3 ft surf on offer at Shepard Park, Cocoa Beach, Florida.  The third event on the North American Junior Series showcased the top North American surfing talent Under 20, as part of a multi stop series to qualify for the WSL Junior Championships.

In the Junior Women’s, top honors were taken by San Clemente, California’s Tia Blanco. The talented goofy-foot put on a fantastic display of power and flow throughout the 25 minute Final.  In the somewhat in-consistent conditions she was able to get on a roll mid way through the heat finding the highest wave score of the Final, an 8.67, putting her in front of local favorite Caroline Marks.  The win marks Blanco’s maiden WSL victory, earning her $2,000.00 and 1000 rankings points, which moves her into the top spot on the overall Junior Series rankings.

Tia Blanco 2015 RonJon Pro Junior photo by WSL/John W. Ferguson

Tia Blanco 2015 RonJon Pro Junior photo by WSL/John W. Ferguson

“This feels really, really good.  I’ve worked real hard for this,” said an elated Blanco during her award acceptance.  “It seems like every big event I’ve gone in, whether it was Amateur or Pro, I’ve had a mental block keeping me from winning.  To finally win at this level is so nice.”

“My strategy was really just to focus on my surfing,” offered Blanco, in regards to her approach to the Final.  “I didn’t want to worry about the other girls too much, just knowing it’s up to me to get the scores.  That wave that I got the 8.67 on looked like a gem when I was paddling for it.  It allowed me to do three turns, and I knew it was going to be a strong score.”

“Caroline is so, so good,” added Blanco.  “She’s a prodigy, and I’m excited to see what she does in the next few years.  She’s one of my favourite surfers.”

Tia Blanco 2015 RonJon Pro Junior photo by WSL/John W. Ferguson

Tia Blanco 2015 RonJon Pro Junior photo by WSL/John W. Ferguson

 

Finishing as the runner-up was the local girl from just down the road in Melbourne Beach, Caroline Marks.  Marks, who has been on a tear in the last 12 months winning nearly every Amateur title, was the crowd favorite.  Despite a last minute push, she was still in need of an 8.00 ride to move into first when the horn sounded, but spirits were high for the savvy 13 year-old, who was stoked to be in the Final.

“We all had 5s and 6s, seesawing a little bit back and forth to start,” said Marks, in review of the heat.  “And then, really the only good one that came through around midway, Tia got it.  It was the best wave of the heat and she dropped her 8.00 and not much came after that.”

“I was psyched.  The waves were fun, maybe a little slow in the Final, but I’m just stoked to get a good result and make the Final,” admitted the cheerful Marks.  “I’m 13 and all the girls here are so good, with more experience, so I’m just learning and trying to improve all the time.”

Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro – Women’s Final
1st Place: Tia Blanco (USA) – 15.07 – $2,000.00
2nd Place: Caroline Marks (USA) – 13.43 – $900.00
3rd Place: Frankie Harrer (USA) – 9.73 – $600.00
4th Place: Meah Collins (USA) – 1.83 – $500.00

Ron Jon Vans Junior Pro – Women’s Semifinals 
Heat 1: Meah Collins (USA) 15.16, Frankie Harrer (USA) 11.34, Rachel Presti (USA) 10.97, Emily Ruppert (USA) 9.67
Heat 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 16.56, Tia Blanco (USA) 11.47, Chelsea Tuach (BRB) 8.47, Maddie Peterson (USA) 7.67


Words by World Surf League  Photos by WSL/John W. Ferguson 

For more information on the Ron Jon Vans Pro Junior and other events happening at the Beach ‘n Boards Fest visit www.beachnboardsfest.com.

photo by WSL/John W. Ferguson

photo by WSL/John W. Ferguson

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