Tofino's Peter Devries wins the O'Neill CWC Tofino
November 1, 2009, 10:10 AM
By: Jon Coen
Courtesy O'Neill Europe
Jake and I have spent a fair bit of time this year reporting on the Cold Water Classic Series. As you may know, O'Neill doesn't sponsor a WCT event and this year did a mini-tour within the WQS at some wild, remote, chilly, and epic destinations around the world.
Yesterday, another classic outcome unfolded and the most unlikely champion yet snatched the win. As of yesterday, a Canadian had never won an ASP event. But there are few things that compare to local knowledge as Peter Devries
shocked the establishment by beating Dream Tour soldier, "Bottle Tompson." Right now, he's the Errol Kerr (Jamaican ski team) of the surf world.
Thompson's quote from the ASP Press release says it all.
"I was pretty much toast, I didn't even get a shot at it. I just couldn't find a wave and that's the way the cookie crumbles."
Devries is an interesting surfer from an interesting place. The 26-year-old gave the 'QS a shot in the past, but it's a tough road for anyone, much less a Canadian. These days, he is largely a freesurf pro. But when O'Neill announced they would be coming to his hometown of Tofino, how could he not compete?
Courtesy O'Neill Europe
It's no always rainy and gray. Tofino, tucked into the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
And Tofino, while at the mercy of the elements, (one Californian emailed me that the waves were softer than expected, but the scenery was unreal) is one of the most unique surf destinations on earth. With water than never breaks the 55 degree mark and a temperate rain forest. The final day the surf was outright wild, adding even more excitement to an already thrilling ride for the CWC through Tasmania, Scotland, and South Africa.
Devries dominated from the beginning, blasting airs to the highest wave score of the first round. He upended Tothy, Cory Lopez, and Glen Hall (currently ranked 12th in the QS) on his way to the final and won at his homebreak by comboing Thompson. In the final, he picked off the right waves and diced them up on his forehand. Wonder how it feels to surf one contest a year and beat a 'CT guy?
I can't believe it," Devries said. "This contest was just such a great opportunity for me and thanks so much to everyone, my friends, family, sponsors and everyone in town for all of the support and helping me get to where I am. I'm just so stoked to have all of these guys competing here and I can't believe I came out on top with all of these incredible guys surfing here."
The Vancouver Sun has a pride-filled article here.
Courtesy O'Neill Europe
Peter Devries floating on air (and a thick section) yesterday at his homebreak.
The final result will help Thompson secure a spot on Tour next year. Cory Lopez, who ESPN Surfing spoke with earlier this year about possibly re-qualifying is down at #49. But if he were truly hungry, he could get Wildcard seeds at the CWC in Santa Cruz next week and then Sunset.
But for now, Devries and the Canuks are reveling in his victory. Even with the 6-star win, he isn't even a blip on the 'QS radar. But for some reason right now in Tofino, it's doubtful that anyone cares.
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Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes, and surfs in San Clemente, California. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the last 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of Return by Water, as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your Dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not shlepping his lens around the world or looking for road kill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point tending to his growing brood.
