Eddie Guilbeau is crowned at Quik's King of the Peak
November 10, 2009, 11:44 AM
By: Jon Coen
Mark Hill
Eddie Guilbeau
Fifteen years. There's an awful lot of history in an event that's fifteen years old. CJ, Hewey, Kyle Garson, JJ, Morcom, and Mr. Slater are just a few of the East Coast Kings to have worn Quik's crown. Though this contest is open to everyone, it's won by a Floridian year in and year out.
This year, a new name was added to the King's Court — a true changing of the royal guard, a new generation winning on new generation moves.
Sebastian Inlet is nothing short of a training ground for World Champions. While the rest of the Space Coast might have burgery knee-slappers, the Inlet can transform the slightest amount of Atlantic Energy into a bowly ramp. This year's King of the Peak was held in chunky, onshore, largely one-move waves. That translated into wedgy barrels and quick-hit airs.
Mark Hill
The winning varial.
New schooler, Eddie Guilbeau
aced it on a full above-the-lip board varial.
Most everyone on the beach had watched Guilbeau boost all day. The kid basically was just out for a day at the skatepark. And at the skatepark, no one lands all their moves — not even most of their moves. So, when Guilbeau boosted into his 34th air of the event, no one was paying a terrible amount of attention. But he stuck the thing to win his fourth skin of the day.
Mark Hill
"Just because they're wildcards doesn't mean they don't rip, kid. Get off my back."
With Kelly being among the greatest sports heroes to ever come out of Florida and an original mastermind behind the event, it was only fitting that he make an appearance. He slid in under the radar on an overcast Monday and went down the beach for a little surf with another former King, CJ Hobgood. Kelly quickly reminded everyone why he will always be king here.
Slates is also hand-shaping Guilbeau a board for winning the Kelly Slater Eperi-MENTAL Maneuver.You almost wonder if Guilbeau is going to want a 5'2 quad or something.
Of course, you always have to deal with major talent in Central Florida, and Guilbeau edged out Blake Jones, CT Taylor, Jody Davis, Sebastian Moreno, and Cory Sapp, who each posted three skins.
Mark Hill
The real King of the Peak, forever.
Lucas Rogers collected $325 at the Eastern Surf Magazine Airshow. Rogers almost didn't make the event when he had some engine issues with the Billabong truck en route. On top of that, he was with Jeff Myers, who found an establishment to take all those pesky singles in their wallets and almost derailed the mission.
Mark Hill
Lucas had some problems driving the Billabong truck down to Florida. Next year, he'll just fly.
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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, Calif. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the past 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 schlepping his lens around the world or looking for roadkill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point, Calif., tending to his growing brood.
