Jamaica’s’ top under 18 surfer at the event, Ackeam Phillips from Bull Bay St Andrew made it to the money rounds with a fifth place finish in the Junior Men’s Pro division 

The Floridian beach was buzzing with a carnival like atmosphere due to the presence of the famous and vociferous Jamaicans. The spectators who were on hand lent their support with loud wild cheers for every maneuver whenever a Jamaican the hit the water for a heat. .

JSA President and leader of the delegation Mr. Billy Wilmot said that it was a major milestone for Jamaican Surfing. “To have our surfers, especially the juniors, performing at this level and looking so good out in the water against top calibre US opposition was really encouraging."

"Ackeam, Ivah, Inilek and Icah were all forces to be reckoned with throughout the event putting many East Coast hopefuls behind them and out of the running.” 

Quashi Surfboards was well represented with a “surf clinic” being run by the Brandolini Foundation for children where over 20 Quashi surfboards were given away to young children who attended. 

“The school program is a dream of mine which I hope to bring to reality” said Mr. Wilmot, “I would like to see an inter school surfing competition series up and running in Jamaica which would form an avenue leading to opportunities for athletic youth to pursue careers in pro surfing and/or within the international surfing industry generally.” 

NOTE: This year as in ’05 and ‘06 surfboards sponsored by Quashi and the trip by the Brandolini Foundation (http://www.lewbrandolini.com) .