Every year there a few new threats to the established regional surfers, even among the Junior Tour ranks, but none have come out firing like Robbie McCormick. A relatively unknown competitor to those around the region now know McCormick to be a wrench in the system after topping the likes of seasoned QS vet Michael Dunphy in the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro with huge aerial launches.
McCormick's landing rate has been on point, completing nearly every attempt - WSL / John Ferguson
But, the Flagler Beach, Florida, competitor made his WSL debut in yesterday's action and continued to stun the beach during today's Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro affairs. McCormick is a late bloomer, beginning his pro career at age 17 with only one year to perform on the junior stage, but has proven ready for the jersey.
"This is actually my first real pro event I've done so I'm just learning all I can and hoping to get a couple of points to move forward," McCormick said. "It feels good to win a few heats and I'm just trying my best, while having fun with it. Since it's my last year as junior I'll just see what I can do before getting into the QS. I surf waves like this all the time and I know how to go about it so I'll just keep having fun out there."
The 17-year-old threatens some of the region's best in attendance on both QS and junior fronts. - WSL / John Ferguson
The road doesn't get any easier for the newcomer as he faces 2016 North America Regional Junior Champion Ryland Rubens, and local hero Tommy Coleman in Round Three of the QS.
McCormick must also handle event standouts William Hedleston and Eño James, along with Junior Tour talent Taro Watanabe.
William Hedleston is known as The Tank, and he was a force today -- eliminating Tommy Coleman from junior competition. - WSL / John Ferguson
Catch up with Alyssa Spencer and Kirra Pinkerton's phenomenal start in Florida.
Tomorrow's 7:30 a.m. EDT call will determine an 8:00 a.m. EDT start for either the men's QS Round Three or junior men's Quarterfinals.
Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro and Junior Pro Threat: Robbie McCormick
Andrew Nichols
Every year there a few new threats to the established regional surfers, even among the Junior Tour ranks, but none have come out firing like Robbie McCormick. A relatively unknown competitor to those around the region now know McCormick to be a wrench in the system after topping the likes of seasoned QS vet Michael Dunphy in the Ron Jon Quiksilver Pro with huge aerial launches.
But, the Flagler Beach, Florida, competitor made his WSL debut in yesterday's action and continued to stun the beach during today's Ron Jon Quiksilver Junior Pro affairs. McCormick is a late bloomer, beginning his pro career at age 17 with only one year to perform on the junior stage, but has proven ready for the jersey.
"This is actually my first real pro event I've done so I'm just learning all I can and hoping to get a couple of points to move forward," McCormick said. "It feels good to win a few heats and I'm just trying my best, while having fun with it. Since it's my last year as junior I'll just see what I can do before getting into the QS. I surf waves like this all the time and I know how to go about it so I'll just keep having fun out there."
The road doesn't get any easier for the newcomer as he faces 2016 North America Regional Junior Champion Ryland Rubens, and local hero Tommy Coleman in Round Three of the QS.
McCormick must also handle event standouts William Hedleston and Eño James, along with Junior Tour talent Taro Watanabe.
Catch up with Alyssa Spencer and Kirra Pinkerton's phenomenal start in Florida.
Tomorrow's 7:30 a.m. EDT call will determine an 8:00 a.m. EDT start for either the men's QS Round Three or junior men's Quarterfinals.
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