Asher Nolan wins Quiksilver Pro New York Trials in Long Beach

After 16 pro surfers from across the world hit the waves for the Quiksilver Pro New York Trials, vying for the final wildcard entrant spot for the Quiksilver Pro N.Y. , pro surfer Asher Nolan, of Florida, came out on top Sunday, winning the coveted prize and securing himself a spot among the world’s best for the Quik Pro N.Y. event.

“I’m super stoked,” Nolan said after the contest, amid the roars of cheers from hundreds of residents and bystanders. “I’m representing the East Coast.”

Nolan, who hails from Atlantic Beach, Florida, defeated pro surfers Keanu Asing, of Hawaii, Garrett Parkes, of Australia, and Jeremy Johnston, of the U.S., in the final round of the Trials.

“It’s the Trials—16 guys, one person makes it,” Nolan said when speaking to reporters. “I took each heat one at a time. I made the finals,” he said, noting he managed to catch some good waves. He added, “I got lucky. Keanu almost came back, but luckily, he didn’t.”

Nolan said that during the Trials, his strategy throughout was to surf fast and smooth, and to grab as many waves from competitors as possible. He will now join 34 of the world’s best surfers — including 10-time ASP world champion Kelly Slater and local pro Balaram Stack — vying for an unprecedented $1 million prize purse, for the Quiksilver Pro New York.

“It’s kind of like the U.S. Open,” he said of the Trials and the hundreds of visitors the event drew to National Boulevard beach. “Everyone cheered for everyone. It’s exciting. The locals are amped. I’m excited to be a part of this.”