Komune Bali Pro Presented By The Mad Hueys Kicks Off

KERAMAS, Bali / Indonesia (Sunday, April 23, 2017) - The Komune Bali Pro pres. by The Mad Hueys got underway in clean and pristine waves at this world renowned high-performance wave. The surf was in the 4 - 5 foot range with both barrels and turn sections on offer. This is a WSL Asia QS1000 rated event offering competitors the chance to compete for valuable Qualifying Series ranking points and prize-money.

The event ran though the first Round of competition, completing 16 Heats before hosting a expression session featuring Taj Burrow and Brent Dorrington.

Marlon Gerber took a smooth heat win to easily advance into the next round. Gerber is one of Bali’s most renowned style masters and is one to watch when tomorrow’s new swell kicks in.

“I just wanted to get an early start because the heat before our was slow then our heat started to pulse,” Gerber said. “This event is my style of an event - it really feels like a holiday. We get to surf a few heats and hang out with all of our friends from overseas that come into town.”

Mitch Parkinson was able to advance into the next round holding onto a solid 7.50 and only a small back-up score. Parkinson scored the 7.50 for a lofty air-reverse on a solid section.

“That heat was exactly what coaches tell you not to do - go for an air when you have only a small score on the board,” Parkinson said. “This contest is a bit of fun, in perfect waves and paradise. What more could you ask for from an event.”

Dean Morrison, former Komune Bali Pro event runner-up and this year’s contest director took a commanding heat win today in one of his only contest appearances of the year.

“I won my heat but I didn’t feel like I put on a good performance,” Morrison said. “When you haven’t competed in a while it can take some time to get the hang of it again. I just surfed up the beach at carparks and felt a lot better. Hopefully I will be better tomorrow, the surf forecast is looking good and I can’t wait to score some waves. This event is so fun, we always score epic conditions.”

Skip McCollough put on a show in his opening heat at Keramas today, in conditions similar to some waves around San Diego the young Californian looked right at home. McCollough launched and landed multiple aerials to claim the highest Heat Total of the day.

“That was the first time I surfed Keramas and was able to get a lot of waves and now I know how much fun this wave really is,” McCollough said. “I can’t really do airs that well but the waves were so good and giving me sections so I just went for it. It was so much fun. Hopefully I can make a few more heats and get more time out there.”

Lee Wilson notched a solid heat win today over fellow Indonesian Rio Waida who also advanced in 2nd position and Brazil’s Douglas Noronha who was eliminated in 3rd place.

“I think all events should be like this,” Wilson said. “The competitors are all relaxed, the vibe is amazing and everyone is happy. My heat had a few fun waves, I surf this place all the time and I knew that there would almost be two peaks and a few lulls so I just tried to stay busy and keep moving and it worked out. Tomorrow the swell is supposed to pick up and we could see some epic conditions.”

The 2017 Komune Bali Pro presented by The Mad Hueys will run from April 23 - 29.