Jonathan Reece wins Barbados Independence Pro 2010!

Jonathan Reece has etched his name into Caribbean Surfing history on an elite list of Event Champions of the Barbados Independence Pro  alongside Past “Top Dogs” such as Mark Holder, the Puerto Rican Graves Brothers (Josie and Dylan), and of course Kelly “KS10″ Slater, just to name a few.   The young Bajan overcame challenging North Swell Chunks and a field of hungry International and local competitors to prevail as Champion.

Event Champ Jonathan Reece being carried to the podium to celebrate his victory!

The Independence Pro is arguably the oldest and most prestigious Surf Contest in the Caribbean, certainly among  in the English Speaking islands. It has gone through many reincarnations over the years since the 1980′s , such as the Sprite Caribbean Cup,  Natural Art Top Dog, Reef Bowl, and now the BSA Banks/Nissan Independence Pro.  But one thing has remained constant over the years; the regions best surfers contesting in the regions premier surf spot.

The scene on the beach on Sunday at Soup Bowl.

The patriotic crowd that gathered on the beach on Sunday despite inhospitable weather conditions were not to be disappointed as there were two more locals to be crowned champions.  Barbadian surfing phenoms Jordan Heaselgraves and Chelsea Tuach were victorious in the Pro Junior (U21) and Womens Open, receptively.  The only division that went to an International surfer was the Boys (U14) won by Rafael Debierre of Guadeloupe.

Reece, Debierre, Tuach and Heaselgraves, among the Finalists.

More information and the complete final results will soon follow with a press release from the Barbados Surfing Association.  Special thanks to Jennifer Allen, Mark Harris and Tarik Browne for the great photos, once again!  Please enjoy these sequences of Jonathan’s road to victory…