Big Scores and Big Surf for Day 2 of O’Neill Cold Water Classic pres. by JeepSANTA CRUZ, California (Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007) – The surf increased overnight with solid four-to-six foot (2 metre) waves pulsing through Steamer Lane for Day 2 of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic presented by Jeep, and competitors rose to the improved conditions, exhibiting some of the most dynamic surfing of the season.

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 4-Star event holds a lot on the line with the $75,000 prize purse as well as valuable qualifying points, but the O’Neill Cold Water Classic presented by Jeep also carries the added prestige of being the final event on the 2007 Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series presented by Jeep (an ASP North America Specialty Series).

The Macy’s Trifecta culminates at Steamer Lane, offering an additional $15,000 prize purse to the top 3 finishers, as well as an all-new Jeep Patriot, valued at $26,000, to the eventual champion.

Jay Phillips (Gold Coast, AUS), in his first-ever competition at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic presented by Jeep, posted impressive wins in both his Round 1 and Round 2 heats today, dominating the punchy righthanders on his forehand and netting the event high single-wave score of an 8.83 out of a possible 10.

“I’m so happy to be here as it’s my first time ever surfing Steamer Lane,” Phillips said. “I’ve brought the family and we’re really just enjoying the beauty up here. I’m extremely comfortable out there having surfed pointbreaks my entire life. I think today, the conditions are washing through a little bit, but there are still some great waves to be had.”

Once touted as one of Australia’s greatest exports, Phillips has taken a brief sabbatical from professional competition, but the recent exploits of his fellow countrymen have reignited the competitive flame.

“Back home, Mick (Fanning) and Dean (Morrison) and Joel (Parkinson) have been telling me that they want to see a Jay Phillips comeback,” Phillips said. “Seeing those guys doing so well at that level has really motivated me to give it a go again. At the moment, I’m just competing in select events, but I think the Cold Water is an event I could do really well at, and I would love to claw my way onto the Dream Tour.”.... click here to visit the ASP site and read the rest of the article and follow the contest.

Visit the Proctor Surfboards Worldwide Custom website to read about Jay Phillips board models, see photos & watch movies of Jay surfing his favorite board models, custom shaped by Todd Proctor.