HSS team rider Christian Saenz is in contention for the 2010 OC Surfer of the Year: Rising Star category.  Visit the OC Register to place your vote now.

About the contest: The 3rd annual Orange County Surfer of the Year Awards – presented by the U.S. Open of Surfing and put on by the Orange County Register – runs through July 30.

Christian Saenz has just won his second consecutive NSSA  Southwest Mens title.  He is the first one to win the Southwest Open back-to-back  since Tom Curren.

The much anticipated High School Men’s final did not disappoint as all finalists pushed each other to not only win the individual title but also to rally up points for their school. Local surfer Christian Saenz was energized for the title and his hard fought approach paid off. He had to dig deep the day before in storming conditions in the Men’s repercharge fending off elimination with some last minute wave heroics. In the Men’s final, he found himself trailing in the fourth place position in the final five minutes. At the four minute mark, the determined goofy-footer dropped in on a set right hander and immediately exploded on a huge backside manuever and then continued to blast turns to the beach. The wave score came in at an 8.17 and pushed Saenz to first by more than a three point advantage over heat leader Colin Moran who dropped to second. “Yesterday I grinded out a third in the repercharge because I just wanted the State title so bad,” Saenz said. “On finals day, the waves were breaking more on the outside. Colin was in first with a 12 point total score and all I knew was that I needed a 6 score or better to take the lead at the 4-minute mark. On the 8-point ride I knew I had to go for broke on an outside set.” As for the upcoming National Championships, Saenz is thrilled about having the chance to compete on his home court. “I’m so stoked to have the Nationals on southside,” Saenz said. “It’s just comfortable for me in front of a hometown crowd. It’s just good to have that vibe. It pumps up my confidence to perform and I love this wave. I think our team has a chance to bring home the National title. We had a few errors at this event but it was all a learning experience so hopefully we can come out smarter for the Nationals.”

(Huntington Beach, Ca – March 1, 2010) – Surfing fans wait every year for the tradition – the excitement – and the team battles that make up the NSSA Interscholastic State Championships.  This year’s team fever will kick off March 5 on Huntington Beach’s famed center stage with the College Championships.  The much awaited Varsity and Junior Varsity High School Championships will follow on March 6 and continue on March 7 along with the Middle School Championships and all of the finals from the College, Varsity and Junior Varsity and Middle School divisions.  Teams from the 2010 Interscholastic State Championships will be competing in the hopes of earning a bid to the 2010 National Interscholastic Championships June 16-July 3 at Salt Creek and Huntington Beach Pier.

Head Coach Andy Verdone led the HBHS Surf Team to the State title in 2008 and has a lot riding on this event in front of a hometown crowd.  Reigning Southwest Open Men’s Champion Christian Saenz is the Oiler’s major caliber player and will be anxious to bring the State title back to Huntington Beach but he will have to have help from his supporting cast.  This past weekend, Saenz came off an impressive victory in the heavy surf at the Salt Creek Open so his confidence should be high.

The Katin Pro/Am Team Challenge has returned! Resurrected in 2009, this year’s event took to the water for a two-day competition held within a 6-day waiting period at the north side of the Huntington Beach Pier. Christian Saenz, an HB local competitor, came out firing. Riding for Hurley, and HSS, we were stoked to see one of our team members shredding and advancing through his heats.  Coming in 2nd in Round 1 ith an 8.14, Saenz squeezed out another win in Round 2. An 8.07 combo gave him enough to take 2nd place in this round against competitors Nick Rosza, Shaw Koabayashi, and Shaun Burrell.

Seemingly unstoppable, Christian was charged up and ready to do battle as he paddled out for round 3. Catching some nice waves and managing to keep his maneuvers locked in, he was able to pull a 9.80. Challenging some of the best in the industry is not an easy task and as it played out in the 3rd round, Christian was not able to accrue enough points to take the win.  As unfortunate as this loss may be, he has proven he is a force to be reckoned with in the many future competitions to come.  Chris is dedicated to the sport and will return to compete until he reaches his goals.

We are very proud and excited to have this young and exciting surfer on our team! Congrats to Christian Saenz for everything you’ve already accomplished and we have high hopes for your future.

Check out the Highlights of the  Katin Pro/ Am Challange here ——> http://www.katinproam.com/video/2010-day-two-video-highlights/