Quiksilver Pro Africa presented by Virgin Mobile Announce Their Event Wildcards

The four wildcards for the Quiksilver Pro Africa surfing event, set to take place at Durban’s New Pier from the 15 to 22 April, have been announced. They are American Dane Reynolds from California, South African Brandon Jackson from Durban North, Joan Duru from France and South African Keegan Nel from East London. Dane and Brandon are wildcards for the round of 96, while Keegan and Joan are set to enter the event in the round of 144.

The Quiksilver Pro Africa is a six-star prime event, the highest rated World Qualifying Series event in South Africa, and is set to have record entries. A wildcard is a sponsor-selected surfer who leap frogs into a later round and doesn’t have to slog it through the earlier heats. These four surfers will utilise their wildcard status to gear up for their event performances.

1. Dane Reynolds

Dane is a dynamic young surfer from Ventura, California, who is set to turn heads as he launches in to a full on professional career. Dane is no stranger to top-end competition and has had his fair share of big heats, but has earned a massive reputation as a free surfer. Dane will be able to adjust to the waves of the New Pier with ease and is going to blow minds.

2. Brandon Jackson

When the New Pier is happening, Jacko is always one of the surfers turning heads and blowing up. Brandon’s surfing contains the much-envied combination of flair and speed along with a full new-school repertoire. Coming from some of the best surfing stock in the country, with Brandon’s father Bruce Jackson a former South African surfing legend, Jacko is set to represent South Africa on the world-wide competitive surfing arena.

3. Joan Duru

A red-hot goofy-footer from South West France, this 17-year old is about to embark on a full professional career, and is set to use this event as a springboard. Joan was the 2006 European Pro Junior Champion and has got a big future. He has a powerful backhand which will suit the waves at the New Pier.

4. Keegan Nel

Hailing from the underground hot bed of talent that is East London, Keegan has risen through the ranks within South African surfing and is set to make his mark on the international scene. Keegan is a powerful natural-footer with a determined Big Match Temperament that will hold him to good stead in professional surfing contests. Brought up on the powerful right-handers of his home town, Keegan will be a stand-out on the waves of New Pier.