Anna Bay surfer Eden Hasson shines in World Surf League Qualifying Series

RIDING the incredible waves at Cloud 9 in the Philippines is a major talking point for champion Anna Bay surfer Eden Hasson.

When the World Surfing League Qualifying Series (WSLQS) heads to the exotic Siargao Island in October, the 18-year-old prodigy will be chasing valuable points at his favourite reef break.

“This is one of the best surf spots in the world and a popular event that attracts the top professional surfers on the tour,” an excited Eden told News Of The Area.

“Competition is set in a picturesque location on Siargao Island and ranks as one of my favourite surf tournaments.”

It has been a hectic few months for the Australian Under 18 Junior Champion who has just returned from competing in WSLQS 6000 events in Indonesia and South Korea.

He performed strongly in Krui and turned in exhilarating displays to finish ninth at Nias before impressing judges at the recent surfing tournament in Seoul.

Eden is now eyeing off the big end of year WSLQS events in the Philippines and Taiwan where he will get an opportunity to collect points at two of his favourite destinations.

Cloud 9 in the Philippines is a stunning surfing arena described as “an incredible wave touched by the Pacific Ocean’s swell and winds.”

The reef break delivers perfect waves on the incoming high tide with offshore south west winds and a north east swell.

Despite its challenges, the famous wave seems to bring out the best in the gifted Hasson who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects on the world tour.

He is the one to watch at this year’s Siargao Surfing Cup and Taiwan Open tournaments and is putting in the spadework while training at his Port Stephens base and at the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre in Casuarina.

“I can’t wait to return to Siargao Island for another crack at Cloud 9.”

Eden enjoys honing his wave skills at Birubi and One Mile Beach all year round.

By Chris KARAS