Julian Wilson, Encinitas, CA

After much speculation about whether or not Hurricane Irene would mean no Quik Pro, New York, the company made it clear that the event would in fact run, (albeit less a few non-surf elements, like skate, BMX and music). With $300k on the line for a first place finish, y’can bet the pros are all thrilled to be there, despite their hotel’s bottom floor being flooded.

Jules Wilson is one of those pros. After scoring incredible waves in Tahiti during the Billabong Pro, he headed to the US and spent a little time in Cali – at least, long enough to prepare some sleds at Blair Marlin’s Encinitas home. Blake Kueny, the man behind Ginger Vision, shot this photo of Jules during that prep-session, on his new Hasselblad camera. This is from the first roll of film he had developed. The event could kick off in the next few days, depending on conditions, so y’best watch live and see for yourself how these things’ll ride for Jules. No doubt the kid’ll make some magic on ’em.