Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure to hit Huntington Beach Pier

The Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure, presented by Jack’s, returns to the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier on Sunday and Monday.

The event follows the National Scholastic Surfing Assn. Nationals, which began Tuesday and runs through Saturday.

The event has been upgraded this year to an Assn. of Surfing Professionals Grade 4 event, making it the highest rated Pro Junior ever in North America.

As a Grade 4, the Nike 6.0 Pier Pressure has a $20,000 prize purse, with ample points up for grabs that will have a major impact on the Pro Junior ratings.

First place will receive $3,500 and 1,500 points, which is the equivalent to winning three Grade 2 events. “Pier Pressure reflects Nike 6.0’s mission to elevate the next generation,” Jason Kenworthy, Nike 6.0 surf mentor, said in a statement.

“This event provides a great opportunity and stepping stone for young surfers in North America.”

The field of 80 competitors includes 2007 ASP North America Junior champion Adam Wickwire (Satellite Beach, Fla.) in the top seed position, followed by Cory Arrambide (Ventura), current ASP North America Pro Junior points leader Travis Beckman (Vero Beach, Fla.) and 2006 ASP North America Junior champ Eric Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.).

Those four competitors will begin their quest for the title beginning in the round of 32.

The contest also includes west coast standouts Andrew Doheny (Newport Beach), Brent Reilly (Carlsbad), Nat Young (Santa Cruz) and Riley Metcalf (San Clemente).

— Mike Sciacca