Dane Reynolds Closes in on WCT Spot for 2008

Quiksilver team-rider and Young Gun Dane Reynolds continued his contest rampage last week finishing second at the Sooruz Lacanau Pro, a six-star prime WQS contest in France. Now standing in second place, up from seventh, on the World Qualifying Series ratings, Dane is set to join the world's elite Top 44 on the 2008 Foster's ASP World Championship Tour.

"I can't believe that the qualification is actually real," said Dane. "I haven't really thought about it yet and it's really weird because I started the year not worrying about how it was going to end up. Now I'm just waiting for it to sink in."

In less than one year competing on the grueling WQS circuit, Dane will graduate next January to compete alongside seasoned veteran pros like Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrow as well as other star up-and-comers like Jeremy Flores and Jordy Smith, also joining the WCT for the first time in 2008. Prior to this year on the WQS, Dane spent most of his surfing time traveling the globe and filming for such projects as "Young Guns 2" and his own solo film "First Chapter," as well as the newly released "Young Guns 3."

"Dane is an incredible surfer and we are so proud to have him in the Quiksilver family, said Bob McKnight, CEO Quiksilver, Inc. "His progressive surf style has made him one of the most highly regarded surfers today and an inspiration to all of us at Quiksilver."

"I'm stoked for him. He's just done what he has all the ability in the world to do and I think has turned a corner in his competitive confidence and abilities," said eight-time world champion, Kelly Slater. "I think he can bring a fresh, scary and exciting approach to the tour and beat anyone at any time. It'll be interesting to see what he does once he wins a QS and then a CT."

Next month, Dane will be back in California to compete in the WCT Boost Mobile Pro as a wildcard entry - a warm-up exercise for next year's tour.

--Press Release